"Nigeria, South Africa May Exit FATF Grey List Next Month" — Bloomberg.

Nigeria and South Africa could be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “gray list” as early as next month, signaling a major turnaround for two of Africa’s largest economies, according to a Bloomberg report. The Paris-based FATF recently conducted on-site assessments in both countries, as well as in Burkina Faso and Mozambique, and found they had made significant progress in strengthening measures against illicit financial flows.

Nigeria and South Africa were placed on the FATF gray list in February 2023 for deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Their potential removal, experts say, could boost investor confidence and affirm ongoing economic reforms.

“It would confirm that the reforms and measures put in place after the gray listing are both significant and sustainable,” said Lauren van Biljon, senior portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments UK Ltd.

A spokesman for Nigeria’s government, Temitope Ajayi, described the anticipated delisting as “the culmination of the remarkable work the government is doing to fulfill global obligations and attract investors.” South Africa’s National Treasury said it would respond publicly once FATF announces its final verdict but noted that the country had already completed 22 required action items.

The FATF gray list identifies countries under increased monitoring due to weaknesses in their anti–money laundering systems. Under the leadership of Mexican official Elisa de Anda Madrazo, the FATF has recently restructured its approach, focusing more on wealthier economies that pose higher systemic risks, while also addressing emerging threats like online fraud and sextortion.

Canadian Court Upholds Deportation of Nigerian Pastor Over Fake Documents and bribery.

A Canadian federal court has refused to review the asylum denial of Nigerian pastor Lucky Bidemi Olorunfemi, ruling that the documents he submitted were fraudulent and tainted by bribery infractions that cleared the way for his deportation.

In a judgment delivered on October 16 in Toronto, Justice McHaffie upheld an earlier decision by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), which found that Olorunfemi’s supporting evidence lacked credibility and appeared doctored.

The self-proclaimed pastor from Akure, Ondo State, had applied for refugee status in 2023, claiming his pro-LGBTQ stance and tolerance for gay members made him a target of “Muslim Jihadis” who allegedly burned down his church and hunted him in 2022.

To back his story, Olorunfemi tendered four documents a newspaper report, a police invitation letter, his wife’s medical report, and a wanted poster purportedly issued by the “Odoua Peoples Congress.” But the RPD described the materials as “riddled with spelling and grammatical errors,” and resembling “brown envelope journalism.”

Justice McHaffie noted that the supposed OPC poster contained several blunders including misspellings of “Oodua” as Odoua and “Yoruba” as youruba and even identified Olorunfemi under a different name.

The court also flagged contradictions in the Nigerian’s testimony, including his claim of poor English proficiency despite speaking fluently during the hearing.

“The only fact established in his case was that he is Nigerian,” the judge said, dismissing his appeal for review.

EFCC Arrests Akwa Ibom School Owner over ₦3 million Alleged Visa and Scholarship Scam.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arrested Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, owner of Michael Udonquak Schools, Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly running multiple visa and foreign scholarship scams.

According to the EFCC, Okpong’s arrest followed a petition by Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, who accused her of defrauded her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and processing Canadian visas for her and her husband.

Bassey said the suspect approached her in February 2024 with an offer to help secure a foreign scholarship. She stated that she only made payment after Okpong signed a notarized indemnity agreement, after which she transferred ₦3 million to the suspect’s First Bank account.

However, after receiving the money, Okpong allegedly became unreachable and began rejecting calls, failing to fulfill her promises despite the signed agreement.

Bassey further alleged that Okpong had defrauded several other victims. “I met one of her victims in China who got stranded when she discovered there was no scholarship. Some of her victims travelled abroad with fake documents and were either stranded or deported, losing huge sums of money,” she said.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

EFCC to Arraign Woman for N446M Property Fraud in Benin.

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million. Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wi...

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The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million.

Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wife by claiming to sell them a property in Effurun, Warri.

The sisters allegedly presented themselves as the rightful owners of the property, claiming it was inherited from their late father.

The complainant, however, could not take possession of the property after payment due to an existing court judgment restraining the sisters from selling it.

Attempts to recover the funds failed, as Iyoha reportedly relocated to Ghana shortly after the transaction.

The EFCC, which had been tracking her movements, arrested Iyoha during a visit to Nigeria at a popular Lagos motor park.

She has reportedly made useful statements and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

"Yahoo Boys Have Killed Romance in Nigeria"— Rapper Erigga.

Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, better known as Erigga, has sparked conversation online after claiming that internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo Boys, have “killed romance” in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with Yanga FM, the Warri-born artiste said the flashy lifestyle of Yahoo Boys has distorted relationships by creating unrealistic expectations among women. 

According to him, their habit of spending lavishly has made it difficult for genuine love to thrive.

“Yahoo boys don kill romance. Romance no longer exists. When last did you see two lovers holding hands together on the street? It’s been a long time. The problem now is that we are raising weak men who believe their entire value lies in their pockets,” he said.

Erigga lamented that relationships, once simple and heartfelt, have now become transactional. He recalled that romance used to be “affordable,” noting that couples once found joy in the little things.

“Back then, it used to be meat pie — very affordable — and women were appreciative. But men also share in the blame; weak men set the standards that women later raised,” he added.

The rapper’s comments have reignited debate about materialism, masculinity, and the state of modern relationships in Nigeria.

Nigerians rejoice as UK Supreme Court Upholds Nigeria’s Right to Recover £44.2 Million Legal Costs in P&ID Case.

The United Kingdom Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by Process & Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID), affirming that Nigeria can recover its legal costs in pounds sterling (GBP) rather than naira (NGN) after successfully overturning a multi-billion-dollar arbitral award.

Delivering judgment on 22 October 2025, a panel led by Lord Reed, President of the Supreme Court, unanimously upheld previous rulings by the Commercial Court and Court of Appeal, which held that costs should be paid in the same currency in which they were incurred.

The case stemmed from Nigeria’s successful challenge to two arbitral awards worth over US$11 billion (including interest), which the Commercial Court ruled in 2023 had been “procured by fraud.” Nigeria had spent about £44.2 million in legal fees—billed and paid in sterling through 116 invoices between November 2019 and November 2024.

P&ID argued that the costs should be paid in naira, claiming that paying in pounds would give Nigeria a “windfall” due to the naira’s depreciation since 2023. But the Supreme Court rejected the argument, ruling that “as Nigeria had incurred liability and made payments in sterling, the court ought to make a costs order in sterling.”

In a joint judgment by Lord Hodge and Lady Simler, the Court clarified that costs are a statutory indemnity for litigation expenses, not compensation for loss, and warned that P&ID’s position would lead to “disproportionate and expensive satellite litigation.”

The Court reaffirmed that legal costs are to be awarded in the currency in which they were billed and paid unless there are exceptional circumstances. It dismissed P&ID’s appeal and ordered the company to pay Nigeria’s costs on a standard basis.

The decision marks another major victory for Nigeria in its long-running legal battle with P&ID, following the country’s 2023 success in overturning the fraudulent US$11 billion arbitration award.

Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao, who was convicted for money-laundering.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a presidential pardon to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, who previously pleaded guilty to money-laundering-related charges while leading the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

The White House, in a statement issued Thursday by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, said Trump’s decision was an exercise of his constitutional authority and described Zhao’s prosecution under the Biden administration as part of a “war on cryptocurrency.”

“In their desire to punish the crypto industry, the Biden Administration pursued Mr. Zhao despite no allegations of fraud or identifiable victims,” Leavitt stated.

The pardon comes just two months after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump family’s own crypto venture which has generated about $4.5 billion since the 2024 election was supported through a partnership with a trading platform linked to Binance.

Zhao had pleaded guilty in November 2023 to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and stepped down as Binance CEO as part of a $4.3 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. He was sentenced in April 2024 to four months in prison, though prosecutors had sought a three-year term.

Leavitt noted that the judge in Zhao’s case had described the government’s sentencing request as “unheard of in 30 years,” adding that the Biden administration’s actions “damaged America’s reputation as a leader in technology and innovation.”

“The Biden Administration’s war on crypto is over,” she declared.

Reveals Why Nigerian Government Doesn’t Want Nnamdi Kanu Out Alive.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has alleged that the Nigerian government does not want Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to come out of detention alive.

In a post shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Sowore claimed that Kanu remains detained because “they know the lies sustaining their power will collapse once Mazi Nnamdi Kanu walks out as a free man.”

According to him, the authorities “do not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu freed alive, and they are united in that mission. Ever since they realised their web of deceit was beginning to unravel, they have gone into overdrive.”

The activist added that the government is afraid of Kanu’s release because it would expose “their fraud, greed, backstabbing, and betrayal of justice,” insisting that “the people’s eyes have opened, and fake political careers built on deceit, destruction, and the oppression of the masses will not survive the truth.”

