A real estate deal gone wrong has landed a man, Muhammad Umar, in court after he allegedly swindled ₦4.2 million from an unsuspecting land buyer in Maiduguri.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Maiduguri Zonal Directorate, arraigned Umar before Justice Aisha Ibrahim of the Borno State High Court on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. He is facing two charges linked to fraud and unlawful conversion of funds.
Investigators say Umar tricked his victim, Abubakar Kaumi, into paying millions for a plot of land he claimed was available in Bolori Ward, Maiduguri. The anti-graft agency maintains that the representation was a complete fabrication and that the accused never owned the said property.
Umar, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him in court.
Prosecuting counsel, S.O. Saka, asked the court to remand the defendant in custody and to set a date for trial commencement.
Justice Ibrahim granted the request and ordered Umar’s detention in a correctional centre. The matter was adjourned to November 3, 2025, when hearing is expected to begin in earnest.
The EFCC has continued to warn the public to be cautious when engaging in property transactions, especially in rapidly developing areas, to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.