Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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Police Get Court Order To Declare Businesswoman Wanted Over Alleged N28.5m Fraud

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Police Get Court Order To Declare Businesswoman Wanted Over Alleged N28.5m Fraud

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, has secured an order of a Federal High Court, to declare a fleeing businesswoman, Uyime Akpan, wanted, over alleged N28.5 million fraud.

Justice Friday Ogazi, who presided over the court, granted the request of the Police Special Fraud Unit, Melverton, Ikoyi, Lagos, following a motion Exparte marked FHC/L/MISC/1410/2025, filed and moved by Barrister M. Y. Bello, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) in the Legal/Prosecution department of the Unit.

Listed as Uyime co-respondent in the suit are: Department of State Services (DSS); Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and NIGERIAN CUSTOM SERVICE (NCS).

PSFU through its lawyer had prayed the court for the following orders: “an order that the 1st respondent be declared wanted and placed on the wanted list of the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit, 13, Milverton Road Ikoyi, Lagos until he is arrested for Prosecution. 

“An order permitting the Publication of the name of the 1st respondent in the National Daily Newspapers and social Media handles by the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit Ikoyi, Lagos for the purpose of fulfilling the requirement of the order 1 above. And for such further order or further orders as the honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

In further praying the court to grant the motion Exparte, Barrister Bello, informed the court that the application was supported with an affidavit, written address and some documentary exhibits.

He prayed the court to grant the application, for the purpose of getting the suspect arrested and possible prosecution.

Justice Ogazi, after listening to the police lawyer held that: “after hearing M.Y. Bello, Esq., Counsel to the Applicant moves in terms of the motion paper. And having carefully considered the application and submission of Counsel, there is merit in granting the reliefs sought. 

“It is hereby ordered as follows: “An Order of this Court is made that the 1st Respondent be declared wanted and placed on the wanted list of the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit, 13, Milverton Road Ikoyi, Lagos until he is arrested for Prosecution. 

“That leave is hereby granted for the Publication of the name of the 1st Respondent in the National Daily Newspapers and social Media handles by the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit Ikoyi, Lagos for the purpose of fulfilling the requirement of the Order 1 above.”

Parallex Bank Accuses FHT Mega Express Of Abuse Of Court Process In Firm’s N4.5bn Debt To The bank

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Parallex Bank Accuses FHT Mega Express Of Abuse Of Court Process In Firm’s N4.5bn Debt To The bank

One of the new generation banks in Nigeria, Parallex Bank Limited has asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, to dismiss the suit filed against it by a logistics firm, FHT Mega Express Limited, for being an abuse of court process, incompetent and for want of jurisdiction. 

It would be recalled that the court presided over by Justice Hauwa Lawal Gummi, had on December 18, 2025, granted an Ex-parte motion, wherein it issued a temporary order freezing the Bank’s N7,154, 677 billion, over a financial dispute between the bank and FHT Mega Express Limited.

In urging the court to dismiss the firm’s suit, Parallex Bank in some of the aveerments in the affidavit in support of its preliminary objection to the suit deposed to by Mrs. Cynthia Akunaeziri, a Manager in the Bank were that by a Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim dated 4th September, 2025, Parallex Bank Limited as Plaintiff before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, filed Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1774/2025, between Parallex Bank Limited v FHT Mega Express Limited & 4 Ors, seeking judgment in the sum of N4, 500, 000, 000. 00 (four billion, five hundred million naira only), being the outstanding indebtedness of FHT Mega Express Limited (1st respondent) on some Letters of Credit opened in favour of the 1st respondent by Parallex Bank Limited, for the above sum and in respect of which the Bank sought to protect its banker’s lien and leave to dispose of the goods towards satisfaction of FHT’s debt. 

It was the Bank’s contention as contained in the processes filed in court that instead of maintaining status quo and allow the Federal High Court to determine the issue of FHT’s indebtedness to Parallex Bank, the firm (FHT) has engaged in various abusive strategies in order to harass the Bank and frustrate the payment of its indisputable debt to the Bank.

The bank further averred in its challenge of the FCT High Court exparte order, that FHT engaged in series of abuse of court processes, as the firm concealed from the presiding judge, the pendency of the above suit filed earlier in time by the bank against the firm, in which the Federal High Court had made a subsisting order for parties to maintain status quo.

