The five were among 93 suspects apprehended by EFCC operatives on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in a high-profile clampdown on internet fraud syndicates operating from Abeokuta
EFCC Secures Conviction of Five Internet Fraudsters Nabbed in Obasanjo Library Hotel Raid
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of five internet fraudsters arrested during its sting operation at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The convicts—Christian Okoli, Adeleye Emmanuel, Akinyele Kehinde Fatai, Shonekan Waris Bolaji, and Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi—were arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday. They all pleaded guilty to charges of impersonation, identity theft, and romance scams.
The five were among 93 suspects apprehended by EFCC operatives on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in a high-profile clampdown on internet fraud syndicates operating from Abeokuta.
Breakdown of convictions:
Christian Okoli (arrested in July ahead of the raid) admitted to running online romance scams. The court sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment or a ₦1 million fine. A Samsung S23 Ultra phone and ₦300,000 refund were forfeited to the Federal Government.
Adeleye Emmanuel was sentenced to one month of community service, including publicly carrying a placard from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the inscription: “Crime does not pay.”
Akinyele Kehinde Fatai confessed to benefitting $2,000 from scams. He refunded ₦500,000 via an Access Bank manager’s cheque and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a ₦3 million fine.
Shonekan Waris Bolaji admitted to starting romance scams in 2024 and boasted of ties to a jailed U.S.-based gang member. He was sentenced to 30 days in prison, effective from August 10, 2025.
Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi confessed to making $2,800 from scams. He refunded ₦1 million, while his iPhone 13 Pro Max and another Android device were forfeited. He also bagged 30 days’ imprisonment from August 10, 2025.
The August 10 sting operation at OOPL resulted in the arrest of 93 suspects linked to romance and internet scams. EFCC confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with more prosecutions expected in the coming weeks.
The Commission emphasized that the convictions reflect its resolve to pursue cybercrime cases to their logical conclusion—ensuring perpetrators face jail terms and forfeit illicit proceeds to the state. Read More
The PDP has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the chairmanship in the North. The decision comes amid internal divisions and Nyesom Wike’s warning against repeating 2023 mistakes
Umar Damagum
2027: PDP Zones Presidential Ticket to South, Retains Chairmanship in North
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its presidential ticket to the southern region of Nigeria while retaining the party’s national chairmanship in the North.
The decision was announced after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, where the NEC also affirmed Umar Damagum as PDP’s substantive National Chairman.
Damagum, who initially stepped in as acting chairman following the suspension of Senator Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023, was confirmed after a court upheld Ayu’s removal.
Zoning has long been a flashpoint in Nigerian politics, and the PDP’s latest move is already generating heated debate. In the last election cycle, the party’s choice to throw its 2023 presidential ticket open paved the way for Atiku Abubakar’s emergence, a decision that split the party and triggered rebellion within its ranks. Former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, openly opposed Atiku’s candidacy and backed President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who ultimately won.
With Tinubu already adopted as APC’s consensus candidate for 2027, PDP insiders believe zoning its ticket to the South may boost its chances. Yet, cracks remain.
In May 2025, Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and still a PDP heavyweight—warned that zoning the party’s 2027 ticket to the North again would be disastrous.
“As a party, come out openly now and say our presidential candidate will also come from the South. You don’t want to do that; you want to play the same game you played in 2023. It will backfire,” Wike cautioned during a media parley in Abuja.
He argued that if Tinubu wins re-election in 2027, the APC would naturally zone its 2031 ticket to the North, leaving the PDP trapped if it had kept its 2027 slot in the same region.
“The point is that selfishness can kill a system… What kind of smartness is that?” Wike asked.
While the PDP has not yet announced its flagbearer for 2027, the zoning decision sets the stage for a fierce battle within the opposition as it seeks to reclaim power from the APC. Read More
Miden Systems Limited has filed a lawsuit against Sterling Bank, its CEO, and others over alleged $200 million fraud, forgery, and criminal breach of trust
Miden Systems Drags Sterling Bank, CEO to Court Over Alleged $200m Fraud, Forgery
Miden Systems Limited has instituted legal action against Sterling Bank Limited, its Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, and four senior management staff, alleging conspiracy, fraud, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds.
