www.newstower.ng

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

HOM

POLICE REJECT BRIBE OFFER OF N174M BY ARRESTED NOTORIOUS INTERNET FRAUDSTER IN LAGOS

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel


Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have rejected an offer of N174m bribe from a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Patrick Akpoguma, alleged to have being involved in various types of internet-related fraud, including romance scams, identity theft, cyber hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism.

The suspect, Akpoguma, confessed to the crime while speaking with journalists at Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos.

He explained that, in an attempt to have his name cleared, he began offering monetary bribes to the police.

He offered the sum of $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thousand Dollars), which is equivalent to about One Hundred and Seventy-Four Million Naira, to the police.

Addressing the press, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Adegoke Fayoade, revealed that the investigation into Akpoguma began on November 7, 2024, after receiving reports from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides.

According to AIG Fayoade, “Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in what is known as romance scams and other cryptocurrency-related scams. “He meets various people online and presents himself as a notable and famous Caucasian American, such as Colonel Matt Herbert, a serving U.S. Army officer currently on a peacekeeping mission in Iran. He also impersonates Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency and stock brokerage expert in the United States.

“He convinces his unsuspecting victims that he is a top executive working on several projects that require funding, which leads him to request loans. Typically, he receives these loans via his Bitcoin Trust Wallet or through blockchain transactions. So far, he has defrauded over seven victims using this method.

“To perfect these fraudulent activities, he created a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart.’ This account allowed him to purchase a silicone face and hand mask from maskmarkers.com, which was delivered to his residence on Chevron Drive, Lekki. He paid $11,200 USD for the manufacturing of this mask, which he used to impersonate Adam Taggart on Facebook and Instagram.

“Surprisingly, during the investigation, the suspect began pleading and offering money to be let off the hook. Once I was informed about this, I instructed my detectives from Raider team to play along. On November 12, 2024, he offered the sum of $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thousand Dollars), equivalent to about One Hundred and Seventy-Four Million Naira. The money was accepted, registered as evidence, and the investigation continued.

“So far, the investigation has been concluded, and the suspect will be arraigned accordingly,” he added.

Speaking about his actions, the suspect, Patrick Akpoguma, said he felt too intelligent to work for a salary, which is why he turned to fraud three years ago. “I am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, and I am 28 years old. After leaving school, it became clear that I needed to find my own path and try to get on my feet. I decided to try fraud while I looked for something legitimate.

“I started doing fraud three years ago, and since then, I’ve made over $500,000 USD. I’ve achieved a lot—owning a house in Lagos, a house in Edo State, and a GLE Benz worth N100m.

“Once I defraud people and feel I’ve taken enough from them, I simply walk away. I don’t leave them penniless.”

Regarding his encounter with the police, he stated, “In my three years of fraud, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad encounter with the police. This is the first time I’ve been in contact with the police. I was just trying to negotiate with them, and I thought they were actually responding to the negotiation.

“I must confess, it’s a good step for the Nigerian police and the Nigerian people to regain their trust in the police for being transparent. It’s good to know that some credible officers are still out there, willing to see justice done.

“My advice to people like me is: I would advise everyone to be more diligent, stay focused on the process, find something legitimate, and grow. Because I believe that what is legitimate has the space and platform to grow, whereas illegitimate income is not dependent on you, and it has no space for growth.”

Okonjo-Iweala’s brother who was convicted of theft in America emerges traditional ruler in Nigeria

Posted on by admin50

Some members of the Ogwashi -Uku community have petitioned the Delta State government following the emergence and activities of the brother of Dr  Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 

, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ifechukwude Okonjo as the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, a prominent community in Anaocha South Local Government Area of the State.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Okonjo is facing allegations of misconduct following the disclosure of a past criminal conviction in the United States.

The monarch, who was said to have assumed the traditional role shortly after the death of his father in 2019, was revealed to have been convicted of theft in Montgomery County, Maryland, in 1997.

The revelation stirred controversy in Ogwashi- Uku , prompting some members to petition the Delta State Government, urging an investigation into Okonjo’s alleged actions since taking the throne.

In the court records reviewed, Okonjo was convicted of theft of computers and related equipment from Digital Equipment Corporation, valued at over $300, between January and March 1995 and sentenced to one year in prison, with a separate six-month sentence added for failing to surrender himself within 30 days of bail forfeiture.

In the petition dated October 4, 2024, and signed by prominent members of Ogwashi-Uku community, which include, Chiedu Enwenwa, Hyacinth Okolie, Ellen Adigwe, and Bruce Ugo Emordi . Represented by the law firm F.O. Okolie to the Delta State Government and the State Security Service, SSS, they allege that Okonjo has engaged in illegal activities, including land grabbing, arms smuggling, and the formation of armed militia groups, to assert control over local land and intimidate residents.

They also claimed Okonjo used his influence to recruit armed vigilante groups which they alleged has been involved in violent crimes such as kidnapping and murder, to seize land and enforce his authority.

According to the historical timeline outlined in the petition, a pattern of concerning events involving Okonjo and his younger brother were uncovered.

Both were accused of theft in the United States in the 1990s, and both, it was learned , failed to attend court hearings, resulting in bail forfeitures.

At the time of his 1995 arrest, Okonjo was living with his sister, now  World Trade Organization 

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Okonjo was subsequently convicted and sentenced in 1997, with his younger brother, Onyema facing similar charges and sentencing in 1998, although it is unclear if either brother served their sentences or returned to Nigeria before completion.

The allegations against Okonjo come at a time of heightened tension in Ogwashi-Uku, where some residents claim the traditional ruler’s actions threaten the peace and stability of the community.

They expressed concern that the community risks descending into lawlessness if unresolved issues remain.

In response to the allegations, Okonjo’s palace secretary, Ifeakanachukwu Emordi dismissed the reports of the theft conviction as untrue, stating that Okonjo would address the claims publicly soon.

The traditional ruler’s brother, Onyema Okonjo also refuted the petitioners’ stance, stating that they do not represent the community and clarifying that, according to Ogwashi-Uku’s customs, all land in the area is held in trust by the traditional ruler.

He described the land-related accusations as a misunderstanding of the community’s tenure system, emphasizing that the Obi does not have to grab any land that is already under his custody.

He also supported an SSS investigation into the vigilante groups and other matters raised in the petition.

In response to the escalating situation, the Delta State Government has taken steps to investigate.

PSC Monitors In Akure To Ensure Credibility Of Ondo Governorship Election Security -Argungu says Police must be firm and polite

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

Police Service Commission Staff Monitors have arrived Ondo State to monitor the conduct of Police Officers on electoral duties during Saturday’s Governorship election in the state.

The Staff Monitors are in Ondo State to ensure that the Police conduct themselves within approved rules and regulations and in line with established rules of engagement.

The Commission Monitors are expected to be in all the Local government areas in the state.

Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni charged PSC Ambassadors to also conduct themselves creditably and not succumb to pressure and dilute the essence of the assignment. He said the Commission will continue to contribute to the sustenance and deepening of the nation’s democratic process.

The PSC Chairman said holding the Police accountable for its actions and inactions during the election will promote greater dedication to duty by the Officers and generally ensure the success of the elections.

He charged the Officers to be firm but friendly and polite to the electorate stressing that they must ensure that the voters, the voting materials and the voting environment are protected and safe. He said the Police as the lead Agency in internal security which includes election security must play a leadership role in ensuring a free, fair and credible election in Ondo State.

The Commission had on Monday, November 11th 2024 conducted a workshop on election security monitoring at its Parry Osayande Auditorium where CP Balarabe Nayaya rtd, the Technical Assistant to the Chairman presented a paper to the travelling Monitors.

Cp Nayaya said the Monitors must be knowledgeable on the operations of Police men on electoral duties to be able to meaningfully monitor their conduct . He presented a brief on what the Police men on election duties should do and not do and advised that the Monitors should be guided by the brief while on the assignment.

Meanwhile the Commission, through spokesman, Ikechukwuu Ani, has provided dedicated telephone numbers for Nigerians to call to complain or commend the conduct of the Police during the election. The numbers are;
Ondo central -08033148814
Ondo South -08065265651
Ondo North
-07046756445
Media Coordination
-08033345362

Argungu Tells Police Personnel To Respect Suspects Dignity

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

A training programme on international Human Rights-based policing and effective oversight of personnel of the Police Service Commission has commenced at the Parry Osayande Auditorium of the Police Service Commission in Abuja. The programme is organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).Speaking at the opening ceremony on “The Role of Police Service Commission in oversight and Monitoring of the Nigeria Police Force Officials as Individuals and the Service as a Whole: Accountability and Transparency on the condition of stop, search, arrest, Police Custody and Pre-trial detention in Nigeria” the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, x-rayed human treatment of arrested suspects and declared that a suspect shall “be accorded human treatment, having regard to his right to the dignity of his person and not be subjected to any form of torture, cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment.

DIG Argungu noted that a suspect shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract and shall be brought before the court as prescribed by law or otherwise released conditionally or unconditionally. He explained that a person shall not for any reason be arrested in place of a suspect adding that the law prohibits the handcuffing or any other unnecessary restrain of an arrested person, except ” there is reasonable apprehension of violence or an attempt to escape; the restrain is considered necessary for the safety of the suspect or defendant or by order of court”.The PSC Chairman said all over the world, Police Officers generally have broad powers to carry out their functions and duties.He however noted that the Constitution as amended and other procedural laws however place limits on how far Police can go in trying to enforce the law.

According to him, one of the primary purposes of these laws is to protect citizens from abuses by government, including police misconduct .The Chairman also today received three delegations, one from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust; the Nigeria Youth Organisation led by Comrade Okorie C. Okorie and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria led by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko.

NDLEA, NAFDAC partnership ‘ll curb drug abuse, protect public health – Marwa. As both agencies sign MoU to strengthen collaboration on illicit drugs, counterfeit products

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has said that the renewed partnership between NDLEA and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, will curb substance abuse and protect public health, a position affirmed by the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.


Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDLEA and NAFDAC at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 13th November 2024, Marwa said the development “marks a significant turning point in our shared endeavour to improve operational effectiveness, protect public health, and guarantee community safety.”
According to him, “NAFDAC and NDLEA play vital roles in our citizens’ health and safety. While the NDLEA focuses on combating illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse, NAFDAC is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety of food, drugs, and other consumables. Therefore, deepening our collaboration will ensure robust protection for public health and the well-being of our citizens. Our collaboration spans several decades and we are here to strengthen it further today.”


He said the MoU will establish a framework that will enhance the sharing of vital intelligence, facilities, and expertise, which will amplify ability to effectively address the intertwined challenges of drug abuse and counterfeit products.
“As we sign this MoU today, we are taking significant steps towards harnessing our collective strengths. It will align our strategies and resources, making us better equipped to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and ensure that only safe, approved, and genuine products reach the hands of consumers.


“Today’s signing ceremony is not just a formal agreement but a commitment to our collective responsibility to intensify our service delivery. Together, we will work towards creating safer communities, reducing the prevalence of drug abuse, and ensuring that our people have access to safe and high-quality products”, Marwa stated.
The NDLEA boss urged everyone to embrace the collaboration with enthusiasm and dedication while stressing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, sharing of knowledge, and supporting each other in the national assignment.


In her remarks, Prof. Adeyeye aligned with the position of the NDLEA Chairman on the significance of the MoU, saying that stakeholders cannot afford to work in silos on the issues that border on substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking and public health in Nigeria.
According to her, “We may not be taking illicit drugs, but we may have relatives taking illicit drugs. We may not have relatives taking illicit drugs, but we may have friends of relatives taking illicit drugs. When we look at it globally, it is our national security. It is not knowing what your neighbor may do to you, because illicit drugs alter the state of minds. Illicit drugs directly work on the central nervous system and make one feel what one is not supposed to feel. And that can include violence, terrorism, banditry, and those are the higher levels of societal ills that illicit drugs can result in.


“It can lead to spouse abuse, failure of children in school, health conditions, of course. As a pharmacist, whenever we deal with the pharmacology of a drug, we talk about the benefits, benefits, benefits, and then we end up with the side effects. And for almost all drugs, one of the side effects is death. It’s logical that NDLEA and NAFDAC should work very, very closely together. And I want to thank the chairman again for making this happen. We have been at it in terms of the timing and what not.
“We cannot afford to work in silo in Nigeria. We have sister agencies that work in silo, including NAFDAC. We are just changing the culture now. Working as focus groups to deal with problems, to solve problems. Therefore, this ceremony is for all of us to think that we have to work together, and collaborate together.”

How N12bn Fraud Rocked First Bank-Ex Bank Staff

Posted on by admin50

In the last six months, First Bank of Nigeria FBN, had consistently been in the news for the wrong reasons.Recall that NATIONAL WAVES reported how the bank sacked over 100 employees and how a former manager of the operations team, diverted ₦40 billion.A couple of weeks back another former staff, Adesuwa Ezenwa, a relationship manager revealed jaw dropping details about how a former chairman of the bank, Oba Otudeko defrauded the bank to the tune of N12 billion.Ezenwa revealed to the National Industrial Court, NIC, Lagos division that loans worth billions of naira were transferred to companies related to Otudeko even though they were granted in the name of other firms.Ezenwa is claiming unfair dismissal by FBN on October 5, 2016, on fraudulent loan disbursements without any explanation as to her culpability.

After her sack, she was invited to appear before a credit disciplinary committee reviewing facilities granted to a firm known as Supply and Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Royal Ceramics Group, a major customer of the bank.Although the committee cleared her of having any interest in the loans disbursed, Ezenwa said she was admonished during the disciplinary proceedings for not whistleblowing on some of the transactions approved by her group head, a certain Mr Olatunji and the Executive Vice President, a Mrs. Cecilia Majekodunmi.She said the admonition was most unfair and unwarranted as she was in no position to whistle blow on her superiors, though some of the loan facilities reviewed were unsecured facilities granted to companies in which the chairman of the bank, Otudeko and the erstwhile Managing Director, Bisi Onasanya, had substantial investments.

“The persons to whom these reports would have been made were the very persons who were the perpetrators of the misdeeds,” her statement to the court reads.“The impugned facilities were approved and disbursed under the direction and authority of her Group head and executive vice president and camouflaged as loans granted by some other unsuspecting customers.”In one scenario, according to her, unsecured facilities, that is loan granted without collateral, worth about N12 billion were granted to a company in which Oba Otudeko has substantial investment.

However, the loan was camouflaged as loans granted to the Stallion Group of Companies, which at a point in time discovered this false entry in its statement of account and protested same.In another instance, she said, an unsecured facility of N2 billion was granted in 2012 to Broadwaters Resources Company Nigeria Ltd, which she said turned out to be a mere conduit pipe employed by Majekodunmi and Onasanya for siphoning monies from the bank.The loan, according to the court filing, was never repaid.“Out of the N12 billion camouflaged as lending to the Stallion Group, N8.21 billion was transferred through various accounts to a final destination account belonging to a company known as V TECH LTD which belongs to the Chairman of FBN Holdings, Oba Otudeko while the sum of N4.45 billion out of the same fictitious facility was transferred to Ontario Oil and Gas.

The facility remains unpaid to date,” the document reads.“These were not the only acts of malfeasance by the top management of the bank, but several other transactions were undertaken by other top management staff for which the Plaintiff is being punished.“Apart from funds camouflaged as loans granted to the Stallion Groups, similar loans were granted over the years by Olatunji who was the Branch Manager and Majekodumi, to other customers of the Bank amongst which are SUPPLIES AND SERVICES LTD.

Supplies and Services Ltd is a subsidiary of ROYAL CERAMICS GROUP OF COMPANIES and several loan approvals were initiated and authored by Olatunji and Majekodunmi.“The facilities granted to Supplies and Services Ltd was subsequently sublet and disbursed in smaller bits to several customers on more profitable terms to both officers and these customers include Swap Technologies and Telecomms Plc, NetConstruct Nigeria Ltd, Orbit Cargo, High Performance Distributions Ltd etc.“Some of the transactions undertaken by the Bank are already being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Their investigations/Report will be relied on at the trial.”Ezenwa said given the size of the loans, the board of the bank cannot but be complicit in the lendings, which were above the limits of the executive directors, vice-president and managing director of the bank.Otudeko is no stranger to bank deals that end up becoming controversial.Some FBN Holdings shareholders protested after Otudeko purchased 4,770,269,843 units of FBN Holdings’ shares through his Honeywell Group. The purchase brought the stake held by the company in the premier bank to 13.3 percent.However, a few days after the purchase, Ecobank wrote a letter to FBN Holdings, asking the bank to reject Otudeko’s bid to become its largest shareholder.In July, the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC said it was investigating the acquisition of 4.77 billion shares of FBN Holdings by Otudeko.

Dangote Truck Kill 3 persons In Otedola’s Hometown … Lastma rescues 5 other accident victims at Abule-Egba and Ketu

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

A harrowing incident unfolded today at Ayeyoro, Epe, leading to the tragic demise of three individuals. The calamity involved a Dangote truck (DCG-TM-028), which experienced a critical brake failure while descending from Ita-Opo. The out-of-control vehicle collided with a tricycle (Marwa AGL 442 QC) and a stationary Toyota Camry at the Ayeyoro traffic light before veering into the Ayetoro Market Complex in Epe.The unfortunate collision resulted in the fatalities of the tricycle driver and two students from Manpower Technical School. First responders from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), with the assistance of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), swiftly arrived on the scene to secure the area. The deceased were respectfully transported to the Epe General Hospital mortuary. Prompt efforts were made to clear the wreckage, including the Dangote truck, to alleviate traffic congestion and safeguard other road users.In a separate but related incident, another accident was reported at Ijaye inward Abule-Egba. The crash involved an LT Bus (FKJ 762 AD) and a Toyota Hiace Bus (MUS 154 YE), attributed once again to brake system failure. LASTMA personnel acted swiftly, extricating the driver and two passengers, who were then urgently conveyed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.Additionally, LASTMA officers successfully rescued three individuals — two females and one male — from a multi-vehicle collision at Tsunami Bridge, inward Ketu. This accident, involving two Volkswagen commercial buses (LSD 483 CT & AGL 267) and a 10-tyre DAF truck, left victims with varying degrees of injuries. They were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for immediate medical intervention, while officers from Alapere Police Station provided essential security support during the rescue operations.LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has once again reiterated the importance of vehicular maintenance. He implores all motorists to diligently ensure that their vehicles, particularly the braking systems, are in optimal condition before setting out on any journey. Regular maintenance checks are crucial to preventing such calamitous incidents and preserving lives.

“The World is Coming to an End”: Man Marries Dog in Lavish Ceremony, Sparks Outrage Online

Posted on by admin50

A video circulating on Instagram has left viewers stunned, showing a white man getting married to a dog in an elaborate wedding ceremony 

. The event, held in a warm and supportive atmosphere with friends and family in attendance, has sparked strong reactions and moral concerns among social media users.

In the video, the man is dressed in a suit, while the dog, his “bride,” is wearing a white bridal gown. They are seen embracing and smiling as they “tie the knot,” with guests looking on. The ceremony exudes positive energy, yet many online viewers are deeply disturbed by what they consider an extreme and controversial act.

This video comes on the heels of another unusual viral clip of the “first pregnant dad,” where a transgender man shares his pregnancy experience while expecting a baby girl. These incidents have stirred conversations about societal changes and boundaries, with many expressing disbelief and concern.

Here are some reactions from users who voiced their opinions in the comments section:

While some found the incident amusing, others voiced concerns about what they see as a moral decline. The video has sparked debates about values, legality, and the limits of personal choices.

What are your thoughts on this unusual wedding? Let us know in the comments below.

AIG Adegoke Fayoade, CP Ishola Olarewaju On The Ball

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

In juggling security to keep residents of Lagos and Ogun states safe, the Assistant Inspector-general of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade and the Lagos state commissioner of police, CP Ishola Adewale Olarewaju’s strategies to nip in the bud violent criminals, are yielding fruits.A check by Newstower.ng revealed that certain measures taken by the security Golden boys have not only reduced violent crimes to barest minimum, but now helped residents and visitors to sleep with their two eyes closed.In their knee jerk reaction towards hoodlums, cases of rape, kidnapping, ritual murder are on decline in the two states.

This, it was revealed by a source, the wisdom of the AIG and the CP Lagos to enforce discipline on top cops, the rank and file.” Our AIG and the CP sorounded by crack and tested officers, such as DCPs Ahmed Lateef, Olubode Ojajuni, Patrick Edejawe and CSP Igbinazaka Ugowe has further helped to clamp down on notorious criminals and hideouts in Lagos and Ogun states. Worthy of note, Fayoade and Olarewaju are optimally using thrse officers to secure the lives and property of Nigerians and foreigners domiciled, and visiting the two states’ said a top officer who pleaded anonymity.

The officer said with his colleagues such Edejawe, Ojajuni, Lateef and Ugowe and other officers who will holistically join hands with the AIG and the CP Lagos to curb crimes in Lagos and Ogun states, criminals with their activities would be forgotten soon.Meanwhile, the police high commands in Lagos and Ogun states have began plans to give their commands headquarters a new look through projects initiated by the police chiefs in charge.

Magodo is the headquarter for married women who sleep with younger men – Pretty Mike

Posted on by admin50

Mike Eze-Nwalie Nwogu, who is fondly known as Pretty Mike of Lagos, has listed Magodo as go-to spot for married women seeking secret trysts with younger men.

Magodo is a town in Kosofe LGA located in the northwestern part of Lagos. It is bounded by Ikosi-Ketu and Ojodu Berger.

The nightlife promoter while reacting to thesex scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, the embattled Equatorial Guinea’s anti-graft boss during a recent interview 

with Arise TV, disclosed that many married women in Lagos engage in illicit relationships without their husbands’ knowledge.

Pretty Mikeargued that some societies accept open marriages, where couples consent to extramarital affairs.

“I think it is their thing. We are in a society where husbands are allowed to sleep with other women and women allowed to sleep with other men,”he said.

Mike also claimed the phenomenon is prevalent in Lagos, particularly in the Magodo area.

“In Lagos here it is heavy. Magodo is their headquarters in Lagos. Married women who sleep with young boys. Husbands of those married women are not aware.

“If you are a husband and you are not aware your wife is sleeping with other men that means something is wrong. Or it is a tight niche or a cartel where everybody is having fun.

“They know their husbands are cheating. They would just come together and say ‘you know what, our Ogas are doing this thing, let us just have our own fun’.

“Trust me, any day this video or scandal comes out, I am sure it will be small to what we saw in Equatorial Guinea.”