metro

193 foreigners, 599 suspected Nigerian crypto fraudsters arrested

Published

1 year ago

December 17, 2024

193 foreigners, 599 suspected Nigerian crypto fraudsters arrested

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has carried out its largest single-day operation against cryptocurrency and romance scam networks, arresting 193 foreigners and 599 Nigerian suspects in Lagos.

The commission’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed this to journalists in Lagos yesterday.

Uwujaren said among the 193 foreigners are Chinese, Arabs and Filipinos, whom he said were nabbed when the commission’s operatives bursted the gang in a landmark operation in Lagos on December 10.

He said the suspects included 114 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two Kazakhstans, one Pakistani and one Indonesian.

He stated that they were members of a syndicate of cybercrime and cryptocurrency investment fraudsters.

“The suspects were apprehended in a surprise operation at their hideout, an imposing seven-storey edifice known as Big Leaf Building.

“The breakthrough followed actionable intelligence and months of surveillance and monitoring of the activities of the syndicate.

“Investigation established that the foreign nationals used the facility at 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, which could be mistaken for a corporate headquarters of a financial establishment to train their Nigerian accomplices on how to initiate romance and investment scams and also use the identities of Nigerians to perpetrate their criminal activities.

READ ALSO:

“All the floors are equipped with high-end desktop computers. On the 5th floor alone, investigators recovered 500 SIM cards of local telcos that were bought for criminal purposes.

“Their Nigerian accomplices were recruited by the foreign kingpins to prospect for victims online through phishing, targeting mostly Americans, Canadians, Mexicans and several others from European countries.

“They usually arm them with desktop computers and mobile devices and create fake profiles for them.

“The Nigerian accomplices are equally provided with logs that allow them access to foreign communication lines and victims, who they chat with on WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram.

“They are also assigned WhatsApp accounts linked to foreign telephone numbers, especially from Germany and Italy.

“Their jobs are to engage victims in romantic conversations and phantom business and investment discussions to trick them into shopping on the purported online investment shopping platform called www.yooto.com. For those who show interest, activation fees for an account on the platform starts from $35,” Uwujaren said.

He said further investigation was ongoing to establish the extent of the scam and the accomplices, including the likelihood of any collaboration with organised international fraud cells.

The EFCC’s spokesman also said that items recovered from the suspects include desktop computers, mobile phones, laptop computers and cars, adding that the suspects have made statements, while their systems have also been screened.

“They are currently being held with a valid remand warrant and will be arraigned in court in the coming days,” he said.

Weak systems escalating fraudulent activities – Experts

In an interview with one of our correspondents last night, a financial crimes’ expert, Johnson Odaudu, attributed lapses in the escalation of fraudulent activities to Nigeria’s weak systems.

“See, there is a wide crack in our institutions ranging from financial institutions to security institutions. The government knows where the lapses are. The only thing we need is the political will to fix it.

“I will not want to use technical terms so that Nigerians can understand. The truth is that, some of our major public financial institutions are responsible for certain transactions.

“If they do their work diligently as expected, all these won’t be happening under our nose without any deterrence,” he said.

Another security expert, Julius Oderinwale, queried how those foreigners entered the country.

He said: “This is where the country is getting it wrong. I don’t want to blame any agency but the truth is that, we are not getting it right anytime soon. Why is it difficult to determine the handiwork of each and every foreigner in this country?

“You will agree with me that there are gaps in the financial and security systems of the country, but that doesn’t mean we should continue this way.

“There is a need to put a system in place to checkmate this kind of development rather than fighting it” he said.

Also speaking on the matter when they appeared on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme, last night, the Secretary General, Follow the Money, an arm of Connected Development (CODE), Muktar Modibbo, and Adamu Rabi’u, a monitoring and evaluation specialist on policy, finance, risk, and good governance, commended the EFCC for the discovery, but underscored the need for Nigerians to help in securing the country.

According to Modibbo, people leaving around the questionable building should have raised the red flag immediately they witnessed the unusual activity around the area. “Securing the country is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies. We have to support them,” he said.

On his part, Rabiu said Immigration, Customs police operatives and various agencies working at our airports, seaports and land borders must rise to the challenge.

“There is no excuse for foreigners to be getting access into our country without genuine reason,” he said.

193 foreigners, 599 suspected Nigerian crypto fraudsters arrested

Related Topics:arrested crypto fraudsters Featured foreigners

Up Next

University of Abuja renamed as Yakubu Gowon University

Don't Miss

Tinubu appoints eight new permanent secretaries

metro

Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda

Published

5 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

ARISE News Channel’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni

Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda

ARISE News Channel’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has firmly dismissed reports alleging that he was suspended from the international broadcaster, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.

The rumour, which gained traction across social media platforms, claimed that Oseni had been suspended from Arise News following an alleged disagreement with a senior colleague. However, the journalist debunked the claim in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, where he described the report as “APC propaganda.”

“Rufai Oseni suspended by ARISE News? Lies, APC Propaganda,” he wrote, rejecting the viral narrative.

Providing clarity on his absence from the popular breakfast programme, Oseni explained that he is currently in Berlin, Germany, attending a series of international conferences and professional engagements.

