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Tag: businessman

  • Businessman docked for stealing soaps

    Businessman docked for stealing soaps

    A businessman, Uchenna Nnaji of Borno Plaza, Balogun Market, Trade Fair, has been arraigned before the criminal division of the Lagos State High Court, presided by Justice Muyideen Abdul-Rahmen Tejumade for stealing and conspiracy.

     He is being accused of stealing Crusader soap valued at N120 million. 

     In a suit no:LD/23999/24, Mr. Nnaji was arraigned for a two-count. The first count is conspiracy to commit felony contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law, Cap17, Vol 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2025. The particulars of the offence read: “ Uchenna Nnaji (m) and another (still at large), sometime in 2023, around Trade Fair Complex, Lagos in the Lagos State judicial division did conspire among yourselves commit felony to wit: stealing.

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    The second count is stealing, contrary to Section 280(2)(b), but punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law, Cap C17, Vol 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The particulars of the offence read: “Uchenna Nnaji (m) and another (still at large) sometime in 2023 around Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State in the Lagos State judicial division did dishonestly take cartons of Crusader soaps totalling N120million with intent to permanently deprive one Chief Obih of his special interest in the said goods.”

    When the matter was called upon Thursday evening, Nnaji, who has spent 14 days in prison custody, was granted bail following a bail application tendered by his counsel, Augustine Okafor. The plaintiff’s counsel didn’t object to the bail application.

     The judge granted him bail on the following conditions that the defendant shall enter a bond in the sum of N20 million, with two sureties in like sum; the sureties must be persons of means, and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government and must have building properties, and their addresses and photographs must be attached for the court to verify.

    The matter was adjourned to September 24, 2025 for trial.

  • Businessman denies accusing uncle of N9.8m fraud

    Businessman denies accusing uncle of N9.8m fraud

    A businessman, Oluwatoyin Osho, has denied accusing his maternal uncle, Abayomi Arodu of N9.8 million fraud.

    Osho said both his statements at the various police stations as well as court documents were proof that he categorically said Arodu owed him the amount and he wanted his money back.

    The duo fell out 10 years ago after an incurred debt of N19.8m to run Arodu’s business while he was on medical leave abroad was not completely paid upon his repeated.

    Trouble started between the once close relatives after Aradu, who feared he was going to die from an illness, handed over his business and properties to Osho with the instruction that he should care for his family.

    Throughout the period, Aradu was in India receiving treatment, his business interests and properties were well looked after by his nephew who spared no cost to ensure things went well.

    But disagreements soon crept in upon Aredu’s return from India as he was said to have paid only N10m of the debt incurred while the balance became contentious.

    Angered by the development, Osho, whose business was at the time suffering set back, felt his uncle did not appreciate his efforts and love towards him and his family.

    In no time, their feud became a police matter with criminal allegations and counter allegations that eventually ended in court.

    According to Osho, he felt disappointed when he was accused of gun possession, an allegation he said was untrue.

    “Again, I felt abandoned by my uncle when I needed him most at the first police station, which was the reason I wrote a petition against him,” he said.

    Read Also: Hoodlums after my family, businessman alleges

    At the Ogba Magistrate’s Court where their matter was taken to, the presiding Magistrate threw out the case and asked the parties to go home and resolve their differences like brothers.

    Reflecting on their feud a decade after, Osho told reporters that it was worsened by allegations that he accused his uncle of being a fraudster.

     “I never accused my uncle of defrauding me nor did I arrange for any reporter to publish a false report about him.

    “I don’t do the kind of business he does. So, I couldn’t have said I gave him money to buy goods that I know nothing about. It’s just not possible. I didn’t say that at all,” he stated.

    He added that though, he was deeply hurt and was naughty out of frustration, he maintained that he did not accuse his uncle of defrauding him.

    However, he expressed gratitude to his uncle for putting a closure to the 10-year row in the family by accepting him back as the proverbial father to the prodigal son.

