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Court sentences Maina to 8 years imprisonment for money laundering

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A federal high court in Abuja has convicted Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), on charges of money laundering.

Maina was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

In 2019, Maina was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — but he pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N2 billion.

Delivering the judgment today, Okon Abang, trial judge, held that Maina stole over N2 billion belonging to pensioners, “most of whom have died without reaping the fruits of their labour”.

“I find the defendant (Mr Maina) guilty and convicted in count 2, 6, 9, 3, 7 and 10,” Abang held.

The judge said the former PRTT chairman is guilty of concealing his true identity as a signatory to accounts opened in two banks – UBA and Fidelity bank – by using the identity of his family members without their knowledge.

These accounts had cash deposits of N300 million, N500 million, and N1.5 billion.

He said throughout Maina’s service as a civil servant, his salary and emoluments could not amount to the monies in these accounts.

The court also found Maina guilty of purchasing a property in Abuja, with cash, in the sum of $1.4 million, which is above the statutory threshold of N5 million and without passing through a financial institution.

The same judge had in October sentenced Faisal, Maina’s son who is at large, to seven years imprisonment on a three-count charge bordering on money laundering.

Crime

U.S. marshals offer $25,000 reward for capture of Nigerian fugitive, Olalekan Olawusi

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The United States Marshals Service (USMS) has announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian national wanted since 2017 for first-degree murder and severe child abuse charges in Rhode Island.

According to the statement as seen by Nairametrics, Olawusi is considered one of the USMS’s 15 Most Wanted fugitives and is believed to have fled to Nigeria, where he may be receiving assistance from family members.

According to the USMS, Olawusi is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily harm on a child.

Additionally, he is wanted for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

“The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is requesting assistance in locating Olalekan Olawusi. Olawusi is wanted in Rhode Island for first degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child. He is also wanted for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution,”

Olawusi’s crimes are severe, and his evasion from prosecution necessitates this public appeal for assistance. The agency noted that Olawusi has been labelled a flight risk and is considered armed and dangerous.

The USMS has offered a reward of $25,000 for credible information leading to Olawusi’s arrest. Officials caution the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend him due to the dangers associated with his capture.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact their local U.S. Marshals Service District Office, call the USMS Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip through the USMS Tips platform.

The fugitive’s background and physical description 

  • Name and aliases are listed as Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, also known as Olekun Olawusi.
  • His date of birth is July 15, 1976. Olawusi is described as a male with black hair and brown eyes, weighing approximately 185 lbs and standing at 5’8″.
  • His last known location was Providence, Rhode Island, U.S., and he is believed to have suspected ties in Nigeria.

Notice to law enforcement 

  • Before proceeding with an arrest, law enforcement officers are instructed to verify the warrant through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
  • If Olawusi is apprehended or his location is determined, officers are directed to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office, the American Embassy or Consulate, or to call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102. Tips can also be submitted through the U.S. Marshals Service Tips platform.
  • USMS officials stress the need for public cooperation in locating Olawusi.
  • The authorities urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to report it immediately, supporting efforts to deliver justice.
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Crime

YouTuber Johnny Somali faces 10-yr prison sentence for kissing statue in South Korea

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American YouTuber Johnny Somali has faced widespread criticism after a controversial video showed him kissing and posing with a statue dedicated to Korean women who were victims of sexual slavery during Japan’s occupation of Korea.

Somali’s actions, captured during his visit to the Changdong History and Culture Park in Seoul, have ignited anger among Koreans and beyond.

In a video posted on October 9, the YouTuber was seen kissing the Statue of Peace in Itaewon, central Seoul, and performing a dance in front of the memorial.

The statue honors tens of thousands of young Korean women who were subjected to forced sexual slavery by the Japanese military from 1910 to 1945.

According to The Korea Times, Somali expressed remorse for his actions in a video released by YouTube channel Jcompany on Thursday.

Standing beside the statue, he bowed and offered an apology to the Korean people: “I want to apologize to Koreans. I didn’t understand the significance of the statue.”

Johnny Somali admitted that he had intended the stunt as entertainment for his American audience but now recognized his actions as disrespectful.

He concluded his apology in Korean, adding, “I’m truly sorry.”

The incident has spurred ongoing criticism, with many Koreans and others voicing their disapproval over what they see as a profound lack of cultural sensitivity and respect.

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Crime

Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar remanded in prison

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The former Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, has been remanded in Malabo’s Black Beach Prison, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.

The embattled former anti-graft chief was arrested days ago for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes involving the wives of prominent figures in the country.

This scandal surfaced during a fraud investigation into the 54-year-old economist, resulting in an impromptu search of his home and office by ANIF officials, who reportedly discovered several CDs that revealed his sexual encounters with different married women.

As the footage leaked online, causing a media uproar, Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, dismissed Engonga.

According to Decree No. 118/2024, dated 4th November, the dismissal was due to “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct for the performance of public duties.”

According to Decree No. 118/2024, dated 4th November, the dismissal was due to “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct for the performance of public duties.”

A viral video surfaced on social media on Friday, showing Engonga handcuffed on both hands and legs during a court appearance.

Confirming the situation, French online blog Afrikmatin reported that Engonga, who was officially removed from his role on November 6, 2024, was subsequently chained and transferred to Malabo Central Prison. He faces charges of corruption and embezzlement.

Additionally, online newspaper UGStandard reported that the sex tapes began circulating on social networks while Engonga was already held at Malabo’s notorious Black Beach Prison on charges of embezzling public funds, as reported by state television, TVGE.

In a fact-checking report published Wednesday, Dubawa verified that Engonga had indeed been taken into custody on corruption charges and is currently being held in Black Beach Prison.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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