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  • Justice Crack’s Bail Hearing Stalls After Lawyers Clash in Abuja Court

    Popular Nigerian blogger and social media influencer Chidiebere Justice Mark, widely known as Justice Crack, remained in DSS custody on Thursday after confusion among his defense lawyers forced the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjourn his bail hearing.

    The hearing, held before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ended abruptly after two lawyers announced separate appearances for the defendant, creating disagreement over who should officially lead the defense team.

    Drama Over Legal Representation

    Barrister Marshal Abubakar, who earlier filed the pending bail application, appeared in court alongside another lawyer, Olufemi Balogun, who also claimed representation for Justice Crack.

    The situation escalated after the influencer reportedly informed the court that Balogun would take charge of his defense moving forward.

    Following the development, Abubakar withdrew from the case and also withdrew the bail application he had previously filed on behalf of the defendant.

    With no active bail application before the court, Justice Abdulmalik struck out the processes filed by the former counsel, effectively halting the hearing.

    AGF Takes Over Prosecution

    During proceedings, a representative from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation informed the court that the AGF had officially taken over the prosecution of the matter.

    Balogun later told the court that he would file a fresh bail application for the defendant.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the case to Monday, May 18, 2026, for hearing of the new application. She also directed the prosecution to open its case on the next adjourned date or risk the matter being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.

    How Justice Crack Landed in DSS Custody

    Justice Crack was arrested in April after a viral video in which he criticised feeding conditions and welfare treatment of Nigerian soldiers.

    The DSS later charged him with alleged cybercrime-related offences, including circulating false information and publishing materials considered capable of causing unrest.

    He was arraigned on May 4 before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a three-count charge and pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

    The court then ordered that he be remanded in DSS custody pending trial and consideration of his bail request.

    Supporters Shut Out of Courtroom

    Outside the courtroom, supporters, associates, and activists gathered in solidarity with the influencer.

    Reports from the court premises indicated that several friends and sympathizers were denied access into the courtroom during proceedings.

    Clips circulating across social media also showed reactions to the disagreement among members of the defense team, with many Nigerians describing the situation as unfortunate and avoidable.

    Public Attention Grows

    The case has continued to attract national attention due to wider debates around freedom of expression, military welfare, and online criticism in Nigeria.

    Justice Crack is expected to remain in DSS custody until the next hearing scheduled for May 18.

     

  • US Court Jails Nigerian-Born Professor 70 Months Over $1.4m Fraud Scheme

    A United States District Court has sentenced Nkechy Ezeh, a Nigerian-born professor and former executive director of the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC), to 70 months in federal prison over a $1.4 million fraud scheme.

    The sentence was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by the Office of the US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

    Court Orders Restitution

    Chief US District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou sentenced Ezeh to 70 months imprisonment and also imposed a concurrent 60-month sentence for tax evasion.

    The court further ordered her to pay $1.4 million in restitution and an additional $390,174 to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

    Ezeh, 61, from Kent County, Michigan, founded and previously served as CEO of Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on providing educational support and early childhood services in underserved communities.

    She also worked as an Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Education Programme at Aquinas College.

    She was immediately remanded into federal custody after sentencing.

    Judge Describes Scheme As “Brazen”

    During the proceedings, Judge Jarbou described Ezeh as “a fraud and a thief,” saying the operation was widespread and targeted funds meant for vulnerable children.

    US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Timothy VerHey, said the convict diverted funds intended for low-income children for personal benefit.

    “Nkechy Ezeh’s greed is beyond reprehensible,” VerHey said.

    “She stole taxpayer and private-donor dollars meant for low-income children in our community. Instead of helping kids, she spent that money on herself.”

    Funds Allegedly Used For Luxury Trips, Family Expenses

    According to court documents, prosecutors said Ezeh used the stolen money to fund personal expenses, including trips to Hawaii, Europe and Africa.

    Authorities also alleged that some of the funds were used for a family wedding and that relatives were placed on a “ghost payroll” where they allegedly received payments despite doing little or no work.

    Prosecutors further accused her of transferring stolen funds through intermediaries to family members in Nigeria.

    The nonprofit reportedly received funding from US federal programmes, including Head Start, the Department of Education and private donors.

    The organisation provided meals, transportation and support services to children from low-income communities.

    Nonprofit Shut Down After Fraud Discovery

    Following the discovery of the fraud, ELNC shut down operations in 2023, resulting in the loss of funding for several preschools and the dismissal of about 35 employees.

    A former bookkeeper at the organisation, Sharon Killebrew, had earlier been sentenced to 54 months imprisonment for her role in the fraud scheme.

    US authorities said the case exposes the devastating impact of grant fraud on vulnerable communities and children dependent on public support programmes.

    The investigation was carried out by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General alongside the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit.

