Reports
Exposed: evil conspiracies of Nigeria embassy officials in Mali
- Our investigations show serious violations of the Nigeria entry visa procurement procedure, visa racketeering, human trafficking, inaction in the face of unlawful arrest and abuse of Nigerians by the consular department and the charge de affaires that could pose a serious security threat to the Nigeria nation.
Bamako, Mali. February 8, 2017 – The Nigeria embassy has never been fair to Nigerians in general as their problem are never perceived as part of their callings to serve the country in their foreign postings; this is irrespective of fact that they are charged with that specific task as the welfare officers of Nigeria national in the Diaspora, to protect, project and promote the culture and tradition of the people they represent while maintaining a diplomatic relation with the host nation.
The past POFRN – President GOODLUCK .E.JONATHAN, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has once charged the Ministry of external affairs to reform the country foreign policies with the aim to articulate and market the country to meet global challenges. Sadly however, rather than being the image makers to the nation, they have become a center of corruption, intimidation, oppression and a Misinformation center. They have today, groomed hate and retribution under the leadership of Zayyed Abdulsalam (CDA-ai), and Abubakar Abdulmaleek then Consular Officer; they have etched their names in the dark page of history on the lives and welfare of Nigerians in Mali. When they held swayas the henchman at the Embassy. Under their leadership, the recruitment process was grossly abused, while Nigeria entry visa were issued and sold without care in the world, as due process was thrown out through the French windows, with protocol being an outdated English word in their dictionary.
EMPLOYMENT
The August 2016 Publication in, L’Essor and L‘Independent, two local newspapers here in Mali for job placements at the EmbassyIn the categories of:-1: Consular Clerk 2. Protocol officer 3. Receptionist.4. Driver. This has been proven to be deceptive and misleading from our research.
Considering the sensitive nature of the vacant positions advertised for and our precarious national security situation,we would have expected serious screening of candidates with the best qualified candidates for the job without fear, favour nor security risk.
It has been drawn to our attention that the employment procedure was a fraud, as their choice candidates has been made by Mr. Zayyad the charge de affairs, while Mr. Abdulmaleek compliment the effort of the (Cda-ai) and his friend Mr. Salif Mahamadou, a Nigerian, ( Niger Republic) an ex-employee of Ecowas (CEDEAO) Mali, that was sacked for misconduct during the service period of Nigerian representative to Ecowas Mali office, Mr. Nnamdi, who equally, caution the Nigeria mission staffs and the defense attaché of the need for caution in relating to Mr. Mohamadou, and about granting him access to the green white green house. It’s important to note here that we do not object to the employment of foreign nationals to the embassy, but we worry about the credibility of the employee and the power weld by these individuals in such sensitive positions.
Mr. salif Mahamadou, whose original application was for the position of a driver, but converted to the PROTOCOL / MAINTANCE OFFICER ,after some serious arm twisting and persuasions; the liaison officer of the embassy protested through a letter to the Headquarter in Abuja about the recruitment procedure, where he classed the said Mr. Mohamadou as “ a proven MOLE with intelligence affiliation to many intelligence officers in different missions in Mali ” based on this, his appointment was withdrawn, while his Salaries were being paid off the record by the Cda-ai through the FA (finance attachés), this was on while his reinstatement was being negotiated, through arm twisting, blackmail and bribery .
Here we have a serious case, a case of finding a venomous viper on your bed in the middle of the night and yet find it comfortable to sleep with the viper, we are saddled with a classed mole in a sensitive establishment as the Nigeria embassy, yet we are comfortable enough employing him into such sensitive positions, granting him access into our structures and equipments. The same assumed mole was at the Mali International Airport SENOU tarmac as part of the Embassy delegation to receive the POFRN, (President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) President Mohamadou Buhari. During, his official visit to Mali, at the country hosting of Franco-Afrique (Africa) Summit held in 2016. He was there at the Tarmac as chief protocol/ maintenance office in company of zayyed and other delegations, the consular concern was calm enough to caution the presidential security about Mohammadou, this at a time when our nation was under great security threat from terrorism.
