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“EFCC Links Abuja Scam Arrests to Earlier Lagos Cyber Fraud Case

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"EFCC Links Abuja Scam Arrests to Earlier Lagos Cyber Fraud Case"

EFCC Arrests 105 Suspects in Abuja Hotel Review Job Scam Targeting UK Victims

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made another significant breakthrough in its fight against internet fraud, arresting 105 suspects involved in a sophisticated hotel review job scam targeting victims primarily in the United Kingdom.

The arrests were made on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Naka Hall Plaza on Abutu Garba Street, Gudu, Abuja, following actionable intelligence about emerging internet crimes involving foreign nationals. Among those apprehended were four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians. During the operation, 100 compact workstations used in the fraudulent activities were seized.

Inside the Hotel Review Job Scam

The “Hotel Review Job Scam” is a globally entrenched internet fraud scheme that has recently gained traction in Nigeria. Its operation is intricate and designed to exploit unsuspecting victims abroad, particularly in Europe.

The scam often begins with Chinese nationals recruiting tech-savvy Nigerians as Customer Service Representatives. These individuals are given foreign identities and instructed to engage expatriates online, enticing them with the promise of earning $5 for every hotel they review.

Over time, the rewards are increased to $10 per review, building the victims’ trust. Eventually, victims are persuaded to make hotel bookings worth as much as $500, with assurances of reimbursement and added interest through a crypto wallet set up in their names. However, the victims are ultimately unable to access the promised funds, leaving their money lost.

EFCC’s Global Collaboration

Speaking on the arrests, an EFCC spokesperson described the scheme as a complex and internationally linked mechanism for defrauding foreigners. “We are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies globally to uncover the full extent of this operation and dismantle its international networks,” the spokesperson said.

Connection to Lagos Bust of 792 Suspects

This operation follows the EFCC’s arrest of 792 suspected internet and investment fraudsters in Lagos just a month prior. On December 10, 2024, operatives stormed the Big Leaf Building on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, apprehending suspects involved in similar fraudulent activities.

The Commission has indicated that investigations into the Lagos operation are nearing completion, with plans to charge the suspects to court in the coming days.

A Renewed Crackdown on Cybercrime

This latest operation underscores the EFCC’s intensified efforts to combat internet-related crimes, which have gained international attention. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in such schemes, ensuring that Nigeria is no longer seen as a haven for cybercriminals.

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THIS MUFTWANG HAS MUCH TO LEARN by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

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PRESIDENT IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA: AN IRREPRESIBLE ENIGMA AND ENDURING INSTITUTION by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

THIS MUFTWANG HAS MUCH TO LEARN by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

 

Caleb Muftwang, the Governor of Plateau, made a grave mistake by hosting the Ambassador of Israel, an ethno-fascist, genocidal, child-killing, terrorist & apartheid nation in his state. I watched the show of shame & almost threw up.

 

As a Christian how does this Muftwang feel about receiving mass murderers, ethnic cleansers & religious bigots in his official residence?

 

 

More importantly, as a human being, how can he sleep at night after doing this?

 

 

Outside of that does he not know about the role that Israel & her strongest allies are playing in the killings in the North & even in his own state?

 

 

 

Does he not know who is really behind the terrorists that have plagued our nation both North & South?

 

 

Does he not know who is really benefiting from the carnage & land-grabbing?

 

Does he not know that their objective is to plunge us into a civil & religious war whilst they pick up the pieces?

 

 

 

Someone tell him to ask his Zionist friends who created, founded, funds and arms ISIS, ISWAP, Boko Haram, Al Shabab, Al Qaeda & virtually every other terrorist organisation in the world.

 

 

Tell him to ask them who uses these evil forces to divide, destabilise & destroy the foreign nations which they seek to control & dominate.

 

 

 

Tell him to ask them why none of the terrorist organisations mentioned above have EVER attacked Israel or targetted the Israelis?

 

 

Tell him to ask them who funded and sold arms to the Biafrans more than anyone else during our civil war.

 

 

 

 

Tell him to ask them how African Jews from Ethiopia (known as the Falashas) that are seeking to become Israeli nationals are treated in the Zionist state and how they are subjected to and injected with strange and toxic chemicals in order to prevent them from having children and “contaminating” the white/European bloodline of the non-semitic Ashkazi Jews that rule that dark and accursed country.

 

 

 

 

Receiving the emissary of an insensitive & callous beast, a bloodthirsty tyrant, a feral psychopath & a delusional meglomaniac like Bibi Netanyahu & showering accolades on him is an insult to the martyred women & children of Gaza & a big slap on the face of those that are fighting Israeli occupation in Palestine.

