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The former National Deputy Chairman (Southwest) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George has called on the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) to urgently wade into the crises rocking its Rivers and Edo chapters.
The elder statesman lamented that the crisis is assuming an ugly dimension that needs the urgent intervention of the party leaders.
Speaking during a television programme, George said the opposition party’s chances of winning elections in the two states would be undermined if its leaders failed to resolve the lingering disputes in the affected chapters.
Acknowledging the fact that intra-party disputes were not alien to politics, he disagreed with those calling on the party to wield a big stick against some individuals.
He added that disciplining anybody now will not bring the needed solution, but may fuel the crises to consume the party.
Asked if he was not bothered over the political disagreement, George said, “I agree with you and as I follow the gladiators’ utterances, I’m wondering what the BoT is doing regarding the disputes in Edo and Rivers chapters.
“This is a time to forget all the various divides and go to talk to warring factions to resolve the issues. We can resolve our issues.
“While I agree that there will be disagreements here and there in any party, and this happens all over the world; this party is not the private property of any individual for God’s sake. Let the leaders in the BoT rise above those utterances and do the needful. The way it is going is getting disturbing.”
George, who said the fights were capable of hurting the party’s reputation in the eyes of the electorates, said party leaders should do all within their powers to rescue the situation.
“What will the electorate think about us? We want to convince the electorates that though there will be crises, we have the capacity, knowledge and ability to amicably resolve our issues. Let the BoT get up. This is the time they can show that they mean well for the party. It is so disturbing with the level of the crises.
“Unfortunately, the judiciary that should be independent has been dragged into the fiefdom. Now, we have verdicts and counter-verdicts from the courts,” he added.
[Naijanews]
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, shared a remarkable story about his birth, revealing that his mother carried his pregnancy for 12 months due to the influence of witches and wizards.
Obasanjo made this revelation during a drama presentation titled: “Aremu Omo Asabi,” held to commemorate 66 years since the passing of his mother, Bernice Obasanjo.
The event took place at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Obasanjo, in a statement by his media assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, recounted the difficulties his mother faced before his birth, attributing the delay to supernatural forces.
He however expressed gratitude for God’s intervention, which eventually led to his birth.
“I was told I was in my mother’s womb for 12 months, and since I was born, I have not been left for once. She had nine children, but two of us survived, myself and my sister,” Obasanjo shared.
He also noted the challenges his family faced, emphasising that he was the only child who received education due to his father’s belief that educating a female child was unnecessary.
Obasanjo lamented that his mother did not live to see his accomplishments and enjoy the fruits of her labour.
He vowed to support the drama troupe’s ambition to set a Guinness World Record for the longest open drama performance.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun who was represented at the event by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised Obasanjo’s mother, describing her as a foundational figure whose influence persists through her children.
“Mothers will forever be the bedrock upon which the foundation of any society is built,” she said.
She highlighted the sacrifices mothers make and the lasting spirit they impart to their children.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Salu Hundeyin, commended Obasanjo for honouring his mother 66 years after her passing.
He stressed the importance of treating mothers with respect and recognising their critical role in both divine and human contexts.
The event underscored the vital role of mothers and the enduring impact of their sacrifices, and also served as a call to action for society to support and honour mothers, ensuring that their dreams for their children are realised through access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities.
The musical drama, ‘Aremu Omo Asabi,’ performed in celebration of Bernice Obasanjo’s life, was not just a historical recount but also a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of mothers.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the current administration’s commitment to policies that support mothers and their aspirations for their children’s futures.
“This tribute is also a call to action for all of us to honour and support mothers in every way possible. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to create an enabling environment where every mother’s hope for their children can flourish,” Abiodun stated.
[Leadership]
The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, said had his principal, Godwin Obaseki, been reasonable and spoken to him well, he (Shaibu) would have dropped his governorship ambition and allow the governor have his way in order to preserve their relationship.
Shaibu, who described Obaseki as a dictator, said he became more resolved to pursue his governorship ambition after Obaseki threatened he would destroy him if he did not back down.
He maintained that he won the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship primary because he had 381 delegates, who would have voted for him had not not been shut out of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin where the exercise took place on February 22.
Shaibu, who has now defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, spoke on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja.
He said he felt betrayed by Obaseki despite all his sacrifices and loyalty to him.
He said, “The truth is that the issues were all political. I declared to contest for the governor of Edo State. That is where the fight started.”
