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Crime

EFCC Moves to Stop Cash Smuggling

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By Adenike Lawal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Bureau De Change operators and business stakeholders to steer clear of illegal cross-border cash movements or face prosecution.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, speaking through CE Ibrahim Shazali, Kano Zonal Director, at a sensitization program in Kano on Saturday, stressed that anyone carrying more than ten thousand dollars across Nigerian borders without proper declaration is committing a crime punishable by law.

He cited the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, which mandates BDC operators to report suspicious financial dealings to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, warning that non-compliance threatens the nation’s economic stability.

The sensitization, held in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, aimed to sharpen vigilance against money laundering, terrorism financing, and corruption.

Olukoyede lamented that despite strict regulations, many travelers and business operators still engage in illegal cash transfers, either ignorantly or deliberately.

He warned that culprits risk heavy fines, jail terms, and asset forfeiture.

“Compliance is not just a legal requirement; it is a patriotic duty,” he said, urging BDCs and travelers to prioritize national interest.

The EFCC, backed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Customs, and ICPC, vowed to intensify crackdowns to fortify Nigeria’s financial system against illicit flows.

Meanwhile, the CBN’s new forex guidelines allow BDCs to purchase up to twenty-five thousand dollars weekly from a single authorized dealer bank, a move aimed at curbing market volatility and promoting transparency.

Crime

EFCC Storms Lagos, Nabs 120 for Internet Scam

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By Njoku Chijioke

In a sweeping crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 120 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos.

The suspects include 95 men and 25 women. According to the commission, the arrests followed credible intelligence and days of covert surveillance.

Items recovered during the raid include exotic vehicles, mobile phones, and laptops, all believed to be proceeds of online fraud.

The anti-graft agency stated that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of preliminary findings.

The EFCC reaffirmed its resolve to confront cybercrime and other financial offenses head-on, vowing not to relent in its mission to cleanse the system.

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Crime

Gunmen Attack Pasuma’s Convoy

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By Adenike Lawal

Fear gripped residents of Ikire in Osun State on Sunday afternoon as armed men launched a daring daylight attack on the convoy of Fuji star, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as Pasuma.

The attack occurred in the Irewole axis of the town as Pasuma’s black Hummer SUV and a white Hilux pickup were ambushed by suspected thugs.

The vehicles were pelted with stones and reportedly came under gunfire, sending bystanders fleeing for safety.

A video from the scene, now viral on social media, captured the moment of chaos.

In the clip, a shaken voice cried out in Pidgin English, “Kasala don burst for Ikire. They don attack us. They carry gun shoot us but God dey.”

Pasuma was in town for a performance and is believed to have escaped unhurt.

However, details surrounding his visit and the motive behind the attack remain sketchy.

The incident forced shops to shut down temporarily while residents expressed deep worry over rising insecurity.

As of press time, efforts to reach the singer’s team proved abortive, and the Osun State Police Command had yet to release an official statement.

The brazen nature of the assault has triggered alarm across the region, highlighting concerns over safety during celebrity visits and public gatherings.

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Crime

Ekpa Faces Terror Charges in Finland Over Biafra Campaign

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By Adenike Lawal

Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, is facing serious criminal charges in Finland for allegedly inciting terrorism linked to his pro-Biafra agitation.

Finland’s National Prosecution Authority confirmed that a Finnish national has been charged with publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent and allegedly participating in a terrorist organization.

Though unnamed in the official statement, multiple reports from YLE, Finland’s public broadcaster, and Nigerian sources identify the suspect as Ekpa.

The charges cover a period from 2021 to 2024 and focus on activities traced to the city of Lahti.

Authorities allege Ekpa used digital platforms to encourage unrest in Nigeria’s southeast under the banner of Biafra independence.

Ekpa, who styles himself as leader of the so-called Biafra Republic Government in Exile, is linked to a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra.

Nigerian authorities accuse him of fueling violence through broadcasts that have incited attacks on civilians and public institutions.

Though Ekpa was detained in November 2024 and remains in custody, he denies all allegations.

Four others earlier suspected of funding terrorism were released due to insufficient evidence.

This case highlights the growing challenge of policing cross-border extremism driven by online influence and diaspora activism.

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