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WhatsApp Rolls Out New Safety Features, Bans 6.8m Scam Accounts

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WhatsApp Rolls Out New Safety Features, Bans 6.8m Scam Accounts

WhatsApp rolls out new safety features, bans 6.8m scam accounts. WhatsApp says it has banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to global scam operations as part of a major crackdown on criminal messaging networks.

In a statement on Monday, the Meta-owned platform said the accounts detected and removed in the first half of 2025 were linked to scam centres that deploy tactics such as deepfakes, cloned voices, and cross-platform fraud.

Kojo Boakye, Meta’s vice-president of public policy for Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, said the new wave of enforcement is part of broader efforts to disrupt coordinated scams before they spread.

“This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats,” he said.

The platform also announced new in-app features to help users better identify suspicious contacts and avoid falling victim to fraud.

One of the updates allows people to see more context before engaging with unknown senders, especially when added to group chats by people outside their contact list.

WhatsApp Rolls Out New Safety Features

WhatsApp Rolls Out New Safety Features

 

WhatsApp is also working to encourage users to “pause, question, and verify” before responding to messages that appear unusual or demand urgent action, such as requests for money, gift cards or personal information.

The update also highlighted a cross-industry collaboration involving Meta, WhatsApp and OpenAI to take down a scam ring in Cambodia.

The group reportedly used AI-generated messages to lure users from WhatsApp to other platforms, eventually coercing them into depositing funds into cryptocurrency accounts.
WhatsApp said more safety updates are underway and urged users to remain cautious, particularly when contacted by unknown numbers.

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EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

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EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.

Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.

“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.

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Kano NSCDC Nabs 11 Suspected Hoodlums With Dangerous Weapons

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Kano NSCDC Nabs 11 Suspected Hoodlums With Dangerous Weapons

Kano NSCDC nabs 11 suspected hoodlums with dangerous weapons. According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State command, says it has arrested a gang of 11 suspected hoodlums found in possession of dangerous weapons in Mariri, Kumbotso Local Government Area.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Kano by the command’s public relations officer, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi.
He listed the suspects as Idris Muhammad,20, Abubakar Shuaibu,24, Sagiru Hassan Yusuf, 25,  Idris Muhammad Morata, 25, and Anas Rabiu, 23.
Others were Yahaya Muhammad, 29, Khalid Idris, 28, Muhammad Adamu, 19, Muktar Auwal Muktar ,22, Salim Muktar, 18, and Saifullahi Nuhu,18.
According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, operatives of the command apprehended the suspects on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m, armed with dangerous local weapons.

NSCDC

NSCDC

“The gang was on a rampage after attending a local traditional festival in Mariri area and were attacking residents  and dispossessing them of their belongings.
“The gang also stormed a nearby NSCDC outpost in Mariri, attacked and left a staff fractured in the office” he said
Idris-Abdullahi listed the items recovered to include six cutlasses, swords and a pair of scissors.

He added that the command’s intelligence and investigation department had concluded investigations and the suspects would be charged to court.

Idris-Abdullahi quoted the state commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, as reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding public peace in Kano State.

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Lagos Police Nab 26 Over Counterfeit Currency, Adulterated Diesel

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Lagos Police Nab 26 Over Counterfeit Currency, Adulterated Diesel

Lagos Police nab 26 over counterfeit currency, adulterated diesel. The police said N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.

The police command in Lagos has apprehended 26 suspects over counterfeit currency and adulterated diesel in the Eti-Osa and Lekki areas. The command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.

She said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a joint operation conducted by police officers and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline.

According to her, a total of N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.

The spokesperson said investigations revealed that four of the suspects were directly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated diesel and engine oil, locally known as ‘rice and beans’.

“The illicit product was sold to unsuspecting motorists across the area. Two other suspects were identified as suppliers of the adulterated petroleum products,” she said.

Police

Police Arrests

Ms Adebisi said that police commissioner Olohundare Jimoh warned all criminally minded individuals to desist from their nefarious activities.

“CP Jimoh cautioned that anyone involved in acts that threaten public peace or economic stability will face the full weight of the law,” she said.

She assured residents that Lagos remains safe, reiterating that the command is in control of the security situation and has prioritised the safety and well-being of all residents.

She urged the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist the police in apprehending criminals and preventing crime.

“Public cooperation remains essential to sustaining the peace and security for which Lagos state is known,” she said.

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