Looking pensive, the deputy governor told journalists that he did everything humanly possible to pacify his boss to no avail.
“He (Obaseki) said, ‘You cannot contest because I have my plans’. The next thing was that he would destroy me if I continued. For me, no man can destroy the plan of God. As an activist, that day I made up my mind that I was going to contest. As of the time our conversation was on, I was still consulting. I went into the race and I won it because I played high-powered politics. They are not politicians. They rode on our back to where they are. In the politics I played, I actually had 400 out of the 572 delegates.
“A week to the primary, I lost some and had 381. So I brought those 381 on the day of the primary but they were refused accreditation. They took the accreditation tags and gave to their appointees to go and do Aso Ebi reception at the stadium they call primaries. Now, the court has ruled that the delegates I had were the authentic delegates and the ones they brought were fake. So as it is, they have boxed themselves into a corner where I don’t want to go because it is a legal issue.
“We are in court and by the grace of God, I had already been vindicated by two judgments. What is critical is that I want to prove internal democracy must be respected and allowed to play. You can lobby, you can talk to people and people will understand. If the governor had shown leadership, maybe I wouldn’t have contested because I am not a desperate person. My ambition is not inordinate. I have an ambition to fix the state. If somebody else can agree that we collectively fix it, I will follow. But the governor wanted to behave like a military dictator. And for me, we fought. I have captained people that have fought for this democracy. I started from the youth wing. I am sure I am one of the top people you will mention for this democracy that we now have. And for me, I cannot watch this democracy be derailed and allow dictatorship to take control.”
He described as false the claim that he went away with 22 official vehicles after his impeachment.
According to the accountant-turned-politician, the governor bought only one official car for his convoy in the seven and a half years of their administration.
Shaibu said, “The easiest way to have a disagreement is money. Even my official entitlements, most of them I didn’t even apply for them. That is, anything that has to do with going to meet the governor to apply for anything, including my personal or official entitlement. I confined myself within the official salary that came to me. “Recently, I saw an advert that I should return 22 vehicles. Only one vehicle in the seven and a half years that the governor bought for my convoy. Only one. Every vehicle you see in my convoy, some of them, especially the Landcruiser I used for three years with a coat of arm and flag as staff car, the Prado I used as back-up for three years, was the same that I used as the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly.
“It was the third year of his first term that the governor eventually bought a Landcruiser jeep. Even when they were bringing the jeep, it had an accident on the way. We had to change the wheels and it took two weeks for us to fix it. I never made it an issue, because for me, anything that will bring trouble I was able to manage it. I am happy that I gave everything and I was never found wanting. I was not impeached because I stole money, I was not corrupt, or because of incompetence.
“Today, the court has also told us that what they said was gross misconduct was never a misconduct. They said I gave out government secrets. I have worked diligently with this man. I was asked to perform his duty as acting governor and I was able to organise the security system. I have not done anything wrong to warrant impeachment.”
When asked if he could ever forgive Obaseki for treating him as an outcast, Shaibu hesitated before nodding.
He said, “The only person that is perfect is the Almighty God. None of us created by God is perfect. One of the greatest commandments in the world is ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ If all of us can actually take to that commandment, there will be peace in the world. But I have just discovered that there is no perfect relationship with what has happened between the governor and me.
“From my own end, I gave everything. I gave all to have him succeed. Because, for me, it is about the state and the state in everything. So, I gave everything even my official earnings. I forfeited lots of my official entitlement. Why? It is because I didn’t want any trouble or disagreement.”
[Punch]
Amid growing tensions and economic challenges, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has issued a strong warning against a planned nationwide protest under the banner of #Endbadgovernanceprotest, labelling it a premeditated attempt to destabilize the country.
“There is nothing wrong with a peaceful demonstration and a lawful, legitimate protest. What is unacceptable is a premeditated attempt by a group of faceless individuals who are on the payroll of subversive elements to destabilize the country and incite people to violence and carnage,” Fani-Kayode stated.
He expressed concern that the protest, branded as a #nationwidestrike, is an orchestrated effort to provoke the security forces into mutiny and rebellion against the government, thereby threatening the nation’s democracy.
“Those behind it are attempting to take advantage of the undoubtedly enormous economic challenges in the land to create panic, fear, chaos, and mass unrest with a view to provoking anarchy, mayhem, and armed insurrection,” Fani-Kayode continued. “This is unacceptable, and no responsible government will sit back and allow it to happen.”
