Justice Ahmed Kala of the Federal High Court in Lagos had remanded an alleged fake medical doctor, Blessed Iroabuchi, in the custody of the Ikoyi Custodial Centre over allegations of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence, and defrauding investors of N941 million.
Justice Kala ordered that Iroabuchi be kept behind bars after pleading not guilty to a 14-count charge of fraud, forgery and impersonation brought against him by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Lagos State Police Command.
The police prosecutor, Samuel Oloruntoba, had earlier informed the judge that the defendant allegedly posed as a medical doctor and falsely claimed to hold exclusive franchise rights to import pharmaceutical wellness products into Nigeria to attract investors.
Oloruntoba also claimed that, between 2024 and 2025, the defendant convinced several individuals to invest substantial sums in the purported pharmaceutical importation business.
The prosecutor further alleged that one of the complainants, Ifechukwu Onwuegbusi, allegedly invested N378.05 million in June 2024.
He stated that other alleged victims include Ndukwem Martin, who reportedly invested N154.7 million; Ndimkaoha Solomon Nnamezie, N204 million; Okeke Chima Susan, N95 million; and Ohaeri Victoria, N51.5 million.
The prosecution further alleged that in December 2025, the defendant obtained N58 million from Nwokedi Cosmas after claiming he needed funds to resolve issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and recover properties allegedly seized by the agency.
Oloruntoba also told the court that police investigations also revealed that Iroabuchi allegedly falsely presented himself as a medical doctor who had worked with AB-DI-GATE Hospital and later served as Chief Executive Officer of Lydiacare Hospital, both located within the Army Post-Service Housing Estate in Ojo, Lagos.
The defendant, alongside others said to be at large, was also accused of forging an EFCC clearance letter dated April 7, 2026, which he allegedly used to persuade one of the complainants to release additional funds.
The prosecutor maintained that the alleged offences contravene various provisions of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, relating to obtaining by false pretence, impersonation, forgery, and fraud.
Based on the plea of the defendant, Justice Kala adjourned the matter until July 1 for the commencement of trial and the hearing of any pending applications.
The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
