German Police have arrested 11 Nigerian nationals suspected to be members of a Black Axe group behind a large-scale dating scam and money laundering.

The Bavarian police in a statement on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, said that the gang was involved internationally in “multiple areas of criminal activity” with a focus in Germany on dating scams and money laundering.

The police said the dating trick was a “modern form of marriage fraud”, adding that “Using false identities, the fraudsters for example signalled their intention to marry and in the course of further contact repeatedly demand money under various pretexts,”

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The police further said that the money was subsequently transferred to Black Axe in Nigeria “via financial agents.”

According to the authorities, in the process, the gang used a “commodity-based money laundering” scheme where products, often with a seeming “charitable purpose” were bought and delivered to Nigeria.

Police added that 450 cases of dating and love scams were reported in the Bavaria region in 2023 with the damages rising to 5.3 million euros ($ 5.7 million).

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The police said that the suspects, who all held Nigerian citizenship and were aged between 29 and 53, were arrested in nationwide raids on Tuesday, explaining that law enforcement agents swooped on 19 properties, including both homes and asylum shelters.

The police added that the Black Axe gang had “strict hierarchical structures under leadership in Nigeria” operating different territorial units, stressing that the group had a “significant influence” on politics and public administrations, in particular in Nigeria.

It was said that globally, the gang’s main areas of operation were “human trafficking, fraud, money-laundering, prostitution and drug trafficking”.

The police said that the action against Black Axe was the first of its kind in Germany.

A woman identified as Gift Azubuike has been apprehended and is currently in custody at the Kwale Divisional Police Headquarters, Delta State, for alleged mistreatment of a child under her care.

Her maltreatment of the helpless child has already sparked outrage, just as concerned citizens and advocacy groups have called for justice.

Reports suggest that Azubuike had been subjecting the child (names withheld) to daily abuse, as confirmed by testimonies from neighbours who witnessed the situation.

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Harrison Gwamnishu, a human rights advocate, representing the Human Rights Office in Asaba, disclosed this on his X account on Wednesday.

According to Gwamnishu, the woman reportedly boasted that she held complete authority over the child and remained beyond the reach of any governing body.

“Well, she has been arrested and is currently detained at Kwale Divisional Police Headquarters (Delta State),” he said.

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He urged authorities to facilitate the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba, the state capital.

The incident has sparked outrage among online users, with many expressing their shock and disgust.

One user, Benkingsley Nwashara, wrote, “I’m speechless. Devils really exist physically.”

Chee wrote, “I can never give my child out to anyone, why are women so cruel.”

IT King said, “Genetic bitterness and wickedness are perilous pandemic.”

Renowned journalist and columnist, Ray Ekpu, has announced the news of the death of his wife, Uyai Ekpu.

The announcement was contained in a statement personally signed by Ekpu and made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday.

Mrs. Ekpu, aged 73, died on April 21, following a brief illness.

The statement read, “Uyai was a distinguished staff member of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), where she served until her retirement in 2011 as an Acting Director in the Management Education and Training Department.

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“Uyai was a scholar of remarkable achievements, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Enugu State University of Technology, Enugu State.

“Additionally, she earned diplomas from the Maastricht School of Management and the Ghana Institute of Management and Personnel Administration, Ghana.

“Uyai epitomised the virtues of family, community service, and inclusivity. Her life was characterised by a deep-rooted compassion and devotion to God.”

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“Uyai is survived by her husband, Ray Ekpu, and three children: Elu Ray Mbakwe, Mfoniso Ray Ekpu, and Edikan Ray Osho.

“She leaves behind six grandchildren, as well as her elder sister, Eneanwan Inyang, a retired educator, and a multitude of other relatives.”

Ekpu, who previously served as Editor-in-chief and Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Magazine, said details regarding the funeral arrangements for his wife would be communicated in due course.