A crypto trader has been convicted of murdering his mother to claim over $1 million in life insurance payouts and sustain the illusion of a “perfect life,” a court has revealed.

Colleen Rebelo, 58, was found dead in her bathroom on May 25, 2020, at her home in Perth, Australia. Her youngest son discovered her lifeless body in the shower.

Investigations uncovered that her son, Andre Zachary Rebelo, had taken out three separate life insurance policies totaling $1.2 million AUD (£500,000) against his mother just a week before her death, naming himself as the sole beneficiary.

Despite the sudden and unexpected nature of Ms. Rebelo’s death, first responders did not suspect foul play, and an autopsy failed to determine the cause of death.

At the time, Rebelo and his then-partner, Instagram influencer Grace Piscopo—who boasts over one million followers—portrayed an extravagant lifestyle on social media, sharing images of luxurious holidays, flashy cars, and indulgent experiences.

However, the court heard that the couple was secretly grappling with financial difficulties, amassing debts exceeding $120,000 AUD.

Just days after Ms. Rebelo’s death, Rebelo, 28, aggressively pursued insurance companies for payouts, including a $500,000 AUD (£252,000) policy. To secure the claims, he submitted fabricated health and death records, forged copies of his mother’s medical documents and coroner’s report, and even used an AI-generated voice to impersonate Ms. Rebelo’s psychologist in a voicemail to the insurer.

Years later, an insurance company employee flagged the case, suspecting Rebelo of fraudulently attempting to claim life insurance.

Following the tip-off, police launched an investigation into the circumstances of Ms. Rebelo’s death. In 2022, her son was arrested and charged with her murder, which the jury has now found him guilty of committing.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested Ezeokoli Sylva, a businessman based in Brazil, for allegedly smuggling 700 grams of cocaine.

A statement on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the discovery was made following his arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.

Femi said the 59-year-old man, who had spent 35 years in Brazil, was arrested on November 29 at the E-Arrival Hall of the airport upon his return from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“When he was taken for body scan, the result confirmed that the suspect had foreign objects concealed in his stomach,” the statement reads.

”As a result, he was placed under excretion observation during which he expelled 29 wraps of substances that tested positive to cocaine weighing 700grams.

“The suspect claimed he operates an African store in Brazil where he sells provisions, shoes and clothes. He added that he bought the illicit consignment in Sao Paulo to resell in Nigeria with a view to raising substantial capital to boost his business.”

On November 26, the NDLEA intercepted two consignments containing cocaine and pentazocine injection going to the United Kingdom via a courier company in Lagos.

Babafemi said while the 200 grams cocaine was concealed in local fabrics, 40 ampoules of pentazocine injection weighing 110 grams were hidden in cartons.

“In Kano, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 28th November arrested three suspects: Jamilu Adamu, 38; Umar Musa, 32; and Bunu Ali, 27, with 2,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 3,135,000 pills exol-5 at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria road,” he said.

“No fewer than 2, 120 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis produced in Ghana were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Ilesan beach, Lagos on Thursday 28th November.

“A suspect, Onibogi Muftau was arrested in connection with the seizure while four vehicles that were to convey the shipments from the water front were also recovered.

“This came on the heels of the seizure of 472kg of the same psychoactive substance at Idi-Iroko, Imeko area of Ogun state on Monday 25th November.”

The Lagos state task force says it has dismissed two of its personnel for alleged theft during a raid.

Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, the task force spokesperson, identified the two dismissed officers as Fatai Yusuf (42) and Hammed Garuba (38).

Gbadeyan said the officials stole phones during an operation conducted at a hotel in Gowon Estate.

He said the integrity of the raid was compromised by the actions of the two officials whose misconduct was captured on closed circuit television (CCTV).

“Both individuals, serving as paramilitary officers within the agency, were subjected to a meticulous investigation by the agency’s disciplinary committee,” he said.

“Upon confirmation of their guilt, they were summarily dismissed from service and will face immediate prosecution for theft.”

Gbadeyan said Adetayo Akerele, chairman of the agency, denounced the actions of the dismissed officers and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to integrity and accountability.

“Akerele has issued a stern admonition to all personnel, emphasising that any breach of ethical conduct would attract severe consequences,” he said.