The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has attributed the visa restrictions on Nigerians abroad to the prevalent internet fraud in Nigeria.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, warned that internet fraud not only destroys the future of the perpetrators but also tarnishes the country’s image. He noted that the situation is forcing other countries to impose sweeping travel conditions on law-abiding citizens.

He said the development is forcing other nations to impose tougher travel conditions on law-abiding citizens.

Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, spoke at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.

In a statement issued by the commission about the event, he warned the country about the long-term consequences of internet fraud.

The anti-graft agency added that internet fraud, money laundering and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, stifle national growth and rob citizens of jobs, infrastructure and opportunities. “Beyond the economic damage, the crimes erode Nigeria’s image and subject innocent Nigerians to harsher visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

The EFCC boss urged Nigerian youths to redirect their energy into innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture and the creative industry rather than waste it on cybercrime.

“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ end up losing their freedom, reputation and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”

Olukorede also restated the EFCC’s commitment to intensifying sensitisation, enforcement and collaboration with communities in tackling cybercrime.

The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, announced the arrest of a self-acclaimed traditional ruler who paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos” along with three accomplices, thereby foiling their attempt to mislead the public through an unlawful installation ceremony.

The principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike ‘m’, aged 65 years, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ideato North LGA of Imo State, was arrested alongside three co-conspirators: Chief Chibuzor Ani ‘m’, aged 57 years; Chief Martins Nwaodika ‘m’, aged 65 years; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi ‘m’, aged 41 years. 

The State Police Command, in a statement released on X, stated that four suspects are presently in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja. According to the police, intelligence available showed that the group had finalised arrangements to unveil a prototype of a purported ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin. 

The statement added that this prompted the police to seal off the venue to forestall any breach of the peace and to protect unsuspecting members of the public from being misled. The Lagos State police said it has deployed officers to the venue of the proposed ceremony, including conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads.

The police also assured the public not to panic, as the deployment of officers was intended to ensure that the event did not proceed as planned and to maintain public order and peace. The Police Deputy Public Relations Officer in Lagos, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, said that the arrested suspects are in detention. He added that investigations have commenced and the findings will be made public, and the suspects will also be charged to court.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warns the public to remain vigilant against impostors and criminal elements who attempt to exploit revered cultural and traditional institutions for personal gain. He further added that such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State, and capable of breaching the peace of the society. 

Oludare stated firmly that the Command will continue to enforce the law firmly and decisively against any individual or group engaging in acts that undermine legality, public order, and the integrity of the state.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, has been declared wanted by the Economic for Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. 

The anti-graft agency made this declaration in a post on its official X handle. EFCC noted that Olasijibomi is wanted in connection with an alleged case of diversion of funds and money laundering.

The message read, “The public is hereby notified that Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic for Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of diversion of funds and money laundering.

“Ogundele is a 44 year-old indigene of Ori-Ade Local Government of Osun State and his last known address is: G 29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos State”

EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, appealed to any citizens with useful information that can help apprehend the suspect, should not hesitate to contact them.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has attributed the spike in the killings happening in the country to the preparation for the 2027 general election. The Lagos Voice reports that there has been a sharp increase in terrorist activities in the North East, while in the North East, bandit attacks take place almost daily.

The states of Benue and Plateau remain hotspots for violence and killings. On Monday, at least 34 individuals attending prayers at a mosque in the Unguwar Mantau community of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State, lost their lives.

The military chief made this assertion during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening. General Musa noted that the increasing level of insecurity, compared to the previous year, is closely linked to the political activities occurring in anticipation of the upcoming elections. 

He said,

“Criminals, both bandits and terrorists, work together. They have a common goal to make money and destabilise communities. But there is also a political angle. Some individuals don’t want peace because when there is peace, the government is seen to be doing well. When there is no peace, the government is seen to be failing.

“Last year, we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked? Politics is coming, the election is coming. You cannot rule out the fact that some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace, and governance is discredited. But the funny thing is, how do you kill the people you want to govern? What do you gain from it?

