Detectives from the Land Fraud Investigations Unit at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have arrested Abdul Hassan Tahalil, a director of Skyline Works Ltd, in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently acquire a prime parcel of land in Nairobi valued at KSh 25 million.
The arrest follows a detailed investigation into claims that Tahalil and associates were involved in the creation and use of forged documents in an attempt to unlawfully dispossess a long-standing property owner. Authorities say the case highlights a growing pattern of organized land fraud targeting valuable urban properties, particularly in high-demand areas such as Eastleigh.
According to investigators, the complaint was filed by a woman who stated that she legally purchased the land in question—located in Eastleigh Section One along 4th Street—on December 10, 1966, for KSh 56,000. The property, which has significantly appreciated in value over the decades, has reportedly become the target of persistent attempts by fraudsters seeking to take control of it through illegal means.
The complainant indicated that in recent years, she has faced repeated efforts by individuals, including Tahalil, to challenge her ownership using questionable documentation. These claims prompted the DCI to launch a comprehensive probe aimed at verifying ownership records and uncovering any irregularities linked to the property.
During the course of the investigation, detectives say they uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that Skyline Works Ltd, through its directors, had orchestrated a scheme involving the fabrication of documents intended to misrepresent ownership of the land. The alleged use of false documentation is considered a serious offence, particularly in cases where it is used to facilitate the transfer or takeover of property.
Following the completion of investigations, the case file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review. After examining the evidence presented, the ODPP concurred with the investigators’ findings and approved charges against Tahalil for the offence of making false documents.
Tahalil was subsequently arrested and is currently in custody undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment in court. Authorities have indicated that further investigations may continue, particularly to establish whether additional individuals or entities were involved in the alleged scheme.
The case once again brings into focus the persistent challenges facing Kenya’s land sector, where fraudulent transactions, forged documents, and ownership disputes continue to undermine confidence in property dealings. Experts have repeatedly warned that valuable land, especially in urban centers like Nairobi, remains a prime target for fraudsters exploiting gaps in documentation and verification systems.
A DIRECTOR OF SKYLINE WORKS LTD ARRESTED FOR COUNTERFEITING DOCUMENTS IN A LAND FRAUD SCANDAL
Detectives based at the DCI headquarters’ Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) have apprehended Abdul Hassan Tahalil, a Director of Skyline Works Ltd, for making false documents in a… pic.twitter.com/ukOTZAjV8X
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) April 23, 2026
Law enforcement agencies have reiterated the importance of due diligence in land transactions, urging property owners and prospective buyers to verify ownership records through official channels and seek professional legal guidance. At the same time, authorities have pledged to continue pursuing individuals involved in land fraud, emphasizing that such offences will be met with firm legal action.
As the legal process begins, the outcome of this case is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and protect property rights in Kenya’s increasingly complex real estate landscape.
