Beauty Queen โ€œBeauty Tukuraโ€ indeed looks good in just about anything. But when it comes to posing for a photoshoot, the reality star proves time and again that you can be comfortable, fun, or even tell a beautiful story without uttering words.

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Wanted Ex-beauty Queen Surrenders After 8 Months in Hiding As NDLEA

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Wanted Ex-beauty Queen Surrenders After 8 Months in Hiding As NDLEA Intercepts 31 million Pills, Bottles of Opioids Worth N17.9billion at Lagos, PH Ports

 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested, a wanted ex-beauty queen, Ms. Aderinoye Queen Christmas also known as Ms. Queen Oluwadamilola Aderinoye has surrendered to the Lagos Command of the Agency after about eight months in hiding.

 

Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi in a press statement on Sunday noted that she was declared wanted by the Agency in January after she escaped from her Lekki, Lagos residence when NDLEA operatives raided her apartment at Oral estate, Lekki on Wednesday 24th January following credible intelligence she deals in illicit substances.

 

He said the suspect was Miss Commonwealth Nigeria Culture 2015/2016 and founder of Queen Christmas Foundation. Recovered from her home during the search witnessed by the estate officials include 606 grams of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, an electronic weighing scale, large quantities of drugs packing plastics, a black RAV 4 SUV marked Lagos KSF 872 GQ, and her picture frame among others.

 

The suspect who claimed she has been hiding in Akure Ondo state since January when she escaped arrest in Lekki Lagos however surrendered to the Agency on Wednesday 28th August.

 

Also operarives of the NDLEA have intercepted a total of Thirty-One Million One Hundred and Twenty-Four Thousand Six Hundred (31, 124, 600) pills of tramadol 225mg and bottles of codeine-based syrup worth over Seventeen Billion Nine Hundred and Thirty-Two Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N17, 932, 200, 000.00) in street value at the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers state and Tincan seaport in Lagos.

 

He said the seizures were made following intelligence processed by the Agency on the movement of the shipments from their port of origin in India, leading to a demand for a 100 percent joint examination of the watch-listed containers with the Nigerian Customs Service and other sister security agencies.

 

A breakdown of the seizures show that 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from two containers at Tincan port in Lagos on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th August 2024. Each of the two containers had 175,000 bottles of the opioid.

 

At the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, NDLEA operatives equally intercepted a total of 447 cartons of tramadol 225mg containing Twenty-Nine Million Eight Hundred and Forty Thousand (29, 840,000) pills of the opioid as well as 380,000 bottles of codeine syrup from three containers on Thursday 29th August. The tramadol shipments came under different brand names such as Royal Tapetadol, Carisoprodol 225mg and Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg.

 

The following day, Friday 30th August, another set of three containers watch-listed by NDLEA were subjected to joint examination. At the end of the exercise, a total of 3,030 cartons of codeine syrup containing 554,600 bottles of the opioid were recovered from them.

 

This brings the total bottles of codeine seized at Onne, Rivers and Tincan in Lagos to 1,284,600 bottles worth N8,992,200,000.00 in street value while the combined seizure of tramadol stood at 29, 840,000 pills valued at N8,940,000,000.00.

 

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers state on Tuesday 27th August arrested a suspect, Eze Emekan Don, while attempting to board a Cronos airline flight to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea with 1,490 pills of tramadol concealed and packaged as cosmetics of different brands inside his luggage. His attempt to compromise the officers to evade arrest was rebuffed.

 

No less than 1,122 kilograms of cannabis were seized from a suspect, Mustapha Ibrahim when he was arrested on Monday 26th August along Orchid road, Ajah, Lagos, while 816kg of the same psychoactive substance belonging to a suspect at large was recovered from the same location same day.

 

In Niger state, NDLEA operatives on Monday 26th August arrested a suspect Friday Gabriel along Minna-Suleja road while conveying 1,900 capsules of tramadol, 300 bottles of codeine syrup and 600 packets of exol-5 tablets. Similarly, operatives in Bauchi state on Saturday 31st August arrested two suspects: Garba Muhammed, 35; and Usman Yakubu Shehu, 31,

 

along Bauchi-Gombe road while transporting 308 blocks of cannabis weighing 246.4kg, concealed in false compartment of a J5 bus marked Edo state URM 38 ZY.

 

In the same vein, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to members of Amankwu community, Ohafia LGA, Abia state; WADA advocacy visit to the Vice Chancellor, University of Delta, Prof. Stella Chiemeka, Agbor, Delta state; WADA sensitisation lecture to members of Down Luggere community, Jimeta, Yola North LGA, Adamawa state; youths at the โ€˜Save the Children Campaignโ€™ annual holiday camp at Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state; youths during their summer class at Olubadan stadium, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo state and WADA advocacy visit to Central Bank, Kaduna office, Kaduna state.

 

In his response to the latest seizures and arrests, Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended all the officers and men of PHPC, Tincan and the Special Operations Unit of the Agency that had been working on the targeted containers for their vigilance and professionalism. He equally praised the support received from other stakeholders at the ports that enabled the seamless and successful operations in the course of targeting the shipments. He also applauded operatives in Lagos, Niger, Bauchi and PHIA as well as other Commands across the country for their diligence and balance in their drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction efforts.

Chidimma Adetshina has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

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Chidimma Adetshina has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

Born and raised in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Chidimma was a contender in the recently concluded Miss SA pageant until her withdrawal following weeks of turmoil over her nationality.

 

The 23-year-old accepted the invitation from the organisers to join the Miss Universe Nigeria competition after stepping down from Miss SA and went on to win the crown on Saturday night.

 

โ€œThis crown is not just for beauty; itโ€™s a call for unity,โ€ she said.

 

She will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe contest in November.

 

(๐Ÿ“ท Miss Universe Nigeria)

Filmhouse Group Hosts Networking Dinner In Collaboration with The Nigerian International Film & TV Summit

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Filmhouse Group, a leading player in the Nigerian film industry hosted an exclusive networking dinner on Thursday 29th August in the heart of Lekki at the Filmhouse Cinemas โ€“ Rooftop Terrace. The event celebrated Ghana being named the country of honour at this yearโ€™s Nigerian International Film & TV Summit.

This event had in attendance industry professionals, creative minds and key stakeholders for an evening of insightful discussions and networking. The gathering which was set against a vibrant Ghana theme featured guests dressed to impress in their Ghanian style and colours. The event provided a unique opportunity for guests to engage in meaningful conversations about the future of the film & television industry while enjoying delicious Ghanaian food and refreshing drinks.

Ms Ijeoma Onah, Founder, Nigerian International Film & TV Summit exclaimed โ€œOur summit is dedicated to celebrating and advancing the film and television industries in Nigeria and beyond. This year, we are thrilled to honor Ghana as our country of honour, recognizing its profound cultural contributions. Our partnership with Filmhouse Group exemplifies our shared commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive film community, showcasing the strength of African cinema and collaborative spirit that drives our industry forward.โ€

Ms Mojisola Oladapo, Chief Marketing Officer, Filmhouse Group exclaimed โ€œWe are thrilled to celebrate our collaboration with the Nigerian International Film & TV Summit. This partnership is a significant alignment with our vision and values, representing a pivotal moment for Filmhouse Group as we continue to drive innovation and excellence in the film industry. We are excited about the potential this collaboration holds and the positive impact it will have on our shared goals.โ€

The Nigerian International Film & TV Summit is renowned for addressing critical issues and opportunities within the film industry, with a focus on Hollywood distribution dynamics and enhancing Nollywoodโ€™s international presence. This partnership underscores Filmhouse Groupโ€™s commitment to advancing the industry and expanding its global reach.

Mr. Kene Okwuosa โ€“ CEO Filmhouse Group (Filmhouse Cinemas, FilmOne Entertainment, FilmOne Studios), spoke on the importance of the event โ€“ The Nigerian International Film & TV Summit is an event that discusses the opportunities and challenges that we face in the film business in relation to Hollywood distribution and the Nollywood appeal for international distribution. This partnership resonates deeply with us as it is in line with the work we do as Filmhouse Group.

The event was a resounding success, with guests actively engaging in discussions about the Nigerian film landscape. The evening provided a valuable platform for exploring collaborative efforts needed to advance the industry. It fostered meaningful exchanges of ideas and identified new opportunities for growth and development.

