Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a land fraud suspect who failed to appear in court for plea taking at the Milimani Law Courts.
In a statement issued Thursday, the DCI said officers from its Land Fraud Investigations Unit apprehended Francis Maina Ndegwa after he skipped a scheduled court appearance on February 19, 2026.
The suspect had been charged with fraudulent procurement of a Certificate of Lease contrary to Section 103(1)(C)(i) of the Lands Registration Act.
According to investigators, Ndegwa allegedly forged signatures belonging to a land registrar, a land administrator and several advocates in an attempt to unlawfully acquire a prime parcel of land in Pangani, Nairobi County, valued at approximately Ksh50 million.
“In the case, Ndegwa allegedly forged the signatures of a land registrar, land administrator and advocates — all of whom disowned any dealings with him,” the DCI said in the statement.
Detectives said the suspect’s alleged plan was to evict the rightful owners of the property using the fraudulently obtained documents.
Instead of presenting himself before the magistrate for plea taking, the suspect allegedly went into hiding, prompting the court to issue a warrant of arrest.
“Immediately the Magistrate signed his Warrant of Arrest, a manhunt ensued, leading to his arrest. He is now in custody awaiting his court arraignment tomorrow,” the DCI stated.
EVASIVE LAND FRAUD SUSPECT FLUSHED OUT
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) Land Fraud Investigations Unit have today arrested land fraud suspect Francis Maina Ndegwa, who failed to appear for plea taking on 19th February, 2026 at the Milimani Law… pic.twitter.com/WwPQwqGwIf
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) February 26, 2026
The agency said the arrest underscores its ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal land fraud networks.
“This apprehension reflects sustained operations by the DCI to dismantle illegal land fraud schemes and sends a clear message to individuals considering similar criminal undertakings,” the statement read.
The DCI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting legitimate property owners and ensuring justice is served fairly and expeditiously.
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