NAIROBI, Kenya – Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a land fraud suspect who failed to appear in court for plea taking last week.
The suspect, Francis Maina Ndegwa, was apprehended by officers from the DCI’s Land Fraud Investigations Unit after he skipped a scheduled appearance at the Milimani Law Courts on February 19, 2026.
A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued, prompting a manhunt that led to his capture.
Ndegwa is facing charges of fraudulent procurement of a Certificate of Lease contrary to Section 103(1)(C)(i) of the Lands Registration Act.
Investigators allege that he forged the signatures of a land registrar, land administrator and advocates in an attempt to unlawfully acquire ownership documents for a prime parcel of land in Pangani, Nairobi, valued at approximately Sh50 million.
EVASIVE LAND FRAUD SUSPECT FLUSHED OUTDetectives 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
According to the DCI, the individuals whose signatures were allegedly forged have disowned any dealings with the suspect.
Authorities believe the scheme was aimed at evicting the rightful owners of the property.
Instead of presenting himself before the court as required, the suspect reportedly absconded, prompting the issuance of a warrant and his subsequent arrest.
He remains in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court tomorrow.
The DCI said the arrest underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle land fraud networks and protect legitimate property owners, warning that those engaged in similar schemes will face the full force of the law.
