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Nigeria, UK collaborate to fight cybercrimes, launch Joint Case Team

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The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday signed a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom (UK) to combat the menace of cybercrimes in the two countries.

The MoU signing ceremony took place in Abuja. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, signed on behalf of the Federal Government while Minister of State, Home Affairs, Lord David Hanson signed for the UK.

The programme also featured the launch of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC), by the AGF in response to the need for a coordinated and robust approach to fighting cybercrimes as contemplated in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

In his speech, Fagbemi said the launch of the JCTC is the birth of a vision built on a collaborative approach to combatting the menace of cybercrime as well as a vision that finds its foundation in the principles of synergy, coordination and mutual respect among institutions committed to justice.

According to the AGF, while there is the need for a national legal framework for combatting cybercrime, it is important to note that, laws alone cannot win battles, stressing the need to equip, unite and empower the people who interpret, enforce and apply the laws to act swiftly, cohesively and effectively.

He said an effective criminal justice response requires seamless cooperation between relevant actors – the investigators and prosecutors, noting that cybercriminals may exploit lack of coordination.

Members of the JCTC are drawn from, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCert), Office of the National Security Adviser, Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

The JCTC, Fagbemi said, is not intended to usurp statutory powers of individual team members, but a model rooted in respect for institutional mandates, promoting inter-agency relationship and intelligence sharing.

“It envisions a justice system not stifled by bureaucratic bottlenecks but driven by the common goal of achieving efficiency; where investigators and prosecutors work side by side, from the very onset of a case—aligning strategies, harnessing resources, harmonizing efforts, building capacity and ultimately collectively achieving desired results,” he said.

In his speech, the Minister of State, Home Affairs of the UK, Lord David Hanson said the MoU between the Nigerian government and the UK will tackle the issue of cybercrime and crack down cyber criminals in Nigeria.

According to him, the agreement between the two countries will also develop the economy of Nigeria and that of the United Kingdom.

He assured of the commitment of the United Kingdom to support Nigeria in the fight against cybercrimes and to bring cyber criminals to justice.

In a message to the event, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) country director, Mr. Cheikh Toure said the initiative marks a significant stride in the collective efforts to combat cybercrime which transcends borders and impacts every sector of the society.

He said the commitment demonstrated by the Nigerian government and all relevant agencies in fostering collaboration among investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary exemplifies the forward-thinking leadership required to address the global challenge.

While assuring of UNODC’s support in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime, he said, “By working together and pooling resources and expertise, we can strengthen inter-agency coordination and build the capacity required to effectively investigate and prosecute cybercrime cases,ensuring justice and accountability in the face of evolving threats.

“It is through partnerships like this, rooted in mutual trust and a common purpose, that we can make tangible progress and secure a safer, more resilient digital space for all.”

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Alleged Land Grabbing: We have enough evidence to investigate monarch- Delta govt

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The Delta State government said it has gotten enough evidence from protesters that would help in its investigation of alleged land grabbing by the traditional ruler of Owa Kingdom, Obi, Emmanuel Efeizomor.

The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Edwin Uzor, leading the inquiry process, confirmed he has received evidential testimonies from some of the aggrieved persons; majority of whom are widows.

While addressing Owa-Oyibu Development Initiative, ADI, which had earlier protested over the matter but soft-pedalled following appeal by the leadership of the State House of Assembly, he said his office has commenced investigative inquiry into the matter.

He assured that the state government would speed up investigation with a view to resolving the crisis and come up with a peaceful resolution.

While enjoining the aggrieved parties to sheath their swords, he assured that the state government would get to the root of the matter. He said the administration of Hon Sheriff Oborevwori was irrevocably committed to ensuring that no Deltan is victimized by anyone on the account of his or her financial or social status.

He enjoined the youths in the community to give the state government the benefits of the doubts by remaining peaceful and calm.

Addressing the over hundred persons, all of whom are indigenes of Owa Kingdom, Uzor said, “we have gotten enough evidence from you that would help us in our investigation process.

“I want to commend you for your peaceful disposition so far. Meanwhile, we wish to appeal that you continue to maintain the existing peace even as we continue in our investigation”.

However, Chairman, Owa-Oyibu Development Initiative, Ogha-ni-ihun Oyibu, Benson Nkeki said the group had decided to embark on a wide protest against the monarch and the palace over alleged high-handedness, bothering largely on land grabbing and forcefully dispossessing land owners of their lands under false pretense.

He said the meeting was an aftermath of the group’s protest on the alleged land grabbing by the traditional ruler of Owa Kingdom, Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor.

Nkeki assured that following the intervention by the state government vis-a-vis the ongoing investigative inquiry into the allegation, the group is committed to giving the state government the benefits of the doubts.

“As law abiding citizens, we are prepared to give the state government the benefit of the doubts. If things are not done the way it should, we will continue with our protest even to the National Assembly level and beyond” Nkeki said.

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Ghana Deports Nigerian Convicted for Smuggling Fake $100,000

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A Ghanaian court has ordered the deportation of Nigerian Aremu Adegboyega after convicting him for smuggling counterfeit CFA francs worth over $100,000 through an illegal border route.

Arrested in 2023 at the Aflao border, he was fined GH¢4,440 or faces up to two years in prison if he defaults.

Adegboyega admitted receiving the fake notes from a Nigerian contact on instructions from a suspected mafia figure in Côte d’Ivoire.

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‘Benue most underdeveloped state I’ve visited’ – Verydarkman

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Controversial social media personality, Verydarkman, has stirred reactions online after describing Benue State as the most underdeveloped state he has ever visited.

In a viral video shared after a recent visit to the state, the influencer claimed, “Benue is still in the year 1940. It is the most underdeveloped state I have ever been to.”

He went on to lament the state of infrastructure and insecurity in the region, saying investors are discouraged from coming due to deplorable road conditions and safety concerns.

“Investors can’t come because of bad roads and insecurity.

“I’m currently drilling a borehole in Yelwata, but the people can’t continue the work because they are afraid of being killed,” he said.

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