Crime
JUST IN: ICPC uncovers account used for six-week degree scam
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered a bank account operated by a foreign national allegedly used to collect payments from Nigerians seeking to obtain a questionable six-week bachelor’s degree abroad.
The discovery was announced by ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, during a stakeholders’ advocacy event on asset tracing, recovery and management held Tuesday in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), with support from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
“Within some weeks, we were able to discover that a foreigner opened an account in Nigeria while Nigerian students were paying money into the account to obtain that six-week degree,” Aliyu revealed.
“We were able to track the account and obtain a civil forfeiture order. We have been trying to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, especially those that are beyond our shores.”
He called for greater synergy among anti-corruption agencies to ensure that perpetrators of financial crimes are not allowed to enjoy the proceeds of their actions.
Also at the event, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Bello, disclosed that an ongoing audit of over 10,000 public servants’ asset declarations has revealed that about 20 percent of them are false.
On a broader continental scale, the Director-General of GIABA, Edwin Harris, lamented the growing trend of illicit financial flows out of Africa.
Citing a report by former South African President Thabo Mbeki under the auspices of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Harris noted that while $50 billion was previously estimated to be lost annually, the current figure now stands between $88 billion and $94 billion.
CeFTPI Executive Director, Umar Yakubu, said the event brought together key stakeholders from anti-graft institutions, civil society, the judiciary and international partners to develop innovative mechanisms for transparency, citizen engagement and accountability in asset recovery efforts.
Crime
Wanted Soldier Arrested for Supplying Military Gear to Terrorists
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier recently declared wanted for allegedly supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by personnel of the 7 Provost Group at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri. He was reportedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon when he was arrested following credible human intelligence.

The soldier had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23. Preliminary investigations indicate that he absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri. He allegedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.
The military said the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline and national security.
Private Yusuf is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify any accomplices.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or engage in any form of criminality, regardless of their status.
Crime
BREAKING: DSS, Zamfara Forces Rescue 4 Kidnapped Students
In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Zamfara State security forces have successfully rescued the four remaining students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, who were abducted by suspected bandits.
The joint operation marks the latest success in efforts to secure the release of victims from the June abduction incident, where gunmen stormed off-campus student accommodations in the early hours, taking several students hostage.
Security sources confirmed that the students were recovered unharmed during intelligence-led raids. Details of the exact location and circumstances of the rescue are still emerging, but authorities described the operation as swift and coordinated.
This rescue comes amid ongoing security challenges in Zamfara State, where banditry has plagued communities and educational institutions. Earlier reports indicated that seven students were initially kidnapped, with some previously rescued or having escaped.
The Zamfara State Police Command and DSS have been praised for their collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity in the region. Families of the rescued students expressed relief and gratitude to the security agencies.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring peace in the northwest and urged residents to provide timely intelligence to security forces. Further updates on the investigation and possible arrests are expected.
This is a developing story.
Crime
DSS Set to Arraign Three Suspects Over Oriire School Abductions
The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign three suspects before the Federal High Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2026, over their alleged involvement in the Oriire school abductions and related terrorism activities.
The suspects — Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (also known as Yunusa Bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (also known as Abu Itisar) — all hail from Niger State. They face a 10-count charge bordering on kidnapping, concealment of information, and terrorism-related offences.
According to the charges, the defendants are accused of knowingly withholding vital information about individuals linked to terrorist activities, actively participating in kidnapping operations, and using a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training.
The planned arraignment marks the formal commencement of their criminal trial. The court is expected to take the defendants’ pleas and issue further directions on the matter.
The development comes as security agencies continue efforts to hold accountable those involved in the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire and similar incidents across the region.
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