Crime
NDLEA Freezes N20bn In Alleged Drug Barons Bank Accounts
Mallinson Ukatu, a businessman and socialite from Lagos who is being detained in the Ikoyi Custodial Center on drug-related charges, had N20 billion stashed away in 103 bank accounts, which the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has now taken possession of.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The socialite and his six businesses—Fruitroprics Industries Limited, Mallinson and Partners Limited, NISPO Porcelain Company Limited, MBL Multi-links Services Limited, NISPO Oil and Gas Limited, and Urban Space Services Limited—have also been the subject of a 23-count complaint brought by the NDLEA before the Federal High Court of Abuja.
The Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, J. Sunday, J. Obi, Bridget Viasimah, J. Aernan, and the Prosecution Counsel, Mike Kassa, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation, signed the charges dated August 4, 2022.
Earlier, the drug enforcement agency was able to temporarily seize 25 properties that belonged to Ukatu, who was detained for allegedly bringing in tramadol worth N3 billion.
According to reports, the billionaire converted N123.8 million, which is considered to be the proceeds of an illegal act and is punishable under sections 15(3) and (4) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011, illegally using Fruitropics Industries Limited’s United Bank for Africa account no. 1006588563. (as amended).
The first defendant was also accused of using Mallinson and Partners Limited’s UBA account number, 1001228653, between January 1, 2018, and September 23, 2021, to convert N1.447 billion, which was a crime’s proceeds, in violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011. (as amended).
According to count six, “You, Ukatu Mallinson, a male, adult, and Mallinson & Partners Limited, a corporate body registered in Nigeria, between July 25, 2017, and October 14, 2021 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, converted the sum of $347, 755, knowing or having a reasonable basis for knowing that it was the proceeds of an unlawful act, and as a result, you committed an offense contrary to section 15(2)(b) of the Penal Code.”
The narcotics agency further charged the businessman with converting N52.4 million between January 1, 2017, and October 14, 2021 using the Access Bank account number 0720857089 belonging to Multi-Links Service Limited.
According to Count 13, “You, Ukatu Mallinson, a male, adult, and Mallinson & Partners Limited, a corporate body registered in Nigeria, between January 2, 2019 and October 14, 2021 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, converted the sum of N10.875 billion knowing or reasonably ought to have known to be proceeds of an unlawful act using Mallinson & Partners Limited’s Access Bank Plc account no. 0006750241 and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 15(2)(b) and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended).’
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 19 individuals in Benin City, Edo State, for their alleged involvement in internet fraud activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to a statement issued on Monday via the EFCC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the arrests were carried out by the Benin Zonal Command on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The operation was based on actionable intelligence that linked the suspects to a series of fraudulent cyber activities.
The EFCC disclosed that several high-value items were recovered from the suspects during the operation, including five luxury vehicles and multiple smartphones believed to have been used in perpetrating the crimes.
“Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City, Edo State. The arrests were made based on credible intelligence connecting them to cybercrime activities,” the agency’s statement read.
Although further specifics regarding the alleged schemes have yet to be made public, the EFCC has assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted once inquiries are concluded.
This operation is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to combat the rise in cybercrime across Nigeria, a crime trend colloquially referred to as “yahoo-yahoo.”
At least 40 individuals have lost their lives in a renewed wave of violence that struck Zike, a community in Kimakpa within the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The assault, which unfolded in the early hours of Monday, left residents in terror as unidentified gunmen invaded the village, indiscriminately opening fire on civilians. Many who tried to escape were tragically caught in the barrage of bullets.
Community leader Wakili Tongwe, speaking to Channels Television, disclosed that he and security agents were patrolling a nearby area when the attack erupted.
“Despite engaging the attackers and pushing them back, the toll was already severe,” Tongwe said. “Thirty-six people died on the spot, and four others later succumbed to their injuries. Several victims are still receiving medical attention.”
This latest incident follows a disturbing trend of violence in Plateau State, coming just two weeks after a similar attack in Bokkos LGA claimed 52 lives.
Plateau’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, expressed strong condemnation of the act, describing it as “one attack too many” and a threat to the state’s fragile peace.
“It’s devastating to face another tragedy in Bassa, barely weeks after the Bokkos killings,” she lamented. “This appears to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace we’ve been working hard to restore.”
Ramnap urged residents to stay calm and vigilant, affirming that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“The state will deal firmly with any individual or group involved in such barbaric acts,” she assured, warning against retaliatory violence.
As of press time, security agencies had not released an official statement on the latest attack.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Alhaji Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations tied to a ₦70 billion fraud.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Jaja was released under the condition that he returns for upcoming court hearings. His arrest and prosecution have sparked speculations of political motivation, especially due to his previous criticisms of federal government policies.
Alongside Jaja, two others were also detained in relation to the case: Aliyu Abubakar, an unregistered bureau de change operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a PoS operator. All are being investigated for their roles in what’s being described as a massive financial scandal.
The case has generated national attention and added to ongoing scrutiny of public officials’ handling of state funds.
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