High-Profile Fraud Case Rocks Abuja
A significant legal proceeding is unfolding in the Federal Capital Territory involving Uche Edwin Emedo, who is widely known as Uche David Obinali. The defendant, identified as the niece of former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, is confronting serious criminal allegations related to a disputed land transaction valued at N17 million.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to court documents, the case originated from a First Information Report (FIR) filed on 14 June 2024 at the Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Wuse Zone II, specifically Court 5. The complainant, Aminu Rabiu Aliyu, alleged that Obinali presented herself as the legitimate owner of Plot 98 located at Jubilation Comfort Estate in Abuja and offered to sell him the property.
The prosecution claims that to substantiate her ownership, Obinali provided a forged affidavit of loss and a falsified police extract, falsely claiming the original land documents were missing. After gaining Aliyu's trust, she allegedly received the sum of N17 million for the purchase before disappearing with the funds.
Investigations later revealed that the original documents for the land were traced to her former husband, Chinedu Okoro. The charges against her are extensive, including forgery, cheating, criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, giving false information, and deceit. These offences contravene Sections 97, 312, 322, 364, 366, and 140 of the Penal Code.
Court Proceedings and Bail Hearing
During a court session on 6 November 2025, Uche David Obinali entered a plea of not guilty to all charges leveled against her. Her legal representative made an oral application for bail, citing Sections 35(4) and 36(5) of the Constitution, as well as Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The prosecution did not object to the bail request. Presiding Magistrate Habiba I. U. Bello subsequently granted Obinali bail set at N5 million. The bail conditions require two sureties who must reside within the court's jurisdiction and present verifiable proof of their means of livelihood.
A dramatic incident occurred when one of her initial sureties, Hon. Prince Daniel Kanu, withdrew his support. He reportedly informed the court that Obinali had previously defrauded him of N5 million, necessitating the presentation of an alternative surety. The case, which was initially filed in Wuse Zone 6, has been transferred and will now proceed de novo, meaning it will start afresh before the new court.
The matter continues to attract significant public attention in Abuja, fueled by the high value of the property involved and the prominent political connections of the accused.
