Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos EFCC Witness Testifies Accused Boasted No Agency Could Arrest Him in Alleged $41,000 Romance Scam
Court hears details of suspect’s claims as EFCC pursues prosecution over alleged international online fraud involving foreign victim
Court hears details of suspect’s claims as EFCC pursues prosecution over alleged international online fraud involving foreign victim
A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a Lagos court on Saturday that the accused person in an alleged $41,000 romance scam had boasted no agency could arrest or prosecute him. The testimony was delivered during a session at the Federal High Court, Lagos, as part of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to tackle cybercrime and related offences within the state.
According to court proceedings, the EFCC’s witness described how the accused, whose name was not disclosed in open session, allegedly defrauded a foreign national through an elaborate romance scam valued at $41,000 (over ₦61 million at current exchange rates). The witness recounted that during investigations, the suspect claimed he was untouchable by Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
The case highlights growing concerns among stakeholders about the proliferation of online scams targeting individuals abroad, with Nigeria’s anti-graft agency intensifying efforts to secure convictions and recover illicit proceeds. The EFCC has repeatedly warned Nigerians about engaging in internet fraud schemes and urged citizens to report suspicious activities.
During cross-examination, the defence challenged aspects of the evidence presented. The presiding judge adjourned further hearing to a later date for continuation of trial. The EFCC maintains that it will pursue all legal avenues to ensure justice is served in cases of cybercrime.
If convicted, the accused faces significant jail time under Nigeria’s anti-fraud laws. The case underscores ongoing government efforts to restore Nigeria’s image internationally and deter would-be offenders from engaging in cyber-enabled crimes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Presidency Inaugurates Ebola Task Force in Abuja, Moves to Prevent Outbreak Nationwide
Federal government targets zero Ebola cases as new task force commences work; health ministry urges public vigilance
Federal government targets zero Ebola cases as new task force commences work; health ministry urges public vigilance
The Nigerian presidency has inaugurated a presidential task force on Ebola preparedness in Abuja on Saturday, June 20, 2026, signalling renewed efforts to prevent any outbreak of the deadly virus across the country. The move comes amid growing concerns over potential cross-border threats following recent cases reported in neighbouring West African countries.
The task force was officially launched at a ceremony attended by top officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and representatives of relevant agencies. According to government sources, the primary mandate of the team is to ensure that Nigeria records zero Ebola cases through strengthened surveillance, rapid response protocols, and enhanced coordination among federal and state health authorities.
Nigeria’s renewed action follows warnings from regional health bodies about the risk of Ebola transmission due to increased movement across borders and recent outbreaks in parts of West Africa. With Nigeria’s large population and history as a travel hub, experts say proactive measures are necessary to avoid a repeat of the 2014 incident when the country successfully curtailed an imported case through aggressive public health intervention.
At the inauguration event, officials from the Ministry of Health emphasised that all entry points into Nigeria will be closely monitored. They called on members of the public to report any suspected symptoms promptly and adhere strictly to public health advisories. “We are not leaving anything to chance. The goal is zero Ebola cases in Nigeria,” one official said at the event.
The newly formed task force is expected to work with state governments and international partners to roll out awareness campaigns, improve laboratory capacity, and strengthen emergency response systems nationwide. The health ministry said it will provide regular updates as surveillance activities intensify in border communities and urban centres.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Bayelsa Government Discloses ₦13 Billion Monthly Wage Bill, Details State Expenditure
State officials reveal updated payroll figures, highlight financial pressures facing Bayelsa in wake of rising salary obligations
State officials reveal updated payroll figures, highlight financial pressures facing Bayelsa in wake of rising salary obligations
Bayelsa State government has announced that its monthly wage bill has now reached ₦13 billion, outlining the growing financial strain on the state’s resources. The disclosure was made by government officials on Saturday, 20 June, as part of a broader breakdown of state expenditure in Yenagoa.
According to the information released, the new wage figure covers salaries and allowances for civil servants, teachers, and other public sector employees across Bayelsa. Government representatives explained that the increased payroll obligations reflect both recent adjustments to minimum wage and efforts to clear outstanding arrears owed to workers.
The development is significant for Bayelsans as it comes at a time when many states across Nigeria are grappling with shrinking federal allocations and rising costs. Bayelsa’s status as an oil-producing state in the South-South zone means it receives derivation funds; however, officials noted that these revenues have not kept pace with recurrent expenditures, particularly on personnel.
While providing the expenditure details, state authorities stressed their commitment to meeting salary payments promptly despite fiscal challenges. They called on labour unions and workers to appreciate the government’s transparency and ongoing reforms aimed at improving public finance management. No opposition party response was immediately available regarding the updated wage figures.
As Bayelsa continues to manage its financial commitments amid national economic pressures and fluctuating oil prices, observers say more states may be forced to review their wage bills or seek new revenue sources. The government is expected to engage further with stakeholders on cost-saving measures and ensure continued payment of workers’ entitlements.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Police Commissioner Hails High Early Voter Turnout in Governorship Polls
Security agencies report calm atmosphere as residents throng polling units across Ekiti State for Saturday’s elections
Security agencies report calm atmosphere as residents throng polling units across Ekiti State for Saturday’s elections
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State has commended what he described as “unprecedented” early voter turnout during the ongoing governorship election held across the state on Saturday, June 20. The police chief made the remarks after visiting several polling centres in Ado-Ekiti and other major towns to assess the electoral process.
According to security sources, residents began arriving at polling stations as early as 7:30 a.m., with long queues forming in many locations before the official commencement of accreditation. Officers from the Nigeria Police Force, supported by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies, were seen deployed at strategic points to maintain order and ensure safety throughout the exercise.
The high turnout comes amid heightened interest in this year’s governorship contest, which observers say is pivotal for both major parties — All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — in consolidating their influence in the South-West geopolitical zone. Previous elections in Ekiti have witnessed concerns about low participation and voter apathy; however, Saturday’s early crowd suggests increased mobilisation efforts by political actors and civil society groups.
Speaking after his monitoring tour, the Commissioner of Police said: “We are impressed with the peaceful conduct so far and urge all eligible voters to remain law-abiding as they exercise their civic rights.” The police chief assured that security agencies would remain vigilant throughout voting and result collation. There were no major incidents reported as at midday, according to official updates from the command.
Election officials say counting will begin immediately after voting ends later on Saturday, with results expected to be announced at local government collation centres before transmission to INEC headquarters in Ado-Ekiti. Stakeholders have called on party supporters to maintain peace during collation and announcement of results.
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