 “The process of naming terrorism financiers is on. Just last week, the AGF and others went to check. It has to do with legal issues and international connections. Some of them get funds from outside. The NFIU has been doing so much; arrests have been made, and prosecutions have started. Those behind the Owo bombing are already facing trial.”

The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Army and Defence had screened Oluyede on Wednesday.

Oluyede was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Acting COAS following the ill-health of his predecessor, Taoreed Lagbaja, who later passed away. Darelasisionline.com reported that President Tinubu had formally requested the House of Representatives to confirm Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The president’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Tuesday’s plenary session. Giving a synopsis of the report, Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, said,

“I do rise to urge the House to consider the report of the ad-hoc committee on the screening and confirmation of the acting Chief of Army Staff. “On November 26, 2024, the parliament graciously appointed us to screen the Acting Army Chief. We did that yesterday (Wednesday).

We reviewed his CV and questioned him on various issues which included inter-agency synergy, and civilian-military relationships. “Our observation is that General Olufemi Oluyede is fit and proper as he gave a very good account of himself. The conclusion is that this House should approve this new position and confirm General Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff.”

Before putting the question before his colleagues, the Deputy Speaker said, “There is only one recommendation in this report. “That recommendation says that the ad-hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of the Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, character, conduct, experience and general performance.

An X user, Jackson Ude, had claimed that Labaja died of cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas about 48 hours ago.

Ude claimed that Lagbaja’s death had been kept silent due to intense lobbying by some top army generals.

He posted:

“CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIES OF CANCER.” The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago from stage three cancer, according to a senior government official.

“The death of the Chief of Army Staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some generals who want to take the position.

“Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.”

But reacting, the Nigerian Army dismissed the claim, which it tagged “false.”

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu, had said Labaja was on leave.

Nwachukwu said the Army Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, would act in Lagbaja’s stead.

The 28-year-old single mother had reportedly left Joshua alone in her nurse’s accommodation for eight hours on December 20, 2022, to complete her shift, according to a Daily Mail report.

On returning, she discovered her son lifeless in his cot and immediately called 999, reporting that he was not breathing.

The infant died an hour after the ambulance arrived despite resuscitation efforts. Tests revealed that he might have overheated due to excessive layers of clothing and bedding.

The report further claimed that Auta, who worked at the Royal Bolton Hospital, was charged with cruelty to a child.

She pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024, while her sentencing was delayed by a month.

On June 6, while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria, she was apprehended at Gatwick Airport with a one-way ticket.

She had told the police she had collected Joshua from a childminder, fed him, and then fell asleep with him on her bed. She claimed she found him unresponsive upon waking.

However, CCTV footage and incriminating text messages contradicted her story.

The footage showed Auta leaving and returning to her accommodation without Joshua, and texts revealed she had instructed her childminder to falsely state she was caring for Joshua that day.

The childminder later confirmed she had not seen the baby for several days.

Giving her judgement, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West Sara Davie, stated, “Ruth Auta failed to provide the care her baby needed and chose to leave him alone.

“As a nurse, she should have been aware of the dangers of leaving her child unattended. Her attempts to evade justice further demonstrate her lack of remorse.” PUNCH ONLINE

According to the statement posted on the DSS website, the visit was part of a “routine investigation” and not an aggressive operation as previously reported in various media outlets. The agency emphasized that the actions of its officers have been grossly misinterpreted as harassment and intimidation.

The statement read,

“The Department of State Services has been inundated with multiple enquiries on its alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP offices in Abuja and Lagos. “This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent. For the records, a team of two unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on a routine investigation to the SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment, and intimidation of SERAP officials.

“The Service further wishes to state that such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and do not in any way amount to illegality or raid. “While it assures of in-depth investigation of these malicious contents, it sues for citizens’ participation in national security management. “The DSS, therefore, urges the public to disregard these false narratives as it restates its commitment to utmost professionalism in the discharge of its core mandate.”

Tell us the details of what happened to you?

