UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud

A United Kingdom court has sentenced a Nigerian couple, Luciana and Femi Akanbi, to prison after uncovering a sophisticated tax rebate fraud scheme that cost authorities more than £433,000.

The couple were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court for orchestrating the fraud using stolen personal data belonging to employees of Transport for London, in a case described as one of the most serious internal data breaches linked to the agency.

Court proceedings revealed that the fraudulent activities took place between September 2021 and January 2022, during which confidential information belonging to at least 40 staff members—including passport details, National Insurance numbers, and banking records—was used to submit 139 false tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs.

Prosecutors told the court that Luciana Akanbi, 38, who worked in the human resources department of Transport for London, had access to sensitive personal records of about 107 employees. This access enabled the couple to create multiple self-assessment accounts and process fraudulent claims.

While the total value of claims submitted approached £650,000, authorities confirmed that the actual financial loss stood at over £433,000, with the funds quickly moved through a complex money-laundering network.

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Delivering judgment, Judge David Miller described the incident as the worst data breach ever experienced by Transport for London, noting that the organisation was forced to overhaul its systems as a result.

He stated that the scheme significantly impacted victims, many of whom had to deal with disrupted finances, damaged credit ratings, and prolonged engagements with tax authorities.

The court also heard that approximately £66,000 was traced to Femi Akanbi’s bank account, while about £16,000 was linked to Luciana, although the total benefit from the fraud was believed to be higher.

Prosecutor Andrew Evans described the operation as highly sophisticated, involving careful planning, multiple digital devices, and numerous victims. Investigations revealed that at least 38 electronic devices were used to execute the fraudulent claims.

Further evidence suggested that financial pressures contributed to the crime, with Femi Akanbi reportedly battling a gambling addiction following health challenges during the COVID-19 period. The court heard that over £50,000 of the stolen funds was channelled into gambling accounts.

Judge Miller rejected attempts by Luciana to shift blame, ruling that both defendants played central roles in the scheme, which was made possible by her position of trust within the organisation.

He also declined to issue a compensation order, citing the couple’s lack of recoverable assets, but indicated they may face deportation proceedings after serving their sentences.

In response, Transport for London said it has strengthened internal systems to prevent future breaches, while HM Revenue and Customs reiterated its commitment to tackling tax fraud and protecting public funds.

The case highlights growing concerns over identity theft, insider data breaches, and financial fraud, particularly within large organisations handling sensitive personal information.

UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud

Two Women Killed in Georgia Shootings as Nigerian-Born Suspect Faces Murder Charges

A 26-year-old United States citizen of Nigerian origin, Olaolukitan Adon Abel, has been arrested in connection with a series of shootings that claimed the lives of two women and left a man critically injured in the state of Georgia.

The incidents occurred across multiple locations, including DeKalb County and Brookhaven, sparking widespread concern among residents. Authorities have described the attacks as seemingly random, with no confirmed motive at this stage.

According to law enforcement officials, the shootings took place at a Checkers outlet on Wesley Chapel Road, a Kroger store at Cherokee Plaza in Brookhaven, and along Battle Forest Drive in DeKalb County.

Investigators were able to trace Abel through rental vehicle records, leading to his eventual arrest in Troup County. He is currently facing two counts of murder, along with charges of aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon.

During a court hearing on Tuesday, a DeKalb County magistrate judge transferred the case to a superior court after the suspect’s legal team waived a formal reading of the charges. Details regarding his next court appearance have not yet been disclosed.

Authorities also revealed that this is not Abel’s first encounter with the law. He was previously convicted of a felony in California in 2024. In a separate case last year, he was arrested in Savannah and later pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. He was subsequently sentenced to 48 months’ probation, banned from the city for four years, and ordered to undergo a psychosexual evaluation.

Court records from Chatham County confirm that Abel is a United States citizen.

Police officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, emphasizing that the suspect is now in custody. Investigations remain ongoing as detectives continue to analyze evidence to determine the circumstances and motive behind the attacks.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” a police spokesperson said, adding that authorities remain committed to ensuring justice and public safety.

Two Women Killed in Georgia Shootings as Nigerian-Born Suspect Faces Murder Charges

US Senate Rejects Measure to Limit Trump’s Iran Military Powers

The United States Senate has voted against a resolution that sought to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to carry out further military strikes on Iran without prior approval from Congress, in a move that underscores deep divisions in Washington over war powers and executive authority.

In a closely watched vote, senators rejected the measure by 52 votes to 47, effectively allowing the president to continue ongoing military operations against Iran without needing immediate congressional authorization.

The proposed resolution, introduced under the framework of the War Powers Act, was aimed at reasserting Congress’s constitutional role in decisions involving armed conflict. Lawmakers backing the measure argued that the escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran required clear legislative approval to prevent a broader and potentially prolonged war.

However, the effort fell short, with most Republican senators voting against the proposal, aligning with the president’s position that the executive branch retains the authority to act swiftly in matters of national security. The vote largely followed party lines, although there were notable exceptions. Republican Senator Rand Paul broke ranks to support the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against it.

Supporters of the failed measure warned that allowing continued military engagement without congressional oversight risks setting a dangerous precedent and undermines the balance of powers enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. They maintained that Congress must play a decisive role in authorizing acts of war, particularly in a volatile region like the Middle East.

Opponents, however, contended that imposing restrictions on the president at this stage could weaken the United States’ strategic position and limit its ability to respond effectively to emerging threats. They argued that the commander-in-chief must retain flexibility to protect American interests and personnel.

This marks the latest in a series of unsuccessful attempts by lawmakers to curb presidential war-making powers in relation to Iran. Analysts note that the repeated failure of such measures reflects enduring political divisions and the challenges Congress faces in reclaiming authority over military engagements.

The vote comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with concerns growing internationally over the risk of further escalation. While the Senate’s decision preserves the president’s current latitude to act, it also signals that the debate over war powers is far from settled, with the possibility of renewed legislative efforts in the coming weeks.

As the situation continues to evolve, attention is expected to remain focused on both the White House and Capitol Hill, where questions over the scope of executive power and the role of Congress in matters of war and peace persist.

US Senate Rejects Measure to Limit Trump’s Iran Military Powers