The engineering, maritime, and consultancy firm, which operates a corporate account with Sterling Bank, filed the suit before Magistrate Njideka Duru of the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Wuse Zone II, Abuja.
The case, listed for mention on Monday, was stalled due to the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Enugu and has been adjourned to September 10.
In a 29-page petition filed by its counsel, Louis Alozie (SAN), Miden accused the defendants of running a vast fraudulent scheme using its name to open spurious accounts, allegedly siphoning over $200 million. The company claimed that repeated requests for account statements were ignored while unilateral liens were placed on its accounts, cutting it off from its funds.
The petition further alleged that Sterling Bank withheld foreign currency remittances, speculated with them for months, and later liquidated them at heavily devalued rates.
“In one instance, our principal remitted dollar revenues when the official rate was about N150/$1 and the market rate about N198/$1. Sterling Bank stockpiled over N2 billion in our account after taking its spread. By the time they released it, the naira had collapsed to about N500/$1, rendering the original dollar value almost worthless,” the complaint read.
Miden also alleged that Sterling Bank deliberately refused to issue cheque books or grant internet banking access in order to conceal fraudulent debits.
The company maintained that although it cleared all loan obligations to Sterling Bank by July 2017, the bank fabricated an unsolicited $30 million loan, supported by forged documents and signatures, and immediately disbursed the funds to third parties.
Another instance cited involved a $3 million loan booked to Chasewood Limited. When Chasewood denied applying for the facility, the bank allegedly reclassified it under Miden’s account, claiming the two firms were “sister companies.” Miden insists it has no connection to Chasewood.
The firm further alleged that Sterling Bank secured a loan from Afrexim Bank using forged signatures, while also opening additional accounts in Miden’s name with a fake office address at No. 10 Goba Close, Wuse II, Abuja.
Frustrated by failed resolutions, Miden petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which referred the matter to the Inspector General of Police. A police investigation report issued in February 2025 reportedly indicted Sterling Bank and the named defendants.
With the case now before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja, hearing is scheduled to continue on September 10. Read More
President Bola Tinubu begins a two-day state visit to Brazil with the signing of a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct flights and deeper economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Brazil
Tinubu Signs Landmark Nigeria-Brazil Air Service Deal to Boost Trade, Tourism, and Investment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday kicked off a two-day state visit to Brazil with the signing of a historic Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) aimed at strengthening air connectivity between Africa’s and South America’s largest economies.
The landmark deal was formalized in Brasília through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
According to Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the BASA will pave the way for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, creating new opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. He described the agreement as a springboard for stronger diplomatic and economic integration between both nations.
Leading a high-powered delegation, President Tinubu was received at the Presidential Palace in Brasília alongside key cabinet members including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Onoh Ojukwu; and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.
During the signing ceremony, President Lula da Silva welcomed the partnership and expressed Brazil’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria not only in aviation but also in agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development.
The visit also features strategic meetings with leaders of Brazil’s National Congress — including the Presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies — as well as an engagement with the President of the Supreme Federal Court. Nigerian officials confirmed that the second day of discussions will focus on broadening cooperation across multiple sectors.
The signing of the BASA represents a major diplomatic milestone for the Tinubu administration, underscoring its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships and positioning the country as a key player in international commerce, mobility, and development. Read More
After a viral video showed TikTok creator Peller pushing Jarvis into a car, the influencer has spoken out, dismissing abuse claims and insisting she’s staying in the relationship by choice
TikTok Star Jarvis Defends Romance with Peller After Viral Push Video
The internet has been buzzing after a video of TikTok couple Jarvis and Peller sparked heated debates online. In the viral clip, Peller was seen shoving Jarvis into their car — a moment that quickly ignited speculation of abuse and drew mixed reactions from fans.
But Jarvis isn’t backing down or walking away. In a new video posted online, she passionately defended her relationship, brushing off the incident as exaggerated and insisting she is with Peller out of choice, not pressure.
“I’m a small girl but at least I am old enough to take up my responsibilities and know what I want. Now you people are giving this narrative that Peller is beating me. Are you people okay?” she fired back at critics.
The TikTok star stressed that she wouldn’t tolerate abuse in any form, making it clear that if things ever turned violent, she would leave immediately.
