Kayode Egbetokun, inspector general of Police (IGP), has confirmed that 113 foreign nationals are being prosecuted following their arrest by the Police National Cybercrime Center (NCCC) for their involvement in cybercrime activities.

The arrests were made on November 3, 2024, in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The arrested suspects were found with a range of digital equipment believed to be used in their cybercriminal operations.

Items seized include a Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, multiple laptops, smartphones, tablets, desktops, routers from MTN, Huawei, Airtel, D-Link, and Starlink, gaming consoles such as a Sony PlayStation 5, as well as high-capacity servers, drones, and specialized cybercrime equipment. Also recovered were international passports, identity cards, SIM cards from various service providers, and travel documents.

“These assets are suspected to have been used for unauthorized data breaches, marketing scams, and other illegal activities within the cybercrime ecosystem,” the IGP stated.

He emphasized the growing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates that operate across borders, noting the scale and sophistication of the operation.

In a statement by ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, Force public relations officer, it was confirmed that the suspects have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing charges such as computer-related fraud, unlawful data access, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration.

The IGP further commended the NCCC, as well as the Police operatives attached to Zone 7 Command, for their role in dismantling this international cybercrime ring, which is also linked to human trafficking networks.

He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track down cybercriminals and bring them to justice.

“We will continue to combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law,” Egbetokun added.

The operation marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its cyber space and prosecute those who expl

Musa Aliyu, chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has revealed that 70 percent of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply.

Aliyu made this statement on Monday during an ICPC roundtable with state attorneys-general in the north-west region, held in Kano, aimed at strengthening the commission’s capacity for corruption prevention.

The ICPC chairman noted that the ‘2023 corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and trends report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed significant bribery prevalence in the north-west region and trends across Nigeria.

“Bribery is most common in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services,” he said.

“However, despite these challenges, the positive news is that 70 percent of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply on at least one occasion.

“In the north-west, 76 percent of individuals who encountered bribery requests resisted—the highest refusal rate among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, indicating growing resistance to bribery in the region.”

The ICPC chairman noted that the state and federal governments have shared responsibility in tackling corruption.

He stated that this collaboration provides an opportunity to ensure that systems are accountable and transparent.

“In this regard, I call on the attorneys-general of the north-west to collaborate closely with ICPC to fortify systems of accountability and transparency that serve the people,” he said.

“Under section 6 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, ICPC is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption across all sectors of public service, but your support and the local knowledge you bring are essential to making this effort more effective.”

He called for continuous encouragement of the people of the north-west to resist bribery demands.

“As chairman of the ICPC, I am committed to ensuring that the commission uses its law enforcement powers and preventive measures, which include enlisting and fostering public support in combating corruption in Nigeria within the confines of the law,” he said.

Aliyu added that pillar five of Nigeria’s national anti-corruption strategy (NACS II), collaboration and partnerships, remain a cornerstone of the fight against corruption.

Driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at creating wealth and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has completed a 5-day training for 100 youths in Ebonyi State on Modern Methods of Electrical Installations and Maintenance.

From right: The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Mr Khalili Suleiman represented by the Coordinating Director Finance and Account, Mr. Ibrahim Baba Dauda presenting the Starter Pack Kits to one of the beneficiaries of NASENI Skill Acquisition Training and Empowerment for 100 Ebonyi Youths which ended at the weekend.

The training of the youths which took place at Remeritona Hotel and Suites Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, from 26th-29th November 2024, focused on advanced Installation of Electrical Wiring, Appliance Repair, Solar Power Installation, Electrical Panel Maintenance, Safety Inspections and Upgrading of Electrical Systems.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 5-day training, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu said by paying particular attention to job creation through skills acquisition training, the Agency is contributing to economic growth, creating enabling environment for the development of skills and poverty alleviation, making way for socio-economic development and to guarantee a safe and brighter future for the youths.

The EVC/CEO, who was represented by the Coordinating Director, Finance and Account, NASENI, Mr. Ibrahim Baba Dauda, said, “Statistics show that building construction is on the rise and there is high demand for quality electrical and maintenance skilled workforce, which is why NASENI embarked on this training, the third in the South-East zone.

The first two of the exercises took place in Anambra State on Solar Installation and Maintenance and Imo State respectively. According the EVC/CEO, “It is imperative to let you know that we draw inspiration from President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope 8-Point Agenda, which focuses on Ending Poverty, Economic Growth, Job Creation, Food Security, Access to Capital, Improved Security, Enabling Environment, Rule of Law, and the Fight against Corruption.”

He noted that aside from job creation, the Ebonyi programme will guarantee employability and economic opportunities for the youths, meet industry demands, safety and compliance, energy efficiency, skill and community development, technology advancements, global Opportunities and personal growth amongst others.

“It is heart-warming to note that the 100 Ebonyi youths who are here today, participated in this training. These youths, our future leaders, will go forward from here to embark on a journey that will transform their lives and empower them to contribute to the growth and development of our nation generally and specifically Ebonyi State”, he stressed.

He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the startup kits handed over to them to build their career and train others. He further advised the participants not to sell the kits and tools that were given to them. “You must not sell the start-up kits, because money in the accounts now is just temporary, but the skill which you have will give you identity”.

In his address, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Commissioner for Skill Development and Job Creation, Hon. Elija Okwu Oko Udu, said Ebonyi state said the training and youth empowerment carried out in collaboration with NASENI was a clear manifestation of the State’s vision to create opportunities for every Ebonyi youth to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Through this workshop, we did not only train 100 young men and women but also equipped them with startup tools to further their careers. This investment is a declaration of trust in your ability to lead, innovate and inspire. Skill acquisition is not just about individual growth, it is about building resilient commitment and a robust economy.

The youths were handed over startup kits containing, face shield, earmuff, hard hat, coverall, insulate glove, safety boot, safety eye goggle, fishing tape, cardless hammer drill, measuring tape, wire striper, non-contact tester, Allen wrench set, wireless inspection camera and conduit bender amongst other modern electrical tools.