The federal government has raised alarm over the growing trafficking of Nigerian youths into forced cybercrime operations across West Africa. In a statement issued on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that victims — including teenagers — are often deceived with fake promises of lucrative jobs abroad, particularly in cryptocurrency-related businesses. The government revealed that many of those trafficked end up trapped in “419 cyber-scam factories,” where they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send fraudulent emails, texts, and calls targeting individuals worldwide. “Nigerians are advised to exercise caution by thoroughly verifying employment offers, especially those involving international travel, cryptocurrency operations, or promises of easy wealth,” the statement read. The federal government urged citizens to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities for prompt investigation and intervention. It also noted that Nigerian agencies are collaborating with regional partners and international law enforcement to dismantle these criminal networks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians, pledging continued public awareness campaigns to combat emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad.

FG Raises Alarm: Traffickers Forcing Nigerian Youths into ‘419’ Cybercrime Rings

The federal government has raised alarm over the growing trafficking of Nigerian youths into forced cybercrime operations across West Africa. In a statement issued on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that victims — including teenagers — are often deceived with fake promises of lucrative jobs abroad, particularly in cryptocurrency-related businesses. The government revealed that many of those trafficked end up trapped in “419 cyber-scam factories,” where they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send fraudulent emails, texts, and calls targeting individuals worldwide. “Nigerians are advised to exercise caution by thoroughly verifying employment offers, especially those involving international travel, cryptocurrency operations, or promises of easy wealth,” the statement read. The federal government urged citizens to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities for prompt investigation and intervention. It also noted that Nigerian agencies are collaborating with regional partners and international law enforcement to dismantle these criminal networks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians, pledging continued public awareness campaigns to combat emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad.

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Court Sentences Husband of Late Gospel Singer Osinachi to Death by Hanging

Court Sentences Husband of Late Gospel Singer Osinachi to Death by Hanging

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging, News360 Nigeria reports. The judgement, delivered today, comes after the court found him guilty of culpable homicide, which led to the singer’s death on April 8, 2022. The ruling followed a thorough trial in which the court held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt. Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on behalf of the Federal Government. He faced a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and other related offences. During the proceedings, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children who testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses. In addition, 25 documentary exhibits were tendered before the court. Nwachukwu, on his part, testified in his own defence and called four additional witnesses while tendering four exhibits. Before the sentencing, the defendant’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency. However, prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to uphold the law as prescribed. Justice Nwosu-Iheme thereafter handed Nwachukwu a death sentence by hanging on Count 1. The court also imposed two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months imprisonment on Count 10; and three years on Count 11. Additionally, the defendant was fined N500,000 and N200,000 on Counts 6 and 7 respectively.

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Killings in North Central: Govt has failed us –MBF

