News
Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application Of Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss, in Lagos
Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application Of Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss, in Lagos
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, dismissed the preliminary objections and bail application filed by the boss of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, over an alleged $1.5 million fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, arraigned Immanuel, alongside his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Ltd., on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery to the tune of $1.5m.
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Count one reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL and INTERMEDIATE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED between April 2022 and October 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, induced Adebisi Adebut of R28 Holdings Limited to deposit the total sum of S1, 500, 000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars USD) as investment described as to wit: “Cash and or Capital Cost in Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited; Business Development Cost in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited: Capital and or Capital Call in Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited” on the understanding that R28 Holdings Limited will be; (a) reimbursed the investment amount (b) paid a Development Capital fee of $2 250,000.00. (Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) (c) 22.4% worth of shares in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited which representation you knew to be false.”
Count two reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL, sometime between April 2022 and April 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, forged a document to wit: TERM SHEET and purporting same to have been executed by Sheriff Oluwo and Olaniran Osotuyi in order to facilitate your obtaining money by inducement from Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited.”
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
Following the defendant’s “not guilty” plea, prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and also prayed the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, pending the conclusion of its investigation.
Sonoiki also narrated how the defence counsel, Oluseun Awonuga, SAN, had physically assaulted his colleague, Emenike Mgbemele, at the sitting on March 2, 2026.
According to him, “My lord, the learned silk, physically assaulted my colleague on the staircase on his way to serve the defendant the charge as directed by the court.
“There is a video to that effect and we intend to tender it before the court.”
Though Awonuga did not respond to the allegation made against him by the prosecution counsel, he informed the court of a preliminary objection and a written address dated January 5, 2026, while urging the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit of the prosecution.
The prosecution, in a 21-paragraph counter-affidavit dated February 9, 2026, had urged the court to dismiss the notice of preliminary objections.
According to Awonuga, the Federal High Court, in a ruling, had ordered the EFCC not to arrest the defendant.
“EFCC has flouted the order by arresting the defendant and I hereby urge your lordship to discountenance their counter- affidavit,” he said.
Responding, the prosecution counsel, Sonoiki, said that the ruling was part of the motion that had earlier been withdrawn by the defence and should not be before the court.
“ There is nowhere in the ruling that says the defendants cannot be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction. My lord, the ruling was delivered in a civil case; and according to the Supreme Court, a criminal case and civil case can go on at the same time”

Court
“We urge the court to dismiss the application and order accelerated hearing in this case,” Sonoiki had said.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dada had, consequently, adjourned the case till May 7, 2026 ( today) for ruling.
Ruling on the application , Justice Dada held that: “The preliminary objection is baseless and the entire application is lacking in merit; and it is hereby dismissed.”
Also, Justice Dada, in her ruling on the bail application of the defendant, held that “On the basis of considering the antecedent of the defendant for not honouring the invitation of the applicant after he was granted administrative bail, I agree with the complainant that he is a flight risk; therefore, bail is refused.”
Justice Dada adjourned the case till June 24, 26, 29 and 30, 2026 for the commencement of trial.
Economy
Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Others Grace Shekina and Shope’s Wedding in Lagos
Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Others Grace Shekina and Shope’s Wedding in Lagos
It was a celebration of love, family, friendship and distinguished personalities in Lagos on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
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Shekina, a niece of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, DSc, OFR, while Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.
The wedding brought together governors, senior government officials, lawmakers, business leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, family members and friends from across the country to celebrate the young couple.
The Honourable Minister of Works, who also serves as the Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilization and Sensitization of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, was present at the ceremony to celebrate with his niece and the families of the newlyweds and was joined by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, CON; and Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion.
In his opening remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Governor Alex Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and urged the newlyweds to embrace patience, understanding and tolerance as they begin their journey together.
With humour, the Abia State Governor stressed the permanence of marriage, telling the couple that they should approach their union with a strong commitment to making it work.
“I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” he said.
In separate remarks, the parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude and joy at witnessing the marriage of their children.
They praised Shekina and Shope for distinguishing themselves through their formative years and into adulthood, describing them as outstanding young people who had continued to make their families proud.
They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in their marriage and wished them a fulfilling life together.
The Umahi family also formally welcomed the couple with the presentation of family gifts.
On behalf of the Umahi family, the Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, presented the gifts to the newlyweds.
The ceremony attracted a gathering of political leaders, statesmen and captains of industry.
Other governors present at the event included the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Her Excellency Patricia Obila; Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo; Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
Among the captains of industry, statesmen and
other distinguished personalities at the occasion were Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; Prof. Patrick Utomi; Mr. Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), among others.
The Ministry of Works was also represented at the ceremony, with the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs, among others, joining in the celebration.

