Kingsley Utulu, a Nigerian, has been sentenced to prison for five years and three months for his involvement in a significant hacking and identity theft operation that defrauded United States tax authorities and private citizens of more than $2.5 million.

Utulu’s sentencing was announced by Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, alongside Christopher Raia, the Assistant Director in charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office, at the weekend.

They charged the 38-year-old Nigerian of aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Clayton said, “Kingsley Uchelue Utulu took part in a scheme to hack into the U.S. tax preparation businesses, trade in the stolen personal identifying information, and defraud the IRS and other governmental bodies.

“Offshore scammers like Utulu and his co-conspirators may think they can target hard-working Americans with their hacking and fraud schemes and avoid prosecution.

“The FBI will never exempt any individual who seeks to unlawfully profit through deceitful practices, regardless of where they are located.”

Utulu was apprehended in the United Kingdom, UK, and was subsequently extradited to the United States to stand trial.

Alongside his prison term, Utulu was mandated to pay restitution of $3,683,029.39 and to forfeit $290,250.

DAILY POST reports that this latest development follows the recent convictions of two other Nigerians, Abel Daramola and Olutayo Ogunlaja, who were found guilty of running a $560,000 international romance scam.

They are now facing potential sentences of up to 20 years in a United States federal prison.

Mr Peter Obi has accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of being responsible for the lingering crisis in the Labour Party.

Obi was the erstwhile presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 general election.

The former Anambra state governor made the accusation on Monday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

Obi specifically stated that the leadership crisis in the Labor Party was instigated and sustained by the government of today.

He said: “This is what you get, always, right? This is what you get always in Nigeria, because we now live in a country of propaganda and lies – and they manufacture it.

“The problem we have in Labor Party is problem instigated and sustained by the government of today.

“I don’t need to tell you when you have a party chairman who calls a state governor a dwarf and dwarf thinking. Forget about me, so it’s not weak.

“Okay, I’m weak, but it’s not weak. Is every other person there weak? So we’re not sincere with ourselves.

“You speak the truth and they call you names. And we now live in a country of propaganda and lies. They are trying to put problems everywhere, they want to even put problems in families.”

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has confirmed he will extend his stay with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo, speaking after their Nations League final win over Spain, said “nothing is gonna change”.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the 40-year-old is now ready to commit his future to the Saudi Pro League side.

Romano wrote: “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Ronaldo’s future became uncertain with his current contract set to expire at the end of June and no progress in negotiations over fresh terms.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Al Nassr in December 2022 after his contract with Manchester United was terminated.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi Arabian football, drawing global attention to the league and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

UK-based Nigerian reality star, Natasha Akide, simply known as Tacha, has expressed concern over the unruly behaviour of some Nigerian Christian clerics.

She claimed that 90 per cent of Nigerian pastors won’t get away with what they do in Nigeria outside the country.

She stated this while reacting to the drama involving the Senior Pastor of the House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, and a car spotter. 

DAILY POST reports that Pastor Adefarasin came under public criticism after a video showing him holding a pistol-like object and rebuking a car spotter filming his car went viral.

Addressing the viral video, Adefarasin claimed that the object seen in the footage was not a firearm, and that he did not point it at anyone.

He also claimed that the car spotter was aggressive.

Reacting in a video message shared via her X handle, Tacha insisted that the video showed Pastor Adefarasin holding a pistol-like object, and that the car spotter wasn’t aggressive.

She claimed that the Senior Pastor of the House on the Rock Church was trying to gaslight the public.

She said, “I didn’t want to say anything about the church brouhaha that’s going on until I saw clips from today’s service. Because there’s nothing I hate more than gaslighting. Everybody saw the video. We all saw the video. And from the video, we can tell who the aggressor was.

“In case you have forgotten, this pastor stopped his car, wined down, held an object that looks like a firearm and told this boy, ‘Don’t do that, don’t do that…’

“And from what I remembered, the boy was even hailing the pastor in that video. There are so many car spotters all around the world. I don’t see what that boy was doing wrong. I don’t see how he was being aggressive. How was he being aggressive?
“Nothing pain me pass the gullible congregation that was clapping and cheering. Because what are you clapping and cheering for?

