The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has sentenced Chima Hyginus Nkwocha, popularly known as “Young Billionaire,” to prison for cheating by impersonation and money laundering.

Nkwocha was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Emeka Nwite on a two-count charge.

The charges included impersonating several individuals to defraud an American, Linda Wheeler, of $345,000, and laundering the funds through a Nigerian bank account.

One of the charges against Nkwocha detailed how he impersonated multiple aliases, including Frank Nils, Frank Cobert, Frank Brown, and Chiress Riffatt, using Gmail and Google Voice accounts.

The charge read: “That you, Chima Hyginus Nkwocha (AKA Frank Nils, Frank Cobert, Frank Brown & Chettot), sometime in 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently impersonate… with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtaining a cumulative sum of $345,000 from Linda Wheeler, an American.”

Nkwocha pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

Evidence and Recovery

The EFCC’s counsel, Lanre Adeola Olarewaju, reviewed the case and detailed the items recovered during Nkwocha’s arrest in August 2024 in Abuja’s Lugbe area.

Recovered items included:

A black Mercedes Benz ML 350 (registration no. B-2);

Two gold necklaces with pendants, a gold bracelet, and $2,200 in cash;

₦90,280,934.00 in a Zenith Bank account belonging to Ginux Global Nigeria Limited, where Nkwocha was the sole signatory.

Additionally, the EFCC seized:

A three-bedroom terrace duplex at Cookies Court 2, Ocean Palm Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos;

A three-bedroom bungalow and two self-contained apartments at Standard Estate, Galadima, Abuja;

A plot of land measuring 300 square meters at Eko Beach City, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Justice Emeka Nwite, after reviewing the evidence and Nkwocha’s guilty plea, convicted him on both counts.

A viral video shows a Nigerian father praying fervently after discovering that his daughter was about to win a ₦5 million bet on SportyBet.

In the clip, posted by Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the father is seen kneeling with his head bowed on a chair, praying earnestly. The video briefly shows the game in which the daughter was on the verge of securing the win.

The caption reads, “Nigerian Father turns into a prayer warrior after finding out his daughter was close to winning 5 million naira from betting.”

As the video circulated online, it sparked a wide range of reactions. Many users flooded the comment section, sharing their thoughts and opinions.

One user, Crypto Ambassador, tweeting anonymously as #LordCrypto_, said, “An excuse for a dad, when you should be discouraging and cautioning your kid. Poverty is a ravenous beast.”

BÎĠ ÅŁĖX, tweeting as #Alex_fabulous2, wrote, “Let them play, prayer won’t work for SportyBet; if the game is meant to land, it will land.”

“See how you’re using your dad to play! Nawa sef for the papa,” commented BlackAfghan, identifying as #ese_billie.

Izuchukwu Nwabueze, tweeting as #princepark5252, wrote, “Lol, this thing isn’t for the faint-hearted.”

Country Boy, tweeting anonymously as #Country16983102, said, “A game that will land will land well, and the one that won’t, will not. No matter how many prayers you say, it won’t change the outcome.”

watch the video

Nigerians have voiced their outrage after a video emerged showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, for not writing as instructed.

While the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, confirmed the teacher’s arrest in a phone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, Nigerians from all walks of life are calling for an investigation into the school.

PUNCH Metro also learnt from the Lagos State Ministry of Education on Wednesday, in an exclusive interview with spokesperson Kayode Sutton, that the matter had been escalated to the relevant departments for further investigation, with the disturbing incident having already been “forwarded to the appropriate quarters.”

A brief viral video seen by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday showed Nwadigo mistreating the young pupil during a writing lesson. In the footage, Nwadigo was heard instructing Abayomi on how to write the number six while repeatedly slapping him.

The footage ignited widespread outrage, with Nigerians condemning the act and demanding the teacher’s prosecution. Among the vocal critics was a well-known social commentator, VeryDarkMan, who threatened to lead a protest at the school if the teacher was not held accountable.

“To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way. I’ve never been to Ikorodu, but I’ll fly to that school.

“I’ll bring a crowd with me and urge Nigerians to pay attention to this case so that incidents like this stop. Look at how she slapped that child. Imagine if he had fallen, and God forbid, they would likely invent a story about him falling while playing,” he said, suggesting that the teacher may have previously assaulted others before being caught on camera.

In an exclusive WhatsApp conversation with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, the Chief Operating Officer at Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, Ebenezer Omejalile, confirmed that Michael had been hospitalised as a result of the physical assault.

He said, “The perpetrator has been arrested, while the pupil has been taken to the hospital. I’m here at the FSU with Supol Bola; the perpetrator is cooling off in the cell, and the case will be charged to court. This is the highest form of child cruelty by a supposed childminder by an animal in human skin. This sort of cruelty attracts so many consequences.

“The perpetrator has not only physically assaulted the child but has dehumanised the child in totality, going by several slaps on the right ear that may damage the child’s eardrum, which can lead to deafness unwarranted.”

Omejalile further emphasised the need for appropriate interventions, including a thorough medical examination, psychological treatment, and efforts to rebuild the child’s self-esteem.

“The perpetrator should face the wrath of the law so that she will serve as a deterrent to others. Lastly, I expect the Lagos State Ministry of Education, through the Quality Assurance Department, to move in as swiftly as possible. And a one-on-one interaction should be carried out on the pupils to know how many pupils the monster has subjected to this cruelty,” he added.

In response to the disturbing video and the outrage expressed by Nigerians across various social media platforms on Wednesday, Vivour-Adeniyi told our correspondent that an investigation into the incident had already begun.

“The teacher has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The police will commence an investigation, and we hope she will be charged in court after the outcome of their findings,” she told PUNCH Metro.

In a separate statement released on Wednesday via the agency’s verified X.com handle, which our correspondent obtained, the LSDSVA encouraged anyone with additional information to “contact us through our toll-free hotline or send a direct message on our social media platforms.”

“Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care.

“The state government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and working with stakeholders to promote a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form,” the agency added.

The Federal Government has confirmed plans to increase telecoms tariffs but assured Nigerians it won’t be by 100% as requested by operators. 

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijan, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would come up with modalities for tariff adjustment in the telecoms industry.

Tijani said, “We’ve look at a number of things in terms of how to ensure that can meaningfully contribute to the development of Nigeria.

“Some of those things include implementing the Executive Order around ensuring that we can protect infrastructure around telecoms, driving up significantly local content and importantly, ensuring the sustainability of the companies themselves that as we see inflation across the world that telecommunications companies, we don’t run them down but we allow them to continue to be sustainable so that they can contribute to our economy.

“You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariffs, requesting for 100% tariff increase. This is not something that as a government we will be able to subscribe to at the minute.”

Nigerian singer Teni Apata has emotionally remembered her late father, Brigadier-General Simeon Apata, on the 30th anniversary of his assassination.

The ex-army officer was reportedly killed on January 8, 1995, in the presence of his wife and children.

In an emotional Instagram post, Teni shared rare personal details of her father’s tragic death, revealing that a two-week-old baby was used as bait to lure him before his murder.

She described how her father was killed right in front of their home, leaving behind a grieving family who was not only shattered by his loss but also by the violent manner in which he was taken from them.

Teni also reflected on the absence of photographs with her father, something that deeply saddens her.

She revealed how her sister, fellow singer Niniola, offered comforting words when she shared her grief.

Niniola encouraged Teni to look into the mirror and remind herself that every time she sees herself, she will also see their late father.

Teni expressed how these words profoundly affected her, evoking deep emotions and a sense of connection with her father, despite his absence.

In her tribute, Teni described her father as a hero to many, particularly in his battle against armed robbers in the society.

She recalled that he had killed several robbers before his tragic death, earning a reputation as a protector of the people.

The singer also took time to acknowledge the three women who were her father’s wives, describing them as ‘sisters’ from different parts of Nigeria.

Gladys Ify (from Delta State), Margaret Olayinka (from Ekiti State), and Margaret Folajogun (from Ondo State) were each depicted in a photo shared by Teni, who noted that they had spoken about the deep void their husband’s death left in their lives during an interview with journalist Gregory Austin Nwakunor.

Teni also showcased one of her father’s lasting legacies—the Apata Memorial Nursery/Primary and Secondary School, which he had established for his family.

A video shared by Teni showed the school, which offers both day and boarding facilities.

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The Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Abubakar Robert Ewa is dead.

Ewa passed on Wednesday evening at the Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

As at the time of filing this report, members of the Cross River State Executive Council and other aides of Governor Bassey Otu are gathered at the facility to mourn with the deceased family.

He was present at the state’s executive council meeting earlier on Wednesday which was presided Governor Otu.

Ewa served as Secretary and later, Chairman of the Boki Local Government Council. He also served as Special Adviser Community Relations and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.

The newly elected factional President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Jackson Omenazu has vowed to stop at nothing in order to secure Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom.

Omenazu said the restoration of peace in Igbo land rests upon Kanu’s release.

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Omenazu said “I stand resolutely prepared to exchange my freedom, my liberty, and, if need be, my very life, in pursuit of the release of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

He stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of over 80 million Igbos across the globe, was unwavering in its conviction to explore every conceivable avenue to secure Kanu’s liberty.

“We recognize the historical precedents set by the Yoruba leadership exemplified in the release of Sunday Igboho, where steadfast solidarity and bold diplomacy carved pathways to justice.

“It is incumbent upon us, as guardians of our cultural heritage, to adopt a similar resolute approach, employing innovative and discreet tactics rather than the ineffective, superficial measures that have characterized our past engagements.

“In pursuit of this noble cause, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will embark on a strategic collaboration with all religious organizations active within Igbo land, be they Christian, Muslim, traditional, or Jewish.

“We shall consecrate the last weekends of each month throughout 2025 as sacred times for prayer, supplication, and ordinances.

“We will earnestly seek the countenance of Chukwu Okike Abiama (God Almighty) imploring divine intervention in the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, other prisoners of conscience in the country for restoration of peace throughout our homeland.

