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Cybercrime: Zambian court jails 22 Chinese, Cameroonian

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Cybercrime: Zambian court jails 22 Chinese, Cameroonian

Lusaka, Zambia – A Zambian court on Friday sentenced 22 Chinese nationals to prison terms ranging from 7 to 11 years for their involvement in cybercrimes, including internet fraud and online scams that targeted individuals in Zambia, Singapore, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Magistrates Court in Lusaka also imposed fines ranging between $1,500 to $3,000 on the convicts after they pleaded guilty to charges of computer-related misrepresentation, identity fraud, and illegally operating a network or service. A Cameroonian national was similarly sentenced and fined for the same charges.

These sentences follow the arrest of a group of 77 individuals, predominantly Zambians, in April, which was described by police as a crackdown on a “sophisticated internet fraud syndicate.”

Cybersecurity analyst Ali Kingston Mwila highlighted the significance of the court’s decision, noting, “In the past, we have seen criminals walking away freely after committing such or similar crimes.”

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Director-General of the Drug Enforcement Commission, Nason Banda, explained that the investigation began following a noticeable increase in cyber-related fraud cases, with many people reporting unexplained losses of money from their mobile phones or bank accounts.

In April, authorities from the Drug Enforcement Commission, police, immigration department, and anti-terrorism unit raided a Chinese-run business named Golden Top Support Services in an affluent Lusaka suburb. The raid resulted in the arrest of the 77 individuals, including those sentenced on Friday. During the operation, authorities recovered over 13,000 local and foreign mobile phone SIM cards, two firearms, and 78 rounds of ammunition.

The business had employed young Zambians, aged between 20 and 25, to use the SIM cards to engage in deceptive conversations with unsuspecting mobile users across various platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and chat rooms, using scripted dialogues, according to Banda.

While the locals involved were released on bail, questions remain regarding the full extent of the crimes. Mwila emphasized that key details, such as the total amount of money stolen and the use of the recovered firearms and ammunition, have not been disclosed.

“Looking at the crime as it stands, we have not been told how much they have stolen, we have not been told as well those guns and ammunition they had, how they have been used,” Mwila added, calling for further transparency and investigation into the case.

Cybercrime: Zambian court jails 22 Chinese, Cameroonian

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Niger’s president faces fire at home over attack on Nigeria

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General Abdourahamane Tiani

Niger’s president faces fire at home over attack on Nigeria

Niger’s President Abdourahmane Tchiani is facing a backlash of criticism from his fellow countrymen following his recent allegation of a conspiracy by Nigeria against his country.

Tchiani in a Christmas Day interview claimed, among other things, that Nigeria had provided a base for French soldiers near Lake Chad had established training camps for terrorists in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, all aimed at destabilising Niger.

The Federal Government has dismissed the allegations as baseless, with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, being the latest government official to debunk the claims.

Many Nigerien citizens reacting on social media to Tchiani’s claims against Nigeria say there is no credibility whatsoever in the allegations.

Some of them are of the view that the Nigerien leader was only looking for an excuse to hang his failure in office on after 17months of ousting his predecessor, Mohamed Bazoum, in a palace coup.

One Nigerien critic even alleged that loyalists of the Niamey military regime are under instruction to spread falsehood that France in collaboration with Nigeria and other neighbouring countries plans to invade Niger.

A Nigerien commentator, Maidalili Namu, spoke of alleged frustration of the Tchiani regime to stabilise the country as they promised to do after deposing Bazoum.

Namu claimed on Muduba Mugani podcast that the country is being ruined by those he branded 16 generals.

“You have been in power for 17 months, confined to the villa and fed with false information that clouds your judgment,” PR Nigeria quoted Namu as saying of Tchiani in a video recording.

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Namu also accused the Nigerien strongman of fostering animosity both regionally and internationally, sowing seeds of discord with Niger’s neighbors and other nations.

He said: “When it was announced that you would address the nation at 8 pm on December 25, 2024, in Hausa, Zabarma and French, the prevailing rumour was that your speech would lack originality, filled only with the usual condemnation of France, ECOWAS, Nigeria and others as our adversaries.

 “Some even wagered that they would give goats or cash if you didn’t mention France in your address.

“Nigeriens are fed up with your repetitive statements that yield no progress.

“What is most frustrating is that you vindicated their predictions. Some even began to tally how many times you mentioned France, Nigeria and ECOWAS, suggesting they are conspiring to destabilise Niger.

“You have accused numerous countries, both within and outside Africa, of undermining Niger, leading some to question your mental fitness for leadership.

“Your diplomatic failures are evident. You have insulted numerous leaders from various countries, implicating at least 20 nations in a conspiracy against Niger, many of whom we have no direct relations with.

“The real issues affecting Nigeriens—economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, fuel scarcity and the rising cost of living—were overlooked.

 “Instead, we heard the same old narrative of external threats and unfounded claims of terrorist camps supervised by the French.

“You asserted that camps have been established for training terrorists in Burkina Faso and Niger—concluding that by the end of 2024, at least 400 terrorists will be trained under French supervision.

“If you possess accurate information about these camps, why do you not coordinate efforts to dismantle them instead of using this information merely as a talking point?

“You must recognise that none of the leaders you’ve insulted have retaliated; you have disparaged leaders from countries like Tanzania, Mauritania, Chad and others. If your assertions hold any truth, how can we possibly survive more than 24 hours amidst the threats you mention?

Niger’s president faces fire at home over attack on Nigeria

THE NATION

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South African woman shot dead by her police officer boyfriend on Christmas Day

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South African woman shot dead by her police officer boyfriend on Christmas Day
A 22-year-old woman, Chesnay Patricia Keppler, was shot d3ad by her police officer boyfriend, Mandla Goodman Buthelezi in South Africa.
Chesnay who worked as a Crime Prevention Warden, was k!lled on Christmas Day, 25 December 2024 in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg.
It is reported that the boyfriend visited Chesnay at her home. When she refused to leave with him, he allegedly started abusing her, trying to force her into a vehicle.
Her friends intervened, allowing Chesnay to run to the house and lock herself inside.
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The boyfriend then allegedly went to his police vehicle to retrieve his firearm, returned to the house, and fired multiple shots through the kitchen window, hitting Chesnay.
He fled the scene afterwards but was arrested.
Chesnay was rushed to the hospital but was tragically declared d3ad on arrival.
It is alleged that the boyfriend had been abusive to Chesnay before this horrific incident.

South African woman shot dead by her police officer boyfriend on Christmas Day

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ECOWAS refutes claims linking Nigeria to terrorism sponsorship

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ECOWAS refutes claims linking Nigeria to terrorism sponsorship

The Economic Community of West African States has expressed concern over allegations directed at Nigeria and other member states, accusing them of sponsoring terrorism.

The commission in a statement on Thursday rejected the claims, describing them as unfounded and contrary to Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to regional peace and security.

It highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in the Multinational Joint Task Force, which had achieved significant successes in combating terrorism and maintaining stability in the West African region.

It stressed that Nigeria’s contributions extended beyond the subregion, underscoring the country’s role as a pillar of peace on the African continent.

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ECOWAS refuted any suggestion that Nigeria, known for its generosity and dedication to stability, could be linked to terrorism sponsorship.

The commission urged all states in the region to prioritize dialogue and cooperation, calling for an end to baseless accusations that could undermine unity and peace efforts.

“The commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.

“For years, Nigeria has supported the peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent.

“ECOWAS therefore refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism.

“ECOWAS calls on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence,” the statement read.

 

ECOWAS refutes claims linking Nigeria to terrorism sponsorship

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