New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Nigeria wins global anti-money laundering award for financial crime investigation

    Nigeria wins global anti-money laundering award for financial crime investigation

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria has received a prestigious international award recognising its efforts in combating money laundering and financial crime, following a joint investigation by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The UNODC-World Bank-Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award for an outstanding financial crime investigation was presented during the 32nd Egmont Group Plenary of Heads of Financial Intelligence Units in Baku, Azerbaijan.

    The event was attended by the new President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Giles Thompson, alongside delegates from more than 186 Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) worldwide.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, said the award recognises innovation, operational effectiveness, international cooperation and measurable impact in tackling money laundering and other financial crimes.

    According to her, the recognition followed the successful collaboration between the NFIU and the EFCC during a major financial crime investigation.

    Bakari said financial intelligence generated by the NFIU significantly strengthened investigations conducted by the EFCC, with timely intelligence, professional analysis and international cooperation contributing to successful asset recovery and enforcement actions.

    She described the StAR Initiative Award as one of the highest operational honours in the global financial intelligence community, noting that it recognises investigations in which financial intelligence plays a critical role in disrupting illicit financial networks and strengthening international cooperation.

    “The recognition affirms the professionalism and effectiveness of Nigeria’s financial intelligence architecture and demonstrates how secure intelligence sharing and strong inter-agency collaboration can produce meaningful operational outcomes,” she said.

    Bakari added that the award reflects Nigeria’s growing contribution to the global fight against money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious financial crimes.

    She commended EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede for promoting effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and praised officers of both institutions for their professionalism and dedication.

    “The partnership between the NFIU and the EFCC demonstrates what institutions can achieve through shared purpose,” Bakari said.

    She also congratulated NFIU personnel and reporting entities whose timely financial reports supported the intelligence-led investigation.

    According to her, the international recognition reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-driven investigations, expanding international partnerships and protecting the integrity of the global financial system.

    The Egmont Group serves as a secure platform for intelligence exchange among Financial Intelligence Units across the world and supports international efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and related financial crimes.

    The recognition comes as Nigeria continues implementing reforms aimed at strengthening financial system integrity and enhancing international confidence in its anti-money laundering framework.

  • JUST IN: Police arrest two suspected cultists after deadly attack on Niger Delta University student

    JUST IN: Police arrest two suspected cultists after deadly attack on Niger Delta University student

    YENAGOA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition and illicit drugs following a cult-related attack that claimed the life of a student of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amasomma.

    In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 2:00 p.m. along Kabaka Street in Amasomma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

    According to the police, the victim, Ebube Jonathan, a 200-level Management Science student of the Niger Delta University and a suspected member of the Black Axe confraternity, was attacked by unidentified assailants and sustained gunshot wounds.

    He was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

    The police said operatives attached to the Amasomma Division launched a follow-up operation about two hours after the incident, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

    The suspects were identified as Abudu, 24, a 300-level Applied Physics student of the Niger Delta University, and Tariafela Erefa, 21, a resident of Deningha Street, Amasomma.

    During the operation, police said they recovered two locally made pistols, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition and quantities of suspected illicit drugs.

    The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

    He warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing efforts to tackle crime.

    Police said investigations into the incident are continuing.

  • Two men charged over string of armed robberies targeting T-Mobile stores in U.S.

    Two men charged over string of armed robberies targeting T-Mobile stores in U.S.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — United States authorities have arrested and charged two men over a series of alleged armed robberies targeting T-Mobile stores in Washington, D.C., and neighbouring Maryland.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced that Juwan Tyre Hall, 30, and Anthony Burno, 32, both residents of Washington, D.C., were arrested after a federal grand jury indicted them on four counts of Interference with Interstate Commerce by Robbery.

    According to court documents, the two men allegedly carried out a string of armed robberies between November 2025 and March 2026, targeting six T-Mobile stores and a pawn shop.

    Prosecutors alleged that the suspects, dressed in black clothing and wearing face masks, entered the businesses armed with a handgun, threatened customers and employees, and forced them to cooperate before stealing cash and mobile devices from store safes.

    Investigators further alleged that the pair fled the scenes using stolen vehicles, later changing clothes and switching vehicles in an effort to evade law enforcement.

    The arrests were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro alongside FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox and Interim Chief Jeffrey W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

    The case is being investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department, while prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are handling the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office stressed that the charges contained in the indictment are allegations only.

    Under U.S. law, Hall and Burno are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

  • Amnesty International condemns detention of Katsina analyst Bashir Kurfi, demands release

    Amnesty International condemns detention of Katsina analyst Bashir Kurfi, demands release

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the detention of public affairs analyst Dr Bashir Kurfi, describing his continued custody as arbitrary and an attack on freedom of expression.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the rights organisation alleged that Kurfi was being detained over comments he made during a television interview on the Katsina State Government’s handling of banditry.

