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Electronic Fraud is Online Equivalent of Stealing – Akindeinde

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Oluseyi Akindeinde is the chief technical officer of Digital Encode
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Oluseyi Akindeinde is the chief technical officer of Digital Encode, a cyber- security company involved in the implementation of security measures and certification for banks and others.
Akindeine is a thoroughbred cyber-security expert with over 10 years working experience in cyber-security space in Nigeria.
He started his career with a company called Datasphir from where he joined Digital Encode as a co-founder.
His company has initiated and implemented measures aimed at fighting cybercrime and electronic fraud such as managing of Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum and cyber-security operation centre.
He spoke to chike onwuegbuchi on issues around fighting cybercrime in the country.
 
 
State of Cybercrime and Fight in Nigeria
Cybercrime is still on the rise despite efforts to curtail it. To be honest it is not unexpected as most transactions are concluded online end-to-end.
Organizations have done quite a lot in reducing this menace but in my opinion, people (as opposed to technology and process) still remain the critical part of this.

Impacts of Cybercrime Law
For one, it is expected that anyone found to have committed any type cybercrime act will be brought to book and made to face the consequences.
Cybercrime or electronic fraud, is the online equivalence of stealing and such same measures should be meted out to anyone found to have committed the act.

Things to Ensure Maximum Benefit of the Law
Oh yes there are and it has already been set in motion by the formulation of the Cybercrime Advisory Council by the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Part of the mandate of the advisory council is to reinforce and enhance the implementation of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy adopted on the February 5, 2015, which outline the legal, institutional and technical frameworks needed to drive the nation’s preparedness to fight cybercrime and protect Nigeria’s national interests in its engagements in cyberspace.

Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Of course it is needed. Just as we have people securing and safeguarding Land, Sea and Air, we need a national CERT to secure our cyberspace.
The battles of the future will not be fought by fighter jets but in cyberspace. Furthermore, efforts should be put in capacity building and training of the people who would man the CERT.

Banks on Implementation of Security Certification such as PCI DSS
Again Fraud cannot be totally eliminated once you have the ‘people’ factor. No matter the amount of technical controls you put in place, if someone is going to fall for a social engineering attack, those controls cannot stop it.
It is incumbent on the financial institutions to sensitize the public on the dangers of phishing and social engineering tricks.
Personal information should never be given online as NO bank will request for it. This includes, Passwords, Passcodes, PINs. These are to remain private and never handed to anyone.

Cyber-Security Operation Centre (CSOC) and Fight against Cybercriminal
It’s the first independently operated SOC. It’s our attempt at assisting organisations, especially financial institutions, monitor their systems and networks for anomalous traffic patterns.
We not only monitor but also alert at imminent danger if any.
We do this all day, every day freeing the Financial Institutions to conduct business without thinking about security. We also assist in cybercrime investigation, recovery and digital forensics.

Digital Encode and the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF)
NeFF was inaugurated by the bankers’ committee in 2011 to address and proactively manage the incidences of electronic fraud and related matters in the industry. The forum is made up of the CBN, the deposit money banks (DMB), law enforcement agencies (LEA) and other stakeholders in the financial services sector.
Our mandate is to assist the forum in gathering, analysing and reviewing fraud data, conducting forensics and predictive analytics as well as training and capacity building for industry personnel.

Digital Encode in Cyber Security Space
We are the foremost cybersecurity company in Nigeria and we constantly assist organisations achieve optimum security by providing services such as Advanced penetration tests, compliance to global information security standards such as PCIDSS, ISO 27001 and CoBIT.

Emergence as the Cyber Security Company at Beacon of ICT Awards
It’s a fantastic award for our organisation and it only goes to show recognition for what we have been doing. We truly appreciate it.
 
 
 
 
 


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Pawnith Appoints Martina Ogbebor as Managing Director to Lead Strategic Launch into Nigeria’s Fintech Ecosystem

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The Board of Directors of Pawnith Limited has announced the appointment of Martina Ogbebor as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment coincides with the official launch of Pawnith as a sophisticated new entrant in Nigeria’s financial services and alternative investment landscape.

Pawnith Limited is a technology-enabled financial services platform established to address critical gaps in access to capital by delivering transparent, dignified, and scalable financing solutions.

The Board confirmed that Ms. Ogbebor’s appointment is central to a long-term strategy that combines the operational rigor of traditional finance with the speed, efficiency, and innovation of modern fintech.

Ms. Ogbebor brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience across the telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors, where she has led brand transformations and nationwide revenue growth initiatives.