Fani-Kayode urged the organizers to reconsider their plans and avoid provoking a reaction from the security forces that they might later regret. He cautioned against the risk of igniting a repeat of the #EndSARS protests, which were marked by widespread violence, division, and significant property damage.
“We do not want or need a nationwide #EndSARS-like round of protests, and neither can we afford the attendant violence, strife, division, damage to property, and bloodshed that comes with it,” he said.
Fani-Kayode called for patience and dialogue with the Federal Government as a way forward, advocating for the expression of collective concerns in a lawful, restrained, responsible, and legitimate manner.
“Anything outside of that will be dangerous and counter-productive,” he concluded.
[Vanguard]
President Bola Tinubu says he does not answer to any cabal or moneybag.
While meeting a delegation of Islamic leaders at the Aso Rock villa on Thursday, Tinubu said he bankrolled his electioneering campaign.
“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune,” the president said.
“At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God.
“One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption.
“What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen.”
Tinubu said the planned nationwide protest could degenerate into violence and set the country backwards, adding that its sponsors do not love the country.
“The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports. They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually,” he said.
“We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials.
“We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger.
“We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable.
“The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children.”
Bala Lau, a sheikh and leader of the delegation, said they would keep praying for peace in the country.
[TheCable]
The federal government has announced plans to issue $500 million in domestic foreign currency-denominated bonds in three to four weeks’ time.
Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Edun said this during a quarterly press briefing in Abuja, themed ‘Economic Recovery and Growth: Progress and Prospects 2024’.
He said: “We have an open exchange rate system, it’s not illegal and so we have the issuance of a dollar-denominated security, not depending on the financial architecture of the Western world, not depending on the kind of architecture that you use to raise Eurobonds.
“We’re using the Nigerian financial system, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the banking system, the investment bankers to issue $500 million in the first instance that will be available and will attract foreign currency held by Nigerians abroad and anybody else who buys into the macroeconomic reform efforts of President Bola Tinubu.
“That issue is a challenge to the best and the brightest in the financial markets. It is due to open in the next three to four weeks maximum.”
No Immediate Plans for Eurobonds
Addressing the potential for raising Eurobonds, Edun clarified that the government has no current plans to pursue this route, contingent on the success of the domestic foreign currency-denominated bonds.
The finance minister said: “Right now, depending on the success of that issue, there is no talk of looking to go to the international markets to raise the euro bond.
“It is one of the options that we have. It is the markets are open to us. Our ratings and our performance merit it.
“The market is open to us but we prefer in the first instance to challenge Nigerians to come home with their money and be part of the Nigerian reform success story that we believe that is where the economy is headed.
“Although these are very, very early stages we are in the right direction. We have turned the corner.”
What you should know
- It was earlier reported that the federal government plans to begin the issuance of domestic bonds denominated in foreign currency starting from the second quarter of this year.
- The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, announced the government’s plan to market foreign exchange bonds to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
- Edun, however, explained that the delay in issuing the bonds was due to the government’s desire to establish confidence in its fiscal strategy and earn the trust of citizens who are skeptical of government policies.
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently expressed concerns over the Nigerian government’s strategy to issue domestic dollar-denominated bonds.
- The Fund warns that this move could exacerbate pressures on the naira and elevate the costs associated with naira securities.
- It also noted that the federal government’s plan to introduce domestic foreign exchange securities, intended to enhance dollar liquidity in the official market, could fragment the market.
[Nairametrics]
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the planned nationwide hardship protest against the present administration will not be allowed to hold in the Territory because August 1, 2024, being slated for the protest, has been set aside to honour FCT traditional rulers.
Wike made this known on Thursday while briefing journalists after the FCT Security Council meeting attended by the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, FCTA management team, Area Council chairmen and heads of security agencies domiciled in FCT.
The FCT minister had earlier in the day inspected a road project in Saburi, along the Dei-Dei community of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) where he told residents not to join ‘armed robbers’ to protest.
“Do not go and follow these armed robbers on the road who said they want to protest. There is nothing like protests. Abuja will not be part of it. What you want is good governance and we are willing to give you good governance,” he told the crowd in Pidgin English.
Meanwhile, after the meeting with heads of security agencies in the Territory, the minister said they were all aware of the threat as regards what some people may call ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest.
