Brave Dickson
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has dragged the client of Barr., Mudiaga Omakpoya before a federal high Court sitting in Port Harcourt for selling an alleged fake 12 plots of land to Living Faith Bible Church also known as Winners’ Chapel in Port Harcourt.
At the continuation of trial, the EFCC investigation officer in the matter, M. Abdulahi who testified as 1st prosecution witness, PW1 told the court how the defendant collected 77 million naira from the church over the disputed lands.
According to Abdulahi, “we received a petition from the trustee of Winners’ Chapel along stadium road, Port Harcourt informing that the defendant sold 12 plots of land to the church which a professor is also laying ownership claim on.
“The defendant convinced the church that he is the owner of the land with a proof of conveyance. First payment made to the defendant was N72 million and thereafter another N5million was paid to the defendant by the church.
“The defendant therefore authorized the Church to take possession of the embattled lands. On getting there, members of the church were chased out of the lands by hoodlums. At a later date, a professor presented document to the church claiming ownership of the lands.”
However, the defendant’s lawyer, Omakpoya told our correspondent that he is of the view that his client will be vindicated by the court.
He said, “well, the case is still fresh and my client is presumed innocent in the eye of the law until proven otherwise. I believe the case will be decided in our favour at the end of the trial”.
Trial Justice Hilary Oshomah therefore adjourned the case till May 9, 10 as well as June 10, 11, 2019 respectively.
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