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11 Internet Fraudsters Land  in Jail in Two Cities

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By Gom Mirian, Abuja

Justice F. O. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, jailed three internet fraudsters, namelt: Stephan Isibor, Victor Keniyei and Rasheed Buraimoh

They were arraigned on one count charge of impersonation and obtaining by false pretence by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The trio used false identities to defraud unsuspecting foreign nationals.

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Olubanjo convicted and sentenced the duo of Isibor and Keniyei to five years imprisonment with the option of N1 million fine each, while Buraimoh bagged five years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000.

The defendants are to forfeit their cars – Black Mercedes Benz GLE 2017 Model, Mercedes Benz C300 4matic 2003 Model and Toyota Rav4 – and mobile phones, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In addition, Isibor and Keneyei are to forfeit the balance in their various bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Furthermore, Isibor is to forfeit 0.157BTC equivalent of $7,462.15 that was recovered in his bitcoin account with Exedus to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The court also ordered them to undertake in writing to be of good behavior after serving their terms.

In another development, Justice Nathaniel Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Oshogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, jailed six internet fraudsters.

They  are: Peter Akanji Blessing, Omobuwa Oluwagbemileke Israel, Solarin Tayo Tunde, Opeyemi Damilola Ajadi, Agbaje Habeeb Boluwatife, and Adewale Adeparusi .
They were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Ibadan Zonal Command on charges of fraudulent impersonation, which is contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (IV) of the same Act.

They were arrested following petitions on their luxurious lifestyles which raised suspicion of criminality. 

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the defendants converted their residences to hideouts to accommodate other internet fraudsters and perpetrate their criminal activities.

Items recovered from them, upon their arrests were electronic gadgets ranging from sophisticated computer systems, mobile devices, browsers, amongst others.

Upon their arraignment, they all pleaded guilty to the separate charges preferred against by the EFCC.

Justice Ayo-Emmanuel convicted and sentenced Solarin and Adewale to six months jail term each, while Omobuwa bagged five months imprisonment. Peter, Ajadi and Agbaje were sentenced to four months imprisonment each.

The convicts were ordered to restitute their victims and forfeits the items recovered from them to the Federal government of Nigeria.

The court further ordered that all they signed an undertaking to be of good behaviour after serving their terms.

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission, on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, secured the conviction of two internet fraudsters in both the Federal High Court, and the Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.
Justice Professor C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court convicted and sentenced
Onuigbo Juliu Ikechuwu to five years imprisonment on a one court charge of impersonation for misrepresenting his identity to defraud an unsuspecting lady in China.

The charge against him reads: “That you, Onuigbo Juliu Ikechukwu (m) ( a.k.a Grayson Raymond, aka Mike) sometime in 2019 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud sent electronic messages which materially misrepresent facts as to your identity to a lady in China upon which she relied and suffered financial loss in the sum of Forty Thousand Yuan (equivalent of N1.9million) and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 14(2)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015”.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Aham Ozigbu prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant.

Justice Obiozor convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years imprisonment or a fine of N500, 000. He is also to forfeit his iPhone to the Federal Government and undertake in writing to be of good behavior henceforth.

In the same vein, Justice Efe Ikponwonba of the Edo State High Court convicted and sentenced Samuel Asenguah to two years imprisonment. The defendant was arraigned on one count charge of fraudulent impersonation of the identity of one Charles Melton with which he sought to defraud unsuspecting victims through his Instagram account.

Upon arraignment, he pleaded guilty to the charge, prompting the prosecution counsel, K. U. Udus, to ask the court to convict and sentence the defendant. Justice Ikponwonba convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment with the option of N200, 000 fine.

CRIME

AONN Seeks Multiple Approaches to End GBV

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The Association of Orphan and Vulnerable Children (AONN) has advocated for the adoption of a multifaceted approach to combat Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) both within Nigeria and on a global scale.

Speaking during a one-day GBV sensitization in Apo-Dutse, Abuja, marking the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls, Kiema Ogunlana, the AONN FCT coordinator, stated that this has become necessary due to the increasing complexity of GBV in recent times.