Boko Haram Attack Kills 14 in Borno State Several Others Missing

At least 14 people have been killed and four others injured following a brutal attack by Boko Haram insurgents on three farming communities in the Gwoza area of Borno State on Saturday. Several residents remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue. According to Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Nigerian Senate, the insurgents stormed the villages of Pulka, Bokko, and Kirawa at a time when displaced persons were beginning to resettle after years in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. “According to the local government chairman, the victims had gone to their farms to cut wood and clear land in preparation for farming when Boko Haram militants attacked and killed 14 people. Their funerals have already been conducted,” Senator Ndume said. He noted that the full extent of the attack is still being assessed, as military personnel were deployed to the area shortly after the incident.“So far, four people who sustained injuries have been taken to the hospital, and we are awaiting more detailed information,” he added. Ndume lamented that the attack occurred just as life was beginning to return to normal in the area, with government efforts aimed at facilitating the safe return of displaced communities. Warning Signs Ignored The senator also recalled that Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, had earlier issued a warning about the growing threat of Boko Haram in three key areas: the Timbuktu region of Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains, and the Sambisa Forest in Gwoza. “I believe that if urgent action isn’t taken in these areas, Boko Haram will continue to grow stronger, just like what happened in Chad under the late President Idriss Déby,” Ndume warned. He further noted that recent crackdowns on Boko Haram by neighboring countries — Chad, Niger, and Cameroon — have pushed the insurgents to refocus their attacks on Nigerian soil, particularly targeting Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Ndume expressed grave concern over the evolving threat, stating that Boko Haram militants are now not only targeting farmers but also driving entire communities from their homes — citing recent cases in Sabongari, Wajir, and Dambuwa. “What I keep stressing is that this crisis can be brought to an end — but only if we take it seriously and act decisively,” he concluded.Boko Haram Attack Kills 14 in Borno State, Several Others Missing At least 14 people have been killed and four others injured following a brutal attack by Boko Haram insurgents on three farming communities in the Gwoza area of Borno State on Saturday. Several residents remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue. According to Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Nigerian Senate, the insurgents stormed the villages of Pulka, Bokko, and Kirawa at a time when displaced persons were beginning to resettle after years in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. “According to the local government chairman, the victims had gone to their farms to cut wood and clear land in preparation for farming when Boko Haram militants attacked and killed 14 people. Their funerals have already been conducted,” Senator Ndume said. He noted that the full extent of the attack is still being assessed, as military personnel were deployed to the area shortly after the incident.“So far, four people who sustained injuries have been taken to the hospital, and we are awaiting more detailed information,” he added. Ndume lamented that the attack occurred just as life was beginning to return to normal in the area, with government efforts aimed at facilitating the safe return of displaced communities. Warning Signs Ignored The senator also recalled that Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, had earlier issued a warning about the growing threat of Boko Haram in three key areas: the Timbuktu region of Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains, and the Sambisa Forest in Gwoza. “I believe that if urgent action isn’t taken in these areas, Boko Haram will continue to grow stronger, just like what happened in Chad under the late President Idriss Déby,” Ndume warned. He further noted that recent crackdowns on Boko Haram by neighboring countries — Chad, Niger, and Cameroon — have pushed the insurgents to refocus their attacks on Nigerian soil, particularly targeting Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Ndume expressed grave concern over the evolving threat, stating that Boko Haram militants are now not only targeting farmers but also driving entire communities from their homes — citing recent cases in Sabongari, Wajir, and Dambuwa. “What I keep stressing is that this crisis can be brought to an end — but only if we take it seriously and act decisively,” he concluded.

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84 Victims Rescued as Police Bust Human Trafficking Ring in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a human trafficking ring in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.  The police stormed the  building where 83 individuals and a child from a house in the Orogun area of the city, were being held against their will. Preliminary reports suggest that the victims, believed to be nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were lured to Nigeria under the pretence of being offered employment opportunities. There are also claims that the perpetrators extorted significant sums of money, reportedly in dollars, from the victims’ parents and relatives as part of the elaborate scheme. The rescued individuals are currently at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where authorities are conducting further investigations to ascertain the full details of the case.

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Banditry: 578 Massacred in North Central States in Six Months

Banditry: 578 Massacred in North Central States in Six Months

244 slain in Benue, 137 in Plateau, 104 in Nasarawa, 57 in Kogi By Oluseye Ojo, Lagos; Scholastica Hir, Makurdi; Jude Owuamanam, Jos; Abel Leonard, Lafia; and Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja Between November 2024 and April 2025, at least 578 Nigerians were killed by armed bandits, killer herders, and other criminal groups across the six North Central states, according to findings by Saturday Sun. This figure was compiled from media reports of multiple attacks in the region during the specified period. State-by-State Breakdown: The data, gathered from media sources, comes in the absence of official government or security reports. It is possible that unreported cases exist, which could increase the death toll. BenueBetween November 2024 and April 2025, suspected armed herders were responsible for over 27 attacks across Benue State, including Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Otukpo, Guma, and Makurdi, resulting in 244 deaths. Notable incidents include: Victims included farmers, hunters, and a policeman. In March, several people were murdered in brutal attacks, including five farmers thrown into the River Katsina-Ala. PlateauIn Plateau, attacks started in December 2024, with a series of violent incidents in 2025. Notable attacks include: NasarawaNasarawa recorded a spike in deaths beginning in February 2025. Key incidents include: KogiKogi experienced intermittent attacks with the following fatalities: NigerIn Niger, bandits carried out sporadic attacks: KwaraKwara recorded its only bandit-related fatalities on April 21, 2025, in Ilesha Baruba and Kemanji communities, with 7 killed. The figures reflect the ongoing insecurity in the North Central states, exacerbated by armed bandits and herders, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention and effective security measures.