The Bank further alleged that before the FCT High Court exparte order was made, FHT Mega Express had attempted to obtain similar order to attach the Bank’s funds from the Lagos State High Court in suit numbered LD/ADR/6143/2025, but the judge who presided over the court, Justice A. T. Muyideen, refused to grant the firm’s application; instead directed FHT to put the Bank on notice. The Bank challenged this matter by filing preliminary objections to the suit and application to dismiss the case. FHT immediately discontinued this suit and proceeded to the High Court of FCT Abuja to file the same suit, while deliberately suppressing material facts relating to the pendency of the existing suits and its failed attempt to obtain ex-parte orders in Suit No: LD/ADR/6143/2025. FHT Mega Express Limited misled the Honourable Court into granting the long-sought ex-parte orders in its favour, thereby exposing the parties and the Courts to the real and substantial risk of conflicting decisions by courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

According to the Counter Affidavit filed in the FCT High Court matter, the Bank affirmed that the instant suit was deliberately commenced by FHT immediately after the withdrawal of Suit No: LD/ADR/6143/2025 for the sole purpose of re-litigating the same issues and obtaining the ex parte reliefs previously refused, thereby amounting to a gross abuse of court process.

The Bank stated that the justice of the case will be best served if the instant suit is dismissed. 

The matter has been adjourned to February 4, 2026 for hearing of the preliminary objection while the Bank remains resolute in its determination to recover the outstanding sum of N4.5 billion due from FHT Mega Express Limited which the company continues to avoid paying by filing frivolous court actions.

Ozekhome Slammed With Criminal Charge Over Alleged Forgery In UK Property Case 

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Ozekhome Slammed With Criminal Charge Over Alleged Forgery In UK Property Case 

Ozekhome SAN

The federal government of Nigeria has filed a criminal charge against Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), over alleged forgery and use of false documents in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom.

The three-count charge marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026 was filed before a Federal High Court, Abuja, by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, Head of High Profile Prosecution Department of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Ngozi Onwuka, Assistant Chief Legal Officer, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Ozekhome is accused of knowingly presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to support his claim of ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings before the London First-Tier Tribunal.

The alleged offences were committed sometime in August 2021 in the Maitama area of the nation’s capital, within the jurisdiction of the FCT high court.

The charge sheet contains three counts, bordering on giving false information, use of forged documents, and attempting to deceive a public authority.

The Charges against the senior lawyer read: “Count One: That you Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN (M) ’68yrs’ of No. 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August, 2021 or thereabout at a place outside Nigeria i.e. London, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, directly received house 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX purportedly given to you by one Mr Shani Tali, an act you knew constitutes a felony and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 13 and punishable under section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences, Act, 2000.

“Count Two: That you Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN (M) ’68yrs’ of No. 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, while being a legal practitioner and senior advocate of Nigeria did make a false document, to wit: Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr Shani Tali with intent to use same to support claim of ownership of property known and described as 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX with intent to commit fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 363 and punishable under section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532 laws of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 2006.

“Count Three: That you Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN (M) ’68yrs’ of No. 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, while being a legal practitioner and senior advocate of Nigeria dishonestly used as genuine a false Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr Shani Tali to support claim of ownership of property known and described a s 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX when you had reason to believe that the said document was false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532 laws of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 2006.”

The federal government listed several witnesses it intends to call during the trial, including its investigators and a representative of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Documents to be tendered as exhibits include the judgment of the London First-Tier Tribunal, extra-judicial statements, letters from relevant authorities, and passport data relating to Shani Tali.

The case is yet to be assigned a trial date.

Background To The Case; the controversy involves a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.

Named in the property dispute are Ozekhome, and Jeremiah Useni, a retired lieutenant-general who is now deceased.

It was filed at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration, UK, under case number REF/2023/0155, with Tali Shani as the applicant and Ozekhome as the respondent.

The property had been claimed by one ‘Ms Tali Shani on one hand and Ozekhome on the other.

Ozekhome said he received the house as a gift from ‘Mr Tali Shani’ in 2021, while lawyers for ‘Ms Shani’ insisted she was the rightful owner.

A witness known as ‘Mr Tali Shani had testified in favour of Ozekhome, claiming that he had “Powers of Attorney” over the property and had transferred the property to the respondent (Ozekhome).

