According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), four people have been taken into custody for allegedly breaking into an Abuja bank’s system. On October 29, 2024, the EFCC made this information public on its X page. The accused were named by the Commission as Daminan Ali, Mohammed Bello Mahmud (the managing director of Downstone Ultimate Limited), Effiong Victor Emmanuel, and Chima Anthony Nwigwe (who was allegedly the head of the bank hacking syndicate). READ ALSO EFCC claimsAccording to the EFCC, the suspects planned to make “fraudulent withdrawals of depositors’ funds” and obtain “unauthorized access to banks’ computer systems.” Following actionable intelligence regarding their alleged involvement in hacking and accessing commercial banks’ databases, resulting in fraudulent transfers and withdrawals through a variety of digital channels,” the EFCC continued, omitting the bank’s name. The anti-graft agency said that after the investigations were finished, the suspects will face charges in court. Things you should be aware ofAfter the Commission and the parties involved have made their cases, a court with the necessary authority will decide the suspects’ fate, so the EFCC statement stays in the domain of allegations.This development coincides with an increase in fraudulent activity on Nigerian financial platforms, which caused Nigerian banks to lose N42.6 billion in three months between April and June of this year.The Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) disclosed this in its recently published Q2 2024 Fraud and Forgeries report in September. According to LMSINT MEDIA, the sum lost in Q2 2024 alone—excluding the Q1 figures—surpassed the total amount lost to bank fraud in 2023.According to an analysis of FITC data from the previous year, banks lost N9.4 billion in total. Compared to the N468.4 million lost in Q1 2024, the Q2 loss represents an 8,993% rise on a quarterly basis. In comparison to the N5.7 billion loss reported in Q2 2023, this also signifies a 637% rise. The results from the nation’s twenty-eight (28) deposit money institutions form the basis of the FITC report. FITC reports that 80 of these refunds were received during the reviewed quarter. Additional investigation reveals that 26 reports were filed in April. whereas in May and June, there were twenty-seven (27) reports.
Ezekiel Udoh, a 41-year-old Lagos vehicle washer, was found guilty of defiling and impregnating his neighbor’s 12-year-old granddaughter and was given a life sentence. When delivering the sentence, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court stated, “A child was forced to bear a child, forever altering the course of her life.” He concluded that the prosecution had established Udoh’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Oshodi called the offense “severe.” He said that the convicted person broke the community’s faith in him as an adult and exploited the minor’s innocence. READ ALSO He claims that because the defilement led to an unintended pregnancy at a young age, the repercussions of the prisoner’s acts are severe and extensive. “Previous evidence A troubling pattern of predatory behavior is shown by this court. Under the guise of running errands, you purposefully enticed this girl to your room and took advantage of her closeness and fragility. “Most concerningly, as a neighbor, you had sex with her twice, demonstrating a deliberate and ongoing pattern of abuse,” he said. Oshodi stated: “The Criminal Law’s Section 137, which stipulates life in prison for defilement, reflects society’s strong disapproval of such an act and its resolve to safeguard its most defenseless citizens.” “Those who are thinking about committing similar crimes against minors are discouraged by this sentence. “Therefore, in accordance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Violence Agency Law, 2021, I sentence you to life imprisonment.”