  • Police Arrest Lagos Man Over Alleged Fake Ushering Job Scam Targeting BUK Students

    The Zone One Police Headquarters in Kano has arrested a 32-year-old suspect, identified as Richard Peter, over an alleged fake ushering job scam involving students of Bayero University Kano.

    Police authorities also confirmed the recovery of 29 mobile phones and other valuables allegedly stolen from the victims.

    Students Lured With Fake Job Offer

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the zone, DSP Abdullahi Hussaini.

    According to the statement, the suspect, who is said to be from Lagos State, was arrested following a petition submitted to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police by a group of students led by Clementina Paul.

    The students accused the suspect of deceiving them with promises of ushering jobs.

    Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, through an associate identified as Faith Dauda, allegedly invited 38 female students to Mairabo Hotel located in the Sabon Gari area of Kano on May 10, 2026.

    Phones Allegedly Stolen Inside Hotel

    Upon arriving at the hotel, the students were reportedly instructed to change into work outfits and leave their phones and personal belongings behind because phones were allegedly not allowed at the event venue.

    The statement added that the suspect later took the students to the hotel restaurant and ordered food worth ₦6,000 for each person before disappearing without paying the bill.

    “After eating and waiting for several hours, the victims returned to the room and discovered that their phones and other items had been stolen,” the police statement said.

    Suspect Arrested In Kaduna

    According to the police, one of the stolen phones was later traced to Kano Line Motor Park through intelligence gathering and technical tracking.

    Operatives reportedly moved to the location but discovered the suspect had already boarded a vehicle travelling to Lagos.

    He was eventually intercepted and arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    “Twenty-nine phones and other items belonging to the victims were recovered. The suspect is currently in custody at the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation,” the statement added.

    Police Issue Public Warning

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone One, Garba Ahmed, commended officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling fraud and related crimes.

    The police also advised Nigerians, especially students and job seekers, to verify employment opportunities properly and avoid handing over personal belongings to strangers.

  • Alex Ekubo: Doctor Lists 4 Silent Signs Cancer May Already Be Growing In Your Body

    Popular Nigerian medical doctor and health influencer, Aproko Doctor, has reacted to reports surrounding the alleged cancer-related death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, using the moment to create awareness about early cancer detection.

    In a video shared online, the doctor urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to unusual body changes and persistent health symptoms that may signal serious illness.

    Doctor Shares Emotional Experience

    Speaking in the emotional video, Aproko Doctor recounted the story of a young man he knew during his school days who was later diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.

    According to him, the young man had already been experiencing severe symptoms long before finally seeking medical help.

    He explained that chemotherapy later caused visible physical changes, including hair loss and drastic weight reduction, which led to people mocking the patient without understanding what he was battling privately.

    The doctor said the young man suffered intense pain while quietly undergoing treatment.

    Four Cancer Warning Signs Mentioned

    Using the story as an example, Aproko Doctor highlighted four major warning signs people often ignore until the illness becomes advanced.

    According to him, the signs include persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss, visible physical changes linked to illness, and pain that refuses to go away.

    “If this guy had known the signs early enough that he was always feeling tired, the unexplained weight loss, the pain that will not go away maybe he would have gone to the hospital sooner,” he said.

    “Cancer Is A Silent Thief”

    In the caption accompanying the video, the health influencer described cancer as a silent disease that often gives subtle warnings before becoming deadly.

    “Cancer is a silent thief, but it leaves clues,” he wrote.

    “It’s hard to wrap our heads around the loss of a light like Alex Ekubo. It’s a reminder that this is a conversation we must continue to have.”

    He added that if the video encouraged even one person to seek medical screening or check unusual symptoms early, then the message had achieved its purpose.

    Nigerians React Online

    The video has since generated emotional reactions online, with many Nigerians thanking the doctor for speaking openly about cancer awareness and early detection.

    Several social media users also shared personal stories of relatives and friends who battled cancer, while others urged people to stop ignoring persistent symptoms and seek medical attention early.

  • Tinubu Government Spends N4.24bn On Presidential Air Fleet In Six Months

    The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spent about N4.24bn on the Presidential Air Fleet within six months, according to spending records obtained from Govspend, a civic technology platform tracking public expenditures.

    The records showed that the payments were made between June and December 2025 for the operational and logistical maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet amid increasing public concern over government spending and calls for cost-cutting measures.

    Breakdown Of Transactions

    Findings revealed that the funds were paid into the Presidential Air Fleet naira transit account operated by the State House through eight separate transactions across June, July and December 2025.

    The largest portion of the spending was recorded in July 2025, when four transactions amounting to N2.43bn were made within one week.

    According to the records, N1.285bn was disbursed on June 12, while N430m was paid on July 24. Another N1.28bn followed on July 25, alongside N92m on July 29 and N626m on July 31.