 

 

Worst still in doing so the Governor has inflicted a deep spiritual wound on himself & his Government.

 

 

Bringing a Jewish snake into your house will not help you to solve your problems in Plateau state no matter what they promise to do for you: it will only make them worse.

 

 

As they say, “beware of the Greeks, especially when they bring gifts!” The Trojans learnt this lesson the hard way! Let us hope the same fate does not befall you.

 

Meanwhile did your guest tell you that they spit on Christians in his country?

 

 

 

Did he tell you that according to their holy book known as the Talmud, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was a liar and a rogue and is now burning in hell whilst swimming in a pool of human faeces?

 

 

 

Did he tell you that they discriminate against both Christians and Muslims and that they detain and slaughter them like flies?

 

 

 

 

I learnt that the day after he left Plateau state no less than 100 more people were killed by the terrorists: why am I not surprised?

 

 

 

This Muftwang has much to learn!

 

 

(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, the Otunba Joga Orile, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, a former Ministerof Aviation and a former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo)

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Panic in Lagos as Beheaded Body, Second Corpse Found in Idimu

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Panic in Lagos as Beheaded Body, Second Corpse Found in Idimu

Panic in Lagos as Beheaded Body, Second Corpse Found in Idimu

Tension enveloped the Idimu area of Lagos State on Sunday following the gruesome discovery of two lifeless male bodies, one of which was found beheaded along Oladun Road.

The chilling discovery, made in the early hours of Sunday morning, drew a crowd of shocked residents and passersby, many of whom gathered at the scene in disbelief. The bodies, which were lying several meters apart, were believed to have been killed late Saturday night.

One of the victims was identified by residents as “Baba Oja,” a well-known figure in the community. “We woke up to see their lifeless bodies on the road this morning. We cannot immediately identify the one with a severed head but the other person is Baba Oja. He was popular and often seen directing traffic for flashy cars at the Council bus stop,” said Lanre Ajao, a resident.

Another local, Jamiu Raji, pointed to signs of a targeted killing, suggesting possible cult-related violence. “This wasn’t just a random fight. The nature of the killings points to a cult attack. Things like this don’t usually happen here, which is why everyone is shaken.”

The second victim was later identified as another community member, though his name remained unknown at the time of this report.

Residents also expressed concern over the delayed response from authorities. The corpses reportedly remained unattended for nearly ten hours before police operatives arrived at the scene.

Adding to the tension, a resident who requested anonymity alleged that families of the deceased were forced to pay money before being allowed to retrieve the bodies.

Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful. Calls and messages went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has reignited fears of renewed cult clashes in Lagos, reminiscent of similar recent killings in Mushin and the Lantoro area of Abeokuta, believed to be linked to long-standing rivalry between the Aiye and Eiye confraternities.

As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with fear and unanswered questions over the brutal killings.

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Barrister Olakunle Afolabi Joins NASRE As Legal Adviser

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Barrister Olakunle Afolabi Joins NASRE As Legal Adviser

 

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has officially appointed Barrister Olakunle Afolabi, Esq. as its new Legal Adviser.

In a letter addressed to the Lagos-based lawyer, NASRE commended Afolabi’s legal brilliance and steadfast commitment, especially for his fearless defense of four journalists in their recent legal battle against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).

Barrister Olakunle Afolabi Joins NASRE As Legal Adviser

“Your performance reminded us that integrity still breathes within Nigeria’s legal system,” the association stated.

In response, Afolabi expressed gratitude and pledged to serve NASRE with a sense of duty that transcends financial compensation.

Barrister Olakunle Afolabi Joins NASRE As Legal Adviser

“I am truly honoured by this trust. My service to NASRE will be guided not by monetary gain, but by a deep commitment to press freedom, justice, and the rule of law,” he said.

The President, NASRE, Mr. Femi Oyewale applauded the legal luminary for his acceptance to be the Legal Adviser for the association, noting that, the group didn’t take this gesture for granted.

Stating that the group will leverage on his extensive knowledge of the law, to carry out its civic duties legally and professionally, he assured him NASRE support to ensure he excel in this role.

Afolabi, principal at Kunle Afolabi Legal Practitioners, is widely known for his constitutional expertise and advocacy for human rights. His portfolio includes work with Huawei, MTN, Dangote Agrosacks, and notable pro bono service with Avocats Sans Frontières.

NASRE described him as a “fearless defender of human rights” whose legal mind and moral compass align with the association’s mission to defend media freedom and protect journalists.

With Afolabi now on board one of the association’s legal adviser, NASRE says it is confident that its legal and ethical backbone are in the right hands.

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