A Magistrate Court in Nigeria's capital is currently hearing a significant fraud case involving Ms. Uche David Obinali, who is notably the niece of former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha.
Details of the Alleged Scam
The 49-year-old businesswoman stands accused of defrauding Prince Daniel Kanu, a prominent American-Nigerian philanthropist and politician, of a staggering N127 million. Court documents reveal that Obinali allegedly obtained this massive sum from Kanu under a series of false pretenses.
One of the central allegations involves Obinali reportedly collecting $20,000 and N10 million from the philanthropist. She allegedly claimed this money was necessary to repatriate her late brother's remains from the United States to Nigeria for a proper burial.
However, a police investigation later uncovered a shocking truth. Authorities found that Obinali's brother had actually been buried in Texas, USA, since March 2024. This was over a full year before the alleged financial transaction with Kanu even took place.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The case originated from a formal petition filed by Prince Daniel Kanu at the Garki Police Station on September 23, 2025. In his petition, Kanu accused Obinali of not only fabricating the burial story but also fraudulently acquiring several valuable assets from him.
The list of allegedly acquired assets includes:
- A Mercedes Benz GLS 450
- A Toyota Sienna bus
- Three shipping containers
- Substantial cash amounts
All these assets combined amounted to the total sum of N127 million. Obinali, who resides at No. 18 Lord Lugard Street in the upscale Asokoro area of Abuja, was subsequently arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6.
She faces formal charges of criminal breach of trust and cheating, violations that fall under Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code Law. While the court granted her bail pending trial, she was unable to meet the bail conditions and was consequently remanded at the Keffi correctional centre.
What Comes Next in the Case
Prince Daniel Kanu, the 54-year-old founder of the Daniel Kanu Youth Foundation, has maintained that this is strictly a criminal matter. The dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States has expressed his expectation that justice will be served in accordance with the law.
Magistrate Fatima Bukar has adjourned further proceedings on the criminal charges. The case is scheduled to resume on November 11, 2025, marking the next chapter in this high-profile legal battle that has captured public attention.
