EFCC arraigns couple for N197m fraud, impersonating Katsina first lady - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

EFCC arraigns couple for N197m fraud, impersonating Katsina first lady

Published

on

Hafsat Kabir Lawal, Abdullahi Bala and Ladani Akindele

EFCC arraigns couple for N197m fraud, impersonating Katsina first lady

husband and wife, Baba Sadiq and Hafsat, alongside two accomplices, Abdullahi Bala and Ladani Akindele, have been remanded in prison custody after their arraignment before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court on charges of fraud, money laundering, and theft amounting to ₦197,750,000.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the six-count charges against the defendants on Monday, March 10, 2025.

According to a statement by EFCC, the suspects allegedly conspired to defraud victims by posing as high-profile individuals, including impersonating the wife of Katsina State Governor, Fatima Dikko Radda.

“The defendants were initially arrested by officers of the Department of State Services, DSS, and subsequently transferred to the EFCC when it was clear that their offences were financial crimes in nature,” the EFCC stated.

One of the charges reads: “That you Hafsat Kabir Lawal, Babasule Abubakar Sadiq, Abdullahi Bala, Ladani Akindele Ayodele sometimes in December 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honorable court with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of N89,000,000.00… under the false pretense that you had the sum of $53,300… to exchange for the Naira equivalent which pretense you knew to be false…”

READ ALSO:

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. In response, EFCC counsel Bright C. Ogbonna requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendants in custody. Defense lawyers, including M.S. Katu, SAN, and Jazuli Mustapha, applied for bail but were met with opposition from the prosecution. Justice Bello ruled in favor of the EFCC, ordering the defendants’ remand and adjourning the case to March 17, 2025, for a bail hearing.

According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that Hafsat allegedly posed as the Katsina First Lady to obtain ₦89 million and ₦108 million from victims seeking currency exchange services. The statement further alleged that her husband, Sadiq, provided her with SIM cards registered on Truecaller as “Fatima Dikko Radda.”

The EFCC claimed Sadiq also enlisted the help of Ladani Akindele, a former bank colleague, to obtain the contact number of Unity Bank Chairman Hafiz Bashir. Through this connection, the defendants allegedly reached out to bureau de change operator Aminu Usman, from whom they collected a total of ₦197,750,000 under the guise of providing the dollar equivalent.

“The money was said to have been deposited into the bank account of the 3rd defendant, Abdullahi Bala, provided by the first defendant, and the money was allegedly distributed among the four defendants and laundered through various means,” the statement alleged.

The case is set to resume on March 17 for the hearing of the defendants’ bail applications.

EFCC arraigns couple for N197m fraud, impersonating Katsina first lady

metro

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Published

on

Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.

According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.

READ ALSO:

School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.

Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.

The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Continue Reading

metro

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Published

on

Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah
Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

READ ALSO:

Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Continue Reading

metro

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Published

on

Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending