Crime
EFCC Arraigns Enugu Man Over Alleged N1.3m Car Fraud
ENUGU, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned a man in Enugu for allegedly stealing N1.3 million from a woman who trusted him to buy a car on her behalf.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The suspect, Ani Ugochukwu Augustine, was brought before Justice Ngozi Orji of the Enugu State High Court on Sept. 23, 2025. He is accused of fraudulently converting the money of Mrs. Nsoke Veronica for his own use.
According to the EFCC, Augustine allegedly collected N1,300,000 in 2021 after convincing Veronica he could help her purchase a used Toyota Sienna. The commission said he failed to deliver the vehicle and also refused to return the money.
Charge and Court Proceedings
Prosecutors filed a one-count charge of stealing under Sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Revised Edition of Enugu State, 2004. The law carries punishment under Section 353 (f) and (i).
When the charge was read in court, Augustine pleaded not guilty.
Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Michael Ikechukwu Ani, who represented the agency, asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in custody.
The defense lawyer, Ngozi Uzoma, tried to make an oral request for Augustine’s bail. But the EFCC counsel opposed the move, saying proper procedure required a formal written application.
Justice Orji ruled that the defense must file a proper bail motion before the court could consider it. She adjourned the case to Oct. 2, 2025, for a hearing on the bail application.
Augustine was ordered to remain in the correctional facility until then.
Background of the Case
The case began when Veronica filed a petition with the EFCC. She claimed Augustine approached her with an offer to help her secure a reliable second-hand Toyota Sienna. Believing him, she gave him the money.
Instead of purchasing the car, prosecutors say Augustine diverted the funds for his personal use.
The EFCC, Nigeria’s main anti-graft agency, investigated the complaint and later arrested Augustine. Officials said the evidence gathered supported the decision to file charges in court.
Legal Context
Stealing by conversion of funds is a serious crime under Nigerian law. Legal experts say that under the cited sections of the Enugu Criminal Code, conviction could result in significant jail time.
Cases involving financial fraud are common in Nigeria, where the EFCC often prosecutes individuals accused of defrauding unsuspecting citizens with promises of business deals, job offers, or vehicle sales.
In recent years, the agency has stepped up its efforts to recover stolen funds and secure convictions in cases involving both high-profile and local defendants.
What’s Next
The court will next sit on Oct. 2 to consider Augustine’s bail application. If bail is granted, he could be released while awaiting trial. If not, he will remain in custody until the trial begins.
The EFCC said it will continue to pursue the case to ensure justice for the complainant.
For Veronica, the petitioner, the court’s decision will determine whether she has a chance to recover her money. For Augustine, the arraignment marks the beginning of a legal battle that could decide his freedom.
Wider Impact
Fraud cases like this highlight the risks faced by Nigerians who engage in informal business transactions without legal protections. Experts warn that individuals should be cautious when handing over large sums of money without proper documentation or verified guarantees.
The EFCC has repeatedly urged citizens to report suspected fraud early and to rely on trusted, formal channels when making significant purchases, such as vehicles or property.
As the case moves forward, it underscores both the EFCC’s role in fighting financial crimes and the ongoing challenges of fraud that affect everyday Nigerians.
Crime
Phil Foden Declares Legal War Over “Sickening” Fake News About His Children.
Manchester City star Phil Foden has taken legal steps after malicious online rumours about his children went viral, sparking concern among fans and outrage from his family.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the England midfielder became a victim of false social media claims alleging that one of his children had died while another was diagnosed with cancer. The fabricated posts, featuring AI-generated images of Foden and his partner, Rebecca Cooke, appearing distraught, spread rapidly across platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Sources disclosed that Foden’s management team has enlisted a top legal firm to identify the individuals behind the hoax and demand the removal of the defamatory content from all online spaces.
One widely shared post falsely claimed that Foden’s six-year-old son, Ronnie, had passed away, while another alleged that his four-year-old daughter, True, was suffering from cancer. These fabricated stories, shared by fake fan accounts posing as Manchester City supporters, caused Foden’s name to trend online as sympathetic fans unknowingly sent condolence messages.
Reacting to the incident, Cooke, who shares three children with Foden, took to Instagram to denounce the disturbing fabrications, calling them “sickening.”
“We are aware of the pages and accounts spreading these lies. They are completely false and very disturbing,” she wrote. “I don’t understand how people can make up such stories about anyone, especially about children. It’s truly disgusting.”
She also assured followers that the family was in good health and urged the public to report any accounts promoting the falsehoods. “Thank God we are all fine, and thank you for your concern,” she added.