    “I am grateful to my uncle/father. Words are not enough to convey the weight of my appreciation. I am also using this same medium to apologise for the inconvenience I might have caused him and his family, especially his image.

    “I hope he truly finds it easy in his heart to forgive me,” he said.

  • Hoodlums after my family, businessman alleges

    Hoodlums after my family, businessman alleges

    A Lagos Businessman, Smart Emenya, has cried out over threats to his life and that of his family members by some hoodlums.

    Speaking to The Nation, Emenya said a group of hoodlums recently attacked and attempted to kidnap his teenage son (name withheld) on his way home in his Mafoluku, Oshodi area of Lagos, inflicting body injuries on him in the process, before he narrowly escaped.

    He said this would be the second time the boy would be experiencing something similar, having narrowly escaped being run-over by an on-rushing vehicle, which, according to him, deliberately left the road to target him on the sidewalk, days earlier.

    Emenya, who resides in Lagos, is elder cousin to Castro Omozokpia Oriabore, whom The Nation, earlier in the year, reported went missing, following series of attacks and threats to his life by hoodlums in Ughelli, Delta State.

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    According to Emenya, Castro had left Ughelli for Lagos after some hoodlums on the aftermath of military manhunt that followed the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama Community in Ughelli Local Government Area on March 14, 2024, came after him, accusing him of being one of the informants to the military, but went missing soon after.

    “They had trailed Castro, who was then based in Ughelli, to Lagos and almost kidnapped him, before he went missing. Since then, the whole family has not heard from him, despite all efforts. My fear is that the fate that befell Castro does not befall my son. This is why I am appealing to them to let my son be, he has never lived in Ughelli and knows nothing about the incidents in Okuama.” Emenya further explained.

    He is also appealing to the police to step into the matter and help rein in the hoodlums.

     “Even the Castro they are after repeatedly denied being involved in any informant role before he went missing. As it is now, our prayer as a family is to find him alive, wherever he may be.” Emenya said.

  • Businessman remanded for ‘defiling’ minor

    Businessman remanded for ‘defiling’ minor

    A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State has remanded a 28-year-old businessman, Sadiu Masaudu, in a correction centre for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl.

    Masaudu was charged by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with rape, contrary to Section 258 of the Kaduna State Penal Code.

    The NSCDC prosecutor, Mr Marcus Audu, told the court that the victim’s mother, Fatima Abdullahi, reported the matter at the Corp’s office in Kafanchan on July 17.

    Audu stated that the suspect lured the victim into his room at Zaria Street, Kafanchan and defiled her.

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    According to him, the girl was taken to the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Kafanchan and later reported to the NSCDC.

    The presiding judge, Samson Kwasu, declined to take the suspect’s plea for lack of jurisdiction to hear the matter.

    Kwasu directed the prosecutor to forward the case file to the State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

  • Businessman faults withdrawal of charge against suspect

    Businessman faults withdrawal of charge against suspect

    A businessman and hotelier, Otunba Hassan Alli, has alleged that the discontinuance of the criminal case against a suspected land grabber, Moroof Owonla, by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice was in total disregard for the interest of justice and the rule of law.

    To Alli, the charge withdrawal occasioned an injustice against him.

    He had earlier alleged that the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), was Owonla’s lawyer before his appointment.

    But, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Dr Babajide Martins, explained that the case against Owonla was dropped after new facts emerged following a thorough review.

    The DPP had filed charges of criminal trespass, impersonation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of trust against Owonla before the Lagos High Court.

    However, based on the fresh evidence, the DPP wrote the Assistant Inspector-General of Police on May 21 advising that the matter be discontinued.

    Martins said the decision was arrived at solely by his office without Pedro’s influence and after a painstaking review of the new facts.

    The DPP said: “My office receives applications for review of cases regularly and we examine each application thoroughly because we are not infallible…

    “I must also state categorically that the A-G did not influence my legal advice. It was solely the decision of my office and it was in the interest of justice.”

