The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a syndicate of fake State House Staff for alleged employment scam.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
He said the commission’s operatives arrested the suspects separately following an investigation on petitions by victims, who were promised jobs in various Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).
The suspects, according to the spokesman, promised the victims jobs as “Director-General” at the Ministry of Communication, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other ministries.
He listed the suspects to include Augustine Umogboi, who claimed to be a former staff of the State House, and Eleojo Idakwo, a fake staff of the Ministry of Information in the Registry Unit.
Others are Kingsley Onuh who also claimed that he just concluded his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Omata Sunday, and Eljayon Nigeria Limited.
Oyewale said: “Besides, they had different account numbers of different banks through which they were receiving the money amounting to N22,350,000 from different victims.
“Umogboi was arrested on June 16, Idakwo was arrested on April 30, 2024, while Onuh was arrested on April 3.
“The victims narrated their bitter experience in a series of petitions written to the EFCC.
“The suspects have given useful information to the EFCC and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”
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EFCC arrests fake State House staff over alleged employment scam
FAAN cracks down on touts at airports, establishes courts for prosecutions
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has declared war on extortion and illicit activities of some touts who usually loiter around Nigerian airports.
The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, made this known while speaking with journalists in her office, in Lagos on Saturday.
Kuku noted that she had gathered reports about the activities of the touts harassing and extorting unsuspecting passengers at airports.
She vowed to crack down on perpetrators of such illegal activities, emphasising her commitment to ensuring a seamless and pleasant experience for travellers
The FAAN boss further announced that the Director of Special Duties of the agency, Henry Agbebire, will head a committee that will lead the fight against the suspected criminals.
Kuku also promised to engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with the anti-touting and anti-extortion measures.
She added that to ensure the zero-tolerance policy, magistrate courts would be established at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders.
“The task force has been mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism at all levels.
“In addition, dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of providing feedback on their airport experience.
“All airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability.”
A week ago, ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir, FAAN, issued a warning against bribes and extortion at airports nationwide, assuring travelers of a smooth journey.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, made this known in a statement last week Friday.
She assured Nigerians of seamless travel, stating that measures have been taken to upgrade security apparatus to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Osun community urges Adeleke to fix Ejigbo/Iwo road
Indigenes of the Ejigbo community in Osun State have decried the poor state of the Ejigbo/Iwo road and called on the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke to set machinery in motion to fix the road.
Speaking at the maiden Ojude Oba Ejigbo held at Gbamoge Square, Ejigbo on Saturday, the chairman of the event, Mr Tayo Adebowale, said the deplorable condition of the road has made it impossible for international business owners, who are using the route to access Cote de Ivoire, Togo and Ghana, look for alternative.
Adebowale, however, urged Adeleke to consider fixing the road, adding that the Ejigbo community supported him to emerge as governor during the last governorship election.
He said, “Our people are based in Ivory Coast. Trading is our mainstay, especially foreign trading. So, good road network is very important to us. We have daily departure and arrival to and from Abidjan every day. But Ejigbo/Owo Road has been abandoned for close to 20 years. Even transporters can no longer ply the road.
“Farmers can no longer bring in their produce from the farm. That road is a major route for us. People going to Ghana, Togo and Ivory Coast, as people coming from the Eastern part of the country to board vehicles going to those countries are having difficulty reaching here.
“Vehicles are developing faults whenever they ply the road. That is why we pleading with the state government to please look at that road and do something about it. We voted for the governor and we believe he is going to look at the road and help us to fix it.”
In his remarks, Osun State Governor represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo, assured the Ejigbo community of more support to further improve infrastructural amenities in the town.
The chairman of the maiden Ojude Oba Ejigbo planning committee, Mr Olaide Raji, said the initiative was designed to foster harmonious relationships among the indigenes, thus providing a platform to further support efforts that would lift the town among its peers in the State.
He also called on Adeleke to listen to the cries of the community and rehabilitate the Ejigbo/Iwo road.
NIMC denies data breach allegations, to prosecute harvesters
The National Identity Management Commission denied allegations of a data breach involving sensitive information about Nigerian citizens.
In a press statement signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, on Saturday, the Commission reassured the public that their data remains secure and has not been compromised.
NIMC emphasised that it has not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number or any other identity information.
The Commission specifically identified several websites including idfinder.com.ng, and Verify. ng, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify. com—as unauthorised data harvesters.
On March 16, there were reports that the website expressverify was monetising the recovery of NINs and personal information from the Nigerian identification database.
The website reportedly had unrestricted access to NINs and personal details of Nigerians registered in the nation’s identity database managed by NIMC.
This incident prompted the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to heighten scrutiny of NIMC licensees after the website breached data protection protocols.
