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Category: Investigation

  • U.S. forces disable Iranian vessel violating blockade

    U.S. forces disable Iranian vessel violating blockade

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that U.S. forces disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to enter an Iranian port in violation of the ongoing naval blockade.

    CENTCOM said the operation was carried out on April 19 by the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111), which intercepted the vessel, identified as M/V Touska, in the northern Arabian Sea while en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

    According to the command, U.S. forces issued multiple warnings to the vessel, informing its crew that it was in breach of the blockade. However, the crew reportedly failed to comply with the directives.

    CENTCOM said that after repeated warnings over a six-hour period, the destroyer ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before disabling the vessel’s propulsion system by firing rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 gun into the engine compartment.

    The command added that U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit subsequently boarded the vessel, which is now in U.S. custody.

    It stated that the operation was conducted in a deliberate, professional and proportional manner to ensure compliance with the blockade measures.

    CENTCOM noted that since the commencement of the blockade, U.S. forces have directed at least 25 commercial vessels to turn back or return to Iranian ports.

    The development comes amid rising tensions in the region, following Iran’s reimposition of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. restrictions, a move Washington has described as a violation of a ceasefire agreement reached after recent talks in Islamabad.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran continues to restrict access to the strategic waterway.

  • Nigeria Sanctions Committee designates 48 individuals and groups for terrorism financing

    Nigeria Sanctions Committee designates 48 individuals and groups for terrorism financing

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NigSac) has announced the designation of 48 individuals and organisations for terrorism financing and related offences, in a sweeping move aimed at disrupting extremist networks across the country.

    According to official records, those sanctioned include individuals such as Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Fatima Ishaq, Tukur Mamu, and Yusuf Ghazali, alongside groups including Jama’atu Wal‑Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (Ansaru), the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The Committee’s narrative summaries highlight the roles of several key figures. For instance, Chiwendu Joy Owoh, identified as a financial operative, allegedly managed accounts used to collect and remit funds for a terrorist structure known as BRGIE. Intelligence reports linked her Moniepoint account to systematic fundraising activities across Nigerian states.

    Similarly, Abdurrahman (FNU) was designated as a senior commander of ISWAP’s Okene faction, suspected of involvement in attacks around the Federal Capital Territory and the South‑West, including the June 2022 assault on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

    Another designee, Fatima Ovayioza Ishaq, was described as a financial courier for ISWAP Okene, responsible for disbursing funds to widows and wives of fighters.

    The sanctions, which include asset freezes and restrictions on financial transactions, are part of Nigeria’s broader counter‑terrorism strategy under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Officials emphasised that the designations aim to cut off funding streams, weaken operational capacity, and deter support networks that enable extremist violence.

    Here’s the full list of the 48 individuals and groups sanctioned by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NigSac):  

    1. Abdulsamat Ohida  

    2. Mohammed Sani  

    3. Abdurrahman Abdurrahman  

    4. Fatima Ishaq  

    5. Tukur Mamu  

    6. Yusuf Ghazali  

    7. Muhammad Sani  

    8. Abubakar Muhammad  

    9. Sallamudeen Hassan  

    10. Adamu Ishak  

    11. Hassana Isah  

    12. AbdulKareem Musa  

    13. Umar Abdullahi  

    14. Abdurrahman Ado  

    15. Bashir Yusuf  

    16. Ibrahim Alhassan  

    17. Muhammad Isah  

    18. Salihu Adamu  

    19. Surajo Mohammad  

    20. Fannami Bukar  

    21. Muhammed Musa  

    22. Sahabi Ismail  

    23. Mohammed Buba  

    24. Jama’atu Wal‑Jihad  

    25. Ansarul Sudan (Ansaru)  

    26. Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)  

    27. Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)  

    28. Yan Group  

    29. Yan Group NLBDG  

    30. Adamu Hassan  

    31. Hassan Mohammed  

    32. Usman Abubakar  

    33. Kubara Salawu  

    34. Rabiu Suleiman  

    35. Simon Njoku  

    36. Godstime Iyare  

    37. Francis Mmaduabuchi  

    38. John Onwumere  

    39. Chikwuka Eze  

    40. Edwin Chukwuedo  

    41. Chiwendu Owoh  

    42. Ginika Orji  

    43. Awo Uchechukwu  

    44. Mercy Ali  

    45. Ohagwu Juliana  

    46. Eze Okpoto  

    47. Nwaobi Chimezie  

    48. Ogumu Kewe  

    NigSac reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security and urged financial institutions, businesses, and the public to comply fully with the sanctions regime.

  • Nigeria Immigration Service orders probe into alleged extortion at Lagos–Seme Border

    Nigeria Immigration Service orders probe into alleged extortion at Lagos–Seme Border

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has condemned alleged incidents of extortion by its personnel along the Lagos–Seme border corridor and ordered an immediate investigation.

    Comptroller‑General of Immigration, Mrs Kemi Nandap, described the reported misconduct as unacceptable and a violation of the Service’s core values and operational standards. In a statement issued by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi, the CGI announced that Comptrollers in charge of the affected Commands have been temporarily relieved of their duties pending the outcome of the probe.

    The investigation aims to identify all officers involved and ensure disciplinary measures are applied without delay. The Service reassured the public of its commitment to professionalism, transparency and efficiency at all entry and exit points, stressing that it will not tolerate actions that undermine public trust or tarnish its integrity.

    Members of the public have been encouraged to report misconduct through official social media channels — X (@nigimmigration), Instagram (@nigimmigration), Facebook (@nigimmigration) — or via its 24‑hour contact centre numbers: 09121700033, 07121350537, and 09121477092.

    The NIS reiterated its mission to serve with integrity, discipline and professionalism while facilitating lawful migration, and pledged to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms to uphold service excellence.

  • BREAKING: UN declares transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity

    BREAKING: UN declares transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity

    UNITED NATIONS (NPA) — March 25, 2026—The United Nations General Assembly today passed a historic resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. The resolution, published by the UN Media Liaison Unit (MALU), was sponsored by more than 50 countries and underscores the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism on Africans and people of African descent worldwide.

    The resolution reaffirms the principles of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international covenants prohibiting slavery. It recalls historic milestones, including the Durban Declaration, the International Decade for People of African Descent, and the Ark of Return memorial at UN Headquarters, while stressing that slavery’s legacies persist in structural racism, inequality, and underdevelopment.

    Delegates emphasized that the transatlantic slave trade represented “a profound rupture in human history,” involving the forced capture, commodification, and transportation of millions of Africans over four centuries. The resolution highlights the exceptional brutality and systemic nature of racialized chattel enslavement, noting its codification in laws such as the Barbados Slave Code and the French Code Noir, which legally defined Africans as property.

    The Assembly condemned slavery as “the most inhumane and enduring injustice against humanity” and declared that crimes related to the trafficking of enslaved Africans are violations of jus cogens norms, not subject to statutory limitations. It affirmed that grave crimes generate continuing obligations until addressed through truth, justice, and reparations.

    The resolution calls on Member States to engage in inclusive dialogue on reparatory justice, including formal apologies, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition. It urges the restitution of cultural properties and artifacts taken during slavery and colonialism, and encourages international cooperation to promote cultural rights for present and future generations.

    The Assembly also requested the UN Secretary-General to strengthen coordination on remembrance, education, and research related to slavery and its legacies, and to report back at the 82nd session on progress made. Regional organizations such as the African Union and Caribbean Community were invited to collaborate on frameworks for reparatory justice and reconciliation.

    By passing this resolution today, the General Assembly reaffirmed its collective commitment to historical justice, healing, and sustainable peace. It stressed that addressing the legacies of slavery is essential to combating systemic racism and ensuring dignity and equality for Africans and people of African descent across the globe.

  • Independent panel exposes corruption, violence in Nigerian Correctional Service

    Independent panel exposes corruption, violence in Nigerian Correctional Service

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 25, 2026: An Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption and other violations within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has presented its findings to stakeholders in Abuja.

    The panel, established by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, began its presentation on Tuesday at the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ engagement.

    Tunji-Ojo commended the panel for its professionalism and diligence in investigating allegations of corruption, abuse of power, torture, cruelty, and inhumane treatment in correctional facilities. He explained that the panel was set up following serious allegations of misconduct after the arrest of Idris Olarenwaju, popularly known as Bobrisky.