“As the leader entrusted with the voice of our people, I vow with utmost commitment to this cause.

In the spirit of true leadership, which is defined not by titles but by sacrifices made for the collective good for all humanity.

“I declare: I am prepared to sacrifice my personal liberty and comfort for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This is not just an aspiration; it is an oath I solemnly take as I assume my role as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide,” he noted.

The Ohanaeze President urged President Tinubu to listen to the cries of the Igbo people, just as he offered himself as a guarantor “for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s cooperation post-release, ready to ensure that his return catalyzes healing and reconciliation rather than discord.”

“We must not allow fear to hinder our collective responsibility—a fear that unfounded in all political calculations because the stability of the Nigeria government will not be destabilized for single action based justice in this instance.

“The challenge before us is profound, yet it is not insurmountable.

“The advocacy for Kanu’s freedom only serves to underscore the need for a unified front.

“This sacrifices must be counted as steps toward justice—let us not shy away from this noble endeavor.

“I call upon every Igbo individual, every leader, and every citizen of goodwill to rally together in this quest for justice.

“Let us remember the sacrifices of our forebears who fought valiantly for our rights and freedoms,” he further stated.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has said the controversy surrounding the ministerial ordeal of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, does not concern the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF).

Naija News reports that Sule, while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, clarified that El-Rufai remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite the National Assembly’s rejection of his ministerial nomination in August 2023.

Sule, a member of the PGF, stated that the circumstances leading to El-Rufai’s nomination and rejection were outside the purview of the PGF or the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

The governor further emphasised that the president and other relevant agencies are solely responsible for decisions regarding ministerial appointments.

He said, “El-Rufai has not left our party; he is still part of our party.

“What led to his El-Rufai’s nomination, what led to his rejection by the Senate or by the security agencies, to be honest with you, are not issues we discussed either at the Progressives Governors’ Forum or even the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. They are not issues because what doesn’t concern us, we can do nothing about it.

“It is the prerogative of Mr President to nominate whoever should be his minister, and he nominated. Also, there are agencies including the National Assembly that either confirm or reject, and they rejected (him).” 

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has debunked rumours of him being arrested, describing it as “recurring fake news.

Some social media posts had claimed that the former Anambra State governor was arrested in Abuja.

But in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said the claims are entirely false and stated that he is currently at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State.

He recalled how similar “lies” had been circulated last September that the Department for Security Services (DSS) invaded his home while he was in Rwanda.

The Labour Party chieftain said that the motive of those peddling the rumours cannot be positive but urged Nigerians not to allow it to distract them from the critical challenges facing the nation.

The post reads, “The recurring fake News on me. I have been made aware of a circulating fake News about my alleged arrest. Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false. I am currently at my home in Onitsha, Anambra State.

“Such fake News on my person has become a pastime for some people. Recall last year September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies had gone out that DSS invaded my house; now, while I was in my home in Onitsha, Anambra State, they said I was arrested in Abuja.

“The motive of these peddlers cannot be positive but let us not allow baseless rumors to distract us from the critical challenges we face as a nation. I Thank the public for the concern, support, and dedication to the cause of a better Nigeria that is possible!!!”

Obi had on Tuesday alleged threat to his life following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his new year message.

Obi’s allegation follows a statement credited to the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, in a recent interview.

Morka was quoted to have said that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets”. However, the APC spokesperson has denied threatening the opposition leader or his family.

Neymar said that the 2026 World Cup will be his last adding he was confident that Brazil would qualify for the finals in North America.

“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it,” the 32-year-old attacker, who has not played for Brazil in more than a year, told CNN.

He also told the American news network in the interview published on Tuesday that he would not rule out reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at U.S. club Inter Miami.

“Obviously, playing again with  Messi and Suarez would be incredible,” Neymar said at an award ceremony in Dubai.

Brazil have struggled in South American World Cup qualifying.

After 12 of the 18 rounds, they are fifth in the 10-nation group. But the top six are guaranteed places in the World Cup and Brazil are five points ahead of Bolivia in seventh.

“I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young,” he said. “We’re not in a position where we would like to be.”

“I think together we can achieve something very big. We have a year, a year-and-a-half to work, to do the right things to reach the World Cup,” Neymar said.

Neymar started Brazil’s first four qualifying games but went off injured at half time as they lost to Uruguay in October 2023. After knee surgery he was out for a year.

He returned for his Saudi club Al Hilal with two brief appearances in October and November but injured a hamstring and has not played since. He said he is targeting the World Cup.

“I want to be there, I’m going to try to do my best, to work very hard so that I can be with the Brazilian team.”

He will be 34 by the time the competition in the USA, Canada and Mexico, kicks off.

He could play in the United States before then.  Al Hilal will appear in the expanded Club World Cup in the United States in June where Miami, with Messi and Suarez, will also be competing.

“They are my friends.” said Neymar, who also played with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. “We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”

“I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.

“When the news came out that I was leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the transfer window was closed in the United States, so I didn’t have this option.”