Court Grants Kogi Senator Natasha Bail On Fresh Charge.

The suspended lawmaker, who represented Kogi Central, was accompanied to the court today by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Human Rights activist Aisha Yesufu; and several supporters.

It could be recalled that on June 19 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared before the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the first time on similar charges.


The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, denied the Federal Government’s request to issue a bench warrant against her for her failure to appear in court during the prior hearing.

The suspended lawmaker, who represented Kogi Central, was accompanied to the court today by her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Human Rights activist Aisha Yesufu; and several supporters.

It could be recalled that on June 19 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared before the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the first time on similar charges.


The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, denied the Federal Government’s request to issue a bench warrant against her for her failure to appear in court during the prior hearing.

Nigerian bizman in $2.5m US fraud knows fate September.

An Abuja-based businessman, Charles Nwadavid, who is facing trial in the United States over his alleged involvement in a $2.5 million fraud, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 23, 2025.

The sentencing date was set after Nwadavid pleaded guilty to ‘mail fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering, and money laundering’ before a district court, according to a statement obtained from the US Department of Justice on Sunday.

PUNCH Metro reported in April that 35-year-old Nwadavid was arrested upon his arrival in the US via a United Kingdom flight to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Before his arrest, a federal grand jury in Boston had, in 2024, indicted him on charges of mail fraud and money laundering.

TRAGIC INCIDENT IN UYO

Yesterday morning, a young woman was found dead and abandoned in a gutter along Udok Street, off Barracks Road, Uyo.

Her identity remains unknown, and no one has come forward yet. If anyone is missing a loved one, or knows someone who might be, please contact the nearest authorities immediately.

Her family deserves to know. She deserves justice.

Please, help share this post — someone out there is looking for her, praying for her safe return... not knowing she’s gone.

To all women: please stay vigilant. These are dangerous times. Let’s watch out for one another.

#ShareToSaveALife #JusticeForHer #UyoNews #RantHQ

IPOB reacts as Kenyan court declares Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest, extradition illegal.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has hailed a landmark judgment by the High Court of Kenya, which declared the abduction and forced transfer of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 as unlawful and unconstitutional.

In a ruling delivered on 24 June 2025, Justice E.C. Mwita condemned both the Kenyan and Nigerian governments for gross violations of Kanu’s fundamental rights and awarded him KSh10 million in compensatory damages.

Justice Mwita, in his judgment, stated, “The government of Kenya violated the Constitution and Mr. Nnamdi Kanu’s rights and fundamental freedoms. Having entered Kenya lawfully, he was subject to the protection offered by the Constitution of Kenya 2010. However, he was abducted, kept in solitary confinement, tortured, and forcibly removed from Kenya without following the law.”

The court further declared that Kanu’s abduction, incommunicado detention, and denial of food, water, and medication were flagrant breaches of his constitutional rights. It also ruled that his forcible removal to Nigeria violated Kenyan laws and international legal standards.

KENYAN COURT DECLARES
TRANSFER OF NNAMDI KANU TO NIGERIA ILLEGAL.

A High Court in Nairobi has ruled that the transfer of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 was illegal and unconstitutional.

Delivering judgment, Justice E.C. Mwita declared that the Kenyan government violated Kanu’s fundamental rights during the process that led to his rendition.

“Having considered the pleadings and arguments by parties, the decisions relied on, the Constitution and the law, I come to the following conclusions,” the judge stated.

“First, the government of Kenya violated the Constitution and Mr. Nnamdi Kanu’s rights and fundamental freedoms. Having entered Kenya lawfully, he was subject to the protection offered by the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the government of Kenya had an obligation to uphold and protect his rights and fundamental freedoms.

“Mr. Nnamdi was however abducted, kept in solitude confinement, tortured and denied food and medication, a breach of basic rights. He was chained, humiliated, ridiculed and held in contempt and later forcibly removed from Kenya without following the law in violation of his rights and fundamental freedoms for which the government of Kenya is liable,” Justice Mwita ruled.

The court awarded Kanu general damages of 10 million Kenyan shillings as compensation for the rights violations.

