Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Live
News
Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Deadline Of November 5 To Defend Or Waive Rights In Terrorism Trial 01
02
News
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Says U.S. Airstrikes in Nigeria Would Escalate Violence and Kill Civilians
03
Entertainment
Blueface Released From Prison, Shares First Video Back Home
04
Entertainment
Waje Says She Can’t Marry A Younger Or Unsuccessful Man, Lists Qualities She Wants In A Partner
05
News
Tinubu Set To Conclude Appointment Of Ambassadors After Extended Delay

Tag: Fraud

UK-Nigeria Partnership to Detect, Disrupt And Deter Fraud

Fola Badmus18 mins

An agreement between the UK and Nigeria will help to better protect UK citizens from fraud as law enforcement collaboration is stepped up. The public will be better protected from fraud as law enforcement collaboration between the UK and Nigeria is stepped up under a new joint fraud action plan agreed between the two countries today. The partnership will provide increased protection for victims by focusing on earlier detection of threats, faster law enforcement intervention, and the disruption of cross-border criminal networks before they can cause harm. It will also support stronger systems to help prevent people from falling victim to fraud in the first place. Key elements of the joint action plan include: “information sharing and operational coordination, including the potential for joint law enforcement operations involving the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser. “Development and strengthening of national fraud strategies through the exchange of best practice, frameworks, and lessons learned, along with potential joint public awareness campaigns to deter fraudsters. “Exploration of collaboration between financial, online, and telecoms regulators and industry bodies in both countries to help close loopholes exploited by criminals. “Sharing insights on the misuse of financial systems, with the potential for joint studies and research into emerging threats. “Identifying training needs and delivering capacity-building initiatives, starting with targeted training for Nigerian prosecutors by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, with further programmes planned, subject to funding. “70% of fraud cases involve an international element. Today’s agreement forms part of a wider effort to build a unified international response to fraud – an issue continuing to harm individuals, undermine economies, and threaten national security. The UK’s Minister for Fraud, Lord Hanson, has been in Abuja this week for meetings with Nigerian counterparts and other strategic partners. Lord Hanson, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and agreed the action plan today, formalising a commitment to deeper collaboration. Minister for Fraud, Lord Hanson, said: “Fraud ruins lives. It strips people of their savings, their confidence, and their sense of security. The fact so many of these crimes now originate overseas makes our international partnerships more important than ever. “Our new agreement with Nigeria will help us better identify and stop fraud before it happens, crack down on criminals who exploit our systems, and ultimately protect the public from the devastating impact of fraud. “My meetings in Abuja have been hugely constructive, giving us the opportunity to align our efforts and take meaningful action to prevent further harm. I’m proud to have signed this agreement, which sets both our nations firmly on the path to a safer and more resilient future. “As one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies, the UK and Nigeria recognise the shared threat fraud poses to their prosperity and long-term stability.” According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, fraud is the most commonly-experienced crime in the UK, with more than 1 in 15 adults affected each year. In the year ending December 2024, an estimated 4.1 million incidents were recorded – almost 43% of all incidents recorded by the survey. The societal harm is also severe, with fraud against individuals in England and Wales alone estimated to cost £6.8 billion annually in 2019 to 2020. Beyond the financial damage, the emotional and psychological toll on victims is devastating. Many report lasting emotional harm, while increasingly sophisticated criminals are using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to design realistic scams difficult to detect. Financially motivated sexual extortion (FMSE) is a particularly cruel form of exploitation, with many victims tragically taking their own lives due to these scams. The NCA is committed to raising awareness, providing targeted support to victims, and improving the investigation and prosecution of offenders, both in the UK and internationally. National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said: “Building on the foundation of the past successes, we must confront crime with greater seriousness, deepen collaboration across all fronts; addressing enablers, supporting victims, and pursuing perpetrators, and sustain an unyielding commitment to protect our societies.” Deputy Director of Fraud at the NCA, Nick Sharpe, said: “Over 70% of fraud impacting the UK is estimated to originate overseas or have overseas links. “However, those same fraudsters often also target victims in their own country. “This memorandum of understanding with the Federal Republic of Nigeria underscores our shared commitment to tackling a threat that causes significant harm to citizens of both nations. “By sharing vital intelligence, conducting joint operations, and working to identify and address vulnerabilities, we will strengthen our collective response – ensuring that criminals are brought to justice, wherever they are.” In November 2024, the UK-Nigeria Fraud Dialogue was launched to further strengthen the 2 nations’ shared commitment to combating fraud. The dialogue serves as a forum for regular exchanges of views and ideas, bringing together representatives from cybersecurity, law enforcement, and policy institutions, and provides a platform to review progress under the MoU.

