Reports
Biafra V Nigerian Military US Suit: How It All Started [Last Part]
The US Lawyers in another group photograph with attendants of the joint meeting of the elders’ forum/traditional rulers/Igbo intelligentsia/Igbo civil society/human rights organizations held in Enugu on 21st August 2017; and 3
Int’l Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law had two days ago (1st September 2017) released the first part of this statement; tracing the genesis of the civil action suit underlined above to the 11th and 16th November 2015 announcement by the Nigerian Military of violent crackdowns on unarmed and defenseless pro Biafra campaigners in the South-south and the Southeast Nigeria.
The People of the two geopolitical zones and their territories are formerly called “the People and the Region of Eastern Nigeria”.
Recall, too, that the referenced declaration of military violence was immediately followed by another order made by then Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, who ordered his Zonal Commanders and State Commissioners of Police in the two zones to “use maximum force/shoot-at-sight” against unarmed and defenseless pro Biafra campaigners.
The then IGP’s order which was made on 2nd December 2015; was enforced few hours after it was made.
The two declarations of war by the Nigerian security forces against innocent, unarmed, defenseless and nonviolent Nigerians especially the pro Biafra campaigners and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) led to escalated and reckless shooting at close range with live bullets and killing of not less than 1500 unarmed and defenseless Nigerians and injuring of over 770 others; all in the periods between 30th August 2015 and 20th January 2017 or a period of 17 months.
That is to say that the shootings and killings started way back on 30th August 2015, but got lethally escalated or widespread after the two war declarations were made in print on 11th and 16th November and 2nd December 2015.
Most victims of the mass killings and maiming are drawn from the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (Shiites) which lost at least 1120 members with injuring of over 400 others; and the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (lost fewer numbers) which lost not less than 270 members/supporters; with over 370 others injured.
The killings and maiming were all perpetrated by the present central Government in Nigeria. There are also scores of dark figures of crime or those that were not recorded or went missing till date.
For instance, the leadership of IMN has maintained with facts and figures that “not less than 650 and not more than 783 of its members have remained unaccounted for in the hands of Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai led Nigerian Army since 12th, 13th and 14th December 2015”.
This did not include 347 dead bodies of the members of the unarmed Islamic sect that the Government of Kaduna admitted were buried in mass graves in mid-December 2015.
Till date, the perpetrators including the Chief of Army Staff are on the prowl with the present central Government in Nigeria doing nothing; warranting the international suit above as well as others yet to come, which will surely come.
US Suit Powered by Investigative Findings of Intersociety and Amnesty Int’l:
It is further important to recall that Int’l Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law had on 3rd December 2015 launched full advocacy investigation into the 2nd December 2015 shooting and killing of unarmed and defenseless pro Biafra protesters at the Onitsha Niger Bridgehead and its immediate environs. Not less than 12 citizens were killed with scores of others injured.
Our Organization also investigated the 17th December 2015 shooting and killing of jubilant pro Biafra activists by soldiers of the Onitsha Military Cantonment at Onitsha Niger Bridgehead leading to the death of not less than 13 citizens and injuring of scores of others.
On 14th and 15th February 2016, the Intersociety’s investigation team led by Emeka Umeagbalasi (a criminologist & graduate of security studies) traveled to Aba following the Aba National High School massacre of IPOB members who were singing and praying inside the School’s premises.
More than 30 citizens were massacred by soldiers of the 144 Battalion, attached to the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army at Ohafia in Abia State as well as the police personnel of the Abia State Police Command and other members of the State Joint Security Taskforce mobilized and funded by Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
Over 40 others got injured. The dead included 13 lifeless bodies confirmed by AI investigators to be members of the IPOB who possibly attended the same prayer rally of 9th February 2016.
Picture shows the visiting US Lawyers in group photograph with Intersociety Boss (Emeka Umeagbalasi)
They were discovered to have been dumped inside an Aba burrow pit on 12th February 2016, located along Aba-Port Harcourt Road in Abia State.
Some of the lifeless bodies had their hands tied behind their backs with their eyes covered or tied with pieces of Biafran flags; suggesting that they must have been brought to the burrow pit alive before they were shot dead.
