WAFFI TV | Feature

Gbenekama Warns Against Eviction, Threats On Gbaramatu Communities, Urges Government Intervention For Peace

WARRI, Delta State – The Gbaramatu traditional council, has issued a strong warning against reported threats and eviction attempts targeting Gbaramatu communities residing in parts of Warri Federal Constituency, particularly in sub-settlements such as Ikantu and Ijaghala (Zou-ala uba). Speaking during a press briefing on behalf of the Council, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the fiyeowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, described the alleged acts—reportedly perpetrated by some individuals of Itsekiri extraction—as unconstitutional and dangerous to peaceful coexistence. “We have credible reports and direct calls to our kingdom’s leadership confirming that our people are being harassed and threatened simply for reaffirming their ancestral heritage as Ijaws and Gbaramatu indigenes,” the Fiyewei stated. According to him, Ijaw residents are being intimidated and told to vacate their homes in some Warri communities simply because they openly declared their ethnic identity. Gbenekama condemned this, citing constitutional provisions that protect the freedom of speech, association, and residency of all Nigerian citizens. “There is no law in Nigeria that prohibits any citizen from living among people of other nationalities. These threats are not only illegal—they are provocative and must stop,” he warned. Chief Gbenekama cautioned those behind the threats to desist immediately, noting that many Itsekiris also reside peacefully in Ijaw and Urhobo communities without facing discrimination or hostility. He stressed that while the Ijaw people are peace-loving, they will not tolerate any form of aggression or intimidation. “Let it be known that no one can harm an Ijaw person without consequences. The gods of our land are watching. We remember how one of our brilliant sons was kidnapped and murdered in Tebujor years ago—we will not allow a repeat,” he said gravely. The Gbaramatu spokesperson further urged both the Delta State Government and the Federal Government to urgently step in to protect Ijaw residents from escalating tensions. He called on the security agencies to take the threats seriously and take proactive steps to prevent any outbreak of violence. “We are not asking for bloodshed; we are not planning to expel anyone. But our people must not be tormented for asserting their identity. The threats alone are sufficient grounds for security intervention,” Gbenekama insisted. He also reiterated his community’s stance on territorial integrity, stressing that the Gbaramatu people will not cede an inch of their ancestral lands to anyone under any pretext. In a further call to action, Chief Gbenekama urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to thoroughly investigate and prosecute individuals, including a prominent traditional ruler, allegedly involved in recent arms importation—claims he said point to a conspiracy to unleash violence against the Ijaw nation. Additionally, he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the delayed delineation of electoral wards within the Warri Federal Constituency. He noted that the ongoing delay is breeding tension and undermining the democratic process. “We urge INEC to conclude the ward delineation exercise. The uncertainty is not in the interest of peace, and it leaves room for unnecessary conflict,” he concluded. Chief Gbenekama's remarks come amid growing concerns over ethnic tensions in the region, as various communities continue to grapple with questions of identity, land ownership, and political representation.