“Based on the above conclusions, the court makes the following declarations and orders it considers appropriate;

“A declaration is hereby issued that the abduction of Mr. Nwannekaenvi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu Kanu; holding him in incommunicado confinement, torturing him and denying him food, water, medication and other basic necessities was a violation of his rights and fundamental freedoms.

“A declaration is hereby issued that the abduction and subsequent forcible removal of Mr. Nwannekaenvi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria was in violation of the laws of Kenya; his rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of movement and security of the person guaranteed by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and, therefore, unconstitutional and illegal.

“An order for compensation is hereby issued awarding Mr. Nwannekaenvi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu general damages of Kshs 10,000,000 against the Attorney General of Kenya on behalf of the government of Kenya for the violation of Mr. Nwannekaenvi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu’s constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms,” the judge added.

The ruling follows Kanu’s legal challenge over his arrest and transfer from Kenya to Nigeria without due process.

Alleged N1.9bn Fraud: EFCC`s witnesses Narrate How Ministry Director, Surveyor Siphoned Contract Funds

The First Prosecuting Witness, PW1, William Abimbola, in the matter of former Deputy Director,Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Augustine Ojo Olowoniyan, alongside a surveyor, Sulaiman Abdulkadir Muhammed of the Department of Highways and Planning on Monday, June 23, 2025 told Justice Jude Onwuegbu zie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Apo, how funds made for the ministry`s contract was siphoned.

The defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on alleged diversion and misappropriation of public funds amounting to N1,936,961,649.00 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira ).

The alleged offence is contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The funds were reportedly earmarked for the acquisition of titles for federal roads nationwide between March 4, 2019, and July 17, 2020, but were allegedly converted to their personal use.

During Monday`s proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN informed the court that he filed additional proofs of evidence on June 4, 2025 and it has been served on the defendant.

Abimbola, a staff and compliance officer of United Bank of Africa, UBA, while being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, testified on exhibit PW1E which contains the statement of transactions of the first defendant, where he revealed that on March 21, 2019, there was an inflow of N200,000 with narration from Federal Government of Nigeria. . Same date there were inflows of N300,000, N2,220,000, N917,000.00, N109,450,000.00, N3,750,400 and N4,662,000.00.

“In January 2019, there was inflow from the Federal government of Nigeria which was N2,130,000 and N4,530,000.00 , on January 30, 2019, there were similar transactions of N4,705,000 and N640,000 on March 15,20219. I saw transactions like N180,000.00. N278,369.00, N282,100.00, N1,809,950.00, N504,7000.00, N525,890,00, N581,600.00, N371,460.00, N297,000.00, N40,000.00, N249,500.00, N80,000.00 and N30,000”, he said.

Continuing “On April 4, 2019, there was an inflow of N20m, on April 16, 2019, there was an inflow of N4.9m and the other two are N4m each. On April 17, 2019 there were three inflows from the Federal government of Nigeria N35,108.00, N250,758.00 and N3,920,000.00.

On April 26, 2019, there were two credit inflows for N2, 208,000.00 and N200, 000. On May 2, 2019, there were inflows of N2,814,000.00, N1,066,000, N2,400,0000, N278,600.000, N1,140,000 and N197,200.00”.

She further revealed that on May 9, 2019 there were inflows of N630,000.00 and N2,890,000, on May 13,2019, there were two inflows of N504,000,800 and N2,308,000, on June 13, 2019 there were inflows of N116,841,000, N190,395, N222,400, N286,650, N82,000 and N840,600, among other transactions.

In another matter involving the first defendant, Augustine Ojo Olowoniyan, Remigus Ugwu, PW1, a staff with Zenith bank while being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Abba Muhammed, SAN, and while examining Exhibit PW1D narrated how funds were transferred from four project managers of the “Right of Will project” from the Ministry of works into the defendant`s account.

He stated that on March 29, 2019, there was an inflow of N4,700,000 from Festus Oluwa Dare Oluwatayo , on June 27, 2019 , there was an inflow of N10million from Pascal Ugochukwu . On July 2, 2019 there was an inflow of N10 million from Oluwadare Oluatayo, On July 10, 2019, N3,978,242.00 by Mohammed Ahmed. On January 6, 2020 there was an inflow of N150 million from Olasehinde Micah Jolomi, on that same day there was an outflow of N9m to Chile Ushahemba Samson. There was another transfer of N9m to Chile Ushahemba Samson`s Diamond`s account.