Other burrow pit dead IPOB members were left untied; meaning that they were killed and possibly brought to the burrow pit by their colleagues under the matching orders of the soldiers; leading to the killing of the former on the spot to erase traces.
The corpses were later on 1st March 2016 set ablaze under gravely suspicious circumstances. Amnesty International research team specifically met the corpses burning during their returned visit to the burrow pit on the said 1st March 2016.
Following the commencement of our investigation referred above, efforts were also made to contact Amnesty International.
The internationally respected rights group responded almost immediately and launched its own investigation into the military and police massacre of pro-Biafra campaigners in Nigeria. The highlight of AI’s maiden investigation under reference was by its visit to Aba on 18th February 2016.
Efforts made at contacting the research team of US based Human Rights Watch in Nigeria to also launch its own investigation failed woefully.
This we have severally suspected and still suspect to have borne out of ethnic bias; on account of the fact that the head of the HRW research team in Nigeria is from the Southwest.
Intersociety’s investigations continued into the 29th and 30th May 2016 Biafra Heroes Day massacre in Nkpor, Onitsha and Asaba in which not less than 140 citizens were massacred (110 deaths in Nkpor/Onitsha and 30 in Asaba) and over 130 others injured by soldiers of the Onitsha Military Cantonment with reinforcements from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
The massacre operations were mobilized or funded by Governor William Obiano led Government of Anambra State and coordinated by the top commanders of the Anambra State Police Command and the Onitsha Military Cantonment, etc.; under the Anambra State Joint Security Taskforce.
Our investigations also covered the pro Trump Inauguration Rally shooting and killing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on 20th January 2017 organized by the IPOB led pro Biafra campaigners or movements; leading to the death of not less than 15 and injuring of over 70 others.
Our investigation searchlight also did not overlook the military massacre of Shiite Muslims in Zaria, Kaduna State.
As a discriminatory and human rights organization, we have remained frontally and firmly opposed to killing of any member of the human family outside the law, human dignity and morality; irrespective of his or her religion/sect, tribe, ethnicity, race, gender, age, colour, class or socio-political affiliation.
This position of ours is totally unyielding, unapologetic and uncompromising!
In all, Intersociety did not only carry out comprehensive investigations referred above, but also periodically released its findings for public views, analyses and necessary actions by the concerned State actors and non-State actors domiciled within and across local and international borders.
The mother report of Intersociety was released on 12th March 2017 and titled: welcome to bleeding republic of Nigeria: a land flowing with blood and tears.
As recently as 20th July 2017, Intersociety also released another technical or expertise report, titled: the untold story of Ezu River police SARS killings: Inside Anambra’s Theatre of Butchery where Police SARS send the Good, the Bad and the Ugly to Early Graves Outside the Law.
Our investigations and their findings referred above are thorough, strong and impenetrable; leading to their wide readership and acceptance.
We had also in the course of the release of our public statements on the massacre of innocent, unarmed and defenseless pro Biafra campaigners called on all people of good conscience especially the people of Igbo race resident in any part of the world to take up those responsible for the referenced massacre of the youths of the Igbo race and their South-south brothers and sisters and ensure that they pay severely for their heinous crimes so as to deter other would-be murderers of the Igbo and South-south populations.
We had demanded for civil and criminal justices to be visited against those perpetrators using available local, regional and international justice remedies.
Gladly, our calls, made under the auspices of Intersociety and SBCHROs yielded a positive result; leading to indication of interest and partnership by some pro humanist and human rights groups; which are also not-for-profit registered outfits in the United States.
These are the Ekwenche Group and the Biafran Genocide Survivors’ Group; all based in USA and made up of Igbo-Nigerian civil/public servants (mainly lecturers and private sector actors) working in USA.
Locally, Forum for the Promotion of National Ethics & Values (FPNEV) led by Prince Emeka Onyeso (Okpala EzeNri) also indicated a selfless and passionate interest; leading to advocacy collaborations between Intersociety, SBCHROs, FPNEV and the named US based social advocacy groups as well as our indefatigable friends drawn from local and international online, print and electronic news media.
The encouragement and in-kind supports of other local and international rights groups and research institutions as well as our local friends are also irresistibly worthy of mention.
The role played some leaders/members of the pro Biafra group especially the IPOB and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria during our referenced investigations still gladdens our heart.
The legal departments/teams of these two groups are singled out for special commendation. Their cooperation and assistance to us by way of supply of vital information and availability of requisite facts were and are still awesomely commendable!
It is therefore the totality of these that culminated into the involvement of Mr. Bruce Fein and his partner-Mr. W. Bruce DelValle of FEIN & DELVALLE PLLC and filing on 30th May 2017 of the civil action suit (Doe, el al. v Buratai & 15 ors) at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, presided over by Hon Judge Helen S. Huvelle (appointed by President William Clinton).
The suit number is 17-cv-01033-ESH (USA: DC). Mr. Bruce Fein had once served as the deputy attorney general of USA under the Ronald Reagan Administration; among his other track records and achievements.
The filing of the suit was specifically at the instance of the Ekwenche and the Biafra Genocide Survivors’ groups in the United States.
It was grandly on account of the above that Mr. Bruce Fein and his partner-Mr. W. Bruce DelValle paid a recent visit to Enugu-Nigeria (19th August to 24th August 2017); during which they held several meetings including meeting with legal guardians of the 9 slain pro Biafra activists and a survivor/torture victim.
The legal guardians whose identities are judicially sealed on orders of the US Court are made of five females and five males. In the said suit, they are demanding, among other legitimate reliefs; over $200 Million from the killers and torturers of their slain and tortured loved ones.
The renowned US lawyers also took more evidence and conducted further facts verification exercises and held strategic meetings with leading Southeast/Igbo intelligentsia, elders’ forums, first class traditional rulers, civil society coalitions and human rights organizations; all based in the Southeast Zone.
One of the eminent personalities that the renowned US lawyers met with is Dr. Arthur Nwankwo; a foremost Nigerian social crusader/human rights activist.
Among other important personalities met by the US visitors are Dr Dozie Ikedife, Prof Obasi Igwe of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Chief Mrs. Maria Okwor; a foremost feminist and social crusader.
No politician among the present political class in Nigeria was contacted or consulted or allowed to meet with the US visitors. The US Embassy in Nigeria also played little or no role in the lawyers’ visit.
It is also transparently important to mention that the immense goodwill of Intersociety boss and that of FPNEV boss paid off during the duo’s visit.
While the open market cost of such visit in Nigeria ordinarily would have run into millions of naira, it is gratifying to say that the actual cost of the two Bruces’ visit covering their hotel bills, feeding, out-hotel lunches, transportation and hiring of meeting hall; and the hosts’ call cards, internets, feeding, etc; did not go beyond N500, 000 or equivalent of $1,400.
While the cost of their flight, etc. was borne by the Ekwenche/Biafra Genocide Survivors’ leadership in USA; the Intersociety and the FPNEV bosses bore the local cost highlighted above.
Importantly and happily, the visitors’ hotel bills were heavily subsidized by the owner of the hotel; on account of Prince Emeka Onyeso’s towering goodwill.
This transparency account or advocacy position of ours is considered extremely necessary so as to preempt and guide against the wickedness of mischief makers especially some criminal elements within the Nigerian security establishments with their hired media elements and columnists who may most likely twist and brutally bastardize this noble statement of ours as they did on 4th June 2017.
The mischief makers had on 4th June twisted our noble and widely published statement of 2nd June 2017 and re-titled it thus:
“Intersociety & SBCHROs name Peter Obi, Ike Ekweremadu and 21 others as Sponsors of Insurgency of the Pro Biafran Groups”; after which they funded it to be planted and published in some hostile online and print news media as “a version of the story emanating from Intersociety and SBCHROs”.
Finally, for the purpose of setting the records straight, the following are the names of the sixteen (16) defendants in the US suit: No17-cv-01033-ESH (USA: DC):
Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai: culpability and vicarious liability in the massacre and maiming of defenseless Shiite Muslims and pro Biafra activists in Kaduna, Anambra, Abia, Delta and Rivers States.
