The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Blessing Nchelem and her daughter-in-law, Deborah Jack, before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on charges of multiple fraud.
The EFCC announced this development on its official X handle on Tuesday. The two defendants face four counts of criminal conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, and retaining proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N6 million.
One of the charges stated, “Between November 15, 2022, and March 21, 2023, Deborah Jack, Blessing Webilor Nchelem, and Chimenem Peter Webilor (now at large) defrauded Senibo Richmond Opusunju by obtaining N6 million under the false pretense of selling three plots of land located at Rumuapu, Rukpokwo Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.”
Both Nchelem and Jack pleaded "not guilty" to the charges. Prosecution counsel E. K. Esien-Otu requested the court to set a trial date and remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS). However, the defense counsel, S. O. Aburu, applied orally for bail, which Justice Ajoku declined, instructing the defense to file a formal bail application. The defendants were ordered to remain in EFCC custody.
According to the EFCC, the case originated when a petitioner alleged that in October 2022, he was introduced to one of the defendants, Peter Webilor, by his son. Webilor, claiming to be a property agent, offered two plots of land for sale in Rumuapu and Rukpokwu, Obi/Akpor Local Government Area, for N6 million, which was paid into Deborah Jack's bank account. However, the petitioner later discovered that the properties were already claimed by another person and could not recover his money.
The EFCC's statement detailed that the defendants were apprehended following the petitioner's complaint and subsequent investigation. The trial is set to commence on a later date.
