Crime
Woodberry Sentenced To 8 years Imprisonment, Others
A federal judge in the United States has handed down a sentence of eight years and three months in prison to Jacob Olalekan Ponle, also known as Mr. Woodberry, for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme worth millions of dollars.
The sentencing took place on July 11 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago, as revealed in court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette.
According to Judge Robert Gettleman, “The defendant is hereby ordered to serve a total term of 100 months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons for the specified count.”
Mr. Ponle was convicted on one count of fraud, while seven additional counts were dropped as part of a plea bargain made in April, which had been previously reported by The Gazette.
Upon sentencing, Judge Gettleman directed Mr. Ponle to present himself to the U.S. Marshal Service for transportation to the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut.
In Danbury, he will have the opportunity to receive visits from his family members, particularly his American fiancée.
Furthermore, the judge specified that following his imprisonment, Mr. Ponle would be transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immediate deportation.
As part of the restitution process, Mr. Ponle will be required to compensate seven victims approximately $8 million. The court determined that he possesses the means to fulfill the full payment, but he has waived any interest on the restitution amount.
Previously, American prosecutors had requested on June 29 that Mr. Woodberry be sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in the fraudulent activities that occurred between January and September 2019.
In addition, the prosecutors had requested court authorization to sell Jacob Olalekan Ponle’s 152 bitcoins, but with the condition that a public notice be issued for a period of 30 days.
This notice would allow anyone with a legitimate interest in the assets to come forward and file their claims. However, as of the time of Mr. Woodberry’s sentencing, no individuals with valid claims had emerged.
Furthermore, the prosecutors recommended that Mr. Woodberry, who was known for showcasing his extravagant lifestyle on social media, surrender certain items currently held by the Dubai police.
These items include a Rolls Royce, Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G55, four Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe watch, and three Audemars Piguet watches.
Additionally, Mr. Woodberry will be required to forfeit three rings adorned with gold and diamonds, five gold bracelets and two gold bracelet keys, six gold neck chains, one necklace embellished with gold and diamonds, a small gold nugget, two bank cards, approximately $1,835 in Emirati dirhams, and roughly $15.45 in South African rands.
It is worth noting that Mr. Woodberry was apprehended on June 10, 2020, along with Ramon ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas, who was previously sentenced to 11 years in prison in the United States for his involvement in internet fraud, towards the end of last year.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
ALSO READ: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
SEE MORE: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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