A member of the House of Representatives named Alex Mascot was caught on camera threatening and abusing a Bolt driver, prompting the police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to begin an inquiry. The incident happened on Sunday at Mr. Mascot’s home on Zamfara Crescent in Maitama, Abuja. In a statement issued on Monday, FCT police spokesman Josephine Adeh confirmed that Mr. Mascot had been placed under police custody. According to the statement, the investigation was started after Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya reported the incident. “The suspect is currently being questioned at the Maitama Police Station,” it said. The FCT Police Command is extremely concerned by Hon. Ikwegh’s (Mr. Mascot) contemptuous behavior toward the Inspector General’s office,” the statement continued. police after the event. “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” he allegedly said scornfully after hitting the victim, displaying a concerning lack of respect for the authority of law enforcement. Additionally, it stated that Olatunji Disu, the FCT’s Commissioner of Police, “has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.” “The Command is dedicated to carrying out an unbiased inquiry and guaranteeing justice in every situation. The proper legal action will be taken after the inquiry is finished. In a video that was uploaded to X (previously Twitter), a first-term member named Mr. Mascot boasted, “Do you know who I am?” while slapping the Bolt driver three times and threatening him. “I can make you disappear,” he continued. I serve as a senator for Nigeria’s Federal Republic. It’s unclear whether Mr. Mascot, who serves in the House of Representatives for Abia State’s Aba North/Aba South federal Constituency, purposefully referred to himself as a senator in order to boost his self-esteem or if it was an inadvertent slip. Drivers providing dispatch services and e-hailing in Nigeria are subject to a variety of risks and hazards. Some people have died while picking up and dropping off passengers or delivering products. To get quick access to news and events happening in your area, join the Premium Times WhatsApp community.Launch in WhatsAppContextMr Mascot ordered snails from a vendor, and the goods were sent via the popular ride-hailing service, Bolt. Upon arrival, the driver called the lawmaker to come outside to collect his item. asked him to come out and get his item, which was impolite. “Are you aware of your location? Are you aware of who I am? The lawmaker yelled, “You think I’ll give you my money based on the way you’ve spoken to me?” Additionally, the congressman complained by calling the snail-sending vendor, claiming that he could make the “Bolt driver disappear.” Who is this dumb lad you sent to my residence, Madam? You sent this stupid boy to my house, but who is he? How can this dumb fool show up at my house and tell me that I need to come pick up the snails I’m purchasing from you in his car? “Can you imagine this rat?” he went on. Nothing will happen if I make this man vanish from all of Nigeria. This rat—can you image it? This boy will not receive a single naira of my money. No, no, no. I will not spend a single naira of my money on this foolish child. In response, the driver demanded money for the work completed. He went on to say that he had not responded to the lawmaker’s insults. The Bolt driver remarked, “I have been silent while you have been insulting me.”
For the suspected murder of a male traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, also known as Igbo-Jah, a male police inspector of the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad has been taken into custody. The Enugu State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, State Headquarters, Enugu, issued a statement. According to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the police officer hit the victim with his gun for unknown reasons as the singer was apparently departing the squad’s offices following a cordial visit. On October 25, 2024, at approximately 8:10 p.m., the incident took place in the headquarters of the Tactical Squad. YOU CAN ALSO READ He was taken to the hospital right away, where the attending physician pronounced him dead. For preservation, his remains has been placed in the mortuary. as well as autopsies. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID has been directed by Commissioner of Police CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), to carry out a thorough investigation in order to enable timely and suitable disciplinary measures against the police officer. The Commissioner expressed sympathy and comfort to the victim’s friends, family, and coworkers, calling the regrettable event intolerable. To act as a deterrent, he promised that the police officer and anybody else found guilty will face legal repercussions. To guarantee that justice is done, CP Kanayo asked everyone who had any connection to the victim to maintain their composure and assist the police.
