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 Alleged Cyber Terrorism, Internet Fraud: EFCC Witness Reveals How He Was Instructed to Disguise As  Female to gain Clients’ Trust A First Prosecution Witness,  PW1, in the trial of one Xiao Hong Will, a Chinese, over an alleged cyber terrorism and internet fraud , on Friday, February 7, 2025, told Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos how he was instructed by his employers to present himself as a female to gain clients’ trust.  The witness, Rowland Turaki, a cyber security student, said he was one of the employees of the Chinese standing trial for alleged cyber terrorism and internet fraud. Hong Will  is a member of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC. He was subsequently arraigned alongside Genting International Company Limited on January 31, 2025 on a three-co...

 Pastor Adeboye Calls for Release of Arrested TikToker SeaKing The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has publicly called for the immediate release of popular TikToker, Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as 'SeaKing'. SeaKing was re-arrested on Thursday, February 6, for allegedly cyberbullying Pastor Adeboye. While preaching at a church program on Friday, February 7, Pastor Adeboye clarified that he had no involvement in SeaKing's arrest. He explained that some individuals, who were offended by SeaKing's defamatory remarks against him, took matters into their own hands. Pastor Adeboye referenced a recent incident where he had asked RCCG members to fast for 100 days, which apparently prompted SeaKing's criticism. The cleric stated, "Release him. He is fulfilling prophecy." Media personality and activist Omoyele Sowore had earlier revealed that SeaKing's arrest was based on a petition filed by Paul James Ada...

 CDS confirms killing of two terror kingpins in Zamfara The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, has confirmed the killing of two notorious terrorist kingpins, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu, in Zamfara State. He made the disclosure at the closing ceremony of CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. Gen. Musa said the successful operation has left wanted terrorists leader Bello Turji in disarray, desperately seeking escape routes as pressure mounts. According to him, troops under the ongoing Operation “Show No Mercy” eliminated the two notorious bandit leaders, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu, along with four of their foot soldiers in Ruwan Dawa village in Maru local government area of Zamfara State. He said intelligence sources had revealed that the operation was carried out by troops stationed at Hannu Tara camp, located along the Magami–Dan Sadau highway, in collaboration with local vigilantes.  He noted that t...

 International Criminal Court condemns U.S. sanctions move The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday condemned an executive order signed by United States President Donald Trump imposing punitive sanctions, countering that the order sought to “harm its independent and impartial judicial work.” The court was established by the Rome Statute, negotiated within the UN – but it is a fully independent court set up to try the gravest crimes, including crimes against humanity. Thursday’s executive order said the U.S. government would “impose tangible and significant consequences” on ICC officials who work on investigations that threaten national security of the U.S. and allies – including Israel. The directive follows the decision by ICC judges to issue arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, which accuses them of alleged war crimes in relation to the conduct of the war with Hamas on Gaza. The ICC also issued...

 Ex-militants petition EFCC over alleged misappropriation in amnesty programme Some former Niger Delta militants have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged misappropriation of funds at the Presidential Amnesty Programme. In a petition sent to the EFCC on Friday, the ex-militants, under the banner of the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum, demanded a probe into the activities of the programme led by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Niger Delta Affairs, Dennis Otuaro. The forum asked the EFCC to investigate the award of contracts to moribund companies and the misappropriation of over 50 billion naira of public funds meant for the development of the Nigeria Delta region. In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, the forum convener, Odey Otunu, claimed that the award of contracts to moribund companies was in clear violation of procurement regulations. He said, “We all acknowledge the interest of the President Tin...

 My brother has never demanded a kobo for funding my election – Gov Adeleke In this exclusive interview, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, known for his signature dance moves and lively personality, speaks with Ismaeel Uthman on his administration’s infrastructural projects, regional security, and his relationship with music star Davido Your administration is over two years old. Would you say Osun is better off since you came to power? Without blowing my trumpet and with all modesty, Osun is indeed better off. The state is progressing, and we have recorded numerous achievements within just two years. We prioritise workers’ welfare, ensuring their salaries are paid regularly and clearing the backlog of half salaries we inherited. When we assumed office, pensioners were in a dire condition; many were dying because the government had neglected them. My administration began paying their entitlements as and when due. In addition, I introduced the Imole Free Medical Care programme ...