Thank you very much, I left my house at about 5.40 am on that fateful day to a nearby mosque for the early morning prayer. After the congregational prayer, I stayed back a bit to do adkar that normally followed the fajr prayer and upon conclusion, I stepped out heading back home when suddenly, a dark-complexioned man accosted me asking for a particular address within the vicinity which am not familiar with.

As the discussion was going on, we got to a point where a small black bus was parked and pronto, he pulled out a pistol and asked me to enter into the waiting bus. Inside the bus were two other men all dressed in black and red attire. That was the last I can recollect.

At that point, was there no passerby that can come to your rescue?

Like I said earlier, the environment was lonely, no one was passing by and as such, nobody could come to my aid. Besides, the security guards manning the area had closed for the day since they were engaged to work from 9:00pm to 5:00am in the morning.

So, at what point did you regained consciousness?

I didn’t regain my consciousness until about Thursday at about 4:00am when we got inside a very large, well-lighted building with very high wall surrounding it. It was at that point that I noticed that the three guys that kidnapped me had actually transferred me into a Sienna bus. At that point, there were three of us. Myself and another person and a woman.
When we entered into the compound, they asked us to undress, leaving only our undies, including the lady in our midst.
Like the three men that had kidnapped me at Akinbo, a suburb of of Akute in Ifo Local government area of Ogun State, those that we were eventually transferred were not speaking. They only use hands/fingers as well as eye to communicate with each other. I could’t decipher which tribe they were. I can’t say if they were Hausa, Yoruba or Ibo.

Like those that initially kidnapped you, can you recognize anyone among them in the event that they were caught and paraded by security agents?

Obviously No. I can’t recognize any of them. Besides, I was so scared that the image of any of them did not register in my memory.

So, what happened thereafter?

Few hours after we were asked to pull off all our cloths, a man, possibly the head ritualist among them came with a calabash with some fetish substances inside it and was calling us one by one by name.

By name, how did they know your names?

That was another thing that shocked me. I couldn’t recall when I told them my name. Maybe it was at the point when they diabolically made us unconscious.
Anyway, like I was saying, the man with the calabash was calling us one by one. The first person that was called, he was asked to place his head under the calabash and was reciting an inaudible incantation. The juju man was flinging the calabash left and right. They already told us that anyone of us whose head stayed gummed to the calabash would be killed.

At that point, having fully regained my consciousness, I became very frightened. At that point, I actually felt that the end had come for me.
As the herbalist was flinging the calabash on the first victim, pronto, it got stucked on his head and he was moved aside.

The next victim was a woman, she went through the same process and same thing happened to her. That actually made me almost gave up. In fact, the worst experience of my life happened when I watched before my very eye when one of the victims was slaughtered and his body parts ware butchered and cut into pieces.
At that point, I felt the real end has come. I had never seen where a human being was been killed like that before, no to talk about being dismembered.

However, because of my strong belief in Allah, I kept on reciting my adkhar. So when it was my time and I was called to place my head under the calabash and I did and the herbalist was performing the same exercise, I was almost dead. I can’t recollect how many time that was performed on me but Alhamdullilah, Allah saved me. The fetish calabash didn’t stuck to my head.

You mean you really saw a fellow being slaughtered and body parts butchered?

(He burst into tears and was wailing profusely) Yes, yes, yes. I never saw such before. It was like when cows are slaughtered and parts were shared. That was the closest to it. The scene was un-describable, very gory and frightening.
So, after the horrendous and animalistic ritual was completed, they moved out and left me and one person, obviously kept behind to keep vigil on me.

At about4:00am on Friday, I could hear the sound of vehicles, shattering of bottles and voices of people. I actually thought that we were actually very closed to a town not knowing that the sound of vehicles and bottles I was hearing were those of supposed customers who had come to buy the various body parts that had be slaughtered.

As all these were going on, I was further frightened but I kept on reciting some verses of Quaran and Adkhar so much that I didn’t know my voice was going out a bit loud. It was at that point that the guy who was actually left behind to keep vigil on me, who had all along been looking at me suddenly put one of his fingers on his mouth signifying that I should stop talking aloud.

