Connect with us

General News

Police in Court, Declare 24 foreign Cybercrime Suspects Missing

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The police, on Thursday, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the whereabouts of 24 foreigner hackers being prosecuted on allegations bordering on cybercrime was unknown.

Police in Court, Declare 24 foreign Cybercrime Suspects Missing

Victor Okoye, police lawyer, told Justice Ekerete Akpan at the resumed hearing of their trial, after at least 85 of the defendants were recently convicted, fined and ordered to be deported.

Okoye said the 24 foreigners were yet to be apprehended by the security agency.

“My lord, the defendants are at large and we are yet to apprehend them,” he had said.

It will be recalled that Justice Akpan had, about two months ago, convicted 21 of the 109 foreign nationals being charged and fined them N1 million each, after they opted for a plea bargain agreement.

The judge, who alternatively ordered them to serve a one-year jail term, also ordered their deportation from Nigeria after meeting the judgment terms.

He further directed that all the gadgets used in the commission of the crimes should be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Justice Akpan also, on Oct. 14, convicted a set of another 59 of the foreign hackers on the same plea bargain deal with the Nigerian Police Force, leaving 24 defendants who chose to face the trial.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 for trial of the 24 defendants.

When the matter came up on Wednesday, the defendants were not in court and the matter was adjourned until Thursday.

However, upon resumed hearing on Thursday, Okoye told the court that the defendants were still at large and that the police were yet to apprehend them.

The lawyer informed the court that he had an amended charge and that he was ready to proceed.

Justice Akpan told him that his amended charge cannot be taken when the defendants were not in court.

Okoye then sought an adjournment to do the needful and the judge adjourned the matter until Dec. 10 for hearing.

The Inspector General (I-G) of Police had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024, sued the 109 foreigners and were arraigned on six counts.

The defendants, include nationals of China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, had pleaded not guilty to the counts and were remanded in correctional centres.

Justice Akpan had, on Nov. 29, 2024, admitted them to a N1 billion bail with five sureties each.

The judge, who granted them bail, directed that the five sureties must have a landed property worth N200, 000 million each.

Justice Akpan directed that the sureties must deposit the original and verified documents of their landed property with the deputy registrar of the court.

The judge also directed the sureties to deposit their international passports.

While the male defendants were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, the court held that the female defendants should be kept at Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State pending the perfection of their bail terms.

The defendants, who had met their bail terms, were, in 2024, arrested by the police.

They were apprehended in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”

In the six-count charge, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria, etc.

In one of the counts, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime.”

They were alleged to have commited the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

They were also alleged to have accessed a computer network and input with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

Again, they were alleged to have removed “from Nigeria proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms.

“These platforms are 9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The defendants were also accused of entering “the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit.

The offence is contrary to the provisions of Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015.”


Kindly share this post

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo is a trained and practicing journalist. She is passionate about ICT and business journalism. She has over a decade experience spanning money and capital market as well as information technology

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

General News

Konga Launches Tech Month Campaign with Exclusive Offers

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, Konga, has officially announced the launch of its highly anticipated Konga Tech Month. Konga Tech Month is a month-long campaign dedicated to delivering exceptional value across the technology category.

Konga Launches Tech Month Campaign with Exclusive Offers

Konga Tech Month Campaign

It runs from May 1 to May 31, 2026, and presents one of the most compelling opportunities for consumers, SMEs and corporates to acquire premium technology products at jaw-dropping discounts of up to 50% across a wide range of products.

Tech Month is designed to meet the growing demand for genuine, reliable, high-performance technology solutions in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Through strategic collaborations with global technology leaders such as Samsung, LG, ASUS, HP, and Starlink, Konga is reinforcing its commitment to technological democratization as the global economy increasingly pivots toward a digital-first future.

From smartphones and laptops to televisions, refrigerators, and cutting-edge accessories, the campaign delivers a comprehensive suite of technology solutions tailored to both personal and professional needs. Whether consumers are upgrading their home entertainment systems or equipping their workspaces for enhanced productivity, Konga Tech Month provides a one-stop destination for quality, affordability, and convenience.

A key highlight of this year’s campaign is the prominent participation of Starlink as a focal partner. In a significant development for Nigeria’s connectivity landscape, Starlink has designated Konga as its authorized support centre, enabling customers to access in-person assistance at select Konga retail stores nationwide.

