metro
Thieves targets Nigerians in US, UK, Europe, rob them of passports, money, valuables
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has warned Nigerians travelling to the United States, the United Kingdom and some European countries to be wary of thieves targeting their passports, money and other valuables.
He disclosed that there’s an avalanche of reports of theft of valuables, including passports of Nigerians.
“It has come to the attention of the government that Nigerian travellers to the United States and some countries in Europe are having their belongings, especially money and international passports, stolen at an increasingly high rate.
“The most recent victims of this are travelers to the UK, most of whom were dispossessed of their belongings at high brow shops, particularly in the high street of Oxford.
“We have, therefore, decided to advise Nigerians travelling to Europe and the United States to take extra precaution to avoid being dispossessed of their belongings.
“This is not your typical travel advisory. Issuing such is the prerogative of our embassies/high commissions as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is merely a piece of advice to Nigerians who may be visiting the affected parts of the world…”
READ ALSO:
- ‘Scores killed’ as troops ‘bomb vehicles conveying terrorists’ in Borno
- Kuti Family Kicks Against APC Using Fela’s Song For Political Campaign
- IPOB blame Nigerian Army for killings in Enugu, Rivers
Meanwhile, former director of the Kenyan anti-corruption agency and Professor of Public Law, Patrick Lumumba, has said African countries must shun politics of the stomach and ethnicity so as to make progress.
He who stated this at the 10th memorial lecture of former Senate leader, Abubakar Saraki, in Abuja, wondered why the 55 African countries cannot feed themselves, after about 60 years of independence.
This is as President Muhammadu Buhari described the late Saraki as a statesman, who contributed to political development of the country, during his time.
President Buhari, who was represented by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, said the former Senate leader “earned the respect of many Nigerians and in particular President Muhammadu Buhari who has been always showing enormous regard for him, equally our presidential candidate Ahmed Bola Tinubu and many others have in many occasions appreciated his contributions to our polity.”
Lumumba, while stating that Africa would not be at ease until Nigeria is at ease, noted that the country ought to be a $4 trillion economy, rather than the present $500 billion.
“The continent is not at ease because the continent is suffering from a deficit of leadership. As long as Nigeria is not at ease, Africa will never be at ease. If Africa wants to be at ease, Nigeria must be at ease. She is the largest economy in Africa. She has a population of about 200 million people. One in every African is a Nigerian. She is represented in every sector.
READ ALSO:
- Anarchy Reigns In Osun: 500 APC Members Attacked; Campaign Vehicles, Billboards Destroyed; Party Cries Out To IGP
- Adeleke Sacks Over 10,000 Workers Newly Recruited by Oyetola
- 24 hours after swearing-in, Adeleke dethrones three Osun monarchs
“If you want the best Engineers, they are Nigerians, if you want the best doctors, they are Nigerians. If you want good lawyers, they are Nigerians, but also if you want Yahoo boys, they are Nigerians. Nigerians are present everywhere in the world.
“Nigeria I am told is a $500billion economy. never ever be proud of that Nigerians, this is an economy that should be at least a $4trillion GDP. Whenever you reach that level, then I will say that Nigeria is doing the right thing. All the ingredients are there, the question is, why is she not realizing its potentials?”
Lumumba, who spoke on “leadership and followership in Africa” said African countries have outsourced the education of the followers to foreign Non Governmental Organisation ( NGOs) and Community Based Organisations( CBOs). And noted that the implication is that the citizens are “tuned”from outside.
“ I am suggesting that Africa is not going to grow as long as you are in position of leadership, and you have perfected the art of appealing to the stomach rather than the minds of the men and women that you lead.
“I am suggesting that Africa is not going to realize her potential as long as we continue to conduct the politics of money and money bags, not the politics of ideas. I am suggesting to you that Africa is never going to realize our potential as long as we are dividing our people along ethnic lines.
SUN
metro
Court Sentences POS Operator to Death for Role in Kidnap That Killed 83-Year-Old Man, Driver
Court Sentences POS Operator to Death for Role in Kidnap That Killed 83-Year-Old Man, Driver
An Imo State High Court has sentenced a 28-year-old point-of-sale (POS) operator, Isaac Okorie, to death by hanging for his role in the kidnapping and murder of an 83-year-old man, Chief Alexander Chukwuma Okoli, and his driver, Daniel Sarki, despite the payment of ransom by the victims’ family.
