EFCC Arraigns Chinese For Alleged Cyber Internet Fraud, Terrorism

EFCC arraigns Chinese for alleged cyber internet fraud, terrorism. The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Shi Yang Xiong, a Chinese and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Xiong is a member of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.

The suspect was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrimes and cyber-terrorism, contrary to Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charge reads: “That you, Shi Yang Xiong and Genting International Company Limited, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

EFCC Arraigns Chinese

He pleaded “not guilty” to the offence when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution M.K. Bashir, prayed the court for a trial date and the defendant’s remand in the correctional centre.

Justice Dipeolu has commenced trial in the matter.

Ghana President John Mahama’s X Account Hacked, Used To Promote Crypto Scam

Ghana president John Mahama’s X account hacked, used to promote crypto scam. Ghana’s President John Mahama’s verified X account was hacked for 48 hours and used to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme, falsely claiming it was an initiative led by him.

The hackers urged followers to invest in “Solanafrica,” presenting it as a revolutionary financial project. Despite attempts to remove the posts, crypto-related content continued appearing on the account.

Mahama’s spokesperson confirmed the breach and assured the public that control had been regained. The incident highlights rising crypto scams in Africa, where weak regulations make digital assets vulnerable to fraud.

President John Mahama

Cybersecurity experts warn that high-profile figures must adopt stricter security measures to prevent such breaches.

Similar hacks have targeted public figures, including South African politician Julius Malema and Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu.

Authorities have taken measures to prevent further misuse of Mahama’s account.

Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru Suspends 3 Commissioners Over Absenteeism

Ebonyi governor Francis Nwifuru suspends 3 commissioners over absenteeism. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three commissioners for one month for failing to attend the state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on March 17 without permission.

The affected officials are Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development).

Announcing the decision on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor, stated that the suspended commissioners would be stripped of all privileges associated with their positions for the duration of the suspension.

Governor Nwifuru also issued a stern warning against absenteeism and laxity among public servants, emphasizing the need for commitment to duty.

He further cautioned contractors handling state projects to adhere to their contractual agreements, warning that the government would take legal action to ensure compliance.

In addition, the state government approved the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in Afikpo, as part of efforts to enhance infrastructure and support the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Francis Nwifuru

Okpor also revealed that the government honored the law team from Ebonyi State University (EBSU) that represented Nigeria at the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition in Kigali, Rwanda.

The team—Michael Agu-Ebeke, Cynthia Ibor, and their instructor, Dr. Chioma Iteshi—received the prestigious Ebonyi State Honours Award and a cash prize of N3 million each after emerging victorious against 68 Anglophone and 15 Francophone teams, marking a historic win for a Nigerian faculty of law in the competition’s 33-year history.