6/17/2025, 10:29:50 AM

Israel Bombs Iranian State TV As Air War Rages Into Fifth Day

Israel and Iran traded missile strikes for the fifth straight day on Tuesday, escalating tensions as U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly departed the G7 summit and urged residents of Tehran to “evacuate immediately,” fueling concerns of a broader conflict. A fresh wave of Israeli attacks on Tehran — including a direct strike on the headquarters of state television, which the broadcaster said left three dead — triggered overnight activation of missile defense systems on both sides. In a statement, the Israeli military said it had hit several targets in western Iran, including surface-to-surface missile infrastructure, surface-to-air missile launchers, and drone storage facilities. The statement was released alongside black-and-white footage showing missile launchers being destroyed. Shortly after, air raid sirens blared across parts of Israel. AFP reporters in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv described hearing loud explosions as the Israeli army confirmed the launch of missiles from Iran. “Sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran,” the military said, adding the air force was “operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat.” About 20 minutes later, the military announced that it was safe for residents to leave protected shelters. Police reported that shrapnel had fallen in Tel Aviv, causing property damage but no injuries. Meanwhile, the fire service said crews were en route to contain a blaze in the city’s commercial district. Despite growing international calls for restraint, both Israel and Iran have continued their missile exchanges. The conflict began on Friday when Israel launched an unprecedented aerial assault targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. Israel’s army briefly urged citizens to seek shelter, amid growing fears of a regional war. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the US was deploying “additional capabilities” to the Middle East. The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz left Southeast Asia Monday, scrapping a planned Vietnam stop, amid reports it was heading to the region. A White House spokesman said US forces remained in a defensive posture. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to confirm whether the United States supports Israeli military operations and maintained that Washington played no role in initiating the strikes. Although he initially called for dialogue, Trump later issued a stark warning on his Truth Social platform: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” He cut short his participation at the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington. He later dismissed speculation that his early departure was to mediate a ceasefire, taking aim at French President Emmanuel Macron. “Publicity-seeking President Emmanuel Macron… wrongly claimed I left the G7 to work on a ‘ceasefire,’” Trump wrote. “Wrong! He has no idea why I’m heading back to Washington — but it’s definitely not about a ceasefire. It’s much bigger than that… Stay tuned!” ‘One After the Other’ Following years of hostilities and covert clashes, Israel launched a surprise air offensive last week, declaring its goal was to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons — an accusation Iran strongly denies. In response, Iran has fired several waves of missiles. On Monday night, the Revolutionary Guards vowed to continue the attacks “without interruption until dawn.” The spiraling conflict has disrupted nuclear negotiations and raised global alarm over the risk of a wider war. Trump urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that a missile strike had lightly damaged a facility linked to the American embassy in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, the State Department has issued a travel warning, advising Americans to avoid Israel. According to Israel’s prime minister’s office, at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Israel. Iran reported Sunday that Israeli airstrikes had killed at least 224 people, including military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. No updated figures have been released since. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is systematically targeting Iran’s security leadership. “We’re reshaping the Middle East, and that could trigger significant internal change in Iran,” he said. Calls to Protect Civilians Global appeals for de-escalation have intensified. At the G7 summit in the Canadian Rockies, world leaders — including Trump — urged calm while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. “We hope resolving the crisis with Iran will lead to a broader de-escalation in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” said a joint G7 statement, which also reiterated that “Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.” China also appealed for restraint, urging both nations to “take immediate steps to ease tensions” and avoid further destabilizing the region. Though the U.S. and Iran had held several rounds of indirect nuclear talks in recent weeks, Iran has since said it will not negotiate under fire. “Iran will continue to respond unless military aggression against us ends entirely,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday. He also stated on X (formerly Twitter): “One phone call from Washington could silence someone like Netanyahu — and that might reopen the door to diplomacy.” A senior U.S. official told AFP that Trump had intervened to stop Israel from carrying out an assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, when questioned during an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu refused to rule out such an operation. “This wouldn’t escalate the conflict,” he said. “It would end it.”

6/17/2025, 9:56:02 AM

Politicians Now Launder Billions Through Yahoo Boys~ EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that politically exposed persons (PEPs) in Nigeria are collaborating with internet fraudsters, commonly known as 'yahoo boys', to launder billions of naira in stolen public funds into foreign accounts. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this revelation during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday. He said the trend underscores the deep-rooted corruption plaguing Nigeria’s political and governance structures. According to Olukoyede, investigations have revealed how PEPs partner with cybercriminals to create cryptocurrency wallets through which stolen funds are transferred overseas and used to acquire luxury assets, including cars and real estate. “When these PEPs steal billions, they hand the money over to these boys, who then use crypto wallets to move the funds abroad,” he said. “Many of these politicians accommodate the fraudsters in hotels, where they help set up accounts used for laundering the money overseas.” The EFCC chairman also raised alarm over the increasing involvement of internet fraudsters in other serious crimes, including banditry, kidnapping, and ritual killings. He noted that when online scams fail, the criminals often turn to more violent means to sustain their illicit gains. “The danger is no longer just about cyber fraud. Some of these individuals are involved in kidnapping and banditry. When they run out of targets to scam, they switch to these violent crimes,” Olukoyede warned. He further decried the reputational damage caused by the activities of these fraudsters, noting that Nigerians traveling abroad now face increased scrutiny at international borders due to the global infamy of such crimes.

