Naija News Bite, Lagos (2025)

27/01/2025

Taiwo Adeleke, a suspected female cybercriminal, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police command for allegedly obtaining money under false pretense on TikTok. Adeleke is accused of using her social media platform to convince victims to invest in her fictitious social responsibility initiatives, defrauding them of millions of naira in the process.

According to the command's spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, one of Adeleke's recent victims, Olushola Bankole, reported that he met Adeleke online, where she claimed to be a successful businesswoman involved in the palm oil trade. Bankole transferred ₦1,200,000 into Adeleke's account after being convinced of the significant profits from investing in her business.

A thorough investigation by the Ibafo Divisional Police Officer revealed that Adeleke is linked to a series of similar fraudulent schemes, with at least five additional victims coming forward. Preliminary findings show that a total of ₦4,000,000 has been deposited into Adeleke's account as proceeds of crime.

The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to uncover all parties involved in the scheme. Once the investigation is complete, the matter will be taken to court for prosecution. The police are urging anyone with further information on Adeleke or similar fraudulent activities to come forward and assist in the investigation.

27/01/2025

Afe Babalola, a renowned legal expert, has agreed to withdraw the cases he filed against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi. This decision comes after a visit from Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who led a delegation of top Yoruba traditional rulers to Babalola's residence at Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) on Sunday night, January 26.

The Ooni's visit was a plea to Babalola to withdraw the suit against Farotimi, which was filed in an Ado Ekiti Magistrates' Court. The suit was in response to Farotimi's publication of a book that allegedly defamed Babalola. The Ooni stated that Yoruba leaders and the traditional institution had been closely following the development and decided to intervene to allow Babalola to "pardon his son, Farotimi".

Babalola had received several letters and calls from prominent Nigerians asking him to withdraw the suit. However, he initially resisted, citing the personal attack on his integrity. In his words, "If you go through the pamphlet (Farotimi's book), you will find that he attacked many judges by names, he attacked Supreme Court judges, and none is bothered, but I am bothered".

Despite his initial resistance, Babalola agreed to withdraw the case after the Ooni's visit. He stated that he had nothing to gain from Farotimi's imprisonment or damages, and that his happiness came from giving and contributing to society. Babalola expressed his gratitude to the Ooni and other traditional rulers, saying, "Thank you Kabiyesis. I will speak to my lawyers to withdraw it".

19/01/2025

Donald Trump's incoming administration is planning to launch a series of deportation raids targeting undocumented immigrants immediately after his inauguration. Chicago is expected to be the first major city targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as part of Operation Safeguard, a massive deportation operation that will run for one week. The operation aims to target criminals and gang members living in the United States illegally.

According to reports, up to 200 ICE agents will be deployed to Chicago to kick off the operation, which is expected to spread to other major US cities with large immigrant populations. Tom Homan, who will oversee US borders under Trump, has warned of a "big raid across the country" and has instructed ICE agents to carry out raids on undocumented immigrants at their workplaces.

Trump has promised to conduct the largest deportation program in US history, and his administration is already preparing for the crackdown. The agency has asked agents to volunteer for the post-inauguration raids, which are expected to begin shortly after Trump takes office on January 20.

It's worth noting that Trump's deportation plans have raised concerns among immigrant communities and advocacy groups, who fear that the operations will lead to the separation of families and the deportation of individuals who have lived and worked in the US for years. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has warned that Trump's plans are unconstitutional and will lead to widespread human rights abuses.

19/01/2025

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant arrests and seizures in its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. A notable arrest was that of Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, a 26-year-old nursing student, who attempted to ingest 76 wraps of co***ne at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. The co***ne, weighing 1.340 kilograms, was concealed in an audio speaker and had been sent from Lagos.

Esther, a student at the Noida International University in India, claimed she was recruited by a drug cartel in India and paid to travel to Nigeria to transport the co***ne. She was promised over $5,000 upon successful delivery of the illicit consignment in India.