    Further payments were made in December, including N9m on December 18, described as “Presidential Air Fleet forex transit funds,” while N343.9m and N90.9m were disbursed on December 30 and 31 respectively.

    Questions Over Spending Details

    The report also revealed that four of the eight transactions were listed without descriptions and simply marked as “None” in the Govspend database.

    Most of the transfers were, however, labelled as “Forex Transit Funds,” usually linked to foreign exchange requirements for international operations such as aircraft maintenance, fuel purchases and payments for overseas services.

    The latest figures add to the rising cost of maintaining the Presidential Air Fleet since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

    Presidential Fleet Costs Continue Rising

    Data showed that at least N26.38bn was spent on Presidential Air Fleet operations between July 2023 and December 2024 alone.

    Out of the figure, N14.15bn was reportedly spent in 2024.

    Budget allocations for the fleet also showed a steady rise over the years. The fleet received N17.32bn allocation in the 2025 budget before it dropped to N14.70bn in the 2026 budget.

    The reduction was largely attributed to lower capital expenditure projections.

    Records further indicated that engine overhaul projects across the fleet consumed N4.58bn in 2024, N8.65bn in 2025 and N6.05bn in 2026, bringing the total spending on engine maintenance to N19.27bn within three years.

    Concerns Amid Economic Hardship

    The development comes at a time many Nigerians continue to raise concerns over economic hardship, rising inflation and austerity measures introduced by the Federal Government following fuel subsidy removal and ongoing economic reforms.

    Budget data also showed that allocations to the Presidential Air Fleet have risen significantly over the years, increasing from N4.37bn in 2017 under the Buhari administration to N20.52bn in 2024.

  • Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Two Customs Officers In Kebbi Gun Battle

    Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been killed during a gun duel with suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the incident on Wednesday while speaking at a conference in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Customs officers killed during counter-operation

    According to Adeniyi, the attack happened around 3am during a counter-offensive operation against the armed group.

    The slain officers were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Customs Bamigboye and Deputy Superintendent of Customs Dom.

    “This morning, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service paid the supreme sacrifice while warding off threats from Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi,” Adeniyi said.

    “Customs remains the last shield”

    The customs boss described the incident as painful, noting that Customs officers continue to play active frontline roles in border security operations alongside the military.

    “Apart from the military, the Nigeria Customs Service remains the last shield in several of these border communities,” he stated.

    Adeniyi disclosed that he had already arrived in Ilorin before receiving reports of the attack.

    He, however, assured that the deaths of the officers would not weaken the resolve of the service in confronting criminal groups operating around Nigeria’s borders.

    A minute silence was later observed during the conference in honour of the deceased officers.

    Adeniyi speaks on Artificial Intelligence and corruption

    Speaking on the conference theme, “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” Adeniyi said the deployment of AI-driven risk management tools by Customs had helped reduce corruption and improve operational efficiency.

    He stressed that Artificial Intelligence should not be viewed as a replacement for human intelligence and leadership.

    “Human intelligence is still required to guide Artificial Intelligence and prevent disruption within the economy,” he said.

    The Customs CG also challenged Nigerian researchers and technology experts to develop affordable local innovations capable of working effectively in areas with poor internet connectivity.

    Kwara governor reacts to officers’ deaths

    In his remarks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condoled with the Nigeria Customs Service over the deaths of the officers.

    Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saad Salahu, the governor described the slain officers as patriots who died serving the nation.

    He also called for stronger legal and ethical frameworks to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.

  • 70-Year-Old Nigerian Pilgrim Dies During Hajj In Saudi Arabia

    A 70-year-old Nigerian pilgrim from Nasarawa State, Hajiya Rukayya Haliru, has died in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage.

    The death was confirmed on Wednesday by the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

    Pilgrim reportedly fell ill in Makkah

    The Executive Secretary of the board, Mallam Idris Ahmad Almakura, disclosed that the deceased was from Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    According to him, the elderly pilgrim complained of illness before her death.

    Almakura explained that medical personnel attached to the Nasarawa pilgrims’ contingent attended to her immediately after she reported feeling unwell.

    “She complained of illness and despite medical efforts, she drew her last breath this morning,” he said.

    Funeral rites conducted in Saudi Arabia

    The board stated that officials, alongside family members of the deceased, were present at the hospital to oversee the necessary burial arrangements.

    Her remains were later moved to the Grand Mosque in Makkah for the Janazah prayer, an important Islamic funeral rite for deceased Muslims.

    The funeral prayers were attended by relatives, officials of the pilgrims’ welfare board, and fellow Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

    Pilgrims advised to prioritise health

    Following the incident, Almakura urged other pilgrims to pay close attention to their health throughout the Hajj exercise.