6/17/2025, 7:11:26 AM

IG, Assemblies Differ On State Police

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly presented differing opinions on Monday regarding the push for the creation of state police as a solution to the country’s escalating insecurity. Egbetokun maintained his long-held stance that the Nigeria Police Force primarily requires improved funding to effectively address security challenges. In contrast, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Debo Ogundoyin, advocated for a multi-tier policing structure, similar to models used in other countries. Both leaders spoke in Abuja during a constitutional review dialogue on national security, themed “Nigeria’s Peace and Security: The Constitutional Imperative,” organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser. Egbetokun referenced Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which establishes the Nigeria Police Force as the sole police institution for the federation, stating: “There shall be a police force for Nigeria which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section, no other police force shall be established for the federation or any part thereof.” He also cited Section 215(1), which provides for the appointment of the Inspector General of Police by the President on the advice of the Nigerian Police Council. He stated, “These constitutional provisions make clear the centralised character of policing in Nigeria and the operational authority entrusted to the Inspector General of Police under the supervision of the President and Police Council. One of the most pressing and controversial issues under discussion today is the proposal to amend the constitution to allow for the establishment of state police, including the evaluation of a House bill which seeks to provide legislative authority for this. “Let me state unequivocally that the National Police Force acknowledges the rationale behind the demand for state police, including the desire for locally responsive policing, quicker reaction to community-level threats, and decentralised law enforcement presence. However, our assessment based on current political, institutional and socio-economic realities suggests that Nigeria is not politically prepared for the initialisation of police powers at the state level. “Our national security landscape is growing increasingly complex. From the insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and central regions, to secessionist violence in the South-East, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. We are confronted with a multifaceted array of tracks, each exposing gaps not only in our security capabilities but more fundamentally in our constitutional architecture and constitutional institutional coordination mechanisms.” According to him, the 1999 constitution has created certain omissions that impede the effective performance of the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies in addressing the challenges of security. “This includes the lack of clarity on inter-agency command in joint operations, absence of a constitutional framework for intelligence sharing and fusion, restrictions on subsidiary policing frameworks like community and state policing and constitutional silence on the vagueness of border security. “These challenges underscore the objective to recalibrate our national security framework, especially as it pertains to command authority, policy structure, intelligence coordination, and the legislative underpinnings that govern them. Most importantly, previous national security summits and engagements have resulted in strong communiques and robust recommendations. “As the Inspector General of Police, I must emphasise the importance of clarifying operational command authority, especially in joint theatres where federal, state, and local security companies must work seamlessly. “A lack of positional clarity in this area can and has led to judicial disputes, diluted accountability and delayed tactical responses in life-threatening situations. Furthermore, intelligence-sharing mechanisms require not only statutory reinforcement but also constitutional embedding.” “Key concerns include the possibility of political misuse of police powers at the state level, lack of funding capacity by most states to maintain and equip a state control force, the potential for fragmentation of national security, intelligence and command, and the absence of a regulatory architecture to ensure standard and operational cohesion. “Instead of fragmenting our policy authority, we propose that the focus of constitutional and legislative reform be directed towards strengthening the Nigerian Police Force through improved funding and autonomy, establishing state and community policing frameworks under the Nigerian Police Force’s provision, standardising recruitment, training and discipline across all policing functions.” He called on the National Assembly to consider legislative reforms that prioritise “Enhanced federal policing capacity while allowing for structured auxiliary support from sub-national units under strict constitutional and operational safeguards.” This did not sit well with Ogundoyin, who pledged the commitment of state parliaments to state policing. He said, “As the Speaker of the House of Assemblies nationwide, we know exactly where the shoe pinches when it comes to security because we all face our different types of insecurity in our various states. “We know that the president’s commitment is unwavering in strengthening our security institutions and to continue to inspire confidence in our collective resolve. “This is an opportunity to align our legislative priorities with the realities faced by our people, ensuring that the constitutional and legal framework of security evolves to address the present and future challenges of the Nigerian Police Force and other agencies who despite working under extremely challenging conditions, continue to make sacrifices to protect our nation. “It is now evident that a centralised policing structure, no matter how well-intentioned, has become overstretched. It is on this basis that the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria subscribe partially to the establishment of state police and constitutional imperative. “ He stated that the call for the creation of state police is not merely a political position but a patriotic and strategic necessity. We recognise that concerns have been raised regarding the potential abuse, the capacity, the limitations and inter-jurisdictional conflict. “This is the voice of the sub-nationals in this federation. Whether we like it or not, we have to recognise that the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory make up Nigeria, and the Nigerian people are here calling for state police. “Beyond state policing, the conference also lends its voice to the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and interagency coordination, improved funding, training, and welfare for security personnel, a stronger legal framework to address emerging threats such as cybercrime, transnational terrorism, and arms reformation,” he added.