Crime
Police Recover Two Luxury Cars Stolen From Netherlands
Nigeria Police Force has recovered two luxury vehicles stolen from the Netherlands and shipped illegally into the country, officials said Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Police said the cars — a 2020 Toyota C-HR and a 2019 Toyota RAV4 — were traced to locations in Lagos and Akwa Ibom states. The vehicles were stolen from Amsterdam and the Midden-Nederland region before being transported through Belgium’s Port of Antwerp and arriving at the Apapa Port in Lagos late last year.
The operation was coordinated by the Nigeria Police Force’s National Central Bureau (NCB) of INTERPOL in Abuja, working closely with its Dutch counterpart in The Hague. After weeks of tracking and intelligence exchange, the two cars were located and seized during separate operations in southern Nigeria.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the recovery was the result of a joint investigation with international partners. “The successful recovery and repatriation of the vehicles reflect the Force’s firm commitment to global law enforcement cooperation and to ensuring that criminal networks involved in cross-border vehicle theft and smuggling are denied the proceeds of their crimes,” Hundeyin said in a statement.
Following the recovery, the police filed for civil forfeiture at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court granted a final order in favor of the Dutch government through the vehicles’ insurance company, authorizing the legal return of the property.
On Sunday, representatives of the insurance company and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria officially received the two vehicles at the INTERPOL NCB office in Abuja.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun commended the officers involved for their professionalism and effective collaboration with global partners. “This achievement underscores the importance of intelligence-led policing and the value of international cooperation in fighting transnational crimes,” he said.
Vehicle theft and smuggling remain major challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Experts say criminal syndicates often use complex routes — involving multiple countries and shipping channels — to conceal the origins of stolen vehicles. Nigeria, with its active maritime trade routes, has been identified as one of several African destinations for such illicit imports.
Authorities said the case demonstrates how close coordination between national and international agencies can lead to successful recovery and restitution. The NPF added that it will continue to strengthen monitoring systems at ports and improve vehicle registration checks to prevent similar incidents.
Legal analysts also noted that the case highlights the growing effectiveness of mutual assistance between Nigeria and European nations in handling cross-border property crimes. By securing a court-ordered forfeiture before repatriation, officials ensured transparency and compliance with international standards.
For the victims in the Netherlands, the return of the vehicles marks the conclusion of a months-long recovery process. It also sends a warning to criminal groups that the long arm of international law enforcement is closing in on global car theft networks.
The Nigeria Police said it remains committed to deepening cooperation with INTERPOL member countries and other law enforcement agencies worldwide to tackle crimes that cross borders. Officials added that similar joint operations are underway to track additional stolen assets potentially smuggled into the country.
The successful recovery of the two vehicles, police say, is not only a victory for the victims but also a demonstration of Nigeria’s growing capacity to engage in complex international policing operations.
Crime
EFCC Warns “Yahoo Boys” Turning to Spiritual Rituals
Lagos, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued a strong warning Monday to internet fraudsters, known locally as “Yahoo boys,” saying they are now using spiritual rituals to boost their scams.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a post on its official X account (formerly Twitter), the EFCC said, “G-boys are now going spiritual, involving themselves in rituals and making it the new usual. EFCC will come for any individual. Then, it won’t be business as usual.”
Authorities described this trend, sometimes called “Yahoo Plus,” as involving occult practices — including the use of human body parts — to improve the success of fraudulent schemes. Investigators say some scammers believe these rituals will protect them from law enforcement.
The EFCC said the warning comes as cybercrime in Nigeria evolves. For years, “Yahoo boys” have defrauded victims abroad through romance scams, phishing, fake online identities, and other digital fraud methods. Now, the agency says, scammers are combining these tactics with ritual practices.
Although no new arrests were immediately linked solely to ritual-based fraud, the EFCC pointed to ongoing prosecutions where spiritual elements were reportedly involved. In one case in Jos, Plateau State, a bishop and others are facing trial for running a cooperative-investment scam.
The commission urged banks, telecom companies, and the public to help identify suspicious transactions and warned citizens to avoid individuals promising quick wealth or spiritual assistance.
Experts say the addition of ritual practices signals a dangerous escalation in Nigeria’s cyber-fraud landscape. Combining fraud with occult practices may indicate deeper organized crime networks and complicate investigations. Some observers also warn that victims may be afraid to come forward, making prosecutions harder.
Civil society groups welcomed the EFCC’s alert but stressed the need for follow-through. “Issuing warnings is important,” said an anti-fraud advocate in Lagos. “But what matters is arrests, prosecutions, and asset recovery.”
The EFCC said it will increase surveillance of digital platforms, work with traditional and spiritual authorities, and expand international cooperation to combat fraud. It also plans to release guidelines for banks and telecom operators to identify transactions linked to ritual-based scams.
The agency made it clear that the era of “business as usual” for internet fraudsters is over. Law enforcement officials said those involved in cybercrime, with or without ritual backing, will face prosecution.
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