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Covid-19: EFCC Warns Against Online Fraud

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By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), has cautioned members of the public against emerging online fraudulent tactics, being explored by internet fraudsters in the wake of the donations arising from the dreaded COVID- 19 pandemic.

The Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, who disclosed the development on Monday, stated that the caution had become necessary, in view of the increasing number of complaints received by the Commission from innocent Nigerians falling prey to the antics of internet fraudsters, who are taking advantage of the pandemic to defraud unsuspecting targets.

 

Magu, in a statement on Monday by the Acting Head, Media and Publicity Tony Orilade, noted that in the last couple of  days, home-bond  internet users have complained of  receiving several e-mails, SMS, WhatsApp messages offering free services such as “Do-It-Yourself” Covid-19 tests;   subscription to either Netflix, hulu, DSTV, Government Intervention/Grant of N30, 000) and other tricky offers. 

“Some of the fraudulent schemes are coming in the form of links that offer free data or request for the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and account details of their victims, assuring that such victims will be credited with money, as part of the federal government’s palliatives to cushion the effects of the running Stay At Home order,” the statement said.

According to Magu, many of the fraudulent online messages required recipients to click and fill out an online survey and forward same to ten (10) WhatsApp users. The statement reads in part: “The messages are embedded with malwares and other malicious codes which when clicked, trigger a program that steals and compromises mails, banking logins passwords, credit- related information and other critical data contained on the recipient’s devices. Victims stand the risk of losing both confidential information and monies,   since unauthorised access may have been granted to cybercriminals. They are also in danger of being infected with a ransomware which will automatically lock their electronics device.” 

Magu further advised the public to immediately take the following steps in protecting their data from theft and compromises:

“Do not open unsolicited e-mails and click only on those that are from known and trusted sources.

“Do not click on any links or attachment with e-mails from unknown source.

“Take a closer look at URLs for spelling errors before clicking.

” If you need any information, go to the official website of the organisation.

” Turn on personal Firewall on your devices.

” In case of on-line financial transactions, you must cross-verify with the recipient before making the payment.

” Install and update Anti-virus on your devices. This is key.

” Do not divulge to anyone via telephone, e-mail, any personal information such as Passwords, PIN numbers, ATM Cards numbers etc.”

According to Magu, “there is no online testing for COVID-19; such online link requesting for personal information to test for the corona virus, or provide a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) method, is part of these fraudulent new methods aimed at defrauding Nigerians of their hard-earned money, please beware“. 

The EFCC’s boss also cautioned against   offers of bitcoin and any offer to advertise a business and get paid.

He said, “be wary of suspicious recommendations from friends on Facebook and Whatsapp claiming to offer investment opportunities they have benefited from” 

Magu also advised members of the public to report any such fraudulent activity to the EFCC via its verified handle – @OfficialEFCC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or call the hotline: +234 8093322644.

CRIME

Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver over Minor’s Kidnapping, Assault

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A 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, has been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.

The suspect allegedly demanded and collected ₦503,000 in ransom from the student’s father before abandoning her along Oton Road, Sapele.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement in Warri on Sunday.

According to Edafe, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

“The suspect subsequently contacted him (the father), demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid,” the statement added.

The police said the girl was abandoned along Oton Road after the ransom was paid and later reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.

Following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command commenced an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

The school principal and vice-principal were also invited for questioning as the police intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.

Edafe said the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23, 2026.

The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.

The police spokesman added that arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.

The commissioner assured that “investigations will be thorough and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice”.

He also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to “exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children”, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain paramount.

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CRIME

Enugu CP Orders investigation into Man’s Death During Police Operation

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From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu 

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu (male) during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

 

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Oficer, Enugu State command, Daniel Ndukwe said that the CP has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and extant laws.

Preliminary findings indicate that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu, where Nworie Chidera Kelvin, a.k.a. “Akidi,” an alleged notorious drug peddler and Vikings Confraternity member, was lodged with associates. Akidi is reportedly linked to multiple cases involving unlawful firearm possession and cultism, including one in which he was charged in absentia. 

He was also suspected of keeping the gang’s firearms and other criminal tools. The operation led to the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged 17–28. Quantities of dried weeds suspected to be “loud” cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered.

During the operation, Nnaji and another suspect jumped through a window in an attempt to escape. While pursuing them, an operative was confronted by both suspects, who allegedly attempted to disarm him. In the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped. Nnaji was rushed to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

CP Giwa has urged the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action. He reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict adherence to operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms, must never be compromised in any police operation.

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CRIME

Police Officer Shoots Female Colleague to Death, Kills Self in Kogi

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja 

Kogi State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two police officers in Ajaokuta Local Government Area after a male officer allegedly shot his female colleague, before turning gun to shoot himself.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Aliu Afusat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP), on Sunday, said the Command was investigating the fatal shooting at ASCO Camp, Ajaokuta, on October 23, in which two serving police officers died.

According to the statement, “the incident was reported at 11:04 p.

m., and the Divisional Police Officer, Ajaokuta, led a team of police officcers to the scene.

“Preliminary findings indicate that Corporal Amos Yusuf, who was on night duty, shot Woman Corporal Grace Onimisi and thereafter shot himself. Both officers were taken to separate medical facilities, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel. Their remains have been deposited at the mortuary of ASCO Hospital.

“An AK-47 rifle and four expended cartridges were recovered at the scene as exhibits.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for in-depth investigation. The circumstances and motive remain subjects of investigation, and the Command will not speculate on matters yet to be established.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, extends his condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers over this tragic incident. The Command will provide verified updates as appropriate” the statement said.

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