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Ex-senator Phone Hacked, Friends Lose Millions Of Naira To Fraudsters
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
Friends of former federal lawmaker, Tokunbo Afikuyomi on Saturday, lost millions of naira to fraudsters who had earlier hacked the WhatsApp number of the Lagos politician.
Having succeeded in taking control of the use of the app, the criminal elements, according to Afikuyomi, sent messages to his contacts, soliciting financial help on his behalf.
Although some of the friends were clever enough to alert him; others heeded the call for help by transferring various amounts of money to the account numbers provided by the criminal gang.
Recounting his ordeal in a statement sent to The PUNCH on Sunday, the ex-lawmaker said, “Yesterday morning (January 13), some scammers hacked my phone line and temporarily seized control of my WhatsApp messages. They then sent fraudulent messages to some of my contacts requesting that they transfer some money on my behalf.
“Many of my friends quickly called me up on the regular phone while some others spoke with my aides to alert me.”
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However, unfortunately, a few others did not suspect that anything was wrong. “They innocently complied with the fake request and made transfers of millions of naira to the various account numbers in different banks supplied by the scammers.”
Aware of the danger that lurked ahead, Afikuyomi said he quickly alerted the relevant authourities to track the fraudsters and reveal their identities.
He continued, “I immediately complained to the relevant security and regulatory agencies and I thank the anti-fraud unit of the police for springing into action immediately.
“Their efforts led to identifying some of the account numbers and the details of the respective owners through which the scammers collected various sums of money. The security agents are also already deploying technology to geo-locate the perpetrators. Investigations by relevant agencies are still ongoing.
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“Meanwhile, I have suspended the use of my WhatsApp number till the authorities can conclude their investigations and I can now put more security measures in place to protect the line. I can only be reached through regular phone calls on the same number,” he added.
Expressing displeasure with the nation’s banking system, Afikuyomi wondered how it was possible for scammers to have succeeded in fraudulently opening accounts for the sole purpose of defrauding others.
“I must at this stage express my dismay with the lack of due diligence in the bank account opening and maintenance system in our country. This is what has come out so far in the investigation of this phone hacking scam.
“The scammers opened so many bank accounts without supplying the banks with the necessary security checks and details required by the law. In the same manner, it is now obvious that some of the Over Top Media Services providers do not fully comply with the provision of Nigeria’s Data Privacy and Protection Laws,” he added even as he vowed to go the whole distance in helping relevant agencies to smash the syndicate.
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“I hereby express my determination to do everything within the law to smash this evil syndicate that has brought pain and tears to many people within Nigeria and those in the diaspora.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank everyone whose prompt response is helping to reduce the impact of this weekend scam. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Director General of the National Financial Intelligence Agency, Modibo Hamman Tukur, and the Deputy Governor (Corporate Services), Central Bank of Nigeria, Bala Bello, deserve special mention for their efforts in unveiling the perpetrators of this crime.
“This crime is an indication of the perilous times that we live in when the technology that was invented to make life easy for all of us has also become a source of endangering our lives and properties.
“We therefore need to be more careful, cautious, and discerning in responding to some of the messages being sent to us purportedly by our acquaintances. It is usually good to double-check the supposed source of the message, particularly if it involves a request for a transfer of money.
“This is the reality of the new age of technology in which we live. It has come with its impersonal, impassioned, distrustful, and distasteful challenges,” he further said.
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Tinubu Gives D’Tigress $100,000 Each, Flats, National Honour
Published
56 minutes agoon
August 4, 2025By
Editor
President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the 11-man coaching and technical crew.
Tinubu also rewarded all team members and staff with a three-bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate.
In addition, the President conferred on the players and their technical crew the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.
This was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet hall, Abuja.
The triumphant D’Tigress alongside their officials, were warmly welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, supported by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, at the New Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa at 5:05 pm.
On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima received the team in recognition of their outstanding achievement.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Falcons
Also in attendance at the reception were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.
The D’Tigress arrived after clinching their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, outplaying Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This win marks their seventh overall championship, reinforcing their supremacy in African women’s basketball.
The ceremony at the Presidential Villa mirrors a similar reception President Tinubu hosted a week earlier for the national female football team, the Super Falcons, who recently secured their tenth WAFCON title in Rabat, Morocco.
Tinubu’s remarks, delivered by Shettima at the reception noted, “Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation. Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.
“It is a great honour, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to welcome our formidable D’Tigress to the State House. Once again, you are continental champions and now the top African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. You conquered Africa with a score of 78 to 64—showcasing not just tactical skill, but remarkable determination and resilience. The entire nation stands behind you with pride and support.
