Category Nigeria News

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has revealed that Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian, admitted guilt to a more than $ 40,000 romance scam before United States District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown.

According to a statement from Shane M. Jones, the public information officer for the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the United States Department of Justice, admitted to pleading guilty to two of the charges pending against him, including conspiracy to defraud, wire fraud, and using an assumed name to carry out a mail fraud scheme in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1342, 1343, and 1349 (Count 1), and conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of

Inweregbu’s plea stemmed from his involvement in a protracted romance scam aimed at American citizens.

Inweregbu and his co-conspirators carried out a “romance scam” between at least July 1, 2017, and December 16, 2018, using deceptive and fabricated promises and representations to extort money and property from numerous American women, including four victims.

In particular, the statement claimed that Inweregbu and his associates used the alias “Larry Pham” (allegedly a middle-aged man) to draw middle-aged female victims into their social media and online dating profiles.

The co-conspirators, including Inweregbu, communicated with victims via email and online messaging platforms to make an appeal to them for companionship. When the victim responded favorably, he and his associates started fostering romantic bonds that emotionally bind them to “Larry Pham” in the victim’s mind.

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The defendant and his accomplices, who posed as Larry Pham, demanded that victims send them money through various deceptive schemes and ruses to domestic bank accounts they established and managed once the relationship was established.

Over $ 405,000 was lost to the victims of Inweregbu’s scheme, both in actual and intended damages. The victims’ funds were directed through intermediaries, according to the statement read in part as he and his co-conspirators laundered the funds by engaging in financial transactions with the proceeds of their wire and mail fraud scheme, which was intended to conceal and conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds.

Inweregbu could receive up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250, 000 for Count One. He could receive up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine under Count 12; Additionally, he is required to pay a $100 special assessment fee per count.

According to the statement, Judge Brown will be sent to court on December 4, 2025.

Voters are being cast in the council election that is taking place in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, which will have 6,866 polling locations.

Six months and two days after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturned the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) local government election held on October 5, 2024).

The 319 wards of the state, which are home to significant oil assets and are widely regarded as the economic hub of the South-South region, are where the elections are taking place.

The outcome of the elections could influence the 2027 governorship election, which will also be of interest to the major political parties.

The RSIEC appealed to Rivers residents on Friday to come out in their numbers and peacefully exercise their civic duty to vote in the elections in light of concerns about the exercise.

The RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, advised eligible voters to conduct themselves in accordance with electoral rules during a pre-election broadcast prior to the election.

He claimed that adequate security had been put in place to safeguard lives and property with the assistance of the police.

The RSIEC chairman also provided assurance to the electorate that all polling locations, including the rural and riverine communities, will have voting materials delivered right away.

Odey had stated in a previous joint media exchange with the police that the movement restriction would begin on Saturday at 12 am to 6 pm.

Show of force

Security personnel also demonstrated force on Friday to reassure residents of their safety in the state.

The Rivers State Police Command’s Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, was the location of the exercise.

A convoy of patrol vehicles was present from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Army, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and other allied organizations.

Before, during, and after the polls, the joint team demonstrated operational readiness to maintain peace and order in the major streets in the Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas.

Read more about APC Group suing Tony Okocha, Rivers Electoral Commission, in LG Poll.

Olugbenga Adepoju, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, earlier in the week, assured residents that the elections would have adequate security measures.

Adepoju claimed that the use of personnel and logistics would result in a fair and credible exercise.

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Emergency Regulation

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), who was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu on March 19, 2025, is currently in charge of Rivers’ emergency.

Following a power play between Sim Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Sim Fubara was suspended as governor.

Ngozi Odu, Fubara’s deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were also suspended.

However, after President Tinubu intervened, Fubara and Wike eventually settled their differences.

Rotimi Amaechi, a former minister of transport and member of the opposition coalition, hails from Ikwerre, while Wike hails from the Obior-Akpor LGA.

Observers Poll Against Poll

However, some observers have criticized the government’s choice to run elections through a state electoral commission led by a nominee for the office of the sole administrator.

Chetam Nwala, a lawyer, urged Tinubu to restore democracy in the oil-rich Niger Delta state after claiming that the elections were in the people’s best interests.

He stated on Channels TV’s and Sunrise Daily’s programming on Friday that the election in Rivers State is not in the people’s best interests, and that is why people might not vote in favor.

The election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates was criticized by TAF Africa’s CEO, Jake Epelle, who described it as a deliberate attempt to deceive the state’s citizens.

The PDP and APC candidates’ combinations are like a concoction intended to benefit Rivers State’s innocent citizens.

