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.

“We Won’t Pay Ransom or Negotiate with Bandits” — Niger Governor Bago Declares, Orders Statewide Mining Ban.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has vowed that his administration will neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that such actions only empower criminals and fuel insecurity across the state.

Bago made the declaration during a condolence visit to residents of Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas, where several communities were recently attacked by bandits in the Kontagora axis.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the governor said Niger State had reached a critical point that demands collective resistance from its people. He warned that ransom payments would only commercialise kidn+pping and make the cr+me more lucrative.

“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying, they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” Bago said. “This is a war situation, and we must all rise to defend ourselves. The constitution empowers us to protect lives and property, and we will not back down.”

In addition, Governor Bago declared a total ban on mining activities across Niger State’s Zone C, which includes Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara LGAs. He linked illegal mining to the rising wave of insecurity, alleging that many miners operate freely in forest zones that are unsafe for residents.

“It is suspicious that miners can enter the forests freely, yet the bandits don’t touch them,” he stated, directing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest anyone caught engaging in mining activities.

Lagos govt probes LASAA staff for allegedly diverting public funds.

The Lagos State Government has commenced a formal investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving a staff member of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, accused of diverting official payments into a personal bank account.

The probe followed a public outcry on X, where a user alleged that payments meant for LASAA were being made into an individual’s Opay account.

The whistleblower, identified as @Bhadmoz (TrueBlue), claimed that customers were being charged N45,000, but issued receipts reflecting only N7,100.

The user tagged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, calling for immediate action.

In a swift response, Commissioner Wahab confirmed that the individual linked to the allegations is an employee of LASAA.

He directed that the staff member report to the agency’s headquarters for immediate disciplinary action.

“My attention has been drawn to a post alleging improper transaction practices involving a staff member of an agency under our ministry. I have instructed that the officer appear at the agency’s head office tomorrow to face disciplinary proceedings,” Wahab said.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to accountability, integrity, and transparency in public service, warning that unethical behaviour would not be tolerated.

UK Charity Commission Freezes Assets of MFM Ministries.

The United Kingdom’s Charity Commission has frozen the assets of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International (MFM), a church founded by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, following findings of financial mismanagement and governance lapses within its UK operations.

In a detailed report released on Monday, POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the commission said the decision followed an official inquiry that uncovered “serious concerns” about how the church’s funds were being managed. The investigation revealed that MFM trustees failed to maintain proper oversight of over 100 bank accounts run independently by local branches across the country.

According to the Commission, the charity’s rapid expansion from a few branches to over 90 nationwide was not matched by the necessary governance systems to ensure financial accountability.

“Branches operated autonomously, opening and managing bank accounts without central authorisation or adequate monitoring,” the report said. “This created substantial risks to charitable funds and led to inaccurate and delayed financial reporting.”

The inquiry also found that some branches had engaged in major financial transactions, including the purchase and leasing of properties, without the knowledge or approval of the main trustees. These irregularities, the Commission said, resulted in “financial losses that could not be fully accounted for.”

As part of its enforcement action, the Commission ordered the immediate freezing of all MFM’s UK assets to prevent further mismanagement. “The Commission has acted decisively to protect the charity’s remaining assets while remedial steps are being implemented,” the statement added.

This is not the first time the Charity Commission has intervened in MFM’s affairs. In 2019, the regulator appointed an interim manager to oversee the church’s financial administration after repeated failures to file annual reports and maintain proper accounting records.

Convicted NNPC Senior Official Forfeits $2.5 Million Los Angeles Mansion to U.S. Government.

Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, a senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has forfeited a $2.5 million mansion in Los Angeles, California, to the U.S. government after being convicted of money laundering.

A preliminary forfeiture order issued on October 3, 2025, by Judge John Walter of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, directed that Okoronkwo’s luxury property at 25340 Twin Oaks Place, Valencia be seized and transferred to the government.

According to court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette, the property—identified as Tract No. 45433, Lot 12 (Assessor’s Parcel No. 2826-143-004)—was linked to proceeds from illegal financial transactions in violation of U.S. money-laundering laws.

The ruling followed Okoronkwo’s conviction on three counts of money laundering, as detailed in a superseding indictment by U.S. prosecutors. The court found a “requisite nexus” between the offences and the mansion, making it subject to forfeiture.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Su, who handled the forfeiture motion, confirmed that the government could immediately seize and liquidate the asset under federal forfeiture laws. The U.S. Attorney General was also authorised to notify any third parties with potential claims.

The court ruled that the forfeiture would become final at sentencing, forming part of Okoronkwo’s punishment and granting the U.S. government clear title once all third-party claims are resolved.