The matter was also adjourned to July 16, 17, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Kaduna Court Jails Man for Internet Fraud

Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 convicted and sentenced one Ezeani Victor Udochukwu to jail for fraud.

He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC a one-count charge, bordering on impersonation.

The charge reads: " That you, Ezeani Victor Udochukwu (a.k.a Ann Sandra)(m) between January and June, 2025 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an offence, to wit: falsely presenting yourself as Ann Sandra on Facebook (an online social media application), which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.”

He pleaded "guilty" to the charge when it was read to him, following which prosecution counsel M.U Gadaka, prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded the court to temper justice with mercy, stating his client has become remorseful of his actions.

Justice Bello, thereafter convicted and sentenced Udochukwu to two years imprisonment or pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPhone XR, being the tool of his crime to the federal government.

The convict was among those arrested by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in Sabo Tasha axis and Post Office Road in Kaduna following actionable intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

NIGERIAN GOVERNOR DECLARES PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

The Kano State government has declared a public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year across the state.

Ibrahim Waiya, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in a statement said Thursday, June 26, has been declared as public holiday in the state to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH.

According to Waiya, the governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf has congratulated Muslims in the state over the celebration of the New Year.

The New Year begins with the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

According to Yusuf, the Muslim faithful should endeavour to use the period to reflect on their actions over the past year.

They are also expected to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state and the country at large.

In the same vein, the government of Kwara State announced Thursday, June 26, as a public holiday in the state.

A statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq extends his greetings to the Muslim faithful in Th State.

“Hijrah teaches personal and collective sacrifice for good causes and abandonment of everything that is antithetical to peace, harmony, and social justice,” the statement said.

The governor prayed that the Islamic New Year brings abundance, peace and increased security to the state.

Justice Under Siege: IPOB Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor Condemns Abduction Of Bayelsa High Court Judge, Security Breakdown

Court Fixes Date To Pass Judgement On Mohbad Father’s Bid To Indict Naira Marley, Sam Larry.

The Lagos State High Court, located in Ikeja, has scheduled July 2, 2025, for a ruling on a legal application submitted by Joseph Aloba, the father of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognised as Mohbad.
This application seeks to challenge the legal opinion provided by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which cleared music promoter Sam Larry and artist Naira Marley of any alleged involvement in his son’s death.

Justice Taiwo Olatokun established this date after considering arguments presented by Wahab Shittu (SAN), who represents Mr. Aloba, and Joke Amachree, who acted on behalf of the Lagos State Attorney General and the DPP, both of whom are named as respondents in this case.

He contended that the decision to release the suspects was hasty and interfered with the ongoing Coroner’s Inquest into the events surrounding Mohbad’s death.

Shittu asserted that the DPP’s actions effectively compromised the inquest, which has not yet completed its investigation.

He pointed out that individuals referenced and implicated during the inquest were released prior to the final conclusions of the inquest.

In a counter-affidavit submitted on June 24, Ayinde Ibrahim, a legal officer from the DPP’s office, argued that the suspects were not acquitted but were simply discharged based on the evidence available at that time.

He explained that their release was a result of the police submitting the case file to the DPP for legal assessment.

Ibrahim further clarified that officials from the DPP’s office were involved in the coroner’s hearings, and the legal advice was provided in accordance with standard legal protocols.

The Kebbi State Government has expressed displeasure over the comments made by a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, accusing him of injecting political sentiments into sensitive security matters.

Civil War: Gowon distorted Aburi Accord history, Group claims.

ABUJA – A group, Rising Sun, has accused Nigeria’s former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, of distorting the history behind the failure of the historic Aburi Accord of 1967, which they claim led to the Nigerian Civil War.

The group, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, asserted that Gowon’s recent explanation for the Accord’s breakdown was misleading and an attempt to rewrite history.