Don’t trust the PDP people because they mix up to cover their tracks. They are attempting to make it look good in every way. A bad apple won’t look good on its own. During an interview on Channels Television’s&nbsp, Sunrise Daily on August 7, Epelle claimed that it was unlikely to occur.

The Supreme Court invalidated the election in the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated the Electoral Act’s gross violation.

Justice Jamilu Tukur, who was reading the decision, stated that the RSIEC’s decision was void because it continued to register voters even after the election date was announced.

The court determined that Section 150 of the Electoral Act was clearly violated when processes that led to the organization of a local government election were cut short.

Nigerians will now be required to pay $80 or the equivalent of naira for each package sent to the US, according to the NIPSOST on Friday.

NIPOST announced the change would start taking effect on August 29, 2025, but it also disclosed that all letters and other documents would not be subject to the requisite prepaid customs fee.

It explained that the development came after a US Executive Order that suspended de minimis deferrals for all international postal shipments.

All postal products to the United States, aside from letters and documents, will now be subject to a prepaid customs duty of USD $80 (or its naira equivalent) at the point of acceptance in Nigeria, according to the organization.

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According to the statement, “Global logistics operations are also being impacted as airlines and cargo carriers handle shipments headed to the US with more care.” This could cause delays in delivery by potentially extending both transit and processing times. Customs checks are also required for all US-bound shipments at the destination.

The circular read partially as NIPOST “is actively working with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and our airline partners to minimize service disruptions and safeguard customer experience.”

The state’s House of Assembly has passed the state’s Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill 2025, which mandates that all intending couples in the state undergo medical examination.

After the first, second, and third readings, the bill was approved by Speaker Muhammad Usman, who had previously introduced it to the House Committee on Health.

No later than three months and two weeks before their wedding, prospective couples are required to undergo medical tests, including genotype and blood group testing at recognized health facilities as required by the new law.

Before marriage can be officially arranged, a valid medical certificate issued by a qualified medical professional would be required.

Additionally, the bill listed penalties for breaking the law.

If weddings are held without valid medical certificates, clerics, traditional leaders, or marriage officials may be subject to fines of up to $200 000 or six months in prison.

Medical professionals who issue fabricated test results face fines of up to $1 million or a year in prison.

The ministries of health and religious affairs will work with community leaders to oversee the law’s implementation and enforcement.

The Chief Magistrates’ Courts and Shari’ah Courts will have jurisdiction over crimes.

Olayinka Babalola was elected president of Rotary International for the year 2026/207, according to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Following SangKoo Yun’s resignation on health grounds, Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, was chosen by the Rotary International Board of Directors.

On July 1, 2026, Balacola will take office.

In the 120-year history of the global humanitarian organization, the Rotarian is the second African and Nigerian to do so.

According to President Tinubu, Babalola’s elevation was a result of his years of involvement with Rotary International and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

INCLUDE   Yinka Babalola, president of Rotary International in Nigeria, is the first to win.

He claimed that it reflected the new Rotary International president’s admirable philanthropic initiatives and relentless pursuit of projects that had improved communities, brought about peace, progress, and human dignity.

The President also believes that Babalola’s victory will inspire millions of Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, by demonstrating that anyone can lead transformative change with vision, integrity, and service, according to a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

You can count on our assistance as you prepare to take office and continue to promote international cooperation, support humanitarian causes, and advance the spirit of service to humanity, Babalola assures him.

Ibim Semenitari, the Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Africa Zone 22, Region 27, announced Babalola as its president for the Rotary year 2026-2027 in a statement signed by Rotary International on Thursday.

His professional affiliations include those of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals, and the Association of Change Management Practitioners, according to the statement. He and his wife Preba reside in Port Harcourt, which is where he and his wife reside. He also belongs to the Jericho Business Club.

Babalola, a devoted Rotarian and philanthropist, is a member of the Arch Klumph Society and supports The Rotary Foundation. His work as a ShelterBox UK trustee and the Safe Blood Africa project is a part of his humanitarian legacy.

He has received numerous awards for his service, including the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service, the RI Service Above Self Award, and the Africa Centennial Heroes Award.

Rivers State’s security authorities have put on a show of force to reassure residents of their safety.

A convoy of patrol vehicles from the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the NSCDC, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other allied organizations were present for the exercise, which started at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

Before, during, and after the polls, the joint team demonstrated operational readiness to maintain peace and order in the major streets in the Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas.

Read more about how police arrested a kidnapping suspect and rescued a seven-year-old victim in Lagos.

Olugbenga Adepoju, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, earlier in the week, assured residents that the elections would have adequate security measures.