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Court jails five internet fraudsters in Benin

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction of five internet fraudsters before Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court in Benin City.

This was disclosed in a statement by the anti-graft agency on Wednesday , noting that credible intelligence exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities

The convicts, Ayo Korede, Ogbemudia Osaretin, Harry Ehimien, Osasumwen Osahenator and Efosa Richard, were prosecuted on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.

One of the charges read: “That you Ogbemudia Osaretin on or about the 31st of July, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, in your iPhone 14 Pro Max, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Prosecution counsel I. M. Elodi, I. K. Agwai, K. Y. Bello, A. A. Ibrahim, Ibrahim Faisal and M. S. Dahiru urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while defence counsel appealed for leniency, saying the convicts were remorseful.

Justice Itsueli sentenced Korede, Osaretin, Osahenator and Richard to two years in prison each or a fine of N200,000, while Ehimien was given two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000, with an option of community service.

The EFCC said,”All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and balances in their respective bank accounts, being the tools and proceeds of their crimes, to the federal government, and further undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.” (Punch)

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Atiku condemns Tambuwal’s arrest, says EFCC now a political tool

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of weaponising anti-corruption agencies to pressure opposition leaders into defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku lamented that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been turned into a political tool.

On Monday, the EFCC detentained former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over alleged financial misconduct, it also invited former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha over corruption allegations during his brief tenure.

Reacting, Atiku claimed Tambuwal’s detention was solely because he is a member of the coalition seeking to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

He stated, “The only reason the EFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition Coalition. It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harrass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.

“The reality unfolding before us today is that the Tinubu administration, as with other aspects, has objectified the fight against corruption as a political tool to coerce opposition leaders into the ruling party.

“We are living witnesses to a growing trend where the state and its operators have assumed the roles of a bully by making corruption and the fight against it a political agenda.

“Certainly, that is not the objective for which I worked hard during our administration to create the EFCC.”

Atiku stressed that while fighting corruption needs everyone’s support, using it as a political weapon must be condemned by civil society and Nigeria’s international partners.

The statement read in part, “It is as though today, anyone who associates with the opposition is a target for phantom corruption allegations and, it is as though, as soon as they are coerced into the political agenda of President Tinubu, their ‘sins’ are forgiven.

“That, definitely, is not how to build institutions. That, certainly, is not how to fight the monster of corruption. Indeed, such tendencies provide the stimulant for corruption to thrive

“We have seen how the EFCC has been used to empty opposition state governors into the ruling party, and the tea party is not about to end anytime soon.

“While the genuine fight against corruption is a matter that requires the total support of all Nigerians, the objectification of it as a political agenda should be roundly condemned by all in civil society spaces and friends of Nigeria in the international community.

Atiku vowed that opposition leaders would resist any anti-democratic attempts to force the nation into a one-party dictatorship. (Punch)

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2027: No politician, including Jonathan, can defeat Tinubu —Presidential aide

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has dismissed speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan posing a threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

He also declared that no politician in Nigeria today has the capacity to defeat Tinubu at the polls.

Bwala, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, was asked if there is a need to worry over the recent clamour for Jonathan to run for office in 2027.

He said, “I see that some unscrupulous elements are trying to hoodwink former President Goodluck Jonathan to come into politics so they can destroy his reputation, which, after he left government, he has been building by becoming an international figure globally.

“And why do I say that? The southern Nigeria where President Goodluck Jonathan comes from, has all turned to us. You have seen governors coming.

The presidential aide also questioned the motives of northern political figures urging Jonathan to run, noting that some of these individuals were instrumental in opposing him during his presidency.

“The elements that are going to him in the north, asking him to come to run, were they not the ones that chased him away?
“So what hope does he have that this time around, they are calling him because they mean well for him? Then look at the political class that is coming together to cajole him to come into politics. I know President Goodluck Jonathan is smarter than that.”

Bwala expressed confidence in Tinubu’s victory should Jonathan runs.

“But if President Jonathan decides to run, let me tell you, I have seen the political climate in Nigeria today, and I will speak to facts, not conjecture. There is not a single politician that has the capacity to knock off President Bola Tinubu.”

With the 2027 polls barely two years away, opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President, David Mark, among several others, are joining forces to sack the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Calls have also been made for former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race, although he has yet to make his position known publicly. (Punch)

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Six arrested over murder in Lagos cult clash

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in connection with the killing of one Kamoru aka Keeper during a clash in the Ebute Meta area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement sent to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, stated that the suspects were apprehended on July 17, 2025, during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the Surulere area of the state.

According to Hundeyin, those arrested include Raphael Ashim, 30; Wasiu Kareem, 33; Sadiq Olabisi, 40; Olamilekan Oluwatosin, 27; Olalekan Olugbodi, 54; and Ibrahim Oladimeji, 22.

He explained that the suspects were allegedly involved in a series of cult clashes in the community and surrounding areas, which also led to the death of the 30-year-old Kamoru.

