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Nigerian, Girlfriend And 12 Others Arrested For Romance Scam

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Nigerian, Girlfriend And 12 Others Arrested For Romance Scam

Nigerian, Girlfriend And 12 Others Arrested For Romance Scam

 

 

 

 

Royal Thai Police have arrested a 45-year-old Nigerian man and 13 Thais for operating a covert romance scam.

 

 

The Nigerian national identified as Ezeneche Uzochukwu Jerome, his Thai girlfriend, and other suspects were arrested on Thursday, August 24, 2023, following police operations across seven provinces

 

Nigerian, Girlfriend And 12 Others Arrested For Romance Scam

According to the police, the scam operation managed to deceive hundreds of victims across Thailand out of over 8000 million baht in the past four years.

 

 

The Commissioner of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) Montri Tatekhan, in a statement on Friday, August 25, explained that the victims filed a complaint against a romance scam gang at the beginning of 2022.

 

 

The victims revealed to officers that the scammers used profiles of attractive foreign women to approach them on social media.

 

The scammers informed them that they were American soldiers performing duties in Syria. After gaining the trust of the victims, they would express their desire to come to Thailand to see the victims.

 

Nigerian, Girlfriend And 12 Others Arrested For Romance Scam

However, before their journeys, they would inform the victim that they sent gifts or some parcels into Bangkok, via the airports.

Then, they would lure the victims into paying taxes or other relevant expenses for them in advance and they would return it when they meet each other.

A group of Thai scammers then contacted the victims pretending to be airport authorities and demanded money for the alleged parcel-receiving process.

After getting the amount they wanted, the scammer would disappear and block all the contact channels with the victims.

The police conducted a further investigation until they managed to identify the gang leader, 45-year-old Ezeneche Uzochukwu Jerome. Jerome had been previously charged with a love scam in 2018 but managed to re-engage in the illicit operation.

After an investigation into the gang’s financial transactions, the officer discovered that each scammer would immediately transfer money from the victim into an account aboard.

From 2018 to 2022, the gang managed to extort over 800 million baht from victims and deposit it into a foreign bank account.

Since the criminal action was backed and proven by several damning pieces of evidence, officers conducted raids on 14 suspicious spots across the country, including seven spots in Bangkok, one spot in Pathum Thani, two in Pitsanuloak, one in Uthai Thani, one in Uttaradit, one in Kamphaeng Phet, and one in Pichit.

During the operation, an officer arrested 14 suspects behind the scams, including the gang leader Jerome and 13 Thais.

Officers also seized 11 mobile phones, 10 bank accounts, 18 debit cards, two computers, two Channel bags, and several documents involved in the financial transactions to work abroad.

The Nigerian man’s girlfriend claimed that they were no longer together.

According to her, after breaking up, the man invited her to join the gang. She could not refuse because of her financial struggles and unemployment.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Grace Nation Anointing Service: “Where There Is No Thanksgiving, There Is No Future” – Dr. Chris Okafor

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December 8, 2024

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Grace Nation Anointing Service: “Where There Is No Thanksgiving, There Is No Future” – Dr. Chris Okafor

“You can never lack multiplication where there is thanksgiving.”