 

As Filmhouse Group and the Nigerian International Film & TV Summit move forward with their partnership, both organizations are committed to leveraging their combined strengths to drive innovation and achieve significant milestones in the film industry. The collaboration marks a new chapter in their ongoing efforts to support and elevate the industry.

About Filmhouse Group

Filmhouse Group is a premier entertainment company that excels in cinema operations and film distribution. The group encompasses Filmhouse Cinemas, known for delivering high-quality movie experiences with advanced technology, comfortable seating, and a diverse film lineup including blockbusters, local, and international films. Additionally, FilmOne Limited, a subsidiary of Filmhouse Group, focused on the distribution and production of Filmed Content, from Nigeria, West Africa, to the World. We distribute and produce a wide range of mainstream and commercial pictures, including international and indigenous films, and maintain strategic alliances and relationships with international studios and distributors. The FilmOne team comprises of West Africaโ€™s most recognized movie professionals in film distribution, production, marketing, general consulting and currently, the exclusive theatrical licensees to The Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Empire Entertainment in Anglophone West Africa. We also maintain strategic alliances and relationship with enabling us to distribute a wide range of local and international mainstream, commercial and/or niche content worldwide.

Together, Filmhouse Group and FilmOne Limited are dedicated to enhancing the movie-going experience, engaging with communities, and setting new standards in the entertainment industry.

About Nigerian International Film & TV Summit

The Nigerian International Film & TV Summit is a premier event that explores the opportunities and challenges within the film industry, with a particular emphasis on international distribution and the global appeal of Nollywood. The summit serves as a platform for industry professionals to share insights and drive forward the growth of the film and television sector.

 

 

Why I stepped down as CEO of UBA โ€” Tony Elumelu

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Why I stepped down as CEO of UBA โ€” Tony Elumelu

Tony Elumelu, the chairman of Heirs Holdings Group, has revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeriaโ€™s (CBN) policy, which limits the tenure of bank CEOs to ten years, was a key factor in his decision to step down as CEO of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

 

Speaking at the 14th-anniversary celebration of Heirs Holdings in Lagos, Elumelu shared how this regulatory shift sparked a transformative journey that led to the establishment and growth of Heirs Holdings, now a global conglomerate with investments in diverse sectors across 24 countries.

 

Elumelu recounted how, in 2010, he was compelled to step down as CEO of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) due to a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy that imposed a maximum tenure of 10 years for bank CEOs.

 

E-payment transactions surge: UBA ranked most visited banking website in Nigeria

โ€œWhat could have been a setback became the beginning of something extraordinary โ€“ an opportunity that was truly transformative,โ€ Elumelu remarked, emphasising that the policy shift, rather than dampening his ambitions, opened new doors for him. โ€œWhen one door closes, many others open.โ€

 

This policy, which required him to relinquish his role at UBA, spurred the founding of Heirs Holdings, a conglomerate now operating in 24 countries and spanning sectors such as power, energy, financial services, hospitality, real estate, healthcare, and technology.

 

Reflecting on the groupโ€™s achievements, Elumelu noted, โ€œToday marks a significant milestone, as we celebrate 14 years of excellence at Heirs Holdings Group.โ€

 

Elumelu used the occasion to share broader lessons on leadership and resilience. He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

 

โ€œWhen faced with adversity, do not give up. When challenged, bounce back. Persevere, be resilient, and transform your fear into hope, your hope into ambition, and your ambition into action,โ€ he advised.

 

Local energy firm acquires NNPC, TotalEnergies oil field for $19.5 million 

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Aradel Holdings Plc, an indigenous energy company, has entered a purchase agreement through its subsidiary, Aradel Energy Limited, to acquire a 100% interest in the Olo and Olo West marginal fields from TotalEnergies EP Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for $19.5 million.

 

The company made this disclosure in a statement on its official website following the acquisition of the oil field.

 

The energy company said the acquisition was completed for a total consideration of $16 million, with an additional $3.5 million in deferred and conditional payments.

 

Aradel further stated that the Petroleum Mining Lease for Olo and the Petroleum Prospecting License for Olo West will be granted following the payment of the required ministerial consent fees and the successful completion of the approved field development plans within the specified timeframes.

