US court sentences Invictus to 10 years in prison for $11m fraud

Chief District Judge, Rebecca Smith, has sentenced international fraudster, Obinwanne Okeke better known as Invictus, to 10 years in prison for fraud to the tune of $11m.

The Nigerian national was jailed for involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that caused approximately $11m in known losses to his victims, according to the judge.

“Through subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year global business email and computer hacking scheme that caused a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

“Today’s sentence further demonstrates EDVA’s and FBI’s worldwide reach in vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of American victims and others and holding international cybercriminals accountable, no matter where they commit their crimes.”

According to court documents Okeke, 33, operated a group of companies known as the Invictus Group based in Nigeria and elsewhere.

From approximately 2015 to 2019, Okeke and others engaged in a conspiracy to conduct various computer-based frauds. The conspirators obtained and compiled the credentials of hundreds of victims, including victims in the Eastern District of Virginia.

As part of the scheme, Okeke and other conspirators engaged in an email compromise scheme targeting Unatrac Holding Limited, the export sales office for Caterpillar heavy industrial and farm equipment.

In April 2018, a Unatrac executive fell prey to a phishing email that allowed conspirators to capture login credentials. The conspirators sent fraudulent wire transfer requests and attached fake invoices. Okeke participated in the effort to victimise Unatrac through fraudulent wire transfers totaling nearly $11m which was transferred overseas.

Additionally, Okeke engaged in other forms of cyberfraud, including sending phishing emails to capture email credentials, creating fraudulent web pages, and causing other losses to numerous victims.

“The FBI will not allow cyber criminals free reign in the digital world to prey on U.S. companies,” said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office.

He added, “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners at the Department of Justice and our foreign counterparts to locate cyber criminals across the globe and bring them to the United States to be held accountable.”

Okeke, who was an inspiration to many youths in Nigeria, was listed on the Forbes 30 under 30 category for his business exploits and wealth.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/us-court-sentences-invictus-to-10-years.html

Nollywood loses another one -- Actor Victor Decker dead

Nollywood actor Victor Decker is dead,

His death was announced earlier this morning by Actor Uze Usman.

Uze however didn't mention the cause if his death.

Mourning the late actor, he wrote that indeed this place is not our home and we are all on a journey.

What he wrote;

''Speechless! Can't believe I'm typing this!

But a reminder that this is not our home, we're all on a journey!.

This is how I chose to remember you!

Goodnight GENERAL!

Rest In Peace!'

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/nollywood-loses-another-one-actor.html

Complaint flied against TikTok for ''failing to protect children''

The European Consumer Organisation has filed a complaint with the European Union against the video platform, TikTok, on multiple grounds, including failing to protect children.

In its complaint submitted to the European Commission on Tuesday, BEUC alleged that TikTok, which is popular especially among young internet users worldwide, was breaching EU law.

“TikTok fails to protect children and teenagers from hidden advertising and potentially harmful content on its platform,” the organisation said in a press release.

“TikTok is also potentially failing to conduct due diligence when it comes to protecting children from inappropriate content such as videos showing suggestive content which are just a few scrolls away,” the group said in a statement.

BEUC also alleged that the platform’s terms of service were unfair by being unclear and claimed that TikTok’s personal data processing practices are misleading.

“TikTok does not clearly inform its users, especially in a way comprehensible to children and teenagers, about what personal data is collected, for what purpose, and for what legal reason,” it said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/complaint-flied-against-tiktok-for.html

''Which kind daily wahala be this'' - Kate Henshaw reacts as fuel queue resumes [video]

Respected actress, Kate Henshaw has shared a video of a queue she just witnessed on her way out.

The shocked actress asked whether the price of fuel has changed or something because she doesn't know why there's a long queue.

Sharing the video n twitter, she wrote;

''Fuel queue....Has the price changed again or what mbok?? Which kain daily wahala be dis naaa??''