Mr Tali Shani asserted ownership of the property from 1993 and claimed he later appointed Useni as his property manager, describing Useni as an “elder friend and business partner”.

On the other hand, several documents, including an obituary announcement, NIN card, ECOWAS passport, phone number, etc were tendered by witnesses of Ms Tali Shani to claim ownership of the property.

However, the tribunal found all the documents tendered for Ms Tali Shani to be fake.

The tribunal subsequently dismissed all claims, ruling that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.

The court ruled that the real owner, via a false name, was Useni.

Source- TheCable. 

Court Orders Forfeiture Of $150k Linked To Vetifly Global Boss

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Court Orders Forfeiture Of $150k Linked To Vetifly Global Boss

Justice Yellim Bogoro of a Federal High Court, Lagos, has ordered the interim forfeiture of the sum of $150,000.00 USD linked to one Emmanuel Okoh, Director, Vetifly Global Inc.

Justice Bogoro ordered the forfeiture of the money following a motion ex parte filed and argued by Barrister A. M. Dambuwa, a lawyer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Moving the application for the interim forfeiture of the money, Dambuwa stated that the petitioner, sometime in February, 2022, invested the sum of $1,500,000.00 USD in the aviation business of Vetifly Global Inc. Adding that the parties agreed that Return on Investment (ROI) would be 100 percent of the investment sum, which would be paid exactly 365 calendar days from the date of issuance.

He also told the court that Okoh, however, reneged on the terms of agreement and also travelled out of the country, with the investment sum of $1.5m.

According to him, “ All efforts by the petitioner to reach Okoh were unsuccessful, hence he approached the EFCC.

“Investigation conducted on the “Aircraft Service Agreement” between Vetifly Limited and Zejet Limited led to the invitation of the Managing Director of the Xejet Limited, and one Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, who reported and volunteered a statement.

“In his statement to the Commission, Iza said that Okoh needed Air cargo and he approached Xejet Limited for a partnership through a letter written in July, 2021 for the purpose of cargo air service.

“An agreement named “Aircraft Services Agreement” was later executed between Vetifly Limited and Xejet Limited.

“The aircraft service agreement between Emmanuel Okoh and Xejet Limited is to the effect that Vetifly Limited will provide funding for an air cargo service operation while the Xejet Limited is to provide cargo aircraft and handle the regulatory, operation and technical aspect of the service.

“On March 2, 2022, the sum of $1,499,990.00 One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Dollars) was lodged by one REMX Capital Limited belonging to Vetifly Limited.

“The lodgement made to the First Bank account of Vetifly Limited on March 2, 2022 ( the sum of $1,499,990.00 (One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred a Ninety Dollars) is in correlation with the Swift document submitted by the petitioner.”

He, therefore, prayed the court to grant the application seeking an interim forfeiture of the property,  which is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

In her ruling, Justice Bogoro granted the application, while also directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in a national newspaper for any interested party to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Judge thereafter adjourned the matter to February 11, 2026 for a report of compliance. 

LIRS Reiterates Jan. 31st Deadline for Employers To File Annual Tax Returns

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LIRS Reiterates Jan. 31st Deadline for Employers To File Annual Tax Returns

LIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Subir

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reiterated the statutory deadline of 31st January 2026, for all employers of labour in the state to fulfill their statutory obligation by filling their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year.

Dr. Subir, LIRS’s Executive Chairman of LIRS, in statement issued by its Corporate Communication Head, by Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude, reminded employers that the obligation to file annual returns is in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 (NTAA).

Dr. Subair explained that employers are required to file detailed returns on emoluments and compensation paid to their employees, as well as payments made to their service providers, vendors and consultants, and to ensure that all applicable taxes due for the year 2025 are fully remitted. 

He emphasized that filing of annual returns is a mandatory legal obligation, and warned that failure to comply will result in statutory sanctions, including administrative penalties, as prescribed under the new tax law.

On why employers must file the tax return, Dr Subir said “according to Section 14 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 (NTAA), employers are required to file detailed annual returns of all emoluments paid to employees, including taxes deducted and remitted to relevant tax authorities. Such returns must be filed and submitted not later than January 31 each year. 