“If a man beats me… I would have left. My life first, my mental health, my sanity first,” she declared.
Jarvis admitted that Peller’s public push was wrong, describing it as a “no-no,” but expressed faith that he would learn and grow from the experience.
“That pushing was not it, actually. But I believe that he will change,” she added.
She also drew a sharp line between her reality and the assumptions swirling online, reminding followers that her relationship is not about fame or money:
“I’m not a child. And if it was really abusive, I wouldn’t be here. My body is still clean, I’m still intact.”
She said, “Advice your family. I’m not going to hide under the fact that I say I’m a small girl. I’m a small girl but at least I am old enough to take up my responsibilities and know what I want. I know what I want. Now you people are giving this narrative that Peller is beating me.
“Are you people okay? I’ve been small pikin. I don’t know, maybe you people are using Peller’s kind of eye to be looking at me. But hey you, I’m a small girl but I’m not a child. And if a man beats me, or he’s beating me, ah, this is not in 1960, whereby, maybe they’ll say one woman marry, and the husband is beating her, they’ll now tell the lady, don’t leave your man, you stay there, eh, protect, eh, what? I’m not doing that. If it were something like that, I would have left. I’m not capping. If there was something abusive or we were fighting or it was hitting me like all those beats, I would have left. There’s no two ways about it. My life first, you get. My mental health, my sanity first.
“Now, abusive means… We all know. And anybody who is going through an abusive state. When I mean abusive, you know what I mean by abuse. Like they don’t beat you up, they don’t swear. Or you are going through hell. They don’t use a cutlass or knife to yama yama you. Please, my body is still clean. I’m still intact, okay? So if you are experiencing that, run for your life. Please, do not stay there. This one is not it, okay? That pushing was not it, actually. It’s a no-no, but I believe that he will change.
In a recent interview with Channels Television, Jarvis confirmed her engagement to Peller, putting an end to speculation about their relationship.
She revealed that Peller proposed to her, saying that although the ring doesn’t fit her but the commitment is real.
Jarvis said she initially perceived Peller based on their online interactions, but after meeting him offline, she discovered his true personality and grew to love him.
Despite the controversy, Jarvis seemed unfazed by the online chatter, telling critics to focus on their own lives.
The drama around the TikTok pair has only fueled more attention on their relationship, with fans split between concern for Jarvis’ well-being and admiration for her loyalty to Peller. Read More
Rotary Club of Ikeja Township Provisional, in collaboration with Olukayode Ariike Foundation, visited Little Saints Orphanage in Abule Egba, delivering gifts, love, and hope to children while reinforcing Rotary’s values of service above self
Rotary Club Partners Arike Foundation to Spread Love, Outreach Gifts at Little Saints Orphanage
The spirit of service and compassion came alive in Abule Egba last Saturday as the Rotary Club of Ikeja Township Provisional, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Ikeja Legend and the Olukayode Ariike Foundation, carried out a heartwarming outreach to Little Saints Orphanage.
Led by Rtn. Enitan Ibironke, members of the club diverted from their planned morning walk to dedicate the day to making a difference in the lives of the children. Gathering first at Iretura Media Hub, the Rotarians arrived at the orphanage by 9 a.m., bringing with them gifts, encouragement, and warm fellowship.
The visit was marked by laughter, bonding, and unforgettable moments of kindness. Volunteers spent quality time with the children, sharing words of love and inspiration. A particularly touching highlight was the support shown to Hope, a talented child with a passion for bead-making, whose entire collection was purchased by the visiting Rotarians in recognition of her skill.
Speaking after the event, Rtn. Amb. Ariikẹ Olukayode Elegbede, Incoming Chartered President of RC Ikeja Township Provisional, praised members for their dedication and unity.
“Thank you to everyone who showed up in the true spirit of Rotary. Moments like these remind us of why we serve — to touch lives and uplift our communities,” she said. The outreach not only deepened fellowship among Rotarians but also reinforced the essence of Rotary’s guiding principle — service above self. For the children of Little Saints Orphanage, it was a day of love, hope, and renewed joy, while for the volunteers, it was a reminder of the profound impact of community service in creating lasting change.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) kicks off the 5th edition of its Super Savers’ Promo, themed Season of Progress, with ₦150 million in prizes to boost savings culture and empower Nigerians from September 2025 to May 2026
UBA Launches 5th Super Savers’ Promo, Offers ₦150 Million in Prizes to Empower Nigerians
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has unveiled the fifth edition of its Super Savers’ Promo, a nine-month campaign aimed at deepening financial inclusion and encouraging a stronger savings culture across Nigeria.
