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Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections Bail Application of IntermediateInvestment Holdings Boss Ufoma Immanuel in Lagos

Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application of IntermediateInvestment Holdings Boss, Ufoma Immanuel in Lagos

Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application of Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss, Ufoma Immanuel in Lagos

Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application of IntermediateInvestment Holdings Boss, Ufoma Immanuel 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.

 

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”

 

“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.

 

Media & Publicity

May 7, 2026

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Kwankwaso to NDC Hands Tinubu ‘Clear Coast’ to 2027 PDP Lawmaker: Exit of Obi

PDP Lawmaker: Exit of Obi, Kwankwaso to NDC Hands Tinubu ‘Clear Coast’ to 2027

 

A member of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State, Hon. Godwin Abu Edoh, has said that the recent defection of Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other political heavyweights from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to the New Democratic Coalition, NDC, has handed President Bola Tinubu a clear path to victory in the 2027 presidential election.

 

Edoh, who represents the Agatu State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, made this assertion while speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday.

 

According to the lawmaker, the movement of the political gladiators from ADC to NDC has fragmented the opposition bloc and weakened any viable alliance that could challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the next election cycle.

 

“The defection of these political gladiators is an open cheque for President Tinubu come 2027,” Edoh stated. “When you have major opposition figures pulling in different directions and forming another coalition outside the established structures, you are only making the job easier for the incumbent.”

 

He argued that rather than consolidating opposition forces under one platform to present a united front against the APC, the latest realignment has further scattered the political landscape and confused the electorate.

 

*Governor Alia’s Performance Commended*

Edoh also commented on the developmental strides of Governor Hyacinth Alia since assuming office. He said the governor has been consistent in *paying salaries, pensions, and clearing outstanding arrears*, alongside *massive infrastructural activities across the state*.

 

He particularly praised the governor for *undertaking the construction of an ongoing 35km road cutting across Egba – Okokolo – Obagai in Agatu LGA and extending to Agagbe along Naka in Gwer LGA*. According to him, the project, when completed, will open up the rural communities for trade, agriculture, and improved security.

 

“The governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare and road infrastructure is visible. In Agatu, we can feel the impact already, especially with the 35km road that has been a long-standing request of our people,” he said.

 

*PDP’s 2027 Governorship Prospects Dim*

On the PDP’s chances of clinching the governorship seat in 2027, Edoh maintained that the *ongoing crisis rocking the party continues to make its chances slimmer by the day*.

 

He lamented that internal wrangling and factional disputes within the Benue PDP have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, making it difficult for the party to present a united front ahead of the next election.

 

“If the PDP does not urgently resolve its crisis and reposition itself, then it will be difficult for us to even talk about winning the governorship in 2027. The people want stability, and right now, the APC under Governor Alia appears to be offering that,” he concluded.

 

Edoh called on PDP leaders at both state and national levels to put aside personal interests and work toward rebuilding the party if it hopes to remain a viable opposition force.

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DELTA SOUTH YOUTHS BACK ORETTE WARN AGAINST PROLONGING AGONY OF THE PEOPLE

DELTA SOUTH YOUTHS BACK ORETTE, WARN AGAINST PROLONGING AGONY OF THE PEOPLE

Youths in Delta South on Saturday demanded for better representation in 2027.

‘’The future of Delta South rest on a rigorously vocal, vibrant and honest lawmaker’’

They also described the ambition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette, as the best possible path in 2027.

‘’Dr. Austin Orette’s ambition is plainly not for himself. It is to serve the wonderful people of Delta South’’

At a meeting of the representatives of youth groups in Delta South, the youths applauded Orette for showing solid legislative and administrative gifts.

‘’Dr. Austin Orette is a resourceful and persistent organizer. He is hospitable to new ideas’’

The youths laid before newsmen and the public an extensive agenda, including a fast start on federal projects in the district, low interest loans to encourage local projects, stable budget, unemployment benefits, monetary standards and new constitution.

Orette’s agenda, the youths said, is fighting off insecurity, despair, dangerous feelings of helplessness and dependence.

The Leader of Delta South Youth Movement (DSYM), Amos Ebiakpo read the statement aloud to journalists in Warri with admiration of Orette’s blueprint.

‘’Dr. Austin Orette will lobby persuasively in the corridors, create jobs, improve roads and schools, develop parks and clear waterways. He will also ensure the building of hospitals, gas, sewage disposal and electric power plants, dams and canals, reclamation, irrigation, levees and flood control projects, bridges and viaducts, docks and tunnels’’

The youths scolded those shouting continuity as if they were perverse and backward school boys.

‘’They should perish the dream of a second term’’

They said they would have nothing to do with the ruling party and groups supporting the old order.

‘’Backing the incumbent or any member of the ruling party in the district could only prolong the agony of the district.

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MEDIA PROFESSIONALS PRAISE ABDULRARAQ TASK KWARA CENTRAL PEOPLE ON 2027

MEDIA PROFESSIONALS PRAISE ABDULRARAQ, TASK KWARA CENTRAL PEOPLE ON 2027

 

The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRaraq, has been lauded for developing a new moral climate, unlocking new energies in a people who had lost faith in government’s ability to meet key challenges and bringing about political and economic reorganization in the state.

‘’History will record the administration of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the most important and far-reaching in Kwara State’’

They also applauded him for unifying the people, improving farmers’ condition, reducing unemployment, giving strength to organized labour, establishing decent working conditions and switching the people from an ox-cart to an airplane.

‘’The more enduring achievements of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq lay in the economic and social fields. He accomplished a fantastic series of reforms. He provided infrastructure, delivered the dividends of democracy and gave new status to the people”

The commendation came from media professionals in Nigeria.

At a press conference in Lagos, the Nigerian Media Professionals emphasized the governor’s great depth of feeling concerning the destiny of the state, the intelligent state management, governor’s penchant for solving problems, inexhaustible drive and energy and his passion for the life and needs of the good people of Kwara State.

The position of the group was presented to newsmen by the Chairman of the Nigerian Media Professional Group, Daniel Okeme, on Wednesday.

The professionals challenged critics of the present administration.

‘’Nothing like it has ever happened in the history of Kwara State’’

Particularly, they praised AbdulRaraq for his largeness of vision and transformation in the finance, health, education, sports, housing and tourism sectors.

‘’This is the most joyous period in the life of Kwara State. It is a rebirth after a dark age’’

The prominent media professionals  stressed on human capital development, ideas and programs, dedication to public service, courage and capacity to condense complex problems into simple and telling statements’’

They urged the wonderful people of Kwara Central to make AbdulRaraq a senator in 2027.

‘’AbdulRazaq has the qualities which the senate position requires. He is moderate and practical in approach. He is brilliant, competent, efficient and more honourable in money matters. He will continue to work for the interest of the good people of Kwara State’’

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REWARDING POOR PERFORMANCE WITH ANOTHER TERM HINDERS PROGRESS – ORETTE

REWARDING POOR PERFORMANCE WITH ANOTHER TERM HINDERS PROGRESS – ORETTE

 

  • INSISTS UNINFORMED PEOPLE CAPTURED POWER FOR PLUNDER IN NIGERIA

As politicians jostle for re-election in 2027, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette, has urged Deltans not to give a second chance to elected public officers who did not justify their first term in office.

Orette in a statement on Friday in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area, said rewarding poor performance with another term hinders growth and encourages mediocrity.

‘’ I have contributed positively to the development of Nigeria’’.

He said it was parochial and docile for anyone to believe that a very talented and knowledgeable group of Nigerians should be ignored in the development of the country.

‘’ Those who believe that they have been slaving away because Dr. Austin Orette has been overseas have no special knowledge or advantage. If they did, where is the result of the slaving? At times like this, all hands must be on deck to drag Nigeria from the precipice. China did it and they succeeded. India is doing it and they are succeeding’’.

The NDC candidate described the Diasporas as a very patriotic group of Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria.

‘’The remittance of the Diasporas is what is keeping Nigeria’s economy afloat.

He said uninformed people have captured power for plunder and brigandage in Nigeria.

‘’Dr. Orette believes in Nigeria and has love for his people. His mission is that of service to his people. He has no apologies in this regard. He spent his resources in developing and growing APC in his zone. Those who fought him yesterday, while he was doing these, have changed their uniform and have taken over the APC. He did not leave APC; it was APC that left him. He believes he has as much right as anyone at this time to be the next Senator for Delta South. His sincere belief is: If not him, who? And if not now, when?