 

More women are coming forward to report abuses by their wives and partners.

Additionally, there is a rising trend of children being reported as perpetrators of violent acts against their peers.

“We intervened in a recent case where a girl slashed her best friend with a razor over claims of emotional abuse,” she said.

 

Mrs. Ogunlana said AONN as an organization that focuses on children welfare, thought it wise to sensitize them irrespective of the sexual difference.

“Children within the age range of 10-17 years old were selected inline with the year’s 16-day  activism theme: ‘Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.’

“When we say ‘unite,’ we mean the total involvement of everyone to achieve a violence-free society. 

“Including the males in such sensitization is important because the boys will grow up to become men and husbands to the girls. If they are ignorant of the forms of violence, they will continue perpetrating violent actions against the female folks,” she said.

Mrs. Ogunlana mentioned that the children were also taught how to deal with an abuser. “Every child is a product of learning from his or her society, and we have emphasized the need to speak out given the recent rise in mental health cases. The children were able to internalize the lessons learned and called out for the end of violence,” she added.

The District Head of Apo Dutse, Ishaku Sagbede, highlighted the wisdom of engaging children in such sensitization while welcoming members of AONN to his palace. 

“Indeed, the increase in violence among children is a reflection of the entire society, but with such sensitization Nigeria will become like London,” he asserted.

The Daisy Oak Program’s Manager, Chibueze Okechukwu, admonished the children of the consequences of SGBV, using rhymes to press the message home.

Program Manager of the Catholic Action Committee on HIV/AIDS (CACA) noted that most children suffer from abuse but do not know that they are being abused.

“When children come to understand the term ‘abuse,’ that is the only time they can speak out,” she said.

Chito Obiora-Anaekwe further said that the organization has caseworkers who follow up on cases of abuse in the community. She added that victims are beginning to speak out as a result of such activism over the years.

Segun Samuel, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Board, said girls and women are mostly affected by Gender-Based Violence as a result of early or forced marriage. “Women are denied access to medical services as a result of cultural practices. These have ripple effects. The most commonly experienced issues are Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), obstructed labor, and maternal risks.”

The event also included a session on personal hygiene carried out by Sam Empowerment Foundation, Communication Officer, Chiamaka Nwankwo.

Additionally, free services such as HIV/AIDS Testing Services, Hepatitis testing, Malaria Testing, Drug dispensary, and counseling services were offered to the children.

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CRIME

Tiv Residents in America Seek Justice for Late Joshua Terngu Gwebe

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The Mutual Union of the Tiv in America (MUTA), a non-profit and non-partisan charitable organization representing the Tiv community in the Americas, has condemned in strong terms, what it described as “the horrific and violent mob attack on Joshua Terngu Gwebe, a young Tiv man, on November 20, 2023”

“This attack, stemming from unfounded allegations of car theft, is unacceptable and regrettable,” the association said in a statement released by its President, Dr Akaa D.

Ayangeakaa, and Secretary General, Beeior Rov-Ikpah.

“We are deeply concerned about the unprofessional conduct of the Nigerian Police Force, particularly the reported involvement of a Superintendent of Police, Mr Haliru, in this assault.

Instead of performing his duties as a peace officer, he was alleged to have participated in the attack on Mr. Gwebe and Tersoo, a passerby who merely communicated with the victim in our native Tiv language. This incident culminated in the tragic death of Mr. Gwebe in police custody. The grievous loss of Mr Gwebe due to such conduct cannot be overlooked or excused. 

“The actions of the mob, fueled by a baseless accusation from Mr Barka Ibrahim, a taxi driver, and the complicity of police officers, including, SP Haliru, are reprehensible and unacceptable. This case is a stark example of the mob mentality plaguing Nigeria, which has no place in a democratic society. Furthermore, the ethnic profiling of Tiv people is a serious issue that demands immediate attention and action. Such discriminatory practices undermine the principles of equality and justice, and must be eradicated from our society. Those responsible must be held accountable to prevent further tragedies” the statement said.

