Naphtha Scam Burst: EFCC Return N64.8m Give Edo Businessman, Carry Suspects Go Court

Big relief land for Benin as EFCC recover N64.8 million and return am to businessman Uzoechina Anene after fuel deal wey turn scam. Anene talk say one Adegboyega Adebanbo collect N65.7m promise say e go supply 90,000 litres of naphtha, but after money enter, product no show. EFCC investigate for months, trace the cash through different accounts, even after suspect waka comot Nigeria and try hide the money through him associate wife. Finally, commission recover the funds and hand am back to the victim. EFCC warn Nigerians make dem shine eye for business deals, say fraudsters plenty. Dem don already charge all suspects to court.

Lagos Airport Police Arrest Suspected International Romance Fraudster Over Alleged ₦1 Billion U.S. Scam as Nigeria Police Uncover Celebrity Impersonation, Crypto Fraud and Gift Card Scheme

The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command in Lagos, has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, over his alleged involvement in an international romance and celebrity fraud operation that reportedly defrauded victims in the United States of over ₦1 billion (more than $1 million). According to a police statement, Akpama was apprehended on January 5, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos following months of intelligence-led surveillance.
Police said the suspect previously lived in Calabar before relocating to Lagos in February 2024 and allegedly used a sophisticated online scam, including a cryptocurrency platform known as “BullRun 2.0,” to deceive victims. In one case, investigators said he convinced a 47-year-old U.S.-based woman to transfer $1 million under the guise of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage. Another victim, a 70-year-old woman, was reportedly defrauded of over ₦25.7 million through the purchase of gift cards and high-end electronic devices that were shipped to Nigeria.
Items recovered from the suspect include multiple smartphones and a MacBook laptop valued at over ₦8 million. Police said Akpama posed as a 60-year-old United Nations orthopedic surgeon to gain trust and facilitate the fraud. The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to prevent airports from being used as escape routes for criminal suspects. The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit, and the suspect is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

PSC WARNS AGAINST ILLEGAL FEES IN NPF RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The Police Service Commission has issued a stern warning to cyber cafés and recruitment agents allegedly extorting unsuspecting applicants seeking to enlist into the Nigeria Police Force.

A statement by the commission says its attention has been drawn to disturbing reports of illegal charges running into Fifteen Thousand Naira and above, being demanded by some cyber cafés and middlemen who falsely claim that the money is shared with the Commission and other government agencies.

In a firm rebuttal, the PSC stressed that recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force is absolutely free, warning that no applicant is required to pay a dime at any stage of the application process.

Prospective applicants are therefore advised to avoid third-party handlers and personally submit their applications through the official portal: www.npfapplication.psc.gov.ng, to prevent falling victim to fraudsters.

The Commission cautions that anyone caught extorting applicants under any guise will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Victims and members of the public are urged to report such illegal demands to the nearest police station or directly to the PSC via 07054992071 (SMS/WhatsApp only).

IS This Hushpuppi's Brother?
A Nigerian man accvsed of cyber fravd, Lawrence Olanrewaju Folawunmi, has been detained at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport in connection with a U.S. extradition request.

Folawunmi is sought by American authorities for alleged business email compromise and wire fravd schemes amounting to approximately $1.25 million.

He is said to have deceived a U.S. company into diverting funds on eight occasions between 2021 and 2025, leading to an Interpol red notice.

A Nigerian Federal High Court has ordered his remand in custody ahead of extradition proceedings to Texas.

This case underscores Nigeria's ongoing efforts to combat internet scams through international partnerships, often compared to the high-profile prosecution of convicted fraudster Hushpuppi.

U.S. Court Sentences Lagos Fraudster Daniel Inweregbu to Prison for Wire Fraud

A United States court has sentenced Lagos-based internet fraudster Daniel Chima Inweregbu to prison for his involvement in wire fraud and romance scam operations.

According to a Friday statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Daniel Chima Inweregbu, 40, received a 33-month prison sentence from United States District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown.

The sentence includes three years of supervised release after imprisonment, a $100 special assessment fee, and restitution payment of $166,400.