Justice Matthew Ijezie, sitting at the High Court in Urualla, within the Orlu Judicial Division, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after finding Okorie guilty on six counts bordering on armed robbery, hostage-taking and murder.
The court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt through the evidence presented during the trial.
According to the judgment, the incident occurred on October 14, 2023, at Isiekenesi in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, when Okoli and his driver were abducted by members of an armed criminal gang.
The court heard that Okorie conspired with other members of the gang, who were armed with guns, to seize the two men and take them into a bush.
The kidnappers also reportedly stole Okoli’s gold-coloured Toyota Corolla, with registration number AAH 989 RM.
The gang subsequently demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from the victims’ family in exchange for their release.
However, the family eventually paid ₦2.515 million, but the payment did not secure the safe return of the two men.
According to the court’s account, the gang killed both victims despite receiving the money and later sent photographs of their lifeless bodies to the family.
The remains of Okoli and his driver had yet to be recovered as of the time the judgment was reported, leaving their family members without the opportunity to give them a proper burial.
During the trial, the court heard that police investigations identified Okorie’s role in the criminal operation as receiving ransom payments from the families of kidnapping victims.
The evidence linking him to the operation formed part of the prosecution’s case, which the court found sufficient to establish his guilt on all six counts.
Following the conviction, the court gave Okorie an opportunity to plead for leniency before sentencing, a procedure known as allocutus.
Okorie reportedly appealed to the court for mercy, but Justice Ijezie proceeded to sentence him to death by hanging.
Reacting to the judgment, Ikenna Obi, a senior state counsel with the Imo State Ministry of Justice who prosecuted the case, described the ruling as significant.
Obi said the judgment would provide some measure of relief to the victims’ family, despite the continuing uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of their remains.
He expressed hope that the conviction would deter individuals involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, while discouraging others from joining criminal gangs.
The prosecutor also commended the judge for delivering what he described as a well-considered judgment in accordance with the law.
Amanda, the daughter of one of the victims, also reportedly expressed relief that the court had punished the convict.
She, however, said the family remained deeply distressed by the failure to recover the bodies of her father and his driver.
Although the judgment offered the family some comfort, she expressed hope that security agencies would intensify efforts to locate the remains and arrest other suspects who were still at large.
The conviction marks a significant development in the case, which began with the abduction of the elderly man and his driver nearly three years before the judgment.
However, the family’s search for closure remains incomplete, as the recovery of the victims’ remains and the prosecution of any outstanding suspects remain unresolved.
Court Sentences POS Operator to Death for Role in Kidnap That Killed 83-Year-Old Man, Driver
metro
MURIC Applauds Army as Mogadishu Cantonment Mosque Reopens After Week-Long Closure
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Nigerian Army Headquarters and the commandant of Mogadishu Cantonment for reopening a mosque used by Muslim soldiers and their families in Abuja after a week-long closure.
The Islamic human rights organisation said the mosque, which serves Muslim personnel and their families residing in military accommodation within the cantonment, was reopened on Tuesday, October 20, following an appeal by the group.
MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, describing the reopening as a welcome development that demonstrated the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving religious concerns.
According to Akintola, the mosque had been closed since October 12, preventing Muslim soldiers and their families living within the military facility from using it for their daily prayers.
He said MURIC had earlier appealed to the Army Headquarters and the cantonment authorities to explain the reason for the closure and restore access to the mosque for worshippers.
The organisation expressed concern over the disruption of daily prayers and urged the military authorities to address the matter.
Akintola said the mosque’s reopening on October 20, the same day MURIC publicly raised the issue, brought relief to the organisation and affected worshippers.
READ ALSO:
- Atiku Condemns Attack on Edo Comedian Over Refusal to Support Tinubu
- US Declares Two Nigerians Wanted Over $3.1m Medicare Fraud, Drug Offences
- Tibet in Mourning: 7.0 Quake Kills 16, Injures 76 as Rescue Teams Race Against Time in Nagqu
He described the development as an indication that concerns raised through dialogue and peaceful engagement could receive prompt attention from relevant authorities.
MURIC said it appreciated the response of the Army Headquarters and the cantonment commandant, praising what it described as the professionalism of the military leadership and its respect for the rule of law.
The organisation also expressed optimism that the resolution of the matter would strengthen public confidence in the military and encourage constructive engagement between religious communities and security institutions.
According to Akintola, cooperation between the military and Muslim communities is particularly important in addressing terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges facing the country.
He argued that mutual understanding and goodwill between the armed forces and civilians would help strengthen collective efforts to combat insecurity.