This means that beyond enjoying exclusive discounts on Starlink kits during special campaign phases, customers can now receive expert guidance on purchase decisions, installation, and troubleshooting, bridging the gap between advanced global technology and local accessibility. This initiative reinforces Konga’s commitment to delivering not just products, but end-to-end customer experience and support.

Konga Tech Month is further enhanced by a range of value-driven incentives designed to improve convenience and drive customer satisfaction. Shoppers who purchase from the official stores of Samsung and LG on Konga will enjoy free delivery, reinforcing the platform’s promise of affordability without hidden costs.

In addition, Konga’s same-day delivery service, KongaNow, ensures that customers can receive their orders within hours, eliminating the delays typically associated with e-commerce transactions. This capability is particularly beneficial for urgent purchases, enabling users to access essential tech products exactly when they need them.

To maximise the benefits of the campaign, customers are encouraged to download the Konga mobile app, available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. App users gain access to exclusive app-only deals, including free shipping on select offers, as well as early notifications on flash sales and limited-time promotions.

Beyond the immediate consumer benefits, Konga Tech Month plays a strategic role in advancing digital adoption across Nigeria. As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on technology for communication, education, and productivity, access to affordable and reliable devices becomes essential.

By partnering directly with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Konga ensures that customers receive 100% authentic products, eliminating concerns around quality and reliability. This direct sourcing model not only strengthens consumer trust but also supports long-term brand loyalty.

Furthermore, the campaign aligns with broader economic goals by facilitating access to tools that drive efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in various sectors. From small businesses seeking to digitise operations to students investing in learning tools, Tech Month provides practical solutions that empower users to thrive in a technology-driven world.

To fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by Konga Tech Month, customers are advised to stay actively engaged with the platform. Following Konga’s official social media channels and enabling notifications ensures real-time access to flash sales and exclusive discount phases.

As the campaign unfolds throughout May, shoppers can expect continuous updates, surprise deals, and enhanced offerings designed to deliver maximum value.

Konga Tech Month is more than a promotional event; it is a strategic initiative that underscores Konga’s leadership in Nigeria’s e-commerce and technology retail space. By combining competitive pricing, global brand partnerships, seamless logistics, and customer-centric innovations, Konga continues to redefine how Nigerians access and experience technology.

As the digital economy expands, initiatives like Tech Month serve as critical enablers, ensuring that consumers are not only connected but also equipped with the tools needed to succeed.

For shoppers across the country, the message is clear: this May, the smartest way to upgrade your digital life is through Konga Tech Month.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

UBA Debunks Viral Divorce Claim against Elumelus, Suspects in Custody

Published

on

Kindly share this post

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group has dismissed as false and malicious reports circulating on social media alleging that Mr Tony Elumelu, its croup chairman,  has divorced his wife, describing the claims as defamatory and deliberately fabricated to tarnish his reputation.

UBA Debunks Viral Divorce Claim against Elumelus, Suspects in Custody

UBA

In a formal notice issued on Sunday, the bank said the publication and similar related content were entirely baseless, reckless, and designed to mislead the public while causing reputational damage to Elumelu and the UBA brand.

According to the statement signed by Mrs Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication, the matter has been reported to relevant law enforcement authorities, which have already commenced investigations into the source and spread of the claims.

The bank disclosed that three individuals allegedly linked to the creation and dissemination of the publication had been arrested. They were identified as Mr Kingsley Akunemeihe, also known as @Directorkem; Mr Chigozie Success Ihebom; and Mr John Surpruchi Nwanorue, known on social media as @problemchimky.

UBA said investigations were ongoing and could result in additional arrests and prosecutions of other individuals connected to originating, amplifying, or sustaining the false publication.

The financial institution issued a cease-and-desist notice to all persons, platforms, and entities involved in publishing or reposting the claims, directing them to immediately remove the content from all platforms and refrain from further dissemination.

It also instructed all affected parties to preserve records, including digital footprints, communications, and metadata linked to the creation and spread of the publication, pending possible legal action.

The bank warned that failure to comply with the directive would lead to legal proceedings, including defamation suits, claims for damages, injunctive relief, and other remedies available under applicable laws.

“UBA Group is resolute in protecting the reputation, privacy, and integrity of our brand and that of Mr Elumelu, and will pursue all necessary legal avenues, civil and criminal, to ensure all responsible parties are identified and held accountable,” the statement said.

The bank urged the public to disregard the false reports and rely only on verified information from official channels.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

NITDA Partners Galaxy Backbone to Deliver Subsidised Cloud Services to Startups

Published

on

Kindly share this post

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), has entered into a strategic partnership with Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) to provide subsidised sovereign cloud services for startups participating in the iHatch programme.

NITDA Partners Galaxy Backbone to Deliver Subsidised Cloud Services to Startups

NITDA

The collaboration is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by improving access to critical digital infrastructure, promoting indigenous innovation, supporting data sovereignty and expanding digital inclusion.

The development was disclosed in separate statements issued by NITDA and Galaxy Backbone.

Under the arrangement, startups enrolled in the iHatch programme will be onboarded onto the Galaxy Cloud Platform (GxCP), GBB’s sovereign cloud infrastructure built on Uptime-certified Tier III and Tier IV data centres, a nationwide fibre network and advanced cybersecurity architecture.

According to the agencies, the initiative is designed to reduce infrastructure barriers facing early-stage businesses by providing access to secure enterprise-grade cloud resources at subsidised rates.

Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the partnership as a strategic intervention to strengthen the resilience and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

Abdullahi said access to reliable digital infrastructure remained one of the most critical enablers for startups seeking to innovate, scale and compete internationally.

He noted that the collaboration aligns with NITDA’s broader digital economy agenda, particularly in building local technology capacity and reducing dependence on foreign infrastructure.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to nurturing a resilient and globally competitive startup ecosystem by ensuring innovators have access to the infrastructure required to build sustainable businesses,” he said.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said the initiative would empower startups with access to secure, enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure while enabling them to host their data locally within Nigeria.

According to him, hosting data locally is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, improving compliance and enhancing economic resilience.

Adeyanju explained that to ensure sustainability and long-term impact, GBB would deploy a tiered, milestone-based support model aligned with the development stages of startups.

He said cloud credits would be released in phases across three stages of startup growth — Build, Validate and Scale.

The credits, he said, would remain valid for 12 months, after which beneficiaries would transition to either standard subscription plans or pay-as-you-go billing options.

“This model ensures startups receive support at the stages where they need it most, while also encouraging efficient resource management and long-term business sustainability,” he said.

Adeyanju added that Galaxy Backbone would establish a dedicated Startup Success Team to guide participating startups through onboarding and encourage platform adoption.

He said the initiative would also include automated usage monitoring and alerts to help startups optimise resource utilisation and avoid operational inefficiencies.

In a move aimed at protecting startups from exchange rate volatility, he disclosed that all post-credit billing under the scheme would be denominated in naira.

General Manager, Strategic Partnerships at GBB, Mr Abdul Malik Suleiman, described the partnership as a deliberate intervention to bridge the infrastructure gap confronting Nigerian innovators.

Suleiman said making world-class cloud services more accessible to local startups would significantly lower entry barriers for innovation-driven businesses.

Also speaking, National Coordinator of ONDI, Ms Victoria Fabunmi, said integrating Galaxy Backbone’s sovereign cloud platform into the iHatch programme would strengthen startups’ ability to transition from ideation to commercial scale.

Fabunmi noted that access to the right digital tools and infrastructure was crucial to helping startups compete effectively in both local and global markets.

She said the iHatch programme, which is supported by NITDA through ONDI, had already trained over 160 startups across 37 hub partners nationwide.

According to her, the partnership with GBB is expected to deepen the programme’s impact by accelerating innovation, enabling startup growth and strengthening Nigeria’s broader digital economy.

Industry stakeholders say the initiative reflects growing efforts by government institutions to provide local alternatives to foreign digital infrastructure while reducing operational costs for Nigerian startups.

They also note that the partnership could improve confidence among innovators and investors by strengthening Nigeria’s cloud ecosystem and encouraging local data hosting.

The agencies expressed optimism that the collaboration would unlock new growth opportunities for startups and further position Nigeria as a leading innovation hub on the continent.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending