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EFCC Arraigns Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss Over Alleged $1.5m Fraud

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, Managing Director of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, before Justice Mojisola Dada at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and forgery involving $1.5 million.

EFCC Arraigns Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss Over Alleged $1.5m Fraud

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement issued Wednesday, naming both Immanuel and his company as defendants.

The EFCC alleged that between April 2022 and October 2023, the defendants induced Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited to invest $1.5 million in purported petroleum ventures, including “Cash and or Capital Cost in Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited” and shares in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited.

Count one states: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL and INTERMEDIATE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED… with intent to defraud, induced Adebisi Adebutu… to deposit the total sum of $1,500,000… on the understanding that R28 Holdings Limited will be reimbursed the investment amount, paid a development capital fee of $2,250,000, and allotted 22.4% shares… which representation you knew to be false.”

Count two accuses Immanuel of forging a “TERM SHEET” purportedly executed by Sherrif Oluwo and Olaniran Osotuyi to facilitate the fraud between April 2022 and April 2025.

Immanuel pleaded not guilty.

Prosecution counsel Babatunde Sonoiki sought a trial date and remand in INTERPOL custody pending investigations. The court heard allegations that defence counsel Oluseun Awonuga, SAN, assaulted colleague Emenike Mgbemele on March 2 while serving processes.

Awonuga raised a preliminary objection citing a Federal High Court order barring EFCC arrest, but the prosecution argued it applied only to a prior civil case. Justice Dada adjourned to May 7, 2026, for ruling, ordering Immanuel remanded in INTERPOL custody before transfer to a correctional centre for bail hearing.

This case underscores EFCC’s intensified fraud crackdown. In January 2026, businessman Wilson Opuwei and Dateline Energy Services Ltd. faced charges over a $550,000 scam involving fake Dual Purpose Kerosene allocation.

In March 2026, Obiajulu Emeka Emmanuel received a one-year sentence, N1 million fine, and property forfeiture for an $850,000 fraud at Lagos High Court.


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Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to Open Portal for 1,000 University Tech Scholarships on Monday

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The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF), in collaboration with TD Africa, Konga Group, Zinox Technologies, and Task Systems, is set to officially launch its highly anticipated scholarship programme aimed at empowering 1,000 exceptional Nigerian indigent whiz-kids in the field of technology.

Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to Open Portal for 1,000 University Tech Scholarships on Monday

Leo Stan Ekeh

The dedicated application portal, initially scheduled to go live on April 22, will now launch on  Monday,  April 27, 2026, following final technical enhancements to ensure a seamless, secure, and transparent application experience for prospective candidates nationwide.

This landmark initiative, first announced by Leo Stan Ekeh, Africa’s foremost tech icon and chairman of Zinox Group, forms part of his unwavering commitment to national development and youth empowerment.

The programme was unveiled on February 22, 2026, when Ekeh marked his 70th birthday. Rather than host an elaborate celebration befitting a man of his stature, he chose to channel resources into a cause that would create long-term impact for an economy, offering university scholarships to indigent but brilliant Nigerian youths to study Computer Science in federal institutions.

Building on a legacy of over 6709 beneficiaries trained over four decades by him and his companies, Mr. Ekeh at the time said the goal is to nurture a new generation of highly skilled technology professionals capable of supporting both the private and public sectors, while positioning Nigeria for greater competitiveness in the global digital economy.

This vision reflects his decades-long commitment to building sustainable  positive disruptive capacity within Nigeria’s technology ecosystem that shall alter the nation’s GDP.

The scholarship programme is designed to transcend mere financial support, offering beneficiaries access to a comprehensive ecosystem powered by the initiative’s distinguished partners. Beneficiaries will receive technical support, mentorship by very successful members of Nigeria Compute Society, and industry exposure to ensure that recipients are equipped with practical, market-relevant skills.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that scholarship beneficiaries gain not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience and professional networks that will propel their careers in technology.

By leveraging the combined expertise and infrastructure of these industry leaders, the initiative is poised to deliver a transformative learning experience that prepares young Nigerians to compete effectively on the global stage. Beneficiaries will emerge as future-ready innovators capable of driving digital transformation across sectors and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The initiative builds on the longstanding legacy of Leo Stan Ekeh, whose contributions to Nigeria’s technology landscape and by extension Africa have spanned decades and fundamentally reshaped the nation’s digital infrastructure. From pioneering indigenous computer manufacturing through Zinox Technologies to driving digital transformation across public and private sectors, Ekeh has consistently demonstrated a commitment to building sustainable technological capacity within Nigeria.

His investments in digital infrastructure, talent development, and indigenous innovation have positioned Nigeria as a formidable player in the global technology landscape.

This scholarship programme represents the latest chapter in that transformative journey, directly addressing the critical need for skilled technology professionals in an increasingly digital global economy.

As anticipation builds ahead of the April 27 launch, interested applicants are advised to visit the Konga.com website and click the Foundation banner on 1000 Tech Scholarships Awards where the application link and detailed participation guidelines will be published on the launch date. The organisers have assured that the selection process will be merit-driven, inclusive, and transparent, with a focus on identifying truly outstanding young talents from across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

 


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US Library Blames Hackers for Viral Posts Urging Violence in Nigeria

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Westerville Public Library, a public library that serves the community of Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus in United States is in the news after its social account urged violence against Nigerian politicians.

US Library Blames Hackers for Viral Posts Urging Violence in Nigeria

Library staff said the inflammatory messages were not written by any employees and moved quickly to purge the feed and regain control of the account, rattling regulars who are used to the library’s usually low-traffic presence in Uptown Westerville.

The Columbus Dispatch reported that the library’s X account first posted a message calling for the death of Nigerian politicians, starting with the country’s president.

According to the paper, most of those posts were wiped from the feed within about half an hour.

The Dispatch also noted that the account had been sitting dormant since 2024 before the violent statements suddenly went live, and its full report includes the timeline and language that circulated on the platform.

After the posts appeared, the library issued a short note on X that read, “Please disregard any recent posts you may have seen from the Westerville Library on this platform today. Thank you for your understanding.” As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, communications director Tamara Murray told the paper the account was hacked shortly before the messages were published and that staff were working to recover passwords.

The library did not immediately say whether law enforcement had been notified.

 

 


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IshowSpeed’s African Tour was ‘Spy Job,’ for Elon Musk-   Seun Kuti

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Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known Seun Kuti, Nigerian musician, has claimed that IShowSpeed, American streamer’s African tour was was funded by Elon Musk, billionaire tech mogul.

IshowSpeed’s African Tour was ‘Spy Job,’ for Elon Musk-   Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti

According to the singer and the youngest son of Fela Kuti, Afrobeat pioneer, the tour aimed at testing the reach of Musk’s satellite across the African continent.

Seun Kuti also explained that the streamer’s tour was not just to see the beauty of Africa, but was a spy job for Elon Musk.

”They all have the agenda. All that was a spy job for Elon Musk. I hail him and we have our own people pursuing him with us“, he added.

IShowSpeed completed a landmark 28-day tour of Africa, visiting 20 countries between December 29, 2025, and January 27, 2026, aimed at experiencing local cultures and engaging with fans.

The trip, which featured live-streamed visits to nations including Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, saw him surpass 50 million subscribers. He described the experience as life-changing.


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