The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Managing Director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, Basil Iwoba Ochili, over an alleged N128 million land fraud in Awka, Anambra State.

Ochili was arrested by operatives of the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate following a petition alleging that he falsely presented himself as the owner of five plots of land and offered them for sale.

The EFCC disclosed this in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

According to the commission, the five plots are located beside the Anambra State Secretariat, near Stamford Hotel, Aroma Junction, Awka.

The petitioner alleged that in September 2022, Ochili represented himself as the owner of the property and offered the five plots for sale.

Believing that he had the authority to dispose of the land, the petitioner reportedly paid N128 million into the account of Ochili’s company.

However, after completing the payment, the petitioner was allegedly unable to take possession of the property.

The EFCC said preliminary investigations indicated that Ochili allegedly knew the property encroached on land belonging to the Anambra State Government Secretariat when he offered it for sale.

The commission further alleged that rather than refund the N128 million, the suspect issued two dud cheques to the petitioner.

“Instead of refunding the petitioner’s money, the suspect offered him two dud cheques,” the EFCC stated.

The agency also alleged that Ochili used part of the money to settle personal debts.

The EFCC further said preliminary investigations showed that Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited had allegedly not been tax compliant.

The commission said Ochili would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The allegations against Ochili have not been proven in court, and he remains presumed innocent unless found guilty by a competent court.