NEWS
NCC Uncovers Cyber Threats to Windows Platforms, Routers

By Abubakar Yakubu, Abuja
Two new separate cyber threats targeting Windows Platforms and a particular kind of routers respectively have been discovered by the Computer Security Incidents Response Team (CSIRT), a body set up by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the telecoms sector.
NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr.
Ikechukwu Adinde, who disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday, said the discoveries were made known in two separate advisories released by the cyber-space protection team earlier this week.He explained that the first cyber threat is a ransomware known as ‘Lokilocker’, which is capable of wiping data from all version of Windows systems or platforms as well as causes data loss, and denial of service (DoS), which reduces user’s productivity.
“Lokilocker is a relatively new ransomware that has been discovered by security researchers and belonging to the ransomware family. Lokilocker operates by encrypting user files and renders the compromised system useless if the victim does not pay the demanded ransom in time,” he added.He said to hide the malicious activity; the ransomware displays a fake window update screen, cancel specific processes and services, and completely disables the task manager, windows error reporting, machine firewall and windows defender of the compromised system.
Dr. Adinde lamented further that the in-built processes prevent data recovery as it deletes backup files, shadow copies, and removes system restore points. “It also overwrites the user login note and modifies original equipment manufacturer (OEM) information in the registry of the compromised system,’ he stated.
According to him, “the NCC CSIRT states that to protect against infections by Lokilocker and similar ransomware, the best rule is to always have a backup copy of your data, which should be stored offline.” He said CSIRT also informed that all downloads and email attachments should be opened with caution, even if they are from trusted sites or senders. Users should also ensure they attachments are scanned with an up-to-date antimalware solution, before opening.
Dr. Adinde noted further that the second cyber threat discovered by the NCC CSIRT is a Botnet that targets the Microtik version of Routers. He said CSIRT revealed that thousands of routers from Microtik which have been found to be vulnerable are being used to constitute what has been named one of the largest botnets in history.
“This botnet exploits an already-known vulnerability, which allows unauthenticated remote attackers to read arbitrary files and authenticated remote attackers to write arbitrary files, due to a directory traversal vulnerability in the WinBox interface. The vulnerability which was previously fixed allowed the perpetrators to enslave all the routers and then rent them out as a service”, he stated.
He said in accordance with new research published by Avast, a cryptocurrency mining campaign taking advantage of the newly disrupted Glupteba botnet as well as the famed Trickbot malicious software were found to have been disseminated by the very same command-and-control (C2) server. The C2 server functions as botnet-as-a-service, which controls nearly 230,000 vulnerable MicroTik routers. The Botnet, however, has been linked to what is now called the Meris Botnet.
“The threat types emanating from the botnet include bypass authentication, data loss, denial of service, remote code execution, sniff password and unauthorized access. These situations result in dangers to victims of this cyber threat including malware distribution, mining cryptocurrency, thereby increasing the use system resources, remote code execution and data theft”, he advised.
To be protected against this botnet, Adinde stated that NCC CISRT has advised users to update or apply the latest patches to their routers early, set strong router passwords, disable the administration interface of the routers from the public, stay away from illegitimate or cracked software versions of legitimate applications, and use decent antivirus software with in-built web-filtering, and apply the latest patches as soon as they arrive.
Foreign News
Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine – days after nationwide protests broke out over changes curbing their independence.
Kyiv’s Western partners had also expressed serious concerns over the legislation.
On Thursday, Zelensky seemed to backtrack, saying the new bill was intended to safeguard the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap), and to protect them from Russian influence.
He said the text of the bill was “balanced”, but did not provide any details.
The law passed earlier this week brought Nabu and Sap under the control of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.
At the time Zelensky justified his decision to curtail the bodies’ powers by citing Russian influence. The day before, Ukraine’s security services had carried out searches and arrests targeting alleged Russian spies at the agency.
The passing of the legislation instantly sparked the largest protests since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 in several cities across Ukraine, with many worrying the law would severely undermine the Nabu and Sap’s authority and effectiveness.
Thousands of people gathered in streets and squares across Ukraine, holding placards calling for the legislation to be vetoed.
Several commentators accused Zelensky of democratic backsliding. Their concerns were further exacerbated when Ukraine’s Western partners signalled their displeasure with the bill.
Ukraine has official EU candidate status and a spokesman for European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously warned Kyiv that the rule of law and the fight against corruption were “core elements” of membership to the bloc.
On Thursday, the Commission said it “welcomed” the Ukrainian government’s decision to take action against the bill.
“We are working [with the Ukrainian government] to make sure that our concerns… are indeed taken into account,” the spokesman said.
Nabu and Sap were created in 2014-15 as one of the requirements set by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund to move towards a relaxation of visa restrictions between Ukraine and the EU.
Writing on Facebook, opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko noted Zelensky said that “the independence of anti-corruption institutions must be guaranteed.”
“First we take it away, and then we say that it must be guaranteed. So why was all this necessary?”
In his message on social media on Thursday, Zelensky did not acknowledge the protests or the backlash but said it was “important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.”
NEWS
Why I Quit Banking for Music – CDQ