KWAM 1 Faces Backlash After Praising Ex-Ogun Governor’s Aide Bidemi Rufai in Viral Video

A circulating video of Fuji star K1 D’Ultimate warmly praising former Ogun governor’s aide Bidemi Rufai—recently released from a U.S. prison for fraud—has triggered widespread backlash across Nigeria. The clip shows Rufai prostrating before the singer and offering bundles of cash, prompting K1 to hail him as “the pride of Ijebu-Ode.” Many Nigerians questioned why a convicted fraudster was being publicly celebrated, especially in a struggling economy. Rufai, convicted of wire fraud and identity theft in the U.S., regained freedom in November 2024 after a reduced sentence. The video has since sparked intense debate about morality, public accountability, and celebrity influence.

Fraudster Arrested in Osun After Stealing Woman’s BVN, Offering ₦10m Bribe to Bury Case

A major identity-theft ring has been uncovered in Osun State after fraudsters used a woman’s BVN and NIN to open a MoniePoint account, later offering her ₦10 million to drop the case. Despite the suspect’s arrest with over 150 stolen identities, police handling has raised serious concerns as the suspect was released on bail and the victim’s BVN remains blocked.


#IdentityTheft #Cybercrime #NigeriaPolice

Fugitive Chinese Fraudsters Caught in UK After £5.5bn Bitcoin Scam.

A Chinese national has been jailed in the UK following the country’s largest-ever cryptocurrency seizure, involving bitcoin worth more than £5.5 billion at the time of her conviction.

Zhimin Qian, 47, also known as Yadi Zhang, orchestrated a massive Ponzi scheme in China, defrauding over 128,000 victims between 2014 and 2017 through her company, Lantian Gerui. When Chinese authorities investigated her activities, she fled to the UK in September 2017 under a fake identity.

While on the run, Qian lived lavishly, renting a Hampstead property for £17,333 per month and traveling across Europe, converting bitcoin into cash, jewellery, and property. In 2018, she attempted to buy a £12.5 million London property, sparking UK authorities’ investigations.

Qian recruited accomplices including Jian Wen, who helped establish her life in London, and Seng Hok Ling, who assisted with transferring criminal property.

Ling, a Malaysian national, claimed he was unaware of Qian’s full criminality and described her as the “boss lady.”

Qian evaded arrest for nearly six years until April 2024, when she was caught in York following a trail of bitcoin transfers. Authorities recovered multiple devices, including a laptop containing millions in bitcoin.

On Tuesday, Qian was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months for money laundering and possessing criminal property, while Ling received 4 years and 11 months. At conviction in September, the bitcoin was valued over £5.5 billion; it is now worth around £5 billion.

This case marks the UK’s largest cryptocurrency seizure, highlighting the challenges of tracing digital assets tied to international financial crime.

Prison Break: Nigerian Kidnap Convict Escapes UK Prison, Sparks Major Police Manhunt.

A Nigerian man, Ola Abimbola, convicted of kidnapping and serving a 21-year sentence, has escaped from an open prison in Sussex, United Kingdom, sparking a widespread police search.

The 36-year-old, jailed for conspiracy to kidnap, grievous bodily harm, blackmail, and false imprisonment, reportedly walked out of HMP Ford around 8 a.m. on October 10 — barely a month after being transferred there. He has been missing ever since.

Abimbola’s transfer to the open prison, also known as a Category D facility, was made under new Labour government rules aimed at easing overcrowding in higher-security prisons. The relaxed policy allows inmates to move to open conditions earlier in their sentences, even if they are not yet close to release.

Under the old system, Abimbola would not have qualified for transfer for another six years. Open prisons have minimal security and are meant to help low-risk prisoners reintegrate into society a move that has now come under scrutiny following his disappearance.

Sussex Police have launched a manhunt, urging the public not to approach the fugitive and to report any information by calling 999. Authorities admit that efforts to track him down have so far been unsuccessful.

The escape has intensified political pressure on Justice Secretary David Lammy, already facing criticism after the mistaken release of two foreign sex offenders and a British fraudster. Opposition figures say the justice system is “in chaos,” blaming government policy changes for endangering the public.

Mark Drury of the Prison Governors’ Association said the rise in absconders from open prisons shows a troubling trend, noting that many prisoners now housed in such facilities “would not have been considered suitable two or three years ago.”