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, following his rearrest over allegations of terrorism and treason linked to his involvement in the separatist movement.

Earlier this week, Sowore led a major protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling for Kanu’s immediate release.

Several protesters, including Kanu’s lawyer and brother, were reportedly arrested and remanded in Kuje Prison.

Court To Deliver Judgment In FIRS Official’s Alleged N2bn Fraud Case 8th December.

The trial of Emmanuella Eteta Ita, Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS and her Surestart School Limited before Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, with the judge slating December 8, 2025, for judgment.

Ita and Surestart School Ltd are standing trial on 25-count charges, bordering on criminal misappropriation, diversion, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering to the tune of N2bn.

The counsel to Ita, Paul Erokoro, SAN, called the attention of the court to his final address, dated December 10, 2014 and urged the court to dismiss the prosecution`s application and resolve the matter in favour of the defendant based on alleged claim of failure of the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He stated again that “On the receipt of the prosecution`s final address, the first defendant filed a reply dated 13th June 2025 and I hereby adopt the reply on point of law as the first defendant’s answer to the issues raised by the first defendant’s final written address. Once again, we urge your lordship to discharge and acquit the first defendant and we want to add that the prosecution refunds the N19.5m paid to the EFCC so that she can pay the money back to the lenders,” he said

In response, prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN informed the court of his final written address of January 10, 2025, filed the same date, served and adopted on June 16, 2025 and urged the court to convict the defendant as the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He further drew the attention of the court to his written reply, stating, “If my lord finds the reply on the point of law to the prosecution’s final written address as an opportunity to re-argue issues canvassed in the main written address, consequently we urge your lordship to strike out their request”

Justice Ogunbanjo adjourned the matter till December 8,2025, for delivery of judgment.

Fake Admission: Student threatens university with N500m lawsuit.

A 200-level Law student of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Akinlolu Richard Omisade, has threatened to sue the institution for ₦500 million over an alleged irregular admission not recognized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

In a protest letter submitted to the office of the Vice-Chancellor and signed by his lawyer, Barrister Abdulfatai Abdulsalam, Omisade described his admission as “fake,” claiming the university failed to forward his details to JAMB for proper registration.

The petition stated that Omisade was offered admission to study Law through a letter dated August 16, 2024, but later discovered through the JAMB portal that his name was not listed among the institution’s admitted students.

“Our client’s name was not found on the JAMB portal for Law admission in your school, implying that his details were never forwarded to JAMB for processing,” the letter read.

It further alleged that such actions could amount to an attempt to “fraudulently exploit unsuspecting citizens by issuing unverifiable admission letters.”

The lawyer gave the university three working days to regularize the student’s admission with JAMB or face legal action to recover ₦500 million in damages, while also notifying regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), JAMB, and the Council of Legal Education (CLE).

When contacted, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olaniyi Adekanye, said the university was already engaging with the student’s parents to find an amicable resolution.

“The school chairman is in contact with the student’s parents to resolve the issue in his best interest, and discussions are ongoing,” he said.

Soludo Speaks Out: Anambra Govt Denies Plans to Arrest Catholic Bishops or Clerics After Re-Election

The Anambra State Government has refuted viral claims alleging that Governor Chukwuma Soludo intends to arrest and jail Catholic Bishops, religious leaders, or native doctors after securing a second term in office.

According to a report by Punch Newspaper, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the rumors as false, malicious, and politically motivated, urging the public to ignore such propaganda.

“Governor Soludo respects the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including religious leaders. These fake stories are being spread by desperate political opponents whose campaigns are collapsing,” Mefor said.


He clarified that the government’s current actions are only targeted at exposing fake spiritualists and fraudulent native doctors, not genuine clerics or religious figures.

Dr. Mefor reaffirmed that Governor Soludo remains committed to peace, religious tolerance, and integrity, emphasizing that his administration is working with the Federal Government to tackle certificate forgery and other electoral malpractices ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

The commissioner urged Anambra residents, particularly members of the Catholic community, to disregard false social media posts meant to incite fear and division in the state.

Mass Deportation: Nigeria deports over 50 foreigners for internet fraud, others.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes back to their home countries, marking the completion of a large-scale repatriation exercise that involved a total of 192 convicts.

According to official sources, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) coordinated the deportations in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in line with court directives and immigration protocols.

The deported convicts include citizens of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were expelled in coordinated phases between August and mid-October 2025, following their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

The crackdown originated from a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which led to the arrest of 759 suspects.