Then, few minutes later, he went into the room where our cloths were kept and brought my Jalamiah and sanders to show me if they were mine to which I nodded affirmatively. He then gave them to me and asked me to put them on.
After that, something miraculous happened. He beckoned on me to quietly followed he and as we secretly stepped out of the building, he helped scaled the high high fence and pushed me out of the premises.

Really?

That was what happened. Immediately I landed on the other side, in the tick of the forest, I started running as fast as my legs and heart can carry me. For about two hours, I was running inside the forest until I got to farm where I met a man working on his farm. When I got to him, tattered and completely worn out, he gave me some water to wash my face and bruised body. It was at that point that he told me I was inside a forest somewhere close to Ore, a town in Ondo.
He told me he can ask his friend who was with a motorbike to take me to Ore town from where I can find my way back to Lagos.

When we got to Ore park, I was pacing up and down, no money to board a vehicle coming down Lagos. Less I forgot, the guy who rescued me from the place had given me my telephone handset but unknown to me, the SIM card in it had been removed.
I was pacing up and down until at a point when a military man who obviously must have been noticing me worked up to me to inquire about what happened to which I poured out my mind to. He then asked if I have money to transport myself back to Lagos, since, like he said, he was actually on his way to Maiduguri, Borno State.

I told that I had no money and he asked if I can recollect any member of my family or friend that can be called to alert them where I was. At that point, I remember my father’s number and he called him on his phone. Put it in speaker and I heard him asking if the man he was speaking with was the father of Jamiu to which my father answered affirmatively before he told him that I was at Ore.
Since, I didn’t have money for transport, my father asked us to find out the transport fare and after we got the rate, my father sent the money into the soldier’s account from where he collected and gave me.

Seriously?

Yes, seriously. After the soldier departed and I have boarded the bus coming to Lagos, I also asked the driver to allow me use his phone to call my father to alert him so that they would join me at Berger garage from where I would be taken home. At least, I used the driver’s phone to call for about three time before I alerted at the final bus stop.

What happened when you saw your dad and others that came to receive you?

Sincerely, it was a mixed feeling. Firstly, I couldn’t believe that I could survive such a nasty experience alive
Now looking back, what advice can you give about all these giving your personal experience?
Honestly, I think everybody need to remain steadfast, devoted and totally committed to serving God. It was God that saw me through. I could have long gone and probably nobody would have been able to trace me.

Good morning distinguished friends and colleagues, it will be appreciated if the interview below is considered publishable in your respective medium. God used His power to use people that finally saw me out of ‘Hell”.
I thank everybody that stood by my family. I thank everybody within and outside the community. I especially thank the Muslim umah that prayed for me and Allah used them to get me out.
It was an experience worth sharing but too frightening to experience.

The spokesperson for the agency, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed this on Tuesday in a statement.

Abdulraheem said that the task force conducted a sweeping operation on illegal sales of fuel at Fadeyi, Maryland, Charity Bus Stop and Airport Road, where the six suspects were arrested.

According to him, they were caught red-handed hawking petrol to motorists at exorbitant rates, thereby further exacerbating the already tense situation faced by many residents of Lagos.

He said that the chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, led the operations, stressing that the current fuel scarcity was no excuse for miscreants to exploit the residents.

Abdulraheem noted that these petrol hawkers purchase large quantities of petrol in gallons and kegs to resell by the roadside.

“The arrested suspects’ practice not only burdens already struggling motorists but also poses significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable nature of petroleum products.

“We are committed to curbing these illegal activities and ensuring that the safety and well-being of the public are not compromised.

“The actions of these black market operators are not only cruel but also a severe threat to public safety, as the improper handling and storage of petrol could lead to catastrophic fire disaster,” he noted.

Abdulraheem warned individuals or groups who connive with petrol stations to sell petroleum products to desist forthwith or risk being arrested.

He assured that the agency would continue to clamp down on illegal petroleum merchants.