society

Fraudster Scams Facebook Lover Of Several Million From Ogun Prison

Published

2 years ago

March 16, 2023

Fraudster Scams Facebook Lover Of Several Million From Ogun Prison

Strangely, an inmate said to be on death row at the Ibara Correctional Centre in Ogun State, Femi Oso has been accused of using a romance scam to defraud a yet-to-be-identified lady of N17m in the state.

According to reports, it was gathered that Oso and the victim got connected on Facebook and after chatting with each other for a while, they commenced a relationship.

During the relationship, it was learnt that Oso’s lover, through a Point-of-Sale operator identified simply as Ayoola, paid him money in tranches amounting to N17m.

Along the line, the victim, while assessing her relationship with Oso who reportedly never disclosed his status as an inmate to her, started suspecting foul play and later shared her experience with her yet-to-be-identified sister.

The victim’s sister, thereafter, involved her husband, a serving policeman attached to the Ondo State Police Command, who, on the suspicion of a romance scam, reported the case to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit for investigation.

The policemen trailed the PoS operator to Ibara, Ogun State, arrested him and took him to their operational base in Akure, Ondo State, for interrogation.

It was learnt that during interrogation, Ayoola confessed that the money was for Oso, and mentioned two persons, a school cleaner, Nofisat Adeosun, and Oso’s brother-in-law identified simply as Segun, as people who usually collected money from him on the instruction of the inmate.

Narrating her ordeal on Monday, Adeosun said she was at work when the policemen stormed the premises on February 8, 2023, to arrest her, adding that she was also taken to their base in Akure.

She said, “When the policemen arrested me at my workplace at Ibara Baptist Nursery and Primary School, I asked what my offence was and I was told that they will tell me when we get to their base in Akure.

“When we got there, they told me I was arrested because of N17m fraud committed by an inmate of Ibara Correctional Centre, Femi Oso. I was told the money was paid to Oso through a PoS operator, Ayoola.

“The police had arrested Ayoola and arrested me on the allegation that I knew about the fraud and I said I knew nothing about it. When I asked Ayoola at the station why he mentioned my name, especially when I am not aware of the money, he started pleading.”

The mother of two said she spent about 10 days before she was allowed to call a family friend, Oluwafemi Adekunle, who alongside his relative, Jide Ikumapayi, came to secure her bail.

She, however, explained that the school where she was working as a cleaner terminated her appointment following the arrest.

Speaking on the case, Ikumapayi, while describing Adeosun’s arrest as an unfortunate experience, said the investigation proved that she had no link to the crime.

He added that Ayoola, alongside Oso’s brother-in-law, Segun, who on behalf of his in-law, reportedly collected the N17m from the PoS operator for onward delivery to his sister who was said to still be at large, was also arrested.

He said, “When one of our family members was an inmate at Ibara Correctional Centre, if we want to send him money, we usually sent it to the PoS operator and because the school where Adeosun works is closer to the prison, she usually assisted us in getting the money from the PoS operator to our person in prison.

“That our person and Femi Oso were inmates. After our person completed his term in prison, he left. But because Oso, who is an inmate on death row, was aware that Adeosun usually assisted our person in collecting money from the PoS operator, he pleaded with her to assist him and occasionally she assisted whenever his family sent him money.

“So, when Ayoola, who runs the PoS shop close to the prison was arrested for the N17m fraud, he said he got to know Oso through Adeosun but refused to disclose that Adeosun knew nothing about the N17m. When we got to the police at Akure, Ayoola said it was Segun that collected the N17m from him and not Adeosun and that was how she was released on bail.”

Ikumapayi said an investigation was also extended to the Ibara Correctional Centre to bring in Oso for questioning, adding that he was not released because of his status as an inmate on death row.

He, however, said efforts were on to arrest Oso’s wife, who went into hiding after realising that the police were on her trail.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Command, Funmi Odunlami, while confirming the development, said an investigation into the case was still ongoing.

“When I spoke with the officer in charge of the case, he said the case was ongoing and won’t say anything about it until they are through. He said he wants to finish the case so that those that needed to be paraded would be paraded,” Odulami said.

Contacted on Monday, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service in Ogun State, Victor Oyeleke, after getting a brief of the development from our correspondent, promised to make some findings and get back for a reaction but did not do so.

He refused to take follow-up calls made to his phone number on Tuesday and had yet to reply to two text messages requesting a reaction regarding the case.

However, this is not the first time the NCS will be in the news concerning cases of inmates masterminding fraudulent transactions while serving their term in the custody of the service.

Sometime in November 2019, PUNCH Metro reported that the spokesperson for the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, confirmed that a convicted Internet fraudster, Hope Aroke, who was then serving a 24-year jail term in the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre in Lagos State, allegedly masterminded a $1m scam while in custody.

Related Topics:crime Featured fraudster Society

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NCS, JBPT Intercept Six Pump-Action Rifles and 1,125 Live Cartridges in Oyo State By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

3 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NCS, JBPT Intercept Six Pump-Action Rifles and 1,125 Live Cartridges in Oyo State

By Ifeoma Ikem

The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), Sector 2, South West Zone of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges in Oyo State.

Addressing journalists, the Coordinator of JBPT Sector 2, Mohammed Shuaibu, stated that the unit also arrested 1,507 irregular immigrants between 2019 and 2024. He noted that the briefing marked the conclusion of the ad-hoc unit’s operations since its inception. During this period, the unit seized contraband goods valued at N36.7 billion.

Shuaibu disclosed that the live cartridges were concealed inside sacks containing cassava flakes.

“On December 3, 2024, a patrol team spotted a man fleeing from a stationary Toyota Camry along the Okerete-Odo bush path in Oyo State. The suspicious behavior led to an inspection of the abandoned vehicle. Upon searching the car, six pump-action rifles with the following serial numbers were discovered: 602-H22YT-641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084. Additionally, 1,125 live cartridges were found concealed in sacks containing cassava flakes,” Shuaibu said.

Seizures and Accomplishments

Other notable seizures made by JBPT Sector 2 between August 20, 2019, and December 2024 include:

130,954 bags of foreign rice (50kg each): Equivalent to 218 truckloads.
7,200 kilograms of pangolin scales.
5,575,020 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
11,322 cartons of foreign frozen products.
4,124 bales of used clothing.
4,057 kegs of vegetable oil.
15 pump-action rifles.
280 suspected cases of human trafficking.
480 vehicles.
1,190 modes of conveyance used in smuggling activities.

Shuaibu emphasized that the sector’s efforts also bolstered the Federal Government’s revenue, with N1.140 billion remitted into the Federation Account through the auction of seized petroleum products.

Enhancing National Security

He highlighted that the unit’s activities disrupted the supply chains of illicit goods, thereby enhancing national security by addressing concerns linked to cross-border crimes. Shuaibu acknowledged that JBPT Sector 2 faced several operational challenges. However, he credited the successes to collaboration with critical stakeholders, innovative problem-solving approaches, and effective leadership.

Appreciation and Commendations

Shuaibu commended the dedication of JBPT Sector 2 officers, personnel from component security agencies, and patriotic citizens who contributed to combating cross-border crimes.

“I am privileged to lead a courageous and determined team committed to our nation’s safety and security. Your dedication, bravery, and perseverance have been instrumental to the successes recorded by the team. The tireless efforts towards securing our borders, suppressing smuggling, and intercepting illegal immigrants have not gone unnoticed,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to God, noting that no lives were lost during “Operation Swift Response.”

society

Ewekoro Local Government Strengthens Ties with Community and Celebrates Unity at Recent Events

Published

14 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ewekoro Local Government Strengthens Ties with Community and Celebrates Unity at Recent Events

Ewekoro, Ogun State – December 7, 2024

In a series of significant events underscoring the commitment to community welfare and development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ewekoro Division, led by Division Officer Mrs. Oyebade Folukemi, paid a congratulatory visit to the newly elected Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government Council, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa. This visit, which took place on December 2, 2024, marked a crucial step towards strengthening collaboration between the NSCDC and local government officials, aimed at enhancing the safety and security of the Ewekoro community.

Mrs. Oyebade expressed her congratulations to Hon. Adesina, emphasizing the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting local governance and ensuring a secure environment for residents. The visit served as a platform to discuss strategies for improving safety measures in the area, illustrating the proactive approach of the NSCDC in fostering a safe community for all.

In another notable event, market women from Ewekoro Local Government paid a visit to Hon. Adesina to express their gratitude for his administration’s efforts in empowering local traders. Under his leadership, significant projects have been implemented, including the construction of modern market facilities, such as the 183 lock-up shops at Arigbajo Market. These developments have greatly enhanced the socio-economic activities of market women, contributing positively to their livelihoods and the overall well-being of the community.

Led by Alhaja Ejire, the head of market women, the delegation thanked Hon. Adesina for his unwavering support and commitment to their cause. The discussions during the visit focused on exploring further collaboration to address the challenges faced by market women, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to people-oriented projects that uplift the community.

The strong presence of local leaders during this visit, including Vice-chairman Alhaja Abisola Nuratu Aliyu and other key administration officials, highlighted the unified effort to promote the welfare of Ewekoro’s residents. The Chairman’s administration has earned recognition for its initiatives that significantly impact the lives of market women and the broader community.

Additionally, the recent Obada Day 2024 celebration, held on December 1 at Owiwi Primary School in Obada Ward 10, showcased the unity and love within the communities of Obada Town. Hon. Sikiru Adesina joined dignitaries such as HRM Oba Olufemi Solaja, the Olu of Obada Town, and HRH Oba Kasimawo Ogundare, the Olu of Opelifa, to celebrate this significant event. The celebration emphasized the importance of love, unity, and progress in Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.

In a related announcement, the Ewekoro Local Government has informed all revenue consultants that the 2025 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Sales of Form will commence on December 2 and close on December 13, 2024. Those interested in securing a position are encouraged to purchase the form during this period.

These recent engagements and celebrations reflect Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa’s commitment to fostering community spirit, enhancing local governance, and promoting economic growth in Ewekoro Local Government. As the administration continues to work hand-in-hand with various stakeholders, there is a renewed sense of optimism for the future development of the community.

society

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has raised an alert on the new XEC COVID-19 variant, urging heightened surveillance across Nigeria’s healthcare facilities.

The XEC variant, first identified in Australia, has now been detected in 29 countries and is showing a growth advantage over existing strains. Health experts are concerned about its potential impact on public health.

The warning was conveyed in a letter dated December 5, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. O.N. Anuma.

“I am directed to inform you of the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has already spread to 29 countries globally. This variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health,” the letter read.

Call to Action

Dr. Anuma emphasized the need for immediate vigilance in hospitals nationwide.

“Alert systems should be activated immediately for a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms,” he said.

The ministry also stressed the importance of collaboration among health institutions to monitor the variant and share critical data.

“We urge you to work with relevant stakeholders to implement enhanced monitoring protocols and ensure timely information sharing with the Federal Ministry of Health for effective response strategies.”

Global Spread and Implications

First identified in Germany in June, the XEC variant has since been reported in France, the United States, the UK, Denmark, and other countries. Over 600 cases have been recorded globally, with scientists noting that while the variant has mutations that may aid its spread, vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe cases.