By Alexis Uchendu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has achieved its most significant asset recovery since its inception in 2003, securing the final forfeiture of a massive estate in Abuja.

The property, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, covers 150,500 square meters and includes 753 duplexes and apartments.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court delivered the landmark ruling on December 2, 2024, ordering the estate’s forfeiture to the federal government.

The judgment came after the EFCC invoked the Advance Fee Fraud and Related Offenses Act and Section 44(2)(B) of the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that the property was acquired through illicit means.

“The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

“The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” Justice Onwuegbuzie stated in his ruling.

The forfeiture process began with an interim order on November 1, 2024.

The estate is linked to a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

This historic recovery underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption and reinforces the federal government’s resolve to establish a more transparent and accountable system for all Nigerians.

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Gunmen ambushed a GIGMobility (GIGM), bus on Saturday near Obajana in Kogi State, abducting all passengers onboard.

The bus, traveling from Lagos to Abuja, was attacked en route to Lokoja, with only the driver managing to escape.

A witness reported that the kidnappers are demanding ₦100 million per person for the release of the hostages.

One of the victims, a recent graduate returning from her convocation in Benin Republic, was among those taken.

A concerned friend took to social media to plead for assistance:

“Please, I need help. My friend was kidnapped at Lokoja while traveling from Lagos to Abuja. The kidnappers are demanding ₦100 million. No amount is too small to assist her.”

Another eyewitness recounted narrowly escaping the attack:

“I drove past the scene. The bus’s windscreens were shattered, and only the driver remained. I might have been a victim if my car hadn’t overheated earlier in Kabba.”

GIGM released a statement on Sunday evening expressing concern:

“We are deeply affected by this incident and similar occurrences. Our thoughts are with everyone involved during this difficult time.”

This latest attack highlights the growing insecurity on Nigeria’s highways, with Kogi State emerging as a hotspot for abductions and violent crimes.

By Jesusemen Oratokhai

The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned 113 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges related to cybercrime, immigration violations, and suspected links to human trafficking networks.

The arrests occurred on November 3, 2024, during a coordinated raid in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory.

Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated on Monday that the operation was spearheaded by the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), in partnership with Zone 7 Command.

Authorities confiscated a wide range of sophisticated equipment allegedly used for illicit cyber activities.

Items recovered included laptops, smartphones, tablets, high-capacity servers, drones, SIM cards, gaming devices, international passports, a Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.

Adejobi noted that these items were suspected to have been used in unauthorized data breaches, marketing scams, and money laundering operations.

“This operation highlights the global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders,” he said.

The suspects face multiple charges, including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, conspiracy, money laundering, and illegal immigration.

The police assured the public of their commitment to collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to dismantle transnational crime networks.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterated the Force’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to safeguard Nigerians in physical and digital spaces.

He assured citizens of ongoing efforts to tackle cybercrime and related offenses nationwide.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities pledging to bring all perpetrators to justice while reinforcing global efforts against cybercrime.