6/16/2025, 6:54:57 PM

Killings: Tinubu Postpones Scheduled Kaduna Trip, To Visit Benue Wednesday

President Bola Tinubu has postponed his official visit to Kaduna State and will instead travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The visit forms part of renewed efforts to promote peace and address the ongoing crisis that has plagued several communities in the state. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to Onanuga, the President’s visit is intended to provide a firsthand assessment of the recurring violence that has resulted in numerous deaths and widespread destruction. Tinubu was originally scheduled to visit Kaduna on Wednesday to inaugurate various state government projects. However, the Kaduna visit has now been rescheduled to Thursday, June 19, 2025. While in Benue, the President will engage with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, community heads, and youth representatives, in a bid to find lasting solutions to the conflict. “In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already deployed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, top intelligence officials, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue,” the statement said. The President is also expected to hold a town hall meeting with stakeholders during the visit. Tinubu has previously condemned the violence in Benue and urged leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding. He also offered his condolences to the families of victims and others affected by the crisis.

6/16/2025, 4:04:19 PM

Defamation: Court Rejects FG’s Request To Arrest Natasha

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday declined the Federal Government’s request for an arrest warrant against the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her absence in court for arraignment in a defamation case. Justice Muhammed Umar, who presided over the matter, ruled that it was inappropriate to issue a bench warrant since Akpoti-Uduaghan had not previously been served with the charge or hearing notice. The judge emphasized that without formal service, it would be unreasonable to expect her presence in court. This decision followed the submission by government counsel, David Kaswe, who claimed the charge had been served on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer earlier that day in the courtroom. He argued that the senator ought to have known about the arraignment through her legal representative. Justice Umar, however, rejected this argument, stressing that service on counsel alone does not establish that the defendant was aware of the proceedings. In response to the ruling, the prosecution applied for substituted service of the charge through her lawyer, Johnson Usman. The application was granted, and the court fixed June 30 for the senator’s arraignment. The defamation charge was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the Federal Government. Akpoti-Uduaghan is the sole defendant in the suit, which accuses her of making defamatory claims during a live broadcast on *Politics Today*, aired on Channels Television on April 3, 2025. According to the charge, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired with Senate President Godswill Akpabio to have her assassinated outside Abuja and cover it up as a mob or local attack. Both Bello and Akpabio are listed as nominal complainants. The Federal Government claims the senator knowingly or recklessly made the statements, fully aware of their damaging potential to the reputations of those named. She is alleged to have said, “Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks? He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. What is important to me is to stay alive, because dead men tell no tales. Who is going to get justice for me?” The charge also cites her statements during the programme, “That you, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on or about the 3rd day of April 2025, during the same Politics Today programme on Channels Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, made the following imputation concerning Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State. “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night, to eliminate me. When he met with him, he then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.’ You knew or had reason to believe that such imputations would harm the reputation of Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State.” The senator is also accused of making defamatory statements about Senate President Akpabio during a telephone conversation with Sandra C. Duru in Abuja on 27 March 2025. The alleged statement reads, “That girl that was killed, what’s her name, umm Imoren Iniubong, her organs were actually used for the wife, because the wife was really ill… when they killed the girl, and her organs were used for the wife.” The Federal Government contends that Akpoti-Uduaghan knew or ought to have known that this claim would harm the reputation of Akpabio. Also, the Senate President, Bello, and four others have been listed as witnesses for the trial.