Nigerian rapper CDQ has revealed that he left a stable banking job to pursue his true passion, music.
In an interview, the hip-hop star shared that becoming a banker was a move to honor his late father’s wishes, but it wasn’t where his heart truly belonged.
“I quit my bank job.
I couldn’t tell my mother or any family member then. I left the house and went to stay with Masterkraft in the studio,” he said.CDQ admitted that while at the bank, he often found himself scribbling lyrics during work hours instead of focusing on his official duties.
The internal conflict eventually led him to a bold decision, quitting his job to chase a career in music.
According to him, even his close friend and producer, Masterkraft, was shocked when he learned about the decision. Interestingly, Masterkraft used to lend CDQ suits to wear to the bank.
“I told him banking isn’t my passion. I will probably just do it to make ends meet. But music is something that, whether it gives me a return or not, I’m still happy doing it,” CDQ added.
CDQ’s gamble paid off. He shot to fame in 2016 with his hit single “Indomie” featuring Masterkraft and Olamide.
NEWS
Aba state: Stop Attacking Ikonne’s Patriotic Call, Analyst Warns Gov Otti

… Says EX-NALDA Boss Means Well, Patriotic
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
A researcher and political analyst based in Abia state, Dr. Ujo Justice, has cautioned Governor Alex Otti to stop media attack on the immidiate-past Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, over his call for the creation of Aba state.
The public affairs commentator described Prince Ikonne’s call as patriotic, adding that the call for creation of Aba state was a legitimate political expression rooted in the quest for equity, development, and fair representation.
The former NALDA boss had on Thursday criticized Governor Otti’s stand against the creation of additional state for South-east but commended Imo state governor Hope Uzodimma’s stand for the new state.
Responding to the report, Governor Otti through his media aide Ferdinand Ekeoma, in a statement titiled “Aba State Creation: Paul Ikonne Needs Help to Salvage His Hate-ravaged Mind”, described former NALDA boss as “hate-ravaged,” mind.
Speaking with newsmen on Friday, the Abia born Dr. Ujo Justice, however, cautioned the Alex Otti’s state government against media bullying, saying the governor’s statement” is not a defense of governance, but an attempt to silence dissent. Resorting to insults, distorting past events, and questioning academic credentials without proof is nothing but intellectual laziness.”
According to Dr. Justice, Paul Ikonne is not an opportunist. He is not seeking appointment. He is not playing to the gallery. He is asking the hard questions that many are too afraid to ask.
He said: “Prince Paul Ikonne did not incite division; he illuminated reality. His call for the creation of Aba State was a legitimate political expression rooted in the quest for equity, development, and fair representation — a demand many leaders from the South East, including progressive voices across party lines, have long echoed.
“Rather than engage with the merit of his argument, the Governor’s media aide descended into personal insults, calling Ikonne “hate-ravaged,” “infantile,” and “clannish.” Such vile expressions should have no place in public discourse, especially from the office of a sitting governor.
“In truth, Ikonne’s words were firm but patriotic. And in a democracy, that should be respected.”
In contrary, the political analyst said Dr. Alex Otti, who has consistently positioned himself as a technocrat, but his arguments against state creation lack the nuance and sensitivity expected of a leader governing a multi-ethnic and politically conscious state like Abia.
“It is on record that Governor Otti, in 2020, wrote against the creation of additional states, citing economic impracticality. While that is a valid intellectual concern, what he fails to admit is the underlying injustice in Nigeria’s current state structure — particularly against the South East which remains the only region with five states. This imbalance directly affects representation, federal appointments, and resource allocation.
“Ikonne’s position was not that of a sectional warrior, but of a nationalist calling for correction of a decades-long injustice. To reduce that to clannishness is either a deliberate misrepresentation or a poor grasp of political history.”
Dr. Justice said rather than focus on real governance challenges, the Governor’s aide took a deep dive into history, hurling unverified allegations from as far back as 2007 on Prince Paul Ikonne.
“As Commissioner for Lands, Ikonne introduced reforms that streamlined land allocation and usage.
“As Executive Secretary of NALDA, he led federal agricultural projects that empowered farmers in states across the country, despite limited collaboration from some state governments.
“His approach to public service has always been focused on productivity and results — not media drama.
“The accusation that he “neglected Abia” while serving at NALDA is disingenuous. National appointments require national scope. That Abia did not benefit from NALDA as Ekeoma claimed is a reflection of non ethnic bais and should have a more reflection of poor synergy from state actors than any failure on Ikonne’s part.”
He also called that Paul Ikonne’s advocacy for Aba did not start recently.
“Long before it became politically fashionable to pose with potholes for the cameras, Ikonne had spoken passionately about the economic potential of Aba and the need for strategic investment in its people.
“The current government may be renovating roads and repainting walls, but cosmetic development without political inclusion is not enough. Ikonne simply asked, “Where are the Aba indigenes in this government? Where is their voice in this administration?” That question deserves an answer — not a tantrum.”
While calling for a better politics in Abia state, the political analyst said: “As researcher, and proud son of Abia, I can boldly say that this state deserves more than bitter media wars and vendetta-driven communication. It deserves leadership that welcomes criticism, not one that weaponizes press releases to hound political opponents.
“If the current government has any confidence in its performance, it should focus on delivering its promises, not throwing mud at those who dare to speak.
” Prince Paul Ikonne is a visionary, a patriot, and a political bridge-builder. History will remember him for his courage, consistency, and conviction — not for the lies peddled by those threatened by the truth.
“Let us rise above media mudslinging and return to politics of ideas, vision, and service. Abia is watching.”