Fuel queue....😤😤
Has the price changed again or what mbok??
Which kain daily wahala be dis naaa??😪😪😪 pic.twitter.com/CtND4gaPAV

— Kate Henshaw (@HenshawKate) February 16, 2021

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/which-kind-daily-wahala-be-this-kate.html

I'm honoured! Rosy Meurer slams those condemning her marriage to Churchill as she comes out as his Mrs

Una never see! Rosy Meurer has slammed those who took out time to curse her marriage to Olakunle Churchill -- Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh's ex, saying she wishes them the exact thing they wish her individually. She also mocked them saying we know how hard it is to find jobs these days so their idleness is understandable.

Not done, she flaunted her status -- Mrs Churchill.

Her post right below:

''Thank you so so much to everyone that took out time to pray for me on my very special day. I see you all and words cannot express how appreciative I am for all the love you showered on me. You guys are the real MVP’s and God will continue to bless you for me

To all the lawyers and judges, Mamas and Papas, I see you all too and I equally appreciate you all for making me priority on my day. I thank you for spicing up my day with all y’all’s hilarious comments. Indeed you gave me a good laugh You guys are just too much. I am happy I was able to keep you busy as we all know how hard it is to get jobs and how so many of you are battling idleness. I’m glad you all had the opportunity to share your ideas and theories on my day. Without you guys this life for no balance. Indeed my day wouldn’t have been the same without you all.  Everything you all wished upon me, I wish same to you all individually. May God bless you all  It’s all LOVE from this end. I am honored  #everythingrosy #thankful #blessed #MrsChurchill  WeMove #watchmemanifest

#QUEENOFALLQUEENS''

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/im-honoured-rosy-meurer-slams-those.html

I remain loyal to you even though you are upset with me because i was rude, Bobrisky tells Tonto Dikeh as Churchill steps out with Rosy Meurer

Nigerian crossdresser,  Bobrisky has written an open note to Tonto Dikeh on his Instagram page, telling her he remains loyal to her.

Bob says the actress has been upset with her because he was kind of rude to her, but then at the moment he remains loyal. He also spoke about how the actress has changed and cares less about gossips and drama. Sharing a photo of the actress, he wrote; 

''How I wish you all know d new @tontolet she is too busy for gossips and drama! Love u always. Keep winning..You might be upset with me cos I was kinda rude to u but trust me i will always support, stay loyal to u regardless and never let anyone bring you down''

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/i-remain-loyal-to-you-even-though-you.html

Kano gas explosion injures housewife, baby

A 35-old-old house wife and one-year-old baby boy suffered varying degree of injuries in Kano following an early morning of gas explosion, which partially destroyed properties and part of the building.

The Kano State Police Command Spokesman, Abdullahi Haruna, said following a distress call from a Good Samaritan in Badawa layout, the Police Command dispatched a team of experts to the scene.

According to the PPRO, on arrival, the experts swung into action and discovered that it was an explosion, caused by domestic cooking gas in the early hours of Monday morning, precisely 6:30am.

Shortly on arriving at the scene, the police experts arranged for an ambulance, which conveyed the woman and the one-year-old boy to the International Clinic but were promptly referred to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/kano-gas-explosion-injures-housewife.html

Airman killed three weeks to his wedding by bandits [photos]

An Air craftsman, Abubakar Muhammad Ahmad of the Nigerian Air Force has been killed by bandits just three weeks to his wedding. 

He was one of the six personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, 271 Group, who were ambushed and killed by bandits along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.

Senator Shehu Sanni , a former lawmaker who visited the family of the deceased revealed he was only three weeks away to be married.

Sharing on twitter after his visit, Shehu wrote: “Air Craftsman Abubakar Muhammad Ahmad along with some of this colleagues were killed by Bandits in an ambush along Kaduna Birnin Gwari road yesterday. He was to get married in 3 weeks time..I visited his family home in Kaduna today.May his soul Rest In Peace.Amin” 

Air Craftsman Abubakar Muhammad Ahmad along with some of this colleagues were killed by Bandits in an ambush along Kaduna Birnin Gwari road yesterday.He was to get married in 3 weeks time.I visited his family home in Kaduna today.May his soul Rest In Peace.Amin. pic.twitter.com/6jav2gqF1D

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) February 14, 2021

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/airman-killed-by-bandits-three-weeks-to.html

Shade Ladipo shades Churchill and Rosy Meurer

Nah.. it's an inborn thing for Shade, lol.

