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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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Viral “Chat With God” Claim Targeting Kenyan Prophet David Owuor Proven False

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Viral “Chat With God” Claim Targeting Kenyan Prophet David Owuor Proven False By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Viral “Chat With God” Claim Targeting Kenyan Prophet David Owuor Proven False

By George Omagbemi Sylvester, SaharaWeeklyNG

 

“Viral screenshot sparks national controversy as the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness dismisses fabricated “divine” WhatsApp exchange, raising urgent questions about faith, digital misinformation, and religious accountability in Kenya.”

A sensational social media claim that Kenyan evangelist Prophet Dr. David Owuor displayed a WhatsApp conversation between himself and God has been definitively debunked as misinformation, sparking national debate over digital misinformation, religious authority and faith-based claims in Kenya.

On February 18–19, 2026, an image purporting to show a WhatsApp exchange between a deity and Prophet Owuor circulated widely on Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp groups and TikTok. The screenshot, allegedly shared during one of his sermons, was interpreted by many as illustrating unprecedented direct communication with the divine delivered through a mainstream messaging platform; a claim that, if true, would have broken new ground in how religious revelation is understood in contemporary society.

However, this narrative quickly unraveled. Owuor’s Ministry of Repentance and Holiness issued an unequivocal public statement calling the image “fabricated, baseless and malicious,” emphasizing that he has never communicated with God through WhatsApp and has not displayed any such digital conversation to congregants. The ministry urged the public and believers to disregard and stop sharing the image.

Independent analysis of the screenshot further undermined its credibility: timestamps in the image were internally inconsistent and the so-called exchange contained chronological impossibilities; clear indicators of digital fabrication rather than an authentic conversation.

This hoax coincides with rising scrutiny of Owuor’s ministry. Earlier in February 2026, national broadcaster TV47 aired an investigative report titled “Divine or Deceptive”, which examined alleged “miracle healing” claims associated with Owuor’s crusades, including assertions of curing HIV and other chronic illnesses. Portions of that investigation suggested some medical documentation linked to followers’ health outcomes were fraudulent or misleading, intensifying debate over the intersection of faith and public health.

Credible faith leaders have weighed in on the broader context. Elias Otieno, chairperson of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), recently urged that “no religious leader should replace God or undermine medicine,” affirming a widely accepted Christian understanding that divine healing does not supplant established medical practice. He warned against unverified miracle claims that may endanger lives if believers forego medical treatment.

Renowned communications scholar Professor Pippa Norris has noted that in digital societies, “religious authority is increasingly contested in the public sphere,” and misinformation (intentional or accidental) can quickly erode trust in both religious and secular institutions. Such dynamics underscore the importance of rigorous fact-checking and responsible communication, especially when claims intersect profoundly with personal belief and public well-being.

In sum, the viral WhatsApp chat narrative was not a revelation from the divine but a striking example of how misinformation can exploit reverence for religious figures. Owuor’s swift repudiation of the false claim and broader commentary from established church bodies, underline the ongoing challenge of balancing deeply personal faith experiences with the evidence-based scrutiny necessary in a digitally connected world.

 

Viral “Chat With God” Claim Targeting Kenyan Prophet David Owuor Proven False
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

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HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT

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HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT

 

The Association of Models (AOMNGO) proudly announces the successful completion of the first edition of Hope Beyond the Walls 2026, a humanitarian initiative dedicated to restoring hope and freedom to deserving inmates.
Despite enormous challenges, financial pressure, emotional strain, and operational stress, the organization remained committed to its mission. Through perseverance, faith, and collective support, one inmate has successfully regained freedom a powerful reminder that hope is stronger than circumstance.
This milestone did not come easily.
Behind the scenes were weeks of coordination, advocacy, fundraising, documentation, and intense engagement. There were moments of uncertainty, but the determination to give someone a second chance kept the vision alive.
Today, the Association of Models gives heartfelt appreciation to all partners and sponsors, both locally and internationally, who stood with us mentally, financially, morally, and physically.