    But, Alli, in a statement, restated his opinion that the case was withdrawn in bad faith.

    He said it was a clear departure from the provisions of Section 211(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which empowers the Attorney-General to only exercise nolle prosequi justly.

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    The section, he said, states that ‘in exercising his power, the Attorney- General shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process’.

    The businessman claimed that the police had reported that a court order in suit ID/1722/92 relied on by Owonla to invade his hotel in the Ayobo area of Lagos was fake.

    He said the finding was based on a response from the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State High Court.

    Alli added: “It’s totally fallacious, untrue and distortion of material facts to conclude coherently that the investigating police officer in Alagbon was accused of bias when the investigation on the case was concluded at the Police Headquarters of FCID, Abuja.”

    The business was of the view that justice was not done in the case and that “empty and non-existent” defences were raised in favour of Owonla to free him and exculpate the thugs who attacked and looted his hotel.

  • Businessman re-arraigned for alleged N84m fraud

    Businessman re-arraigned for alleged N84m fraud

    A businessman, Edrian Osagie Ididia,  has been re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Lagos Special Offences Court Ikeja for alleged N84M million fraud.

    Ididia was re-arraigned before Justice Ismail Ijelu on two counts charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and stealing N84 miilion.

    The defendant was earlier arraigned in 2022  before Justice Serifat Solebo now retired and  was granted bail.

     However, at the resumed hearing yesterday, the EFCC counsel, Mr Ebuka  Okongwu prayed the court to allow the amended two count charge dated November 25, 2021 be read to the defendant to take his plea.

    His prayer for re-arraignment was not opposed by defendant’s counsel, Mr Dada Awosika (SAN).

    Ididia was therefore re-arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing of the N84 million.

     EFCC alleged that Ididia obtained money by false pretence contrary to Sections 1(1) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

    He was alleged to have obtained N84 million ‘with intent to defraud’ one Mark David Umeh on the false representation that he had three Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for sale in September 2019, knowing full well that his claim was false.

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    His offence of stealing is contrary to Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, No 11, 2011.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Part of the charge read that, Adrian Osagie Ididia between the September 13, 2019 and October 29, 2019 at Lagos within the court jurisdiction dishonestly stole and converted to his use, the sum of N84 million property of Mr Mark David Umeh.

    Following his not guilty plea, EFCC counsel prayed the court to remand the defendant in custody of a Correctional facility and also fix date for trial.

    The defence counsel, Awosika, told court that he has filed an application for bail, dated May 2.  He prayed the court to allow his client to continue on the bail earlier granted by the retired Justice Solebo.

    He submitted that the defendant did not at any time violate the the conditions of the bail granted and he has always been in court.

    He told the court to admit the defendant to bail, adding that he had been granted bail by a Federal High Court in a similar matter.

    He maintained that the defendant is ready to stand trial and he would not jump bail if granted by the court. 

    But the EFCC counsel filed a counter affidavit to opposed the bail application.

    Okongwu submitted that the defendant worked in a construction company in Canada and that he has a Canadian Passport.

    “He does not even live in the address he wrote in the statement.The address was traced on the Google and it was discovered that it was a short let apartment.”

    He added that defendant has no residential address for the commission to trace him.

    Awosika (SAN) responded that the he resides in Benin and that his international passport was deposited at the Federal High Court in another matter.

    The counsel therefore undertake to bring him at the next adjournment date, prayed the court to release the defendant to him that he will get his family to prepare for his bail bond.

    After listened to both counsel, Justice Ijelu fixed May 22 for ruling on bail application and therefore released India to Awosika (SAN).

  • Businessman alleges smear campaign, petitions IG

    Businessman alleges smear campaign, petitions IG

    Chairman of IBD Group, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun,  has alleged a plot by some people to  deliberately attack his personality and legitimate business through what he described as sponsored, fabricated news in the media. 