    According to Amnesty International, Kurfi honoured an invitation by the Katsina State Police Command on Tuesday to answer questions relating to a separate matter, but was subsequently informed that he would be detained over a petition connected to his interview on Trust Television.

    The organisation claimed there were attempts to keep the analyst in detention through what it described as fabricated charges.

    “Right now, a plot is ongoing to keep Dr Bashir Kurfi in detention indefinitely through abuse of power. The plan to trap him with fabricated charges through a sham trial is an attack on freedom of expression,” Amnesty International said.

    The group alleged that the authorities were seeking to punish Kurfi for questioning the state government’s approach to tackling banditry rather than investigating the issues he had raised.

    According to Amnesty International, the detention could have a chilling effect on public scrutiny of government policies and discourage citizens from speaking out on issues of public interest.

    “No one should be punished for criticising government or probing official dealings. Dr Bashir Kurfi did not commit any crime, and his arrest shows clear abuse of power. It is perfectly within his right to raise questions or criticise any government policy,” the organisation said.

    Amnesty International further alleged that despite the persistent threat posed by armed bandits in Katsina State, individuals who demand greater protection or speak publicly about insecurity have increasingly faced intimidation and arrest.

    The organisation said it had documented cases since 2020 involving farmers, activists and civil society groups who were allegedly subjected to intimidation, arbitrary arrest or other forms of harassment after criticising the government’s response to bandit attacks.

    Amnesty International called on the authorities to immediately release Kurfi unless there is credible evidence that he committed a recognisable criminal offence.

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor the Katsina State Police Command had publicly responded to Amnesty International’s allegations.

  • EFCC arraigns former Port Harcourt Refinery MD over alleged N1.32bn money laundering

    EFCC arraigns former Port Harcourt Refinery MD over alleged N1.32bn money laundering

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd (PHRC), Ahmed Adamu Dikko, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering involving more than N1.32 billion.

    Dikko was arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Inyang Ekwo on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.

    The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/360/2026, also lists Masterpiece Projects & Investment Limited as the second defendant.

    According to the EFCC, Dikko allegedly laundered N1,322,839,112.70, said to be proceeds linked to contractors engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

    The anti-graft agency alleged that the funds were concealed through cash purchases of property, undisclosed bank transactions, third-party accounts and unauthorised foreign currency conversions, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    One of the charges alleges that Dikko made a cash payment equivalent to N218.38 million for the purchase of a property in Katampe Extension, Abuja, without passing through a financial institution, as required by law.

    Another count alleges that he disguised the origin of N328.71 million paid into the account of Masterpiece Projects & Investment Limited from transactions involving NNPCL’s allocation of Vacuum Gas Oil for export, knowing the funds allegedly represented proceeds of unlawful activity.

    The EFCC further alleged that between October 2022 and May 2025, Dikko converted $77,080 through a third party, despite the amount allegedly not forming part of his known lawful earnings as a public officer.

    The former refinery boss pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts.

    Following his plea, defence counsel, Okechukwu Ajunwa (SAN), applied for bail, while the prosecution, led by Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), opposed the application.

    In his ruling, Justice Ekwo granted Dikko bail in the sum of N150 million with one surety resident within the court’s jurisdiction and owning landed property valued at not less than the bail amount.

    The court ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the EFCC until he fulfils the bail conditions.

    Justice Ekwo adjourned the case until October 12, 13 and 14, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

    The allegations remain before the court, and Dikko has not been convicted of any offence.

  • BREAKING: Mbah calls for swift implementation of state police, says Enugu’s security model shows results

    BREAKING: Mbah calls for swift implementation of state police, says Enugu’s security model shows results

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has called for the swift implementation of state police, arguing that Nigeria’s current centralised policing structure is inadequate to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.

    Mbah made the call on Thursday at the ARISE News Town Hall on State Police in Abuja, where he aligned himself with former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s support for the ongoing constitutional amendments to establish state police.

    “I believe we are no longer debating the idea or theory of state policing. The need is already clear,” Mbah said.

    According to the governor, security remains the primary responsibility of the government, but the existing policing model lacks the operational capacity required to respond effectively to emerging threats.

    Drawing from Enugu State’s experience, Mbah said his administration inherited a state grappling with serious insecurity, with businesses, schools and nightlife severely affected.

    “When we assumed office, Enugu was virtually under siege. Nightlife had disappeared, Mondays were deserted, schools were closed, and many children lost an academic year because they could not sit examinations,” he said.

    Mbah said the state responded by investing heavily in technology-driven security infrastructure, including AI-enabled surveillance systems, static and mobile CCTV cameras, a distress response squad and a unified communication platform linking the police, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.

    He said the investments had contributed to a reduction of more than 90 per cent in violent crime across the state.

    “Security challenges are measured in minutes. States must have the capacity to respond immediately and stop crime before it escalates,” he said.

    The governor advocated a state policing system built on national standards while allowing states sufficient operational flexibility.

    He also supported the establishment of independent State Police Service Commissions with dedicated funding to strengthen accountability and operational independence.

    Mbah dismissed concerns that governors could abuse state police, saying democratic institutions and legal safeguards should provide the necessary checks and balances.

    “No one remains governor forever. Our objective is to build a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he said.

    Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the proposed constitutional amendment would only recognise state police, while the operational framework would be contained in a new Police Act.

    He disclosed that the State Police Bill had reached the conference committee stage in the National Assembly.

    Kalu urged governors to demonstrate the same commitment to local government autonomy, arguing that stronger local councils would improve governance, create jobs and help address insecurity at the grassroots.

    Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, who joined the town hall virtually, described state police as an essential component of true federalism.

    He called for broader constitutional reforms, including greater devolution of powers, increased revenue allocation to states and comprehensive judicial reforms.

    According to Soludo, sustainable state policing must be accompanied by stronger state institutions, including reforms to the judiciary and fiscal federalism, to ensure an effective and accountable security architecture.

  • Operation Hadin Kai records multiple gains, rescues abductees, and disrupts terrorist networks

    Operation Hadin Kai records multiple gains, rescues abductees, and disrupts terrorist networks

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) The Nigerian Army has announced a string of operational successes under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), underscoring its sustained momentum in the North East Theatre against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.

    Rescue Operations in Askira/Uba

    On July 7, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abductees during ongoing Search and Rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The victims were evacuated to safety and are receiving medical and psychosocial support.

    In a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, troops also recovered ₦1.2 million in cash, food items, and logistics suspected to be proceeds of terrorist activities.

    ISWAP Attack Contained at FOB Logomani

    In Ngala LGA, troops at Forward Operating Base Logomani successfully repelled a coordinated ISWAP assault. Although insurgents briefly breached a section of the defensive perimeter, soldiers regrouped and mounted a counter‑offensive that inflicted heavy casualties. One soldier was killed, while two gun trucks and combat enablers sustained damage. Reinforcements have since been deployed, with exploitation operations ongoing to strengthen the base’s resilience.

    Arrests and Recoveries

    Troops of 232 Battalion in Adamawa State apprehended a notorious criminal in Gombi LGA, recovering an AK‑47 rifle, two magazines, and 28 rounds of ammunition. In Borno’s Mobbar LGA, 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers with cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, and household items. Both cases are under investigation.

    Clearance Operations in Wulgo

    Joint clearance operations by 24 Task Force Brigade and the Civilian Joint Task Force forced terrorists to abandon enclaves around Wulgo. Troops recovered a sack of illicit drugs, highlighting the pressure being mounted on insurgent supply chains.

    Surrenders and Further Interceptions

    Six suspected ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to 192 Battalion in Gwoza LGA after fleeing enclaves in the Mandara mountains. Items recovered included ₦1.54 million and mobile phones. Separately, troops at Molai checkpoint apprehended a suspected logistics supplier with large quantities of medical supplies.

    In Sector 2, 233 Tank Battalion and local hunters intercepted another logistics courier in Tarmuwa LGA with motorcycle tires, further disrupting insurgent mobility.

    Sustained Pressure on Terrorist Networks

    The Army emphasised that these gains reflect the effectiveness of intelligence‑led missions, inter‑agency collaboration, and relentless offensive operations. Headquarters OPHK warned individuals against supplying food, fuel, construction materials, or medical items to insurgents, stressing that collaborators will be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.

    “Search and Rescue operations will continue with unwavering resolve until every abducted person is accounted for and safely reunited with their families,” said the Army.

  • South African police deny claims linking Nigerian’s death in custody to anti-immigrant protests

    South African police deny claims linking Nigerian’s death in custody to anti-immigrant protests

    PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed social media reports linking the death of a Nigerian national in police custody to anti-illegal immigration protests, describing the claims as false and misleading.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police said the Nigerian national was arrested on June 28 by members of the SAPS Tshwane Drugs Team following an intelligence-led operation at his apartment in the Sunnyside policing precinct.

    According to the statement, the suspect was arrested for alleged possession of illegal drugs.

    The police said the suspect was handcuffed during the arrest but collapsed while being escorted into custody.