“On July 17, 2025, detectives attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Surulere, embarked on an intelligence-led operation to the Ebute Meta area of Lagos and arrested one Raphael Ashim, ‘m’, aged 30; Wasiu Kareem, ‘m’, aged 33; Sadiq Olabisi, ‘m’, aged 40; Olamilekan Oluwatosin, ‘m’, aged 27; Olalekan Olugbodi, ‘m’, aged 54, and Ibrahim Oladimeji, ‘m’, aged 22, all of whom were involved in a cult clash in Ebute Meta and its environs, which led to the gruesome murder of one Kamoru alias “Keeper”, ‘m’, aged 30.”

The police spokesperson also noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons.

“The suspects have been charged in court and are awaiting trial,” he added.

A yet-to-be ascertained number of suspected cultists have been arrested in various parts of Lagos State following a major crackdown by the Lagos State Police Command on Monday.

The arrests came barely 24 hours after the command issued a warning against cult groups ahead of the annual “7/7 Cultism Day,” known for rival clashes and reprisals.

Sources who spoke to our correspondent on Wednesday said raids were carried out in areas such as Ikorodu, Idimu, Mushin, Bariga, and Iyana Iba, where the suspected cult members had gathered to mark the day.

The sources added that police recovered some exhibits from them during the raid. (Punch)

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JAMB unveils criteria for underage admission, screens 599 exceptional candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Wednesday said it will begin screening for over 500 exceptional candidates below 16 years of age seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session between September 22 and 26.

The exercise will be conducted by a special technical committee set up by JAMB, according to resolutions reached during a virtual meeting of members on Wednesday.

Speaking during the meeting, Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, said three venues have been selected for the screening: Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri.

He said Lagos will host 397 candidates, Owerri 136, and Abuja 66.

Oloyede, who noted that out of 41,027 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), more than 40,000 did not scale the first hurdle,  explained that the screening is to ensure that only exceptional and well-prepared underage candidates gain admission.

“People have been doing it in other parts of the world. We are not reinventing the wheel,” he said.

During the meeting, a subcommittee led by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja presented its report on the planned assessment, stating that candidates will face subject-specific tests followed by a brief oral interview.

The committee also resolved to request the result details from the West African Examination Council to verify the eligibility of some shortlisted candidates before they appear for interviews.

Participants in the virtual meeting included heads of tertiary institutions, government agencies, civil society representatives, members of the Nigerian Academy of Education, and the principal of Federal Government Gifted Academy, Suleja.

Recall that out of the 1.955 million candidates who sat for this year’s UTME nationwide, 599 scored above 300 but fell below the minimum admission age of 16, prompting the creation of the screening committee.

The policy aligns with the Ministry of Education’s directive setting 16 as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions.

The initiative is designed to ensure that candidates admitted are mentally and psychologically prepared for the demands of higher education.

Four universities,  the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; and Osun State University, have already informed JAMB that they will not admit underage candidates under any circumstances.

JAMB says the policy will balance academic excellence with cognitive maturity, prevent age falsification, and protect young candidates from undue parental pressure.

The Board is targeting only candidates who score at least 320 in UTME (80%), achieve a minimum of 80% in post-UTME, and secure at least 80% (24/30 points) in a single WAEC or NECO sitting. (Punch)

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UEFA Super Cup: Spurs downed in PSG fightback, lost 4–3 on penalties

Tottenham Hotspur, on Wednesday night, lost the 2025 UEFA Super Cup in dramatic fashion, losing Paris Saint-Germain 4–3 on penalties after a pulsating 2–2 draw at the Stadio Friuli.

Thomas Frank’s side appeared to be cruising toward victory when goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero put them 2–0 ahead, only for PSG to mount a stunning late comeback through Lee Kang-in and Gonçalo Ramos.

Spurs struck first just before halftime, Van de Ven reacting quickest amid a goalmouth scramble to fire past debutant PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

Romero then doubled the advantage early in the second half, towering above the defence to nod home following a poorly handled cross.

PSG looked beaten until the closing minutes, when Lee Kang-in’s precise 85th-minute finish breathed life into Luis Enrique’s side.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Ramos pounced inside the box to level, sparking wild celebrations among the Parisian fans.

Under UEFA rules, the match skipped extra time and went straight to penalties.

Tottenham kept their composure, with Solanke, Bentancur and Dembélé finding the net, while goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made the decisive save to deny Mathys Tel. (Punch)

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D’Tigers thrash Madagascar 77-59 in AfroBasket opener

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign impressively, defeating Madagascar 77–59 to claim their first victory in their opening Group B match.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports the team thrilled fans at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, Angola, with an all-round excellent display.

D’Tigers overcame an early scare to secure the win against Southern African side Madagascar.

They led the first quarter 18–14 but lost the second 23–20.

The match was tight at 38–37 midway through when Madagascar mounted a comeback attempt.

The third quarter proved decisive, as Nigeria stretched to a 55–46 lead. By the buzzer, they had extended it to an 18-point victory, 77–59.

Basketball Africa League 2025 winner with Al Ahli Tripoli, Caleb Agada, scored the most points for the 2015 AfroBasket champions.

Agada amassed 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals, recording a game-high efficiency rating of 25.

This was the second AfroBasket meeting between Nigeria and Madagascar since 2011. Then, too, D’Tigers triumphed, with Agada again scoring a game-high 22 points.

