Fraudster Nwude and Two Lawyers Sentenced for Illegal Property Transactions in Lagos
By Ranti Thomas
The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has sentenced notorious fraudster Emmanuel Nwude along with lawyers Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu to one year imprisonment each for forgery and unlawful dealings in forfeited property. The verdict was delivered by Justice Mojisola Dada on March 11, 2026.
The trio faced charges dating back several years, having been arraigned on March 2, 2018, on a 15-count amended indictment that included conspiracy, forgery, dealing in forfeited property, uttering false documents, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and fabricating evidence. All three pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that between 2011 and 2012, the defendants handled a property at Plot Y, Mobolaji Johnson Street, Oregun, Ikeja, without authorization. The property had previously been forfeited to victims of crime following a 2005 court judgment and was later sold to Rosaab Industrial Design Limited, which transferred it to G. C. Nweze and Company Limited.
During the trial, led by Nnaemeka Omewa, the prosecution called five witnesses and submitted numerous documents, all of which were admitted as evidence. Their case concluded on March 19, 2019.
The defendants challenged the prosecution with a no-case submission, but Justice Dada dismissed it on September 19, 2019, instructing them to open their defence. Nwude appealed the ruling at the Court of Appeal, which rejected his plea and ordered him back to the trial court.
Nwude began his defence on February 22, 2021, testifying personally and presenting three witnesses. His co-defendants also testified and concluded their defence on February 27, 2025.
After both sides submitted their final addresses, the court adjourned multiple times. At one point, Babajide Martins, Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, attempted to take over the case despite it being at the final stage, but the court allowed the defence to file replies on points of law before closing.
The judgment marks the end of a long-running case and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that high-profile fraudsters and their collaborators face accountability, regardless of the years-long legal process.