Her appointment signals Pawnith’s intent to build a high-trust financial institution anchored on strong governance, regulatory discipline, and long-term value creation.

“The Board is confident that Martina’s experience in building high-trust, regulated brands positions her uniquely to lead Pawnith at this critical stage,” said the Chairman of the Board.

“Her mandate is clear: to establish a disciplined capital platform that delivers rapid access to funding while upholding the highest standards of ethics, risk management, and corporate governance.”

Under Ms. Ogbebor’s leadership, Pawnith is launching a multi-segment capital model designed to evolve into a comprehensive financial services and alternative investment ecosystem.

The company’s initial portfolio spans personal credit solutions, offering short- to medium-term loans for salaried professionals with transparent pricing and rapid disbursement, alongside SME and business lending focused on working capital and growth financing to help entrepreneurs stabilise cash flow and scale operations.

The portfolio also includes asset-backed lending, providing secure, collateralised facilities that support fair valuations and flexible liquidity, as well as structured lending through a forthcoming private credit arm aimed at delivering institutional-grade financing to growing enterprises.

In addition, Pawnith offers private equity investment solutions, providing strategic growth capital to select businesses and partnering with founders to drive long-term value creation, stronger governance, and operational scale.

Pawnith’s digital infrastructure prioritises speed, security, and control. The platform features secure onboarding, automated Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, and structured repayment tracking to ensure a seamless and compliant experience for both individual and corporate clients.

“Pawnith is being built as a disciplined financial platform—one that customers, partners, and regulators can trust,” the Board added. “We are not a quick-win lender; we are building a cornerstone institution for Nigeria’s evolving credit and investment market.”

 


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PalmPay Deepens Its Long-Term Commitment in Nigeria with New Office @ Yaba

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PalmPay has opened a new office at 33 Old Yaba Road, Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, customer service, and operational growth in Nigeria.

The new office represents a continued investment in PalmPay’s people, operations, and infrastructure, supporting the company’s ability to deliver reliable financial services at scale. Designed to accommodate PalmPay’s growing team, the workspace enables closer cross-functional collaboration while strengthening service delivery nationwide. Located in Yaba, one of Lagos’s most established commercial and technology corridors, the office further anchors PalmPay within Nigeria’s innovation and financial ecosystem.

Speaking at the office launch, Managing Director Chika Nwosu highlighted that the new workspace reflects PalmPay’s long-term vision and dedication to excellence. “This new office represents an important step in our growth journey and our commitment to building secure, reliable, and inclusive financial solutions for our users,” he said.

The launch event was attended by PalmPay’s leadership team, employees and customers, who toured the facility and marked the company’s continued growth and progress.

With the opening of its office at 33 Old Yaba Road, PalmPay continues to strengthen its presence in Nigeria and reaffirm its mission to drive financial inclusion through innovative digital solutions.

PalmPay is a leading digital banking platform driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved emerging markets. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money.

PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products, including mobile payments, savings, and micro-insurance via its app and mobile money agent network.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 35 million app users and processes up to 15 million transactions daily. PalmPay has operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.


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NAHCO Signs New Ground Handling Deals

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The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc has announced the signing of a chain of contracts with major airlines for the provision of total handling solutions.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company announced the signing of contract renewals with Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic, as well as the African operator, RwandAir.

NAHCO also signed fresh contracts with United Nigeria – Regional, Bellagio and Malaikair.

According to the statement, the contracts with Air France and KLM are for three years and will run till 2028, respectively. The duration of the contract with Virgin Atlantic was also put at three years.

The duration for the RwandAir contract is for three years, effective 1 October 2025.

The statement read, “The new contract with United – Regional would be for a period of five years, effective from 1 August 2025. For Bellagio and Malaikair, the contracts are for three and five years, respectively.

“Bellagio Air, Nigeria’s rising star in aviation, is redefining air travel with a blend of luxury, efficiency, and reliability. Headquartered in the vibrant city of Ikeja, Lagos, Bellagio Air is committed to providing world-class service across key domestic and regional routes.”

The Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, NAHCO Plc, Saheed Lasisi, who expressed his delight with the new contracts, said NAHCO is already ready to exceed customers’ expectations.

According to Lasisi, NAHCO’s more than 46 years of unblemished excellent service delivery puts it heads and shoulders above any other service provider in the industry.

“This is what we have been doing for almost half of a century. We will continue to delight our customers and make our stakeholders happy by exceeding expectations in all aspects of our service offerings. We are always willing and ready to do more,” Lasisi added.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NAHCO Plc, Olumuyiwa Olumekun, added that with the new fleet of equipment the company is deploying, service delivery will only be better.

 


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