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EFCC Adds More Influential Names to FBI Fraud Suspects’ List
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday stated it was monitoring more suspected Nigerian fraudsters apart from the 80 names released by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Ibadan zonal head of the EFCC, Friday Ebelo, said, “Bigger suspects have been put on the commission’s watch list and will be tracked before long.”
Speaking at a press conference at the commission’s zonal office in Ibadan, Ebelo said some bankers and Bureau De Change operators conniving to swindle victims were also on the list.
He disclosed that a banker was arrested on Monday and was facing interrogation.
Ebelo, who gave an analysis of how the syndicate worked across the globe to dupe victims, urged parents to be vigilant and train their wards in profitable ventures.
He named a suspect, Ajayi Festus, arrested in Ado-Ekiti for alleged illicit transactions.
He explained that Ajayi worked with cybercriminals abroad to illegally access accounts of individuals and organisations to defraud them of their money.
“We were able to establish a number of illicit transactions through his Nigerian bank account amounting to over N223m. Ajayi serves as the conduit through which proceeds of crimes reach members of the syndicate. His cuts in the deals total over N75m.
“The suspect is still helping the commission in its investigations. He surely will have his days in court as soon as investigations are concluded and the matter is ripe for prosecution,” Ebelo said.
He noted that the suspect would be revealed after providing the anti-graft agency with more information about his crime network.
“The zone is unrelenting on the mandate of the commission to combat all forms of economic and financial crimes and the effort is yielding result, our longstanding collaborative engagement with the FBI and other law-enforcement agencies remain intact and yielding mutual benefits.”
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
