The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday secured convictions against five internet fraud suspects arrested during a sting operation at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, handed over the verdict following the admission of guilt by all defendants — Christian Okoli, Adeleye Emmanuel, Akinyele Kehinde Fatai, Shonekan Waris Bolaji, and Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi — on charges of impersonation, identity theft, and internet fraud.

Okoli, previously arrested in July 2025, refunded ₦300,000 and had his Samsung S23 Ultra and documents forfeited. He was sentenced to three months in prison or a ₦1 million fine.

Adeleye Emmanuel received one month of community service and must carry a placard reading “crime does not pay” daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Fatai, who admitted defrauding victims of $2,000 and repaid ₦500,000, was given six months in jail or a ₦3 million fine under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Shonekan, linked to a U.S.-based fraudster and implicated in romance scams, received a 30-day jail term starting August 10, 2025.

Ayomiposi, who confessed to earning $2,800 from romance scams, refunded ₦1 million; the court forfeited his iPhone 13 Pro Max and another phone, sentencing him to 30 days behind bars effective August 10.

The EFCC confirmed that the OOPL sting on August 10 led to the arrest of 93 suspects, most of whom are still under investigation.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

The decision was reached on Monday during the party’s 102nd NEC meeting in Abuja, following the adoption of a zoning committee report presented by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the NEC also agreed to retain the existing National Working Committee (NWC) zoning arrangement ahead of the party’s elective convention scheduled for November.

Ologunagba explained that since the office of the National Chairman is zoned to the North, the presidential ticket will go to the South in line with the party’s rotational principle.

He added that NEC expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations for the November convention.

More to come…

Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, has rebutted reports claiming his suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming that he remains a party member and warning of legal recourse over what his media office described as “libellous” publications.

In an official statement titled “Rejoinder: Oguninsight and News Across Online News Platforms: Libellous Publications Against His Excellency, The Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel,” the senator’s media office condemned an article published by Oguninsight and reprinted by national outlets including Vanguard and PM News. The article, titled “Why APC Suspended Senator Gbenga Daniel,” is said to have damaged his long-standing reputation.

“These publications [are] ‘offensive, malicious and libellous,’ capable of hurting or injuring the hard-earned reputation” of the senator, the statement read, noting his years of distinguished service in politics, business, and public life.

The media office demanded a retraction and an apology within seven days in national newspapers and the removal of the articles from social and online platforms. It warned that failure to comply would trigger “all necessary legal actions,” with lawyers already briefed to proceed.

The statement reaffirmed that Senator Daniel remains a duly elected APC member, contradicting the suspended claims.