“Employers must prioritize the timely filing of their annual income tax returns. Compliance should be part of our everyday business practice. Early and accurate filing not only ensures adherence to the law as required by the Nigerian Constitution, but also supports effective revenue tracking, which is important to Lagos State’s fiscal planning and sustainability.”

He further noted that in Lagos State, electronic filing via the LIRS eTax platform remains the only approved and acceptable mode of filing, as manual submissions have been completely phased out. This measure, he said, is aimed at simplifying and standardizing tax administration processes in the State.

He stated that the employers are therefore required to submit their annual tax returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal: https://etax.lirs.net.

Dr. Subair described the LIRS eTax platform as secure, user-friendly, accessible 24/7, and designed to provide employers with a convenient and efficient means of fulfilling their tax obligations. 

He advised that employers should ensure that the TaxID (Tax Identification Number) of all employees is correctly captured in their filings, noting that employees without a TaxID must generate one promptly to avoid disruptions during the filing process.

For further information or assistance, employers may visit any of the LIRS offices or use any of the following support channels: Website: www.lirs.gov.ng; Facebook and LinkedIn: Lagos State Internal Revenue Service; Instagram and YouTube: @lirsgovng; X (formerly Twitter): @lirs_govng; Email: etaxinfo@lirs.net; and Customer Care Hotline: 0700-CALL-LIRS (0700-2255-5477).

DPP Oyedepo Pledges Relentless Prosecution Over Deaths Of Fallen Troops

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DPP Oyedepo Pledges Relentless Prosecution Over Deaths Of Fallen Troops

DPP Oyedepo

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), has paid glowing tribute to fallen members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, describing their deaths as a supreme sacrifice made in defence of the nation and pledging that justice will be pursued relentlessly against those responsible for acts of terror and violent crime.

In a solemn statement issued in honour of the fallen heroes, Oyedepo said the nation’s conscience was weighed down by grief and gratitude as Nigerians remember soldiers who laid down their lives to protect the country. 

He noted that the deceased service personnel were not merely soldiers, but fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands and wives who chose duty over personal safety and service over self-interest.

According to him, the fallen troops stood as a barrier between terror and innocent citizens, confronting danger head-on so that Nigerians could live and sleep in peace. 

He stressed that their ultimate sacrifice was made to ensure the survival and continuity of the nation.

Reaffirming his commitment as the nation’s chief federal prosecutor, Oyedepo assured Nigerians that the deaths of the soldiers would not be in vain. 

He declared that all acts of terrorism, banditry, treason and violent crime linked to the loss of their lives would be vigorously investigated and prosecuted to their logical conclusion.

“I promise to do my very best within the ambit of the law of our land,” he said. Adding that the criminal justice system would not be allowed to rest. 

He durtt emphasised that just as the blood of the fallen heroes cried out for justice and accountability, the law would not remain silent under his watch.

The DPP also addressed the families of the deceased soldiers, acknowledging that no words could adequately fill the void left by their loss. 

He assured them that the nation stood with them and that their loved ones would not be forgotten, noting that their names were permanently etched in Nigeria’s history of courage and in the hopes of its future.

Turning to soldiers still serving on the frontlines, Oyedepo praised their resilience and bravery, saying their commitment continued to give the country hope. 

He remarked that they carried not only weapons, but also the dreams of millions of Nigerians who long for a safer and stronger nation.

He concluded the statement with prayers for eternal rest for the fallen heroes, comfort for their families, and renewed strength for those who continue to confront insecurity in defence of the country.

Dispatch Rider Jailed For Distributing Prohibited Drugs 

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Dispatch Rider Jailed For Distributing Prohibited Drugs 

Dispatch Rider Jailed For Distributing Prohibited Drugs 

A 33 year-old dispatch rider, Yahaya Nuru, has been convicted and sentenced to a total of 7 years imprisonment, by a Federal High Court, Lagos, over unlawful distribution of large quantities tramadol, a prohibited analgesic drugs.

Justice Musa Kakaki who presided over the four counts charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), convicted and sentenced the dispatch rider, after he pleaded guilty to the charges on Monday.

The operatives of NDLEA have brought the convicted dispatch rider before the court in a charge marked FHC/L/1118c/2025.

At the arraignment of the convict on Monday, the prosecutor, Barrister Peter Ekuri, informed the court that the convicted dispatch rider alongside others now at large, committed the alleged offences on November 2025, at 6, Ashogbon Street, Lagos Island.