MURIC therefore urged Muslims across Nigeria to cooperate fully with military personnel and other security agencies, stressing the importance of public support in the fight against crime and insurgency.
The organisation maintained that peaceful engagement remained essential to resolving disagreements and preventing issues involving religious practice from escalating into wider disputes.
Although MURIC welcomed the reopening of the mosque, its statement did not disclose the reason for the initial closure or whether the Army Headquarters had issued a separate explanation.
The development followed MURIC’s earlier public appeal to the military authorities to explain the closure and reopen the facility.
The organisation’s latest statement focused on appreciating the authorities for restoring access to the mosque and encouraging continued cooperation between Muslims and the military.
MURIC, which advocates the protection of Muslim rights and promotes dialogue as an alternative to violence, said the outcome offered encouragement that concerns could be addressed through peaceful and constructive engagement.
The organisation concluded by urging Nigerians to support security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and reduce crime across the country.
MURIC Applauds Army as Mogadishu Cantonment Mosque Reopens After Week-Long Closure
metro
US Declares Two Nigerians Wanted Over $3.1m Medicare Fraud, Drug Offences
US Declares Two Nigerians Wanted Over $3.1m Medicare Fraud, Drug Offences
The United States government has listed two Nigerian men, Ezechukwu Joshua Ohaka and Tayo Muyiwa Olukoya, as wanted over separate allegations involving healthcare fraud and drug-related offences.
The two men were listed by different US federal law enforcement agencies, with Ohaka accused of participating in a scheme involving more than $3.1 million in fraudulent Medicare claims, while Olukoya is wanted over an alleged conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
According to information released by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Ohaka, 57, allegedly worked with co-conspirators through his Houston-based company, Luant & Odera, Inc., to submit fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment.
The equipment included power wheelchairs, motorised scooters and wheelchair accessories that investigators alleged were medically unnecessary or were not supplied to beneficiaries.
The agency said the alleged scheme involved more than $3.1 million in claims, with approximately $1.08 million in proceeds reportedly obtained.
READ ALSO:
- Tibet in Mourning: 7.0 Quake Kills 16, Injures 76 as Rescue Teams Race Against Time in Nagqu
- Tope Alabi Threatens Pastor With Lawsuit Over Toluwanisings’ Death Claims
- Borno: Troops Kill 15 Terrorists in Midnight Air Strike
Investigators also alleged that Ohaka presented himself as a medical doctor under the name “Dr Joshua Ohaka” and targeted Medicare beneficiaries who had lived in areas affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The authorities further alleged that kickbacks were paid to recruit beneficiaries into the scheme.
The allegations concern possible fraud against Medicare, the US government-funded health insurance programme that primarily serves people aged 65 and older and certain younger people with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions.
In a separate case, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) listed Olukoya, 57, also known as “Uncle”, as wanted over an alleged conspiracy to possess controlled substances with the intention of distributing them and to distribute the substances.
The DEA’s Chicago Division announced that it was seeking information about Olukoya, whose case is associated with the Southern District of Indiana.
Olukoya had previously been named among defendants in a marijuana trafficking case announced by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana in May 2022. Prosecutors at the time alleged that the wider operation involved the distribution of large quantities of marijuana across several US states between 2016 and 2022.
However, the latest DEA wanted notice does not, by itself, establish that the allegations have been proven in court.
The two cases involve separate investigations, and there is no indication in the available reports that Ohaka and Olukoya were connected.
US authorities have called for information that could help locate the wanted men. The agencies have not established in the cited announcements that either man is currently in Nigeria.
The development comes amid continued efforts by US law enforcement agencies to pursue people accused of healthcare fraud, drug trafficking and other federal offences.
Both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
US Declares Two Nigerians Wanted Over $3.1m Medicare Fraud, Drug Offences
-
News2 days agoEFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories
-
News2 days ago41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Remi, Seyi Tinubu Reportedly Differ Over APC Youth Mobilisation
-
Politics2 days agoIgbo Presidency: Soludo Tells South-East to Back Tinubu for Future Power Shift
-
Politics15 hours ago2027: APGA Chairman Says South-East Must Back Tinubu to Secure Igbo Presidency
-
metro2 days agoPolice Arrest Suspect Eight Months After Retired Teacher’s Killing in Ogun
-
metro2 days agoState Police: 25 States Approve Bill as Nigeria Moves Closer to Decentralised Policing
-
Entertainment3 days agoBREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57 After Brief Illness