Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have arrested a company director over an alleged attempt to grab a Sh25 million property in Eastleigh, Nairobi, using forged documents, in a case that exposes renewed pressure on long-held land in the capital.
The agency said Abdul Hassan Tahalil, a director was picked up on Thursday by officers from its Land Fraud Investigations Unit following what it described as a “brazen attempt to unlawfully dispossess a rightful landowner.”
According to investigators, the case was triggered by a complaint from a woman who reported being targeted in a scheme to take over her land located in Eastleigh’s Section One, 4th Street. She told detectives she bought the property on December 10, 1966, for Sh56,000 and had held ownership for decades.
Latest Stories
- Nairobi governor Sakaja reshuffles county executive in immediate sector reassignments
- President Ruto pledges Sh2.5bn for 23 markets, Sh900m stadium and Sh200m for Kenneth Matiba Hospital...
- Advisor, Global Health Diplomacy, MFA Dr. Nicholas Muraguri: Invest in local vaccine production to s...
- Cancer Researcher Dr. Omar Abdihamid warn late diagnosis driving prostate cancer deaths among men
- Murang’a prepares for Ruto’s two-day tour covering 17 projects
Despite this, the DCI said the complainant had recently faced “relentless attempts by fraudsters, including Tahalil, to wrest control of her hard-won property,” prompting a detailed investigation into the ownership records and documents linked to the parcel.
Detectives said the probe involved a close review of paperwork and transactions tied to the land, eventually uncovering what they termed as coordinated fraudulent activity involving the company and its directors.
The investigation, according to the agency, uncovered a “compelling evidence of fraudulent activity orchestrated by Skyline Works Ltd and its Directors.”
The DCI allege that the suspect played a role in preparing and using fake documents in an effort to transfer ownership of the land illegally. Making false documents is a criminal offence under Kenyan law and is commonly linked to fake title deeds and unlawful land transfers.
After completing investigations, the file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review. Prosecutors agreed with detectives that there was enough evidence to charge the suspect.
“The file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), who, upon perusal, agreed with the investigating officers’ opinion that Tahalil be charged with the offence of Making False Documents,” the DCI said.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing processing ahead of his court appearance.
The case adds to growing concerns over land fraud in Nairobi, especially in older estates where ownership records date back many years and are often targeted by criminal groups looking to exploit gaps in documentation.
Eastleigh, known for its dense mix of residential and commercial activity, has seen a rise in land disputes, with fraudsters accused of using forged papers to claim property.
While the DCI has not said whether more arrests will follow, it noted that the investigation pointed to coordinated actions involving the company, raising the possibility of wider involvement.
The agency called on the public to remain alert when dealing with land transactions and report any suspicious activity, assuring whistleblowers of protection.
“#FichuaKwaDCI. Call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!” the agency said.
The arrest is the latest move by the DCI’s Land Fraud Investigations Unit as it continues to pursue cases tied to illegal land dealings, a problem that remains widespread in Kenya’s urban areas.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google