Category Archives: News

WhatsApp bans 6.8m scam-linked accounts

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WhatsApp says it has banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam centres and introduced new safety features to protect users and prevent fraud on the platform.

The Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East and Türkiye at Meta, Mr Kojo Boakye, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Boakye said the accounts were removed between January and June 2025 as part of WhatsApp’s global strategy to disrupt criminal activity and protect users.

“The fight against scams is relentless, and we are continually evolving our defences to stay ahead of bad actors,” he stated.

He explained that the accounts were banned before the fraudsters could fully execute their plans, thereby preventing potential harm to millions of users.

Boakye said the scams often begin on dating sites or via text messages, before shifting to WhatsApp and eventually directing victims to cryptocurrency or payment platforms.

Many of the scams, he said, involve fake investment opportunities, job offers, or demands for upfront payments with promises of high returns.

According to him, a recent case revealed how a syndicate in Cambodia used artificial intelligence to target victims with convincing fraudulent messages.

Read Also: How $12m was swapped in 10 days in SunTrust Bank -EFCC witness

He said the criminals employed ChatGPT to craft scam messages, which were sent on WhatsApp before redirecting victims to Telegram.

“Once there, victims were manipulated into liking TikTok videos and then pressured into depositing funds into fake cryptocurrency accounts,” he said.

Boakye said the operation was dismantled through a joint effort involving Meta, WhatsApp, and OpenAI.

He also announced new in-app safety tools to better protect users from similar scams in the future.

One feature is a group messaging update that alerts users when added to a group by someone not in their contacts.

Users can then review group details and decide to exit. Messages from such groups remain muted until the user engages.

Boakye added that WhatsApp is also testing new warnings that appear when messages come from unknown numbers.

These alerts provide more context, helping users make safer decisions about who to interact with.

“We believe a safer messaging space is built on strong technology, proactive detection, and user education,” Boakye explained.

He urged users to stay alert and not respond to unknown messages, especially those demanding money, PINs or personal information.

“This reflects our commitment to not only ban malicious accounts but also empower people with tools and knowledge to stay secure,” he added.

Boakye reaffirmed WhatsApp’s commitment to partnering with industry and government to reduce fraud and ensure digital safety for everyone.

(NAN) 

Court remands notorious Lagos suspected assassin ‘Olori Esho’ over multiple murder charges

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Court Remands Notorious Lagos Suspected Assassin ‘Olori Esho’ Over Multiple Murder Charges
A 44-year-old man, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, has been remanded in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre by an Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, over a string of alleged murders and violent crimes spanning more than a decade.

Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola ordered that the suspect be held for an initial 30-day period, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The Nigeria Police Force filed an 11-count charge against the defendant, covering a wide range of offences including conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, membership of a secret cult, possession of a poisonous dagger, grievous bodily harm, threats to life, and possession of illegal arms.

Read Also: Police arraign serial killer ‘Olori Esho’ for alleged murder

According to the police prosecutor, Nosa Uhumwangho, Akinwande and several others still at large allegedly carried out a series of killings and violent attacks between December 9, 2010, and April 5, 2025, at various locations across Lagos State, including Mushin, Idi-Araba, Surulere, and Fadeyi.

In one of the incidents, the defendant, allegedly armed with an AK-47 rifle, was said to have opened fire at No. 11 Mosalashi Street, Mushin, killing two individuals identified as Yusuf Bolakale (30) and Yusuf Ramadan (23).

He reportedly fled to the Alagbado area of Lagos, where he was eventually arrested by law enforcement.

The prosecution also claimed that on December 9, 2010, at Tiamiyu Street, Fadeyi, the suspect shot and killed a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, who was on an errand at the time of the incident.

In a more recent attack on July 31, 2024, Akinwande allegedly participated in a deadly clash between rival cult groups in Idi-Araba, which left six people dead, including individuals identified only as Anyila and Ojajo, alongside four others whose identities remain unknown.

The case has been adjourned pending further directives from the DPP.

