Crime
Fraudster Posing As Musician Flavour Jailed For $53,000 Scam
A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Courage Ipaka to two years in prison for impersonating Nigerian singer, Flavour and defrauding a U.S.-based woman, Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation led by Azibagiri Dan Ekpar after receiving a complaint from Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun on behalf of the victim.
Read Also: I Feel Guilty Every Time I Fornicate — Spyro
The probe revealed that Ipaka, who resides in Benin City, used Flavour’s identity to promise music shows in the United States, convincing Thompson to transfer funds through his Bitcoin wallets.
Flavour, who was invited by the EFCC during the investigation, denied any involvement in the scheme.
Authorities then identified Ipaka as the perpetrator, who confessed to obtaining the money in 2021 and converting it into Naira through his Access Bank account.
A total of N7.9 million was recovered from Ipaka via manager’s cheques from Zenith and Access Bank.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu sentenced Ipaka to two years in prison but offered an option of a N2 million fine.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the recovered N7.9 million to the victim, Thompson.
The petition reads “We invited Flavour who claimed innocence of the allegations. Upon investigation, we discovered that one Ipaka Courage who lives in Benin City was the perpetrator.
“The defendant admitted in his statement that he impersonated Flavour by obtaining $53,000 from a woman who is a United States citizen in 2021.
“He wired the funds through Bitcoin wallets and converted them into his Access Bank account where he received the value in Naira. The sum of N7.9 million was recovered from the defendant through Zenith and Access Bank manager’s cheques.
In Abuja, a man named Alex, suspected of being involved in ritualistic practices and internet fraud, was arrested for allegedly attempting to murder a hook-up girl named Olivia for ritual purposes.
The incident unfolded at a hotel in Wuse Zone 5, where hotel staff intervened after hearing Olivia’s screams.
Read Also: European Parliament Lifts Restrictions On Ukraine’s Use Of Western Weapons Against Russia
They discovered her in a disturbing state—completely naked and bound with tape, her mouth sealed and her limbs tied.
SP Josephine Adeh, the Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police, addressed the situation, stating, “The FCT police command is aware of the video circulating regarding a lady who was criminally confined at Top View Hotel on September 17, 2024, by an alleged internet fraudster for a money ritual.”
Akeh further noted that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken Alex into custody but has not yet transferred him to the police for further investigation.
“The FCT police command is awaiting the handover of all parties involved to initiate a thorough and discreet investigation. We will provide further updates as the situation develops.”
In a dramatic turn of events, officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday night at the Kogi State Governor’s lodge located in Asokoro, Federal Capital Territory.
The operation was met with resistance from security personnel at the lodge, resulting in gunfire during the altercation.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, limiting access to EFCC agents and other security forces.
Related News: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bello has since left the lodge, accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo. Following the incident, normalcy appears to have returned to the vicinity.
This latest attempt to apprehend Bello follows his long-standing status on the EFCC’s wanted list for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion. After months of evading capture, a statement from the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, indicated that the former governor had agreed to attend an EFCC invitation after consulting with his family, legal advisors, and political allies.
However, the EFCC responded by clarifying that Bello is not in their custody and remains a wanted individual due to the serious money laundering charges against him, as reiterated by spokesman Dele Oyewale.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has debunked reports of wanted former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello surrendering himself to the Commission.
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday by its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
ALSO READ: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
It wrote, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
Why Dangote’s PMS Prices Can’t Be Reduced In Nigeria – Adeoye
Fuel Price Hike: Energy Analyst Adeoye Reveals Who Bears The Subsidy Costs
Energy Analyst, Adeoye Highlights Complexities Of Nigeria’s Petrol Pricing Amid Dangote Refinery Launch
Edo Guber: Obi Fires Last Salvo
Cab Driver Threatens Legal Action After Adunni Ade Accuses Him of Package Theft
Ukraine Bans Telegram For Officials Over Security Risks
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
