“VDM Blows the Whistle: ₦650 Million Land Deal Scandal Exposes Alleged Rot in EFCC and Former Police Leadership”
By Passman Akpos
Controversial social commentator VeryDarkMan has taken up the case of a businessman who claims he was defrauded of ₦650 million in a land transaction involving Abuja-based businessman Augustine Chukwudi Oguejiofor.
In a series of online statements, VeryDarkMan alleged that Oguejiofor, popularly known as “Onwa,” collected the money from another Igbo businessman, Ifeanyi Michael Udezu, during negotiations for the purchase of a property in Abuja but failed to complete the transaction or refund the funds.
According to documents circulating online, the dispute centers on a plot of land identified as Plot 70, Cadastral Zone B16, Sector Center, Abuja, which was reportedly offered for sale at a total cost of ₦600 million. The agreement allegedly required payment in three instalments of ₦200 million each.
A legal letter dated January 29, 2025, issued on behalf of Udezu, stated that the buyer had already paid ₦450 million in three instalments and was ready to complete the outstanding ₦150 million to finalize the purchase. However, the transaction reportedly stalled, prompting the buyer to terminate the contract and demand a refund of the full ₦650 million allegedly paid in connection with the deal.
VeryDarkMan, reacting to the matter, insisted the dispute is not about tribal issues, noting that both the alleged victim and the accused are Igbo. Instead, he framed the issue as one of fraud and accountability.
The activist also alleged that previous attempts to resolve the matter failed, claiming the victim had approached billionaire businessman Arthur Eze in hopes of reaching a peaceful settlement, but no agreement was achieved.
He further alleged that when the matter was reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the complainant was told the suspect was “untouchable,” suggesting the case did not receive proper investigation.
In a more explosive claim, VeryDarkMan accused elements within the former leadership of the Nigeria Police Force of corruption, alleging that bribes were previously used to suppress serious criminal cases.
However, he expressed hope that the situation could change under the leadership of the current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.According to him, the case may soon be formally brought before the police hierarchy.
“₦650 million was allegedly taken and the authorities looked away. That era is over,” he said in a statement circulating online, while calling on the new police leadership to ensure justice.
As of the time of reporting, neither Oguejiofor nor representatives of First Rotech Nigeria Ltd, the company linked to the transaction, had publicly responded to the allegations.
Legal analysts say the dispute could evolve into a major civil and criminal case if investigators reopen the matter, particularly given the large sum involved and the public attention the case is beginning to attract.