The statement, jointly signed by Chief Maxwell Dede, President of Rising Sun, and Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa, the group’s Secretary, condemned Gowon’s claim that the Accord failed because General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu demanded that regional governors’ control the military.

Instead, the group argued that the demand for regional control of security forces was a legitimate push for justice and true federalism.

BREAKING: NNCG Applies to INEC for Registration of New Political Party — All Democratic Alliance (ADA)

The National Coalition Group (NNCG) has formally submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking the registration of a new political party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The request, detailed in a letter dated June 19, 2025, was officially received by INEC on June 20, 2025. The application was signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, the group’s Protem National Chairman.

Titled “Application for Registration as a Political Party,” the letter states:

“We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, as a political party.
This follows a resolution by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.”

According to the document, the party will operate under the acronym ADA, with the slogan “Justice for All.” The party's National Secretariat address is included in the letterhead submitted with the application.

The NNCG also submitted the party’s logo, symbolizing the party colours and incorporating corn (maize) as part of its identity.

Additional documents attached to the application include:

The party manifesto, outlining its ideology

The constitution, which defines the party’s structure, internal regulations, and legal framework

The party flag, featuring the name, acronym, and slogan

Minutes of meetings supporting the application

The group stated that the application complies with Section 40 and 222 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022), and aligns with global democratic principles.

Chief Rickets concluded the letter by expressing the group’s anticipation for INEC’s response and reaffirmed their respect for the Commission’s process.

“Nigerian big man, Ned Nwoko has instigated the jailing of a Tiktoker called Tumma. I represented Tumma in court. Sowore was present in his usual selfless resistance against injustice and oppression . The police even subtly told Sowore to abandon the case, to him, it wasn’t worth it, but Sowore emphasized that every Nigerian is entitled to fair treatment. I challenged the Magistrate on the propriety of the remand order granted to the prosecutor. I told her that it was inappropriate for her to issue a remand order to the investigators who claimed that they have not finished investigating the offense Tumma committed. I told her that it is inappropriate to jail Tumma because every Nigerian has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. I reiterated that every Nigerian also has a right to liberty and fair hearing. I told her that it will be unfair to jail a a Nigerian simply because a person of influence lodged a complaint against a common citizen, also Especially because the police claimed that they have not found any charge against Tumma. The police prosecutor attempted to blackmail me in court, he suggest that the magistrate should even try me for contempt of court for making the points I made because he couldn’t imagine someone challenging his enablers. I urged the magistrate to dispel the impression that she is colluding with the police prosecutor and handling a matter emotionally rather than legally. She refused to accede to my prayers that she should reverse the remand order. Whatever arrangements that was made seem to be more concrete that the position of the laws with which I confronted the magistrate. Tumma has been previously detained for 50days by these same people who do not have regard for the constitutional right of Nigerians. He refused to succumb to oppression, rather he courageously fought back his oppressors and now they have continued to use state institutions against him. I wish our leaders would treat all its citizens equally, I wish that state apparatus would not be used to intimidate and bully common men.I wish the law enforcement agencies, the police, would divert their energy to dealing with issues of insecurity like the ugly incident in Benue State where over 200 Nigerian were killed for nothing.
I pray that Nigeria does not continue in this trajectory that a big man can orchestrate the arrest and detention of anybody anytime he wishes.”—Barr. Musa, Tuna's legal representative

Dear VeryDarkMan (@VDM),

In the long and complex history of Nigeria, countless voices have risen with a common goal — to see this country become a place of justice, progress, and unity. Today, I want to acknowledge and appreciate all those who have fought and are still fighting for a better Nigeria.

But this message is especially for you.

Your courage, boldness, and relentless pursuit of truth continue to inspire many across the nation. You speak up when others remain silent. You challenge systems that seem too powerful to confront. And you remind us that real change comes when we refuse to look away from what is wrong.

I dedicate this post to you, VeryDarkMan. May God strengthen and protect you. May we all live to see the Nigeria you speak of — a country where leaders and citizens work together for real and lasting change. A nation where fairness, dignity, and opportunity are not the privilege of a few, but the right of all.