 "Gaza not for you", China blasts Trump China has said US President Donald Trump is overreaching himself for nursing the plans for his country to take over Gaza. The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun, at a news conference emphasized the fact Gaza is not a part of the United States of America. He said Gaza is for the Palestinians and cannot  be used as a bargaining chip. The Chinese spokesman reminded Trump that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and not a political bargaining chip. “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. It is an inalienable part of the territory of Palestine, not a bargaining chip for political games,” he said. Speaking further, he said, “The international community, major countries in particular, should join hands to make Gaza better, rather than worse, by providing humanitarian assistance and helping with its reconstruction”. He said China was committed to supporting Palestinians to govern Palestine. He said China “stands ready to work ...

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE FOLLOW UP ON TOMIWA'S TREATMENT, WELFARE. As IGP’s Delegation Pays Visit to Family Home The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has mandated urgent intervention regarding the tragic shooting incident that occurred on July 24, 2024, at a police checkpoint in Itele, Ota, Ogun State. This incident involved police officers who, during a routine vehicle stop, discharged their firearms when a Lexus vehicle flagged down had attempted to flee, resulting in a stray bullet striking 27-year-old Tomiwa Oni Odofa, an occupant of the vehicle. Upon learning of this unfortunate event, the Ogun State Police Command acted swiftly to ensure that Tomiwa received the necessary medical attention and constant check-up until her discharge. The officers involved in the incident were identified and underwent thorough disciplinary processes to address their actions. In a demonstration of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP has directed the O...

 Medical Doctor Bags Seven Years Imprisonment for N127m Fraud in Calabar A Federal High Court, sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, presided over by Justice Rosemary Oghogho-rie has convicted and sentenced Dr. Geraldine Orok Ita to prison for fraud. Ita was prosecuted by the Uyo Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on a twelve-count charge, bordering on forgery and diversion of fund to the tune of N127, 686, 594, 87k  (One Hundred and Twenty-seven  Million, Six Hundred  and Eighty-six Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-four Naira, Eighty-seven Kobo). One of the charges reads: “That you, Dr Geraldine Orok Ita 'F' on or about the 6th day of November, 2014, in Calabar, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did make a forged document to wit: FORM CAC 10 (ANNUAL RETURN FOR A SMALL COMPANY) IN RESPECT OF SHARPNET CONCEPT LIMITED DATED 06/1 1/2014, purported to have been signed by Mrs. Rose Orok Ita (a Director in Sharpnet Concept L...

 Ogun Govt to Portable: You are an unrepentant rascal The Ogun State Government  has  described  singer, Habeeb Okikiola, as a “serial dissident and unrepentant rascal who has been in the habit of assaulting government officials without provocation”. The administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun was reacting to the attack  on government officials at Portable’s bar d around Iyana Ilogbo, in the Sango Ota area of the state. A statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, on Friday,  said government officials who were carrying out their lawful duty was attacked by the singer and his cohorts. He said the action would be addressed in line with the law. He said, “We are profoundly taken aback by the unpleasant and uncivil act of the Hip-hop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable on Wednesday, in Iyana- Ilogbo area of the state where his bar is located. “The way in which Portable and som...

 Obesere at 60: “I haven’t even started yet” – Fuji legend declares Renowned Fuji maestro, Abass Akande, widely known as Obesere, has reaffirmed his unwavering drive for success as he marks his 60th birthday, declaring that his journey is far from over. With a career spanning decades, Obesere has remained a defining figure in Fuji music, blending innovation with cultural authenticity. Reflecting on his milestone, in an interview with Punch, the music veteran described his achievements as a testament to divine providence, asserting that he harbours no regrets about his past decisions. Beyond his musical exploits, Obesere has built an impressive legacy, boasting substantial investments in real estate and securing foreign citizenship. He also takes pride in having provided his children with international education, describing these as some of his most fulfilling accomplishments. Looking to the future, the Fuji star is set to document his extraordinary journey in a biography and docume...

 Tems makes History! 11 million records sold, 7 certified hits in US Nigerian music sensation Tems has reached another historic milestone, earning seven RIAA-certified songs in the United States with a combined 11 million units sold. This achievement further solidifies her global dominance and influence in the music industry. Her hit single “Me & U” has been certified Gold, while “Found” featuring Brent Faiyaz and “MOVE” with Beyoncé and Grace Jones have also attained Gold status. “Higher” has been certified Platinum, while the fan-favourite “Free Mind” has gone 2× Platinum. Her collaboration with Future and Drake on “WAIT FOR U” has soared to 3× Platinum, while “Essence”, her global smash hit with Wizkid, leads the pack with 4× Platinum certification. With this feat, Tems continues to redefine Afrobeats on the global stage, proving her artistry and influence remain unmatched. The Leading Vibe keeps soaring! Tems, born on June 11, 1995, in  Lagos, Nigeria, started her musi...