Those who believe that they cannot vote for Dr. Orette because he is from the diaspora, according to the NDC candidate, are not familiar with his works.

‘’As we move forward to litigate the issues, Dr Orette will have the opportunity to reintroduce himself to his people. If after listening to him and still cannot go beyond prejudice, you can have your choice and continue with the disaster journey of people with limited capacity.

The senatorial hopeful urged the electorate to prioritize performance and accountability over partisan loyalty or sentiment.

‘’The only claim to fame is that they have the opportunity to enrich themselves while the citizens suffer’’

He emphasized visible development projects, effective representation and positive legislative contributions.

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ENGR. AGIDANI OLOCHE: EXCELLENT TEAM LEADER

ENGR. AGIDANI OLOCHE: EXCELLENT TEAM LEADER

 

In Obagaji, a dusty market town in Benue South, the generator at the primary healthcare centre used to die every evening. For years, deliveries happened by torchlight, vaccines lost their potency, and nurses sent patients away after sundown.

That changed two years ago when a quiet man from Idoma land walked in with engineers, solar panels, and a promise to make the clinic run 24 hours a day.

Today, the centre runs on solar power. Babies are delivered at night. Vaccines stay cold. And the nurses no longer pack up at 5 p.m.

That man is Engr. Agidani Oloche, and for people across Otukpo, Obagaji, and beyond, he has become a name whispered in the same breath as “results.”

Oloche is not new to building things. Before his name started appearing on political posters, he spent years managing energy and construction projects across Nigeria. He is the kind of engineer who reads blueprints at night and shows up on site before the workers arrive.

That background now shapes how he approaches public service. “I don’t believe in politics of noise. My work should speak for me,” he tells a group of elders in Otukpo during a recent town hall. The crowd nods, many of them remembering when he fixed their transformer in two weeks after NEPA had ignored it for months.

In Benue South, where federal presence has often felt distant, Oloche’s model of leadership feels different. He doesn’t wait for budget cycles or party primaries to act. He identifies a problem, mobilizes resources, and fixes it.

His interventions have been deliberate and visible. In Otukpo and Obagaji, he facilitated the renovation of police stations that had become unfit for use. For communities dealing with insecurity, better facilities mean faster response and safer officers.

In healthcare, the Obagaji Primary Healthcare Centre is now his calling card. By installing solar-powered systems, he ensured the clinic could run maternity wards, store vaccines, and handle emergencies without interruption. Other communities are already asking him to replicate the model in their own towns.

On the economic front, Oloche has pushed small but critical projects: rehabilitating access roads that connect farmers to markets, supporting rural energy solutions that cut dependence on the national grid, and providing direct support to market women and traders who can’t afford to wait for government bureaucracy.

“Engr. Oloche is one of us,” says Mrs. Grace Adah, a trader in Obagaji. “When our transformer broke down, he fixed it in two weeks. When our clinic had no light, he brought solar. That is why we are following him.”

What makes Oloche stand out in the race for the Benue South Senatorial seat is his appeal across generations. To the elders, he represents discipline, technical competence, and a focus on tangible projects. To the youth, he speaks the language of energy, technology, and jobs.

Benue South has long complained of neglect despite its agricultural and mineral wealth. The zone has produced senators and ministers, but many communities still lack basic infrastructure. Oloche’s entry into the 2027 race is being framed as an attempt to bring technical expertise into politics and close that gap.

If elected, he says his Senate agenda will focus on four things: decentralized power and better roads to unlock agriculture, increased federal security presence for Idoma land, youth employment through technical training linked to real projects, and expanding the solar-powered clinic model to rural areas across the zone.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Oloche’s campaign is gaining traction among voters tired of empty promises. His supporters describe him as “a tested leader, a development expert, a voice committed to a better Benue South.”

In a political climate where handouts often overshadow plans, his story is different. It’s a story of an engineer who fixed a transformer, lit up a clinic, and now wants to fix a zone.

Whether that translates into votes will be decided at the polls. But in the markets of Otukpo and the wards of Obagaji, the verdict is already clear: when Agidani Oloche says he will do something, the lights usually come on.

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