6/16/2025, 4:01:26 PM

NiMet Predicts 3~Day Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country from Monday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 18. In its weather outlook released in Abuja, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms for the northern region on Monday, with moderate rainfall expected in parts of Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba states. Later in the day, thunderstorms and rain are expected to affect areas including Borno, Zamfara, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and Adamawa. For the North-Central region, NiMet anticipates morning thunderstorms and rain in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa. Thunderstorms are also expected across the region during the afternoon and evening hours. In the southern region, morning showers are likely in parts of Ebonyi, Abia, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Rivers, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. By Tuesday, NiMet projects thunderstorms and showers in the afternoon over parts of Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. For the northern region, Tuesday’s forecast includes morning thunderstorms and rainfall in parts of Kebbi, Kaduna, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Zamfara, with similar conditions expected later in the day in Bauchi, Gombe, Zamfara, Kano, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto. In the North-Central zone, cloudy skies with morning thunderstorms are expected in parts of the FCT, Plateau, and Nasarawa, while afternoon and evening storms may hit areas such as Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the FCT. For the southern region, NiMet forecasts morning rainfall over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Cross River, Rivers, and Lagos. “For Wednesday morning, thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba States in the northern region. “Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Bauchi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Gombe, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Adamawa states. “In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rains over parts of Benue and Kogi States in the morning hours,” it stated. NiMet forecast thunderstorms with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Plateau and Nasarawa States in the afternoon and evening hours. According to the agency, in the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rains over parts of Ogun and Lagos States. NiMet predicted isolated thunderstorms with rains over most parts of the region later in the day. “Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution. “Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision, driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. “Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees. “Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said. The agency urged the residents to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet and to visit its website www.nimet.gov.ng

6/16/2025, 3:56:25 PM

753 Abuja Duplexes: Court Grants Emefiele ₦2bn Bail

Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Monday granted bail in the sum of ₦2 billion to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The bail was granted following Emefiele’s arraignment on an eight-count charge, which includes allegations of unlawfully acquiring a housing estate comprising 753 units, and misappropriating billions of naira through proxy accounts. In his ruling, Justice Yusuf acknowledged that Emefiele had previously been granted bail in three other pending criminal cases, with no evidence that he had violated any of the bail terms. He therefore granted the bail on the condition that Emefiele presents two sureties, each of whom must own property valued at ₦2 billion in either Asokoro, Maitama, or Wuse 2, all within the court’s jurisdiction. Justice Yusuf further directed Emefiele to deposit his travel documents with the court and ordered that the bail conditions must be met by Wednesday, or he would be remanded in custody. The ruling followed a bail application moved by Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, which was not opposed by prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, although the latter requested the imposition of additional bail conditions.