So the media personality has shaded Olakunle Churchill, Tonto Dikeh's ex and his wife Rosy Meurer saying she wonders how one can be attracted to a friend or an acquaintances ex-boyfriend talkless of husband.

Her shade below... 

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/shade-ladipo-shades-churchill-and-rosy.html

UNN lecturer suspended over s.e.x, pregnancy and threat to life

Authorities of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, have finally taken action against the lecturer accused of impregnating one of his students.

Daily Post had reported that a senior lecturer at the Archeology Department of the UNN was arrested by the police for allegedly impregnating a student and going ahead to threaten her life.

The lecturer, Dr. Chigozie Odum, was alleged to have put the female student, Onah Chinyere in a family way after coercing her into a s.e.x.ual intercourse.

The news outlet gathered that following a petition from the family lawyer of the female student, men of the Crack Squad, Enugu State Police Command picked the lecturer up in Nsukka from where he was moved to Enugu.

The lecturer has now been suspended indefinitely.

A letter obtained by the media house to that effect, dated February 15, was signed by Mrs. Achiuwa F.C., Deputy Registrar of the University.

It read partly, “following the accusation of sexual harassment made against you by a female student in the Department of Archeology and Tourism, the Vice-Chancellor has directed that you be suspended from duty immediately.

“You are hereby so suspended from duty with immediate effect.

“You should stay away from your duty post until the final determination of the allegation against you. You should handover any University property in your custody to the Head of Department of Archaeology and Tourism.

“The Bursar is by a copy of this letter advised to place you on half salary pending final disposal action on your case.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/unn-lecturer-suspended-over-sex.html

Nigerian Medical Doctor and only son, dies in accident two months to his wedding

A medical doctor, Chidera Ifudu, has died in a motor accident two months to his wedding.

The accident involving his Lexus SUV occurred on Friday morning, along Port Harcourt/Aba Expressway.

According to reports, the medical practitioner was trying to avoid hitting a pedestrian when his car veered off the road and crashed.

The deceased, who worked at Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, was reportedly the only son of his father.

It was gathered that Ifudu's wedding invitation card was used to trace his relations. 

Ifudu and Judith Ogochukwu's traditional was scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Umuahia-South Local Government Area of Abia State and the church wedding on Saturday, April 10, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Independence Layout, Enugu.

One of Judith's friends, Aguli Daniel Okechukwu, wrote, “Sundown and Dusk @ Noon: Adieu Dr. Chidera Alex Ifudu. (A lone son of his father)

“What a cruel world we're living in. How can someone's wedding card be used to trace his remains after soul departure in a ghastly motor accident?

“Brother, as die-hard believers, even though it's hard to believe and accept, we can only say goodbye with prayers for God knows it all.

“May God give your dad, siblings, and other relations the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Our thoughts are with them. It's hard to take but blessed be the name of God on those who have faith in Him for he who has high faith and trust in God will always find comfort through the opium that sedates of our emotional worries and pains in the challenging life. God is Hope.

"For us the fortunate fast livers, the earlier we begin to have a deep thought on our lives with respect to death, the better for everyone.

“Dera, May the Almighty in his unreserved Mercy, and means in which you departed the mother earth grant you a peaceful repose and give you a place in Elysium.

Amen.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/nigerian-medical-doctor-and-only-son.html

Obinwanne Okeke faces sentencing today over wire fraud

Family members, an employee, a pastor, and others related to a Nigerian business mogul undergoing trial, Obiwanne Okeke, have flooded a U.S. court with appeals for leniency ahead of his sentencing for wire fraud.

In a series of letters of attestation to character sent to Rebecca Smith, the judge handling the case at a Virginia court, they expressed shock about the involvement of Mr Okeke in the unlawful activities and pleaded he be given a second chance.

They also pledged he would not take part in any unlawful act again.

Obiwaanne, also known as Invictus Obi, will be sentenced today.

The 33-year-old and Chairman of Abuja-based Invictus Group, before his arrest in 2019, was listed as one of the influential young entrepreneurs recognised by Forbes.

Mr Okeke was nabbed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) which alleged he connived with certain individuals, some of whom remain at large, to defraud American companies and individuals over a period of at least four years.