In addition to Esther's arrest, the NDLEA also intercepted illicit consignments heading to Borno, Kano, and Abuja. Four suspects were arrested along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja highway with over 38,000 pills of tramadol concealed in audio speakers and clothes.

In Lagos, operatives of the NDLEA raided the hideout of a 59-year-old suspect, Nwokedi Emeka Jonas, in the Ojodu-Berger area, recovering 10 parcels of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 4.9kg. Other suspects were also arrested in Lagos with various quantities of illicit drugs, including skunk, tramadol, and methamphetamine.

In Kano, two suspects were arrested with 7.6kg of skunk, 78 tubes of rubber solution, and 356 bottles of 'suck and die', a new psychoactive substance. Another suspect was arrested with 114 blocks of skunk weighing 49.8kg.

The NDLEA also made arrests in other states, including Kwara, Taraba, and Abuja. The agency recovered various quantities of illicit drugs, including tramadol, diazepam, and methamphetamine.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men of the agency for their efforts and urged them to intensify their balanced approach to drug supply reduction

Photo source: NDLEA

19/01/2025

Nigerian singer Asake gifts himself a Tesla Cybertruck worth $100,000 to celebrate his 30th birthday.

19/01/2025

A horrific incident occurred on January 19 at the Celestial Church of Christ's Eagle parish in Ogun State, Nigeria. Pastor Yomi Adetula, a 54-year-old prophet, was brutally murdered during a church service. The perpetrators, believed to be assassins, shot Pastor Adetula and then severely macheted his head, confirming his death.

According to eyewitnesses, the church members were in the midst of a service when three armed men stormed the premises, brandishing a long double-barreled gun. They targeted Pastor Adetula, firing a shot that caused widespread panic and chaos. The assailants then escaped the scene, leaving behind a trail of blood and destruction.

The police in Idiroko division received a report of the incident at 10:30 am and swiftly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found Pastor Adetula's lifeless body lying face up in a pool of blood, his white celestial garment stained with blood. The police observed that the victim's body had been riddled with bullets, and his head had been severely damaged with an axe.

The church members provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the murder, describing how the three men entered the church, fired the fatal shot, and escaped. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to apprehend the perpetrators.

Pastor Adetula's body has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Ilaro, and the police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

10/12/2024

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, paid a visit to Afe Babalola, a renowned legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, at his office in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital on Monday, December 8. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the ongoing court case involving Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer and activist, who is facing allegations of defamation.

Farotimi was arraigned before a Magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti last week over a petition filed by Afe Babalola, alleging defamation in his book titled, 'Nigeria and Its Criminal Judicial System'. The book apparently contained some statements that Afe Babalola felt were defamatory, leading to the petition and subsequent court case.

In a recent development, a High Court in the state granted Farotimi bail in the sum of N50 million on Monday. However, the defamation case against him continues, with the next hearing scheduled for December 9 at a magistrate court in the state.

10/12/2024

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has collaborated with the Toronto Police Service in Canada to recover and return $225,000 to a victim of a cryptocurrency investment scam. The victim, a Canadian resident, lost over $355,000 in 2021 after being targeted by a Nigerian national named Omonkhoa Precious Afure, who used the Facebook username "Moshe Theodor McNigh" to gain the victim's trust.

Afure encouraged the victim to invest in cryptocurrency through a platform called Legacyfxtraders.online, which led to the significant financial loss. Following a joint investigation by Nigerian and Canadian law enforcement agencies launched in 2021, the EFCC seized assets linked to Afure's fraud.

A Lagos court ruled that the recovered funds belonged to the victim, and in December 2024, the Toronto Police Service returned $225,000 to the victim. This successful recovery and return of funds demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime and financial fraud.

10/12/2024

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning about a global banking malware called Grandoreiro, which poses a significant threat to individuals and financial institutions through sophisticated phishing campaigns. This malware is described as a severe cybersecurity risk, using advanced methods such as screen overlay attacks and remote device control to steal sensitive data, including banking credentials and personal information.

Grandoreiro primarily spreads through phishing emails and fraudulent websites that deceive victims into downloading malicious software disguised as legitimate updates or documents. Once installed, the malware bypasses security protocols, granting unauthorized access to users' devices. This could lead to severe financial losses and identity theft for unsuspecting victims.

To counter this threat, NITDA has urged Nigerians to adopt robust security measures. This includes avoiding suspicious links and emails, downloading software only from credible sources, enabling multifactor authentication for financial accounts, and maintaining updated antivirus software. Additionally, NITDA advised against using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions and recommended regular monitoring of bank accounts to detect unauthorized activities.

The agency's Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) also emphasized the importance of being vigilant and proactive in preventing cyber attacks ¹. Individuals can report suspicious activities to CERRT through their email address, phone number, or website.

It's worth noting that Grandoreiro is not just a Nigerian problem, it's a global issue. The malware has been reported to be targeting African financial institutions, and individuals need to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions .

To stay safe, individuals should be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown emails, and should only install software from reputable websites.

10/12/2024

Jay-Z made his first public appearance with his wife, Beyoncé, and their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, since the recent allegations of s3xual ass@ult surfaced. The family attended the premiere of "Mufasa: The Lion King" on Monday, December 9, where they were also joined by Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles.

The outing marked a rare public appearance by the family, particularly in light of the recent allegations against Jay-Z. The rapper, along with Sean "Diddy" Combs, was accused of s3xually abusing a teenage girl at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000. The allegations were made by a woman identified only as Jane Doe, who filed a lawsuit against the two celebrities.

However, Jay-Z has vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as a "blackmail attempt" in a statement shared on X. Despite the controversy, the rapper seemed unfazed as he walked the red carpet with his family, putting on a united front amidst the allegations.

The appearance was a rare glimpse into the private lives of the Carter family, who are known for keeping a low profile. Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been married since 2008 and have three children together, including Blue Ivy, who has grown up in the public eye.

10/12/2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), effective immediately. This appointment follows the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

Mr. Ogunjimi brings over 30 years of extensive experience in financial management across the public and private sectors. As a career civil servant and the most senior director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), he has held significant positions, including Director of Funds at the OAGF and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

With a strong academic background, Mr. Ogunjimi is a chartered accountant, certified fraud examiner, chartered stockbroker, and chartered security and investment specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accountancy and a Master's in Finance and Accounting.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Mr. Ogunjimi's ability to ensure a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria's treasury. He noted that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is pivotal to the nation's treasury management operations, and Mr. Ogunjimi's wealth of experience and notable competence will ensure the continued effectiveness of this vital institution as the country advances its economic reform agenda.

The appointment of Mr. Ogunjimi also marks the beginning of the end of an era for the outgoing Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Madein, who is retiring effective March 7, 2025, after reaching the civil service's statutory retirement age. President Tinubu commended Dr. Madein for her dedication and selfless service to the nation.

05/12/2024

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has made a startling allegation that certain individuals are benefiting from the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast region and Chad, and are actively working to prolong the conflict. In an interview with BBC Hausa, the governor expressed his frustration, stating that "there are people who don't want this insecurity to end because they will not be happy with that."

Governor Zulum noted that while progress has been made in combating the insurgency, Boko Haram members are now returning to the region after being forced out of Chad. This development has raised concerns about the ongoing security challenges in the region. The governor appealed to the public to unite and support security operatives in addressing the Boko Haram menace.

It is worth noting that Governor Zulum's allegations are not unfounded, as there have been reports of individuals and groups profiting from the conflict. For instance, a report by Human Rights Watch highlighted how the shutdown of displacement camps in Borno State has led to increased poverty and vulnerability among displaced persons. The report also noted that the Borno State government's decision to shut down the camps was motivated by a desire to return the land to its original use, despite the fact that many displaced persons were not yet ready to return to their homes.

The governor's call for unity and support in addressing the Boko Haram insurgency is a step in the right direction. However, it is essential that the government also addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures that those who are profiting from the insurgency are held accountable.

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