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US Freezes Assets of Eight Nigerians Over Boko Haram, ISIL, Cybercrime Links

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US Freezes Assets of Eight Nigerians Over Boko Haram, ISIL, Cybercrime Links

The United States government has imposed sweeping asset freezes and financial sanctions on eight Nigerians accused of having links to Boko Haram, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and international cybercrime networks, as part of its expanded counter-terrorism and security measures.

The sanctions were contained in a 3,000-page document dated February 10, released by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the United States Treasury Department. The publication, titled “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” serves as an official notice of individuals and entities whose assets and financial interests have been blocked under US law.

According to the document, the action forms part of Washington’s broader efforts to disrupt terrorism financing, prevent extremist groups from accessing the global financial system, and combat cyber-enabled crime. OFAC stated that the list is designed to assist the public and financial institutions in complying with various US sanctions programmes.

Among those sanctioned is Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, born August 23, 1990. He was identified as having ties to Boko Haram and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport. Yusuf was among six Nigerians convicted in 2022 in the United Arab Emirates for establishing a Boko Haram cell and attempting to transfer $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria to fund insurgent activities.

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Another individual listed is Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, born March 4, 1953, who was designated under terrorism-related sanctions. He appeared in the OFAC document under several aliases, including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso, reflecting the use of multiple identities linked to extremist networks.

The sanctions also include Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa, reportedly born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno State. He was flagged under terrorism-related provisions due to alleged involvement with extremist operations in Nigeria’s North-East.

Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, also referred to as Habib Yusuf, was listed as a senior Boko Haram figure, with his year of birth recorded between 1990 and 1995. He has long been associated with the group’s leadership and violent campaigns in the Lake Chad Basin.

Another name appearing twice in the publication is Khaled (or Khalid) Al-Barnawi, born in 1976 in Maiduguri. He was listed under multiple aliases, including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman, and was linked to Boko Haram’s international support and logistics networks.

Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, was also designated. He was reported to hold a Nigerian passport and reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was accused of providing support to Boko Haram through cross-border financial and operational channels.

Also sanctioned was Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno State. He was identified as having ties to ISIL, marking the overlap between local insurgent groups and global jihadist movements.

In addition, Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, was listed under CYBER2 sanctions for alleged involvement in international cybercrime and financial fraud, underscoring the US focus on digital threats alongside terrorism financing.

The sanctions mean that all property and interests belonging to the designated individuals within US jurisdiction are blocked, while US citizens and businesses are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them. Foreign entities that knowingly assist the sanctioned persons risk facing secondary sanctions.

The latest designations come amid increased pressure from US lawmakers, who recently recommended visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of religious freedom violations and the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Those earlier recommendations included Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal, although they were not part of the OFAC sanctions list.

The development also follows the decision by Donald Trump in October 2025 to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom. Nigeria was first placed on the list in 2020 but was later removed by Joe Biden after he assumed office.

Boko Haram was officially designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States in 2013. The group has been responsible for thousands of deaths and widespread displacement across Nigeria’s North-East and the Lake Chad Basin since 2009.

US authorities say the latest sanctions reaffirm Washington’s commitment to counter-terrorism, global security, and cybercrime prevention, while sending a strong signal to individuals and networks involved in extremist financing and digital fraud.

US Freezes Assets of Eight Nigerians Over Boko Haram, ISIL, Cybercrime Links

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11 feared killed as terrorists invade Adamawa community

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11 feared killed as terrorists invade Adamawa community

11 feared killed as terrorists invade Adamawa community

At least 11 people are feared dead after suspected terrorists attacked Zaranga village in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State in the early hours of Monday, leaving residents dead, homes burnt and several people missing.

The attackers reportedly invaded the community while residents were asleep, opening fire on people before setting several houses ablaze.

The assault sent residents fleeing for safety, with some reportedly escaping into nearby bushes and surrounding forests as the attackers moved through the community.

A resident who spoke by telephone on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media said 11 bodies had been recovered following the attack.

“For now, 11 dead bodies have been recovered. Many people are still missing. Search teams and security personnel are in the forest searching for the missing people,” the resident said.

The resident said the search operation was continuing, raising fears that the death toll could increase if more victims are found.

Another resident described the attack as a devastating loss to his family, saying his wife and two other relatives were among those killed.

“My wife and two of my family members were also killed during the early morning invasion of my village,” he said.