One of his victims, Unatrac, a subsidiary of American heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, lost $11 million in spurious wire transfers, court documents showed.

Agents of the international security agency obtained an arrest warrant and intercepted the fraudster in the airport while returning to Nigeria after a brief visit to the U.S. in 2019.

However, after months of denying his involvement in the crime before a federal judge in the U.S. and argument over jurisdiction, he pleaded guilty to the allegation of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate with American authorities last year June.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/obinwanne-okeke-faces-sentencing-today.html

Video: Man allegedly sent to jail by half sister cries out

This is the height of it! Very shameful!

To think a born again Christian is fingered behind this man being in prison for 3 solid years is even more disturbing.

He was allegedly charged for being at his own father's house. Oh dear! 

The question at mummy is, WHAT WILL JESUS DO? Send him to prison or forgive? It's funny how we call ourselves Christians but never ready to follow the scriptures.

If you can't obey the laws of God, you have no business in church! We will all die someday and take nothing with us. The house we should care to build is our Heavenly home, not this one. Shalom!

Hoping he gets justice like he has called on authorities... the video below...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ladun Liadi (@ladunliadi)

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/video-man-allegedly-sent-to-jail-by.html

Olympic medallist charged with running drug ring in Australia

A former Olympic swimmer who won a silver medal for Australia was arrested on Tuesday and charged with running a syndicate trafficking in the drug “ice”, police said.

Scott Miller, 45, and an accomplice were arrested in police raids in two Sydney suburbs.

They were charged with the alleged supply of some AU$2.0 million (US$1.6 million) worth of methylamphetamine, also known as ice, concealed inside candles, they said.

Police also seized a kilogramme (2.2 pounds) of heroin, other drugs and cash in the raids.

A spokesman described Miller as the head of a “criminal syndicate” that sold ice across New South Wales state, and said investigations were continuing and further charges expected.

Miller won a silver medal in the 100-metre butterfly event in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and a bronze medal as part of Australia’s 4×100-metre medley squad.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/olympic-medallist-charged-with-running.html

Lagos hotelier and his wife bag 40 year jail term each for fraud

An Ikorodu based hotelier, Ebiesuwa Abayomi Fredrick, and his wife, Tinuola Idayat Oyegunle, have said to spend 40 years imprisonment for advance fee fraud.

Tribune Online gathered that Abayomi Fredrick is the owner of the popular Victoria East Park Hotel and Suite, Igbogbo in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, February 15, 2021, found them guilty on all four counts of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence brought against them by the Ibadan Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The couple, in a classic advance fee fraud scheme, fleeced one Dunni Olateru Olagbegi N53, 713, 260 in cash and bank transfer through a spiritual cleansing gambit in order to avoid the calamitous consequence of mysterious sudden death having heard conversation by a syndicate about a Ghana- Must –Go bag stuffed with United States Dollar bills in the boot of a car. She was also tricked into bringing funds to cleanse supposed USD bliss.

The victim had sometimes in May 2013, boarded a taxi cab with three other passengers who, unknown to her, were members of a syndicate of fraudsters. As soon as she entered the vehicle, she heard the three other supposed passengers arguing about a Ghana-Must-Go bag filled with US Dollars in the boot of the car.

Moments later, one of the syndicate member told her that she must be cleansed to avert sudden and mysterious death having heard their discussion. She was taken to an unknown destination, where she subsequently started giving the defendants, and the other members of the syndicate (at large) various sums in cash and bank payment totalling N53, 713, 260 to buy instruments for the cleansing of United States Dollar notes, which she allegedly sourced from the sale of her properties in both Ibadan and Lagos.

In the course of the investigation, It was discovered that over N9 million was paid into the second defendant, Tinuola Idayat Oyegunle’s account domiciled in one of the third generation banks; apart from other funds traced to the first defendant, Ebiesuwa Abayomi Fredrick’s account.

It was also discovered that the first defendant built Victoria East Park Hotel & Suite located at Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State from the proceeds of the crime.