    “Members immediately called for medical assistance. Paramedics attended the scene and declared him dead,” the statement said.

    The SAPS added that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was immediately notified because the death occurred while the suspect was in police custody.

    The police said an inquest docket and a case of alleged possession of drugs had been opened, while the substances recovered from the apartment were secured as evidence.

    According to the statement, detectives from the SAPS and investigators from the IPID attended the post-mortem examination, after which it was agreed that police would continue the investigation pending the outcome of the autopsy.

    The SAPS rejected reports suggesting the incident was connected to anti-illegal immigration protests.

    “SAPS strongly rejects attempts to link this incident to anti-illegal immigrants’ protests. Such claims are baseless and an attempt to mislead the public,” the statement said.

  • PFIPC SCANDAL: SERAP demands release of Adeyemi’s father, seeks probe of alleged fake presidential council

    PFIPC SCANDAL: SERAP demands release of Adeyemi’s father, seeks probe of alleged fake presidential council

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has expressed concern over the reported arrest and detention of the father of Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi in connection with allegations involving the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), an entity the Presidency has described as fictitious.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, SERAP said reports indicated that despite the Presidency’s position, the purported council allegedly received more than ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

    The organisation argued that, under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards, criminal responsibility is personal and no individual should be arrested or detained for an offence allegedly committed by another person.

    According to SERAP, Section 36(8) of the 1999 Constitution provides that a person can only be held liable for his or her own conduct, while Section 35 guarantees the right to personal liberty.

    The group also cited Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention.

    “If the reports are accurate, the authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Mr Adeyemi’s father unless there is admissible evidence that he personally committed a recognisable criminal offence. The rule of law demands individual criminal responsibility, not guilt by association,” the statement said.

    SERAP also called on the National Assembly to investigate how the purported agency was allegedly included in the 2026 Appropriation Act and allocated public funds.

    It urged lawmakers to determine whether any public officials abused their offices, failed in their duties or facilitated any illegality.

    The organisation further called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct independent investigations into the alleged budgetary allocation and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

    According to SERAP, accountability requires investigating not only individuals outside government but also any public officials who may have enabled the alleged misuse of public institutions and public funds.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), which it described as a fictitious body lacking legal backing.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President ordered the anti-corruption agency to conclude its investigation within 30 days and submit a comprehensive report.

  • JUST IN: ICPC arrests El-Rufai’s doctor, alleges abuse of court-approved medical visit

    JUST IN: ICPC arrests El-Rufai’s doctor, alleges abuse of court-approved medical visit

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has arrested Professor Bello Abubakar, personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged false statements made in connection with a court-approved medical visit.

    ICPC, in a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by J. Okor Odey, its Spokesperson/Head, Media and Public Communications, the commission also accused El-Rufai of violating the conditions attached to the medical visit granted while he remains in its custody.

    According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor.

    The commission said El-Rufai did not appear in court on the first day of proceedings after declining to leave custody, insisting that he wanted to consult his personal physician.

    The ICPC told the court that no prior request had been made for the consultation and alleged that its medical officer found that El-Rufai had not reported any immediate medical complaint, but said his wife, Asia El-Rufai, who is also one of his legal counsel, had requested that he be allowed to see Professor Abubakar.

    Following arguments by counsel, the trial court adjourned proceedings until July 15 to hear El-Rufai’s application seeking the judge’s recusal and to await the decision of the Chief Judge of Kaduna State on a pending application for the transfer of the case.

    The anti-corruption agency said it nevertheless approved the medical visit in compliance with the court’s directive and under appropriate security arrangements.

    According to the commission, officers remained outside the consultation room at the private wing of the National Hospital in Abuja at the request of El-Rufai’s family while the consultation was taking place.

    However, the ICPC alleged that photographs later posted on Facebook by one of El-Rufai’s political associates, Isa Ashiru Kudan, showed several individuals, including Professor Abubakar, meeting with the former governor during the hospital visit.

    The commission claimed the images suggested that the medical appointment was used for activities beyond the purpose approved by the court and described the development as a violation of the court’s order.

    “The arranged medical visit was utilised for activities outside the scope contemplated by the court and the ICPC. This is a clear violation of the court order,” the statement said.

    The commission said it would bring the alleged breach to the attention of the court and warned that it would no longer tolerate what it described as abuse of the professional courtesies extended to suspects in its custody.

    It also confirmed that Professor Abubakar had been taken into custody for further investigation over alleged false statements.

    The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its duties within the law and said anyone found to have abused its goodwill or obstructed the administration of justice would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

    As of the time of filing this report, neither El-Rufai, Professor Abubakar, nor their legal representatives had publicly responded to the allegations made by the ICPC.