The first batch of 42 convicts primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025, while the final group of 51, including 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, was repatriated on October 16, 2025.

Investigations revealed that the convicts were part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi network operating under Genting International Co. Limited, where they allegedly trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both locally and abroad.

The deportation, authorities said, brings the multi-agency cybercrime crackdown to a decisive close and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational digital fraud and financial crimes.

EFCC Raises Alarm as Yahoo Boys Turn to Human Rituals for Wealth.

EFCC has raised alarm over the growing trend of internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys” or “G-boys”, engaging in ritual activities, including human sacrifices and other supernatural practices, to enhance their fraudulent operations.

The anti-graft agency issued the warning in a post on X, stating, “G-boys are now going spiritual, involving themselves in rituals and making it the new usual. EFCC will come for any individual. Then, it won’t be business as usual.”

The post sparked mixed reactions on social media. A user, @Hajimuba504, wrote, “At this point EFCC needs a deliverance department to make Pastor join task force. Una go soon add ‘Chief Priest’ to recruitment list no worry.”

Another user, @Odenigbo511, criticised the agency’s priorities, saying, “EFCC, Our GDP was 800 Billion in 2014. Some people have looted it to 150 Billion in 2025 and it’s not yahoo boys, but you haven’t prosecuted anyone.”

Similarly, @Raypowerjustice commented, “Shameless criminal entity that can’t account for all the cars, phones, laptops, money and houses they seized. Where is Yahaya Bello? Politicians are your best friends, young boys are your enemies. You have resigned yet fake pastor Chairman.”

FG deports 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrimes.

”All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices, believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate.

”The syndicate was said to be operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

”The operation, based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes.”

According to him, evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally.

The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court,

Suspending Candidate’s Profile, Says It’s Obeying Court Order.

JAMB CANDIDATES
JAMB Denies Suspending Candidate’s Profile, Says It’s Obeying Court Order

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has dismissed reports claiming it suspended the profile of a candidate, Monsuru Aduragbemi, describing the allegations as deliberate misinformation by those it called conflict entrepreneurs.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the board said the report falsely accused JAMB of disobeying a court order that directed parties to maintain the status quo in a case involving the candidate and two universities, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos.

JAMB explained that contrary to the claims in circulation, the candidate “on her own volition” was no longer affiliated with either of the two universities as of September 25, 2025, when the suit was filed, or September 30, when the court order was granted.

According to the board, the alleged suspension message was simply a programmed system alert that automatically appears when a candidate’s profile is locked to prevent any modification.

“The suspension message being mischievously misrepresented is a usual programmed default message that pops up on any profile on which any alteration by the Board officials, institutions or candidate had been restricted,” the statement read.

Benjamin added that the restriction applied equally to OAU and UNILAG, as neither institution is allowed to complete its admission list while the court order remains in force.

“It was when the fraudulent effort to tamper with the status quo became unsuccessful that those sponsoring her apparently became frustrated and resorted to media blackmail in a bid to pressurise the Board into violating the court order,” he said.

Kano govt sues Ganduje, sons, others over alleged N4.49bn fraud.

The Kano State Government has filed a lawsuit against former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, two of his sons, and several others before the State High Court over an alleged N4.49 billion fraud.

The suit seeks to recover the state’s 20 per cent equity stake in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited and to reclaim public funds totalling N4,492,387,013.76, which were allegedly misappropriated.

Filed on October 13, 2025, the case lists as defendants Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; his sons, Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro, his former Special Adviser; Hassan Bello, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council; Adamu Aliyu Sanda, a legal practitioner; and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.

The defendants face a ten-count charge, including criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently transfer 80 per cent of the dry port’s shares, including the state’s 20 per cent equity, to private interests under a shell company known as City Green Enterprise.

Prosecutors allege that the transaction was deliberately structured to conceal the true ownership of the port project, which was initially conceived to boost Kano’s economic infrastructure.

“The defendants deliberately hijacked a federal initiative and used proxies and fake entities to conceal the diversion of public assets meant for the people of Kano State,” the prosecution stated.

The prosecution further claims that over N4.49 billion in public funds was siphoned under the guise of infrastructure development at the dry port, including the construction of a dual carriageway, electricity, and fencing.

Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Dies at 80 During a morning walk in India.

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has died in India at the age of 80, Indian police confirmed on Wednesday.