    He claimed baseless accusations have been made against him in he traditional and social media in the last few weeks.

    The business tycoon filed a petition to the Inspector General of Police to investigate and bring those behind the attacks to book. 

    Several prominent indigenes of Ogun state, especially Yewaland (including traditional leaders) have condemned what they described as the wicked campaign against Egungbohun.

    Entertainment celebrities and many social media personalities have also lent their voices in his support. 

    A paid advertorial by the management of IIBD International Hotels, one of his companies on Wednesday, said the false allegations of his engagement in illegal business activities, including smuggling of rice and ammunition are parts of apparent and targeted plots to tarnish his image and bring his personality into disrepute.

    The statement reads in part: “Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun is an and law-abiding citizen who has dedicated his life to building a successful and legitimate business empire. He holds a custom license and has been operating as a thoroughbred professional agent for decades – under maximum compliance with all legal requirements/ethics in the import and export industry. 

    “His logistics company is involved in car clearing (Lagos, Apapa) and transportation of palm kernel. He has made good contributions to the growth of local industries and he is also also a creator  of job opportunities, especially in his community.

    “He is a distinguished hotelier, with exceptional contributions to the local tourism sector. He overseas a thriving quarry business whose operations adhere to all industry regulations. He is also an esteemed farmer, overseeing a palm oil production company that not only supports the local economy but also promotes agricultural development and food security. These facts are there for all to see.

    “To drive his passion for humanity, he set up the Ibrahim Dende Foundation, better known as IBD Foundation -a non-profit organization located in Ilaro, the capital of Yewa land, in Ogun State. With a mandate to elevate the socio-economic development of Yewa land, IBD Foundation has been committed to the prosperity of Yewa land and its people. 

    “Now being coordinated by wife, Alhaja Mrs Omolara Dende, the foundation is genuinely offering support in the areas of Human Capital Development, Economic Development, Entrepreneurial Development, Skills Acquisition/Empowerment and Special Projects including Entertainment and Talent Hunt. The IBD Foundation was incorporated in 2011 and is now the official Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the IBD Group. It  has undertaken numerous initiatives to uplift the less privileged, provide educational scholarships, and access to healthcare to the less-reached.

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    “An adorable family man, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun’s contributions to the community extend beyond his businesses. He is the founder of the Juvenile Club, a football club established in 2003. Through the club, Ibrahim has nurtured and supported numerous talented footballers, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills even on the international stage. 

    “Many of them have gone on to achieve great successes abroad, bringing pride not only to their families but also to our community. Ibrahim’s commitment to philanthropy is a testament to his compassion, generosity, and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need.

    “It is important to clarify that Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun has never expressed any political ambition or aspiration. Against erroneous claims being circulated, he has never been “arrested severally over smuggling offenses”. His businesses are also not “funded with proceeds from smuggling” 

    “These accusations are completely unfounded and have no basis in reality. Alhaji Ibrahim’s focus has always been on his businesses, community engagement, and philanthropic endeavors, which have positively impacted countless lives. For his numerous contributions, he has  received several accolades, awards and recognitions (including  chieftaincy titles from traditional rulers).  

    “Last year, for being a positive role model and caring for those in need, he received an appreciation award from the Toronto Police (Canada). He was also decorated as a Global Peace Ambassador by World Peace Advocators.

    “It is disheartening to have derogatory words being used in the media to describe the person of a man who has done all these. All the hear-says recently published in the media from a supposed documentary by a particular investigative journalist are totally false, unfounded and targeted at just the aim of the plotters.”

    The statement confirmed: “Alhaji Ibrahim’s lawyers are currently proceeding to seek legal redress against the individuals behind the false publications.”

  • Businessman faces visa fraud charge

    A businessman, Uchechukwu Anyagwa, yesterday appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly obtaining N5.242 million under the guise of securing a Canadian visa.