The prosecutor specifically informed the court that the convicted man, conspired with the dou of one Abdulrazak and Chukwu Emmanuel Emeka, to commit the illegal acts.

He further told the court that the convict was arrested 4.12 Kilograms of Tramadol Hydrochloride, 40 milliliters of Tramadol Hydrochloride Injection, 1 litre of Diazepam Injection and 1.04 litres of Tramadol Hydrochloride Injection, which he intended to dispatch to respective owners.

He told the court that the illegal acts of the convict contravened sections 20 (1)(a) and 11 (c) but punishable under Section 20 (2)(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004. 

The convict had pleaded guilty to the offences when the charges were read to him.

Based on his plea, the prosecutor after reviewing that facts of the case, as well tendered all exhibits in the matter, urged the court to convict and sentence based on his guilty plea, exhibit tendered and in accordance to section 247(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

However, the convict through his lawyer, prayed the court to tamper justice with mercy in sentencing him, based on his guilty plea, and being a first time offender, who did not waste the precious time of the court.

Based on the convict’s allocutor and with the evidence from the prosecutor that the convict was a first time offender, Justice Kakaki sentenced the dispatch rider to four years, five months, one month and three years in counts one, two, three and four.

The judge however ordered the convicted dispatch rider to pay the sum of N300, 000, N30, 000, N50, 000 and N200, 000 as fine option to each of the counts respectively.

The judge also ordered that both the sentences and the fine option shall run concurrently.

CAPPA Condemns Arrests Of AAU Students, Urges Edo Govt To Fight Kidnappers, Not Students

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CAPPA Condemns Arrests Of AAU Students, Urges Edo Govt To Fight Kidnappers, Not Students

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has condemned the imprisonment of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, in Edo State, who were arrested in connection with a protest against rising kidnappings in the area, and has demanded their immediate and unconditional release.

CAPPA in a statement issued and signed today, by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, described the “remand of the students at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre on charges of malicious damage and robbery” as absurd, unjust, and morally bankrupt. While accusing the Edo State government and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force of turning state violence on victims while kidnappers continue to operate freely.

According to eyewitness accounts and media reports, security forces carried out a midnight raid on student hostels in the early hours of Sunday, at about 3 a.m. Armed officers forced their way into rooms, dragged students from their beds, and arrested them in a sweeping operation that threw the campus into fear. Some of those detained were reportedly unconnected to the protest and were taken away in their sleepwear.

The protest which took place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, was a desperate cry against the wave of abductions plaguing Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area. 

Students, alongside community members, had marched to demand basic security after repeated abductions near hostels and along school routes. Just a day after the protest, another kidnapping was caught on CCTV, reinforcing claims that the area had become very unsafe.

CAPPA said the state’s response exposed a warped sense of judgment.

“Instead of hunting kidnappers who operate openly and violently, the government is punishing innocent victims who simply asked for protection,” the statement said.

The organisation said the arrests reflect a deeper failure of governance in Edo State and across Nigeria, where insecurity grows while governments criminalise those who speak out.

CAPPA warned that students now live under siege. “Journeys to school are becoming more and more dangerous. Hostels have become targets. Learning is collapsing under fear and trauma. Yet leaders hide behind privilege while ordinary people pay the price,” the statement noted.

According to Zikora Ibeh, Assistant Executive Director of CAPPA, peaceful protest remains a constitutionally guaranteed right in Nigeria and a basic tool for holding power to account.

“These students are victims twice over. First by kidnappers and organised gangs, then by the state,” Ibeh said. “Young people now risk abduction on their way to school and violence where they live. This situation damages learning and scars mental health. Female students face even higher risks, including sexual violence. The cost is long-term and devastating,” she added.

CAPPA said the crackdown fits a national pattern in which protests against government failure are increasingly criminalised, and security forces are deployed to crush legitimate grievances.

“In a country awash with wealth and huge resources, public security has collapsed into an economy of violence, complete with scouts, criminal gangs, informants, negotiators, and ransom brokers who calculate deadlines on human life, all because governments have lost any real sense of responsibility toward the people,” the organisation said.