Read More

Alleged N1.9bn Fraud: Court Fixes May 15 for Trial of Works Ministry Director, Surveyor

Fola Badmus04 mins

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja on Thursday, April 3, 2025 fixed May 15, 2025 for the trial of former Deputy Director, Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Augustine Ojo Olowoniyan, alongside a surveyor, Sulaiman Abdulkadir Muhammed of the Department of Highways and Planning. They duo is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a three-count charge, bordering on diversion and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N1,936,961,649.00 (One billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty-six Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-one Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-nine Naira ). The fund was earmarked for the acquisition of titles for federal roads nationwide between March 4, 2019, and July 17, 2020, which the defendants allegedly converted to their personal use. At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel to the first and second defendant, J.K. Kolawole and A.S.U. Garba, respectively reminded the court of pending applications of their clients and requested that the court admitted them to bail on liberal terms pending the determination of the case. In his objection, prosecution counsel, M.K Hussein drew the attention of the court to a counter-affidavit signed by Njoku Ekelechi, an investigator with the EFCC, accompanied with a written address, dated April 2, 2025 and urged the court to discontenance the bail application or impose bail terms and conditions that will ensure that the defendants appear in court for their trial. Justice Onwuegbuzie admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N800, 000,000 (Eight Hundred Million Naira) with two sureties in like sum, who must be civil servants that are resident in Abuja. The sureties must write an undertaking to produce the defendants in court as and when due. In addition, the defendants must submit their passports to the court which will be verified by the prosecution. The first defendant, Olowoniyan, who is standing another trial in the same court for an alleged N420million fraud was also admitted to another bail by the court in the sum of N400,000,000 (Four Hundred Million) with a surety in like sum, who must be a civil servant, resident in Abuja. The surety, the court held must write an undertaking to produce the defendant in court as and when due. In addition, the defendant must submit his passport with the court registrar. Both matters were adjourned till May 15, 2025 for trial.

Read More

Alleged N33.2b Fraud: EFCC Re-Arraigns Dasuki, Three Others

Fola Badmus06 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, has re-arraigned former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd) before Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, for fraud. He was re-arraigned alongside a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Aminu Baba Kusa, Acacia Holdings, Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. They are being prosecuted on a 32-count charge, bordering on breach of trust and dishonesty to the tune of N33,200,000,000 (Thirty-three billion, Two Hundred Million Naira). Count one reads: “That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, on or about 27th November, 2014 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties, to wit: the sum of N10, 000, 000, 000 (Ten Billion Naira) being part of the funds in the account of National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the equivalent of which sum you received from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in foreign currencies to wit: $47,000,000 (Forty Seven Million Dollars) and 5.6 million Euros purporting same to be for special security service, committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you dishonestly released the said amount for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential primary election and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.” Count five reads: “That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, between 9th October, 2014 and 17th April, 2015 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated certain property, to wit: an aggregate sum of N1, 450,000,000 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) belonging to the Federal Republic of Nigeria which sum was transferred to ACACIA HOLDINGS LIMITED’S bank account controlled by one Aminu Baba-Kusa purporting same to be payment for organizing prayers and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.” Count 19 reads: “That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, between 4th April, 2014 and 30th November, 2014 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties, to wit: an aggregate sum of N4, 685,000,000 (Four Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Five Million Naira) being part of the funds in the account of the office of the National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria, committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you dishonestly transferred same into the bank account of SYVAN MCNAMARA LIMITED purporting the said sum to be payment for physical security infrastructure whereas the said amount was released for the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s gubernatorial elections campaign in Ekiti and Osun States and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.” They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe to ask the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel prayed the court to allow Dasuki and Kusa to continue to enjoy their existing bail. The prosecution counsel who did not object to the prayer, however, sought assurance for the defendants’ regular presence in court throughout the trial. Justice Agbaza adjourned the matter till July 1, 2025 for hearing. It could be recalled that the trial was initially before Justice Hussain Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Court, but now reassigned to Justice Agbaza.