Governor William Maduabuchi Obiano: complicity in the 2nd and 17th December 2015 pro-Biafra protest shootings and killings and the 29th and 30th May 2016 pro Biafra Heroes Day massacre in Anambra State.
Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu: complicity in the 18th and 29th January shooting and killing of IPOB members and the 9th February 2016 IPOB massacre in Aba
Retired IGP Solomon Arase: culpability and vicarious liability by ordering the maximum use of force and violent crackdown on unarmed and nonviolent pro Biafra protesters.
IGP Ibrahim Kpotum Idris: operational culpability in the pro Biafra protests’ massacre in his capacity then (2nd December 2015 to 30th May 2016) as AIG Federal OPS
DIG Habila Joshak (then CP Abia), now DIG OPS: operational culpability in the pro Biafra activists’ singing and rally massacre in Aba on 9th February 2016.
AIG Hosea Karma (then CP Anambra), now AIG Zone 9: operational culpability in the pro Biafra protests’ massacre of 29th and 30th May 2016 in Nkpor, Onitsha and Asaba.
Major Gen Ibrahim Attahiru (then GOC 82 Division, Enugu and now theatre commander, Operation Lafiya Dole): operational culpability in the pro Biafra protests’ massacre of 29th and 30th May 2016 in Anambra State and its Asaba spill over massacre.
CP Babatunde Johnson Kokomo (then DCP OPS, Anambra), now CP Armaments at Force Headquarters, Abuja: operational culpability in the pro Biafra protests’ massacre of 29th and 30th May 2016 in Nkpor, Onitsha and Asaba.
Col Issah Mehadi Abdullahi (then Commander/Cantonment Commandant, Onitsha 302 Artillery; now at NIPSS, Kuru near Jos for a promotional course): operational culpability in the pro Biafra jubilation and protests’ massacre of 17th December 2015 and 29th and 30th May 2016 in Anambra State.
Major C.O. Ibrahim of Military Police Unit; now Commander of the Onitsha Military Cantonment Military Police Unit (leader of the army massacre operations of 29th and 30th May 2016 in Anambra State): operational culpability.
CSP James Oshim Nwafor (OC/SARS, Anambra during the 2nd December 2015 joint massacre operations at Onitsha Niger Bridgehead, now O/C File at CP’s Admin Office, Awka): operational culpability.
CSP Bassey Abang (OC/SARS, Anambra during 29th and 30th May 2016 massacre, now OC/SARS, Abia State): operational culpability.
ACP Peter W. Nwagbara (then Aba Area Commander during 9th February 2016 IPOB massacre, now Police Area Commander of the Akwanga Area Command in Nasarawa State): operational culpability.
Lt Col Sidi Umar Kasim (then Commander of 144 Battalion at Ukwa Ngwa that massacred IPOB activists on 9th of February 2016 in Aba; now redeployed to 14 Brigade, Ohafia in Abia State): operational culpability.
Retired SSS Director Musa Lawal Daura (SSS DG; his agency supplied hostile intelligence leading to the massacre in addition to participation of his men in the joint security taskforce or JTF that perpetrated the mass murder of pro Biafra activists): complicity
For: International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety)
Emeka Umeagbalasi, Board Chairman
Mobile Line: +2348174090052
Email: botchairman@intersociety-ng.org
Website: www.intersociety-ng.org
Barr Obianuju Igboeli
Head, Civil Liberties & Rule of Law Program
Email: igboeliobianuju@gmail.com
Barr Ndidiamaka Bernard
Head, Int’l Justice and Human Rights Program
Email: ndidiamakacatherine@gmail.com
Front page Pictures shows the US Lawyers seated with Aloysius Attah (Chair CLO, Southeast), Okpala EzeNri, Prince Emeka Onyeso (Boss of Forum for the Promotion of National Ethics & Values) and Emeka Umeagbalasi (Boss of Intersociety Nigeria).
