Nigeria Police arrest 113 foreign nationals for cybercrime in Abuja, uncovering evidence of fraud, scams, and immigration offences.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in a coordinated operation by officers from Zone 7 Command and the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has apprehended 113 foreign nationals linked to advanced cybercrime activities in Abuja.

The operation, which took place on November 3, 2024, in the Jahi area of the capital, uncovered a sophisticated cybercrime network involved in internet fraud, marketing scams, and other illegal activities.

During the raid, the police recovered substantial items critical to the syndicate’s operations, including:

• A Toyota Tundra vehicle
• Laptops, smartphones, and tablets
• High-capacity servers, routers, and drones
• Specialized cyber equipment and game consoles
• Identity cards, passports, and other travel documents
• Central processing units and communication devices

The police spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed these details in a statement via X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, emphasising the significance of the evidence.

The suspects have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Charges against them include computer-related fraud, unlawful data access, marketing scams, conspiracy, money laundering, and illegal immigration.

“The investigation has uncovered the alleged involvement of these individuals in criminal activities spanning cybercrime, immigration offences, and human trafficking networks,” Adejobi stated.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and transnational criminal activities, stressing its collaboration with international law enforcement agencies and embassies.

“This operation is a testament to our resolve to track and prosecute cybercriminals. We are committed to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law,” the statement concluded.

The successful operation highlights the growing vigilance of Nigerian authorities in tackling cybercrime and protecting citizens from internet fraud.

It underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the increasingly sophisticated world of transnational cybercrime.

An 85-year-old man was killed after being abducted in Plateau State, despite his family paying a ransom. Security concerns rise in Bokkos.

An 85-year-old man, Deh Idi Dakum, has tragically been killed after being abducted from his home in Matelem, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred on November 18, 2024, when the victim, who served as the Galadima Nyam of the Tagur District, was kidnapped by a group of armed assailants.

Also read: Nigerian Army Troops Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Taraba

According to his son, Bala Dakum, the family received a ransom demand after his father’s abduction. The kidnappers initially seized Deh Idi Dakum’s phone, along with that of his wife, before establishing contact with the family on November 19, 2024.

The abductors demanded a ransom of N2 million but ultimately accepted N700,000 after negotiations.

Despite the payment, the victim was not released as promised. The kidnappers claimed to be holding him near Daffo, another area within Bokkos LGA, and assured the family he would be returned shortly.

However, after several days of failed communication, the family began to suspect the worst. On November 23, 2024, the kidnappers became aggressive, demanding more money, and the family refused to comply further.

The following morning, on November 24, 2024, the body of Deh Idi Dakum was discovered on a farm just a kilometre from where he had been taken.

His body showed signs that he had been dead for several days, confirming the family’s worst fears.

This wasn’t the first time the Dakum family had fallen victim to such an attack. In February 2023, Deh Idi Dakum was kidnapped under similar circumstances, with the family paying a ransom of N500,000 for his release.

The kidnappers seemed to have detailed knowledge about the family, even being aware of Bala Dakum’s profession as a lawyer in Abuja.

Bala Dakum expressed his frustration over the security situation in the region, stating that the village, located on the border, has been repeatedly attacked by hoodlums.

He added that many residents are now fleeing the area due to ongoing threats.

The Plateau State Police Command was notified of the incident, and the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adeshina, sent a Divisional Police Officer to the family’s home to offer condolences and assess the situation.

However, when contacted for a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, declined to comment on the matter.

This incident highlights the escalating security concerns in Plateau State, where communities, particularly those on the borders, are increasingly vulnerable to violent crime.

The arraignment of ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello on charges of money laundering and fraud was adjourned after his lawyer failed to attend the Federal High Court hearing.

The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday was delayed because his defence counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), was absent from the proceedings.

Mohammed reportedly did not know about the scheduled hearing date, resulting in his nonappearance in court.

Also read: Yahaya Bello reappears before EFCC over alleged misappropriation of funds

Bello is facing a 19-count charge of money laundering involving N84 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In addition, Bello is already facing a separate case at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, where he has been arraigned on a 16-count charge of fraud involving N110.4 billion.

As the hearing began on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite noticed the absence of the defence counsel and inquired about his whereabouts.

Bello informed the court that he had only learned of the arraignment late Thursday evening and was unable to contact his lawyer in time.

The EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, suggested that the court proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant’s presence, not that of his counsel, was what was legally required.

However, Justice Nwite declined this request, stating that the defendant had the right to a fair hearing, which included being represented by his lawyer.

Justice Nwite explained that the previous sitting on October 30, 2024, had already set a date for the next proceeding, which was January 21, 2025. The judge emphasized that it would be unfair to proceed without the defendant’s legal representation.

The court waited for 45 minutes for the defence counsel, but as he did not appear, the matter was adjourned. Justice Nwite reiterated that, although the prosecution had witnesses ready to testify, the defendant’s right to legal representation must not be sacrificed.

Following the adjournment, Pinheiro requested that a new date be set for motions and the possible arraignment, with Bello remaining in EFCC custody until then.

Justice Nwite agreed, scheduling the next hearing for December 13, 2024, and ordering that Bello stay in EFCC custody until that date.