“Didn’t you watch the video or you have selective blindness? And let me make this very clear, 90 per cent of our Nigerian Pastors will not get away with what they do in Nigeria outside Nigeria. The kind of Christianity they practice, if they try it anywhere outside Nigeria their church will close down within a year.
“Let’s not even go far, if it was Seyi Tinubu or Wike or Wike’s son tthat did this same thing, one part of Twitter would be burning by now and it will burn for one week. But because he is a pastor, some persons are making excuses for him.

“This is the same pastor who allegedly stepped out of his car last year to smash the windscreen of a bus that hit his car putting the passengers at risk. And yet wants to label the content creator as aggressive. So anybody holding a phone now is aggressive? This selective hypocrisy is so crazy. Let’s stop being hypocrites.”

A Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, Aliyu Audu has resigned.

Audu tendered his resignation to the president through the chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila on Sunday, June 8.

In letter addressed to Gbajabiamila, the former SSA said his resignation was with immediate effect.

Citing the incessant defection of politicians, especially governors and lawyers from various parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Audu said he would not be used as a tool to reduce Nigeria to a one-party State.

In a different statement also issued shortly after his resignation, the former presidential aide said this decision was not borne out of rebellion but following his ideals and conscience.

“Though I do not align with the PDP, I refuse to be used directly or indirectly as an instrument to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state.

“That would be a betrayal of both divine favour and democratic principle,” Audu said.

Warning of the danger associated with the level of silence growing in Nigeria’s Poli space, Audu said leaders owe it to God to protect the values and justice within the system.

He, however, stated that he would continue to do his bid by supporting the government in power for a better Nigeria.

Audu also condemned the alliance between the president and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

He said, “We just differ on political views as I pride myself with being a progressive and a promoter of democratic values which seems to be lost in the unholy alliance of PBAT with Wike.

“That does not mean our gbas gbos will seize o. We are still here for the attacks and counter attacks. Oya Agbadorians over to you,” he added.

A former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai escaped an attack from some members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, a lawmaker Ali Ndume has disclosed.

Ndume said the convoy of the ex-COAS was attacked by the terrorists in Borno State on Friday.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume said the attack on Buratai’s convoy raises concern about the boldness of the insurgents and the escalating insecurity in the Northeast.

While details of the attack and casualties remain unclear, the lawmaker said the ex-COAS’ convoy was attacked near a major military base in the state.

He said the insurgents had ambushed Buratai’s convoy leading to gunfire between the troops escorting him and the group members.

“We are in a dire security situation. Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno. His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets,” Ndume stated.

He also stated that the insurgents were said to be targeting aMine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and machine guns belonging to the military.

“The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly. Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis,” he said.

Ndume further called for stronger approaches against the terrorists in the region to actualise the desired peace and stability.

Sources within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have claimed that the party is demoralised and confused about how to resolve its lingering crisis.

A source told Daily Sun that the party feels impotent in taking any action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, due to fears of retaliation.

The source claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) do not want opposition in the country to function.

“If we sack Wike from the PDP, we are the ones who will suffer. Are you not seeing what the minister is doing to us? He will go and seal our office and revoke our certificate of occupancy because of ₦7 million. It is these kinds of things that are demoralising us. It is very clear that the All Progressives Congress does not want the opposition parties to function, so this is just part of the plan to snuff the life out of us. See what is happening in the Labour Party where they have three factions. Also, see what is happening in the New Nigeria Peoples Party. Can’t you see that it is following the same pattern?” one party insider lamented.

“People keep asking why we have not sacked Wike? Is it easy to sack him while he is the minister of the FCT? If we sack him, we won’t even be able to hold any meeting in Abuja. If we go to Legacy House, he will send people to send us out of there,” an insider added.

However, despite the challenges, the aforementioned publication has learnt that PDP officials are optimistic that the crisis will be resolved through their planned national convention scheduled for August in Kano. The party plans to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30, following their previous open meeting at Legacy House. Party officials describe the August convention date as “sacrosanct” and believe fresh leadership elections will automatically resolve the ongoing internal conflicts.

“The only way forward is to have our convention in August. Once we elect our leaders, then he is gone. That is what we are planning, and it will work,” a source said

A former presidential candidate, Martin Onovo, has stated that it would be nearly impossible for any single opposition party to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections without a strong coalition.

Onovo, who ran for president in 2015 under the defunct National Conscience Party, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

“The only way to defeat the All Progressives Congress in 2027 is through a united front — a powerful coalition of opposition forces,” he declared.

Onovo threw his weight behind the ongoing coalition efforts spearheaded by former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, calling it a step in the right direction.

“I was the brain behind the largest coalition ever in the Fourth Republic, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP). Coalition is the only way. A united minority is stronger than a divided majority,” he said.

He expressed confidence that a well-structured alliance could hand the APC a massive defeat at the polls.

Onovo said, “The coalition will win the 2027 election with 99 per cent of the votes if it is not self-sabotaged. Take it to the bank — it will succeed and defeat the ruling party convincingly, if they do it well.”

On mid-term performance, Onovo scored the Tinubu-led administration low, particularly on security and basic welfare delivery.

“Not much has been achieved in terms of tackling insecurity or improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he noted.

He advised the President to refocus on the core needs of Nigerians, urging him to use the remainder of his term to take concrete action.

Onovo emphasised the need for competent hands in governance, rather than political loyalists.

“We need competent people in positions, not loyalists. Let’s get the right people, right strategies, and an ethical environment, while the President provides leadership and takes responsibility.”

“We need the right commanders with effective strategies in both security and economy to end the suffering. We must not sacrifice performance for loyalty,” he added.

He further urged the President to intensify efforts in the fight against corruption and take meaningful steps to reduce income inequality, which he said were root causes of Nigeria’s insecurity and social unrest.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, of waging a campaign of bitterness against President Bola Tinubu.

The party said Lawal’s failure to secure the vice presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general election was the reason for his disdain for the incumbent administration.

However, Lawal dismissed the claim, stating that he had no interest in becoming the vice president.

The APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ijeoma Arodiogbu, told Punch that Lawal’s repeated criticism of Tinubu under the guise of opposing the Muslim-Muslim ticket was nothing more than a mask for his personal disappointment.

He also alleged that his decision to join forces with the ongoing coalition championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and erstwhile Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, was a carryover of his resentment for the President.

“Babachir was desperate to become Vice President. Nigerians know this. He campaigned vigorously for a Christian from the North to be chosen as his running mate. When that didn’t happen, he turned against the party and the President,” Arodiogbu alleged.

He noted that Tinubu’s decision to pick former Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima as his running mate was a strategic move aimed at consolidating northern votes, even though it triggered a wave of dissent within the party and among Christian leaders.

Arodiogbu stressed that former President Muhammadu Buhari remained supportive of Tinubu and had not been alienated by the President or the party.

“The President has never insulted or criticised Buhari. Even when people like Babachir tried to make him do so during the campaign, he refused. His loyalty has never been in doubt,” he said.

Reacting to the allegation while speaking to the publication mentioned above, Lawal said, “Who said I ever wanted to be Vice President? That’s a lie. I never begged anyone. My position on Tinubu is based on principle, not personal ambition.”

According to him, his opposition to the Tinubu administration was rooted in its policies, which he believed had inflicted hardship on ordinary Nigerians, particularly in the North.

“This is not about me. It’s about policies that are impoverishing Nigerians. The North today looks like a region of internally displaced people. People are suffering,” he lamented.

He accused the Tinubu government of stifling dissent and cracking down on critics, especially those from the North.

“Try offering advice, and they unleash attack dogs on you. This government is now criminalising dissent. People are being locked up for expressing concerns. That is unacceptable,” he said.

The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is being deceived by those surrounding him, and he is aware of the country’s dire situation.
Naija News reports that Ndume stated this on Sunday, June 8, 2025, while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics Today.

The lawmaker said even though the President had acknowledged that things were challenging, not much was being done to help the people.

According to Ndume, many people are unhappy with the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, and those surrounding Tinubu are doing more harm than good to him.

Ndume added that Tinubu drives in cars with tinted windows that prevent him from seeing what is happening in the country.

He said, “The president also is not pretending. He acknowledges there is hardship. He acknowledges that things are very difficult. Even recently he appealed that people should be patient with him.

“But the question is, for how long will we continue to be patient. Things are very difficult and so many things have not been done the way the people are expecting.

“To be honest with you, if you go back to the electorates today, halfway, they’re not happy. I see people lying, telling the President what he wants to hear or maybe some of them, he doesn’t even want to hear them.

“My position on the people surrounding the President is that they are deceiving him, damaging his image and doing more harm than good because the President cannot go out on the streets like myself and know how the people feel.

“Even outside the Villa they’d drive him in a tinted glass that he does not even see what’s going on.

“It is people like us that represent the public that you’ll listen to and you also get your intelligence from the people on ground. Things are bad, very bad in the country.”