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Student jailed 14 months for online love scam

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Student jailed 14 months for online love scam

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday sentenced a 20-year-old undergraduate, Ganiyu Alabi, to one year and two months imprisonment for engaging in an online love scam.

The judge sentenced him, following his plea bargain agreement to the charge of possession of fraudulent documents.

Alabi is to serve his jail term at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, in Lagos.

 Oshodi, while delivering the judgment, said he had considered the effect of cybercrime which damaged Nigeria’s international reputation.

He also said he had taken into consideration the timely plea bargain entered into by the convict which had saved judicial time and resources. However, he noted that he did not believe the convict was genuinely sorry because he lied to the court.

He said: “I do not believe you are genuinely sorry because you lied to this court that you started Internet fraud this year whereas in your confessional statement, it showed you started in 2023.

“Having been convicted of the charge of possession of fraudulent documents, I hereby sentence you to one year and two months imprisonment or pay an N1m fine.

“You shall also serve two months of community service with the Lagos State Community Service Unit and a report of activity shall be submitted at the end of the service.

“You shall also be registered as an offender in the state.”

Earlier, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission counsel, Mr Ahmad Usman, in his review of facts, told the court that the convict was arrested in a sting operation in Lekki, sometime in April.

Usman said that the convict had in his possession fraudulent documents in which he represented himself as one Leana Decker, a white female, to unsuspecting members of the public.

He stated that the convict, in his confessional statement, admitted to having engaged in a dating scam via Facebook in which he had benefitted $1000.

The prosecutor further tendered bundles of fraudulent documents which were tendered in evidence following no objections from defence counsel.

The prosecutor also told the court that the convict had restituted N500,000 to the anti-graft agency.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened Section 320 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

Ogun Amotekun foils self kidnap of 41-year-old

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Ogun Amotekun foils self kidnap of 41-year-old

The Ogun State Security Network Agency otherwise known as Amotekun Corps has foiled the self-kidnap staged by one Enitan Awoyemi, a 41-year-old resident of Irolu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

Awoyemi was said to have allegedly orchestrated his kidnap in a desperate bid to evade payment of about N1m debt.

This was according to a statement from the state Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Brig Gen Alade Adedigba (retd.), made available to journalists on Wednesday.

According to Metro gathered that the wife of the suspect, Mrs Tope Awoyemi, was said to have on November 10, at about 9 am, reported to the Amotekun Irolu outpost that her husband had called her, claiming to have been kidnapped the previous day by unidentified individuals who demanded a ransom of N5m for his release.

The statement partly reads, “Upon receiving the report, the Amotekun Intelligence team commenced an investigation into the matter, and findings from the investigation revealed that Enitan Awoyemi had accumulated substantial debts related to gambling in a lotto game, amounting to a staggering N1m.

“Awoyemi, who is a regular player of the game, had previously won N6m from the same game, using portions of his winnings to purchase a Toyota Corolla Sport car and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle for commercial purposes.

“Faced with the inability to repay his debts, it is alleged that he resorted to fabricating a kidnapping scenario.”

Adedigba however said through the collaborative efforts with the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria and other community stakeholders, the suspect was traced to Ijagba town and later Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

He was ultimately arrested at the Irolu Okada Park in the early hours of Wednesday during routine patrol operations by the Amotekun officers.

Upon apprehension, operatives noted a strong smell of insecticide from him, raising concerns about an attempted suicide.

Awoyemi was said to have been transported to the Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu for medical attention.

Adedigba said that Amotekun was committed to taking necessary action, and once Awoyemi is discharged from the hospital, he would be handed over to the police for further proceedings.

The commander reaffirmed the security outfit’s dedication to maintaining law and order, exposing deceitful activities, and protecting Ogun State residents.

He said, “We, therefore, commend the collaborative efforts of the VGN, other community stakeholders, and our operatives in foiling this plot, and urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. This incident highlights the importance of community cooperation in ensuring safety and security.”