Read More

Court sentences Banker to jail for fraud in Lagos

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Ugenyi Kalu, before Justice R.A. Oshodi of a Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for fraud. The convict, a banker, was arraigned on a five-count charge, bordering on official corruption and gratification. One of the counts reads: “That you, Ugenyi Kalu sometime in November 2016 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division being the head of Lagos Region of NEXIM Bank, received monetary benefit for yourself in the sum of N4,000,000 (Four Million Naira) from one Obi Ogoh on account of the loan availed to his company Sevirg AgroAllied Mills Ltd by NEXIM Bank. Thereby committed an offence bordering on official corruption contrary to Section 8(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1)(b)ii of the same Law.” He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges, prompting his trial. In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, G.C. Ofulue called six witnesses who testified to his crime, two of whom were his co-workers in Nexim Bank. Delivering judgement on February 12, 2025, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt, and found him guilty as charged. He was convicted on four of the charges and sentenced to four years and two months imprisonment or to pay N20,850,000 (Twenty Million, Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.

Read More

Alleged N90.4m fraud: Former NHIS boss knows fate on bail Feb 27

Fola Badmus05 mins

Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, adjourned till February 27 for ruling on the bail application of former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Professor Usman Yusuf. Yusuf was arraigned on a five-count bordering on embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud to the tune of N90,439,178.00 (Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Nine thousand, One Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira only). Arguing against the application for bail by the defendant, prosecution counsel, Francis Usani in a counter affidavit, informed the court that the offences alleged against the defendant impact on the general well-being of the common man in Nigeria, tarnishing also the image and reputation of the country as a whole and diminishes government’s efforts to sustain development in the country. “The evidence elicited in the course of investigation against the defendant is overwhelming and can lead to the defendant being convicted by the court. I know for a fact that the applicant failed to comply with the administrative bail conditions granted him by the respondent to report regularly and bi-weekly to the respondent’s office while he was under investigation”, he said. Usani further argued that the defendant if granted bail will abscond and will not be available to face his trial as the weight of the evidence against him was very strong and compelling. “It took the respondent’s officers discreet surveillance and high powered intelligence to apprehend the defendant for the purpose of bringing him to court. The defendant has boasted publicly even while in the custody of the respondent that this case will go nowhere as he is highly and politically connected. Usani further informed the court that the prosecution believed that the defendant is still highly connected and has tremendous influence at the NHIS to temper and influence most of the respondent’s witnesses that will come from the NHIS to testify before the court. He further submitted that it was the duty of the defendant to “place cogent, sufficient and compelling facts before the court upon which the court would consider his application for bail. “It is very clear that the affidavit’s evidence deposed to by Bashir Yusuf in support of the application for bail; that the defendant has not supplied materials to persuade this honourable court to grant his prayer, nor ask the respondent to show reason why bail should not be granted.” Counsel to the defendant, O. I. Habeeb, SAN, in a motion on notice informed the court that the defence are praying for an order of the court to admit the defendant on bail pending his trial in the case on such terms and conditions as the court may deem fit to impose. He also prayed for any further order the court may decide to make, adding that the offences for which the defendant is charged are bailable offences and that he has satisfied all the necessary conditions for him to be admitted on bail on liberal terms. Thereafter, Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned the matter for ruling on the bail application to February 27, 2025. The judge still held the order of remanding the defendant in Kuje Correctional Centre pending ruling.

Read More

EFCC arraigns Ex-AMCON MD, Ahmed Kuru, 4 Others for 76bn, $31.5m fraud

Fola Badmus01 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, January 20, 2025 arraigned a former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, current Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, and Receiver Manager of Arik Air. Kamilu Omokide, alongside Union Bank Plc and Super Bravo Limited, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos on a six-count charge bordering on alleged theft of properties belonging to Arik Air and abuse of office. They pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them Details shortly…

Read More

Alleged N33.8bn Fraud: EFCC presents four more witnesses against Saleh Mamman

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, January 13, 2025 presented four more witnesses in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Mamman is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-three Kobo). At the Monday`s proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the EFCC was prepared to further prove its case with four more witnesses: PW4, 5, 6, and 7, whom he said were Compliance Officers at Zenith, UBA, GTB and Wema Banks, respectively. The witnesses are PW4 Mishelia R.B, PW5 Mayowa Itiku, PW6 Lily Marama and PW7 Oluwunmi Ogunloye. While being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, the witnesses took turns to inform the court that they received correspondences respectively from the EFCC to provide details of account openings and statements in respect of ten business entities which are: Sami Court Resort Limited, Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, Samson Bitrus, Gurupche Business Enterprise, Shipikin Global Enterprises, Silverline Ventures, Breathable Investment Ltd, First Class Contraction Ltd, Spinhillls Biz International Ltd and Fulex Utility Concept Ltd. Oyedepo presented bundles of documents of those entities which the witnesses affirmed before the court that they emanated from their banks and were generated from their databases. After confirming the documents as their bank documents, the prosecuting counsel tendered them in evidence before the court. Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the matter till January 22, 23 and 24, 2025, for continuation of hearing.

Read More

EFCC docks fake nurse for alleged N28.2m fraud

Fola Badmus05 mins

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Blessing Amaka David-Agwa, a fake fertility nurse before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State. The defendant was arraigned on 45-count charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation, forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N28,278,600.00 (Twenty-eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand, Six Hundred Naira). Count 41 of the charge reads: “That you, Blessing Amaka David-Agwa sometime in 2024 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,600,000.00) only from one Okenwa Joy Chiamaka, under the pretence of being a Medical Fertility Nurse (Specially trained to assist women get pregnant with ease) which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”. Count 24 of the charge reads: “That you, Blessing Amaka David-Agwa sometime in 2024 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N1,250,000.00) from one Amarachi Okpala, under the pretence of being a Medical Fertility Nurse (Specially trained to assist women get pregnant with ease) which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts when they were read to her. In view of her pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Blessing N. Obasi prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility. However, defence counsel, G. C. Madubuegwu informed the court about a pending motion on notice for bail, dated October 4, 2024, and filed on the same date. “It is brought pursuant to Section 162 and 165 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ” he said. After moving the said application, he prayed the court to grant the defendant bail on liberal terms. Obasi vehemently opposed the application for bail on the grounds that the allegation against the defendant was a weighty one, citing the mental health of the defendant’s victims. After listening to both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to November 12, 2024, for ruling on the bail application. The defendant was thereafter remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility. David-Agwa’s criminal issues commenced on August 28, 2024, when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA handed her over to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for investigation and possible prosecution after discovering that the defendant paraded herself as a medical fertility Nurse, thereby defrauding unsuspecting victims. Investigation into the matter revealed that the defendant allegedly forged the certificate of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the Certificate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka and used the same in parading herself as a Medical Fertility Nurse, specially trained to assist women in getting pregnant with ease. It was also discovered that the defendant successfully defrauded over 45 innocent women who fell for her false claims.

Read More