In response, the Ministry of Justice defended the system, insisting that all transfers follow “strict risk assessments” and that any offender breaching the rules can be “immediately returned to closed conditions.”

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected criminals, including kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers, vehicle thieves, fraudsters, and burglars, in a series of operations across Owo, Akoko, Ondo, and Akure. Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this at the weekend in Akure

EFCC begins investigation on Oladip’s extortion allegation against operatives.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has begun investigation into the N10m extortion allegation against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips.

It added that the accused officers have been suspended of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday said the commission was alarmed by such allegation and would ensure that truth was unravelled.

Recall that Oladips had accused some operatives of the Commission of extorting the sum of Ten Million Naira from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.

Reacting, the EFCC Spokesperson insisted that the picture painted by Oladips was not a true reflection of the anti-graft agency.

“We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly. It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the Commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.” He added.

He, therefore, urged the public to await the outcome of the investigations and continue to keep faith with the commission.

Asset Recovery: EFCC Returns Properties Seized From Fake Spiritualist to Fraud Victim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over three properties, two luxury vehicles, and ₦1.1 million to a fraud victim, Daniel Babatunde Attiogbe. The assets were recovered from convicted fake spiritualist and advance-fee fraudster, Fatai Olalere Alli.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the recovered items include multiple residential properties in Ibadan and two vehicles — a Honda Pilot SUV and a Toyota Corolla. The handover, conducted by the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate, followed a court order issued by Justice Uche Agomoh.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented at the ceremony, said the Commission acted in compliance with the court’s directive, emphasizing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Attiogbe, who lost over ₦200 million to Alli under the guise of “spiritual cleansing,” praised the EFCC for restoring his confidence in justice. Alli was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of fraud in a case that began in 2019.

President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the pardon earlier granted to 175 convicts, including drug traffickers, kidnappers and fraudsters following public outrage that trailed the initial clemency list released on October 11. This came as the President ordered a review of the pardon granted at the National Council of State meeting on October 9, 2025.

Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses Who Need Redirection – Peter Obi.

The former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the inordinate pursuit of wealth by internet fraudsters.

Addressing a gathering of young people during the Golden Health Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha on Saturday, he described internet fraudsters popularly called Yahoo boys as “geniuses who need redirection.”

The conference, themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” brought together students, professionals, and youth leaders to discuss the moral, social, and economic dimensions of wealth creation.

Obi, while speaking during the event, stated that only money gotten through ethical means can be described as real wealth.

He said, “Money becomes real wealth only when it is earned through ethical means and used to uplift both the individual and society in an edifying manner.”

Obi observed that despite the fraudsters moral misdirection, many of them possess rare intelligence and creativity that, if properly guided, could drive innovation and national development.

“Looking at what they do, there is no doubt that many of them are geniuses. The challenge before us as a society is to redirect them, to channel their ingenuity into productive ventures that will not only dignify them but also edify society,” he said

Lamenting the state of moral decay in the country, Obi attributed much of it to leadership failure and the bad examples set by those in power.

"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.

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.”

Peter Obi Warns Against Fraudulent Use of His Name and Image for Online Businesses

Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups using his name and image for online commercial activities without his authorization.

According to a report by Vanguard Newspapers on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Obi expressed deep concern over the increasing misuse of his identity by fraudsters seeking to exploit his reputation for personal and financial gain.

The former Anambra State governor revealed that his attention was drawn to several online businesses and promotional campaigns using his name and photos without his consent. He condemned such actions as fraudulent and deceptive, noting that they mislead innocent members of the public who believe he is affiliated with those ventures.

Obi reaffirmed that he has never endorsed or authorized any individual, brand, or online platform to use his name, likeness, or identity for commercial purposes.

In his words:

“At no time have I authorised any individual, business, or online platform to use my name, image, or identity for commercial purposes or profit-making ventures.”


He emphasized that his official communications and initiatives are always announced through verified channels and urged the public to be wary of scams that attempt to capitalize on his name.

The statement underscores broader concerns about identity fraud and the misuse of public figures’ images in the digital age, as Obi seeks to protect both his integrity and unsuspecting citizens from deception.

