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Tag: Crime

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Adeleke Deposes Osun Monarch Jailed in US Over Fraud Conviction

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially deposed the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, following his conviction and imprisonment in the United States over fraud-related offences.

    The monarch was convicted by a US District Court in the Northern District of Ohio on August 26, 2025, after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges and was subsequently sentenced to 56 months in prison.

    Adeleke acts after receiving court judgement

    The Osun State Government confirmed the monarch’s removal in a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

    According to the statement, the decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the judgement delivered by the Ohio court.

    “The governor’s decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgement which convicted the monarch,” the statement read.

    The government explained that the Osun State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government to obtain the certified judgement before taking official action.

    Royal stool declared vacant

    Governor Adeleke stated that the deposition became necessary to protect the integrity and honour of the traditional institution.

    “In the Deposition Order signed by His Excellency on 7th May, 2026, the action was predicated on the need to maintain peace, order and good government as well as preserve the honour and integrity of the royal stool,” the statement added.

    The government also said the monarch’s conviction and public trial had brought the traditional stool into disrepute.

    “The fraudulent conduct of Oba Joseph Oloyede as found by the US court and which he pleaded guilty to and his public trial and conviction have brought the institution of Obaship and the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu to disrepute and public odium,” the statement noted.

    Authorities confirmed that the stool of the Apetu of Ipetumodu has now been declared vacant pending the selection of a new monarch.

    Residents had earlier protested

    The development follows earlier protests in Ipetumodu, where residents reportedly demanded the monarch’s removal after news of his conviction surfaced online.

    Governor Adeleke appealed to indigenes of the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the process of selecting a new traditional ruler begins.

  • EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq Wanted Over Alleged Fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

    The anti-graft agency announced the development in a notice published on its official website on Saturday.

    EFCC Releases Details

    According to the notice, Farouq, aged 52, is from Zamfara State and her last known address is listed as EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu Street, Maitama, Abuja.

    The EFCC called on members of the public with useful information about her whereabouts to contact any of the commission’s offices nationwide.

    Phone numbers for reporting information leading to her arrest were also included in the notice released by the agency.

    Court Reportedly Issued Arrest Warrant

    Reports indicated that a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, had earlier issued an arrest warrant against the former minister on April 16, 2026.

    The warrant was reportedly connected to ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office during her time in government.

    Former Buhari Minister Under Scrutiny

    Sadiya Umar Farouq was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development by late former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019.

    She was one of the youngest members of Buhari’s cabinet during the administration and oversaw several federal social intervention programmes while in office.

    The EFCC’s latest action is expected to intensify public attention on ongoing anti-corruption investigations involving former government officials.

  • Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Mamman Over ₦33.8bn Fraud — EFCC Secures Guilty Verdict

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion.

    Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Court finds overwhelming evidence

    The court held that Mamman was guilty on all counts in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

    Justice Omotosho said the prosecution presented strong and credible evidence, while the defence failed to counter the allegations.

    “The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge stated.

    Funds diverted through BDCs

    The court found that the former minister illegally diverted public funds meant for critical power projects.

    According to the judgment, part of the funds was routed through Bureau de Change operators and converted into foreign currency.

    Mamman was also found to have made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.

    Projects affected by fraud

    The diverted funds were linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.

    Justice Omotosho said the defendant breached public trust and failed to prioritise national development.

    He noted that instead of leaving a legacy in the power sector, the former minister “was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens.”

    Absence stalls sentencing

    Mamman was not present in court when the judgment was delivered.

    The court subsequently deferred sentencing and considered an application by the EFCC for a warrant of arrest.

    His counsel told the court that the defendant’s whereabouts were unknown, claiming he was ill.

    However, the judge referenced reports suggesting Mamman had recently been active in political activities.

    EFCC details case

    The anti-graft agency had presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial.

    Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after leaving office under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The EFCC accused him of conspiring with ministry officials to divert funds earmarked for major hydroelectric power projects.

  • Drama as Woman Accuses RCCG Pastor of Sexual Assault Attempt in Viral Video

    A viral video has triggered widespread reactions after a woman accused a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) of attempting to sexually assault her during a private encounter.

    The allegation surfaced online, drawing attention to the conduct of religious leaders and accountability within faith communities.

    Allegation emerges in viral clip

    In the video, the woman claimed she visited the pastor’s residence to deliver food when the situation allegedly changed.

    She said the pastor began making advances toward her and ignored her repeated refusals.

    According to her, the incident escalated into an attempted assault, which she resisted.

    Details of the encounter

    The woman alleged that the pastor persisted despite her objections and later made further inappropriate demands.

    “I kept telling you no… you were trying to rape me,” she said in the video.

    During the exchange, the pastor was seen attempting to respond and question parts of her claims.

    Reactions trail incident

    The video has since generated intense debate on social media, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation.

    Some users demanded accountability, while others urged caution pending verification of the claims.

    No official response yet

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the RCCG or relevant authorities regarding the allegation.

    The incident adds to ongoing conversations around safety, consent and responsibility within religious spaces.

