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.”

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.

The trial of Tukur Mamu, a self-proclaimed negotiator accused of facilitating terrorist activities, faced a setback on Tuesday due to the absence of key prosecution witnesses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Mamu, who is facing a 10-count terrorism charge, was scheduled to appear before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja. However, the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that their primary witness was unable to travel to Abuja, while another witness was unavailable due to the absence of the exhibits custodian.

Citing these challenges, the prosecution requested an adjournment—a motion that the defense, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Johnson Usman, did not contest. However, Usman raised fresh concerns about Mamu’s treatment in custody, alleging that he had been denied his right to pray as a Muslim and barred from receiving visits from relatives despite a court order permitting such access.

Additionally, Usman claimed that the Department of State Services (DSS) refused to allow Mamu’s family to provide him with a prescribed BP Digital Kit for monitoring his health, despite an existing court directive permitting access to a doctor of his choice.

Justice Ekwo instructed both parties to resolve the issues and provide an update within seven days. The case has now been adjourned to May 6, 7, and 8 for further proceedings.

Mamu, a Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, is accused of collecting ransom payments on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorist group from families of victims abducted during the Abuja-Kaduna train attack. The Federal Government alleges that he received $420,000 and ₦21 million from hostage families and concealed the funds in his Kaduna residence. He is also accused of maintaining communication with a known Boko Haram spokesperson.

The prosecution maintains that Mamu’s actions violate the Terrorism Prevention (Prohibition) Act of 2022, though he has denied all charges.