Crime
PHOTO NEWS: SCUML Seals Two Sokoto Companies for Failing to Pay Fines
Sokoto, Nigeria — The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) has sealed the offices of two companies in Sokoto for failing to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The companies, Iman Multi Structures Ltd and Daraja Motors, are classified as Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs). SCUML took the action on Monday, September 29, 2025, after the businesses failed to settle fines imposed for previous regulatory violations.
According to SCUML, both companies were sanctioned earlier in the year. Iman Multi Structures Ltd was fined on June 18, 2025, while Daraja Motors faced a penalty on August 13, 2025. The fines were related to breaches of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the EFCC AML/CFT/CPF regulations 2024.
Despite repeated notices, neither company paid the fines. Investigations by SCUML’s Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE Ahmadu Bello, confirmed that the payment deadline expired over a month ago.
“The companies were given ample time to comply with the law and settle the fines,” ACE Bello said. “However, they failed to do so, leaving us with no choice but to seal their premises.”
SCUML emphasized that the closure is temporary. The offices will remain sealed until the companies meet all compliance requirements, including payment of the fines.
DNFBPs are businesses that are not financial institutions but are at risk of being used for money laundering and terrorism financing. These include real estate firms, car dealerships, law firms, and other service providers. Under Nigerian law, they are required to maintain proper records, report suspicious transactions, and adhere to financial regulations.
Experts say enforcing compliance in DNFBPs is critical to curbing financial crimes in the country. “Sealing companies that fail to comply sends a strong message,” said financial analyst Maryam Abdullahi. “It shows that regulators are serious about protecting the financial system from abuse.”
The action in Sokoto follows a series of regulatory measures taken nationwide to strengthen anti-money laundering frameworks. SCUML and other agencies have increasingly monitored DNFBPs to ensure they follow the 2022 Money Laundering Act and the 2024 EFCC regulations.
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, suspension of business operations, or even permanent closure. Authorities say such measures are necessary to maintain transparency and prevent illicit financial flows that could fund criminal activities.
The Sokoto community has reacted with mixed feelings. Some business owners expressed concern over the enforcement approach, while others welcomed strict compliance measures. “It is tough for businesses when offices are sealed, but it is necessary if rules are ignored,” said local entrepreneur Hassan Umar.
SCUML has urged all DNFBPs across Nigeria to regularly review their compliance status, pay fines promptly if sanctioned, and adhere strictly to reporting obligations. The agency said continued enforcement will be carried out to protect Nigeria’s financial system and prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
The next step for the two companies will be to settle the fines and demonstrate full compliance with regulatory requirements. SCUML officials said only after this can their premises be reopened and business operations resumed.
By taking decisive action against Iman Multi Structures Ltd and Daraja Motors, SCUML hopes to reinforce the importance of following anti-money laundering laws and maintain public trust in Nigeria’s financial oversight.
According to Nivo News, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomed 5,000 new members in Abia State on Saturday, following the recent entry of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The mass defection was led by Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Accord Party, in his hometown of Umuaku, Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. Supporters who joined him also left their former political affiliations, including the South East Mandate for Good Governance, to align with the ADC.
Nwankpa explained that his decision to join the ADC was driven by a strong conviction, noting that the party’s manifesto resonates with his political philosophy, emphasizing people-oriented governance, social justice, and sustainable development. He described the ADC as a credible, progressive platform capable of fostering inclusive governance and rebuilding public trust in Nigerian politics.
The Abia State Chairman of the ADC, Don Norman Obinna, formally welcomed Nwankpa and his followers, stating that the country’s political trajectory is increasingly favoring the ADC.
The Abia State Police Command has reported the arrest of 809 suspects and the recovery of 88 firearms in 438 cases across the state from January 2025 to date.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa provided the update on Friday during a briefing at his office, outlining the operational strategies and achievements of the Command during the period under review. He disclosed that 435 rounds of ammunition were recovered from suspected criminals and that over 200 suspects have been successfully prosecuted, with several jailed for various offenses.
The CP further revealed that 33 children who had been kidnapped or trafficked were rescued within and outside the state, with the suspects involved prosecuted and some already imprisoned. “We have sent a lot of people to jail. A clear message has been passed that it is no longer business as usual for criminals in Abia State,” Isa stated.
He highlighted that the state’s crime rate has declined under his leadership, attributing the success to support from Governor Alex Otti, provision of logistics, and collaboration with community stakeholders. Isa also noted that officers encountered non-state actors on several occasions, who were neutralized and disarmed.
The Police Commissioner urged residents to continue providing credible information on suspicious activities to further strengthen the fight against crime. Firearms and other weapons recovered from suspects were displayed at the Police headquarters in Umuahia for the media.
According to Nivo News, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) has arrested high-profile cybercrime suspects linked to a sophisticated Microsoft 365 phishing operation that targeted the email systems of major corporate organisations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The arrests followed actionable intelligence received from Microsoft Corporation in the United States through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which exposed the deployment of an advanced phishing toolkit known as RaccoonO365. The toolkit was designed to create counterfeit Microsoft login pages capable of harvesting user credentials and unlawfully accessing corporate, financial, and educational email platforms.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the cybercrime centre launched a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in partnership with Microsoft, the FBI, and the United States Secret Service. He explained that investigations traced multiple cases of unauthorised Microsoft 365 account access recorded between January and September 2025 to phishing emails crafted to closely mimic legitimate Microsoft authentication portals.
According to police findings, the cyberattacks resulted in business email compromise, data breaches, and significant financial losses across several jurisdictions. Acting on precise intelligence, NPF–NCCC operatives conducted targeted operations in Lagos and Edo states, leading to the arrest of three suspects. Searches carried out at their residences yielded laptops, mobile phones, and other digital devices, which forensic analysis directly linked to the fraudulent activities.
Further investigations identified Okitipi Samuel, also known by the aliases “RaccoonO365” and “Moses Felix,” as the principal suspect and alleged developer of the phishing infrastructure. Police said he operated a Telegram channel through which phishing links were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency and hosted fake login portals on Cloudflare using stolen or fraudulently obtained email credentials.
The police clarified that there was no evidence connecting the two other arrested individuals to the creation or management of the phishing scheme. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s digital environment through the use of advanced technology, enhanced international cooperation, and thorough investigative and prosecutorial processes aimed at combating evolving cyber threats.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges