FCTA sets up department to investigate, prosecute land fraudsters

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) says it has established a new department to investigate and prosecute land fraudsters in the nation’s capital.

In a statement released on Monday by Muhammad Sule, the director of information, the federal capital territory executive committee (FCT EXCO) said the new department was part of measures to strengthen law enforcement and compliance in service delivery.

The new department would be situated in the legal services secretariat of the FCT administration.

According to the statement, the new department would carry out investigations in respect of forgery of land documents, fraudulent transactions on land, abuse of office, allegations of bribery, general corrupt practices, security breaches, and other cases of infractions within the FCTA as the need arises.

“The department is to carry out investigations of petitions/requests from individuals, groups of persons, corporate bodies, and law enforcement agencies among others,” the statement reads.

“The department is also expected to keep records and data on investigated cases and monitor those still under investigation by law enforcement and security agencies in the FCTA.

“The department will also assist and advise the law enforcement and security agencies in their investigations on matters affecting the FCTA as well as carry out the training of personnel of the department.

“The FCT EXCO has directed the new department to initiate criminal and quasi-criminal proceedings on all matters affecting the FCT administration after the consent of the attorney general of the federation has been sought and obtained.”