The campaign, themed Season of Progress, was launched at the bank’s head office in Lagos and will run from September 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. With over N150 million in prizes to be won, the initiative is targeted at both new and existing customers, designed to empower individuals and families to plan towards education, home ownership, business ventures, and other financial goals.
Speaking at the launch, Chukwuma Nweke, UBA’s Group Deputy Managing Director, described savings as a key pillar of national development. “This campaign is aimed at deepening the savings’ culture among Nigerians. Savings empower families and individuals to take control of their future, whether by securing quality education for their children, acquiring homes, setting up sustainable businesses, or meeting pressing needs at different stages of life,” he said.
UBA Super Savers 4: l-r: Head, Bancassurance and Retail Liabilities, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Uche Eleanya; Group Head, Remittances, UBA, Uzoamaka Oyeka; Group Deputy Managing Director, UBA, Chukwuma Nweke; Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, UBA, Shamsideen Fashola; and Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, UBA Alero Ladipo, at the official unveiling of 5th Edition of the UBA Super Savers Promo – Season of Progress, in Lagos at the weekend.
Nweke explained that UBA has developed savings products that not only help people achieve their financial aspirations but also promote financial inclusion. “Through these products, more Nigerians are being integrated into the formal banking system, bridging economic gaps, breaking cycles of poverty, and building stronger communities,” he added.
The Season of Progress promo allows customers to open a Bumper Account with a minimum of N5,000 to qualify for monthly draws, with higher chances for those depositing in multiples. Other qualifying accounts include individual savings accounts, which require N10,000 monthly deposits for three consecutive months, as well as Kiddies, Teens, and NextGen accounts for younger customers.
Shamsideen Fashola, Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, said the promo reflects UBA’s five-year track record of incentivising savings in Nigeria. He recalled that last year, in celebration of the bank’s 75th anniversary, thousands of customers received approximately N150 million in prizes. “This year’s Season of Progress promotion is even more ambitious in scope and reach. It reflects our unwavering commitment to reward our loyal customers who have stood by us through the years, while also attracting new savers to join the ever-growing UBA family,” he said.
A unique feature of this year’s campaign is the inclusion of dormant account holders, who qualify for special monthly N35,000 reactivation draws once they reactivate their accounts with at least N10,000.
The reward structure includes quarterly star prizes of N1 million each for 27 winners, alongside other quarterly prizes ranging from N500,000 to N10,000. Monthly airtime rewards, cluster draws, and targeted categories for young savers through NextGen, Kiddies, and Teens accounts are also included, ensuring broad participation across customer segments.
Alero Ladipo, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the bank’s motivation goes beyond prizes. “We still have significant ground to cover in empowering Nigerian citizens toward financial independence, and we see this promotion as one of the ways to empower Nigerians, improve their financial independence, and introduce them to the innovative, safe, and secure banking solutions that we at United Bank for Africa provide at the highest standard,” she said.
UBA has also rolled out a new digital onboarding platform that allows prospective customers to open accounts in real time online, without visiting a branch. The bank said the platform is designed to further democratise access to financial services.
To ensure transparency, all draws will be conducted live with oversight from regulatory bodies. The bank also plans nationwide activations across markets, campuses, and rural communities in all states.
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees and over 45 million customers globally. Operating in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA offers retail, commercial and institutional banking services while driving financial inclusion and deploying cutting-edge technology. Read
Senator Gbenga Daniel refutes reports of his suspension from the APC, describing them as “malicious and libellous.” His media office demands a retraction and apology within seven days or faces legal action
Sen. Daniel Reaffirms APC Membership, Slams “Malicious” Reports, Vows Court Action
The Media Office of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, has issued a firm rebuttal to media reports claiming his suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released on Monday, the media office stressed that Senator Daniel “is and remains a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC).”