“Families are losing their savings, selling their futures, and living with constant pain just to survive. Fear now controls how people move, where they go to school, and how they work. Because the government has failed to protect them, many communities have been forced into self-defence, setting up local patrols and informal security arrangements that often expose them to further danger and retaliation. In some cases, communities have had no choice but to submit to the rule of violent groups who govern through extortion and fear.”

CAPPA expressed solidarity with the detained students and all Nigerians living under insecurity. It called on the Edo State government and security agencies to drop all charges and release the 52 students immediately.

The organisation also demanded an independent investigation into the arrests and accountability for abuses recorded during the raid. It urged the Edo State government to stop criminalising protest and start governing by investing in real security oversight, engaging students and communities honestly, and addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and social neglect.

“Jailing frightened students will not stop kidnappings,” CAPPA said. “Only political will and genuine commitment to public safety will.”

Trials Of Real Estate Developer, Lawyers Stalled Over Lagos AG Failed To Produce New Police Report

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Trials Of Real Estate Developer, Lawyers Stalled Over Lagos AG Failed To Produce New Police Report

The failure of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, to produce the report of a fresh police investigation into allegations of forgery and willful property damage against a real estate developer and two lawyers on Monday stalled their ongoing trial.

The defendants, Alex Ochonogor, Ademola Owolabi, and Adebayo Akeju, were arraigned before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square over their alleged involvement in forging land documents and demolishing a property in the Lekki area of the state.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and they were granted bail by the trial judge.

At the court’s last sitting on October 14, 2025, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, informed the court that the case would not proceed, as the Attorney-General had directed the police to reinvestigate the case.

He, therefore, requested an adjournment so that the process could be completed.

Although this move was strongly opposed by the defence lawyers, Justice Sonaike adjourned the matter to January 12, 2026, to allow the police to communicate with the prosecution and submit a further report.

However, at the resumed hearing on Monday, Martins again informed the judge that the prosecution was still awaiting the police report.

Due to this development and the absence of one of the accused persons, the judge was compelled to adjourn the trial to March 9 for trial and the presentation of the report.

At the previous court session, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Tayo Oyetibo accused the Lagos State Attorney-General of abusing the court process through his actions.

Oyetibo, counsel for the third defendant, Alex Ochonogor, opposed the prosecution’s attempt to reinvestigate a matter already in court, describing it as a violation of due process.

He stated, “We see this as oppression. It is an abuse of the court process. You cannot file a matter, arraign defendants, and then ask the police to reinvestigate it.

“The case shouldn’t have come before the court in the first place if it had not been properly investigated,” the senior lawyer maintained.

While he did not object to the adjournment itself, he insisted that the prosecution’s actions were improper, noting that the police had already concluded multiple investigations into the matter.

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice had, in a letter dated August 22, 2025, and signed by the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, requested that the police conduct further investigations into the allegations

This request followed a second police report signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dahiru, which exonerated Ochonogor and Owolabi of any wrongdoing

In the letter, the DPP directed the police to reopen the case by interrogating additional witnesses and reevaluating key documents.

The letter was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annexe in Ikoyi.

The Ministry specifically requested that the investigation team interrogate key witnesses, including Dr Obidigwe Eze and Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to the late General Sani Abacha, based on new developments in the case.

However, not satisfied with the first police report that led to the indictment, Ochonogor and his lawyer filed a petition with the Commissioner of Police, alleging compromised investigation, abuse of public office, shoddy investigation, and witch-hunting.

The police report, which has already been forwarded to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution for necessary action, found that none of the documents were forged and that the demolition of the structure on the disputed land had been authorised by the relevant government agency and officials.

Some findings from the investigation include: “On July 12, 1994, the Lagos State Government, by a Certificate of Occupancy registered as 36/361994w, allocated a parcel of land known and described as Block 133, Plot 10, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1 to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who was then the Chief Security Officer to General Sani Abacha, the Head of State.”

Some of the investigation’s findings are: “That on 12th July, 1994, Lagos State Government, by a Certificate of Occupancy registered as 36/361994w, allocated a Parcel of Land known and described as Block 133, Plot 10, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1 to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who was then the Chief Security Officer (SO) to Gen. Sanni Abacha, then Head of State.

“That Mr Alex Ochomogor was introduced to the property at Block 133, Plot 10, Lekk Phase 1, Lagos through Agent, Donatus Eze, a Managing Director of Trust Dede and Property Nigeria Limited of Plot 6, Udeco Road, Off Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos on 3rd of March, 2015.