I Won't Abandon Hushpuppi In Prison; He Lent Me His Maybach But I Paid For My Expenses– Daddy Freeze.

Daddy Freeze has clarified that convicted fraudster Hushpuppi never gave him any money, not even a 50-naira recharge card, and that their relationship was purely based on friendship. He stated that Hushpuppi was good to him by being his friend at a time when many people rejected him for criticizing their pastors.

Speaking on With Chude, Daddy Freeze explained that when he traveled to Dubai with Cool FM on a promotional trip paid for by an agency, Hushpuppi lent him his Maybach and driver for two days, but he paid for his own food and expenses. He emphasized that he will not abandon Hushpuppi now that he is in prison, just as Hushpuppi did not abandon him during his controversial period.

Daddy Freeze said: "I asked Hushpuppi what he did for a living. He said he was into real estate and sent me pictures. The average person who is doing something illegal still invests the money in real estate at the end. He was very good to me. Has never given me one naira before. Not even 50 kobo recharge card. He has never given me money. He was my friend when nobody accepted to be my friend because I criticized their pastors. That's the love, and I'm not going to run away from him because he's in prison. If he sends me 100 naira, EFCC can call me for questioning. He never gave me money. What he did was, for about two days when we were in Dubai, he gave me his Maybach and a driver to drive me around. I was the one buying fuel inside it."

EFCC accused of targeting Yahoo boys while politicians go free.

A Nigerian man has sparked controversy online, claiming the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disproportionately arrests internet fraudsters, while politicians largely go unpunished.

In a viral post, he alleged that EFCC officers seize phones, vehicles, and other valuables from “Yahoo boys,” yet fail to account for what happens to the items.

He specifically mentioned that EFCC officers allegedly raid hotels and homes, confiscating expensive possessions, but hinted that some of these items are shared among officials’ relatives rather than being properly documented.

The man also linked the EFCC chairman to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, questioning the perceived morality versus the agency’s actions.

The post has reignited debates on EFCC’s approach to law enforcement, with critics arguing that the commission focuses on small-time internet fraudsters while politically connected individuals often evade scrutiny.

Criticism and calls for accountability
Social media users quickly joined the conversation, weighing in on the alleged bias. Some commenters echoed claims that politicians are rarely investigated, with one user noting the ongoing use of cybercriminals by influential figures to launder money.

Others defended the EFCC chairman, suggesting he is “just a puppet” acting under higher authorities, implying systemic issues at the top rather than individual wrongdoing.

The post also drew sharp warnings from users urging not to drag Pastor Adeboye into the debate.

Accident: These Yahoo Yahoo boys do not care about another person on the road - Abdullahi Usman.

According to a report by the Punch on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a devastating accident in Edo State has claimed three lives, highlighting ongoing road safety issues in southwestern Nigeria. The incident occurred Monday night near the Ogba River bridge in Oredo Local Government Area, where an SUV driver allegedly lost control and collided with a commercial motorcycle, killing the rider and both passengers instantly.

The tragedy sparked immediate protests from fellow commercial motorcycle operators, who expressed frustration over what they describe as reckless driving by certain motorists. One protester, Abdullahi Usman, voiced the community's anger, stating, "These Yahoo Yahoo boys do not care about another person on the road. The accident was very severe." The protesters specifically accused internet fraudsters of habitual dangerous driving.

In a separate incident on the same day, six people narrowly escaped serious injury in a collision along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State. The accident involved two vehicles, with preliminary reports indicating that a Lexus driver oversped before crashing into a Toyota Avensis from behind. Fortunately, all six adult males involved emerged without fatal injuries.

Authorities in both states have launched investigations into the respective incidents. The Edo State Police Command confirmed the fatal accident and assured the public that those responsible would be held accountable. Meanwhile, traffic officials in Ogun State quickly cleared the wreckage from the highway to prevent traffic congestion.

These incidents underscore persistent concerns about speeding and reckless driving on Nigerian roads. The accidents occurred despite recent warnings from the Federal Road Safety Corps about the dangers of excessive speed, particularly along major highways like the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway where similar fatal crashes have been reported in recent months.