EFCC is set to re-arraign Rebecca Godwin-Isaac over alleged N800m land fraud and money laundering.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to re-arraign Abuja-based real estate developer, Rebecca Godwin-Isaac also known as Bilkisu Ishaqu Aliyu on fresh charges bordering on land fraud, forgery, and money laundering totalling over N800 million.
Court filings reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES reveal that Godwin-Isaac, her husband Isaac Aliyu, and their firm, Homadil Realty Limited, face a five-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/77/2025. The charges include conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, forgery, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activity.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly used forged documents including a fake power of attorney to fraudulently claim ownership of Plot 4022 in Abuja’s Guzape District. The forged documents were reportedly used to obtain a building permit from the FCT Department of Development Control, after which the plot was sold for N70 million.
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The anti-graft agency says the illicit proceeds were laundered through Homadil Realty’s bank account to obscure their origin.
The prosecution plans to call 13 witnesses, including victims and law enforcement operatives, and will tender documents reportedly showing forged land titles, bribes to public officials, and suspicious financial transactions.
Linked Cases and Wider Fraud Allegations
This case is one of at least three ongoing criminal proceedings involving Mrs. Godwin-Isaac and her associates. In a separate matter (FHC/ABJ/CR/76/2025), the EFCC alleges that she, along with Homadil Realty Ltd, Idakwogi John, and Rychado Homes Ltd, fraudulently sold Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863 in Katampe, Abuja, collecting over N500 million from multiple victims.
Another charge accuses Mr. John of independently selling Plot 1863 for N125 million, with the proceeds similarly laundered through Rychado Homes.
In yet another case (CR/100/2025), currently before the FCT High Court, Godwin-Isaac, her husband, and Mr. John face charges of forgery, bribery, and unlawful alteration of land records to obtain approval for Plot 4022.
EFCC investigators say these prosecutions are part of a broader probe into what they describe as a “coordinated land fraud network” in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A senior EFCC official told PREMIUM TIMES that a syndicate involving real estate developers and corrupt land officials has been systematically targeting high-value plots in Abuja, using forged documents and shell companies to conceal illegal transactions.
Presidency-Ordered Probe Implicates AGIS Official
In response to a petition dated 28 July 2024, President Bola Tinubu instructed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to investigate Godwin-Isaac’s claims of innocence and political persecution.
Despite her denial of wrongdoing and assertion that she obtained the disputed land from her former employer, internal findings by the FCTA Legal Secretariat contradicted her claims. An investigation revealed that a staff member of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) digitally manipulated land records in her favour—though the AGIS Director reportedly could not identify the specific officer involved.
These findings were forwarded to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Police Arraignment and Controversy
Prior to EFCC’s fresh charges, the Nigeria Police arraigned Godwin-Isaac, her husband, and Homadil Realty Limited at the FCT High Court on 28 January 2025. They pleaded not guilty to five counts of forgery and criminal misrepresentation. Each was granted N10 million bail with two sureties.
Civil society groups have since raised concerns over alleged police interference in the ongoing investigations. Two organisations, CHRICED and INAHURAT, accused the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of shielding the suspects and defying court orders.
CHRICED Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, highlighted the plight of 79-year-old widow Colleen Yesufu, the original allottee of Plot 4022, who he said is being “systematically dispossessed by a powerful network.”
Human rights lawyer and INAHURAT Convener, Maxwell Opara, also alleged that former FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, facilitated the suspect’s continued access to the disputed land under police protection.
EFCC Secures Interim Forfeiture Orders
In December 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the EFCC’s application for interim forfeiture of the disputed plots, including Plot 4022 and Plots 1861–1863 in Katampe. The court’s order was aimed at preserving the properties while investigations continue.
While Mrs. Godwin-Isaac maintains her innocence and describes the allegations as a smear campaign, Mrs. Yesufu continues to demand justice, urging President Tinubu, FCT Minister Wike, and the EFCC to hold the alleged perpetrators accountable.
Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi did not respond to inquiries from PREMIUM TIMES regarding allegations of official complicity.