 It’s not my duty to reconcile my dad and Gov Sani – Bello El-Rufa‘i Hon.Muhammad Bello El-Rufa’i, the eldest son of former Kaduna Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and member representing Kaduna North in the House of Representatives, has said reconciling his father and the incumbent Governor Uba Sani is not his responsibility. He said though, his father is his number one role model and Senator Uba Sani his boss, reconciling them was not his responsibility as his primary assignment was to give the people of Kaduna North quality representation.  He however alleged that some people could be delighted, seeing his father and the Governor enmeshed in a conflict, just like the legendary Bollywood actors,Amitabh Bachchan and Darmendra fighting.  Bello spoke in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by The Nation in Kaduna on Saturday.  Hon.Bello was Senator Uba Sani’s aide in the National Assembly before he became a member representing Kaduna North. As the disagreeme...

 CDS: Bello Turji’s deputies killed… troops closing in on bandit kingpin Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), says troops have killed top commanders in the camp of Bello Turji, a “notorious bandit kingpin” in Zamfara state. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the CDS joint task force commander conference in Abuja on Friday, Musa identified the bandit commanders killed during operations as Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu. He said the terrorists were killed on Thursday night, adding that military actions in Zamfara have thrown Turji into a desperate scramble for escape. “In a follow-up operation, troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest,” the CDS said. “In a symbolic strike against banditry, the security forces also returned to the once-cleared area of Bello Turji. The remaining portions of his camp, previously targeted in past offensives, were obliterated in a final suit to erase his ...

 Nigeria, Denmark, UK… 79 countries condemn Trump’s ICC sanctions State parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC) have condemned President Donald Trump’s sanctions against the institution. Trump accused the world’s first permanent international war crimes court of taking “illegitimate and baseless actions” against the US and its ally, Israel. In response, he imposed financial and visa restrictions on individuals and their families who assisted the ICC in investigating American citizens. The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ICC said it found reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant acted as civilian superiors and intentionally directed attacks against a civilian population. A Hamas commander was also subject to an arrest warrant. In Thursday’s order, Trump accused the Hague-based ICC of creating a “shameful moral equivalency” between ...

 Police neutralise 11 suspected bandits, rescue 85 victims in Katsina The Police Command in Katsina State has succeeded in neutralising 11 suspected bandits and rescued 85 kidnapped victims in January 2025. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this to newsmen while reviewing the achievements of the command. He said that the police also recovered 213 suspected rustled animals during the period under review. According to him, the command apprehended 45 suspects in connection with 52 reported major crimes. He said that those apprehended included four suspected kidnappers, six culpable homicide suspects, seven suspected armed robbers and three suspected informants to bandits. Aliyu added that the other 32 suspects were apprehended in connection with other offenses. The crimes they allegedly committed, according to him, included armed robbery, culpable homicide, kidnapping, and rape, among others. The PPRO revealed that the items recov...

 Gunmen kidnap imam, 10 worshippers in Sokoto mosque attack At least 10 persons and an imam have been kidnapped by gunmen in an attack on a mosque in Bushe community, Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto state. The suspected bandits invaded the mosque on Thursday morning as worshippers performed the Subhi prayer. Residents told Channels Television that the community has been under siege by bandits despite the presence of security operatives. However, they said troops swiftly repelled the attackers and prevented further damage. Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto police command, confirmed the incident. He however said he could not ascertain the number of abductees due to telecommunication challenges in the area. “Yes, the incident happened, but I can’t confirm the number of victims,” he told TheCable. “I don’t have any update on the incident as I haven’t been able to reach the officer in charge for an update. There is a network problem in the area.”

 Ooni welcomes Olori Ashley, son to palace after 5 months Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has welcomed his wife Olori Ashley Ogunwusi and their son, Prince Ademakinwa, to the palace in Ife, Osun State. The king threw a grand homecoming ceremony for them on Friday. Traditional rulers, dignitaries and well-wishers gathered at the palace to welcome the queen and prince. Prince Ademakinwa was born on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Princess Royal Hospital in London, United Kingdom. The Ooni announced his child’s birth on Instagram, saying: “…Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and Olori Folashade, who today birthed a Prince from the mother side of Ooni Adagba Royal Compound of Lafogido Ruling House and father side of Ooni Agbedegbede Royal Compound of Giesi Ruling house combined to the Royal throne of Oduduwa.” Olori Ashley revealed she had a miscarriage of twins at 14 weeks in 2023. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “Even though the enemies tried in our relationship f...

