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.
Crime
Ondo Shock: 23-Year-Old Son Allegedly Hacks 60-Year-Old Mother to Death
A 23-year-old man, identified as Samuel Akoade, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly hacking his 60-year-old mother, Olufunke Amoo, to death in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the deceased’s residence in the Powerline area along the Ore–Okitipupa Road.
The incident reportedly caused panic in the community after the woman was discovered dead with deep machete wounds.
SEE MORE: Davido Set to Headline London’s Crystal Palace Bowl Concert
According to a police source, preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased had been attacked with a cutlass, allegedly by her son. The motive for the alleged killing remains unknown.
Following a report of the incident, operatives of the Ore Division were deployed to the scene, where they secured the area and recovered a machete suspected to have been used in the attack.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene before the arrival of the police but was later arrested after a manhunt was launched.
The remains of the deceased were subsequently deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital, Ore.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Akure, for further investigation.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered a thorough and professional investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information about suspicious activities in their communities.
Crime
Kogi Man Allegedly Sets Wife Ablaze After She Burnt His Clothes
A man identified as Jacob Irewa has been arrested by the Kogi State Police Command for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze following a domestic disagreement in Lokoja.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.
ALSO READ: Kogi Polytechnic Suspends Seven Lecturers Amid Sex-for-Marks, Cultism Probe
According to the state police spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, received a report of the incident at about 8:30pm and immediately mobilised to the scene, where the suspect was arrested.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the dispute started after the victim allegedly burnt some of her husband’s clothes which she believed he was no longer using, without his permission.
The police said the suspect subsequently threatened his wife, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and allegedly set her ablaze.
The victim survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.
Afusat said the suspect, during interrogation, admitted to setting his wife ablaze, adding that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the alleged attack and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for violence, particularly domestic violence.
He urged members of the public to resolve domestic disputes through lawful means and avoid actions capable of endangering lives.
The police said Irewa would be charged to court for prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.
Crime
Enugu Church Attack: Three Suspected Kidnappers Arrested, Four AK-47s Recovered
Three suspected members of a notorious kidnapping gang allegedly linked to the August 2 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been arrested by security operatives.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation involving the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel.
SEE ALSO: Osun Election: Gunmen Invade PVC Centre, Cart Away Voter Cards
One suspected kidnapper was reportedly killed during a gun battle with the security forces, while four AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the gang.
The development was disclosed on Monday night when Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, visited the state DSS headquarters to inspect the arrested suspects.
Representing the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said two of the three victims abducted during the August 2 attack had regained their freedom.
The victims, identified as Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, reportedly identified the arrested suspects as the individuals who abducted them.
“There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them,” Onyia said.
He added that the arrested suspects would face the full weight of the law.
The SSG said the state government would continue to strengthen its security architecture and collaborate with security agencies to prevent criminal activities across Enugu State.
He warned criminal elements that the state would not provide a safe haven for their activities.
Onyia also cautioned residents against assisting or providing information to criminal groups, stressing that anyone found collaborating with such groups would be investigated and prosecuted.
“We will find you also, just as we have found these people, and we will prosecute you as part of this evil operation and this evil syndicate,” he warned.
The SSG commended the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies for their efforts in apprehending the suspects and recovering the weapons.
He further assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that the government would continue to pursue those involved in criminal activities in the state.





