The Federal Government has launched a campaign against the online activities of criminal networks, announcing on Tuesday, December 23, that it has pinpointed and removed multiple social media accounts operated by bandits and terrorists. Major General Adamu Laka, Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), stated that sites used to flaunt stolen goods and broadcast live criminal discussions are being dismantled one after the other. There was a time when bandits flaunted their loot on TikTok. We’ve shut those accounts down, you don’t see it anymore. They even went live… but we’ve tackled all that – Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka This is aimed towards addressing the rising pattern of non-state actors, leveraging on social media platforms to boast about attacks, collecting ransom payments, and sometimes for recruitment. For years now, bandits leaders like Bello Turji have turned to platforms like TikTok and Facebook to terrorize vulnerable communities, display ransom money stacks and arsenals to lure new members. Security forces are partnering closely with TikTok, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Snapchat, and X to flag and suspend unverified profiles linked to terror groups. The security forces have been victorious in tracking ransom transactions from Point-of-Sale (POS) operators. Criminals often use POS terminals to receive ransom transfers and withdraw cash, making it more difficult to trace than traditional bank transfers. The NCTC plans to enforce key strategies in dismantling the online activities of criminal groups in 2026, under its new Strategic 2025-2030 plan, which utilizes AI-driven tools and network analysis to foresee and disrupt terror funding at the POS stage. The public is encouraged to flag any social media accounts suspected of promoting banditry or fundraising for crimes.
UPDATE: Tragic death of Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu following robbery at Abuja residence
Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise Television, died on Monday, September 29, 2025, following a desperate jump from her third-storey apartment during an armed robbery attack at Unique Apartments in Katampe, Abuja. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, attempted to escape a terrifying invasion by approximately 15 armed robbers that stormed her residence around 3 a.m. during a violent robbery incident. In the panic, she jumped from the third floor to avoid the intruders but sustained severe injuries from the fall. According to statements from Arise TV and the Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner, Ajao Adewale, Maduagwu was taken to Maitama District Hospital alongside a security guard injured during the assault. Tragically, she later died at the hospital. The police described the robbery as a “cruel and senseless act” and assured the public of a committed investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Relatives and colleagues have raised concerns about delays in medical treatment at Maitama District Hospital, alleging Maduagwu was initially denied prompt care due to the absence of identification documents, potentially contributing to her death. Arise TV paid tribute to Sommie in a special program titled “A Life Cut Short,” honouring her dedication to journalism and her prior career as a trained lawyer. Former presidential spokesperson and Arise TV co-anchor, Reuben Abati, called for a thorough probe into medical staff conduct and all aspects surrounding the tragic event. Family friend Kaanayo Nwachukwu also described how Sommtie tried to flee as armed robbers moved through the apartment complex, robbing residents.
Armed robbers kill ARISE TV anchor in shocking home attack
In the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a respected ARISE TV news anchor and producer, was tragically killed during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja. The 29-year-old journalist, also a trained lawyer, was attacked inside her home, prompting police investigations into the violent incident. Maduagwu, fondly known as “Sommie” by colleagues and viewers, was a cherished member of the ARISE News family. The station described her as a vibrant voice that connected deeply with the audience, as well as a professional and supportive colleague beyond her on-air roles. Born on December 26, 1995, she was also recognised for her advocacy work on women’s rights and her professional roles in law before entering the media. A statement from ARISE TV, signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of management, expressed shock and condolences to Maduagwu’s family and friends, while calling for a “speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits” by the Nigerian Police. The police have confirmed they are actively investigating the circumstances around the robbery that led to Maduagwu’s death. ARISE TV emphasised that while Maduagwu’s voice is now silent, her passion and legacy will endure as part of their collective memory.
