Court Jails Five Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of five Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos The suspects are: Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You), Yang Shumei, Guo Zhi Yong, Zhang Gia Feng and Lu Yi Liang. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged ‘Eagle Flush Operation’ conducted by EFCC operatives. They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You) sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, wilfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024]”. They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. However, during Tuesday’s sitting, they all changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of this, the prosecution counsel, U.S Kyari, prayed the court to convict them as charged. All the defendants were sentenced to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days.

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SWAN Congratulates Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO Chairperson

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his landmark election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). In a formal letter dated June 30, 2025 and signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association led by Mr. Isaiah Benjamin described Mr. Adeniyi’s victory in Brussels as a defining achievement that reflects his dedication, passion, and exemplary professional attributes. SWAN noted that his leadership has driven the rapid growth and enhanced global standing of the Nigeria Customs Service. “This historic feat, which makes you the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old WCO with its 186 member countries, is a testament to your competence and integrity,” part of the letter reads. “Your emergence as Chairperson of the highest decision-making body in global customs administration underscores the confidence that nations across the world have in your ability to lead.” SWAN further commended Mr. Adeniyi for demonstrating remarkable competence within a short period as Comptroller-General, stating that his global impact and visionary leadership earned him the trust of countries that endorsed his candidacy for this critical role. The association expressed optimism that Mr. Adeniyi will continue to set new benchmarks in leadership, while assuring him of SWAN’s readiness to collaborate with him in leveraging sports as a platform to connect with the broader Nigerian populace. “As Sports Journalists, we trust you will continue to blaze the trail in your professional practice as a pointer for greater achievements ahead. “We assure you of our readiness to continuously work with you, even as you use Sports as a platform to connect with larger Nigeria populace. “Congratulations once again. We wish you a tenure as WCO Chairperson that will be as remarkable and inspiring as your distinguished record of service in every sphere you have impacted,” the letter also said. The NCS recently hosted African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, adjudged to be one of the well-organised competitions.

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Lagos Begins Full Enforcement of Single-Use Plastic Ban

Lagos Begins Full Enforcement of Single-Use Plastic Ban

The Lagos State Government has commenced the full enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics, effective July 1, 2025, following a six-month grace period for compliance. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, warning that organisations found violating the directive risk prosecution and possible shutdown. Wahab made it clear that there would be no further extensions or reconsiderations of the implementation timeline. “We will not compromise the safety and well-being of our residents,” he said, reiterating that the ban targets plastics less than 40 microns, including styrofoam containers, plastic straws, disposable cups, cutleries, and lightweight nylon bags. The Commissioner dismissed claims that the ban would lead to job losses, stating instead that new employment opportunities would emerge as stakeholders shift to eco-friendly alternatives. He clarified that while Lagos bans the distribution and usage of the listed items within the state, production for external markets remains allowed. Wahab urged producers and distributors to embrace sustainable packaging options in line with the state’s environmental agenda. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to combat plastic pollution, protect the environment, and promote a cleaner, healthier Lagos.

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One Dead in Fatal Crash on Ibadan-Lagos Expressway

One Dead in Fatal Crash on Ibadan-Lagos Expressway

A tragic road accident claimed the life of an unidentified man on Tuesday along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, near the Soka area in Oyo State. The crash, which occurred in the early hours of the day, involved a Toyota Camry with Lagos registration number, according to eyewitness accounts. The vehicle reportedly hit a roadside culvert and subsequently crashed into a stationary trailer, which had been abandoned at the same spot following another fatal accident that claimed over ten lives last week. “The driver of the Camry died on the spot,” an eyewitness told reporters, confirming the severity of the impact. Another witness noted the trailer had not been removed despite last week’s tragedy, raising concerns about ongoing road safety in the area. Authorities are yet to confirm the official cause of the crash as investigations are ongoing. Road users have appealed to the government to clear accident debris and enforce stricter safety regulations on the highway.

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Tension in Ibadan as Students Protest Renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan

Ibadan was thrown into gridlock on Tuesday morning as students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan staged a protest against the Oyo State Government’s decision to rename the institution. The protest caused major disruptions along the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, leaving hundreds of commuters and staff stranded. The unrest follows Governor Seyi Makinde’s announcement to rename the institution as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo — the first Ibadan indigene to govern the old Oyo State, albeit briefly between October and December 1983. Students, expressing displeasure over the name change, blocked the school’s main gates and obstructed traffic on the major thoroughfare. Eyewitnesses report that staff members were also unable to access the campus as protesters maintained their blockade. As of press time, the demonstration remained peaceful but tense, with security personnel reportedly deployed to monitor the situation. The state government has yet to issue an official response to the protest. Ask ChatGPT

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Petrol Price Hits ₦945/Litre at NNPC Stations Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices Petrol Price Hits ₦945/Litre at NNPC Stations Amid Soaring Global Oil Prices

Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price to ₦840/Litre as Marketers Plan Nationwide Reduction

In a move that could ease the financial burden on Nigerian consumers, the Dangote Refinery has cut the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from ₦880 to ₦840 per litre. The ₦40 reduction, effective Monday, is expected to trigger a nationwide drop in pump prices starting Tuesday, July 2, 2025. Confirming the development, the President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, said members will implement the new pricing once they begin loading new supplies from the refinery. “It is true. Dangote Refinery reduced its petrol ex-depot price to ₦840. We are happy. Our members will reflect the new price starting Tuesday,” Maigandi told News360 Nigeria. IPMAN has summoned an emergency meeting to review and align pump prices nationwide. The latest price slash follows a prior hike by the refinery on June 20, attributed to a spike in global oil prices due to the Israel-Iran conflict. However, with the recent ceasefire announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump and subsequent de-escalation in the Middle East, crude oil prices have declined significantly. As of Monday night, Brent crude dropped to $67.81 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell to $64.97. Despite the refinery’s new template, petrol prices at various filling stations in Lagos and Abuja remained high on Monday, ranging between ₦875 and ₦970 per litre. Partners like MRS, NNPC, AA Rano, Shafa, and Ardova sold at ₦945, while others like Ranoil and Empire were dispensing as high as ₦970. The new price adjustment by Dangote may prompt immediate market-wide corrections in coming days, offering Nigerians much-needed relief from soaring fuel costs. Ask ChatGPT

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Reps Demand Breakdown of Rivers’ ₦1.48tn Budget, Question ₦24bn for CCTV and ₦30bn for Gunboats

Reps Demand Breakdown of Rivers’ ₦1.48tn Budget, Question ₦24bn for CCTV and ₦30bn for Gunboats

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers State has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), demanding a detailed breakdown of key allocations in the controversial ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget. During a session in Abuja on June 30, committee chairman Julius Ihonvbere raised concerns about several budgetary provisions, including ₦24 billion for CCTV installations at the Government House and ₦30 billion for gunboats. Lawmakers also questioned the ₦23 billion contingency reserve and allocations to federal projects without reimbursement agreements. The committee demanded submission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a report on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and clarification on the handling of local government funds. Ihonvbere emphasized accountability and praised President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers’ political crisis. Responding, Andrew Nweke, Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Policy, said many provisions were inherited and based on security needs and agency recommendations.

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