 VANDALISM: EPE LG, EREDO LCDA IKOSI-EJINRIN LCDA TAKE COMMON STAND  In a decisive move aimed at protecting the lives and properties of the people of Epe and its surroundings, the leadership of three Local Governments, Epe LG, Eredo LCDA and Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, recently convened a crucial high-level security meeting. The meeting, held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat, is in response to the escalating issue of vandalism and attacks on vital power infrastructure across the three LG and LCDAs. It has in attendance Hon. Princess Surah Animashaun, Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government; Hon. Akinloye Monsuru, Executive Chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Hon. Anomo Wale Raji, Executive Chairman Ikosi Ejinrin LCDA. The Chairmen emphasised the urgent need for unified action to protect essential power infrastructure and guarantee a reliable electricity supply to the communities.  The meeting was also designed to devise effective strategies to th...

 A Utah man lost his life trying to prove he could "dodge a bullet" after smoking weed with a friend. The friend is being charged with manslaughter.  Police in Unfield, Utah responded to the report of a man shot in the chest on Saturday, Feb 5th. When police arrived on scene they discovered an unresponsive man on the floor and 23-year-old, Ashton Mann. The unidentified victim was rushed to the hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. As detectives interviewed Mann the story began to emerge. Mann told detectives "he and his friend had smoked marijuana around 8 p.m. and began talking about guns." (This is only being brought up because it is from the man who has been placed under arrest.)  They moved the conversation to the garage where they began messing around with 2 different handguns. It was at this point that the victim told Mann that he could dodge a bullet. The 2 decided to see if he could jump out of the way before Mann could pull the trigger.  Mann s...

  A Mississippi man has been arrested after a young woman was found fatally beaten in a motel room.  Police were called to the CYO Townhouse in North Jackson, Mississippi at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan 4th. Once on scene, officials discovered the deceased and horribly beaten body of 21-year-old, Jessenia Cruz.  According to Jackson PD Chief Joseph Wade, Cruz had lost her life, "in the most brutal way.' He shared, "She received some very, very large traumatic injuries and trauma to her body." He continued, "She lost her life last night at the hands of someone who literally beat her to death." Police would eventually identify a suspect and the search would begin. Finally, an arrest was made at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday when authorities took 24-year-old Joshua Boothe into custody.   Joshua Boothe was charged with murder and had his bond set at 2 million dollars. Our thoughts are with Jessenia and everyone that loved her. This is a tragic way to lose someone...

 UPDATE ON THE REPATRIATION OF THE DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Following delays that were encountered for the movement of the remains of the deceased from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the UN Logistics Base in Entebbe Uganda, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) can confirm that the movement is now underway.  The movement is conducted by the United Nations: It is expected that by today afternoon East African Time (EAT), they will arrive in Entebbe and the bodies will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania. More photos below. 

 Press Release  7-02-2025 *Abia CP Takes Disciplinary Action: Dismisses Three Officers for Discreditable Conduct* 1. The Commissioner of Police Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has dismissed three officers for discreditable conduct, to wit conspiracy, abduction and extortion of their unsuspecting victims. 2. As a result, the public is hereby notified that:  ▪️Force No. 501356 Sergeant Jonas Nnamdi, attached to Area Command, Aba.  ▪️Force No. 511844 Corporal James Daniel, attached to the Department of Operations, Umuahia, and  ▪️Force No. 511853 Corporal Ifeanyi Emeka, attached to Eziama Division, has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) effective today, 07/02/2025, and has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for  prosecution with the other civilian accomplices. This action follows the administrative disciplinary measures taken by the command. 3. It will be recalled that On 29/01/2025, the aforementioned of...

 Tolanibaj celebrates six years of relocating to Nigeria Reality TV star Tolanibaj has marked six years since her relocation to Nigeria, describing it as one of the best decisions of her life. Taking to Twitter, the former Big Brother Naija housemate expressed gratitude to God for the timing of her move, admitting that while relocating didn’t initially make complete sense, she followed her instincts and took the risk. “Honestly, one of the best choices I ever made in life was relocating to Nigeria. I’m grateful to God for the timing of my move. The thought of moving didn’t make complete sense to me at the time, but it just felt right & I took the risk. It’s been six interesting years, and I couldn’t be happier,” she tweeted. Her statement sparked reactions from fans, with many agreeing that Nigeria is enjoyable for those with financial stability. Sandra Iheuwa commented, “Same here. One of the best decisions of my life. If I say more, they will think I don’t want them to come t...