The case—United States v. Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo (Case No. 2:24-CR-20(A)-JFW)—is part of a wider U.S. federal probe into international financial crimes involving politically exposed persons from Nigeria and other countries.

Okoronkwo’s case adds to a growing list of Nigerian officials and business executives whose U.S. assets have been seized after being traced to illicit offshore transactions.

Abducted Kwara Businessman Freed After N110 Million Ransom Payment.

A businessman identified as Suleiman Ndana, popularly known as “Manager,” who was abducted last month from Tsaragi community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom following the payment of a ₦110 million ransom just hours before a military rescue operation.

Sources close to the victim confirmed that Ndana was among those recovered by Nigerian Army troops during a raid on the kidnappers’ hideout on Friday. A friend of the businessman disclosed that the abductors had issued grave threats as military pressure mounted in the forest where they were hiding, vowing to kill Ndana if the ransom was not paid immediately.

Under the intense ultimatum, his family and associates reportedly delivered the ₦110 million ransom at an undisclosed location. Shortly after the payment, soldiers stormed the area, leading to Ndana’s release.

His freedom marks a breakthrough for the ongoing military operation tagged Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Kwara North, even as it underscores the moral dilemma faced by families forced to negotiate with kidnappers under life-threatening circumstances.

Meanwhile, residents of Patigi Local Government Area recently staged mass protests over the worsening insecurity in Kwara North. Youths, elders, and community leaders took to the streets demanding urgent government intervention, alleging that persistent killings and abductions had crippled economic life and driven medical personnel out of local hospitals.

Protesters accused the state government and federal representatives of neglect, citing the exodus of doctors from Patigi General Hospital and the growing presence of suspected armed herders in rural settlements. They called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to deploy more security forces and relocate Kara Market, which they claim has become a hotspot for criminal activity.

The protesters warned that without swift action, insecurity could lead to total economic collapse in parts of Kwara North, lamenting that millions are lost daily to ransom payments, farm attacks, and the loss of livelihoods.

We Have Already Submitted Your Documents To EFCC – CCB to Nyesom Wike.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has found himself embroiled in a fresh controversy over allegations of secret acquisition of multimillion-dollar properties in Florida, USA.

According to reports, Wike attempted to amend his asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to include the properties, but was informed that his original declaration had already been forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for thorough verification and investigation.

Sources close to the minister revealed that Wike was unsettled by the development, which could potentially lead to a forensic audit of his financial dealings. Investigations by some media outlets uncovered a pattern of concealment and alleged violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws by the minister. Records obtained showed that Wike acquired a $2 million mansion in Winter Springs, Florida, registered under the names of his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and their three children.

Further investigations revealed that three multimillion-dollar homes in affluent Florida communities were purchased covertly using cash transactions and swiftly transferred to their children via quitclaim deeds, executed by Wike’s wife. These transactions, spanning from 2021 to 2023, raised suspicions of attempts to keep assets beyond the regulatory grasp of Nigerian anti-corruption bodies.

The CCB informed Wike that his file had already been transmitted to the EFCC for verification, and the anti-graft agency is now conducting a forensic audit of Wike’s declarations, ownership details, and possible infractions. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), advocacy groups, and international NGOs have launched campaigns demanding an exhaustive probe into Wike’s financial dealings, citing suspected diversion of public funds and illicit enrichment.

Wike’s camp has denied the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attacks. However, documentary evidence filed in US property registries tells a different story. An EFCC source said the minister is “playing with fire” and that the ongoing forensic financial investigations will uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, Wike’s reputation and future hang in the balance.

Alleged Assault: Court sets Nov 26 for rapper Odumodublvck’s trialSinger Levi Ogbogiri better known as Kraziecent has sued Odumodublvck for violently assaulting and battering him at a public event in December 16, 2024.

Kraziecent alleged that the rapper attacked him without any form of provocation while he was “peacefully taking videos and pictures” of himself at the event.

He accused Odumodublvck of damaging his iPhone 15 Pro Max and sought an order compelling Odumodublvck to compensate him for reputational harm, and the public humiliation.

The judge, Adeyemi Ajayi however fixed a date for hearing of the matter, November 26, after Kraziecent’s lawyer, Uchenna Ojembe informed the court that the defendant had yet to file a response after being served.

Kraziecent’s lawyer, Uchenna Ojembe told the court that “the hearing may not commence because Sheriff Bello, the defendant’s counsel, has not responded. We, however, pray the court for a date”.

In his reply, singer Odumodu’s lawyer, Sheriff Bello also requested an adjournment to allow him to prepare adequately for the case and put his house in order.

