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17-year-old hacker stuns EFCC chairman with impressive IT skills

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, shared a concerning incident where a 17-year-old was able to hack into his personal computer and bank account while being questioned at his office in Lagos. Olukoyede recounted the incident during a chat with editors at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja.

The young hacker, who was studying History and Anthropology, effortlessly bypassed the security measures of Olukoyede’s locked computer and obtained his bank verification number (BVN) and account details. This demonstration raised alarm about the vulnerability of personal information to cybercrimes.

Olukoyede emphasized the need to discourage such activities among young individuals, highlighting the potential consequences of imprisonment or worse. Despite the severity of the crime, he suggested administering light sentences to youth involved in cybercrimes, focusing on reorienting them rather than solely punishing them.

The EFCC chairman described the difficult circumstances of the 17-year-old, who was the main breadwinner for his family due to his parents’ inability to work on their farm because of security concerns. Despite his involvement in cybercrime, Olukoyede saw potential in the boy and vowed to support his education if he stopped his criminal activities.

This approach reflects the EFCC’s strategy to rehabilitate convicted internet fraudsters by offering reduced sentences and educational support. Olukoyede emphasized the importance of preventing youths from indulging in cybercrime, highlighting the negative consequences of being labeled an “ex-convict.”

Overall, Olukoyede’s narrative underscores the complexity of addressing cybercrimes among young individuals and the EFCC’s efforts to tackle this issue through rehabilitation and education.

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C’River’s community revives barter market

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Image: Barter trade

Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State has reopened its centuries-old barter market, a unique trade hub in West Africa, as part of activities marking the council’s 34th anniversary.

The celebration, held at the council headquarters, brought together residents, traditional leaders, and political figures who hailed the return of peace to the area.

They described it as the foundation for Akpabuyo’s renewed economic prospects.

Former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, said the reopening of the barter market was a landmark development, crediting Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu for restoring stability in the community.

Since His Excellency came into power, he put all measures in place to ensure calm and peace.

Today, people can sleep in their houses with their eyes closed, and that is why you see this turnout from far and near,” she said.

Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe highlighted Akpabuyo’s natural maritime position, bordered by rivers, Bakassi, and the Atlantic Ocean.

He emphasised that the government investment in dredging, deep-sea port projects, and marine preservation will reinforce its role in trade and agriculture.

“With the pace of growth, Akpabuyo will contribute even more to the economic advancement of Cross River State and Nigeria. More jobs will mean more stability for our people,” she added.

Council Chairman, Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong, said hosting the first official anniversary of Akpabuyo’s creation was a privilege, noting that the event was made possible by improved security.

“The place is calm and safe. We have Marine Police, the Navy, the Army, the Airforce, and our local vigilantes. Investors from China and other countries are already showing interest; some have even acquired land to build a university and industries,” he said.

Hon. Effiong also revealed plans to remodel the barter market into a world-class commercial hub to attract more investors and cross-border traders from Cameroon and beyond.

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INTERPOL arrests 1,209 cybercriminals, recovers $97.4m

Nigeria was one of 18 African countries, alongside the United Kingdom, that took part in the operations.

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The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL)’s enforcement agencies across Africa arrested 1,209 major cybercriminals and recovered USD 97.4 million.

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, gave the statistics during the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

He explained that the operation, code-named Serengeti 2.0 and coordinated by INTERPOL between June and August 2025, targeted high-impact cybercrimes including ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and online investment scams. “

The report said that Nigeria was one of 18 African countries, alongside the United Kingdom, that took part in the operation.

The wider African operation dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, ranging from command-and-control servers to fraudulent domains.

In Angola authorities shut down 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centres operated by 60 Chinese nationals who were unlawfully validating blockchain transactions to generate digital currency.

The crackdown also led to the seizure of 45 unauthorised power stations and mining equipment valued at over USD 37 million.”

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Nigerian Passport Now N100,000, N200,000 from Sept 1

Applicants abroad will continue to pay $150 for a 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for a 64-page, ten-year passport.

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that the fee for a 32-page passport with five-year validity will rise to N100,000, while a 64-page passport with ten-year validity will cost N200,00.

The new rates take effect from September 1, 2025.

NIS, in a a statement posted on its X handle yesterday, by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said that the adjustment is aimed at sustaining the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport while ensuring efficient service delivery

The revised charges apply only to passport applications processed within Nigeria.

Before now, the 32-page Passport with five-year validity cost N50,000 after it was increased from N35,000.

Also, the 64-page passport with a 10-year, was N100,000 after being initially increased from N70, 000.

However, passport application fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged.

Applicants abroad will continue to pay $150 for a 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for a 64-page, ten-year passport.

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