6/16/2025, 12:38:40 PM

FCCPC Summons Air Peace Over Consumer Complaints

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned Air Peace Limited over numerous complaints from passengers nationwide regarding the airline’s failure to refund ticket fares, even in cases where flights were cancelled by the airline itself. This development was announced in a statement issued in Abuja by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, and made public on Monday. Ijagwu noted that if the allegations are confirmed, Air Peace’s actions would violate Sections 130(1)(a) and (b) and 130(2)(b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. These sections affirm consumers’ rights to timely refunds when prepaid services, such as flight bookings or reservations, are not delivered due to the service provider’s failure. The provisions are intended to promote fair business practices and protect consumers from unjust, unfair, or unreasonable treatment. Through a formal notice dated June 13, 2025, the Commission, invoking Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, has directed Air Peace to appear at its Abuja headquarters on Monday, June 23, 2025. The agency’s spokesman said, ”Specifically, Section 33(3) of the FCCPA mandates compliance, and failure attracts severe sanctions including fines or imprisonment, and the airline is further directed to produce documentary evidence including a complaint log for refunds over the past twelve (12) months, total records of processed refunds to date, list of cancelled flights on all routes within the past twelve (12) months, and remedial actions taken to mitigate consumer hardship resulting from cancelled flights.” Recall that in December 2024, the FCCPC had commenced enquiries into separate allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including substantial price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes by Air Peace. In response, the airline instituted legal proceedings seeking to restrain the Commission from continuing its inquiry. This is an entirely different matter. “The FCCPC remains committed to enforcing the provisions of the FCCPA (2018) and holding service providers accountable and ensuring that consumers, including airline passengers, are protected from exploitative or unfair market practices.” Ijagwu added.

6/16/2025, 12:00:35 PM

Yahoo Boys Bringing National Shame To Nigeria~ EFCC Boss

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed concern that internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as Yahoo-Yahoo boys, are tarnishing the country’s image internationally. He made this statement during a media briefing held on Monday at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. Olukoyede noted that the actions of these fraudsters have led to a global perception that casts suspicion on every Nigerian in the eyes of immigration officials worldwide. “I want Nigerians to know that we are having a crisis on our hands. If you travel abroad with your green passport and stand in the queue among so many people, you will discover that by the time you present the passport, the people (immigration officers) will look at you with some reservation. That is, if they don’t take you aside to carry out some special scrutiny. That is a national shame that some young Nigerians (yahoo-yahoo boys) have caused for us. “I go out to interact with my counterpart and other government agencies abroad in the course of tracing money and recovering assets. And there are things that it would be difficult for you to defend. We recently arrested groups of young men, and people no longer believe in hard work. I’m from a state where education is our pride. If you go to the secondary school that I attended, by 12 noon, the students have left school,” he said. Expounding further on the atrocities of the fraudsters, the EFCC chairman stressed that they are involved in banditry and kidnapping when their unsuspecting victims do not cooperate. He also noted that they were involved in laundering money for politically-exposed persons in government or out of government. “The most dangerous aspect of it is not just about yahoo-yahoo, some of these guys are into banditry, kidnapping. When they don’t see people to scam on time, they resort to these vices. Some of them launder money for politically exposed persons. Don’t just see them as yahoo-yahoo boys anymore; the traditional way of stealing money is not applicable anymore. “When they (politically-exposed persons) steal money in billions, they give it to these boys, they open crypto wallets, and from there, the money goes abroad. Most of these politically exposed persons identify these boys, lodge them in the hotel, the boys open accounts for them and take the money abroad to buy cars, houses and other luxury items. “Nigerians should look at them beyond just yahoo-yahoo. We arrested a 22-year-old; he had a turnover of over N5 billion within 18 months. We discovered that he laundered money for politically exposed people. A boy who has never worked in his life. They used them to steal government money now. They do ritual killings. They are also involved in cybercrime. You see them in hotels and in groups trying to scam people. You see secondary school students driving vehicles. Are those the people we want to hand Nigeria over to? Is that the nation we want to build?” Recall that in May, Olukoyede said that upon his assumption in office, his agency had recovered over N365.4bn and secured 4,111 convictions in 2024. He disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the end of a three-day Retreat for Directors with the theme “EFCC: The Journey So Far, Ensuring Professionalism and Integrity.” Olukoyede, in a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, attributed the feat achieved to the commitment, sacrifices and dedication of staff, promising to surpass the record in 2025. “In 2024, the commission secured 4,111 convictions and hauled monetary recovery of over N365.4billion. The EFCC’s boss appreciated the sacrifice, hard work, and discipline, and called for increased dedication to surpass the records of 2024 and greater commitment to the integrity of processes in the agency,” the statement read.

6/16/2025, 11:14:48 AM

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