Witness Tells Court How He Was Allegedly Defrauded Of ₦238.6m In Proposed ₦10bn Property Investment Deal
The trial of Queen Oluchi Duruibe, a candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Okigwe South Federal Constituency in Imo State, continued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, before Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Apo, Abuja, with a prosecution witness narrating how he was allegedly defrauded of ₦238.6 million in a purported real estate investment deal.
Duruibe is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count charge bordering on alleged investment fraud and obtaining money under false pretences.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, O.R. Odisa, the prosecution witness, Promise Egwim, identified as PW1, told the court that the money represented part of a 10 per cent commission he agreed to pay the defendant in connection with a proposed ₦10 billion investment in his real estate company, Profilled World Homes.
Egwim alleged that Duruibe pressured him to release the money after promising to facilitate the investment.
“The total sum of ₦238.6 million that I gave her was part of the 10 per cent of the ₦10 billion investment she promised to bring for my company. She even said that there was already a ₦3 billion investment on the ground on that day and that if I didn’t release the money, she would not be able to bring the deal,” the witness told the court.
He further alleged that he was initially reluctant to approve the cheque but eventually contacted his account officer following the defendant’s insistence.
According to him, Duruibe also promised to supply bags of cement worth the amount if she failed to deliver on the investment agreement, but allegedly did not fulfil that promise.
“The money belongs to my company, Profilled World Homes,” Egwim added.
The defendant was arraigned on April 30, 2026, following a petition alleging that she presented herself as a real estate investment facilitator capable of sourcing investors for Profilled World Homes.
According to the prosecution’s account, the petitioner allegedly issued the defendant two Zenith Bank cheques valued at ₦97 million and ₦41 million, respectively, alongside additional cash payments and bank transfers, bringing the total amount to ₦238.6 million.
The prosecution alleges that the defendant failed to provide the promised ₦10 billion investment and subsequently refused to refund the money paid to her.
The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
Following Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Halilu adjourned the case until November 25, 2026, for continuation of trial.