The rejoinder, titled “Rejoinder: Oguninsight and News Across Online News Platforms: Libellous Publications Against His Excellency, The Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel,” took particular exception to an article published by Oguninsight with the headline: “EXCLUSIV: Billions, Betrayal, and a By-Election—The Inside Story of Gbenga Daniel’s Suspension from Ogun APC.”
The article was subsequently reproduced by several national dailies, including Vanguard and PM News on August 24, 2025, under headlines such as “Why APC Suspended Senator Gbenga Daniel.”
The OGD Media Office described these publications as “offensive, malicious and libellous,” warning that they could “hurt or injure the hard-earned reputation” of the Senator, who has built a long-standing career in politics, business, and public service.
To address the matter, the media office has demanded a full retraction and open apology to be published in all national newspapers that carried the report, as well as the immediate removal of related content from social and new media platforms.
The platforms were given a seven-day ultimatum, after which, the statement warned, “all necessary legal actions” would be taken.
“Our lawyers have been adequately briefed to proceed on the next course of action,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that Senator Daniel remains a duly elected representative on the APC platform and a bona fide member of the party. Read More
Nollywood star, Iyabo Ojo, has joyfully stepped into a new role — grandmother — following the birth of her daughter Priscilla’s baby boy.
The newborn, fondly named Baby Rakeem, has already captured hearts online, gaining an impressive 22.2K Instagram followers within days of his arrival.
Fans, friends, and colleagues have flooded social media with congratulatory messages for Iyabo Ojo and Priscilla, celebrating the newest addition to the Ojo family.
The joyous moment follows months of anticipation. On Friday, August 22, Priscilla and her Tanzanian singer husband, Juma Jux, hosted a colourful gender reveal party filled with celebrity friends and loved ones.
“When the smoke cannons went off, blue clouds filled the air, confirming they were expecting a baby boy,” witnesses recounted.
The couple, who had earlier admitted they were praying for a son, couldn’t hold back their joy, jumping and hugging in excitement when their wish came true.
Earlier this year, Priscilla and Juma tied the knot in a lavish wedding ceremony held in both Nigeria and Tanzania, graced by celebrities and influential personalities across Africa.
Dangote Cement Screens 1,500 Truck Drivers for Mental and Physical Fitness to Boost Road Safety
No fewer than 1,500 Dangote Cement truck drivers have undergone intensive screening exercises to assess their mental, psychological, and physical fitness for safe driving.
Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak disclosed this to journalists after his presentation at the 2025 Annual Drivers Retreat held at Ilaro, Ogun state.
He explained that the screening exercise has been made mandatory for the drivers, but it had to be more intensive given the situation on the roads across the country.
The Dangote Cement boss said: “Every driver employed by Dangote Cement is required to undergo an extensive and rigorously structured recruitment process that includes: Valid Driver’s license class G, background verification of both the driver and their guarantors, comprehensive medical evaluation, including vision screening (eye test), blood pressure checks, BMI -body mass index, RBS – random blood sugar test as well as drug and alcohol testing.
“In the past two months alone, over 1,500 prospective drivers have successfully completed this process. Only those who met all required standards were engaged and certified to operate any Dangote Group vehicles. Our commitment to safety extends beyond recruitment. All drivers undergo mandatory pre-trip medical assessments, conducted by licensed nurses and doctors.”
Pathak stated that the management of Dangote Cement Plc was irrevocably committed to training and retraining of its drivers for effectively safe and smooth driving across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
Pathak emphasised that as a leading cement manufacturer with thousands of trucks in its fleet, safety on the road remains the management’s priority.
The Dangote Cement boss stated that the company as regular road users understand its commitment to the safety of other road users and its responsibility to other members of the society, and reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to road safety, transparency, appropriate ethical conduct, and provision of detailed clarity on the comprehensive systems and procedures to mitigate against any incident along roads across the country.
According to him, “Dangote is a responsible organisation that consistently cooperates with the Nigeria Police and other relevant authorities in the investigation of reported incidents with support of all lawful processes, aimed at establishing the facts and routinely implementing recommendations that strengthen public safety.
“Other screening covers usage within a three-month detection window, ensuring identifying any history of substance use before employment, completion of a two-week intensive training programme, which consists of twelve safety modules, practical driving assessments, and written examinations.
