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Beware, New App Approves Illegal Payments, NCC Alerts Nigerians Again

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The Nigerian Communications Commission has alerted Nigerians to the resurgence of Joker Trojan-Infected Android Apps on Google Play Store that authorises payments for fraudsters.

The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

The commission said that the app could click on online ads automatically and even use SMS One-Time Password to secretly approve payments without checking bank statements.

NCC further said that other actions, such as stealing text messages, contacts, and other device data, were also possible with the app.

Android users should avoid downloading unnecessary apps or installing apps from unofficial sources.

The statement read, “Additionally, in a related advisory, the NCC, based on another detection by CSIRT, wishes to inform the general public about the resurgence of Joker Trojan-Infected Android Apps on Google Play Store. This arose due to the activities of criminals who intentionally download legitimate apps from the Play Store, modify them by embedding the Trojan malware and then uploading the app back to the Play Store with a new name.

“The malicious payload is only activated once the apps go live on the Play Store, which enables the apps to scale through Google’s strict evaluation process. Once installed, these apps request permissions that once granted, enable the apps to have access to critical functions such as text messages and notifications.

READ ALSO: NCC Alerts Nigerians On New Ways Hackers Unlock, Steal Vehicle, Android Apps

“As a consequence, a compromised device will subscribe unwitting users to premium services, billing them for services that do not exist. A device like this can also be used to commit Short Messaging Service fraud while the owner is unaware.

“It can click on online ads automatically and even use SMS One Time password to secretly approve payments. Without checking bank statements, the user will be unaware that he or she has subscribed to an online service. Other actions, such as stealing text messages, contacts, and other device data, are also possible.”

How to avoid falling victim

To avoid falling victim to the manipulation of hackers deploying Joker Trojan-Infected Android Apps, Android users have been advised to avoid downloading unnecessary apps or installing apps from unofficial sources.

“The NCC also wishes to advise telecom consumers to ensure that apps installed from the Google Play Store are heavily scrutinized by reading reviews, assessing the developers, perusing the terms of use and only granting the necessary permissions.

“Conclusively, the NCC recommends that unauthorised transactions be checked against any installed app. Indeed, any apps not in use should be deleted while users are also advised to ensure that a device is always patched and updated to the latest software,” it added.

PUNCH.

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‘Back To Sender’ – Nicki Minaj Throws Object Back To Fan On Stage [VIDEO]

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Nicki Minaj’s latest show has gone viral due to an unexpected incident that occured mid-show.

The rapper has been busy of late, making her way across North America on her eagerly anticipated Pink Friday 2 world tour.

READ ALSO: Nicki Minaj Drops ‘Pink Friday 2’ Album

So far, her performances have been nothing short of impressive, with the femcee delivering hit after hit. She’s also been joined by several celebrity guests like 50 Cent, Tyga, JT, and many more.

During a recent show, someone threw an object at her while she was performing “Starships.”

In a clip from the shocking moment, the object nearly hits her in the head. Luckily, it just missed her, though it did leave her visibly irritated.

Looking outraged, Nicki picked the item up off the ground and threw it back into the crowd.

READ ALSO: Nicki Minaj Sued For Allegedly Damaging Borrowed Jewellery

It’s unclear what exactly the object was. It has also not been confirmed whether or not anybody was hit after the rapper threw it.

However, most fans agree that she was justified to throw the object back.

Watch video below.

https://x.com/WORLDSTAR/status/1782167433916145710?s=08

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Edo Guber: Labour Party Faults INEC Final List

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The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has faulted the final list as published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC, in the final list released today, April 22, named Oluyinka Faith Alufohai as running mate to Olumide Akpata rather than Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, (SAN).

Recall that on the 19th of April, 2024, INFO DAILY reported that Labour Party governorship candidate in the September 21st gubernatorial election, Olumide Akpata dropped Oluyinka Faith Alufohai and picked Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, SAN as his running mate.

READ ALSO: IGP, Jonathan Disagree Over State Police

A press statement signed by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, the state chairman of the party, and made available to newsmen in Benin City, assured party members and supporters that “this is simply a technical error”.

Comrade Ogbaloi, said, “Our team followed all necessary procedures and submitted Alhaji Kadiri’s name and credentials as the deputy governorship candidate, well within INEC’s stipulated window.

“Unfortunately, a technical glitch occurred at the end of the National Headquarters of our party during the submission process, resulting in the incorrect name appearing on the final list.

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates

“We are currently actively engaged with INEC officials to rectify this issue immediately and our team has provided all requisite documentation demonstrating Alhaji Kadiri’s valid nomination. We have been following-up with INEC diligently, to ensure it updates its candidate list with the accurate information.

“We recognise the anxiety this error may cause, but urge our supporters to remain calm and steadfast in their commitment to our party’s vision.

“Your unwavering support and activism have been invaluable thus far, and we need you to continue spreading awareness of our platform and championing the positive change we represent.

He further said: “The Labour Party is determined to contest the forthcoming September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship elections fairly and transparently.

“We should not allow this minor administrative hurdle to dampen our confidence or impede our momentum.

“Together, we shall overcome any obstacle, minor or major, as we continue our march towards restoring Edo State to its pride of place nationally.”

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IGP Faults Creation Of State Police

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The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has faulted the state Police bill, stating that Nigeria is not mature for state police.

Egbetokun spoke on Monday at a national dialogue on state police organised by the Nigerian’s House of Representatives in Intercontinental Hotel, former Sheraton Hotel in Abuja

The theme of the dialogue is ‘Pathways to Peace: Re-imagining Policing in Nigeria’.

The IGP who was Represented by Ben Okolo, an assistant Inspector-General of Police, said Nigeria is not ready for a decentralised police force.

“It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria police force that Nigeria is yet to mature for the establishment of state-controlled police,” he said.

According to him, “There have been renewed calls for the establishment of state police following an uptick in kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks across the country.

He said, “On February 15, the federal government set up a committee to explore the creation of state police, amid the spate of insecurity in the country.

“On February 20, a bill to establish state police passed second reading at the house of representatives.

The IGP said rather than create state police, the challenges mitigating against effective policing in Nigeria should be addressed.

He went further, listed some of the challenges as inadequate manpower, inadequate operational equipment such as vehicles, arms and ammunition, communication equipment, drones, aerial surveillance cameras, security surveillance helicopters, armoured vehicles, and inadequate training of personnel.

State Police must be well funded if we must have them – Abdulsalam
He continued, “These challenges have impacted negatively on the performance of police personnel. He also said state police is open to abuse from powerful state governors.

The IGP also noted that, there is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership. State governors could use the police force under their control for political or personal gain and compromise human rights and security,” he said.

“There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction.”

The IGP therefore proposed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should be merged to become a department in the police.

“In view of this, the police leadership recommended the above instead of creating state police,” he said.

He said the recruitment of police personnel into the force should be increased by at least 30,000 annually to meet the minimum policing standard of the United Nations.

Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs

Egbetokun’s stance contrasted with that of Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs, who backed the establishment of state police.

In his speech, the Minister of Police affairs, Sen. Gaidam, who spoke at the event, said a more decentralised police force will help tackle rising insecurity in the country.

“It is clearly imperative to come together to discuss this critical issues and work towards finding sustainable solutions that will ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

“As we gather here today our objective is clear, to explore ways and means of addressing these issues including the possibility of establishing the state police force to combat the crises. Am here to highlight the merits and challenges of implementing state police in Nigeria. I will emphasize that state police can enhance local exclusiveness.

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