In today’s world, thanksgiving is becoming increasingly scarce. A lack of gratitude leads to stagnation and decline, reflecting the challenges of perilous times.
This profound truth was emphasized by Dr. Chris Okafor, the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation worldwide, during the Grace Nation Anointing Service: December to Remember. The service was held at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
Grace Nation Anointing Service: “Where There Is No Thanksgiving, There Is No Future” – Dr. Chris Okafor
Speaking on the sub-topic, Understanding the Virtue of Thanksgiving, Dr. Chris Okafor described thanksgiving as a vital expression of gratitude and a powerful tool for accessing more blessings. According to him, giving thanks signals to God that you appreciate His blessings and are open to receiving more.
The Power of Thanksgiving
Dr. Okafor outlined the transformative power of thanksgiving, highlighting the following:
Sustainability of Blessings: Thanksgiving ensures that current blessings are sustained. A thankful heart secures the blessings you already have and creates room for more.
Unlocking Future Blessings: Your future blessings are tied to your gratitude today. Without thanksgiving, blessings can wither, and opportunities can be lost.
“What you celebrate today may not be there tomorrow if you fail to give thanks,” Dr. Okafor warned.
How and When to Give Thanks
Dr. Okafor advised the congregation to practice continuous thanksgiving, citing Psalm 34:1, which says, “I will bless the Lord at all times.” He explained that a lifestyle of gratitude brings unlimited blessings and divine interventions.
“When you follow scriptural principles,” he said, “you enjoy scriptural blessings. Therefore, in every situation, give thanks—even in the face of challenges.”
The service culminated in moments of intense worship and prophetic thanksgiving. Congregants danced, sang praises, and expressed gratitude, creating an atmosphere for divine encounters.
Miracles and Deliverance
The anointing service witnessed numerous miracles and deliverances. Dr. Okafor, moving in the prophetic realm, led prayers that freed individuals from untimely death, evil projections, and spiritual afflictions. Some congregants testified to receiving miraculous healings and breakthroughs.
Remarkably, mothers awaiting children were blessed with last-minute miracle babies, affirming God’s faithfulness to the Grace Nation family.
Upcoming Thanksgiving Service
The Annual End-of-Year Thanksgiving Service for Grace Nation citizens worldwide is scheduled for December 15, 2024. This special event provides an opportunity for members to gather in gratitude for God’s protection and blessings throughout the year.
Dr. Okafor emphasized the significance of thanksgiving in the lives of believers, stating that “God values and multiplies blessings for a thankful heart.”

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Afe Babalola’s Chambers Expresses Gratitude, Emphasizes the Need for Legal Action

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December 8, 2024

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Afe Babalola’s Chambers Expresses Gratitude, Emphasizes the Need for Legal Action

Afe Babalola’s Chambers Expresses Gratitude, Emphasizes the Need for Legal Action

In the wake of allegations made by activist Dele Farotimi, Afe Babalola’s Chambers has, for the first time, issued an official statement addressing the controversy. The statement, signed by Adebayo Adenipekun, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), expressed gratitude to those who have shown support and outlined the rationale behind the Chambers’ decision to pursue legal action.
Afe Babalola’s Chambers Expresses Gratitude, Emphasizes the Need for Legal Action
The statement reads: “We appreciate everyone who has called, messaged, defended, and stood by us regarding the attempt by Mr. Dele Farotimi to tarnish the hard-earned reputation that we have built over several decades.”
Adenipekun explained that remaining silent in the face of such allegations could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. He stated, “While some have suggested that we ignore these falsehoods, we believe that failing to respond would only validate the reckless and malicious claims made by the author.”
The Chambers reaffirmed its commitment to operating within the bounds of the law, while highlighting the importance of addressing these defamatory statements. “As a law-abiding organization, we understand the implications of our actions and the potential for misrepresentation by the author, his supporters, and uninformed members of the public. Nonetheless, we are determined to uphold the integrity and reputation of our Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CFR, SAN, LLD, which has been built on decades of hard work, legal expertise, and unwavering advocacy.”
The statement further emphasized that freedom of speech comes with responsibility. “While the Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights, these rights are not absolute. The freedom to speak does not exempt one from the consequences of their speech. Those targeted by defamatory statements have a corresponding right to seek redress through lawful means.”
Given the legal proceedings underway, the Chambers refrained from discussing specific details of their case against Mr. Farotimi. “Since the matter is sub judice, we will not debate the merits of our complaint or the evidence against Mr. Farotimi in the media. Unlike him, we place unwavering faith in the justice system, regardless of the outcome. Over six decades of litigating across Nigeria, we have faced numerous competent lawyers who have prevailed against us in court. This record disproves Mr. Farotimi’s baseless accusations and underscores our confidence that justice will ultimately prevail through the legal process—not media tactics or public theatrics.”
The Chambers concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and its enduring legacy of championing justice

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

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December 8, 2024

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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.”

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

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