    The minister noted that the findings revealed systemic challenges requiring urgent reforms, including corruption, operational inefficiencies, poor welfare conditions, human rights concerns, and institutional gaps.

    “Officers found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences in line with existing laws and regulations,” he said.

    He stressed that the meeting was not a ceremonial exercise but an opportunity for reflection and constructive dialogue.

    “Effective collaboration among stakeholders is essential for sustainable reform. Your insights and recommendations will guide the implementation of the panel’s findings,” Tunji-Ojo added.

    He emphasized that reforming correctional centres must go beyond sanctions to strengthening institutions, improving standards, enhancing officer training, and aligning facilities with international best practices.

    Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, praised the initiative, describing NCoS as central to criminal justice administration.

    “Any shadow of corruption or abuse of power within its walls strikes at the very core of our social contract,” he said.

    Fagbemi highlighted the importance of legislative frameworks such as the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 in addressing systemic challenges and ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with human rights standards.

    NCoS Controller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche, welcomed the panel’s work, stressing that accountability—not condemnation—was the goal.

    “The findings, even if difficult, must be confronted. The service is not defined by its failures but by its response to them,” he said.

    He added that most officers serve with professionalism and sacrifice, and urged that the misconduct of a few should not overshadow the dedication of the majority.

  • Russian hacker sentenced to over six years in U.S. prison, returns $9.1M

    Russian hacker sentenced to over six years in U.S. prison, returns $9.1M

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — A court in the Southern District of Indiana has sentenced Russian citizen Aleksei Volkov to 81 months in prison for assisting major cybercrime groups, including the Yanluowang ransomware gang, in attacks against U.S. companies and organisations.

    Volkov, 26, of St. Petersburg, Russia, acted as an “initial access broker,” specialising in breaking into corporate computer networks and selling that access to ransomware operators. His activities facilitated dozens of attacks across the United States, causing more than $9 million in actual losses and $24 million in intended losses. He was indicted in both Indiana and Pennsylvania, arrested in Rome, Italy, and extradited to the U.S., where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

    Court documents show Volkov exploited vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, which his co‑conspirators then used to deploy ransomware. Victims’ data was encrypted, business operations disrupted, and ransom demands made in cryptocurrency — sometimes in the tens of millions of dollars. In some cases, victims paid, while in others their stolen data was leaked online. Volkov received a share of the ransom proceeds.

    On November 25, 2025, Volkov pleaded guilty to six counts, including identity theft, trafficking in access information, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and money laundering. He admitted to hacking networks, stealing data, and dividing ransom payments with co‑conspirators. He agreed to pay restitution of at least $9.1 million and forfeit equipment used in his crimes.

    The case was prosecuted by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, the Southern District of Indiana, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with support from the FBI and international partners. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs coordinated with Italian authorities to secure Volkov’s arrest and extradition.

  • Delta Police condemn Ozoro sexual assaults, arrest key suspects

    Delta Police condemn Ozoro sexual assaults, arrest key suspects

    ASABA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — The Delta State Police Command has strongly condemned alleged sexual assaults committed under the guise of enforcing local festival practices in Ozoro Town, Isoko North Local Government Area.

    In a statement issued Friday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe described the circulating videos of young women being assaulted as “disturbing” and stressed that such acts are “criminal, inhumane, and a grave violation of fundamental rights and dignity.”

    According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, immediately ordered an investigation after receiving the videos, which led to the arrest of the chief organiser, Chief Omorede Sunday, along with four other suspects. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiry.

    Police said tactical and investigative teams have been deployed to identify and prosecute all individuals involved. The Command urged victims and witnesses to come forward with information, assuring that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.

    “The Delta State Police Command condemns this development in totality and assures that all those involved in these reprehensible acts will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

    The Commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law‑abiding, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding rights, and maintaining public order.

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  • Former bank CEO pleads guilty to $25m fraud and sanctions evasion

    Former bank CEO pleads guilty to $25m fraud and sanctions evasion

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — The former Chief Executive Officer of Nodus International Bank, a Puerto Rican international bank, has pleaded guilty to leading a multimillion‑dollar fraud scheme and conspiring to evade U.S. sanctions against Venezuela.

