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Train Driver Admits To ₦7m Theft, Gets 18 Months Jail Or ₦1.5m Fine

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A 39-year-old locomotive train driver with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Christopher Ofielu, has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment or, in the alternative, to pay a N1.5m fine for stealing N6,995,944 belonging to HabariPay Limited.

 

 

He was sentenced on Monday, Oct. 20, by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court.

 

 

Ofielu was convicted after pleading guilty to a one-count charge of stealing brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

 

 

According to the prosecution, Ofielu, in October 2023, exploited a system glitch to transfer N6,995,944 from HabariPay’s account into another of his Bank account.

 

 

The funds were traced to his HabariPay Squad account, which investigators said he created specifically for fraudulent activities.

 

 

A petition from HabariPay Limited dated September 26, 2023, led to Ofielu’s arrest.

 

 

Investigations revealed that the system glitch had resulted in unauthorized withdrawals totaling over N900m, with Ofielu receiving a portion of the stolen funds.

 

 

The prosecution witness Adams Adze testified that the defendant received the N6,995,944 with the transaction narration “HabariPay Squad.”

 

 

He also noted that the first transfer of N500 preceded the larger fraudulent transaction.

 

 

 

Adze added that Ofielu confessed to belonging to a WhatsApp group involved in the scheme.

 

 

The EFCC’s prosecutor, Mr. Abubakar Dambuwa, told the court that the offence contravened Section 280 (1) (b) (f) and was punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

 

 

Defence counsel Mercy Akhabue pleaded for leniency, describing Ofielu as a first-time offender who was remorseful and had taken steps to refund the stolen money.

 

 

She also informed the court that Access Bank had placed a Post No Debit on all the defendant’s accounts, including his salary account, and sought an order for restoration.

 

 

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi sentenced Ofielu to one year and six months imprisonment, effective October 20, 2025, with an option of a N1.5m fine in lieu of the custodial term.

 

The judge further ordered that N6,995,944 be restituted to HabariPay Limited from Ofielu’s Access Bank account, with all documentation to be completed within seven days.

 

 

He also directed the restoration of Ofielu’s Ecobank account and ordered that his biometric data be registered in the Lagos State Offenders’ Database.

 

 

Justice Oshodi said, “You are sentenced to one year and six months imprisonment from today, October 20, 2025, for the offence of stealing.

 

“You shall make restitution of N6,995,944 to HabariPay Ltd from your Access Bank account, and pay N1.5m, at the court registry in lieu of imprisonment, subject to the full implementation and verification of the restitution order.”

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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