13 Enugu college students suspended for bullying colleague

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13 Enugu college students suspended for bullying colleague

The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College in Enugu State for six weeks for alleged bullying in the school.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

The statement revealed that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, ordered the suspension based on a viral video showing some students of the school engaging in acts of bullying.

Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across the country.

According to him, a recent report received by the ministry highlighted the bullying incident at the school, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within its environment.

The report read, ”The findings of the ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on November 7.

“The incident came to light showing the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms.

“In response, the Federal Ministry of Education established a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.

“Based on the findings, all the 13 students involved have been placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.”

The minister also directed the School Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.

He added that immediate measures had been implemented to enhance security at the college by engaging law enforcement agents while also reviewing existing safety protocols.

“Additionally, counselling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment,” he said.

CIG Motors inks deal on 2,000 electric vehicles deployment

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CIG Motors inks deal on 2,000 electric vehicles deployment

CIG Motors has announced new economic ties by signing a deal with real estate mogul, Dr Ned Okonkwo, for the deployment of electric vehicles.

The company announced this strategic alliance in a statement, emphasising its commitment to a shared vision of innovation and sustainability.

It stated, “Supported by Fidelity Bank, this partnership aims to promote Wuling electric vehicles as the next generation of automotive solutions, ushering in a more sustainable future for mobility.

“Unlocking the partnership with an initial order of 2,000 Wuling EV units, including setting up charging stations across all of Dr Ned Okonkwo’s real estate developments, providing the electric vehicle as an accessory to land and property owners.

“The partner through CIG Mobility is also saddled with power generation and installation to power the charging infrastructure set up across the country.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman, CIG Motors Group, Diana Chen, noted that pioneering the e-mobility path in the automobile industry, the Wuling EV serves as a smart powerhouse with clean energy storage while providing a sustainable future for everyone.

The Executive Director of CIG Motors, Jubril Arogundade, stated that by combining Okonkwo’s business acumen with Wuling and Fidelity Bank’s support, the company was ushering in a new age of sustainability solutions while creating millions of jobs across the country.

He said, “This new partnership is poised to save citizens from the troubles of maintenance, mechanical repairs, emission of carbon, long fueling queues and most importantly help to ease the lives of Nigerians through smart living and green initiatives.”

Speaking on the impact of the new partnership, the Group Managing Director, Nedcomoaks Limited, Dr Ned Okonkwo, revealed that the partnership was born from an encounter with a visionary, like himself.

He said, “The partnership is set to boost economic growth, protect the environment, and improve green energy throughout the country with Fidelity Bank providing accessible financing options for interested persons.”

Celebrating the vision, legendary Nollywood actor, Richard MofeDamijo, acknowledged that the partnership helps bring the future to now with aspirations of having homes that are connected and allow living with ease.

Kano NNPP chair denies knowledge of Kawu’s letter

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Kano NNPP chair denies knowledge of Kawu’s letter

The Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, on Wednesday, denied any knowledge of a letter from Senator Kawu Sumaila, demanding an apology from him over alleged libellous statements he made against the Senator.

“I have not received any letter, and no letter was addressed to me on the issue by anyone whatsoever,” Dungurawa told journalists in Kano on Wednesday.

He described the reported letter as a “rumour created by the enemy, supported by ignorance, and accepted by fools, and I am not part of any of the above.”

He warned that the NNPP would not tolerate anti-party activities by any member, including those in political office.

The chairman stated that the NNPP has always promoted a level playing field for all members to pursue their legitimate ambitions and, therefore, expects absolute loyalty from them.

Commenting on the reported crisis within the state branch of the party, Dungurawa emphatically stated that the NNPP remains “100 per cent strong and united.”

He added that the noise about the crisis in the party is simply a sign that the NNPP is a strong, united, and promising party with a winning edge.

Recall that Senator Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano South) had threatened to initiate legal action against Dungurawa over a “libellous allegation” he allegedly made against him.