 

โ€œAradel Holdings Plc (โ€œAradel Holdingsโ€ or โ€œthe Companyโ€), through its subsidiary, Aradel Energy Limited, has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire the 100% interest in the Olo and Olo West Marginal Fields from TotalEnergies EP Nigeria and NNPC Limited (โ€œthe Acquisitionโ€). The Olo and Olo West Fields were formerly part of OML 58.

 

โ€œThe Acquisition was completed for a consideration of US$16 million, plus US$3.5 million of deferred and conditional payments.

 

โ€œThe Petroleum Mining Lease (for Olo) and Petroleum Prospecting License (for Olo West) will be issued after the payment of relevant Ministerial Consent fees and completion of approved Field development plans within designated timeframes,โ€ Aradel said.

 

What you should know

The Nigerian onshore oil industry has witnessed significant shifts recently, marked by the gradual exit of major international oil companies (IOCs), creating opportunities for local players to take the reins.

 

This trend demonstrates a broader transformation within the sector as global energy giants reassess their portfolios and strategic priorities.

 

This deal, valued at up to $2.4 billion, is particularly noteworthy as it transfers a substantial portion of Nigeriaโ€™s onshore oil production into the hands of a consortium dominated by local companies.

 

Other major players, such as ExxonMobil and Norwayโ€™s Equinor, have also divested significant assets in recent years. These IOCs are increasingly shifting their focus towards newer, more profitable ventures, often in regions that present fewer operational risks and higher returns.

 

As these global giants withdraw from Nigeriaโ€™s onshore oil industry, it has paved the way for indigenous companies to step up and assume greater control over the countryโ€™s valuable oil resources.

 

The increased involvement of local companies may lead to more direct economic benefits for the Nigerian economy, fostering greater national control over natural resources and possibly sparking new investments in the sector.

 

However, it also raises questions about the capacity of these local entities to manage and sustain operations at the scale previously handled by multinational corporations.

 

More Insights

Olo and Olo West marginal fields are located within former OML 58, in the Eastern Niger Delta, 80 kilometres northwest of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In addition, Aradel Holdings Plc (โ€œAradel Holdingsโ€ or โ€œthe Companyโ€) is Nigeriaโ€™s foremost integrated independent energy company, delivering critical energy solutions in a sustainable and responsible way.

Aradel Holdings was incorporated on March 25, 1992 (as the Midas Drilling Fund), changed its name to Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc in November 1996, and assumed its current name in May 2023.

Miss Universe Nigeria: South Africans back Miss Kwara, snub Chidimma Adetshina

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Ufa Dania, a contestant in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant in faraway South Africa, is a fan favourite. Ms Dania, who represents Kwara State, has witnessed a vote surge as netizens in South Africa are voting en masse for her.

 

On X and Facebook, South Africans in their numbers could be seen rallying support for Ms Dania.

 

The 25-year-old is the first full-figured contestant in Miss Universe Nigeriaโ€™s history. Her appearance automatically makes her the object of attention, leading to debates and criticisms over her looks, particularly her eligibility to partake in a pageant where the participants are usually slim.

 

The 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant is keenly contested for the first time, and the reason isnโ€™t far-fetched. Chidimma Adetshina, an embattled contestant in the recently held Miss South Africa pageant, is one of the contestants.

 

She is a fan favourite in Nigeria and has been tipped to win the contest. However, the top 10 finalists will be determined by the viewersโ€™ votes.

 

Dangote Refinery

This ironic support by South Africans has boosted visibility and votes for the plus-sized beauty queen. PREMIUM TIMES checks on the Miss Nigeria Universe voting website as of press time reveal that the top three contenders are Adetshina, Edeifo Aikhuele, and Ufa Dania.

 

Miss Kwara placed third having received over 9,945 votes. Ms Adetshina leads with 15,482 votes, followed by Aikhuele (Miss Edo) with 11,568 votes. The voting results percentage shows Adetshina at 18.00 per cent Aikhuele at 13.5 per cent, and Dania at 11.63 per cent

 

Since July, tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, fueled by online disputes like the โ€œBolt Order Challenge,โ€ have added complexity to their love-hate relationship. South Africans have also criticised the Miss Universe Nigeria โ€œsubstandardโ€ venue over theirs, adding to the controversy.

 

 

Support twist

Many South Africans stated that their support on social media, rallying behind the 25-year-old contestant, is a response to the adverse treatment she received.