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.

“Contradictions Everywhere!” — Lere Olayinka Blasts Sahara Reporters Over Conflicting Claims on Minister Wale Edun’s Health


Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized Sahara Reporters over what he described as inconsistent and misleading reports about the health of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

In a post shared on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Olayinka accused the online media outlet of publishing contradictory narratives regarding the minister’s alleged health crisis and recent travel activities.

He pointed out that Sahara Reporters had initially published a story on Sunday alleging that Minister Edun suffered a severe stroke, was incapacitated, and had been flown abroad for urgent medical treatment. However, just days later, the same platform reported that Edun had traveled from Abuja to Lagos on Monday via a commercial flight, and later departed for London that same day—also via a commercial airline.

Olayinka questioned the credibility of such reports, highlighting the logical inconsistency between the two stories.

“Sowore’s Sahara Desert said that the Minister can no longer use his hands and legs. Now, could a Minister of Finance, a public figure, who suffered STROKE and can no longer use his legs and hands have traveled from Abuja to Lagos via COMMERCIAL FLIGHT and also to London via another Commercial Flight and no one saw him to take his pictures?”


He argued that it was implausible for someone allegedly suffering from a debilitating stroke to manage two commercial flights in one day without any eyewitness accounts or photographic evidence emerging.

The post, which quickly gained traction online, was widely seen as an attempt to discredit Sahara Reporters and defend the integrity of the Tinubu administration amidst public concern over the minister’s condition.

While Olayinka’s statement came amid confirmation that Edun had indeed traveled to the United Kingdom for medical care, it reinforced doubts about the accuracy of earlier sensational reports claiming the minister was in critical condition.

According to official sources, Edun’s trip to London followed a brief domestic flight from Abuja to Lagos on Monday night. Though the Presidency had earlier stated that the minister was “indisposed but recuperating” in Abuja, the confirmed travel abroad suggested he was seeking advanced medical attention.

However, the key point of contention remains Sahara Reporters’ conflicting reports—one depicting a dire health emergency and the other narrating an unassisted commercial journey abroad.

Lagos government demolishes Ola of Lagos Auto showroom, influencer vows to rebuild bigger and better.

The Lagos State Government has reportedly demolished the luxury car showroom of popular automobile influencer, Ola of Lagos, also known as Waris Olayinka Akinwande, sparking mixed reactions across social media.

The demolition, which took place over the weekend, affected OOL Autos, Ola’s recently launched showroom that showcased premium and exotic vehicles.

The influencer confirmed the incident via his official Instagram story, expressing both shock and optimism about the future.
In his post, Ola stated:
“Yes, my showroom was demolished, but by God’s grace, we move. OOL Autos is still standing — and we’ll be back, bigger and better.”
Several online users have criticized the government’s action, describing it as heavy-handed, while others argue that it was part of the ongoing enforcement of urban development and safety compliance across the state.

Ola of Lagos, who rose to fame for his viral car review videos and collaborations with top automobile brands, reassured his followers that operations would continue online pending the establishment of a new physical location.

“We’re not giving up. This is just a setback — a setup for a greater comeback,” he added.
The demolition adds to a series of enforcement actions by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, aimed at clearing illegal or unsafe structures across the metropolis.

CBN bars debtors, blacklisted BVNs from operating as PoS agents
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued new restrictions on who can qualify to operate as Point of Sale (PoS) agents under its revised Guidelines for the Operations of Agent Banking in Nigeria, effectively barring individuals with unresolved debts, watch-listed Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), or a history of financial misconduct from participating in the fast-growing agent banking sector.

The guidelines, released on October 6, 2025, aim to tighten due diligence standards in an industry that has become critical to financial inclusion but is also plagued by fraud, over-concentration of risk, and weak oversight.

The new rules mark a significant tightening of Nigeria’s agent banking framework, moving beyond transaction monitoring to focus on the integrity of the individuals who operate at the last mile of financial inclusion.

Transactions in Kogi govt’s accounts violated no regulations Witness in Yahaya Bello’s trial.

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of ex-governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others has claimed that the transactions carried out in accounts belonging to the state government violated no known banking regulations.

The witness, Mrs. Abimbola Williams, who is a Compliance Officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), featured as the third prosecution witness.

Bello is being prosecuted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is being prosecuted with Umar Oricha (Director General, Kogi State Government House) and Abdulsalami Hudu (an Accountant with the state government).

The EFCC is, in the 16-count charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Under cross-examination by the lawyer to Bello, Joseph Daudu, Williams said she was not the relationship or account manager of the Kogi Government House account.

