Crime

EFCC Strikes Hard: Meet The Foreigners Behind Nigeria’s Latest Internet Fraud Scandal

Published

8 months ago

June 15, 2025

EFCC Strikes Hard: Meet The Foreigners Behind Nigeria’s Latest Internet Fraud Scandal

In a major move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s cybercrime enforcement, a Lagos Federal High Court has sentenced and ordered the deportation of four Filipino nationals found guilty of cyberterrorism and internet fraud. The ruling, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Ikoyi, adds another layer of urgency to the country’s growing concern over foreign involvement in local cyber offenses.

This case, which also includes the conviction of seven Nigerian nationals, has stirred conversations not just about crime and punishment, but about how Nigeria is tackling the increasingly global nature of digital fraud.

⚖️ What Happened?

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the court found Reyna Mae Eriba, Chyna Samonte, Zara Fabian, and Dominique Medina guilty of cybercrime-related offenses. Their crimes reportedly ranged from cyberterrorism to orchestrating complex internet scams using the identities of unsuspecting individuals.

Chyna Samonte, for instance, was accused of running an online syndicate that manipulated Nigerian youths into impersonating foreign nationals—essentially weaponizing identity theft to extract money from victims abroad.

Seven Nigerians were also convicted in related cases:

Chidera Ezechukwu (who allegedly retained over ₦12 million from an online dating scam)
Favour Oluchukwu
Egwenum Ifeanyi
David Okezie
Gbenga Shittu Solomon
Ibraheem Olamilekan
Oghomienor Jotham

All pleaded guilty.

🧾 Sentences and Sanctions

Justice Bogoro sentenced the four Filipinos to one year in prison or a fine of ₦1 million each. In addition, the Nigerian Immigration Service has been directed to deport them within seven days of completing their sentences or paying their fines.

For the Nigerian convicts:

Gbenga Shittu Solomon was sentenced to one year imprisonment or ₦700,000 fine,
The rest were given one year or a ₦500,000 fine each.

Furthermore, the court ordered the forfeiture of all recovered items to the federal government—a standard procedure meant to strip criminals of tools and proceeds of crime.

🌍 The Bigger Picture: Foreign Actors in Local Cybercrime

While Nigeria has long battled with homegrown internet fraud (often referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo”), the participation of foreign nationals—especially in leading roles—is alarming. This case underscores how cybercrime is no longer an isolated or local phenomenon but a web of transnational operations.

What’s especially disturbing is the reported exploitation of local youth by foreign syndicates. It’s a chilling reminder that cybercrime networks feed on poverty, desperation, and lax regulatory oversight—and they’re increasingly sophisticated.

🚨 Why This Matters

The Lagos court’s decision is more than a routine sentencing; it’s a statement of intent. With the growing global pressure on Nigeria to clamp down on internet fraud, this ruling sends a message: the country is not a safe haven for digital criminals—foreign or local.

But while convictions and deportations may make headlines, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Real progress will depend on:

Stronger cybersecurity frameworks
Investment in digital literacy
Coordinated international efforts to tackle the roots of cybercrime

🧠 Final Thoughts

The court’s ruling should be applauded—but also studied. Cybercrime isn’t going away anytime soon. As fraudsters get smarter and more global, Nigeria must continue to tighten its laws, upgrade its tech, and, above all, protect its young people from being recruited into these networks.

This case is a start, but real victory will come when the ecosystem that fuels such crimes is dismantled—piece by digital piece.

Crime

Tenant Allegedly St@bs Landlord In Delta

Published

2 months ago

December 23, 2025

Eyesjournals

Tenant Allegedly St@bs Landlord In Delta

A tragic incident has rocked Boji-Boji Owa in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, where a landlord, Mr. Lucky Obaze, was allegedly st@bbed to d3ath by his tenant during a dispute over a ₦1,500 electricity bill.

The suspect, identified only as Chiboy, is reportedly from Calabar, Cross River State.

According to Ika Weekly Newspaper, Chiboy and his brother, Victor, occupied a one-room apartment in a building owned by Mr. Obaze’s late father. The deceased, an indigene of the Owa-Oyibu community, lived in the same compound with his wife and six children.

Recounting the tragic event, which occurred on December 21, 2025, one of the victim’s children, Master Success Lucky, said the altercation started when his father went to collect the monthly electricity bill, as he routinely did.

“My father went to Chiboy to collect the ₦1,500 light bill, and they started arguing,” the visibly distressed boy said.

“I was alone with my father. If my mother had been around, this wouldn’t have happened. They fought downstairs where Chiboy stays, and afterward my father went upstairs to rest.”

He continued, “Suddenly, Chiboy came upstairs with a knife. I tried to stop him, but he was stronger than me. He met my father sitting in the parlour and st@bbed him.”

The victim’s wife, Mrs. Helen Obaze, has called on security agencies, the Nigerian government, and human rights groups to ensure justice is served.

Overcome with grief, she lamented that she has been left to single-handedly care for their six children.

Mrs. Obaze added that her husband’s body has been deposited at the mortuary to allow the police to carry out a full investigation into the incident.

Crime

‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Dies In Fiery Car Crash

Published

2 months ago

December 23, 2025

Eyesjournals

‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Dies In Fiery Car Crash

Vince Zampella, the legendary co-creator of the global video game phenomenon Call of Duty, has reportedly died after a tragic car accident, according to a confirmation released Monday by gaming powerhouse Electronic Arts. He was 55 years old.

Local outlet NBC4 reported that Zampella was driving his Ferrari along a scenic mountain route north of Los Angeles on Sunday when the vehicle suddenly left the road under unclear circumstances, slammed into a concrete barrier, and erupted into flames.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that both Zampella and a passenger were thrown from the car and later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed the wreckage of the cherry-red Ferrari completely engulfed in fire on the roadside.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Zampella was widely celebrated as a trailblazer in the gaming world and a driving force behind the evolution of modern first-person military shooters. He co-created the Call of Duty franchise and later founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio responsible for hit titles including Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series.

He began his journey in the gaming industry in the 1990s and went on to co-found Infinity Ward in 2002. The studio released the first Call of Duty game in 2003, launching a franchise that would grow into one of the most successful in gaming history, boasting over 100 million active players each month.

Infinity Ward was later acquired by Activision, solidifying Zampella’s status as one of the most influential and respected figures in contemporary video game development.

Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Published

2 months ago

November 28, 2025

Eyesjournals

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.