He further disclosed that he is scheduled to appear at the Bundestag, also known as the German Parliament, located in the historic Reichstag building, where he is expected to participate in discussions and engagements.

READ ALSO:

Oseni noted that his trip is aimed at gaining insights and experiences that could be beneficial to Nigeria, particularly in governance and institutional development.

The suspension rumour was reportedly linked to a social media post attributed to High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro, which alleged that the broadcaster had a confrontation at the station, including claims that he banged his fist on a table during a disagreement.

However, there has been no official statement from ARISE News confirming any disciplinary action against Oseni, further reinforcing his position that the report is unfounded.

Industry observers note that similar rumours have surfaced in the past, often coinciding with Oseni’s temporary absence from television broadcasts due to travel or official engagements.

Known for his fiery and assertive interviewing style, Oseni has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken television journalists, frequently engaging political figures and public office holders in robust debates.

His approach has earned him both praise and criticism, making him a prominent voice in Nigeria’s media and political discourse.

Despite the controversy, Oseni remains part of the core three-man anchor team of The Morning Show, one of the flagship programmes on ARISE News.

The latest clarification is expected to quell speculation, as the broadcaster continues his international engagements with plans to return to Nigeria after completing his scheduled appearances.

Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda

metro

Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

Published

10 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

Tension erupted on Wednesday in Osogbo as protesters stormed the Osun State High Court over the ongoing dispute involving Osun State local government funds and alleged non-compliance with court rulings on the release and control of allocations.

The demonstrators, who marched from the Government House axis to the court premises at Lameco, demanded strict adherence to judicial pronouncements amid rising concerns over governance and legal authority in the Osun LG funds crisis.

The protest is linked to an ongoing legal battle involving allegations that a commercial bank released funds allegedly used in the reinstatement of All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen. The Osun State Government had initiated proceedings at the Magistrate Court over the matter.

However, the Osun State High Court in Osogbo, presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola, had earlier issued an ex parte order quashing the criminal proceedings against United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its officials at the Magistrate Court level.

READ ALSO:

Despite the High Court ruling, proceedings were reportedly allowed to continue at the Magistrate Court, a development that triggered fresh protests by reinstated local government officials and their supporters.

Carrying placards with inscriptions calling for respect for court judgments, adherence to the rule of law, and protection of judicial integrity, the protesters accused relevant actors of disregarding valid court decisions.

Security operatives were deployed across the court premises to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order as the demonstration unfolded.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Maaroof Ogundipe, representing reinstated council executives, warned that continued legal actions against bank officials despite higher court rulings could escalate into a broader constitutional crisis.

He also disclosed that the group may petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), arguing that the situation raises serious concerns about judicial compliance and institutional integrity.

“It is worrisome when court decisions appear to be undermined,” he said.

Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olayanju Kolapo, also weighed in, stating that aspects of the dispute had already been addressed by earlier rulings, including a Supreme Court judgment delivered in December 2025.

He cautioned that continued disregard for court decisions could heighten political tensions and destabilise local government administration in Osun State.

The dispute over Osun local government allocations has continued to generate legal confrontations, competing interpretations of court orders, and political tension across council areas in the state.

Authorities are yet to issue an official response to Wednesday’s protest, but security presence around the High Court remained heavy throughout the demonstration.

Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

metro

Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates

Published

10 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the list of successful candidates for the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46/2025 selection board, marking the next phase of its ongoing NAF recruitment exercise for new airmen and airwomen.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the shortlist comprises candidates who passed the Zonal General Aptitude Test conducted across 15 Nigerian Air Force bases on December 5, 2025.

The Air Force said only candidates whose names appear on the official recruitment portal have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the process.

Kaduna Selection Interview Begins April 27

NAF confirmed that all shortlisted candidates are invited for the Selection Board Interview for Trades and Non-Tradesmen/Women, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.

READ ALSO:

The interview will run from April 27 to June 13, 2026, and candidates must report strictly according to their assigned batch schedules as published on the official portal.

The Air Force warned that failure to report on the specified dates will result in automatic disqualification from the recruitment process.

How to Check NAF BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist

Candidates are advised to visit the official NAF recruitment portal at https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/updates/ to:

Confirm their inclusion on the BMTC 46/2025 shortlist
Check their assigned interview batches
Access official instructions for the next stage

NAF stressed that only information published on its official platform should be trusted.

NAF Warns Against Recruitment Fraud

The Nigerian Air Force reiterated that the entire NAF recruitment process is free of charge, warning applicants not to pay money to individuals or groups claiming to offer assistance.

It urged candidates to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to recruitment scams.

About BMTC Recruitment

The Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) is the entry-level training programme for recruits into the Nigerian Air Force, designed to prepare successful candidates for military service as airmen and airwomen.

The ongoing BMTC 46/2025 recruitment exercise follows a structured process including online application, aptitude testing, and final selection interviews before enlistment.

Final Phase of Screening Begins

With the release of the shortlist, the recruitment exercise has entered its final phase, where candidates will undergo verification and interviews before final selection into the Force.

NAF urged all applicants to strictly follow official guidelines to avoid disqualification and ensure smooth participation in the selection process.