The identities of the attackers could not be independently established at the time of reporting, although residents described them as suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

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The Adamawa State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the reported casualty figure as of the time of filing this report.

Repeated calls to the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, seeking confirmation of the attack and details of the security response were reportedly unanswered.

The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the number of attackers involved and whether security personnel engaged them during or after the assault, were also unclear.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about the security of rural communities in Gombi LGA, an area that has suffered deadly attacks and other forms of insecurity in the past.

In April 2026, at least 29 people were killed in attacks on Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing communities in the area.

The latest attack underscores the continuing challenges faced by communities in Adamawa State, particularly settlements located in remote areas where security response can be difficult.

Gombi has historically faced threats linked to Boko Haram and other armed groups, with previous attacks forcing residents to flee their homes and disrupting farming and other economic activities.

Security agencies have continued counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, including efforts to identify and disrupt terrorist networks operating across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

However, the reported attack on Zaranga has once again raised questions about the protection of vulnerable rural communities and the need for faster responses to security threats.

For families in Zaranga, the immediate priority remains locating residents who are still missing and establishing the full extent of the casualties and destruction.

The reported figure of 11 deaths remains provisional pending official confirmation by the police or other security authorities. The number could change as search teams continue efforts to locate missing residents and recover possible additional victims.

The incident is expected to further heighten security concerns in Gombi and neighbouring communities, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger protection against attacks by armed groups.

Authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the Zaranga incident, including whether any suspects have been identified or arrested.

As security personnel and community members continue search operations, residents are hoping for the safe return of those still unaccounted for and stronger measures to prevent another attack.

11 feared killed as terrorists invade Adamawa community

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Three Women Killed, 10 Injured in Multiple Crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Bridge

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Three Women Killed, 10 Injured in Multiple Crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Bridge

Three Women Killed, 10 Injured in Multiple Crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Bridge

Excessive speeding and loss of control caused one vehicle to plunge off the Long Bridge into a ditch, according to eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations.

OGUN STATE, Nigeria – Tragedy struck the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday, September 4, 2026, when a multiple-vehicle crash at the Long Bridge claimed the lives of three women and left 10 others with varying degrees of injuries. The crash occurred around 5:10 p.m. at the Long Bridge, opposite Mikano, inward Lagos, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Sector Command. The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident, placing the time at approximately 5:24 p.m. Three vehicles were involved in the crash: a white Mazda bus with registration number AGL 891 XX, a white Toyota bus with registration number KJA 247 YM, and a white Toyota Corolla with registration number BDG 867 HG. According to the FRSC, a total of 16 people—comprising 12 males and four females—were involved in the crash. Ten victims, including nine males and one female, sustained injuries, while three female occupants were confirmed dead.

Preliminary investigations identified speed violation (SPV) and loss of control (LOC) as the probable causes of the crash. Eyewitness accounts indicated that excessive speeding and loss of control caused one of the vehicles to somersault into a ditch. The FRSC stated that further investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

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The crash was reported to the FRSC at 5:34 p.m., and rescue teams arrived at the scene six minutes later, at 5:40 p.m. Emergency responders from TRACE, the FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Service all responded to the scene. Some of the injured victims were evacuated to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre in Ojota by the Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Service, while others were transported to AZ Hospital in Magboro by the FRSC. The remains of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital, Ifo, morgue, and the Idera Hospital morgue in Sagamu. The vehicle that plunged into the ditch was recovered and moved to the Warewa Police Station, alongside the other vehicles involved in the crash, for further investigation.

The crash caused significant traffic disruptions along the expressway during evacuation operations, but normalcy was restored after the vehicles were cleared from the scene. The Ogun State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery. He urged motorists plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to exercise maximum caution, avoid excessive speed, maintain proper control of their vehicles, and remain alert throughout their journeys. Ogunjobi further advised motorists to “drive within safe speed limits and avoid any behaviour capable of compromising their safety and that of other road users”.

The incident follows a pattern of fatal accidents on the busy expressway. On August 25, 2026, seven people were killed and two others injured in a multiple road crash involving three vehicles around the Kara area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Three Women Killed, 10 Injured in Multiple Crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Bridge

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Socialite Igho ‘Tiny’ Ubiribo Dies After Penis Enlargement Surgery

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Socialite Igho ‘Tiny’ Ubiribo Dies After Penis Enlargement Surgery

Socialite Igho ‘Tiny’ Ubiribo Dies After Penis Enlargement Surgery

The British-Nigerian influencer, a close friend of Afrobeats star Davido, was buried in a gold coffin. But an unresolved NDLEA drug trafficking case and the extraordinary timing of his death have fueled conspiracy theories.