 

 

However, what began as a spiteful effort to provoke Nigerians has unexpectedly turned into a full-blown campaign for Miss Kwara.

 

The support for Ms Dania stemmed from a tweet by Nelly Weideman. She wrote, โ€œSince we are all about changing stereotypes! Miss Kwara for Miss Universe Nigeria! We made history with our first-ever deaf Miss SA (Mia Le Roux); letโ€™s make history for Nigeria, too. Letโ€™s vote for Miss Kwara.โ€

 

Some critics have deemed the support hypocritical, arguing that Ms Daniaโ€™s support might be motivated by a desire to counterbalance Ms Adetshinaโ€™s participation.

 

Audience Survey

Ms Dania who is an Abuja-based content creator and stylist said that despite the initial criticism, she had grown a thick skin, viewing the pageant as a platform for empowerment.

 

Despite the unprecedented support from South Africans that Ms Dania currently enjoys, Ms Adetshina still enjoys goodwill and a large fanbase in Nigeria.

 

The 25 Miss Universe Nigeria hopefuls are in camp in preparation for the Miss Universe Nigeria finale this Saturday at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites.

NLC threatens indefinite strike as Ajaero honours police invitation

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President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and have Nigerian workers to contend with.This is the stand of NLC while threatening an indefinite nationwide strike as the Force Headquarters (FHQ) grills Ajaero today over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other offences.

 

To keep tabs on events following Ajaeroโ€™s visit to the police, NLC asked all its national officers and affiliate unions to accompany its president to the FHQ.

 

Meanwhile, Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Linus Okorie, has warned against โ€œthe deployment of internal security and police by the Federal Government against Ajaero,โ€ insisting that it will pose a Task of Hercules to silence the NLC President.

 

A notification to all affiliates and state councils by the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, yesterday, entitled โ€˜Mobilisation for Peaceful Procession and Prayer Session in Solidarityโ€™ urged their members in Abuja and across the states to mobilise and show solidarity.

 

The Congress said all Central Working Committee (CWC) members in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of NLC today by 8.00 am to accompany Ajaero to Louis Edet House for the scheduled interaction.

 

It urged others to gather at their respective state secretariats, from where they would embark on a peaceful procession to their state police headquarters for a prayer session until the end of Ajaeroโ€™s interaction with the police.

 

Ugboaja said the peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at โ€œintimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the president is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.โ€

 

The NLC leader was asked to appear before the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on August 20. But Ajaero declined the invitation, demanding details of the allegations against him.

 

In a letter through Samuel Ogala, Principal Partner at the Falana & Falanaโ€™s Chambers, Ajaero said he would be available for questioning on Thursday, August 29.

 

OKORIE, who represented Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo federal constituency of Ebonyi State in the lower chamber, expressed dismay over the action against Ajaero.

 

In a statement made available to newsmen, Okorie said: โ€œThere is typically little or no distinction between the law and the exercise of political power by the executive and the deployment of internal security, and police forces play a heightened role in governance.

 

โ€œA police state is a characteristic of authoritarian, totalitarian or illiberal regimes (contrary to a liberal democratic regime). Such governments are typically one-party states, but a police state may emerge in a democracy.โ€ He noted that Ajaero was, in November 2023, during a protest in Owerri, allegedly singled out by the police accompanied by thugs.

 

โ€œIn a joint press release then, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said โ€˜police accompanied by thugs inflicted heavy injuries and blows on Ajaeroโ€™s head and body, kicking him in the process, while dragging him on the groundโ€™.

 

โ€œNLC spokesman Benson Upah also alleged that police continued to assault Ajaero after taking him away, causing injuries that shut his right eye. He was later released and immediately went to receive medical treatment for facial injuries,โ€ he added.

Tragedy In Lekki: Woman Dies After Injection At BBL Clinic, Nurse Arrested

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The Lagos State Police have apprehended a nurse in Lekki following the death of a 36-year-old woman, known simply known as Abiola.

 

Speaking via a statement, Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed that the driver of the deceased reported the incident at the Maroko Police Division.

 

According to Hundeyin, the driver explained that he drove his employer, a resident of Diamond Estate in Sangotedo-Lekki, to a clinic in Lekki Phase 1 for a cosmetic procedure to enhance her figure, specifically, a Brazilian Butt Lift.

 

However, Abiola lost her life during the procedure.

 

The driver said the deceased died after a nurse administered an injection on her.

 

He said, โ€Upon our arrival, the clinic owner directed a nurse to administer the injection on Abiola. Moments later, chaos ensued as the woman lost consciousness and started gasping for breath.

 

โ€œDesperate for help, the driver rushed Abiola to another hospital in Lekki Phase 1 but she was confirmed dead by the staff on duty upon arrival.โ€

 

Hundeyin added that detectives had visited the scene, where they meticulously gathered evidence, inspected and photographed her remains and subsequently transported the corpse to a public morgue for autopsy.

 

He confirmed that the nurse involved has been taken into custody and the commissioner of police, Adegoke Fayoade, has asked for an investigation into the harrowing incident.

Four Nigerians jailed in UK for forging over 2,000 marriage documents

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Four Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to prison in the United Kingdom after being convicted of forging over 2,000 marriage certificates to facilitate illegal residency in the country.

 

The convicts, identified as Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41), Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38), Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), and Adekunle Kabir (54), were all sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Tuesday.

 

The Home Office revealed that the group was part of an organized criminal network that submitted fraudulent applications under the EU Settlement Scheme for Nigerian nationals between 2019 and 2023.

 

The operation, which included the provision of false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation, allowed numerous individuals to remain in the UK illegally.

 

An investigation conducted by the Home Office in collaboration with authorities in Lagos uncovered that the group facilitated over 2,000 false marriage documents. The convicted persons, all of Nigerian origin, were integral to the criminal enterprise.

 

Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer at the Home Office, stated, โ€œThis group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice.

 

โ€œAs with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain. I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation, and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who exploit peopleโ€™s desperation to remain in the UK.

 

โ€œWe will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.โ€

 

Onifade, from Gravesend in Kent, and Shodipo, from Manchester, were both found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. They were sentenced to six years and five years in prison, respectively.

 

Gbadamosi, from Bolton, was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation. She received a six-year prison sentence.

 

Kabir, from London, was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but was cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception. He was sentenced to nine months in prison.

Nigerian, 2 others sentenced to life imprisonment over murder of 25-year-old man in UK

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In a harrowing case of revenge violence, three men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 25-year-old Hamza Iqbal in London.

 

Joshua Oladele, Micah Hines, and Ali Alamiri were convicted for their roles in the brutal attack that occurred on September 24, 2023, on Wembley Way.

 

The court heard that Iqbal was fatally stabbed 23 times by the trio who were carrying out a revenge attack on behalf of 28-year-old Dontae Smicle, who had been stabbed 11 days earlier. The attack was reportedly driven by a gang territory dispute.

 

On the evening of the murder, Iqbal and his friends were confronted by Oladele, Hines, and Alamiri, who were armed with machetes. The three men, all 21 years old, had been picked up by Smicle and driven to the scene.

 

Upon exiting their vehicle wearing hoodies and balaclavas, they attacked Iqbal and his group. Despite attempts to flee, Iqbal was chased down by Oladele and subjected to a savage assault.

 

Judge Rosa Dean described the attack as a โ€œpunishment killingโ€ and noted the terror Iqbal must have experienced as he was repeatedly stabbed. Iqbal was pronounced dead at Northwick Park Hospital approximately an hour after the attack.

 

The court heard from Iqbalโ€™s grieving family, who remembered him as a devoted family man and an Arsenal fan. They spoke of the profound impact of his loss and the ongoing void left in their lives.

 

Oladele, Hines, and Alamiri were apprehended shortly after the incident. Oladele and Hines were found hiding in Woolwich, while Alamiri was arrested at his home.

 

During the trial, the defendants claimed they were acting under Smicleโ€™s orders and sought to scare Iqbalโ€™s group rather than kill them. Smicle, who orchestrated the attack, has since fled the country.

 

In sentencing, Judge Dean expressed disappointment that the defendants showed no remorse or apology.

 

She sentenced Oladele to a minimum of 28 years, Hines to a minimum of 25 years, and Alamiri to a minimum of 24 years in prison.

 

The case underscores the severe consequences of gang-related violence and the deep impact on victimsโ€™ families.