The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned $120,548.43 and N70,602,841.46 to victims of fraud from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland. The restitution, which also included luxury vehicles and real estate documents, was handed over to representatives of the victims at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Friday. Speaking at the event, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims. “We don’t just recover; we restitute. Once proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to return them to the victims,” he said. He also called on foreign countries holding Nigeria’s recovered assets to expedite their return. Among the restituted items were $1,300 and N30 million handed to Maria Velasco, Spain’s Acting Ambassador to Nigeria, for a Spanish victim; $100,011.43 given to Florent Geel of Switzerland for a Swiss national; and funds alongside property transferred to Charles Smith of the FBI for American victims. The EFCC emphasized that this action demonstrates Nigeria’s dedication to international collaboration in fighting financial crimes while restoring confidence in its anti-corruption efforts.
Access Bank to shut down digital channels for system upgrade this weekend
Access Bank Plc, a subsidiary of Access Corporation, is set to undergo a significant upgrade to its core banking system, Flexcube by Oracle, beginning this weekend. This marks the second major system upgrade for the bank in just four months, following a similar update in October 2024. The upgrade process will commence on Friday, February 21, 2025, with branches closing early at 2 PM and all internal processing systems shutting down by 5 PM. Customers are advised that digital channels will be temporarily unavailable during the upgrade period. Specifically, services will be disrupted on Saturday, February 22, from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM and again on Sunday, February 23, from 2:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Despite the inconvenience, Access Bank assures customers that its USSD code – *901#, will remain operational for essential transactions such as funds transfers, bill payments, and purchasing airtime and data during the upgrade. Access Bank has emphasized that the upgrade aims to enhance security and improve overall service functionality for its millions of customers. However, past upgrades at various Nigerian banks have raised concerns among customers about potential glitches and service disruptions. For instance, after GTBank’s recent system transition, many users reported issues such as missing funds and transaction discrepancies. In light of the upcoming upgrade, Access Bank encourages customers to plan their transactions accordingly. It is recommended that customers avoid making transactions within three hours before and after the scheduled upgrade times. For urgent transactions during this period, utilizing the USSD service is advisable.
Twenty foreign nationals charged by EFCC with cybercrime in plot to destabilize Nigeria’s economy
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 20 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of cybercrime and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s economy. The defendants include 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals, who were part of a larger group arrested in December 2024 during a raid on the Big Leaf Building in Victoria Island. The EFCC accused the defendants and a linked company, Genting International Co. Limited, of orchestrating schemes involving identity theft by recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain. These activities allegedly violated sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024). During the court session presided over by Justice Musa Kakaki, all defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution requested their remand in custody pending trial, a motion opposed by defense counsel Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai, who sought time to explore a plea bargain. However, Justice Kakaki ordered their remand and adjourned the trial to March 18 and 20, 2025.
Passenger arrested for in-flight theft on Air Peace
A passenger on Air Peace Flight P47190 from Lagos to Port Harcourt was arrested on February 19, 2025, for in-flight theft after being found with stolen items. The discovery was made following a thorough search upon arrival at Port Harcourt International Airport. The suspect has been handed over to airport police for further investigation. Air Peace, in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, expressed concern over the rising trend of in-flight thefts and reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety. The airline has implemented stricter security measures, including heightened surveillance by cabin crew and frequent in-flight announcements to remind passengers to secure their belongings and report suspicious activities. As part of its zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, Air Peace has blacklisted the suspect to deter future incidents. The airline emphasized its dedication to providing a secure and world-class travel experience while urging passengers to cooperate with security protocols.
“You don’t need fancy cameras to start”: Fisayo Fosudo’s advice for aspiring content creators.
In the world of tech content creation, Fisayo Fosudo stands out as one of Nigeria’s most successful YouTubers. Known for his sleek visuals, in-depth smartphone reviews, and financial advice, Fisayo has carved a niche for himself in the competitive digital content space. In a recent interview, he shared insights into his journey, revealing that he has used over 150 phones, most of them sent to him for free by top brands eager to collaborate with him. Fisayo’s story is one of passion turned into profit. What started as a side hustle in 2016 has grown into a full-fledged business that attracts major sponsorships and generates multiple income streams. While many assume YouTube creators rely solely on AdSense revenue, Fisayo explained that his earnings go far beyond that. From brand partnerships and merchandise sales to consulting gigs, he has diversified his income sources to build a sustainable career. Fisayo’s journey began with a love for technology and storytelling. Armed with just a smartphone and basic editing tools, he started creating videos to share his thoughts on tech products. Over time, his dedication to producing high-quality content paid off. Today, his YouTube channel boasts over 700,000 subscribers, and his influence extends across social media platforms. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Fisayo acknowledged the challenges of building an audience in Nigeria’s content creation space, where entertainment-focused content often dominates. “It’s not easy to stand out when people are more drawn to comedy or skits,” he said. However, by staying consistent and understanding what his audience wanted, honest reviews and practical advice, he was able to grow his platform. Fisayo also shared tips for aspiring creators who want to make it big in the tech space. “You don’t need fancy cameras or expensive gear to start,” he said. “What matters most is your ability to connect with your audience and deliver value.” He emphasized the importance of building a personal brand that attracts opportunities beyond YouTube, such as consulting for companies or selling branded merchandise. For Fisayo, the key to success lies in adaptability. As the tech landscape evolves, so does his content strategy. Whether it’s reviewing the latest smartphones or exploring financial literacy topics through series like Finance Friday, he continues to find ways to stay relevant and provide value to his audience. Fisayo Fosudo’s story is proof that passion and persistence can lead to incredible opportunities. From being sent free phones by global brands to winning awards like Tech Creator of the Year at the TrendUpp Awards, he has become a role model for aspiring creators in Nigeria and beyond. His advice? Start where you are with what you have, and never stop learning. For anyone looking to break into tech content creation or any creative field, Fisayo’s journey is a reminder that success is achievable with hard work, creativity, and a clear vision.
Nollywood funding cutback as Netflix commits $1 billion to Mexican film industry
Netflix has announced a massive $1 billion investment in Mexico’s film and television industry over the next four years. This exciting development was revealed by Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos during a press conference alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. This new commitment marks a significant shift for the streaming giant, especially after it recently scaled back its funding for original content in Nollywood, Nigeria’s thriving film industry. Over the past eight years, Netflix had invested around $23.6 million in Nollywood, but concerns have arisen among Nigerian filmmakers about the future of their projects with the platform. Despite the cutbacks, Netflix reassured that it is not completely stepping away from Nollywood. The company expressed its willingness to consider acquiring projects that meet its standards, although the reduction in original productions has left many industry stakeholders worried. Netflix’s deepening investment in Mexico isn’t entirely surprising. The company first launched its services there in 2011 and produced its first international series, Club de Cuervos, in 2015. Since then, Netflix has established its Latin American headquarters in Mexico City and expanded its local workforce from just 30 employees to nearly 400. Sarandos emphasized the special connection Netflix has with Mexico, noting that productions like Roma and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio have garnered critical acclaim and Oscar recognition. He stated, “This country holds a special place in Netflix’s history,” highlighting the success of various series that have resonated with audiences both locally and globally. As part of this investment, Netflix plans to inject $2 million into upgrading facilities at Churubusco Studios, a historic film studio in Mexico City. Additionally, the company is committed to nurturing emerging talent by allocating over $1 million to programs that support creatives behind the camera. While Netflix’s expansion into Mexico is promising for local creators and production companies, the decision to pull back on African content funding raises questions about the future of streaming investments on the continent