Police in Nairobi have arrested a 44-year-old man, Abdi Yusuf Mohamed, over allegations of swindling a woman out of Sh12 million.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect lured the victim with a promise to sell her a prime plot located within Garissa Municipality.

According to ongoing investigations, the victim transferred the money to Yusuf in several installments, all sent to his personal bank account between June 29 and November 21, 2023.

"However, a background check at the Garissa lands registry uncovered the deception. Official land ownership documents, including the green card, showed that the property belongs to a different individual who has held the title deed since the parcel was first allocated by the government," said the DCI.

Additionally, it was established that the documents Yusuf presented as proof of ownership were forged.

Detectives later tracked him down to a hideout in Eastleigh, where he was apprehended and taken into custody.

Yusuf is currently being held at Kilimani Police Station as officers finalize preparations for his arraignment.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is also advising the public to remain alert and exercise due diligence when engaging in land transactions.