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(DDM) – A dramatic scene unfolded in Aku community, Imo State, as a family burial turned chaotic over allegations of financial settlement demands by the deceased’s first son.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the first son, identified as Uzoma Nwawere, reportedly blocked the burial of his late mother, insisting that his married sisters and their husbands must “settle” him before interment could proceed.
The incident occurred at the family compound where a large crowd gathered for the ceremony, only for the event to descend into confusion.
Eyewitnesses said Uzoma argued that his late mother and sisters had allegedly disrespected him while she was alive, depriving him of the recognition traditionally accorded to a first son.
A retired police officer at the scene narrated in Igbo that the deceased’s husband, Godwin Nwawere, had passed away earlier, leaving behind Uzoma as the first son and several daughters now married into different families.
The officer alleged that Uzoma had lived in the family compound for years, claiming he was left to fend for himself “on credit” while his sisters enjoyed better treatment.
He accused the daughters of conspiring with their late mother to undermine Uzoma’s status as heir to the family property, a situation that allegedly fueled tensions even before her death.
Reports indicated that Uzoma insisted the burial could not hold in the family compound, which he now claims as inheritance, unless his in-laws complied with his demands for settlement.
A viral video from the scene showed mourners and family members exchanging heated words near a freshly dug grave as light rain drizzled over the area.
In the footage, relatives and sympathizers were seen pleading with Uzoma to allow the burial to proceed, but he reportedly stood his ground.
The argument quickly attracted onlookers, causing embarrassment for the family and disrupting what was expected to be a solemn ceremony.
Cultural analysts say disputes over inheritance and burial rites are common in parts of Igbo land, particularly when tensions exist between sons and married daughters.
They note that first sons traditionally hold significant authority in family affairs, including burial decisions, but such authority can spark conflicts when perceived to be misused.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some condemning Uzoma’s action as insensitive, while others argue that cultural norms were ignored by the deceased’s daughters.
As of press time, it was unclear whether the burial was eventually completed or postponed, as efforts to reach the family for clarification were unsuccessful.
(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of thirty-six suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.
The sting operation reportedly took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at various locations within Port Harcourt.
According to EFCC officials, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to widespread internet-related fraud.
Authorities disclosed that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria’s southern region.
Recovered items from the suspects included exotic vehicles, a Q-link motorcycle, and several high-end mobile phones.
Laptop computers reportedly containing incriminating documents were also seized during the coordinated raid.
EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of the fraudulent activities uncovered.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court as soon as preliminary investigations are concluded.
The anti-graft commission maintained that no one would be spared in its fight against cybercrime and financial malfeasance.
Background of EFCC’s operations
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on internet fraud across Nigeria in recent years.
In 2024, the agency recorded multiple arrests in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin City as part of its cybercrime crackdown.
Cybercrime, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, has continued to tarnish the nation’s international image.
According to law enforcement data, billions of naira are lost annually to internet scams originating from Nigeria.
Experts link the rise of internet fraud to unemployment, economic hardship, and greed among youths.
EFCC has repeatedly urged young Nigerians to explore legitimate sources of income rather than resort to fraudulent schemes.
Port Harcourt under spotlight
Port Harcourt, a major commercial hub in the Niger Delta, has seen a surge in cybercrime activities in recent years.
Authorities believe the city’s thriving nightlife and influx of oil wealth make it a hotspot for fraud syndicates.
Previous raids in 2023 and 2024 led to the arrest of over 150 suspects, with many facing prosecution.
The EFCC warned that more sting operations would follow as part of its ongoing anti-fraud campaign.
Conclusion
The latest arrests signal a renewed drive by the EFCC to dismantle cybercrime networks across Nigeria.
The agency has promised to release further updates as investigations progress and suspects face legal proceedings.
News
Anambra Govt Arrests, Beats Up 18 Journalists Monitoring Senatorial Bye-Election
By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State Government has reportedly arrested eighteen journalists, who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections were held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Our correspondent reported that the journalists were arrested and detained at gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, generally known as Udo-Gachi.
The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, as well as Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.
The journalists, it was learnt, were rushing after the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, for his remarks on the day’s process after covering the day’s proceedings.
