Connect with us

Crime

EFCC arraigns Abuja couple over N740m fraud

Published

on

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned an Abuja-based couple, Osabohein Ologbose and his wife, Hope Oghelemu, before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court Abuja over an alleged N740m fraud.

The couple, alongside two companies—Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-Concept Media Limited—faced seven counts of obtaining by false pretence, conversion of funds, and money laundering, contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the EFCC, the charges allege that between January 2023 and April 2024, Ologbose took possession of N340m paid into his Kuda Microfinance Bank account from an Access Bank account belonging to his wife, “when he reasonably ought to have known that the sum formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.”

Another count alleged that he used N24.1m from the same source to establish a music and photo studio at Crowther Plaza, Gudu District, Abuja, “when he knew or ought reasonably to have known that the said sum formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.”

The EFCC further claimed that the couple induced unsuspecting investors to part with money for the purported procurement and export of bitter kola and red kolanut to Hong Kong, China, and Indonesia, promising attractive returns. Investigations revealed that investors neither received their returns nor had their initial investments refunded.

At the arraignment, defence counsel Marshal Abubakar requested that the first defendant continue enjoying the administrative bail previously granted and sought bail for the third defendant, citing that she was nursing a one-year-old baby.

See also  EFCC arrests seven suspected internet fraudsters in A’Ibom

Justice Akpan allowed Ologbose to remain on administrative bail but denied bail to Oghelemu, remanding her at the Suleja Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until April 27, 2026, for a definite hearing.

The EFCC described the arraignment as part of its ongoing effort to hold accountable individuals and entities involved in large-scale financial fraud in Nigeria.

This case follows other high-profile fraud investigations, including the recent arrest of a Lagos-based couple allegedly involved in faking a kidnapping to extort N10m from relatives and friends.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime

Arrest made after two die on Lagos film set

Published

on

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the deaths of two Nollywood production crew members found lifeless inside a parked vehicle at a movie location in Lekki, Lagos.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, told PUNCH Metro on Monday that the suspect was a member of the production team who allegedly delivered food to the deceased before they were discovered unresponsive.

“One suspect has been arrested. The suspect was the one who delivered food to the victims in the vehicle. Investigation is still ongoing,” she said.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported that the victims — lighting director Ekemini “GeeTee” Imeh and his associate, Ayodeji Walter Odediran — were found dead on Saturday, February 7, within the premises of Evercare Hospital Lekki, which was being used as a filming location.

According to a police source, the two crew members arrived early at the set to install lighting equipment ahead of shooting. After completing the setup, they reportedly entered a tinted Nissan vehicle parked within the premises to rest while awaiting further production activities for a film said to be directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma.

“At about 11am, a production staff member delivered breakfast to them inside the vehicle. The air-conditioning was on, and both men appeared relaxed at the time. Subsequent calls to their phones went unanswered. After filming wrapped up around 8pm, they were found lifeless in the vehicle,” the source said.

The source added that both men were reportedly foaming at the mouth, with one showing blood stains around the nose and lips.

See also  PHOTOS: Seven suspected human traffickers arrested as Army foils sale of a day-old baby for N3m in Calabar

Another police source disclosed that the matter was initially reported at the Maroko Police Station, while CCTV footage from the premises is being reviewed as part of ongoing investigations.

“The bodies have been deposited in a morgue for autopsy and toxicology examinations,” the source added.

Adebisi confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe, noting that investigators are working to determine the exact cause of death.

Until his death, Imeh was the Chief Executive Officer of a lighting company and was known for his work on major productions, including King of Boys, as well as music videos for artistes such as Davido.

The incident comes days after gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele, popularly known as Segun Praise, and three of his crew members were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Crime

Two arrested over Benue deadly attack

Published

on

One person has been confirmed dead and another injured following an alleged attack by suspected cattle rustlers in Benue State.

PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement issued on Monday by the acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, that troops of the Joint Task Force arrested two suspects in connection with the incidents.

According to the statement, troops responded to two separate security breaches in Guma Local Government Area on February 15, 2026.

Zubairu explained that troops were alerted to an attack on two herders at Amua Village, located within the axis stretching from Daudu to Umenger/Ukpiam.

“On arrival, it was confirmed that the attack resulted in the death of one herder, while the second victim sustained gunshot wounds. The injured herder was immediately evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention,” he said.

He added that the remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial in line with local customs.

On the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by local youths, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba.

“The troops, acting on credible information, moved swiftly and arrested Mr Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders,” Zubairu stated.

“He also named two accomplices, identified as Mr Akpehe and Ashinge, who are currently at large.”

The spokesman further disclosed that follow-up investigations led troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where a woman, Mrs Mercy Onban — wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat — was apprehended alongside the recovered meat exhibits.

See also  Police nab 10 suspected human traffickers, rescue 36 victims in Niger State

He said the suspects are currently in custody pending further investigation.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to curbing killings and cattle rustling within its Joint Operations Area.

He condemned the violence and criminal activities, warning that perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

Gara also urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, emphasising that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace.

He reassured law-abiding residents of the task force’s resolve to safeguard lives and property across the region.

The arrests and rescue efforts highlight ongoing military operations aimed at addressing violence affecting both farmers and herders in parts of the state.

The incidents come amid a series of attacks earlier this year. In January 2026, PUNCH Metro reported deadly attacks in the Udeku community, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, where two security operatives were killed and several residents displaced.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Crime

Court remands suspected killers of S’Africa-based Nigerian student

Published

on

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has remanded three suspects in custody over the murder of a Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat.

According to local media outlet eNCA, the suspects — Dikeledi Mphela (25), Gotseone Machidi (26), and McClaren Mushwana (30) — appeared in court on Monday and will remain in custody until February 23 as investigations continue. The trio faces charges of murder and carjacking.

Satlat, a 22-year-old mobile engineering student, was reportedly killed on February 11 after picking up passengers who had requested his e-hailing service. Dashboard camera footage circulating on social media allegedly shows the passengers strangling him to death.

eNCA reported that Mphela voluntarily handed herself over to police on Friday, while Machidi and Mushwana were arrested over the weekend. All three declined to file a bail application.

A fourth suspect reportedly surrendered to police in Atteridgeville on Monday and is expected to be arraigned before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, also facing charges of carjacking and murder.

Meanwhile, a group of protesters comprising members of e-hailing associations and civil society organisations gathered outside the court, demanding justice for Satlat. The demonstrators described him as a kind and respected member of the community.

Reacting to the developments, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission commended the South African public for their solidarity. The commission said it was closely monitoring proceedings to ensure transparency and justice for Satlat’s family and the Nigerian community.

“Solidarity shown by South Africans outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, as suspects Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana were arraigned for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat, is commendable,” the statement read. “NIDCOM continues to monitor developments as we ask for transparent proceedings and stand with the family and Nigerian community.”

See also  Kwara massacre: UN condemns killings as Türkiye pledges support

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Trending