Stan Okoye (13 points), captain Ike Nwamu (12) and Kaodirichi Akobundu (10) also played key roles in Nigeria’s success.

Sitraka Raharimanantoanina’s 20 points were crucial for Madagascar but could not prevent Nigeria’s dominant third-quarter performance.

Other Malagasy players in double figures were Kiady Razanamahenina (13 points) and Mathias M’madi (11 points). (Punch)

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Court discharges Comfort Emmason accused of unruly behaviour on Ibom Air flight

An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, on Wednesday discharged Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour and assault aboard an Ibom Air flight.

Presiding Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge against Emmanson after the police formally withdrew the case.

The charges had alleged that Emmanson disrupted the peace on board the flight, assaulted a crew member, and conducted herself in a manner capable of breaching public order. She had pleaded not guilty at her arraignment.

However, during today’s proceedings, Police Prosecutor Oluwabunmi Adeitan informed the court that the complainant and the airline were no longer interested in pursuing the matter.

She applied for the withdrawal of the case, citing instructions from the police authorities.

Following the application, Magistrate Salami granted the request and ordered Emmanson’s discharge. (Vanguard)

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Gaza talks to focus on releasing hostages all in one go, Netanyahu hints

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Gaza ceasefire efforts are now focused on a comprehensive deal to release all the remaining hostages at once.

The plan previously being pushed was for an initial 60-day truce and partial release of living hostages.

Hamas says a delegation of its leaders is in Cairo for “preliminary talks” with Egyptian officials.

Reports say that mediators see a window of opportunity in the coming weeks to try to push a deal through.

After indirect talks between Israel and Hamas broke down last month, Israel announced a controversial plan to widen its military offensive and conquer all the Gaza Strip – including the areas where most of its two million Palestinian residents have sought refuge.

However, Israeli media do not expect the new operation to begin until October – allowing time for military preparations, including a mass call-up of reservists.

Meanwhile, intense Israeli strikes have continued in Gaza, and the Hamas-run health ministry said at least 123 Palestinians have been killed in the past day.

Witnesses say that Israel has stepped up its attacks on Gaza City in particular with air strikes destroying homes.

Footage shows large explosions caused by the strikes and demolitions in the Zaytoun area, to the east of Gaza City.

Early on Wednesday, al-Shifa Hospital said seven members of one family, five of them children, were killed when tents were targeted in Tel al-Hawa, in the south of the city. Al-Ahli Hospital said 10 people were killed in a strike on a house in the Zaytoun area, to the city’s east.

The Israeli army said it had begun new operations in Zaytoun.

Israeli military chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir also “approved the main framework for the IDF’s operational plan in the Gaza Strip”, a statement released by the army said.

In an interview with the i24News Israeli TV Channel shown on Tuesday, Netanyahu was asked if a partial ceasefire was still possible.

“I think it’s behind us,” he replied. “We tried, we made all kinds of attempts, we went through a lot, but it turned out that they were just misleading us.”

“I want all of them,” he said of the hostages.”The release of all the hostages, both alive and dead – that’s the stage we’re at.”

Palestinian armed groups still hold 50 hostages taken in the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023 that triggered the war. Israel believes that around 20 of them are still alive.

Netanyahu is under mounting domestic pressure to secure their release as well as over his plans to expand the war.

Last week, unnamed Arab officials were quoted as saying that regional mediators, Egypt and Qatar, were preparing a new framework for a deal that would involve releasing all remaining hostages at the same time in return for an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

However, this will be difficult to do in a short time frame as Israel is demanding that Hamas give up control of Gaza as well as its weapons.

This is likely to be why, at a news conference on Tuesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told journalists that Cairo was still “making great efforts” with Qatar and the US – the other mediators – to revive the earlier phased plan.

“The main goal is to return to the original proposal – a 60-day ceasefire – along with the release of some hostages and some Palestinian prisoners, and the flow of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza without obstacles or conditions,” Abdelatty said.

The Israeli prime minister says Israel’s goals have not changed. He says that the war will end only when all hostages are returned and Hamas surrenders.

Netanyahu has said that, ultimately, Israel must keep open-ended security control over Gaza. (BBC)

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Police arrest motorcyclist with three human skulls in Ogun

The Police Command in Ogun says it has arrested Kadir Owolabi, a motorcycle rider, who was allegedly in possession of three human skulls.

CSP Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

Odutola said that a search of his luggage by mobile police officers led to the shocking discovery of three human skulls.

She said that the routine stop and search operation was conducted by operatives from 71 PMF, Awa Ijebu, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, on the Ijebu Ode-Ibadan Expressway at Refugees Camp Junction, Oru Ijebu.

“During the exercise, officers intercepted Kadir Owolabi, who was riding a motorcycle. A search on his luggage led to the shocking discovery of three human skulls.

“Preliminary investigation subsequently led to the arrest of another suspect, Jamiu Yisa, aged 53, behind Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat,” she said.

Odutola said that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case for discreet investigations.

The spokesperson added that the command reiterated its commitment to decisive action against crime.

She urged residents to cooperate with the police while assuring members of the public of trust, confidentiality, and identity protection. (Punch)