Land fraud case shakes N’Djamena court

A tense legal battle unfolded in N’Djamena’s High Court this week as a man faced allegations of selling the same plot of land to multiple buyers while allegedly threatening their lives. The court is now deliberating on charges of fraud and illegal land seizure after a marathon four-hour hearing.

Prosecutors allege the defendant accepted payments ranging from 52 million to 99.5 million West African francs from at least three separate buyers before vanishing with the funds. The case took a dramatic turn when defense lawyers revealed their client had been held in secret detention by intelligence services for over three months before being formally charged—a practice that violates Chad’s legal procedures.

Family feud fuels land dispute

The defense team presented a compelling argument, claiming their client legally acquired the disputed property on behalf of his brothers and that the land title was uncontested. They pointed fingers at the defendant’s late uncle, who allegedly manipulated other family members into staking claims on the estate to pressure the buyers into demanding refunds.

The prosecution countered by arguing that accepting large sums from multiple parties without transferring ownership constitutes fraud under Chadian law. The state prosecutor demanded a 500,000 West African franc fine, emphasizing that such financial transactions without proper documentation violate Article 213 and 214 of the penal code.

Legal drama escalates in capital court

Tensions flared between both legal teams during proceedings, with civil lawyers insisting on full reimbursement and compensation for their clients. The defense maintained their client never engaged in any fraudulent activity, insisting the property transfer was legitimate and properly documented.

The High Court has postponed its verdict, with the defendant currently held in pre-trial detention at Klessoum prison. This marks the second consecutive hearing for the same case, as judges continue to weigh the complex web of financial transactions, family disputes and alleged procedural violations.