Thank you for being a voice that refuses to be silenced. We see you. We stand with you. And we believe, together, we will build the Nigeria we all deserve.

With respect and solidarity,
[https://fintter.com ]

Appeal Court nullifies GTBank’s foreclosure of Abiola family mansion.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has set aside the 2014 judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos that authorised Guaranty Trust Bank Plc to take possession of a N30 billion, 44-room mansion in Ikoyi, Lagos, owned by Alhaji Agboola Abiola, son of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on June 18, 2025, and with the Certified True Copy dated June 19, 2025, the appellate court declared the foreclosure invalid, citing irregularities in the legal mortgage that GTBank had used to substantiate its claim to the property.

Justice Paul Bassi, delivering the lead judgment, stated that the Federal High Court had erred by failing to address credible allegations of forgery and document manipulation raised by the appellants.

The appeal marked CA/L/888/2014 was Instituted by RCN Network Limited and Alhaji Si-Nurani Abiola as appellants, with GTBank as the sole respondent.

POLICE TAKES OVER FCT HIGH COURT AHEAD OF NATASHA'S ARRAIGNMENT

Police operatives have taken over security arrangements at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged defamation today.

The police personnel, numbering over 200, are stationed in strategic locations and also within the court premises.

Armed with various weapons, they were said to have been deployed to the court to ward off possible threats to peace in the area before, during, and after the arraignment.

At the time of this report, politicians believed to be followers of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, have jam-packed the courtroom, waiting for the arraignment slated for 11 a.m.

Although Senator Natasha has yet to arrive in court, her sympathizers, led by former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and other human rights activists, have arrived in court.

Natasha is billed for arraignment before the court on a 3-count charge of defamation brought against her by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

She was said to have defamed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.

Also, several leading lawyers, led by Roland Otaru, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, have arrived in the courtroom.

What has happened to our compassion as a People ?

We pleaded that the President should show Leadership and visit Benue and Niger States in the spirit of deep national mourning, to offer compassion and solidarity to families torn apart by the senseless massacre of over 200 innocent Nigerians in Benue State and flooding that killed similar number in Niger State.

But what we saw in Benue visit was instead of a solemn, reflective visit, a display that would have been more befitting for the commissioning of reconstructed Enugu-Makurdi highway, a critical road connecting South and Northern Nigeria which had become impassable for years.

The President arrived not in mourning cloth but in celebratory agbada attire, like it was an occasion for joy.

Even more heartbreaking is the role of the State. Rather than been in mourning mood and weeping declared a public holiday, not for reflection or prayer, but to organize fanfare. Schools were shut down. Children who should be mourning their slaughtered classmates, and parents were instead lined up under the rain, rehearsed to sing and dance for the President. In what kind of country does this happen?

We have tragically arrived at a point where condolence visits have become carnivals. A time that should be marked by silence and solemnity is now polluted by banners, music, and rehearsed spectacles. Precious Nigerian lives have been lost, yet we’re clapping, singing, and organizing processions, as though this were a campaign rally.

This is not how any compassionate nation behaves. The energy, resources, and logistics poured into this charade could have gone into food supplies, temporary shelters, medical aid, school support, and trauma counselling for grieving families. Instead, we chose optics over empathy.

Look elsewhere: When President Ramaphosa visited Mthatha after the floods in South Africa, there were no drums. No staged crowds. No rented cheers. Just presence, silence, and action. When Prime Minister Modi went to the site of a crash, no one lined up to welcome him. He came, he mourned, he acted. That is what leadership looks like in moments of pain.

We must ask ourselves: What kind of people have we become?

Enough of this culture of impunity. We are not at war yet our nation is bleeding, and we are clapping. It is not only insensitive, it is dangerous.

Let us not forget: These were human beings, children, mothers, fathers whose blood cries out for justice.

When very sad incidents like this turns to campaign or festival, our Nation Losing Its Soul.

A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

"WE'VE ARRESTED THE ATTACKERS OF BENUE. WE CAUGHT THEM WITH AK-47s AND OTHER WEAPONS"- C.P UMAR

During a live broadcast on AIT, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, expressed deep concern over the rising spate of killings in neighboring Benue State. The governor made a passionate appeal to criminal elements to desist from their violent activities and embrace peace for the sake of regional stability and human dignity.