In his judgment today, Justice Abdulmalik found the couple guilty of the four-count charge and sentenced both of them to 10 years imprisonment on each of the four counts. However, while Ebiesuwa’s prison term takes effect from June 19, 2017, when he was arrested, Tinuola’s time in the Custodial Centre will start counting from May 26, 2017, when she was arrested.

The Judge also ordered that Victoria East Park Hotel & Suite, “be sold and the proceed, if not up to N53, 713, 260.00 (Fifty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Naira) be returned to the victim in the case and if it exceeds, the balance be paid into the Federal Government’s account.”

The sentences are to run concurrently.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/lagos-hotelier-and-his-wife-bag-40-year.html

Nigeria records 574 new Covid-19 cases, total now 146,928

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 574 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 146,928.

The NCDC disclosed this on its official Twitter handle on Monday.

Nigeria also recorded eight COVID-19 deaths, raising the total fatality in the country to 1,761.

“On the 15th of February 2021, 574 new confirmed cases and 8 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.

“Till date, 146,928 cases have been confirmed, 123,009 cases have been discharged and 1,761 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Kwara (98), Lagos (81), Edo (59), Ondo (44), FCT (41), Kano (34), Ogun (33), Kaduna (29), Osun (28), Enugu (23), Rivers (18), Delta (16), Akwa Ibom (15), Bauchi (12), Imo (10), Borno (8), Niger (8), Kebbi (7), Nasarawa (5) Gombe (3) and Ekiti (2),” the NCDC said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/nigeria-records-574-new-covid-19-cases.html

Ex-Osun deputy governor Iyiola Omisore joins APC

A former Osun State Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore on Monday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with thousands of his supporters.

Omisore, the senator who represented Osun East from 2003 to 2009 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was Osun State deputy governor under Governor Adebisi Akande.

He was also the Interim Chairman of APC between 2003 till 2007.

Omisore arrived Ward 6, Unit 3 of Moore, Ile-Ife, at 12:40 p.m on Monday with thousands of his supporters; Osun State Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi; APC Caretaker Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Education Commissioner Folorunsho Bamisayemi; Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Commissioner Taiwo Akeju; Youth and Sports Commissioner Yemi Lawal and other chieftains of the party.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/ex-osun-deputy-governor-iyiola-omisore.html

Lovers found dead in Delta apartment

There was pandemonium on Sunday in Sapele town, in the Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, following the death of a young man identified only as Ufuoma, and his girlfriend, Matilda.

Punch Metro gathered that the victims attended a party the previous night and got home late, only for their lifeless bodies to be discovered in the morning.

A source said the lovers were found dead in their apartment along the Niger Delta Development Commission Road in the Amukpe area.

“Ufuoma’s car was on the premises that morning, which caused curiosity among neighbours.

 “The neighbours knocked on their door without any response; they peeped through the window and discovered that one of them was on the bed, while the other was on the floor, lifeless.

 “The two lovers were new in the environment; they returned from abroad in 2019. We believe they died from food poisoning,” he added.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/lovers-found-dead-in-delta-apartment.html

Korede Bello took a lucky female fan on an expensive valentine's date [Video]

Mavin superstar, Korede Bello took a lucky female fan on an expensive date to celebrate valentine's day. 

He earlier announced on his twitter page he'll be spending Val with a lucky female fan, afterwhich  many of his fans contested for the limited slot. 

Korede Bello took her shopping at an exquisite fashion store based on the video he shared.

He wrote;

“So I had a fan date and it was beautiful, just like my datE”

Watch below:

So I had a fan date and it was beautiful, just like my datE ❤ pic.twitter.com/10TjiBNMpe

— Korede Bello (@koredebello) February 14, 2021

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/korede-bello-took-lucky-female-fan-to.html

Lady who allegedly ran mad after her boyfriend proposed to her breaks silence

The Nigerian lady who went crazy in a viral video after her boyfriend proposed to her on valentine's day has spoken on the incident. 

The video showed the man on his knees  proposing while the lady started acting weird and abnormally which made people believe she ran mad.

The lady identified as Ogudu Grace said the whole stuff was scripted, as they were just shooting a comedy skit and doesn't know it will go viral like it does.

Her friends also backed her up confirming it was just a comedy skit. 

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/02/lady-who-allegedly-ran-mad-after-her.html