    Anyagwa, who lives at 31, Adebayo Street, Dopemu, Lagos, is charged with conspiracy, fraud, stealing and forgery.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Inspector Victor Eruada alleged that Anyagwa, with others at large, committed the offence between last October 24 and November 27, at Aguda, Lagos.

    He said the defendant obtained N5.24 million from the complainant, Mr. Kelechi Ehirim, on the pretext of securing the visa.

    Eruada said the defendant told Ehirim that he was a licensed agent of the Canadian Embassy.

    He alleged that Anyagwa, who did not secure the visa, forged a Canadian visa and gave the complainant as genuine.

    The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant had once forged an Ireland visa dated November 13, 2018.

    He said the offence contravened sections 287, 313, 365 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

    Magistrate M. I. Dan-Oni admitted the defendant to N600, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    She said the sureties must be employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The case continues on May 7.

  • Businessman arraigned for alleged dud cheques issuance

    The  Special Fraud Unit (SFU) yesterday arraigned a businessman, Akinkunle Olunloyo, at the Lagos Federal High Court for allegedly issuing N11.2 million dud cheques.

    The cheques, it said,  bounced on presentation at the bank due to insufficient funds in Olunloyo’s account.

    The defendant was arraigned on five counts alongside his company, Code Media Ltd.

    Prosecuting counsel Mr. Chukwu Agwu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), representing Officer-In-Charge of SFU Legal Department Mr. Emmanuel Jackson, said the defendant committed the offence between 2011 and 2017.

    The SFU said Olunloyo issued the dud cheques for N11,250,913.78 five times to the representatives of Aquila Leasing Ltd.

    Read also: Businessman charged with impersonating Adeboye, Olukoya, Joshua

    The prosecution said each time the cheques were presented at the bank, they were dishonoured because the defendant did not have enough money in his account.

    Some of the cheques were dated February 28, May 28 and June 28, 2015, the SFU said.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Olunloyo’s lawyer Samusudeen Abubakar said  he had filed an application for his client’s bail.

    Agwu said the prosecution was not opposed to the application, urging the court to impose conditions that will ensure that the defendant comes for his trial.

    Justice Muslim Hassan granted Olunloyo N5 million bail with one surety in the like sum.

    The surety must be a landed property owner within the court’s jurisdiction, a grade level 14 officer either in the federal or Lagos State establishment or a director of a registered company, who must also deposit his or her two recent passport photographs, the judge ruled.

    The case continues on May 20.

  • Businessman charged with impersonating Adeboye, Olukoya, Joshua

    The police in Lagos yesterday arraigned a 27-year-old businessman, Yusuf Atanda, charged with impersonating Pastor Enoch Adeboye and two other general overseers to defraud the public.

    According to the police, Atanda created fake Facebook accounts of Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor D.K. Olukoya of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry and Pastor T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, to dupe people.

    The defendant, who lives at Okokomaiko, Lagos, is being tried for cyber-crime before Magistrate M.O. Tanimola in Ikeja.

    Atanda, however, denied committing the offence, and was admitted to N100, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    Tanimola said the sureties should be employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

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    Prosecuting Inspector Aondohemba Koti alleged that the defendant committed the offence last October at Okokomaiko.

    He added that the defendant used the names of the clerics on the Internet without their consent.

    “Atanda created fake Facebook accounts of Pastors Adeboye, Olukoya and Joshua.

    “He posed as the pastors and sent electronic messages to the public to deposit either N1, 000 or N2, 000 into a bank account to get N3, 000 or N5, 000 in four days.

    “If they pay and it is four days, he will block the persons’ numbers so they will not be able to reach him anymore.

    “Upon receipt of a petition from a complainant’s lawyer, the police tracked the defendant and he was arrested.

    “The amount of money the defendant got from over 100 people was yet to be ascertained,” the prosecutor said.

    The case was adjourned till April 17.