Police arraign serial killer ‘Olori Esho’ for alleged murder

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The Police have arraigned a suspected serial killer, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, over the alleged murder of eight individuals and the permanent maiming of a woman in Lagos State.

The 44-year-old defendant was brought before Chief Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola at the Ogba Chief Magistrates’ Court on an 11-count charge.

According to the police, the charges include conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a poisonous dagger, threat to life, possession of international passports, and other dangerous weapons.

Read Also: Police arrest four in Akwa Ibom, recover stolen items

Olori Esho, who is also accused of being part of an unlawful society, was said to have carried out the killings across several parts of Lagos between 2010 and 2025.

During Tuesday’s court proceedings, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The Police Prosecutor, Nosa Uhumwangho, informed the court that further investigation is ongoing and requested the defendant be remanded pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Chief Magistrate Tanimola ordered that Akinwande be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for 30 days in the first instance.

Further hearing has been adjourned while the court awaits the DPP’s legal advice.

Attend classes or lose your visa – U.S. cautions Nigerian students on academic violations

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The United States has issued a strong warning to international students, including Nigerians, about the serious consequences of violating student visa rules.

In a statement released on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria cautioned that students who drop out, skip classes, or abandon their academic programmes without informing their schools could face visa revocation and may also be barred from future U.S. visa applications.

“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programmes of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas,” the message read.

Read Also: Seven Asian countries Nigerians can visit without visa

The mission urged all student visa holders to strictly comply with visa regulations, stay in good academic standing, and always notify their schools of any changes in their enrolment status.

“Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” the U.S. Mission emphasized.

This advisory serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement policies around student visas and the importance of academic compliance for all foreign students studying in the United States.

U.S. introduces $15,000 visa bond for applicants from high overstay countries

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In a renewed effort to curb visa overstays, the United States government has launched a new visa bond policy requiring select applicants to pay up to $15,000 before being granted entry.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the new rule—part of a 12-month pilot program—will take effect from August 20. It mandates that applicants for B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visas from countries with high overstay rates must pay a bond of no less than $5,000, and up to $15,000, as a condition for visa issuance.

The bond will be refunded if the visa holder complies with the terms of their stay and leaves the U.S. before their visa expires. However, it will be forfeited if the individual overstays.

Read Also: Seven Asian countries Nigerians can visit without visa

The State Department noted that the program targets applicants from nations identified in a 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report as having significant rates of visa overstays. While the specific countries affected were not disclosed, the policy is expected to impact multiple regions with historically high overstay statistics.

Those subject to the bond must also enter and exit the U.S. through designated airports.

The Trump administration, since returning to the White House in January, has ramped up efforts to tighten immigration controls. The visa bond initiative, the department stated, forms a “key pillar” of the administration’s strategy to address national security threats posed by visa overstays.

Nigerian Aladejana fatally stabbed in London apartment, suspects in custody

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The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed the arrest and charging of two individuals in connection with the tragic murder of 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, who was fatally stabbed in his apartment in New Cross, southeast London.

According to a statement by the police, a man and a woman have now been formally charged with murder as investigations into the incident continue.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Read Also: Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

Tinubu gifts D’Tigress $100,000 each, flats, OON honours for AfroBasket victory

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, a housing flat, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour for their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday evening during a special reception at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, held in the team’s honour.

In addition to the players, members of the coaching and technical crew each received $50,000, a three-bedroom flat, and the OON national honour.

The reception was attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Wife of the Vice President Hajiya Nana Shettima, and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Read Also: First Lady congratulates D’Tigress on Afrobasket victory

Praising the team’s exceptional performance, Vice President Shettima said:

“You have brought great pride to Nigeria. Your excellence on the court has once again put our nation on the global map for sporting greatness.”

D’Tigress clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title — and seventh overall — after defeating Mali 78–64 in the final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The win extended their unbeaten streak since 2017, cementing their dominance in African women’s basketball.

Monday’s event also drew top government officials, including Senator Garba Maidoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, and Hon. Kabiru Amadou, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports.

This honour comes just a week after President Tinubu hosted a state reception for the Super Falcons following their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Rabat, Morocco.

