Boureima Amadou
N’Djamena — A man is standing trial in Chad’s capital after allegedly selling the same plot of land to multiple buyers while threatening their lives. The High Court of N’Djamena is examining serious allegations of fraud and illegal land possession.
Controversial land deal leads to courtroom showdown
The defendant, whose identity remains undisclosed, is accused of collecting payments ranging from 52 million to 99.5 million CFA francs from several individuals who believed they had purchased legitimate ownership rights. The court session lasted over four hours, revealing sharp disagreements between the defense and the plaintiffs’ legal representatives.
The plaintiffs’ lawyers are demanding full reimbursement of all payments made by their clients, along with additional compensation for damages. Meanwhile, the defense argues that their client was unlawfully detained for more than three months by intelligence services before being formally charged—a violation of legal procedures. They insist the disputed land rightfully belongs to their client, acting on behalf of his siblings, and deny any fraudulent intent.
The defense further claims that family disputes over inheritance have fueled this legal battle. According to their account, an uncle allegedly manipulated other relatives to stake claims on the property left by a deceased family member, prompting buyers to seek refunds and press charges.
Prosecution pushes for conviction amid conflicting claims
The prosecution has labeled the defendant’s actions as clear fraud, arguing that collecting substantial sums from multiple parties constitutes a criminal offense. The state’s legal team cited Chad’s Penal Code (Articles 213 and 214) to support their case, requesting a fine of 500,000 CFA francs if the defendant is found guilty.
The defense vehemently rejects these accusations, asserting that no fraudulent transfer of property occurred. They maintain that the sale agreements were legitimate and that the current legal dispute stems from internal family conflicts rather than any criminal act. The judges are now deliberating, with both sides presenting compelling arguments to sway the court in their favor.
The trial marks the second hearing for this case after a previous adjournment on June 1st. In the interim, the defendant remains held at the Klessoum detention center, awaiting the court’s final decision.