“That Engineer Peter Omotosho of Archbond Builders Ltd confirmed to the police that the demolition notice was properly signed by himself and Mr Bode Agoro of Lagos State, and therefore it is not a forged document.

“The Demolition Notice was also published by Lagos State Government in Punch Newspaper on 11th September 2009 and duly signed by Mr Gbenga B. Ashafa, Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Lagos State Government.

The police confirmed that the (complainant) Dr Obidigwe Eze’s deed of assignment was not signed by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and his lawyer, Abdul Fatai Alao Thomas.

The Registrar of Titles in Lagos State confirmed to the police that the memorandum of loss was registered correctly and, therefore, it was not forged.

“The police confirmed that the memorandum of loss declaration and affidavit of loss were properly signed by Al-Mustapha, and therefore, they were not forged.”

Court Remands Nigerien Over Alleged N351.5m fraud

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Court Remands Nigerien Over Alleged N351.5m fraud

The Nigerien, Isiaka Ibrahim, After his arrraignment

A Niger Republic citizen, Isiaka Ibrahim, was today remanded at the Ikoyi-Lagos center of the Nigerian Correctional Services NCoS, over alleged N351.5 million fraud, by a Federal High Court, Lagos.

The Nigerien who based in Igolo, Benin Republic, was remanded at the Correctional facility, by Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala, after his arrraignment on a three count-charge charge of conspiracy, and obtaining the mentioned sum by the operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department ForceCID Annex Alagbon-Ikoyi Lagos, in a charge marked FHC/L/1112c/2025.

At the arrraignment of the defendant today, the prosecutor, Barrister Morufu Ajani Animashaun, a legal officer in the Legal/Prosecution department of the ForceCID Annex, Alagbon-Ikoyi, informed the court that the defendant and others now at large, committed the alleged illegal acts between February and August 2024, in Lagos.

He told the court that the defendant and others now at large, committed the offences at 30, Adegbola Street, Alakuko, Alagbado and 22B Fola Jinadu Street, Gbagada Estate, Phase 1, both in Lagos State.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendant fraudulently obtained the said sum from two individuals, under the false pretence by inducing them that he is in position of providing them with the Republic of Benin CFA equivalent and on investing it in forex trading.

Barrister Animashaun informed the court that the defendant’s acts, are contrary to Section 8(a) and1(1)(a), and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. 

The defendant denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Upon his not guilty plea, the prosecutor prayed the court to remand the defendant in the NCos’ facility pending trial. While also asked for trial date.

However, lawyer to the defendant, Barrister Ajanaku, informed the court that he had filed his client’s bail application and same has been served on the prosecutor.

When asked by the ground for the application, Ajanaku said there was no any ground stated in the application, than the charges against his client were bailable ones. Adding that his client presumed to be innocent of the charge, untill contrary is proven.

In respond to the bail application, the prosecutor informed the court that the defendant is a ‘flight risk’, as he is a foreigner without any residential address either in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria.

However, Justice Kala after listening to the counsel submissions, adjourned the matter to February 9, for trial and hearing of pending applications.

The Judge thereafter ordered that the Nigerien be remanded at the Ikoyi-Lagos center of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS).

Charges against the Nigerien read: “That you, ISIAKA IBRAHIM (M), and others now at large, between February 2024 and August 2024, at No. 30 Adegbola Street, Alakuko, Alagbado, Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, did conspire ‘ amongst yourselves to defraud one Kofoworola Osho (F), and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. 

“That you, ISIAKA IBRAHIM (M), and others now at large, between February 2024 and August 2024, at No. 30 Adegbola Street, Alakuko, Alagbado, Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, with intent to defraud, induced one Kofoworola Osho (F) to deliver to you the sum of N101, 500, 000.00 (One Hundred and One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) only, on the false pretence that you would provide her with the Republic of Benin CFA equivalent of the said sum, which you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. 

“That you, ISIAKA IBRAHIM (M), on or about the 21st day of August 2024, at No. 22B Fola Jinadu Street, Gbagada Estate, Phase 1, Lagas, within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, with intent to defraud,  induced one Alhaji Adelabu Mutiu (M) to deliver to you the sum of N250, 000, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) only, on the false pretence that you were trading in forex on his behalf, which you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.”

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