First Lady congratulates D’Tigress on Afrobasket victory

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The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their victory in the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket Tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mrs Tinubu in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, expressed gladness for the historic winning at the tournament.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the first lady alongside her husband, President Bola Tinubu, while welcoming the Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON title recently, expressed optimism seeing D’Tigress bringing home the trophy as well.

Mrs Tinubu described the victory by the team as an inspiration to every young girl to dream of breaking barriers and making history through hard work and dedication.

Read Also: First Lady pushes for more women in legislature

“I congratulate D’Tigress for this historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Tournament.

“To God be the Glory for yet another victory for Nigeria as you bring home the second trophy won by the nation in two weeks.

“Today, you have written another golden chapter in our dear Nation’s sporting history by defeating Mali to win your fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.

“With this win, you have showcased once again, the unwavering commitment and determination of Nigerian women on the global stage.

“I celebrate you, your discipline, and team spirit. Thank you for making Nigeria proud once again.

Congratulations, my wonderful D’Tigress,” she said.

(NAN)

Only virgins qualify for bride price – Reno Omokri stirs controversy

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Former presidential aide and outspoken social commentator, Reno Omokri, has sparked a fresh wave of online debate after declaring that only virgins deserve to have bride price paid for them. He described any monetary demand for non-virgins as “extortion.”

In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Omokri argued that many people in sub-Saharan Africa misunderstand the difference between “dowry” and “bride price,” noting that the two originate from distinct cultural and religious traditions.

“Dowry refers to the wealth a woman’s family gives her upon marriage — property she brings into her new home. Bride price, on the other hand, is a cultural and religious obligation strictly for virgins,” Omokri said.

Citing biblical references, including Exodus 22:17, Isaiah 62:5, Jeremiah 2:32, and Song of Solomon 4:12, he insisted that Scripture consistently associates the term “bride” with virginity.

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Omokri also drew from Yoruba traditions, particularly the Lukumi aso funfun (white cloth) ritual, used to confirm a bride’s virginity on the wedding night. According to him, if virginity was not confirmed, the bride price was returned and the marriage annulled.

He further referenced the biblical account of King David, who paid a bride price for Michal, daughter of Saul, but none for Abigail, suggesting virginity was the determining factor.

“Bride price for a non-virgin is not only unbiblical, it is exploitation. Demanding large sums from a man’s family in such cases is extortion, not tradition,” he stated.

Omokri also warned that drifting away from traditional moral values could worsen Africa’s social problems, including unstable families and rising STD rates.

In his closing remarks, he criticized white weddings as a European, not African or Christian, tradition — pointing out that in Europe, it is the bride’s family who pays for the ceremony.

3.0-Magnitude earthquake shakes New Jersey, tremors felt in New York

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A mild earthquake measuring 3.0 magnitude struck northern New Jersey late Saturday, sending tremors across parts of the state and New York City, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake occurred at 10:18 p.m., with its epicenter located in Hasbrouck Heights, near Teterboro Airport. Residents in Brooklyn, Westchester County, and even parts of Connecticut also reported feeling the shaking.

The New York City Emergency Management Department confirmed there were no reports of injuries or structural damage. Officials advised residents who experienced the tremor to inspect their surroundings for any hazards, such as fallen debris, shifted furniture, or cracks.

Read Also: Massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia sparks global Tsunami waves

In Bergen County, which includes Hasbrouck Heights, local authorities also reported no major impacts. Social media platforms and neighborhood group chats quickly lit up with discussions, as some initially suspected a gas explosion or fallen tree before learning it was an earthquake.

Bradford Billingsley, a Harlem resident, recounted feeling the tremor while watching TV. “We both felt a sudden jolt and looked at each other and said, ‘Was that an earthquake?’” he told News Access NG.

Geologists note that small earthquakes occur regularly in the New York–New Jersey region but are often too minor to be felt. Quakes of 3.0 magnitude are considered mild and rarely cause significant damage.

The last notable earthquake in the area happened in April 2024, when a 4.8-magnitude tremor shook buildings in New York City and startled residents from Philadelphia to Boston.