By Akin Kuponiyi
The Inspector General of Police, IGP, has filed a second amended charge against Lagos businessman, Chief Joseph Umezugha, and his two companies, Saint Joes International Agency Limited and De Jessicas Global Hotel and Suites Limited.
The eight-count charge, which borders on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and providing false information to the police, was filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The case, which has been ongoing since 2023, has been adjourned to 25th September 2025 for continuation of trial.
The amended charge, filed on behalf of the IGP by a team of legal officers-Kyije Roland Abang and Ibukunoluwa Olu Jacobs, from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Kafaru Tinubu House, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja, alleged that Chief Umezugha, as Managing Director of the two companies, alongside others still at large, committed the offences between June and November 2021.
According to the charge, the defendants, with intent to defraud, obtained ₦185 million from one Ifeanyi Collinus Ogbuji, the Managing Director/CEO of Colbex Systems Limited.
The money, paid into Fidelity Bank account number 5020049506 belonging to Saint Joes International Agency Limited, was allegedly solicited on the understanding that it would be used to complete a building for De Jessicas Global Hotel and Suites Limited, with Ogbuji becoming a partner in the hotel project.
The police, however, claimed that the representation was false.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants diverted the funds for their personal use and also engaged in forgery.
Specifically, they were accused of forging a document titled “Ordinary Resolution of De Jessicas Global Hotel and Suites Limited RC 1690930”, dated 21st June 2021.
Additionally, Chief Umezugha and his companies were alleged to have published damaging and false information about Chief Ogbuji by supplying misleading written information to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, which was subsequently referred to the Special Weapons and Tactical Unit (SWAT), Area 3, Abuja, for investigation.
The offences, according to the charge, contravene Sections 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, as well as Section 124(1)(b)(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2025.
Source; PM News