The threat was detailed in a letter addressed to Dungurawa by Sunusi Musa (SAN), Managing Partner of Aliyu & Musa (SAN), Legal Practitioners and Consultants.

In the letter, dated 12 November, the solicitors stated: “We act as solicitors to Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (“our client”), who is currently a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Kano South Senatorial District. It is on his instruction that we write this letter.

“The attention of our client was drawn to a radio programme broadcast on Freedom Radio frequency 99.5 FM, also shared on the Facebook page of the radio station and accessible worldwide. The voice clip has also been circulated to various individuals and groups on WhatsApp and Telegram platforms globally.

“By this letter, we are demanding that you, on behalf of our client, retract the allegation within 24 hours of receipt of this letter in the same manner you made it,” the legal practitioners emphasised.

They also requested that the NNPP chairman give the retraction the same level of publicity as the interview, along with a public apology to their client in two national dailies.

“If you fail to meet our demands within the stipulated time, our client will be compelled to seek legal redress in a court of law,” the lawyers warned.

Dutch police detain pro-Palestinian protesters at banned demo

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Dutch police detain pro-Palestinian protesters at banned demo

Dutch police detained dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters Wednesday in Amsterdam, after they again defied a demonstration ban put in place after violence against Israeli football supporters last week.

The protesters, who were wearing scarfs and chanting slogans, staged a demonstration in Amsterdam’s central Dam Square and were taken to waiting vehicles, AFP correspondents saw.

The demonstration comes as the Netherlands is still dealing with the political fallout from last week’s violence in Amsterdam when fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv were assaulted by men on scooters in several parts of the capital.

Five Maccabi fans were briefly hospitalised after being beaten up following a match with the local Ajax team last Thursday, in what Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof termed an incident of “unadulterated anti-Semitism”.

The latest protests followed a similar demonstration on Sunday.

On Wednesday evening the protesters were taken to waiting vehicles, some of them heavily resisting.

Several hundred protesters gathered at the Dam Square earlier in the evening, despite a ban on protests announced by the city’s mayor last week.

The ban, which followed the attacks after a match between Maccabi and Ajax last week is in place until noon this Thursday.

After the match, groups of men on scooters engaged in “hit-and-run” attacks on Maccabi fans in areas of the city.

Police said the attackers were mobilised by calls on social media to target Jewish people.

Amsterdam’s mayor Femke Halsema on Tuesday called the violence surrounding the game a “poisonous cocktail” of anti-Semitism and hooliganism.

Events ahead of last Thursday’s match heightened tensions, including anti-Arab chants by Maccabi fans, who also set fire to a Palestinian flag on the city’s central square and vandalised a taxi.

After the match, reports emerged of social media calls to attack Jews, Amsterdam police said.

The violence took place against the backdrop of an increasingly polarised Europe, with heightened tensions following a rise in anti-Semitic, anti-Israeli and Islamophobic attacks since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

AFP

Okpebholo swears in SSG, Attorney-General  

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Okpebholo swears in SSG, Attorney-General  

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, swore in the Secretary to State Government and the State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice 24 hours after assuming office.

Barr. Musa Ikhilor assumed office as SSG, while Barr. Samson Osagie stepped in as Attorney-General of the State and Commissioner for Justice.

Okpebholo had on Tuesday, barely two hours after his swearing-in, announced the nomination of Ikhilor and Osagie. In less than 24 hours, Osagie was screened and confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Okpebholo, in his charge, told the new appointees to help him achieve his vision for the state and ensure that the people come first.

He said, “I was voted to work, and everybody should be ready to work. I carefully selected these appointees. They have proven integrity. Work with them so that we can do the best we can.

“During my campaigns, I promised to work with the best, and that’s what we have done with these appointments. Our best is yet to come.”

The new SSG, Ikhilor, said the team would help the Governor in fulfilling his campaign promises, by driving meaningful change and development in the State, just the new Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Osagie, said he would help the Governor achieve his agenda for the people, adding, “I will ensure that the rights of Edo people are protected.”