Chinese hackers have reportedly set their sights on mobile phones linked to Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, and his running mate JD Vance, as well as on individuals associated with the Democratic campaign of Kamala Harris, according to sources familiar with the issue. While the FBI has not confirmed specific individuals as targets, it did announce an investigation into unauthorized access to US telecommunications infrastructure allegedly conducted by individuals affiliated with the People’s Republic of China. In a statement, the FBI emphasized that multiple US government agencies are working in coordination to mitigate the threat and to bolster cybersecurity across commercial communications networks through partnerships with industry. The New York Times initially reported on the potential targeting of Trump and Vance, citing that campaign officials were briefed by US authorities on the issue earlier this week. US officials believe this is part of a broader cyber-espionage campaign from China aimed at infiltrating communications and collecting sensitive data. Over the past year, the FBI has frequently cautioned about Chinese cyber activities. FBI Director Chris Wray reported to Congress in January that the agency disrupted a state-backed hacking operation known as Volt Typhoon. This operation focused on small office and home routers across the United States, ultimately targeting critical infrastructure like water systems, power grids, and transportation. Also Read This. Additionally, the FBI recently intervened in another alleged Chinese government hacking campaign that installed malware on over 200,000 consumer devices, including home routers, cameras, and video recorders. A representative from the Chinese embassy in Washington responded to the allegations, stating that they were not aware of the specific details but reiterated that China itself is a victim of cyberattacks and opposes such activities. The spokesperson also stated that China has no interest in interfering in US domestic elections and urged the US to refrain from blaming China in the electoral context. Meanwhile, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, did not confirm specifics of the alleged Chinese activities but accused the Harris campaign of indirectly emboldening foreign adversaries, including China and Iran, with their policies. Separately, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Chinese hackers had potentially gained access to networks of US broadband providers, possibly compromising systems used by law enforcement for wiretapping requests, further highlighting the potential scale of Chinese cyber activities in US infrastructure.
charges related to a murder-for-hire plot. On October 24, law enforcement confirmed that the Chicago native, famous for his gritty lyrics and connection to the Only the Family (OTF) collective, is being held without bond in Broward County Jail. Facing severe federal charges, Lil Durk now confronts a complex legal battle ahead. Federal Investigation and Broward County Arrest The arrest stems from a federal investigation linking Lil Durk to a conspiracy charge involving a murder-for-hire scheme. Records show he awaits transfer to U.S. Marshals’ custody, signaling a high-profile federal case. The alleged murder-for-hire case centers around the 2022 killing of Saviay’a Robinson, also known as Lul Pab, the cousin of fellow rapper Quando Rondo. Investigators claim ties between this act and members of the OTF collective, pointing to a deep-rooted network allegedly orchestrated with Durk’s resources. OTF Connections and Conspiracy Claims According to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, five other individuals from Chicago associated with OTF were arrested alongside Durk. Prosecutors allege a conspiracy to murder in exchange for resources linked to the OTF label, including flight and rental reservations purportedly paid with OTF’s credit card. Additional accusations claim that OTF promised “lucrative music deals” to anyone who would target Quando Rondo. This case has spotlighted one of hip-hop’s biggest stars, unveiling how tensions between rival factions may be spilling into real-life violence with devastating consequences. Possible Retribution for King Von? Some believe this incident traces back to the tragic death of King Von, a close associate of Lil Durk, killed outside an Atlanta club in 2020 by someone linked to Quando Rondo. Von’s murder profoundly impacted Durk and OTF, sparking a wave of escalating conflict. Quando Rondo himself survived an ambush in 2022, though his cousin Robinson tragically did not, leading authorities to suggest the attack may have been revenge for King Von’s death. Hip-Hop Community Reacts The arrest has sparked a range of reactions across the hip-hop world, as fans and artists grapple with another beloved figure facing grave legal issues. Known for transforming personal struggles into music, Lil Durk now confronts a crisis that could alter his career and life. This case raises broader questions around the ongoing violence in hip-hop and the intertwining of music and street conflicts. Lil Durk’s journey ahead will be a test not only of legal resilience but also of his ability to navigate a personal ordeal with far-reaching implications. Awaiting Trial As Lil Durk remains in custody, the hip-hop community follows closely, bracing for developments. Federal charges of this severity carry significant penalties, and the ongoing investigation may reveal further complexities within the alleged plot involving OTF. For Durk, the next steps in court could be decisive, as the ties between hip-hop stardom and street-level conflicts face unprecedented scrutiny.