    He advised them to quickly report any signs of illness to the medical teams deployed by the board for immediate treatment.

    The executive secretary also extended condolences to the Nasarawa State Government, the family of the deceased, and staff of the pilgrims’ welfare board.

    In a separate reaction, a relative of the deceased, Abdulwab Aboki, appreciated the board for supporting the family and handling the burial process transparently.

  • NDLEA Intercepts ₦10.4bn Canadian Loud Hidden Inside Vehicles At Lagos Port

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 4,173.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, worth over ₦10.4 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

    The agency disclosed that the illicit consignment was uncovered after months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and international collaboration involving multiple security agencies.

    Shipment traced from Canada to Lagos

    According to the NDLEA, the container left Toronto, Canada, on March 28 before being moved by rail to Montreal.

    The shipment was later loaded onto a vessel identified as Jakarta Express Voyage, which arrived at Tanger Med Port in Morocco on April 15 before being transferred to another vessel, Osaka Voyage, that eventually arrived in Lagos on May 9, 2026.

    The agency said the container had been under close monitoring throughout the journey.

    Drugs hidden inside vehicles

    NDLEA revealed that the Canadian Loud was professionally concealed inside two vehicles packed within the shipping container.

    The illicit substances were reportedly hidden inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 car.

    The seizure was eventually carried out on Tuesday, May 12, during a joint examination involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.

    International agencies assisted operation

    The anti-drug agency said the operation was executed in collaboration with international partners, including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

    Speaking during the handover of the exhibits in Lagos, NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia, said the success of the operation showed the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking.

    Fresh seizure comes days after Lekki raid

    The latest interception comes barely days after NDLEA operatives uncovered another large stash of Canadian Loud at a mansion in Lekki, Lagos.

    During that operation, the agency recovered 4,000 parcels of the psychoactive substance weighing 2,326 kilograms, valued at over ₦5.8 billion.

  • Military Rejects Report Claiming Airstrike Killed Over 100 In Zamfara

    The Nigerian military has dismissed reports alleging that more than 100 people were killed during an airstrike in Zamfara State, insisting that there is “no credible evidence” showing civilians were affected.

    The reports, which surfaced on Tuesday, claimed that scores of residents died after a military operation targeting insurgents hit a community in the state.

    Amnesty alleges women, traders among victims

    Rights organisation Amnesty International alleged that many of the victims were women and girls trading at a local market during the strike.

    According to the organisation, one affected village reportedly buried about 80 people at once following the incident.

    Amnesty also stated that dozens of injured persons were taken to hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi, while others were referred to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau for treatment.

    Defence Headquarters denies civilian deaths

    Reacting to the reports, the Defence Headquarters denied that civilians were killed during the operation.

    Defence spokesperson, Michael Onoja, said the strike targeted a “confirmed high-level gathering” of militant leaders based on intelligence gathered from multiple sources.

    According to him, the operation was conducted in compliance with international humanitarian law.

    “No credible, substantiated evidence of civilian casualties has been established through any official assessment or independent verification,” Onoja said.

    He added that the military’s post-strike assessment indicated that “several terrorists were neutralised.”

    Fresh concerns over military airstrikes

    The development has renewed concerns over civilian protection and intelligence accuracy during military operations in northern Nigeria.

    The latest controversy comes barely weeks after another reported airstrike in Jilli, located on the Borno-Yobe border, allegedly killed several civilians in April 2026.

    Previous operations in Zamfara and other northern states have also triggered disputes over whether those killed were terrorists, vigilantes or civilians.

  • Court Jails Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman 75 Years for ₦33.8bn Fraud, Orders Arrest

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of money laundering and fraud involving ₦33.8 billion.

    The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Court delivers long jail terms on multiple counts

    The court handed the former minister seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while he also received three years on one count and two years on another.

    Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, meaning they will not run at the same time.

    However, the judge allowed an option of a ₦10 million fine on count four, while maintaining that other counts carry no option of fine.

    ₦33.8bn linked to power projects

    Mamman was arraigned in July 2024 on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering linked to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

    The EFCC alleged that the former minister worked with officials and private firms to “indirectly convert” the ₦33.8 billion in question.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

    EFCC presents witnesses, exhibits

    During trial, the anti-graft agency called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.

    On May 7, 2026, the court convicted Mamman in absentia after holding that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Arrest warrant issued

    Following the sentencing, Justice Omotosho ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the convict as well as four properties traced to him in Abuja.

    The court also issued a warrant for Mamman’s arrest and directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure his capture.

    Mohammed Ahmed, who appeared for the convict, told the court he was unaware of Mamman’s whereabouts, saying repeated calls to him did not go through.

    The judge ordered that the sentence would commence from the day Mamman is arrested.