READ ALSO:Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory
“My dear daughters, you faced challenges bravely, especially in the final quarter, responding not with panic but with poise. When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose, and now you wear the crown of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”
The President hailed Rena Wakama’s strength and inspiring young girls in the country.
“Coach Rena Wakama, you embody the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria. You truly deserve your accolades as the best coach in Africa and beyond.
“To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, your brilliance lifted the whole team, but most importantly, you played for Nigeria and made us all proud.
“Let us reflect on one profound truth: Nigerian women have never failed the nation in sports. From the Super Falcons on the world stage, to record-breakers on the track, and now a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently been a source of pride and have proven that where preparation meets opportunity, Nigerian excellence prevails.”
Tinubu said the administration is prioritizing sports as a crucial driver of national development and economic growth, viewing it as more than entertainment but also infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a tool for youth employment and transformation.
READ ALSO:Gov Aiyedatiwa Gifts Ondo-born Super Falcons Player N30m, House
He also recognised the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, for its efforts in athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-driven development, with visible positive results.
“Special appreciation goes to the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-based development. The results are evident, and we are proud of you. The Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, also deserves recognition for consistent team development and dedication to Nigeria’s sporting glory.
“Our government will ensure that D’Tigress, their technical team, and sports leadership in Nigeria are appropriately recognized and rewarded. You have made us proud, and we will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage.
“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their all to realize those dreams.
“D’Tigress: you are champions, role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of this land. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of President Tinubu, to announce national honors for the team, coach, and technical staff; $100,000 for each player; $50,000 for the coach and technical team; and more rewards to come.
“This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigerian sports, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
News
Step-by-step Guide For Checking 2025 WASSCE Results
Published
1 hour agoon
August 4, 2025By
Editor
Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results on Monday, the West African Examinations Council has provided a step-by-step guide to help candidates access their results online.
To check your results, candidates are required to visit the official result portal at http://waecdirect.org and follow the instructions carefully.
Here is the step-by-step guide for checking 2025 WASSCE results.
READ ALSO:WAEC Releases 2025 WASSCE Results
Enter your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 7-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 4123456789).
For examination year < 1999, enter your 8-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 5-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 19865001)
Enter the 4 digits of your Examination Year eg. 2002
Select the Type of Examination
Enter the e-PIN Voucher Number
Enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your e-PIN
Click Submit and wait for the results window to come up
News
Gov Aiyedatiwa Gifts Ondo-born Super Falcons Player N30m, House
Published
2 hours agoon
August 4, 2025By
Editor
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has rewarded Super Falcons defender, Tosin Demehin, with ₦30 million and a house for her outstanding performance at the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations.
Aiyedatiwa made this known on Monday during a civic reception in Akure, the state capital, held in honour of Ondo State indigenes who were part of the victorious Super Falcons squad at the tournament held in Morocco last month.
Alongside Demehin, the governor also gifted the team’s media officer, Mary Akinsola, and the team’s secretary, Mary Oduboku, the sum of ₦15 million each in recognition of their roles in Nigeria’s historic win.
He said, “This is a proud moment for us. Tosin Demehin has made Ondo State proud on the continental stage.
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”As a token of our appreciation, the state government is awarding her ₦30 million and a house at Sunshine Estate, Oba-Ile.”
Aiyedatiwa also described Demehin, who hails from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as a shining example of talent, discipline, and resilience.
“I am extremely delighted to welcome home our brave daughters. Their dedication, hard work and team spirit helped secure this victory.
“You have not only brought glory to the nation, but you have honoured Ondo State,” he added.
READ ALSO:Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory
Aiyedatiwa praised the contributions of Akinsola and Oduboku, both of whom are also from the southern senatorial district of the state, for their key support roles in the Super Falcons’ campaign.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment in the state.
He said, “We will continue to invest in young talents, create enabling environments, and provide the resources necessary for them to excel in all fields of endeavour especially sports.”
Aiyedatiwa also promised to give maximum support to the Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure to ensure quick return of the team to the nation’s premier league.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Falcons
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for honouring the Super Falcons team at the national level, noting that such gestures have far-reaching impacts on the morale of athletes across the country.
Responding, Demehin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and the people of the state for the warm reception and generous reward.
“Receiving this honour from my home state means the world to me. As a former Sunshine Queens player, I know there is massive potential in women’s football here. This support gives hope to many young girls with dreams like mine,” she said.
Demehin also called on stakeholders to rally behind the development of women’s football in the state, stressing that the growth of Nigerian football both male and female is a collective responsibility.
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