Special Recognition and Appreciation To:

Correctional Service Zonal Headquarters Zone A Ikoyi

Esan Dele

Ololade Bakare

Ify
Kweme
Taiwo & Kehinde Solagbade
Segun
Mr David Olayiwola
Mr David Alabi
PPF Zion International
OlasGlam International
Razor
Mr Obinna
Mr Dele Bakare (VOB International)
Tawio Bakare
Kehinde Bakare
Hannah Bakare
Mrs Doyin Adeyemi
Shade Daniel
Mr Seyi United States
Toxan Global Enterprises Prison
Adeleke Otejo
Favour
Yetty Mama
Loko Tobi Jeannette
MOSES OLUWATOSIN OKIKIADE
Moses Okikiade
(Provenience Enterprise)

We also acknowledge the numerous businesses and private supporters whose names may not be individually mentioned but whose contributions were instrumental in achieving this success.

Your generosity made freedom possible.

A CALL TO ACTION
Hope Beyond the Walls is not a one-time event. It is a movement.
There are still many deserving inmates waiting for a second chance individuals who simply need financial assistance, legal support, and advocacy to reunite with their families and rebuild their lives.

The Association of Models is therefore calling on:
Corporate organizations
Local and international sponsors
Philanthropists
Faith-based organizations
Community leaders
Individuals with a heart for impact
to partner with us.

Our vision is clear:
To secure the release of inmates regularly monthly, quarterly, or during special intervention periods through structured support and transparent collaboration.

HOW TO SUPPORT
Interested partners and supporters can reach out via
Social Media: Official Handles Hope In Motion
Donations and sponsorship inquiries are welcome.

Together, we can turn difficult stories into testimonies of restoration.

ABOUT AOMNGO
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) is a humanitarian driven organization committed to advocacy, empowerment, and social impact. Through projects like Hope Beyond the Walls, the organization works tirelessly to restore dignity and create opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance.

“When we come together, walls fall and hope rises.”
For media interviews, partnerships, and sponsorship discussions, please contact the Association of Models directly.

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SENATOR ADEOLA YAYI REGISTERS 4000 JAMB CANDIDATES 

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SENATOR ADEOLA YAYI REGISTERS 4000 JAMB CANDIDATES 

 

In continuation of his educational support initiatives and following established tradition, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC,Ogun West) has successfully paid for and enrolled 4000 indigent students for the 2026 Joint Admission Matriculation Board(JAMB) examination.

 

According to a release e-signed and made available to members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) by High Chief Kayode Odunaro, Media Adviser to Senator Adeola and shared with (your mediu), the programme financed by the senator under the “SEN YAYI FREE JAMB 2026” ended on Saturday , February 21, 2026, with a total of 4000 candidates successfully enrolled with their PINs provided.

 

Commenting on the success of the programme, Senator Adeola said the programme is another leg of his personal educational empowerment for indigent but brilliant citizens preparatory to his scholarship and bursary facilitation for tertiary education institutions’ students.

 

“As far as I can help it, none of our children will miss educational opportunities arising out of adverse economic predicament of their parents or guardians”, he stated.

 

Successful candidates cut across all the three senatorial districts of Ogun State with 2183 coming from Ogun West, 1358 coming from Ogun Central and 418 from Ogun East.

 

Some of the candidates that applied and are yet to get their PINs due wrong information supplied in their profiles and being underage as discovered by JAMB and other reasons are being further assisted to see the possibility of getting their PINs.

 

The Free JAMB programme of the Senator that has been running for years is well received by appreciative beneficiaries and their parents.

 

Alhaji Suara Adeyemi from Ipokia Local Government whose daughter successfully got her PIN in the programme said the Senator’s gesture was a welcome financial relief for his family at this period after payment of numerous school fees of other siblings of the beneficiary seeking admission to higher institution.

 

Also posting on the social media handle of the Senator, a beneficiary Mr. Henry Olaitan, from Odeda LGA said that he would have missed doing the entry examination as his guardian cannot afford the fees for himself and two of his children.

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