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Ogun PDP accuses APC of plotting to block participation in LG poll

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Ogun PDP accuses APC of plotting to block participation in LG poll

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun and the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to prevent it from participating in Saturday’s local government elections.

Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, raised the alarm on Wednesday during a press briefing at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

He alleged that the APC, fearing the popularity of PDP candidates, is resorting to various tactics to sideline the opposition.

“The governor and APC have observed the overwhelming popularity of our candidates and are, therefore, scheming to block us from participating by any means possible,” Tella stated.

The party’s claims come amid a legal suit filed by former state PDP chairman, Sikirullahi Ogundele, which Tella described as an attempt orchestrated by the state government to destabilise the party.

The suit seeks to disqualify PDP candidates, alleging they are not officially recognised members of the party.

“Before this baseless lawsuit, there were previous attempts to disrupt our party congresses, submission of parallel candidate lists to the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), and now this legal action questioning the eligibility of our candidates,” Tella said.

He pointed out that the suit was filed weeks after the official deadline for objections to candidate nominations, a timeline OGSIEC previously established.

Despite this, he expressed confidence in the judiciary but raised concerns over the impartiality of Justice Sunday Adeniyi, assigned to the case.

He noted that Justice Adeniyi was a former APC member, a past caretaker chairman of Ikenne Local Government, and campaign director for Governor Abiodun’s 2015 Senate bid.

“We respect the judiciary and trust in the rule of law. However, we cannot overlook that the judge assigned was once an APC member and appointed as a judge by Governor Abiodun. While we are not questioning his integrity, we urge him to ensure justice aligns with the rule of law,” Tella remarked.

Tella further urged OGSIEC to uphold transparency during the polls, emphasising the need for timely distribution of materials to all 20 local governments and 236 wards.

Meanwhile, Ogun APC Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, dismissed the PDP’s allegations, attributing them to internal divisions that have plagued the party for over a decade.

“The PDP is simply looking for someone to blame for its unresolved crisis. The APC has no hand in their internal rifts, parallel congresses, or factional disputes,” Oladunjoye stated.

Sikirullahi Ogundele, also speaking with The According, denied being influenced by the state government, dismissing the allegations as “cheap lies.”

“When I was in alignment with them, I wasn’t seen as a tool. Now that I’m taking a different path, they are accusing me. I am educated, with a PhD, and I know what I am doing,” Ogundele said.

The case is scheduled for hearing on Thursday, as both parties brace for a legal showdown ahead of the local government polls.

243,000 Nigerian Subscribers Disconnect From DStv, GOtv Over Cost as New Rival Emerges

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243,000 Nigerian Subscribers Disconnect From DStv, GOtv Over Cost as New Rival Emerges

The pay-TV industry in Nigeria has seen a notable shift as approximately 243,000 subscribers abandoned DStv and GOtv between April and September 2024, according to Multichoice, the parent company of both services. This decline is a direct result of Nigeria’s worsening macroeconomic conditions, which have put a strain on consumer spending, making it difficult for many to maintain subscriptions to premium entertainment services.

Decline in Subscriber Numbers Amid Economic Struggles

The drop in subscribers has been attributed to various factors, with inflation being one of the major drivers. In Nigeria, inflation rates have soared to 32.7%, making basic goods and services increasingly unaffordable for a large portion of the population. As a result, discretionary spending on entertainment, including pay-TV services like DStv and GOtv, has been significantly reduced.

In the financial statement released by Multichoice on November 12, 2024, the company revealed that the total number of lost subscribers in Africa reached over 566,000. This figure includes losses not only from Nigeria but also from Zambia, where severe power outages—sometimes lasting up to 23 hours a day—contributed to the decline. In total, Nigeria and Zambia were responsible for 298,000 of the lost subscribers, further highlighting the challenges faced by the pay-TV sector in these regions.