The Rivers State police command has successfully dismantled a kidnapping gang notorious for setting up illegal roadblocks along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road to abduct passengers. According to the new Police Commissioner, Mustapha Bala, the gang’s method involved stopping motorists at gunpoint, taking hostages, and demanding ransom. On October 17, 2024, two suspects were arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the gang leader was captured on October 19 in Egbeda. The suspects have confessed to their involvement in kidnapping, and their arrest was made possible through intelligence gathering. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices and recover their weapons. This operation is expected to bring relief to travelers on the busy Port Harcourt-Owerri Road, a key route connecting the South-South region to states like Imo, Anambra, and Lagos. The police believe this gang was responsible for the recent abduction of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and two others along the Elele/Omerelu axis. The police assured the public of their heightened efforts to maintain safety on the expressway, urging citizens to report suspicious activities. In addition to this success, two coordinated raids at Elechi Beach and Nanka waterfront targeted criminal hideouts, leading to the arrest of an armed robber and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and a stolen vehicle. Other operations were also carried out in Mogho, Gokana LGA, as the police continue their crackdown on criminal gangs in the region.
The Kaduna State Police Command recently apprehended 21 suspects accused of attempting to disrupt the local government elections held on October 19, 2024. The arrests were made by officers from Operation Fushin Kada, who acted swiftly to prevent the disruption. According to a statement from Mansir Hassan, the Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Police Command, the suspects, identified as political thugs, tried to obstruct the election by targeting transportation routes and ad-hoc staff responsible for distributing election materials. During the operation, sharp weapons and hard drugs were recovered from the suspects. The arrested individuals are now in police custody and will face charges after investigations are completed, potentially uncovering further links to other parties involved. The new Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, praised the quick response of the officers and urged citizens to remain peaceful and supportive of the police’s efforts to maintain order in the state. This situation highlights the ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria, particularly in sensitive regions like Kaduna.
A Nigerian court has freed Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, following the dismissal of money laundering charges against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This release allows Gambaryan to seek medical attention abroad, though tax evasion allegations against Binance remain unresolved. Gambaryan, a financial crime compliance officer for Binance, had been held in Kuje prison since February, accused of laundering over $35 million. Although the charges against him have been withdrawn, the EFCC stated that legal proceedings against Binance will continue. Diplomatic efforts played a key role in securing his release, with his wife, Yuki, voicing concerns over his deteriorating health. Despite Gambaryan’s release, Binance still faces separate tax-related claims in Nigeria, which the company denies.
The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended Jonah Onah, a suspected armed robber notorious for terrorizing the Olomore area of Abeokuta North Local Government. The arrest was confirmed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, during a phone interview with PUNCH on Thursday. Onah was captured during a raid at a known criminal hideout following actionable intelligence. The operation, led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Lafenwa Division, took place on October 23, 2024, around 9:50 PM. The suspect, believed to be involved in theft and pickpocketing, was caught with a decoy gun and a jackknife. Odutola assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining members of the robbery syndicate. In a separate incident, the police also arrested 27-year-old Imole Ajayi, suspected of being part of a one-chance robbery gang in the Agbara area. Ajayi was detained during a stop-and-search operation on Orita/Idi-Oke Road, where a single-barrel shotgun and live cartridges were discovered in his possession.
Senator Oyelola Ashiru’s office has dismissed claims made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) regarding a raid on his residence. According to a statement released by Olaitan Adeyanju, Senator Ashiru’s legislative aide, the NDLEA’s press release on October 21, 2024, alleged that illegal drugs were found during a raid at the senator’s home in Ilorin, Kwara State. This accusation came shortly after Senator Ashiru had publicly criticized the NDLEA for corruption during a Senate session. Adeyanju expressed disbelief over the timing of the NDLEA’s accusations, suggesting the agency was seeking justification for the claims after the senator’s Senate floor remarks. He further clarified that the senator never employed aides with the names mentioned by the NDLEA, nor did he send any representative to influence the dropping of any drug-related charges. The statement emphasized that a thorough search of Senator Ashiru’s residence yielded no incriminating evidence, questioning why the individuals mentioned by the NDLEA were not charged in court. Adeyanju called on the agency to focus on prosecuting suspects in court rather than engaging in a media trial and accused the NDLEA of having corrupt elements within its ranks. The statement reaffirmed Senator Ashiru’s commitment to serving his constituents in Kwara South and his advocacy for greater professionalism in Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.

