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Three Nigerians on FBI Most-Wanted List for $6M Fraud Scheme

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Three Nigerians, Nnamdi Benson, Richard Uzuh, and Felix Okpoh, have been added to the FBI’s Most-Wanted list for their involvement in a $6 million fraud scheme called Business Email Compromise (BEC).

According to the FBI’s website, the trio were part of a group that scammed over 70 businesses in the United States. Benson is said to have played a key role by providing bank accounts where the stolen money was sent.

The FBI notice also mentioned that Benson was involved in other types of fraud, such as romance and advance-fee scams. He was indicted by a U.S. court in August 2019.

The notice about Benson reads: “Nnamdi Orson Benson is wanted for his role in a BEC scheme that defrauded over 70 businesses in the U.S., causing losses of more than $6 million. Benson allegedly gave bank accounts to Richard Uzuh to receive the stolen money. Benson is also accused of conducting romance fraud and advance-fee scams. On August 21, 2019, he, along with Felix Okpoh and Abiola Kayode, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A federal arrest warrant was issued for him the next day.”

Another FBI notice described Okpoh’s involvement, saying he helped by providing hundreds of bank accounts used to receive stolen money, totaling about $1 million.

The notice states: “Okpoh allegedly gave numerous bank accounts to Richard Uzuh and others, including Benson, to receive fraudulent wire transfers. These transfers totaled over $1 million. Okpoh was indicted on August 21, 2019, and a federal warrant for his arrest was issued the following day.”

Uzuh is accused of sending fake emails to businesses across the U.S., tricking them into transferring money. The FBI also states that Uzuh worked with others to launder the stolen funds through a complex network.

The notice about Uzuh reads: “Uzuh and his co-conspirators, including Okpoh, Kayode, and Benson, allegedly sent fake emails to businesses in the U.S. asking for wire transfers. Uzuh worked with money launderers and others to hide the proceeds of the crime, both in the U.S. and abroad. Uzuh was indicted in October 2016 and a federal warrant for his arrest was issued the next day.”

Recently, another member of the group, Abiola Kayode, who had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted Cyber Criminal list, was extradited from Ghana to the U.S. He was arrested in April 2023 and sent to Nebraska after a U.S. request for extradition.

A statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska, said Kayode had been indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in August 2019. He was handed over to the FBI after his arrest in Ghana and brought to the U.S. in December.

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Sinclair Is More Qualify For Bayelsa State Newspaper Corporation, Says Ozegbe

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The Publisher of The Light Newspaper, Mr. Ebi Andy Ozegbe has made a passionate appeal to Governor Douye Diri to appoint Fekumo Peace Sinclair as the General Manager of The Bayelsa State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The Newwaves

Mr. Ebi Andy Ozegbe who is also the President Independent Newspapers Publishers Association of Nigeria (INPAN) made the call on the backdrop of the wealth of experience acquired by Fekumo Peace Sinclair in Journalism practice for over 24 years.

He said Fekumo Peace-Sinclair is a seasoned journalist per excellence, competent and a thorough bred professional.
who started journalism practice in Lagos as a reporter with NEW AGENDA Newspaper, a subsidiary of Nigerian Economist Magazine.

According to Ebi Andy Ozegbe popularly known as the Jagaban of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, Fekumo Peace Sinclair alsoGeneral Manager of the Bayelsa State Newspaper Corporation worked at FINANCIAL TIMES Magazine owned by Abdul Azeez in Lagos and .shortly after the creation of Bayelsa State, was called for an interview with TIDE Newspaper, where out of over 100 applicants, she was the only female among the 15 people employed as a reporter by the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The TIDE Newspaper.

Fekumo Peace Sinclair journalism practice spanning over 24 years was a one time News Editor of The Newwaves, Political Editor, Editor-in-Chief of The Newwaves stable, and a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

She has worked with seasoned senior journalists both in lagos and Bayelsa State, among whom are Matthew Mieseigha, ThankGod Igwe, both of blessed memory, Charles Tambou, Ebi Evison, Nengi Joseph Ilagha (pope pen) among others.

Peace Sinclair is grounded in all the spheres of journalism such as newswriting, features writing, and newspaper production, which many believe is an exclusive preserve for men.

In pursuit of her journalism career, Fekumo Peace Sinclair has travelled to China, Egypt, Amsterdam in Holland, Singapore London and other European countries.

It is to her credit that some reporters in the state owned Newspaper, were trained on the art of news and features articles writing.