“We believe that yes, we have the right to protest; we have the right to demonstrate, but all these have to come within the ambit of the law. During this period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country.
“I am aware that there are challenges, and Mr President and his team are working very hard to make sure that those challenges, those problems facing our country are being solved. We know that it is a very difficult period for citizens.
“We urge all Nigerians to also have patience that at the end of the day, we will come out of this economic woes. We have seen the changes in the FCT, we have seen that government is working,” he added.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu has given FCT so much support, which is why they can attest to the fact that there are a lot of changes going on in the FCT, hence they will not allow anybody to set them back.
“We are looking forward to making sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be, as one of the major cities not only in Africa but also in the world. So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace and set us back.
“For those who want to protest on the 1st of August or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest. Fortunately, though, that is the day FCT has set aside, the entire Area Councils will be jubilating to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.
“So, we will not allow that day that the entire FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers for the people to come and rejoice, and then somebody would say that he wants to disrupt us that day.
“We want to make it categorically clear, that the day is a day the entire six Area Councils will be meeting to recognise and give out certificates of honour to their traditional rulers,” Wike declared.
The FCT Minister, therefore, invited residents of the Territory to join them in the celebrations, saying that it was part of the achievements of the FCT Administration and that the whole world should hear them that August 1 was not available for those who want to protest.
[Leadership]
Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has called on the Federal Government to sue for peace ahead of a planned August 1 protest in the country.
Recent reports indicate that various Nigerian groups are planning a nationwide protest from August 1 to 10, dubbed “10 days of rage,” to address the country’s soaring cost of living and economic hardship.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise News on Thursday, the elder statesman called on the Federal Government not to allow the protest to degenerate into violence.
He said, “We’re in a democratic dispensation, and people must be able to express their feelings about the activities of the government. Nigeria is not a private enterprise. If the people are not happy, let me appeal to both the government and those people who are preparing to do this demonstration. Let there be peace. Please, don’t get violent.
“Go out peacefully and explain yourselves. Let the leaders explain to government because, when you listen to the policies of the government, the way they are manipulating and trying to manipulate economic solutions to the problems is mendacious and absolutely manipulative.”
Speaking further, he added that Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, and mishandling of the protest could degenerate into chaos.
“If you are not feeling the impact of your government, they have the right to exercise their voice. But, I want to plead with Nigerians: we are at the edge of total collapse now. Let them handle this issue with decorum, commitment, dedication, and listening.
“That’s why I said on both sides that I want to appeal to those who want to go on strike: please don’t go into violence. I know you are angry because you are hungry. Let them know; let the president himself see it. If we have been telling him stories that don’t add up, let him see,” he added.
Bode George also reiterated his call for restructuring the nation, stating that there’s a need to revisit the country’s constitution.
His words: “Nigeria is not a microcosm; Nigeria is a massive nation. What is the business of the national government in the state management of the state? We need to go and refigure; we need to go and restructure and reduce the impact of federal government, local government, and states.
“If we don’t restructure, we are wasting our time. I retired as a general, and the military organization requires a pyramid. Directives come from the top to the bottom. But in a democratic dispensation, the powers must come from the base to the top.
“Let’s revisit the constitution that was given to us by the military. It looks completely like a military organization. Power must come from the bottom to the top, not from the top down.”
He called on President Tinubu to allow protesters to exercise their rights and not allow the protest to go the Kenyan way.
“So let us be humanistic; let us have the feelings of the almighty God for the grace of our people. Things are not working. Everything is degrading. I’m not saying we should head into what they did in Kenya.
“Nigeria is more civilised than that, but don’t prevent them from exercising their fundamental right to tell you that we are not happy. The government has to be careful, and all the other agencies should follow them, but don’t shoot at them. Anyone who engages in violence should be isolated, apprehended, and taken away.”
[Vanguard]
Kunle Afolayan, the filmmaker, has revealed that some scenes of the second season of ‘Anikulapo’ series will be filmed in Ghana.
‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’, a six-part series produced by Afolayan, premiered on Netflix on March 1.
The mini-series, which was filmed at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) film village in Oyo state, was a sequel to ‘Anikulapo’, the 2022 award-winning film.
In a recent post via his Instagram page, Afolayan disclosed his intention to shoot parts of the forthcoming season in Ghana.
The filmmaker also shared photos from the film location recce in Ghana.
Afolayan said the development is in partnership with Ghana’s National Film Authority.
