Businessman, firms face fresh ₦185m fraud charges in Lagos court
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The case, which has been in court since 2023, has now been adjourned to September 25, 2025, for continuation of trial at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
By Akin Kuponiyi
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has filed an eight-count amended charge against a businessman Chief Joseph Umezugha and his two companies — Saint Joes International Agency Limited and De Jessicas Global Hotel and Suites Limited — over allegations of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and false information.
The case, which has been in court since 2023, has now been adjourned to September 25, 2025, for continuation of trial at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
According to the second amended charge, filed on behalf of the IGP by legal officers Kyije Roland Abang and Ibukunoluwa Olu Jacobs from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the defendants allegedly conspired with others still at large to fraudulently obtain ₦185 million from one Ifeanyi Collinus Ogbuji, Managing Director of Colbex Systems Limited.
The police allege that between June and November 2021, the defendants obtained the money under the pretense that it would be used to complete a building for De Jessicas Global Hotel and Suites, offering Ogbuji a partnership stake in return. However, the promise turned out to be false, and the funds were allegedly diverted for personal use.
In addition to the fraud allegations, the defendants are accused of forging a corporate resolution document for De Jessicas Global Hotel and Suites, dated June 21, 2021 and providing false and malicious information to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, which was forwarded to the Special Weapons and Tactical Unit (SWAT), Area 3, Abuja, for investigation.
The offences are said to violate provisions of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, and Section 124 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2025, carrying serious legal consequences.
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