The positions Fekumo Peace Sinclair has held include two-time Vice Chairman of NUJ, Secretary NAWOJ, member board of trustees of NAWOJ of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council.

Fekumo Peace Sinclair was also a one-time caretaker Chairman of NUJ Bayelsa State Council while Mr. Cyril Addy of Radio Bayelsa Chapel was the Secretary.

Other positions the Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State born female journalist has held include Media Director of the Restoration Youth Network, (REYNET), the youth arm of the then Restoration Government of former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.

She was the Media Director to former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government, Honourable Wisdom Fafi and served as TIDE correspondent of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

The radical move she made gave the local tabloids some sense of belonging among their national correspondents under late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Administration.

She was vocal during the Odi crisis and spoke on BBC to condemn the destruction of her community under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which gave her accolades from her colleagues and the state.government.

A sociable person, Peace Sinclair speaks Yoruba, Igbo fluently and a bit of Hausa.

She has contributed her quota to development of journalism in Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta. and the country in general.

Her hobbies include travelling, reading, cooking and dancing

As a unionist, she has always fought for the welfare and rights of Journalists.

Fekumo Peace Sinclair having traversed the landscape of journalism practice at home and overseas possess the requisite qualifications, experience, administrative acumen to manage and transform The Newwaves to a daily publication to provide continuous stream of flow of news and information to propagate the activities of the Bayelsa State Government and rebrand the paper to compete favourably with other state owned and national newspapers.

The Light Newspaper Publisher who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Delight Journalists Hangout along Punch Road off Imgbi Road Amarata in Amarata, Yenagoa commended Governor Douye Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpi and the entire Prosperity Administration for the numerous developmental projects executed in the state particularly the three Senatorial District Roads, the iconic new Secretariat Complex, 25 capacity world class stadium, prompt payment of civil servants salaries, pensioners benefits and the prevailing peace enjoyed in the state among others.

The Jagaban of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council also poured encomium on the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiowou Koku Obiyai for the harmonious working relationship she has fostered with practicing journalists in the state which he stated has ensured free flow of news and information to propagate government policies, and programmes.

Ebi Andy Ozegbe who ranked among frontline publishers publishing regularly in this era of high cost of production have used his publication, The Light Newspaper to provide continuous stream of flow of news and information to propagate the activities of the Prosperity Administration, enjoined the Information Commissioner to consider Fekumo Peace Sinclair for appointment as General Manager of the Bayelsa State Newspaper Corporation to enable her bring her wealth of experience to rebrand and manage The Newwaves to take its pride of place among other newspapers in the country and beyond to effectively tell the Bayelsa story.

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Bring Your Wealth Of Experience To Governance, Ibas Tasks New SSG

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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.

The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.

He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.

“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.

He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.

Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.

“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.

“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.

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APC Faces Internal Rumbles ahead 2027

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal dissent and the looming threat of a united opposition in the 2027 elections.  Despite the party’s claims of unity, prominent members like former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai have publicly criticized the APC’s leadership and direction, citing a lack of internal democracy and effective party structures. El-Rufai even warned of a potential voter apathy crisis, with a projected 75% abstention rate in 2027.

Other APC members reportedly share these concerns, with some even considering joining forces with the PDP and other opposition parties to replicate their successful 2015 ousting of an incumbent president.  Former PDP member John Kennedy Osuala believes the APC’s own performance, marked by poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship, will be its undoing.  He argues that defections to the APC are meaningless and that a united opposition will emerge to challenge the ruling party.

Labour Party stalwart Elder Yusuf Solomon Danbaki anticipates capitalizing on anti-Tinubu sentiment in the North, predicting a resurgence of the “Obidient Movement” and a coalition with other parties.  He believes that even the incumbency advantage can be overcome, citing the perceived divisions within the APC, particularly in the North.

While President Tinubu’s 2027 intentions remain unclear, his supporters face the challenge of galvanizing support, especially in the North.  Concerns have been raised about the political clout of key presidential aides.  However, some within the APC dismiss the opposition’s threat, expressing confidence in the Vice President’s influence in the North and urging reconciliation with dissenting voices like El-Rufai.  They also defend the government’s economic policies, anticipating improvements.

An anonymous APC chieftain revealed that efforts are focused on reconciling stakeholders rather than replacing the Vice President, warning that disunity could jeopardize their chances in 2027.  APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, declined to comment on the matter

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