Sujimoto boss Olasijibomi Ogundele accused of defrauding Enugu State in school development scheme
The Enugu State Government has accused Olasijibomi Ogundele, CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, of defrauding the state of N5.7 billion paid for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools across the state. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Ogundele wanted for alleged diversion of funds and money laundering, escalating the controversy. The state government says Ogundele disappeared after receiving 50% of the contract payment, leaving most of the school developments unfinished. It alleges that instead of using the bond issued by Jaiz Bank to secure the contract, Ogundele diverted payments through Sujimoto’s Zenith Bank account, which was registered with the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, making it impossible for the government to hold Jaiz Bank liable. Investigations revealed minimal to no substantive progress at many of the project sites, with some lacking proper excavation and structural compliance. Attempts by the government to engage Ogundele through calls and meetings reportedly failed. The state also accused Ogundele of premeditated fraud, asserting that his misdirection of funds and abandonment of the sites demonstrated intent from the beginning. A joint team from the Enugu Ministry of Works and the EFCC inspected the sites in May 2025, confirming the lack of significant work. Following the accusations, the government reassigned the projects to new contractors to restart construction and emphasized its commitment to ensuring the Smart Green Schools plan remains on track. It also vowed to recover every naira allegedly misappropriated by Ogundele. In response, Ogundele released a video denying any fraud, attributing delays to economic challenges such as inflation, rising material costs, manpower shortages, and security issues. He claimed to have mobilized 42 engineers to oversee the projects but faced difficulties due to machinery problems and operational hurdles. Ogundele insisted that expenditures were transparent, and legal action resulted from disputes with the state government. He pledged to fulfill his commitments and address the allegations. The Enugu State Government, however, dismissed Ogundele’s defense as theatrics, showing its determination to recover the funds and complete the educational projects for the benefit of the state’s children.
EFCC calls for enhanced monitoring of private airport wings to combat aviation fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged increased vigilance at the private wings of Nigerian airports, identifying these areas as hotspots for illicit financial dealings. This call came during a recent meeting with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to bolster anti-fraud measures in the aviation sector. During discussions held in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede stressed the importance of tighter oversight over private airport sections, which he labeled as critical zones for unauthorized economic activities. He pledged the commission’s decision to collaborating closely with the NCAA on issues such as fraudulent ticket sales, revenue non-remittance, and suspicious money movements. Senior EFCC officials will partner with the aviation regulator in drafting a memorandum of understanding for joint investigations, information sharing, and regulatory compliance monitoring, to solidify the alliance. Captain Chris Najomo, Director General of NCAA, stressed the serious threats posed by various deceptive practices across the aviation industry, including manipulation of ticketing systems and underreporting of income. He emphasized the detrimental impact such actions have on operational transparency, safety oversight, and investor confidence. The NCAA leader pinpointed areas vulnerable to fraud such as aircraft acquisitions, leasing deals, overseas maintenance agreements, and procurement of safety equipment. He particularly noted concerns over airlines failing to remit the obligatory five percent Ticket Sales and Cargo Sales Charges, undermining the Authority’s funding for safety management. Najomo also drew attention to the problem of illegal charter flights masquerading as private operations, a misuse that demands EFCC’s financial detective expertise to unveil. Both agencies recognized the urgent need for coordinated staff training, awareness programs, and intelligence exchanges to reinforce aviation sector integrity. The partnership between EFCC and NCAA is crucial towards eliminating fraudulent activities within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Both institutions reaffirm their dedication to protecting the sector’s financial health and operational safety through enhanced collaboration, intelligence sharing, and rigorous enforcement.
Equatorial Guinea president’s son sentenced over illegal sale of national plane
A court in Equatorial Guinea has handed down a verdict against Ruslan Obiang Nsue, son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, for unlawfully selling a government-owned aircraft. The ruling came on Tuesday, announcing that the former head of the national airline faces six years behind bars unless he reimburses the state for the missing plane. According to Hilario Mitogo, spokesperson for the supreme court, the accused, aged 50, previously managed Ceiba Intercontinental, the country’s national carrier. Investigators found that Obiang Nsue negotiated the sale of an ATR 72-500 aircraft to a Spanish firm, pocketing the proceeds without authorization. Following his 2023 house arrest, which was ordered by his half-brother and current vice-president Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, also a presidential son, the court declared that Ruslan could avoid incarceration by reimbursing approximately $255,000 to the airline, alongside additional damages and a governmental fine. While convicted of the illicit transaction, Obiang Nsue was cleared of other allegations including embezzlement and misconduct in office. Notably, Ruslan has held positions beyond aviation, including serving as secretary of state for sports and youth. In a related development, the vice-president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, received a suspended jail sentence and a $35 million penalty in France last year for charges of public fund misappropriation. The court’s ruling reinforces the imperative of accountability within national institutions, emphasizing that unauthorized transactions involving state assets carry heavy legal repercussions.