     

  • Family Begs Elumelu to Drop Complaint After Arrest of 18-Year-Old Over Viral Divorce Post

    The family of an 18-year-old UTME candidate, Kingsley Akunemeihe, has appealed to businessman Tony Elumelu to withdraw a complaint that led to the teenager’s arrest over a viral post claiming Elumelu had divorced his wife.

    The incident has sparked concern over the arrest of the student shortly after writing his JAMB exam.

    Teen arrested after exam

    Kingsley was reportedly arrested on April 18 while returning from his Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

    His sister, Ngozi Akunemeihe, said he was taken into custody and has remained detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department for over a week.

    “He was coming back from his JAMB exam when he was arrested and never got home,” she said.

    Family claims post was reshared

    According to Ngozi, the controversial post did not originate from her brother.

    She explained that he only reshared it from another account on X, believing it to be true at the time.

    After being alerted that the claim was false and defamatory, she said he deleted the post and issued a public apology.

    “He realised it was wrong and apologised. The apology is still on his handle,” she said.

    Appeal for leniency

    The family said the teenager was arrested about 10 days after the incident despite his apology.

    Ngozi pleaded with Elumelu to consider her brother’s age and show mercy.

    “He is just 18… a teenager who acted out of ignorance. I am begging you to withdraw the complaint so that he can come back home,” she said.

    Growing concerns

    The case has raised questions about the treatment of young social media users and the consequences of sharing unverified information online.

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Tony Elumelu regarding the family’s appeal.

  • Court Remands Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni Over Alleged N8bn Fraud

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo has remanded former Skye Bank chairman, Tunde Ayeni, in prison custody over an alleged N8 billion fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    The court ordered his remand on Monday after he was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on money laundering.

    Court orders remand after arraignment

    Trial judge Jude Onwuegbuzie gave the order after Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.

    Following the plea, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, asked the court to fix a date for trial and requested that the defendant be remanded in custody pending proceedings.

    The court granted the request, ordering Ayeni to be held in prison custody.

    Defence pushes for bail hearing

    Counsel to the defendant, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.

    He appealed for a short adjournment to allow the court hear the bail application, adding that the defence only received the charge sheet on April 23, 2026, during a public holiday.

    Raji also urged the court to release Ayeni to his legal team, assuring that he would be available for trial.

    Court fixes date for bail application

    Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case to May 13 for the hearing of the bail application.

    The judge, however, declined the request for immediate release, insisting that the defendant remain in custody pending the next hearing.

    EFCC probes wider fraud allegations

    Ayeni’s arraignment follows his arrest by the EFCC in Abuja on April 24 over alleged financial crimes.

    Investigators are probing claims that he was involved in the diversion of funds estimated at N36.5 billion and $30 million, reportedly obtained from Polaris Bank through companies linked to him.

    The case adds to a growing list of high-profile financial crime prosecutions currently before Nigerian courts.

  • Outrage in Kwara as Police Detain Teen Girl, Residents Storm Station Over ‘Arrest by Proxy’

    Tension has erupted in Kwara State after viral videos showed a teenage girl detained at a police station in Arandun, triggering public outrage and calls for sanctions against the officers involved.

    The footage, circulating widely on social media, captured angry residents storming the station to demand justice.

    Residents demand answers

    Videos posted online showed a crowd gathering at the police station, insisting on either the release of the girl or her formal prosecution.

    The teenager was reportedly held in detention for three days, raising concerns among residents about due process and police conduct.

    The situation quickly escalated as community members confronted officers over the circumstances of her arrest.

    Mother alleges ‘wrongful detention’

    In one of the videos, the girl’s mother explained that the police initially arrested her over an issue involving another child.

    She said she was detained for three days before securing her release on bail.

    According to her, officers later returned and arrested her 16-year-old daughter, who she insists is not connected to the alleged offence.

    Concerns over ‘arrest by proxy’

    The development has reignited concerns about “arrest by proxy,” a practice previously condemned by the Nigeria Police Force.

    In 2024, the police described the act as unacceptable and warned against detaining individuals in place of actual suspects.

    The latest incident has drawn criticism online, with many Nigerians questioning why a minor would be held under such circumstances.

    Police yet to respond

    As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful.

    The incident continues to generate reactions, with calls for accountability and adherence to established legal procedures.

  • Army Explains Arrest of ‘Justice Crack’, Denies Rights Abuse Allegations

    The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of social media influencer Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, following complaints linked to posts about soldiers’ welfare.

    Army cites welfare complaints, social media posts

    In a statement issued on May 2, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said the case began after some soldiers raised concerns about feeding and welfare, which were later shared online by the blogger.

    The Army said the development triggered an internal review in line with its social media policy.

    Allegations of incitement raised

    According to the statement, preliminary findings suggest that the influencer engaged the soldiers in conversations that went beyond welfare issues.

    The Army alleged that some of the discussions bordered on incitement and attempts to create discontent within the ranks.

    “It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security,” the statement noted.

    Blogger, soldiers taken into custody

    The Army confirmed that both the blogger and the affected soldiers were taken into custody for investigation.

    It added that while the soldiers remain under military custody, Justice Chidiebere has been handed over to civil authorities for further action.

    Army insists on rule of law

    The military maintained that its actions were within legal boundaries and aimed at preserving discipline and national security.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served,” the statement added.