“Anikulapo series new season. Location recce in Ghana in collaboration with @nationalfilmauthority,” he wrote.
In September 2022, Afolayan released ‘Anikulapo’ as a one-part movie, starring Kunle Remi and Bimbo Ademoye as lead cast.
‘Anikulapo’ tells the story of Saro, a young cloth weaver, who is brought back to life by a mystical bird after he was beaten to death for having an affair with Arolake, the Alaafin of Oyo’s youngest wife.
‘Rise of The Spectre’ became the film’s sequel, spinning off into a series that tells the story of Saro’s return from death. A dazed Saro receives an order from the guardians of the afterlife to complete a task he would deem impossible.
Among the actors featured in the series are Sola Sobowale, Owobo Ogunde, Jide Kosoko, Taiwo Hassan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Lateef Adedimeji.
Others are Layi Wasabi, Eyiyemi Afolayan, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Moji Afolayan, Aisha Lawal, Uzee Usman, Adeniyi Johnson, and Funky Mallam.
‘Anikulapo’ bagged four awards at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) ceremony including the ‘Best Overall Movie, Africa’.
[TheCable]
Popular Nigerian actor, Kevin Ikeduba has opened up on his other plans if he was not in the movie industry.
The talented thespian revealed that he would be a drug baron if he wasn’t an actor.
He disclosed this while featuring on Hip TV programme, ‘Trending,’ recently.
The host, Pascal, asked: “If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?”
Ikeduba replied: “I would be a drug baron if I wasn’t an actor.”
Kevin Ikeduba made his Nollywood debut in the year 2000. He is best known for playing the role of notorious criminal in movies.
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I just felt bad for the masses As Tuber Of Yam Now Cost ₦10,000 – Actress, Caroline Danjuma Laments
AFOLABI
Nollywood actress, Caroline Hutchins has lamented over the increase in the prices of foodstuffs in the country.
In an Instagram post, the thespian stated that she was saddened after a visit to the Sunday market in Ogba, Lagos State.
Recounting her ordeal, Caroline questioned how Nigerians are coping with the expensive food items, stressing that a tuber of yam is being sold at N10,0000, a paint bucket of potatoes at N9,000, a bag of rice at N85,000, and two pieces of Titus fish at N5,000.
Caroline added that she was very sad about the development, noting that she was not so keen on pricing in the market.
She wrote, “I went to Sunday market yesterday, I used to go there with my grandma, nostalgic. Hmmm. How are you all coping? A tuber of yam 10k, a small paint bucket of potatoes 9k, a bag of rice 85k, avocado pear 1k/1.5k (the woman wasn’t smiling before I asked for a discount). Two pieces of Titus Fish 5k. How are you all coping? I was soooo sad I started shopping for my domestic staff inclusive. How are you all coping? I wasn’t so keen on pricing in the market; I just felt bad for the masses.
“Everything is expensive. It is well with us. Just want to take the time to check up on you all today. Maybe we need group sessions for mental and emotional therapy; I am willing to start it up with some of you…
“Sending you all big hugs. The sun will soon shine on us all.”
Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II has reacted to the planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship.
He urged Nigerians to shun the planned August protest even though he knows things are rough.
He expressed optimism that things will get better.
Oba Ewuare II said Nigerians have to give the federal government time to implement its economic policies to solve challenges facing the economy.
In a statement, on Wednesday, by Oba Ewuare’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Benin royal father said the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government needed enough time to fix economic hardship in the country.
The state read in part, “Arising from the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rukers of Nigeria (NCTRN), held in Abuja on Monday, 22 July, the Omo N’Oba wishes to appeal to the general public to give the federal government enough time to implement its economic policies that will alleviate the present hardship being experienced by Nigerians.
“For things to get better, it has to be rough for a while. The Omo N’Oba, therefore, appeals to those that are planning the August 1st national protest to shelve the plan.”
The statement further called on the federal government to intensify efforts in implementing economic and security policies to address the country’s challenges.
“The Omo N’Oba also appeals to the federal government to intensify efforts in implementing of its economic and security policies,” he said.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has launched a major crackdown on ‘Yahoo Boys,’ deleting thousands of Nigerian accounts involved in financial sextortion scams.
The company removed accounts, including a coordinated network of around 2,500 accounts. It revealed this in a report entitled, ‘Combating Financial Sextortion Scams From Nigeria,’
noting that financial sextortion is a horrific crime that can have devastating consequences.