LONDON, United Kingdom – British-Nigerian socialite and influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo, a close friend of Afrobeats superstar Davido, died on March 6, 2026, from a pulmonary embolism caused by a penis enlargement procedure he underwent in Bangkok, Thailand. He was 43 years old. But long before his death, Ubiribo and his wife, Zimbabwean fashion designer Danielle Simba Allen, had been declared wanted by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over allegations of running an international drug trafficking syndicate. Adding to the intrigue, reports indicate Ubiribo was expected to appear in a Nigerian court on March 7, 2026—the day after his death—to answer the charges. The extraordinary timing has generated conspiracy theories, with some social media users even suggesting Ubiribo may have faked his death to escape prosecution. However, there is no evidence to support this speculation. A London inquest provided substantial evidence of his death, including treatment at a Bangkok hospital, a UK postmortem, and a coroner’s formal finding.

Ubiribo was on a luxury holiday in Bangkok with his wife when he opted to undergo a cosmetic penis enlargement procedure at an unnamed clinic. An inquest at the Inner West London Coroners’ Court heard that he received approximately 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine injected into his penis on March 5, 2026. After the procedure, Ubiribo and his wife returned to their Marriott hotel and went for a massage. During the massage, he complained of chest pain and lost consciousness twice. He was rushed by ambulance to Sukhumvit Hospital, where he was initially conscious and able to answer questions. His wife informed doctors about the filler injections, but Ubiribo lost consciousness before a recommended CT scan could be performed. Doctors diagnosed him with a pulmonary embolism—a blockage of a blood vessel in the lungs—and transferred him to intensive care. Medical staff reportedly performed CPR for more than 100 minutes, but he could not be revived.

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A post-mortem examination conducted in the UK found cellular material in Ubiribo’s lungs consistent with the hyaluronic acid used in the penile filler. Pathologist John du Parcq stated that the findings were consistent with a pulmonary embolism and matched the results of a Thai autopsy. Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin concluded that Ubiribo died from a pulmonary embolism caused by the cosmetic procedure. The inquest also heard that Ubiribo had pre-existing medical conditions, including prediabetes and gout, and had previously undergone joint surgery.

Before his death, Ubiribo and his wife had been at the centre of a high-profile drug trafficking investigation. In April 2023, the NDLEA declared Ubiribo, Allen, and Port Harcourt-based prophetess Faith Ugochi wanted over allegations of running an international drug trafficking syndicate. The investigation began after NDLEA operatives intercepted 32.70 kilograms of “Loud” cannabis concealed in cartons of used clothing at the NAHCO import shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on November 16, 2022. A freight agent was arrested, and subsequent investigations led to more arrests. The NDLEA alleged that the syndicate recruited teenage girls as sales agents through Ugochi’s church and that Ubiribo and Allen operated the group from Los Angeles. One suspect, Edward Omatseye (alias Montana), told investigators he worked for Ubiribo and Allen, whom the agency described as the “overall heads” of the group. The agency obtained Federal High Court orders declaring the three wanted and blocked about N80 million connected to the investigation. According to the NDLEA, invitation letters sent to Ubiribo and Allen were initially answered through lawyers who requested more time, after which the couple allegedly became unreachable.

Nearly three years later came the remarkable coincidence. GWG.ng reported that Ubiribo was expected to appear in a Nigerian court on March 7, 2026—the day after his death—in connection with the trafficking allegations. While the outlet stated it had not independently obtained the court record confirming that appearance, an NDLEA official confirmed the agency was awaiting documentary evidence of Ubiribo’s death before determining the finality of the case against him. The timing has fueled online speculation, with some even questioning whether Ubiribo could have staged his death to escape the Nigerian case. There is presently no evidence supporting such speculation.

Ubiribo was buried in London in a gold coffin reportedly worth more than $745,000. His funeral was attended by celebrity mourners, including Davido, who delivered an emotional tribute, describing Ubiribo as a man of “light, energy, courage, resilience” and saying his absence “doesn’t feel real”.

Socialite Igho ‘Tiny’ Ubiribo Dies After Penis Enlargement Surgery

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