Global Context and Wider Impact on Multichoice

The subscriber loss is not confined to Nigeria alone. South Africa, the home country of Multichoice, also saw a drop of 180,000 subscribers, contributing to a global decline of 1.8 million active subscribers for the company. This reduction in subscriber base has been linked to the broader macroeconomic conditions affecting consumer spending across various regions. Despite these challenges, Multichoice has managed to maintain its revenue growth.

The company reported a four percent year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching 25.4 billion South African rand on an organic basis. This growth is attributed to strategic measures, including disciplined pricing strategies to keep up with inflation and the introduction of new products to the market. However, Multichoice also faced a 10% drop in revenue on a reported basis, driven by foreign exchange pressures in Africa and a stronger South African rand against the US dollar.

Impact of Price Hikes and Increased Competition

One factor that may have contributed to the loss of subscribers is the series of price hikes implemented by Multichoice on its DStv and GOtv subscription plans throughout the year. These price increases, which were implemented to offset inflationary pressures, have likely made it even more difficult for Nigerians to afford the services. While Multichoice has tried to ease the financial burden by reducing the prices of its decoders, many subscribers appear to have reached a breaking point in terms of their ability to pay for the service.

In addition to rising prices, the market dynamics have also shifted due to new competition. A new player in the Nigerian pay-TV space, Luft Pay TV, has entered the market, promising to offer tailored content that meets the needs of Nigerian consumers. The company’s launch, led by CEO Bright Echefu, is expected to increase competition for established services like DStv, GOtv, and StarTimes. Luft Pay TV has committed to delivering top-notch entertainment at affordable prices, which could prove to be an attractive option for many Nigerians who have become disillusioned with rising costs from the traditional pay-TV providers.

The Future of the Nigerian Pay-TV Market

The entry of Luft Pay TV, coupled with the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerian consumers, will likely lead to further shifts in the pay-TV market. With inflation continuing to impact household budgets, more Nigerians may begin to explore alternative, more affordable entertainment options. The rise of online streaming platforms, like Netflix and YouTube, also poses a threat to traditional pay-TV services, as consumers opt for digital solutions that offer flexibility and lower subscription costs.

In response to these challenges, DStv and GOtv may need to reconsider their pricing strategies and explore ways to offer more value to customers in order to retain their subscriber base. This could involve offering more localized content, exploring flexible payment options, and improving the overall customer experience to compete with emerging alternatives like Luft Pay TV.

 

The pay-TV industry in Nigeria is at a crossroads, with increasing pressure from economic conditions and new competitors entering the market. Multichoice’s recent report highlights the struggles faced by DStv and GOtv, as 243,000 Nigerian subscribers disconnected due to rising costs. As the landscape continues to evolve, the success of existing players will depend on their ability to adapt to changing consumer demands and offer value in a highly competitive market. With new entrants like Luft Pay TV promising better customer-tailored services, the future of pay-TV in Nigeria may look very different from the status quo

President Bola Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Official Trip to Saudi Arabia

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President Bola Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Official Trip to Saudi Arabia

President Bola Tinubu arrived back in Abuja on Tuesday evening from his official visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he attended the highly anticipated Joint Arab-Islamic Summit. This summit, which brought together leaders from across the Arab and Islamic world, was a key platform for discussing crucial regional and global issues, further strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with other nations.

The President’s plane touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at around 8:00 p.m., where he was warmly welcomed by top officials of his administration. On hand to greet President Tinubu were Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, and Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

Also present at the airport to welcome the President were Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, and Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President was accompanied on the trip by several key members of his team, including Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation. Mohammed Mohammed, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, was also part of the delegation.

During the visit, President Tinubu engaged with regional leaders and diplomats, further cementing Nigeria’s role as an active player in global discussions. His participation in the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit was a significant step towards fostering stronger relationships between Nigeria and the Arab-Islamic world.

As the President returns to Abuja, this successful diplomatic mission highlights his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s global standing, forging new partnerships, and addressing key international issues. The trip also underscores the administration’s focus on strengthening bilateral relations to benefit the nation’s economic and strategic interests.

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