DCI Arrests Suspect in Alleged Kilimani Land Fraud Scheme

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a suspect accused of attempting to fraudulently claim ownership of a prime parcel of land in Nairobi’s Kilimani area using forged documents.

In a statement, the DCI said officers from the Land Fraud Investigation Unit (LFIU) arrested Caleb Miheso Ijami following investigations into an alleged land ownership dispute involving a 0.2718-hectare parcel on Kilungu Road.

According to investigators, Ijami had initially reported that another person was laying claim to what he described as his legally acquired property. He told detectives he had obtained the land through a government allocation and had paid all the required fees.

However, investigations uncovered what the DCI described as a fraudulent scheme.

The agency said a report from the Director of Land Administration established that the parcel was freehold land and was therefore not available for government allocation.

Further scrutiny by the Government Printer allegedly revealed that a stand premium receipt presented by the suspect was forged. Detectives said the document bore a 1996 issuance date despite having been printed in 1998.

The Chief Land Registrar also confirmed that the land is registered to Miraflores Apartment, contradicting the suspect’s ownership claims.

Following the completion of investigations, the case file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges against Ijami.

He is expected to face charges of conspiracy to defraud, making a document without authority, and obtaining registration by false pretences.

The suspect was arrested along Aga Khan Walk near KENCOM in Nairobi’s Central Business District after detectives tracked him down through an intelligence-led operation.

He is currently in police custody awaiting arraignment.

The DCI said investigations into land fraud remain a priority as the agency continues efforts to combat fraudulent land transactions and protect property owners from criminal syndicates.