Umahi, Sanwo-Olu
Other members of the Umahi family at the ceremony included HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates; and Chief Austine Umahi (Anyanwu Igbo), Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.
The wedding provided a memorable gathering of the two families, their friends and well-wishers, with guests celebrating the union and offering prayers and goodwill for a happy, peaceful and enduring marriage.
Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
Sunday 23, 2026
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Economy
Nigeria’s Diversity is Our Strengthen, Unity Must Remain Our Greates Asset, Says Minister Mohammed Idris
Nigeria’s Diversity is Our Strengthen, Unity Must Remain Our Greates Asset, Says Minister Mohammed Idris
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength, urging citizens to promote unity and mutual understanding, noting that what binds Nigerians together is far greater than what divides them.
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Idris stated this on Friday, August 14, 2026, when he attended the wake-keep of the late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar in Obudu, Cross River State, alongside family members, friends, and dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade; Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; and the Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang.
The late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar, who died at the age of 76, was an elder brother to Senator Ayade and Dr. Frank Ayade.
The Minister said the gathering reflected the richness of Nigeria’s diversity and the ability of citizens from different backgrounds to unite in solidarity.
“What I have seen today is the diversity of Nigeria and how it can be further harnessed to promote unity in this country. Nigerians from all walks of life are Nigerians first. Therefore, we must celebrate them wherever they are,” he said.
While expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Idris noted that the occasion also provided an opportunity to honour a life that fostered unity among people.
“It is a moment of sorrow that he has passed on, but also a moment of gratitude that he lived a worthy life, one that helped bring people together,” the Minister said.
He called on Nigerians to continue to promote unity and shared values, while leveraging the country’s diverse cultures and traditions as assets for national development.
“We must strengthen our unity, uphold our shared values, and also see our diversity as a resource that can contribute meaningfully to the growth of our economy,” he said.

Mohammed Idris
Idris reaffirmed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its people and their collective ability to rise above differences in pursuit of the common good.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Saturday, August 15, 2026
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Entertainment
EFCC FC Kano Wins Inter-Service Unity Cup, Defeats NAF FC 5-4
EFCC FC Kano Wins Inter-Service Unity Cup, Defeats NAF FC 5-4
EFCC Football Club, Kano, has emerged champion of the Inter-Service Unity Cup after defeating NAF FC 5-4 on penalties in a thrilling final held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
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The match initially ended 1-1 after regulation time.
The tournament was organised by the Coalition of Military and Paramilitary Agencies in Kano.
Speaking during his opening remarks at the final, the EFCC Kano Zonal Director, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, commended the organisers for bringing together various security agencies through sports.
“Unity is one of the fundamentals of law enforcement. Bringing ourselves together to have football and soccer events is one of the ways of building this unity,” he said.
The Zonal Director thanked the participating teams, service commanders and all attendees for finding time to share in the spirit of friendship and brotherhood. He also acknowledged the humility and character displayed by all players who reached the final stage, stressing that such values are integral to the ethos of the nation’s security services.
He reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to initiatives that promote unity, performance and cohesion among colleagues, friends, and brothers in service, and conveyed the Chairman’s appreciation for the invitation.

EFCC FC Kano
In addition to their football victory, the EFCC team also emerged champions in the tug of war challenge organised by the same coalition, which featured participation from agencies under the coalition.
The competition was held at the Sani Abacha Stadium on July 24, 2026, where the EFCC team won three battles on the same day, defeating the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
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