NIMC warned the public to avoid these sites and refrain from providing any personal information, as these platforms are potentially fraudulent and illegally collect data for their services.
“The Commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats.
“Our secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place, meeting the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law,” said Adegoke
NIMC advised Nigerians to be cautious and avoid sharing their data with unauthorised or phishing sites which pose significant risks of data harvesting and compromise.
The commission reiterated its dedication to maintaining ethical standards in data protection, in alignment with Federal Government directives and data privacy regulations.
It further clarified that licensed partners or vendors are not permitted to scan or store NIN slips but are only authorized to verify NINs through approved channels.
The Commission announced an ongoing collaboration with security agencies to apprehend individuals posing as online vendors who will face legal consequences.
NIMC urged the public to stay vigilant against misinformation and rely on verified sources for accurate updates.
“NIMC remains committed to delivering secure and reliable identity management services and ensuring the highest level of security for its systems and databases, which are deemed critical national assets,” it added.
Those trafficking Igbo girls are enemies of Ndigbo-IPOB
The Indigenous People of Biafra have called for collective action to end the trafficking of teenagers in the South-East, including boys and girls and sexual exploitation locally and internationally.
The pro-Biafran group described the recent viral videos of some teenage girls from the South-East trafficked for prostitution in Ghana as a disturbing development.
They stated this in a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Saturday, adding that IPOB is against any form of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The statement read in part, “The noble family and movement of IPOB calls for collective actions to stop the trafficking of teenagers, both girls and boys. These children were mostly underaged and were trafficked and locked up in rented houses in Ghana to prostitute for the soulless wicked traffickers.
“We believe that the trafficking of innocent and ignorant teenage girls from Nigeria to Ghana, to other African countries, Europe and American countries for prostitution is an international cartel that needs the collaboration of inter-country security and other international agencies to tackle.
“These teens were trafficked through land borders in connivance with the security agencies at borders and checkpoints. We call on Nigerians and Ghanaians to arrest and prosecute the human traffickers.”
It added, “IPOB is against any form of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Igbo girls are important for productive procreation among Ndigbo. Those trafficking these Igbo girls and those using them as sex slaves locally and internationally are enemies of Ndigbo and must be treated as such.
“We are urging Biafran parents to become more responsible and ensure they instil good values in their children to avoid being trafficked or becoming human traffickers. We commend the efforts of some of the amiable leaders who worked with the Ghana Police in rescuing some of the trafficked girls in Ghana.
“The teenage girls rescued should be properly counselled and sent back to their parents in Nigeria and Biafra while the arrested kingpin should face international law.”
It further stated that its leadership has given orders to all IPOB coordinators both home and abroad to be on the lookout for anywhere Igbo teenagers are being held hostage as sex slaves and report it.
“IPOB volunteers and ESN operatives must be ready to assist in checking any hotel harbouring 13 to 15-year-old girls in their hotels and those hotels should be brought down. Be ready to be dealing with human traffickers in Alaigbo.
“We can’t afford to allow human traffickers to destroy our future mothers and leaders. All hands must be on deck to stop this ugly monster of trafficking underaged girls for prostitution,” the statement added.
Earlier in June, ten teenage Nigerian girls around the ages of 15 and 16 were rescued by authorities after they were trafficked to neighbouring Ghana for prostitution.
Congresses will resolve Katsina PDP crisis – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said on Saturday the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congresses would resolve the party’s lingering crisis in Katsina State.
Atiku spoke with journalists after he paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, over the death of his son, Abdullah Abdulmumini.
He said: “I also condoled with the family of the former Governor of the defunct Kaduna State, late Alhaji Lawal Kaita, over the death of his widow, Hajiya Yelwa Lawal-kaita.
READ ALSO: 2027: After meeting Babangida and Abdulsalami, Atiku visits Buhari in Daura
The former Vice President also visited former President Muhammadu Buhari in his Daura country home after which he condoled with the family of late Alhaji Sade, father to the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Trading Limited, Lawal Dade.
On the internal crises that had divided the PDP into two factions, Atiku added: “There will soon be congresses, so, people will elect whom they want to be their party leaders.”
A group called “PDP major stakeholders” and the state caretaker committee have been at loggerheads over the sales of congress forms.
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5 types of modern bedrooms you can create in your house
Creating a modern bedroom in your Nigerian home can be an exciting venture, blending contemporary design elements with personal style to achieve a comfortable and stylish retreat. Here are five types of modern bedrooms you can consider, each with distinct characteristics and design philosophies.
1. Minimalist Bedroom
Design Tips:
To achieve a minimalist bedroom, focus on decluttering and choosing multifunctional furniture. Opt for built-in storage solutions to keep surfaces clean and open. Use natural light as much as possible to enhance the airy feel of the room. A simple bed frame, a couple of bedside tables, and a wardrobe are usually sufficient.