MUTA urged the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to heed his warnings against human rights violations by the police just as it demanded immediate action to apprehend and prosecute all individuals involved the “brutal assault, including the dismissal of SP Haliru from the Nigeria Police Force for his unconscionable actions”. 

“We further urge a comprehensive reorientation of officers of the Nigeria Police Force to embrace their role as community peace officers, not violators of human rights. The reckless and brutal treatment of innocent civilians must cease if Nigeria is to progress as a democratic nation.

“Furthermore, we strongly urge lawmakers of Tiv and Benue extraction to rise to the occasion and fulfill their duties in defending the rights and lives of the Tiv people. It is their responsibility to ensure that their constituents are treated fairly and justly under the law. 

“Justice must be served not only for Joshua Terngu Gwebe but for every citizen whose rights have been trampled upon. We call on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria to investigate this incident thoroughly and ensure that all perpetrators, including erring security personnel, are held accountable” the association further stated.

It however, commended the the bravery of a passer by, Mr. Tersoo, who suffered alongside Gwebe and extended its sympathies to the family of th deceased.

“We demand an official apology from the Nigeria Police Force to the Gwebe family, along with adequate compensation for their irreplaceable loss.

“Finally, we commend the frontline actors, especially Pastor Dave Ogbole and his team, for their relentless pursuit of justice for Mr Joshua Gwebe. Their work and commitment are invaluable, and they inspire hope in these difficult times.

“MUTA remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, and reform on behalf of the Tiv community and all Nigerians who seek a fairer and more equitable society,” the statement also said.

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CRIME

Gunmen Kill 27, Rob Road Users for Hours Within Two Days in Benue 

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Gunmen suspected to be cult groups, have  reportedly killed 27 people within two days after invading Tse- Anule,  Chito and Tse- Akosu communities in Ukum local government area of  Benue State.

DDAILY ASSET gathered that the gang groups carried out acts on Saturday and early hours of Sunday.

 

At Tse- Anule, it was learned that the cult boys stormed the area with motorcycles and after killing people, went and mounted roadblocks along Sankara and Ayati, robbed people for several hours.

Eye witness from the axis told DAILY ASSET that the armed group came with different guns and ammunition and ordered all the villagers who were relaxing under the mango tree to lie facedown.

The source further said immediately the victims obliged and lied facedown, they opened fire on them, killing five of the defenceless people.

According to the source, who didn’t want his name mentioned in print, the armed men thereafter proceeded to mount roadblocks along Sankara and Ayati road and robbed many people of their belongings for several hours.

Recall that not more than 22 persons were also reportedly killed in Chito and Tyo Akosu communities of same Ukum Local Government Area of the state as a result of a rival gang fight  and attack on a drinking spot, bringing the total number of causalities to 27. 

The fight was said to be between the notorious criminals armed groups known as “Chain Gang” and “Full Fire” which left about 15 able men  dead, while several others sustained various degrees of gun injuries. 

One of the sources stated that the killings at Tyo Akosu settlement was perpetrated by unknown armed men who also stormed a drinking spot in the village and opened fire on unsuspecting customers at the bar. 

He said he could not readily confirm if the attack at Tyo Akosu was an extension of the Chito fight but noted that the suspicion among the locals was that the supremacy fight was fast spreading in the communities of the LGA. 

Another  source explained that, “it all started Friday afternoon during a fight for supremacy between kingpins of crime in Ukum LGA. They are known as Chain and Full Fire gangs with their operational base located in the LGA. 

“Both of them are looking for each others necks. Full FIre employed the services of another banditry group to help kill the Chain gang who got wind of the plan and laid ambush for them.   

“They opened fire and killed all of them. Some persons claimed that 10 persons were killed in the bloody fight while others said they counted 15 bodies. 

“But it was an internal fight for supremacy among gangs and not a communal crisis. In fact the locals ran away because they feared for their lives. They feared that in the course of the reprisal, they might be affected despite being innocent.” 

“Ukum has become hotbed of killings, we are all living in fear as we speak because we cannot tell who is who among our local boys,” he said. 

When contacted,  the Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive information on the incidents

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