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Uromi Killings: Edo Slams IPOB Over ₦‎6 Billion Compensation Claim

Uromi Killings: Edo State Condemns IPOB’s ₦6 Billion Compensation Demand

The Edo State Government has dismissed as baseless the allegation by the Indigenous People of Biafra that Governor Monday Okpebholo allocated N6bn to compensate “Fulani terrorists” in the wake of the Uromi killings, where 16 hunters from Kano State were lynched. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, condemned the claim made by IPOB, calling it a malicious attempt to incite ethnic division and destabilise the peace of Edo State. The statement described the accusation as not only false but also a dangerous distortion of facts aimed at sowing discord within the state. “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a recent press statement issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra, a proscribed terrorist organisation by the Federal Government of Nigeria, in which it falsely accuses Governor Monday Okpebholo of allocating N6bn to compensate so-called ‘Fulani terrorists’ and alleges betrayal of the people of Edo State,” Itua said. “We consider this publication not only inciting but also a vile attempt by a terrorist group to distort facts, sow ethnic division, and destabilise the peace and unity of Edo State.” The controversy stems from an incident that occurred on March 28, when 16 hunters from Kano State were brutally lynched in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi. Following the killings, Governor Okpebholo visited Kano to appeal to the families of the victims and to prevent any reprisals. A subsequent delegation from Kano State also visited Edo to discuss compensation for the families of the deceased hunters. However, IPOB, in a release on April 21, alleged that the Governor had paid billions of Naira in compensation for the northern hunters, a claim that the Edo government swiftly refuted. “No compensation of N6 billion was approved or paid to any group,” Itua stated, calling the figure “fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading.” The government also criticised IPOB for attempting to exploit the tragic incident to advance its agenda of ethnic disintegration and violence. “It is a familiar strategy of IPOB to spew falsehood and incite hatred under the guise of activism,” the statement continued. “Their desperate attempt to drag Governor Okpebholo into their agenda of violence and ethnic disintegration will fail.” Governor Okpebholo’s administration, according to Itua, has been committed to justice, peace, and the safety of all Edo residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. The statement reaffirmed the government’s rejection of any efforts to incite ethnic violence and emphasised that Edo State is known for its unity, hospitality, and progressive values. “We reject IPOB’s attempts to use blood-stained rhetoric to cause unrest in our land,” the statement read. “Efforts to export their terrorist ideology into Edo State are dead on arrival.” The Edo government called on security agencies to investigate the sources of the inciting publication, emphasising that no group, no matter how loud, should be allowed to threaten public peace or incite ethnic violence.

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Alleged $1 Billion Scam: Court Orders Arrest, Remand of Six CBEX Promoters

Alleged $1 Billion Scam: Court Orders Arrest, Remand of Six CBEX Promoters

The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) over an alleged $1 billion investment fraud. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s ex-parte motion on Thursday, stating that the detention is necessary pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution. The accused individuals — Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim — were reportedly behind a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. According to the EFCC, the defendants used ST Technologies International Limited and CBEX to lure unsuspecting investors with promises of high returns. In court filings, the EFCC revealed that it received intelligence on the alleged fraud in April 2025, which was assigned to its Cybercrimes Section. The agency argued that the suspects are currently at large and need to be placed on a red watch list to facilitate their arrest and ensure accountability. The commission added that its preliminary investigation shows a prima facie case of an investment scam. It emphasized its constitutional duty to investigate financial crimes and enforce law and order, stressing that a warrant of arrest is crucial for proper investigation and prosecution.

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NKST Pastor

Gunmen Kill NKST Pastor, Wife, and One Other in Benue State

Tragedy struck in Benue State as unknown gunmen shot and killed a pastor of the Nongu U Kristu hen Tiv (NKST) church and his wife. The victims, identified as Rev. B.T. Iorngaghem and his wife, were attacked while serving at Zum Kelase U Gyenku in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area. In a separate but related incident within the same LGA, another victim, Thomas Tertindi Amuda Kachii, was reportedly gunned down by a local militia group known as “Government UCHA.” According to eyewitness accounts, he was killed in his father’s compound in Mbatyu, Lumbuv, Ucha, during the early hours of the day. The deceased, Thomas, was the son of Zaki Amuda, the kindred head of Mbatyu community. As of the time of this report, security agencies have not issued any official statement regarding the killings. The community remains in mourning as calls for justice and improved security intensify.

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