Interestingly, during the short listing of candidates for the interview of the Consular Clerk, only women were short listed for the position and interviewed. However the job was offered a man, an introduction of Mr. Salif Mohammadou, he neither attended the interview nor was interviewed but was given the job based on his relationship as cousin to Mr. Salif Mahamadou landlord .Today, and all issued consular card system verification could be access through the consular clerk mobile phone. The consular card machine is kept in the custody of Mr. Zayyed Abdulsalam, who takes pleasure in seizing Nigeria national’s consular cards.
This is against the norms, as his scope of duty has nothing to do with issues relating to Consular cards, but was found interesting because of how lucrative that section of the Embassy is; more so the fact that receipts issued for the consular cards are not traceable to the treasury receipts, as the receipts issued are printed locally and not accounted for. This much for our national security and things that would be classed as classified materials in civilized societies.
The receptionist, a lady popular with the staffs, is a close associate to Mr. Zayyad and Abubakar Abdulmaleek, was an introduction of same Mr. Salif Mahamadou, we were not surprised she got the job of the receptionist.
The present security agency, which replaced the contracted firm, SECURICOM, a reputable security agency In Mali, which manned their international airport, was an introduction of Mr. Salif Mahamadou. The image formed through these introductions of Mr. Salif Mohammed at the embassy is; a golden triangle of conspiracies, from the security post to the receptionist and a distribution of all the important between the consular clerk and the chief protocol/maintenance officer and a possible in know what’s up Cda-ai.
Mr. Salif Mohamadou is of no qualification; he can neither read nor write nor speak English or French correctly, yet a great manipulator. Therefore, our believe that our security as a people has been compromised; therefore the call, for the need of the present administration of Ambassador,Kenneth .C. Nwachukwu, need for a holistic overhaul of the staffing both local and international and the security firm contracted , for an effective and efficient administration of the mission house.
NIGERIA ENTRY VISA CONSPIRACIES
While still dealing on the compromised national security situation, our research has proven of serious violation of the Nigeria entry visa procurement procedure by the consular department and the charge de affaires in the issuance of entry visa, to the highest bidders and persons, that could pose a serious security threat to the Nigeria nation but yet were issued entry visa to Nigeria by Mr. Abubakar Abdulmaleek, then Consular officer Nigerian Embassy Mali, at a time, when our great nation was under siege by Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen, to persons with records of having been refused entry visa to Nigeria, by Nigeria diplomatic mission in Indonesia, China, Pakistan etc.
Early July 2016, four (4) Visas were issued to Indonesians that did not meet with Visa application requirements, as a cover up, they were said to have been issued an invitations by a Mister SALAMI AKEEM ADESINA with Nigeria passport N°: A029664821. Issued in Lagos, while these persons with visa receipts N°’: Z007560380, Recipient: SATHES ARAN, Z007560381, SURESH ARUNRAJ, Z007560382, RAMANAN ARUNKUMAR, Z007560383, SURESH KAMALAN, they were numerous but for lack of space, we are only listing these three, there are documented evidence in the event of denial. These persons were never present at the embassy, and not even stepped their feet in Mali,and were not present for visa applicants interview, their applications were handle by a third party, a Mister; RAJENDRAN RAJKUMAR, a duel British Indonesian national, a certified Professional Marketer – Asia; Manager: Fundraising and Communications, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka Field office. Sri Lanka.
The visa deal was struck between Mr. Rajkumar and Abdulmaleek the consular at the Palais des Sports, Aci 2000 Bamako Mali, (sports complex – Basket ball complex) , some 1000 meters from Nigeria Embassy complex. The visas were issued at home by the consular, and were personally hand delivered at Hotel Kum – Mougel in Banakambougou area of Bamako.
It should be of note here, that the Visa receipts did not accompany the Visa, as the receipts were left behind in the office at the time the visas were issued at home, and this has made accountability difficult for the then account clerk to balance his book because of the discrepancies in date of issues of visa and the receipt, which could pose problems should the auditors visit, but then it’s no worry, as visiting auditors by tradition has only looked at the Visa receipts and do not border with the visa booklet for proper accounting.
The fall out of individual reaction to this visa transaction at the embassy and other issue has netted Mr. Cisse YAHUZA JAAFFAR a Nigeria Malienne national, an ex-account clerk at the Nigerian Embassy an issued query and a summon by the disciplinary committee.
Firstly, a letter of suspension dated 05 May 2017; ref: NEB/S/236/VOL.1. Sub titled: SUSPENSION ON ACCOUNT OF INDISCIPLINE AGAINST NIGERIA AND ITS NATIONALS, because he has challenged the authority behind the issuance of these Visas, without proper documentations at the disciplinary committee set up to look into the issues against Mr. Jaaffar, he was eventually relieved of his duty. Firstly, his employment status was revoked, from permanent to causal worker with a possible consequence to the international labour law and practices, before he was relieved on his duty. Mr. Jaffar had petitioned the new H.O.M ( Head of Mission) on the 27/07/2017 for his reinstatement and enlightening the mission about the misdeeds of Abdulmaleek with facts and evidence, the disciplinary committee actions was made counterproductive by Zayyad to cover up for his colleague. Eventually Mr. Jaffar had resulted to litigation by going to court to seek redress over the termination of his appointment and the withholding of his entitlements; citing that his employment right, under ILO (international labour organization) and Mali labour law has been violated. The case Mr. Cisse YAHUZAJAAFFAR Vs ABDULMALEEK ABUBACAR, the former consular officer Nigerian Embassy Bamako Mali had gone to court with a motion, Case N° STN/1039/PM-CIV/16/10/17.
Interestingly, under the Geneva protocol convention, with regards to litigations. Diplomatic representations has two months to respond to litigation, which we believed was enough room for an understanding with a fellow Nigerian for the case to be withdrawn for an in house settlement, rather than filling a counter claim with a counter motion alleging false allegation and death threat. it is our candid opinion, that much would have been achieved, as it’s said that no war is ever won without around table talk; rather than the bashing the image of our great nation in a commercial court of law. The case was trashed out at the commercial court of Mali. The case was held in on the 28th November 2017, adjourned to 29th, held and dismissed in favour of the applicant.
DIASPORAS RESOURCE
The threat to the welfare of lives and properties of Nigerian Diasporas is enormous, the national economic recession that leads to mass migrations of Nigerians, both young and old, professionals and nonprofessionals using dangerous routes to Europe in search of greener pasture; of which the Diasporas in Mali are no exception; has help kept Nigerians focus away from what the real threat is; until the Libya slave market exposed our short falls and negligence as a nation in meeting with the aspirations of the national teaming energetic and resourceful youth population.
Economically, the Nigerians in Diaspora was reported to have remitted $35 Billion united state dollars in the year 2016, which was a boast from the previous year 2015, this is in according to the statement of the assistant to the president on foreign affairs on the Diaspora Mrs., Abike Dabiri Erewa. According to the data from Global knowledge partnership on migration and development, Nigerians in Diaspora remitted a total of $20.8 Billion Dollars in the year 2015, while within this period African remittance is put at $60Billion dollars. This is an amount higher than most federal investments and ministries could have generated within the same period.
The Diasporas deserves some respect from Nigerian government and their representatives, both local and international staffs at our embassy worldwide not but including Mali embassy staffs whose salaries and flamboyant life styles including their children school fees and even house helps are paid through tax on Diasporas remittance.
We should be careful when we label our compatriots, as we are all big time beneficiaries of the crimes of Diasporas compatriots.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Facts, remains that Nigerian embassy Mali is run in part from the proceeds of human trafficking and the related crime, such proceeds from the Consular Cards Valued at 5000 cfa. Today more than 5000 cards have been issued to Nigerians, Professionals and non professionals , prostitutes, domestic servants etc, while our national identity cards in Nigeria is free, ETC ( emergency travel certificate ) at 15,000 cfa, Laissez Passer is 7,000 Cfa . Yet Nigerian consular department will always request for financial assistance from the home office before rendering assistance to a needy Nigerian. Loveth, the sick Delta lady, died on her way back to Nigeria in Benin Republic in December 2017, from negligence on our part as a people, she was rejected any form of assistance at the embassy from the Consular department, she was offered Laissez Passer and abandoned at the park for days without money to feed or get medical assistance. It took a sympathetic Director of Hamzie Voyage (A travel agency) to issue her and four other Nigerian ladies fleeing from their trafficker free ticket. She eventually did not make it home as she lost it before arrival.
