Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has convicted and sentenced two men; Hamza Zakaria and Nurudeen Ibrahim, to 26 months imprisonment each for their involvement in an N8.56 billion fraud.

The duo were found guilty of gaining unauthorised access to the computer systems of a new-generation bank.

They were initially arraigned on May 2, 2025, alongside other suspects, on a four-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

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Their charges bordered on conspiracy, stealing, and unlawful access to a computer system, offences contrary to Sections 409 and 331 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2011.

Both defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty.

However, they changed their plea after the EFCC presented amended charges, enabling the court to convict and sentence them based on the updated information.

During the review of the case, EFCC counsel Muhammad Bashir called an operative of the Commission, Airende Monday, who presented documents that were admitted into evidence.

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Delivering judgment, Justice Oshodi ruled:
“I find the defendants guilty in the two-count amended information, and I convict them accordingly. This is the judgment of the court.”

The court imposed eight months imprisonment on count one and one year and six months on count two.

The sentences are to run concurrently, with an option of a N50,000 fine.

According to the EFCC, Zakaria, Ibrahim and others still at large conspired in January 2025 to illegally access and manipulate Wema Bank’s computer systems and servers, transferring and retaining criminal proceeds derived from the breach.

A notorious organ harvest suspect is in police custody over an attempt to buy the kidneys of four victims in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Confirming the development in a press conference yesterday, the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro, said the suspect, Mr Maro Ebojoh, 40, was arrested by officials of Yahaya Sabo Motor Park, Bukan Sidi in Lafia while perfecting his plans to harvest organs of his targets.

The CP said Nasarawa police operatives deployed to the area arrested him and further investigation revealed that Umar Barau, 25, Suleman Alhaji-Garba, 20, Williams Dadung, 32, and Stanley Ezekiel 27, were lured with promise to receive N2 million each after the deal is sealed.
He said the four victims were sent to a hospital in Abuja to be screened for fitness for the removal of their kidneys.

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“The command detailed operatives to the facility where the organ harvest was to take place. On arrival, the victims were placed on medical rest in a hotel to calm the blood pressure of one of the victims before the operation.

“The victims confessed that the suspect promised them N2 million each after the initial N500,000 initial deposit by the suspect,” he said.

According to the CP, the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that he procured a donor for another client two months ago where he received N1 million, and paid the victim N2.5 million.

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In another development, nine criminal suspects were arrested in connection with gang-related robbery at night within Mararaba and environs.

The CP said their modus operandi include, attacking residents, stealing mobile phones and transferring funds from their victim’s bank account before selling the device to unsuspecting buyers.

He said that the suspects confessed to the crimes and admitted to carrying out operation at the Uke Karu where the son of serving police officer was killed.

Shettima urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious, particularly against individuals who disguise as genuine organ donor solicitors but only interested in the financial gains, moreso as the festive season is fast approaching.

Nasarawa is among the states in the North where organ harvest is rampant among young people. Most victims of organ harvest are poor citizens who engage themselves in menial jobs to survive.

Lagos State government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, yesterday, began clearance of Tejuosho Market in Yaba, Lagos State

The clearance operation is aimed at restoring sanity and upholding environmental standards in the area. The ministry said the operation was in line with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make the state cleaner and habitable for business.

Commissioner for the Envir onment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said public spaces must remain orderly, safe and free from obstruction, and that the ministry would continue to enforce the law and ensure compliance with environmental regulations across Lagos.

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Speaking with The Guardian, Head, Public Affairs and Advocacy Unit, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) popularly known as KAI, Ajayi Lukman, said the agency received petitions against the traders three months ago and and engaged them in different occasions to leave the road but all the engagement did not yield fruit.

He said: “They didn’t turn a new leaf despite series of engagements and advocacy, and we decided to dislodge them today (November 18, 2028). The traders left their shops to move to walkways and setbacks. They also closed two lanes and left one for motorists. They converted the road into market without recourse

“Their excos came around to apologise. But no going back on our operation.”

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The Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), said residents must continue to make Lagos habitable and cleaner for business via monitoring of all environs.

He noted the resolve of the agency towards eradicating the nefarious acts perpetuated by environmentally-insensitive individuals as he bemoaned the negative impact posed to public health.

Cole also emphasised how open urination, defecation and improper refuse disposal contributed to the sub-par air quality in some parts of the state.