At a spot, described as Eke Orsumenyi, they were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped.
They were, thereafter, detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.
“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like and deceive the people.
“We will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative threatened the journalists.
Some of the journalists and their cameramen were arrested and detained by the vigilante goons.
The journalists include correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers.
The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor.
As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor, in company of Nnewi South LGA Mayor, arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.
Information of the development later got to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Prince Ukachukwu quickly arrived the scene and ensured that the detained journalists were released, insisting that they we’re merely doing their normal civic duties.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of the bye-election in the seven local government areas that constitute the Anambra South senatorial zone.
(DDM) – Popular Nollywood actor Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of his death was confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post on Friday morning, though details surrounding the cause of his passing have yet to be disclosed.
Chief Kanran was a celebrated figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his distinctive style, sharp humor, and commanding presence that endeared him to audiences over several decades.
He was recognized for his memorable performances in numerous stage plays and films, often portraying authoritative and affluent characters, and was considered a household name in Nigerian cinema.
Segun Remi began his career in the arts in the mid-1970s and gained popularity with notable roles in Ola Rotimi’s play “Kurunmi,” and the Lagos Television drama “Aláàfin Kanran” in 1988.
His extensive filmography includes several acclaimed Yoruba films such as “Vigilante,” “Ose-Sango,” “Eri Okan,” “Itunnu,” and “Orire,” among others.
Despite his success, Chief Kanran faced significant personal challenges, including devastating fire incidents that destroyed his home, studio, and equipment, which left him struggling and at one point homeless.
His contributions to Nollywood have been widely celebrated, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a veteran actor who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
This news comes as the Nollywood community recently mourned other actors, adding to the list of notable film personalities who have passed away this year.
Chief Kanran’s legacy as a pioneer and beloved actor will continue to be remembered by fans and the wider film fraternity.
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the convictions of three internet fraudsters following a sweeping operation at a hotel located within the precincts of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.
The operation, which initially saw 93 suspects apprehended, has shone a spotlight on the rising tide of cybercriminal activities in high-profile Nigerian locations, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes in the country’s digital age.
The suspects, Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, pleaded guilty to an array of charges linked to false pretence, identity theft, and illicit acquisition of funds, contravening provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and the EFCC Act, 2004.
Presiding over the proceedings as a vacation judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down measured sentences designed both as punishment and deterrence, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views such offences.
EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu revealed that Isaac Akinwale operated a celebrity scam on WhatsApp under female pseudonyms, defrauding a victim of $500.
The court accepted multiple exhibits tendered by prosecution counsel Franklin Ofoma, including a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and a N400,000 bank draft, as proceeds and instruments of crime.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Akinwale to three months imprisonment or an alternative fine of N1million.
Olatunji, convicted for running a romance scam, was sentenced to one month imprisonment or a N500,000 fine.
Oshundairo, who posed as an expert in service certificates and tax preparation through a fraudulent Gmail account, was ordered to perform 30 days community service.
His punishment is publicly symbolic: he must carry a banner with the cautionary message, “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime”.
In a notable twist, fourth defendant Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan entered a not guilty plea to charges of impersonating a nurse on Facebook and controlling $50 acquired via fraudulent transactions.
His counsel disputed the validity of the charges under the Cybercrimes Act, prompting the court to remand him at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further trial in October 2025.
The EFCC had flagged a total of 23 suspects for arraignment, but only four were accommodated by the court during its session, indicating broadening investigations and prosecutions may follow.
This operation marks one of the EFCC’s largest anti-fraud sweeps from a single Nigerian location in recent memory.
The prominence of the Obasanjo Presidential Library as the scene of the arrests dramatically heightened public awareness, raising questions about the security and due diligence in hospitality establishments across the country.
Nigerian authorities continue to escalate efforts against cybercriminals, aiming to assert the rule of law over digital spaces.
The EFCC, empowered by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other statutes, urges citizens to remain vigilant online and to report suspicious activities.
With growing internet adoption in Nigeria, law enforcement faces an evolving battle against increasingly sophisticated scams, making deterrent convictions like these a critical step in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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