    According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Tomás Niembro Concha, 64, of Miami, Florida, admitted to siphoning at least $24.9 million from Nodus Bank between 2017 and 2023. Prosecutors said Niembro and co‑conspirators concealed illegal investments and loans that benefited him and the bank’s chairman, Juan Ramirez, ultimately contributing to the bank’s collapse in 2023.

    Niembro and Ramirez allegedly caused Nodus Bank to invest $11 million in a Miami lender, then redirected the funds for personal use. They also induced the bank to buy 47 promissory notes worth $25.3 million from a company they jointly owned, again diverting the proceeds. Regulators later placed the bank into liquidation after uncovering the sham transactions.

    In addition to fraud, Niembro admitted to violating U.S. sanctions by secretly arranging prohibited financial dealings with a Venezuelan national linked to state‑owned oil company PDVSA. The scheme involved foreclosing on a property in New York, then illegally reselling it through a front company to the sanctioned individual.

    Niembro pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 8, 2026, with Niembro agreeing to forfeit at least $16.9 million.

    U.S. officials stressed that the case demonstrates accountability at the highest corporate levels. “Corporate titles don’t place anyone above the law,” said IRS Special Agent Ron Loecker. Prosecutors added that the crimes undermined financial integrity and national security.

  • Five members of sex trafficking ring sentenced to 120 years in prison

    Five members of sex trafficking ring sentenced to 120 years in prison

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — Sentences have been handed down in the case against a group that trafficked seven individuals, including two minors. Five defendants were sentenced today to nearly 120 years in prison for their roles in a violent sex trafficking ring led by Kimani Jones, 32, also known as Statik. Jones received 54 years, while his father, Tremayne Lambert, 50, also known as Bayrock, was sentenced to 30 years. Both men, from Montgomery, Alabama, were convicted after a five‑day trial in October 2025. The court ordered Jones and Lambert to pay $1,010,926.50 and $510,850 in restitution, respectively.

    Three co‑defendants who pleaded guilty were also sentenced. Joseph Keon Bowe, 39, of Notasulga, Alabama, received 235 months in prison and must pay $3,200 in restitution. Daryle Gardner, 32, of Marbury, Alabama, was sentenced to 195 months and ordered to pay $5,000. Aleecia Scott, 30, of Dothan, Alabama, was sentenced to 36 months of probation and ordered to pay $1,000.

    “Today’s lengthy sentences reflect the heinous conduct of the defendants, who abused numerous women and girls for years,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva. Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson added, “We hope these sentences provide justice for the victims and send a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue traffickers.”

    Evidence showed Jones ran the operation for five years, forcing women and girls into commercial sex through violence and abuse. He rented hotel rooms, posted online ads, dictated where victims lived, and set daily earning quotas. He used intimidation, firearms, and drug addiction to maintain control. Victims were beaten, sexually assaulted, and threatened, including one minor dragged by the throat and others struck so severely they suffered broken bones and teeth.

    Lambert enforced rules and monitored victims, while Bowe, Gardner, and Scott acted as enforcers and drivers. Jones was convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking of minors and adults, while Lambert was convicted of three counts of sex trafficking.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Alabama law enforcement agencies, and prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecution Section.

  • Belgian aristocrat ordered to stand trial over Patrice Lumumba assassination

    Belgian aristocrat ordered to stand trial over Patrice Lumumba assassination

    BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Étienne Davignon, a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat and aristocrat, has been ordered by a Brussels court to face trial over the assassination of Congo’s first prime minister and anti-colonial icon, Patrice Lumumba, in 1961.

    Lumumba, who became prime minister upon Congo’s independence from Belgium on June 24, 1960, was ousted in September of the same year amid political turmoil. Just months later, on January 16, 1961, he was brutally killed by a Belgian-backed secessionist rebel group in Katanga, an event that has long symbolised the violent legacy of colonial interference in Africa.

    Davignon is the only surviving member of a group of 10 Belgian officials accused of complicity in Lumumba’s murder by the late leader’s family. His trial is expected to reignite debate over Belgium’s colonial past and its responsibility in the destabilisation of Congo during its early years of independence.