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In a major victory against cybercrime and cryptocurrency fraud, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 193 foreign nationals during a sweeping operation aimed at dismantling an international criminal network in Lagos.

The operation, which took place last Tuesday at the Big Leaf Building on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, resulted in the arrest of 792 individuals. Among them, the 193 foreigners are suspected of engaging in a range of online fraud activities, including cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.

EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, speaking at a press conference at the agency’s Lagos Zonal Directorate, confirmed that the foreign suspects included 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, and others from Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Olukoyede was represented by Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, who detailed the scope of the operation.

The building, which appeared to be a legitimate corporate office, served as a training hub for Nigerian accomplices, who were taught to perpetrate fraud through fake online identities.

The syndicate’s activities centered on coaching Nigerians to lure unsuspecting victims into investment scams, using platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram.

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They led victims to a fraudulent website, www.yooto.com, where they were encouraged to make “activation” payments, starting at $35. Once the victims were hooked, the foreign masterminds took full control of the scam, leaving their Nigerian partners out of the final stages of the fraudulent transactions.

According to Olukoyede, the facility was equipped with high-end desktop computers on each floor, with the fifth floor alone containing over 500 SIM cards linked to Nigerian telecom networks.

The foreign nationals manipulated these resources to train their Nigerian associates in the art of online deception, further embedding their operations in Nigeria’s already tarnished reputation as a hub for cybercrime.

In addition to the foreign suspects, the EFCC also seized a variety of items from the raid, including computers, mobile phones, laptops, and vehicles.

These materials are now under forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

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Olukoyede emphasised that while the scam was orchestrated by international criminals, it was important to highlight that not all frauds tied to Nigeria were committed by Nigerians, challenging the misconception that the country was the sole source of such illicit activities.

The EFCC chief also reassured the public that the commission is working with international partners to uncover the syndicate’s global network and bring all perpetrators to justice.

The suspects are being held under valid remand warrants and will face prosecution in due course.

“This operation sends a resounding message that criminals—whether local or foreign—will not find refuge in Nigeria,” Olukoyede said.

“We are committed to ensuring that those who attempt to exploit Nigeria for illegal activities will face the full force of the law.”

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The EFCC remains resolute in its fight against financial crimes, aiming to restore the country’s global standing while securing justice for victims across the world

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BREAKING; Dangote announces significant reduction in petrol price per litre

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BREAKING; Dangote announces significant reduction in petrol price per litre

Dangote reduces petrol price Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has once again reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, marking the second price cut this month.

The company disclosed this in statement signed by its Head of Media Communications, Mr Anthony Echiejina, Wednesday in Lagos.

It explained that the company had reduced the price by N65, from the previous N890 per litre, bringing it down to N825 per litre at the gantry (ex-depot).

This follows a N60 reduction earlier in February.

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The company noted that the ex-depot price had dropped from N950 per litre in January to N825 per litre, reflecting a N125 reduction over the past 26 days.

“This recent price adjustment is expected to ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos.

“The new price will take effect from Thursday, February 27, and is aimed at providing much-needed relief to Nigerians, particularly in light of the upcoming Ramadan season.

“This strategic price adjustment is designed to offer essential relief to Nigerians during Ramadan while supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policies by easing the financial burden on the populace,” the statement read.

It further highlighted that Dangote Petroleum Refinery had consistently lowered petrol and other refined petroleum product prices for the benefit of Nigerians.

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The statement said that this price reduction marked the second time this month that PMS prices had been slashed, following a N60 decrease earlier in February.

It said, “In December 2024, during the holiday season, the refinery reduced petrol prices by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its ongoing commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief during the festive period.”

The refinery emphasised that previous reductions had a positive impact on the overall cost of living and helped prevent the typical fuel shortages and price hikes associated with the holiday season.

Dangote also assured that its high-quality products, which had gained popularity both domestically and internationally, would remain available nationwide through its key partners, MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden, at market-friendly rates.

The statement outlined the following prices for Dangote petrol at various retail outlets:

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MRS Holdings stations: N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 in the South-West, N880 in the North, and N890 in the South-South and South-East regions.

AP (Ardova Petroleum) and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 in the South-West, N885 in the North, and N895 in the South-South and South-East regions.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery also assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby contributing to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

It called on marketers to support the initiative, ensuring that Nigerians are the primary beneficiaries of these efforts.

It emphasised that such collective actions would contribute to the broader economic recovery plan, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a major oil export hub.

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has successfully exported its products to Europe, America, Asia, and other regions, recently supplied jet fuel to Saudi Arabia.

The refinery has confirmed it holds over 500 million litres of petrol in storage, enough to meet Nigeria’s petrol demand for several days.

Additionally, the refinery’s capacity of 650,000 barrels per day surpasses Nigeria’s average daily petrol requirement of 385,000 barrels. (NAN)

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Command CP orders removal of DPO over crime rate

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Command CP orders removal of DPO over crime rate

Delta State’s Police Commissioner, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has announced the redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogwashi-Uku.

The redeployment follows a disturbing surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in the area.

The decision came in response to widespread complaints circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, highlighting the worsening security situation in Ogwashi-Uku, located in Aniocha South LGA.

In an effort to tackle the rising crime rates, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations, Aina Adesola, has been tasked with deploying tactical units to the region.

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These units include specialized teams such as Dragon Patrol, Eagle-Net, and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), which have been strategically positioned to combat criminal activities.

Additionally, the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad (SAKCCS) has been directed to relocate to Ogwashi-Uku, adopting an intelligence-driven strategy to track down, arrest, and prosecute those behind the criminal acts.

The State Intelligence Department (SID) has also been mobilized to conduct undercover operations and gather critical intelligence to further disrupt the criminal network in the area.

Abaniwonda reassured Delta residents of his unwavering commitment to ensuring their safety, emphasizing that the security of lives and property remains the police’s top priority.

He urged the public to stay alert, report any suspicious activity, and collaborate with law enforcement to help restore peace.

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For immediate security concerns, the police command has provided emergency contact numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.

The Police Commissioner also warned criminals that Delta State would not tolerate lawlessness, promising zero tolerance for criminal activities.

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Pastor arrested by Police operatives over alleged murder of 7-year-old Boy

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Pastor arrested by Police operatives over alleged murder of 7-year-old Boy

A 45-year-old pastor named Ijebor Simon and a 23-year-old named Destiny Okojabhole have been taken into custody by Edo State Police Command operatives for the alleged murder of a seven-year-old boy named Evans Okojabhole in Irrua, Esan Central LGA.

This was revealed by Moses Yamu, the Command’s spokesperson, in a statement provided to reporters in Benin City on Wednesday.

According to Yamu, John Okhojibole of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street, in Irrua, reported the case of the minor’s suspected murder to the Irrua Divisional Headquarters.

According to him, the incident was reported at approximately 1:45 PM on February 22, 2025.

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John Okhojibole, the complainant, claims that 24 hours after his kid was reported missing, the remains of his seven-year-old son were found in the bush near their home, with his feet severed and his stomach torn open.

According to a spokeswoman for the Command, the two suspects were taken into custody by Irrua Divisional Headquarters agents during initial investigations.

According to him, the case has been forwarded for additional investigation to the State Criminal Investigations Department Benin-City.

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