The tech giant highlighted that it removed a set of Facebook accounts, pages, and groups run by ‘Yahoo Boys’ under its ‘Dangerous Organisations and Individuals policy.’
Yahoo boys are online fraudsters whose moniker originated from the email service, Yahoo, which became popular in Nigeria in the 2000s. These scammers are the successors of 419 fraudsters, who used to promise to help strangers get rich through letters and later emails for an advance fee.
A Bloomberg Businessweek exposé in April highlighted the rise of financial sextortion in the US, tracing many scams to Nigeria. Meta explained that financial sextortion is a borderless crime, increasingly driven by the activities of Yahoo Boys, whom it described as loosely organised cybercriminals operating primarily out of Nigeria and specialising in various scams.
Meta has removed 63,000 Instagram accounts in Nigeria linked to financial sextortion scams, including a coordinated network of around 2,500 accounts tied to a group of about 20 individuals.
These scammers primarily targeted adult men in the US, using fake accounts to conceal their identities. Meta used a combination of new technical signals and in-depth investigations by its expert teams to identify and remove these accounts.
“The majority of these accounts had already been detected and disabled by our enforcement systems, and this investigation allowed us to remove the remaining accounts and understand more about the techniques being used to improve our automated detection,” the tech giant said.
It noted that most of the scammers’ attempts were unsuccessful and primarily targeted adults, though they also attempted to target minors. These accounts have been reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
“Since these criminals don’t limit themselves to any one platform, we also share relevant information with other tech companies through the Tech Coalition’s Lantern program, so they can take action too,” Meta highlighted.
In addition to removing Instagram accounts, Meta’s efforts led to the removal of around 7,200 assets, including 1,300 Facebook accounts, 200 Facebook pages, and 5,700 Facebook groups based in Nigeria. These accounts provided tips for conducting scams, offering to sell scripts and guides for scamming, and sharing links to photo collections for fake accounts. Meta noted that its systems identify and automatically block attempts by these deleted groups to return.
“While these investigations and disruptions are critical, they’re just one part of our approach. We continue to support law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting these crimes, including by responding to valid legal requests for information and by alerting them when we become aware of someone at risk of imminent harm, in accordance with our terms of service and applicable law,” Meta stated.
This crackdown comes as Meta faces increased scrutiny over its operations in Nigeria.
The Nigerian agency, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has accused the tech giant of ‘abusive and invasive practices’ against the country’s users through its WhatsApp platform, demanding a $220 million fine. Meta is set to appeal this.
Authorities and operators have recently intensified their efforts to crack down on cybercrime.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), recently announced that the agency had secured 500 convictions in cybercrimes.
In July, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) announced that it dismantled a Nigerian network involved in money mule recruitment and laundering funds from online financial fraud victims across Europe. The operation identified more than 25 syndicate members and was part of a global law enforcement effort targeting West African organised crime groups, including Black Axe. This led to hundreds of arrests, seizure of assets worth $3 million, and the dismantling of multiple criminal networks around the world.
[Businessday]
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made an error in his statement regarding employers affected by the new National Minimum Wage approved by President Bola Tinubu. Last Tuesday, the Senate and House of Representatives passed the new minimum wage bill, which amends two key issues in the National Minimum Wage Act 2019. The legislation increases the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 and shortens the review period from five to three years.
Speaking after the bill's passage, Akpabio claimed that Nigerians cannot pay domestic workers less than N70,000. He stated, "The bill says that if you're a tailor and employ an additional hand, you cannot pay them below N70,000. If you're a mother with a newborn and hire a housemaid, you cannot pay that housemaid below N70,000." He emphasized that this applies to all employers, including those hiring drivers or gatemen.
However, Akpabio's remarks sparked controversy on social media, with many questioning his claim. A review of the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 by The Cable reveals that not all employers are obligated to pay the minimum wage. Section 3 (1) states that every employer with 25 or more employees must pay the national minimum wage. Section 4 exemptions include:
- Part-time workers
- Commission or piece-rate workers
- Establishments with fewer than 25 employees
- Seasonal workers (e.g., in agriculture)
- Workers on vessels or aircraft subject to merchant shipping or civil aviation laws
Verdict: Akpabio's claim that all employers, including those hiring maids or gatemen, must pay N70,000 minimum wage is false. The National Minimum Wage Act 2019 provides exemptions for certain employers and employees.