She added that the account is domiciled in Lokoja (the capital of Kogi State), while she works in Abuja.

The witness said the banks do not enquire from customers the purpose for which they were making cash withdrawals, but that such a question could be asked when making transfers, and the relationship with the beneficiary in cases of high-volume transactions.

Nigeria’s 2 million banking agents must choose between Moniepoint, Opay, PalmPay by April 2026.

If you are one of Nigeria’s two million banking agents holding on to a Moniepoint, OPay, or PalmPay POS terminals, it might be time to return at least two. From April 1, 2026, Point of Sale agents must be exclusive to one principal, i.e., banks, mobile money operators, microfinance banks, and payment service banks, as part of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new agent banking rules.

The new guidelines, released on October 6, 2025, mark the most comprehensive regulatory overhaul since agent banking began in 2013. The rules were designed to “provide minimum standards for the regulation and operations of agent banking in Nigeria, enhance agent banking as a delivery channel for offering financial services to drive financial inclusion; and encourage responsible market conduct and improve service quality in the operations of Agent banking,” the CBN said in its circular.

Banking agents, better known as Point-of-sale (PoS) operators, who have long operated across multiple platforms to serve customers of different banks, will now be allowed to work with only one principal (a bank, microfinance institution, payment service bank, or mobile money operator) or one licenced super agent.

Banks, fintechs, and other principals must publish an updated list of their agents with location on their websites. The rules aim to enhance the enforcement of the new daily withdrawal limits of ₦1.2 million ($816.18) and location restrictions on banking agents, as the CBN intensifies its oversight of the country’s rapidly growing agent banking sector.

Principals must now ensure that agent banking services are clearly demarcated from merchant activities and monitor agents’ BVN(s) to identify activities outside their designated account(s) and limits. Agents must now maintain records of all transactions and promptly report suspicious ones and incidents to their principals. The CBN can now, at any time, bypass principals and ask agents directly for their records.

The industry has six months to comply, a move that could reshape Nigeria’s financial services distribution network and affect millions of daily cash transactions across urban and rural communities.

Pres. Tinubu Seeks Lawmakers’ Approval to Raise $2.8bn for Budget and Infrastructure.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives seeking approval to raise $2.347 billion from the international capital market to finance part of the 2025 budget deficit and refinance Nigeria’s maturing Eurobonds.

 He also requested authorization to issue a $500 million debut sovereign Sukuk to fund critical infrastructure.

The letter, read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during Tuesday’s plenary, stated that the request aligns with Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2003.

Tinubu explained that the borrowing would fund provisions in the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinance the $1.118 billion Eurobond due in November 2025, and expand access to diversified external financing. The 2025 budget includes N9.28 trillion in new borrowings to cover the fiscal deficit, with N1.84 trillion ($1.229 billion) set aside for external loans.

The President asked the House to approve raising the funds through options such as Eurobond issuance, bridge financing, loan syndication, or borrowing from international financial institutions. He said the plan would help “avoid default” and align with global best practices.

Tinubu noted that the external capital to be raised—$1.229 billion for new borrowing and $1.118 billion for refinancing—totals $2.347 billion. He added that the government’s primary strategy is to issue Eurobonds, with terms determined by prevailing market conditions.

The Finance Ministry and Debt Management Office would work with transaction advisers to secure favorable terms.
In a separate request, Tinubu sought approval to issue a $500 million international Sukuk, modeled after Nigeria’s domestic Sukuk programme that has raised over N1.39 trillion since 2017 for infrastructure. He said the debut Sukuk would attract new investors, diversify funding sources, and deepen Nigeria’s sovereign securities market.

Christian Genocide: US Rep member wants Nigeria designated as country of particular concern.

The Member representing West Virginia's 2nd District in the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has written a letter to the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, urging him to take immediate action to address the systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians in Nigeria.

He lamented that Nigeria has become the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian, urging the United States not to stand idly by.

He called on Rubio to use all diplomatic tools available, including designating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and halting arms sales and all associated technical support until the Nigerian government demonstrates it is sufficiently committed to ending this reign of persecution and slaughter.

"The sheer number of Christians who suffer persecution daily for their faith, including the staggering number who have been murdered for proclaiming Jesus Christ as their savior is horrific. More than 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 already, an average of 35 murders per day. That includes at least 50 Christians brutally martyred on Palm Sunday and another 200 killed in June. This is consistent with reports from Open Doors that more Christians are killed every year in Nigeria than the rest of the world combined. These relentless persecutions have continued for years and show no signs of abating," Moore said.