Governor Sule stated, “There is no justification for the continuous bloodshed. I call on those involved in these acts of violence to lay down their arms and seek peaceful means of resolving grievances. We cannot continue to live in a society where human life is taken so cheaply.”

He also commended the efforts of security agencies operating in Nasarawa State for their proactive response and vigilance in curbing the spread of violence across the border. According to the governor, recent intelligence-led operations by the police and other security outfits have led to the arrest of several suspects believed to be connected to the killings in Benue.

The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Umar Nadada, confirmed that the suspects were apprehended in a coordinated operation around the Benue-Nasarawa border. He disclosed that the suspects were found in possession of sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, which they intended to use in further attacks.



“Our security architecture has been put on high alert since the escalation of violence in Benue. During a recent joint patrol, our men intercepted and arrested individuals with strong links to the attacks in Benue. They were caught with AK-47s and other dangerous weapons. Investigations are ongoing,” CP Nadada stated.

Governor Sule assured the public of his administration’s commitment to peace and security, adding that Nasarawa State will continue to cooperate with Benue and federal authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.

Kano Court Jails 12 for Multiple Fraud

Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kano, Kano State has convicted and sentenced 12 people to jail for multiple fraud.

The convicts are: Michael Yakubu, Udo Promise Jonah, Promise Isah Ibrahim, Samuel Odeh, Abdulsamad Muhammad, Agboeze Chibueke Ernest, Ochuba Chigozie, Abu David Eleojo, David Aaron, Chidi Destiny Chidiebere, Collins Noel, and Ola Ajibola.

They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on cybercrime, impersonation, retention of proceeds of crime and money laundering.

The charge against Yakubu reads: "That you Michael Yakubu (a.k.a Beksolk_official), sometimes in April, 2025 at Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Beksolk_Official (a United States of America citizen) on Instagram (a social media platform) and in such assumed character obtained the sum of $300 (Three Hundred USD) from unsuspecting victims and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Prevention Etc Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.”

That of Chigozie reads: “That you Ochuba Chigozie, sometime in April, 2025 in Tammah Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained the total sum of $200.00 (Two Hundred United States Dollars) which you knew that such fund forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition)Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

They all pleaded "guilty" to their charge, following which the prosecution counsel, M. Lawal and M.U Gadaka asked the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that their clients have become remorseful of their actions.

Justice Shuaibu sentenced Chigozie and Eleojo to five years imprisonment, respectively or to pay N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. In addition, Chigozie forfeited an Infinix X68IIB mobile phone and the sum of $200 (Two Hundred Dollars), while Abu forfeited iPhone 14 Promax and the sum of $300 (Three Hundred Dollars).

Aaron, Yakubu, Jonah and Odeh were sentenced to five years imprisonment each or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively. In addition, Aaron forfeited iPhone II and the sum of $400 (Four Hundred United States Dollars), Yakubu forfeited Oppo A18 mobile phone and the sum of $300.00 (Three Hundred Dollars), Jonah forfeited Samsung Galaxy S21 and the sum of $200.00 (Two Hundred Dollars), while Odeh forfeited Redmi 13C mobile phone and the sum of $30 (Thirty USD).

Chidiebere was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited iPad Pro II and the sum of $100 (One Hundred United States Dollars).

Noel, Ajibola and Ernest were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment respectively or to pay N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. In addition, Noel forfeited iPhone 16 Plus, Ajibola forfeited Infinix Hot 40i mobile phone and the sum of $350.00 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars), while Agboeze forfeited an Apple laptop computer, and the sum of $190 (One Hundred and Ninety Dollars).

Ibrahim and Muhammad were convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment, respectively or to pay N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. Ibrahim forfeited iPhone 12 and the sum of $115 (One Hundred and Fifteen Dollars), while Muhammad forfeited iPhone 16 and the sum of $260. (Two Hundred and Sixty Dollars).

All the forfeitures are to the federal government.

The convicts were arrested in Nassarawa and Niger State following credible intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities.