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US Court Hands 19‑Year Sentence to Nigerian Over $4 Million Romance and Business Fraud

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US Court Hands 19‑Year Sentence to Nigerian Over $4 Million Romance and Business Fraud

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG

“Houston Court Cracks Down on International Cybercrime Targeting Vulnerable Americans”

Leslie Chinedu Mba, a 40‑year‑old US‑based Nigerian national, has been sentenced to 228 months (19 years) in federal prison by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Houston for orchestrating a $4 million romance scam and business email compromise fraud scheme that targeted vulnerable Americans and businesses. The sentence was handed down on 26 February 2026 after Mba pleaded guilty on 4 December 2025 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to make false statements in immigration documents.

Prosecutors told the court that between April 2018 and December 2023, Mba and his co‑conspirators carried out a sophisticated network of online scams that deceived victims into sending funds under false pretences. The scheme included hacking business email accounts to divert payments and manipulating trust through fake online romances, particularly preying on the elderly and small businesses.

Court records also revealed that Mba attempted to obtain lawful permanent residency through multiple fraudulent marriages after his initial application was denied, compounding his offences.

In imposing the lengthy sentence, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei described such scams as “among the lowest and most despicable forms of fraud” because they exploit trust and inflict serious financial and emotional harm on victims. Mba, who is not a U.S. citizen, is expected to face deportation to Nigeria after serving his sentence.

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NASRE Celebrates Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun (IBD Dende) on His Birthday

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NASRE Celebrates Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun (IBD Dende) on His Birthday

 

 

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has warmly felicitated with Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, popularly known as IBD Dende, on the joyous occasion of his birthday.

 

 

 

In a statement made available to the media by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Obadimu, NASRE described Chief Egungbohun as a distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist per excellence, and a pillar of support to countless individuals and organizations across Nigeria.

 

 

Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun is the Chairman of IBD Impex Ltd, a reputable company known for its excellence and integrity in business operations. Beyond his remarkable success in the corporate world, IBD Dende has carved a niche for himself as a compassionate leader whose generosity continues to impact lives positively.

 

 

 

According to the statement, NASRE appreciates his immense contributions toward the growth and sustainability of the Association, particularly his unwavering support for journalists facing health challenges. His timely interventions and benevolence have provided relief and hope to media practitioners during difficult moments, reaffirming his reputation as a man with a large heart and deep commitment to humanity.

 

 

 

“Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun is not only a successful businessman but also a bridge-builder, a community developer, and a friend of the media. His philanthropic gestures cut across different sectors, touching the lives of the less privileged, empowering youths, and supporting initiatives that promote social development,” the statement read.

 

 

 

NASRE further commended him for his humility, accessibility, and steadfast dedication to nation-building. The Association noted that his life exemplifies hard work, resilience, generosity, and purposeful leadership.

 

As he marks another year of impactful living, NASRE prayed that Almighty God grants him continued good health, greater prosperity, long life, and the strength to continue his humanitarian services to society.

“On behalf of all members of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors, we celebrate an icon, a philanthropist per excellence, and a dependable ally of the media. May this new chapter of your life usher in greater accomplishments and fulfillment,” the statement concluded.

 

 

 

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The Act of God’s Mercy:  A Shortcut from Judgment — Dr. Chris Okafor

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The Act of God’s Mercy: 

A Shortcut from Judgment — Dr. Chris Okafor

….. “God blesses whom He is pleased with, regardless of lies or blackmail.”

When God decides to lift a person, He does not require elections, endorsements, or human recommendations to validate His authority. He acts according to His sovereign will and divine pleasure.

 

This formed the foundation of the message delivered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christian Okafor, during the Grace Nation Partnership Sunday Service held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.

 

 

The Act of Mercy

Preaching on the topic “The Act of Mercy,” Dr. Okafor described God’s mercy as the believer’s shortcut from judgment. According to him, when God extends mercy, He transforms weaknesses into strengths and elevates individuals beyond human expectations.

“What people fail to see in you, God sees,” he declared. “And when He chooses to bless you, no amount of falsehood can reverse it.”

 

The Apostle of Altars cautioned against judging others based on social media narratives or online accusations. While people may judge by public opinion, God judges according to His covenant and personal dealings with an individual. As a result, someone criticized publicly may still be divinely endorsed and blessed by God.

 

“When God wants to promote you,” he said, “He does not consult anyone. He responds to what speaks positively about you before Him.”

 

*How to Access Mercy*

 

Dr. Okafor outlined key steps to accessing divine mercy:

Total Repentance

Genuine repentance and a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ position a believer for mercy and restoration. Accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, he emphasized, opens the door to total recovery.

 

*Prayer*

 

Consistent prayer attracts divine favor. When God’s mercy rests upon a person, lies and blackmail lose their power. Regardless of public criticism, God’s verdict stands firm.

“When God declares, ‘This is My beloved child in whom I am pleased,’ no human submission can overturn it,” he stated.

 

*Service Highlights*

 

The Partnership Sunday Service concluded with a special prayer session for Grace Nation partners worldwide, followed by a fatherly blessing from Dr. Okafor.

 

 

The ministry also announced its annual flagship family liberation conference, “The 2026 Harvest of Babies,” scheduled to hold later in March 2026.

 

Further details will be communicated in subsequent bulletins.

The Act of God’s Mercy: 
A Shortcut from Judgment — Dr. Chris Okafor

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Tinubu, Akpabio Playing Politics With State Police — Banwo ‎

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Tinubu, Akpabio Playing Politics With State Police — Banwo

‎Public commentator Dr. Ope Banwo has accused President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio of engaging in political theatrics over the long-debated issue of state police, describing recent comments on constitutional amendments as “mere choreography.”

‎Banwo, questioned the sincerity of the presidency and the National Assembly following reports that the President asked lawmakers to “start thinking” about amending the Constitution to accommodate state policing.

‎According to him, such language reflects hesitation rather than urgency in the face of what he described as a multi-layered security breakdown across the country.

‎“Nigeria is fighting several different security wars at the same time,” Banwo argued, citing terrorism in the North-East, banditry in forest regions, kidnapping-for-ransom networks, and violent land conflicts affecting rural communities.

‎He maintained that security is inherently local and cannot be effectively coordinated solely from Abuja, stressing that intelligence gathering, trust-building, and rapid response mechanisms are stronger when controlled at the state level.

‎Banwo further argued that if the executive truly desired constitutional reform, the National Assembly would have already begun formal legislative processes, noting that previous executive-backed reforms were passed swiftly.

‎“If this administration wants something, it happens quickly,” he said, suggesting that delays on state police indicate political reluctance rather than procedural difficulty.

‎He concluded that until a constitutional amendment bill is formally tabled and debated, recent remarks should be viewed as political positioning rather than genuine reform efforts.

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