It’s important that our position be made clear, with special focus on trafficking in person. It’s Criminal, An Abuse and a gross violation on the human right. We support any action concerted, governmental, non-Governmental, and personal or organize association, towards checkmating the flow as a welcome development, on condition that emphasis should be on the respect for the right of man.
The combat against trafficking should be based on the right of victims, which is entrenched in the victim’s protection act of the UN sub- titled UNTP (United National Trafficking protocol, which came into force on the 23rd December 2013, of which our great nation is signatory to.
In straightening the effort on combat against trafficking in person; there should be a better understanding of the scope and nature of the crime. This, not but include areas not properly addressed, as selective discriminatory actions of operators should be properly addressed. These include the discriminatory and vengeful actions of operators as is occasioned in the acclaimed action of the current anti-trafficking in person crusaders that was used by the past Abdumaleek and present consular Madam A.B Wonosikou is engaged in.
These persons are of questionable characters, as they have been accused of criminal acts, having been involved in drugs trafficking, trafficking in persons in the name of football agents, theft cases, extortion and ransom demands from human traffickers and related crime acts, yet the consular departments under Abdulmaleek and Madame Wonosikou finds it comfortable working with them and even raising campaign that the be included in the Nido Mali structure as executive officers.
The combat action against trafficking in person should not be ethnic or tribal based. The Nigeria society is knitted with special attachments to our tradition and culture, which could be discovered in their attachment to their respective communities, therefore any ethnic or tribal sentiments should not be allowed to fester, as it could cause friction and disruption in a united Nigeria structure that exist. Such as was declared publicly declared in DIJDIAN area of the region of Kayes, that it was a vendetta against other tribe’s, by those sent by the embassy. This is dangerous and should be stopped.
It also should be devoid of personal and monitory interest, people currently are been intimidated into ransom payment or face Nigerian Embassy arrest through the security agencies dealing with human trafficking and terrorism . These we cannot deny the fact, that it’s an occurrence, too regular now, that Nigerians in Mali currently are leaving in fear of unlawful arrest and detention, by the agents of Nigerian Embassy.
ARREST AND ABUSE OF NIGERIANS.
The raid on 06/11/2017 on brothels frequent by Nigerian girls by the special force of women and children affairs (Brigade de Moeurs) in collaboration with IOM (International immigration office) organized and supervised by the international body and Nigerian embassy consular department under Madam Wonosikou was an action, inimical to the NATIP minus IOM (National anti trafficking in Person agency) 2012 disgraceful outing in Mali. This was more of a military raid on civilians.The arrest was marred by scandals of physical abuse and violation of UN protocol on protection of the rights of Victims of HBT.
It’s not a known fact that physical assault on Victims is a standardized approved form of extracting information from victims, this action is criminal, unjustified and condemned it’s a shameful action by the agents of the Nigeria Embassy for identifications of the arrested persons, the assaults on Nigerians, irrespective of their professions before the committee of nations has clearly proven; before the world how much value we attached to the lives of Nigerians both home and outside and an indication that they could be treated as animals.
Recent events and arrest of Nigerians in the capital of Mali and the subsequent extortions after the raid of 06/11/2017, intimidations, blackmails and the constant police harassments with trump up charges against Nigerians, by the agents of the Consular department and the charge d’ affaires have proven, that by the embassy action(s) as the nation representatives, they have defy shame more than the girl prostitutes and any word in the dictionary can define.
It our believe that there should be victim rehabilitation Program, that ensures save and reliable rehab programs, that should guarantees a future with an assured tomorrow rather than being returned into the harsh realities of a failed system that could not address their youthful aspirations that drove them into adventure. It will not be a welcome development anymore if the government cannot address their needs, returning them back home without adequately addressing their rehabilitation issue would amount to their return to slavery that they fled from. They should not be handed over to the criminal agents of the embassy for another round of exploitation, as is the present situation, where rescued girls are back into prostitution in brothels here; this time however under the protection of Nigeria Embassy Consular department and her authorized agents.
We feels that the present administration under the Ambassador Kenneth .C. Nwachukwu should invest on integration, which is natural and not a byproduct, through harnessing on the abundance human resource here to better the life’s of the diasporas.
Charles Elliot – Bamalo Mali.
change20189@aol.com
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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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