A high-profile forgery and property fraud case took a dramatic turn on Thursday as the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice minister Lateef Fagbemi assumed full control of the prosecution of Miss Uzoamaka Onukwubiri, Managing Director of Sow Real Estate Nigeria Ltd.
Onukwubiri, accused of orchestrating a scheme involving forged documents and the unlawful acquisition of property, was arraigned before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a nine-count charge. She pleaded not guilty.
Despite efforts by her legal team to secure bail, Justice Liman ordered that the 42-year-old developer be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre, pending a ruling on her bail application slated for December 1, 2025.
Representing the Federal Government, prosecution counsel Ndidi Gladys Okoha of the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) informed the court that the AGF had taken over the matter due to the seriousness of the allegations. The offences, she noted, violate Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and carry severe penalties under Section 1(2)(c) of the same law, as well as Section 368 of the Penal Code Act.
Defence counsel Joel Okoli, urging the court to grant bail, argued that the offences are bailable and that the defendant had previously cooperated while on administrative bail.
But the prosecution pushed back, insisting the defendant might jump bail or obstruct justice. Okoha urged the court to rely on a detailed counter-affidavit sworn by DPP litigation officer Michael Akawo on November 18, 2025, which outlines reasons why bail should be denied.
After listening to both sides, Justice Liman deferred his decision, ordering the defendant’s remand “in the interest of justice” pending his ruling.
Speaking after the session, Jerry Edemeka, counsel watching brief for the nominal complainant, Ideal Grace Consulting Ltd., said he was satisfied with the pace and direction of the proceedings.
“We are confident the court will ensure justice prevails,” he stated.
One of the Charges reads:
“That you, Uzoamaka Onukwubiri ‘F’, 42, Managing Director of Sow Real Estate Nigeria Ltd., on or about November 29, 2019, did conspire to commit forgery—an offence contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and punishable under Section 1(2)(c).”
Lateef Fagbemi