Color Palette: Neutral colors like white, beige, and grey.
Furniture: Simple, functional, and uncluttered.
Decor: Limited to essential items with clean lines.
2. Scandinavian-Inspired Bedroom
Design Tips:
A Scandinavian-inspired bedroom emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and coziness. Incorporate wooden elements like a wooden bed frame and flooring. Use soft textiles in neutral tones to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Adding a few green plants can bring a touch of nature indoors, enhancing the room’s tranquility.
Color Palette: Light colors, particularly whites and pastels.
Materials: Natural materials like wood and cotton.
Decor: Hygge elements such as soft throws, cozy rugs, and plants.
3. Industrial Bedroom
Design Tips:
To create an industrial bedroom, focus on raw and unfinished elements. Exposed brick walls, metal light fixtures, and wooden furniture are key features. Incorporate vintage items like an old trunk for storage or a repurposed ladder as a clothes rack. Keep the decor simple but impactful, with statement pieces that reflect the industrial aesthetic.
Color Palette: Dark and neutral colors, such as black, grey, and brown.
Materials: Exposed brick, metal, and wood.
Decor: Vintage or repurposed items.
4. Contemporary Bedroom
Design Tips:
A contemporary bedroom embraces current design trends and technologies. Use a mix of textures and materials to create visual interest. Invest in statement lighting fixtures and contemporary art to serve as focal points. Furniture should be sleek and modern, with a blend of form and function. Incorporate smart home features like automated lighting and climate control for added convenience.
Color Palette: A mix of bold and neutral colors.
Materials: Modern materials like glass, metal, and polished wood.
Decor: Art pieces, modern lighting, and stylish accessories.
5. Bohemian Bedroom
Design Tips:
A Bohemian bedroom is all about individuality and creative expression. Use an eclectic mix of furniture and decor items collected over time. Layer different textiles such as rugs, cushions, and throws to create a cozy and lived-in feel. Incorporate patterns and colors from various cultures to enhance the boho vibe. Personal items like travel souvenirs, handmade crafts, and vintage finds add character and uniqueness to the space.
Color Palette: Rich, vibrant colors mixed with earthy tones.
Materials: Eclectic mix of fabrics, wood, and natural fibers.
Decor: Layered textiles, ethnic patterns, and plenty of personal touches.
Benefits of Each Modern Bedroom Design
1. Minimalist Bedroom
– Reduced Stress: A clutter-free environment can lead to a calmer and more peaceful mind, reducing stress and anxiety.
– Easy Maintenance: With fewer items and clean lines, minimalist bedrooms are easier to clean and maintain.
– Enhanced Focus: A simple and uncluttered space can improve concentration and mental clarity.
– Timeless Appeal: Minimalist designs are classic and won’t easily go out of style, providing long-term satisfaction.
2. Scandinavian-Inspired Bedroom
– Cozy Atmosphere: The use of soft textiles and warm wood tones creates a welcoming and comfortable environment.
READ ALSO:Five reasons housing deficit persists in Lagos despite ongoing construction boom
– Natural Light: Scandinavian design emphasizes natural light, which can improve mood and energy levels.
– Functional Design: This style prioritizes functionality, ensuring that every piece of furniture serves a purpose, enhancing practicality.
– Eco-Friendly: Often incorporates sustainable and natural materials, promoting an eco-conscious lifestyle.
3. Industrial Bedroom
– Durability: Materials like metal and wood are robust and long-lasting, providing durability.
– Unique Character: The raw and unfinished look adds a unique and edgy character to the space, making it stand out.
– Creative Freedom: Allows for creative use of repurposed and vintage items, making it easy to personalize.
– Low Maintenance: The rugged nature of industrial materials means less worry about wear and tear.
4. Contemporary Bedroom
– Modern Comforts: Integrates the latest in design trends and technology, offering a comfortable and convenient living space.
– Sleek Aesthetics: The clean lines and stylish accessories create a sophisticated and elegant look.
– Versatility: Can easily adapt to new trends, allowing for flexibility in updating the space over time.
– Enhanced Functionality: Often includes smart home features that improve the overall functionality and efficiency of the bedroom.
5. Bohemian Bedroom
– Personal Expression: Allows for a high degree of personalization, reflecting your unique tastes and experiences.
– Warm and Inviting:The use of rich colors, patterns, and textures creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
– Creative Freedom: Encourages creativity and experimentation with different decor elements and styles.
– Diverse Charm: The mix of different styles and items adds charm and character, making the space feel lively and vibrant.
By Dennis Isong
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2027: After meeting Babangida and Abdulsalami, Atiku visits Buhari in Daura
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday visited former President Muhammadu Buhari in his Daura country home in Katsina State.