"Since 2015, at least 250 Catholic clergy have been attacked in addition to another 350 clergy from other denominations. On Ash Wednesday this year, a priest in north-central Nigeria was kidnapped and brutally murdered. Between the Boko Haram uprising in July 2009 and September 2025, 19,100 Christian churches in Nigeria have been attacked or destroyed, representing an average of 1,200 churches per year, 100 per month, or more than three per day. In addition, at least 850 Christians are currently being held for ransom in jihadist camps in extreme conditions. These individuals are tortured or killed if ransom isn't paid. Reports estimate at least 15 million people have been displaced by the rampant acts of violence and terror in Nigeria. Simply put, this must end.

"Muslim extremist groups such as ISIS-West Africa, Ansaru, and Boko Haram are major perpetrators. Just last week, Boko Haram ravaged Kirawa, Nigeria, displacing thousands. But just as concerning are reports that corrupt cells of the Nigerian government may be complicit, and even directly involved, in some of these attacks. In Northern states such as Kano, regional governments have backed and facilitated the closing of Christian orphanages and forced the children to be reeducated as Muslims. The Nigerian federal government also maintains and enforces anti-blasphemy laws, and several states within Nigeria have even harsher anti-blasphemy laws than the federal government. This includes sentencing an individual to 24 years in prison for 'insulting the Prophet Mohammed.'

Moore lamented that the Nigerian government has sought to downplay the genocide of Christians, arguing that Nigeria has a broader issue with terrorism that affects people of all faiths.

He, however, pointed out that while Nigerians of all faiths face terrorism and death at the hands of extremists, Christians are far and away the most targeted for persecution and violence.

EFCC arraigns accountant for alleged N200 million theft.

EFCC accused the defendant of stealing the money entrusted to him as an accountant to a company.
Photo of defendant
Photo of defendant
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an accountant, Oguibe Nkwachukwu, and his company, Wifamapp Royalty Global Limited, before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over the alleged theft of about N200 million.

The prosecution accused the defendant of stealing the money from Travelstar Web Logistics Limited.

In a statement on Monday, the anti-graft agency said Mr Nkwachukwu, who served as an accountant with the logistics firm, was arraigned alongside his company before a judge, Rahman Oshodi on 13 counts of stealing and dishonest conversion of funds.

According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly diverted various sums of money entrusted to him by his employer into personal accounts under the guise of legitimate business transactions.

One of the counts alleged that Mr Nkwachukwu, as the alter ego of Wifamapp Royalty Global Limited, and Wifamapp Royalty Global Limited, incorporated in March 2020, “dishonestly converted” $36,000 (about N54 million) belonging to Travelstar Web Logistics Limited and entrusted to him as the company’s accountant.

Another count accuses the defendant of converting an additional $156,000 (about N146 million) belonging to the same company between January and July 2018.

The prosecution said the offence of stealing was contrary to Sections 280(1)(b), 280(2)(f), and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015,” one of the counts reads.

Mr Nkwachukwu pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him.

Chelsea Scouts Target 16-year-old Nigerian Football Sensation, Abduljelil Kamaldeen.

Chelsea scouts are closely monitoring Nigerian wonderkid Abduljelil Kamaldeen, who has caught global attention at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The Blues’ vast scouting network has reportedly identified the 16-year-old midfielder as a top prospect after his impressive cameo in Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Norway U-20 on Monday. Despite being one of the youngest players at the tournament, Kamaldeen showed composure and creativity against opponents nearly five years older, almost salvaging a late equalizer for the Flying Eagles.

Sources suggest the Kwara Football Academy talent could start Nigeria’s next group match against Saudi Arabia, with several European clubs now tracking his progress.

Chelsea’s interest in Kamaldeen began earlier this year at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup in Ghana, where he delivered standout performances — including a goal in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Benin — and impressed against Niger and Ivory Coast in the later stages. Initially deployed as a left winger, his growing maturity on the ball has seen him move into a central attacking midfield role, where his pace, vision, and dribbling have drawn comparisons to Alex Iwobi.

Football analysts believe his flair and confidence echo that of Iwobi’s uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.

Chelsea, renowned for developing African stars like Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, view Kamaldeen as a potential long-term project. His technical ability and versatility reportedly fit the club’s new youth recruitment strategy.

Meanwhile, Chelsea already have another Nigerian teenager, Chizaram Ezenwata, in their youth setup. The London-born striker, who joined from Charlton Athletic, was not released for Nigeria’s pre-tournament training camp and remains eligible to play for England, Nigeria, or Cameroon.

In a related development, first-team star Cole Palmer was spotted supporting Chelsea’s U-19s this week, praising the club’s rising talents — further evidence of the Blues’ growing focus on youth development.