According to Krishnan M., Additional Superintendent of Police in Kerala State, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk with his sister, daughter, & personal doctor. He was accompanied by both Indian & Kenyan security officers when the incident occurred. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

A spokesperson for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, where Odinga had been receiving treatment, also confirmed the death. “Around 7:45 a.m., Mr. Raila was on his morning walk when he suddenly experienced breathing difficulties & collapsed,” the spokesman told AFP. “CPR was immediately administered, & after brief signs of recovery, he was rushed to a modern hospital. Unfortunately, despite several resuscitation efforts, he could not be saved.”

A member of Odinga’s political team, who requested anonymity pending an official announcement, also confirmed the tragic news.

Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. A member of the Luo ethnic group, he spent years in jail and exile under the autocratic rule of President Daniel arap Moi, championing democracy and political reform.

He entered parliament in 1992 and ran unsuccessfully for president five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 each time claiming he was denied victory through electoral fraud.

Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, closing the chapter on a lifelong struggle for democracy, reform, and justice.

EFCC Told to Prosecute Aregbesola Over Alleged N600 Billion Fraud.

A prominent human rights organisation, the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the immediate criminal prosecution of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, over alleged diversion of over ₦600 billion in Local Government funds during his eight-year tenure.

Aregbesola, who governed Osun State between 2010 and 2018, was accused of mismanaging funds accrued to the state from the federation account — particularly allocations meant for the local councils — through what the group described as “phantom projects” executed under his administration.

According to CHRSJ, which leads a coalition of civil society organisations under the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEOS) — once chaired by the late Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman (aka Revolutionary Alfa) — several petitions had been filed against Aregbesola since 2015.

The petitions, dated September 4, 2015, June 17, 2016, and November 19, 2018, reportedly detailed extensive evidence of financial misappropriation. Additional petitions sent to the Presidency and National Assembly on March 21 and April 4, 2016, were also acknowledged by relevant authorities and international organisations at the time.

CHRSJ’s Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Abiola Ganiyu (Dove), disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the group intends to resubmit its demands to the EFCC for Aregbesola’s prosecution, expressing disappointment that the agency had “turned a deaf ear” to earlier complaints despite credible evidence.

The rights group alleged that Aregbesola, along with his then Commissioners for Finance and Local Government Affairs, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro and Mr. Kolapo Alimi, diverted Local Government allocations by illegally suspending elected local council administrations between 2011 and 2014.

Ex-Jigawa Lawmaker Jailed Over ₦5 Million Fraud.

A former lawmaker in Jigawa State, Hon. Shu’ibu Kashim Dila, has been convicted and sentenced for offences bordering on conspiracy, breach of trust, and cheating after a six-month trial at the Chief Magistrate Court II in Dutse.

Dila, who hails from Malam Madori Local Government Area, was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Ibrahim Aliyu after the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (JSPCACC) brought charges against him.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, Yusuf Suleiman, the case was triggered by a petition filed on February 17, 2025, by Aisha Yusuf of Hadejia Local Government.

She accused Dila, working in concert with his wife, of deceitfully obtaining ₦5 million from her with a written agreement that the money would be repaid within a month.

When the deadline passed, the defendant allegedly sent his wife away to an unknown location to avoid honouring the agreement.

Following an investigation, the Commission said Dila confessed to the act, and evidence showed clear intent to defraud.

He was arraigned on a three-count charge.

During the trial, the prosecution team, led by Barrister Zubairu Haladu, called three witnesses and presented two exhibits. The defence, on the other hand, produced two witnesses but offered no exhibits.

Benin varsities, Nigerian polys in NYSC fraud;Many pensioners earn N5,000 monthly, NUP laments.

Some blacklisted universities in the Benin Republic have devised means of sneaking their graduates into the National Youth Service Corps in collaboration with certain private polytechnics in Nigeria, findings by Saturday PUNCH have shown.

Our correspondent gathered that the universities now obtain Higher National Diploma and National Diploma certificates for their graduates and students due for graduation through the private polytechnics.

After issuing the HND certificates, the polytechnics would then mobilise the affected students for the mandatory NYSC.

Saturday PUNCH also learnt that the students were asked to pay about N400,000 to obtain the HND certificates from the polytechnics, mostly located in South-West and South-East states.

Many pensioners earn N5,000 monthly, NUP laments

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners has decried the worsening plight of its members, lamenting that many pensioners, especially those at the state level, still earn as little as N5,000 monthly despite the rising cost of living.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Actor Zal, said most state governments had failed to prioritise the welfare of their retirees, disclosing that only 13 states were currently paying pensions and gratuities regularly.