The former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, was one of the politicians who accompanied Atiku to the former president’s home.
However, issues discussed at the meeting between the two leaders were not made public.
The former Vice President had during the week paid Sallah homage to the duo of former military rulers – Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, at the homes in Minna, Niger State.
With more than three years before the 2027 election, the visits to the former Nigerian leaders could be a grand move by Atiku for another shot at the nation’s highest political office.
He was defeated in Nigeria’s last two presidential elections by Buhari and President Bola Tinubu respectively.
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Surge in unqualified practitioners worries institute
The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers has condemned the increasing number of unqualified practitioners in the industry.
This was as the institute emphasised the urgent need to address the problem of unqualified individuals handling electrical jobs, as this often results in faulty installations and hazardous conditions.
Speaking at the institute’s 16th conferment of fellowship on Saturday in Abuja, the President of the institute, Felix Olu, called for rigorous skills development and certification among practitioners to address the issue.
He said, “There is a critical need to address the problem of unqualified individuals handling electrical jobs. This has often led to faulty installations and hazardous conditions.
“Quackery in electrical work is a major issue due to the engagement of unqualified individuals and the use of substandard materials.”
Olu said recognising the impending crisis, electrical engineers across Nigeria came together to advocate for regulatory measures.
These concerted efforts, according to him, resulted in the proposal of a bill in the National Assembly to establish the Chartered Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of Nigeria.
Olu added that the bill was successfully passed and signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
“This new regulation mandates certification for all electrical and electronic engineering practitioners in Nigeria, encompassing engineers, technicians, technologists, and craftsmen. Certified practitioners will now carry insignia such as badges, certificates, and seals, allowing the public to identify and verify their qualifications easily,” Olu added.
He emphasised the importance of this regulation in reducing incidents of faulty installations and fire hazards. “With the establishment of this organization, Nigerians can now identify who is qualified to do electrical jobs, thereby significantly reducing the risk of accidents caused by substandard work,” he added.
Speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Prof. Nouruddeem Umar, stressed the need for monitoring and advancing the field of electrical engineering amid the ongoing fourth industrial revolution.
Prof Umar highlighted the importance of digitization and the role electrical engineers must play in leading this transformation.
“The current era is defined by rapid advancements in AI, machine learning, the Internet of Things, digital twin technology, and more. Our field is uniquely positioned to address diverse challenges across these areas. We must urge all our members to take responsibility and set an agenda for today’s challenges, leveraging our curriculum empowerment,” Prof. Umar stated.
Eight jailed for internet fraud in A’Ibom
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Uyo Zonal Command has secured the conviction and sentence of eight internet fraudsters in the state.
This was contained in a statement by its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale on Saturday.
Oyewale said Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court, Calabar, Cross River State convicted the internet fraudsters.
He explained that they were prosecuted separately on two counts that bordered on criminal impersonation, identity theft and obtaining by false pretence.
He listed the convicts to include: Abasiofon Daniel Essien also known as Jason Momoa, Gideon Junior, Edikan Ubong, Harrison Chiemelie, Ndifereke Umoh, Christopher Promise, Effiong Wisdom and Godswill Nsikan.
One of the charges against Essien reads, “That you, Abasiofon Daniel Essien (aka Jason Momoa) sometime in 2023, in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession of $300 (Three Hundred US dollars) intentionally, knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: Identity theft and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under the Section 18 (3) of the same Act.
One of Wisdom’s charges reads, “That you, Effiong Wisdom “M” (aka Pamela Randy) sometime in November 2023, in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did fraudulently present yourself as Pamela Randy to Michael Moore on the social media platform: Facebook/Instagram with intent to gain advantage for yourself did take possession of the sum of $170 (One Hundred and Seventy United States Dollars) knowing that the money formed part of the proceed of an unlawful act to wit: impersonation thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”
They all pleaded guilty to the offences against them.
“They all pleaded guilty to their charges when they were read to them following which prosecution counsel, Khamis Mahmud tendered their confessional statements and incriminating contents of their mobile phones to the court as evidence and urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.”
“The judge convicted and sentenced them to two years in jail each. Umoh, Promise, Chiemelie and Nsikan were given the option to pay a fine of N2 million each (Two Million Naira). Junior, Essien and Ubong were given an N1.5 million (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) option of a fine, while Wisdom was given an N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) option of fine.
“In addition, Essien, Junior, Ubong and Chiemelie are to restitute $100, $300, $170 and N140,000.00 respectively to their victims, while Umoh, Promise, Wisdom and Nsikan will restitute $70, $140, N100,000.00 and Nsikan $50 respectively to their victims.”
The convicts also forfeited their phones which the court described as tools for their crimes to the government.
