Court Blocks DPP Attempt to Withdraw Sh300 Million Land Fraud Case

A Kenyan court has temporarily blocked the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from withdrawing a major land fraud case involving businessman Abdirahman Muhumed Abdi, after the complainant strongly opposed the prosecution’s unexpected move.

When the matter appeared before Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, the court was informed that the DPP sought to withdraw the charges against the accused.

However, the complainant immediately objected, stating they were unaware of any attempt by the parties to have the case withdrawn.

The case, valued at over Sh300 million, centers on allegations that Muhumed fraudulently manipulated land documents belonging to PANSIBA Limited.

The businessman faces three serious charges related to two parcels of land measuring approximately 0.8 hectares.

In the first count, Muhumed is accused of fraudulently amalgamating two land parcels, LR No. 209/10848 and LR No. 209/10849, to create a new parcel numbered LR No. 209/16790.

Prosecutors allege he then forged a certificate of title for this amalgamated parcel, presenting it as a genuine document issued by the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.

The second charge involves forging another title deed through a similar amalgamation process, creating LR No. 209/16791, and producing what prosecutors claim was a fake provisional approval dated April 4, 2006, purportedly from the Ministry of Lands.

The third count accuses him of creating a fraudulent document identified as “P.P.A 2” issued by the City County of Nairobi, with intent to defraud PANSIBA Limited.

The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains free on bail.

The complainant’s objection to the withdrawal request has created an unusual legal situation, with the prosecution and the victim appearing to be at odds over how to proceed.

Magistrate Onsarigo has scheduled August 8, 2025, for a ruling on whether to allow the DPP’s withdrawal request.

This decision will determine whether the case proceeds to full trial or ends without a verdict on the merits of the charges. The postponement allows time for all parties to present their arguments regarding the withdrawal request, ensuring that the complainant’s concerns are properly addressed before any final decision is made.