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Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 31 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud. The arrests were made on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, following weeks of surveillance and credible intelligence linking the suspects to various cybercrime activities.

Details of the Operation

According to an official statement released by the EFCC, the suspects were apprehended in a series of coordinated raids across high-end residential areas in Port Harcourt, including GRA Phase 2, Rumuibekwe, and Abuloma. The operation was part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and financial fraud in Nigeria.

Exhibits Recovered

During the arrests, EFCC operatives recovered several items believed to have been acquired through fraudulent means, including:

• Six exotic cars (makes and models undisclosed pending further investigation)
• Multiple high-end smartphones (including the latest iPhone and Samsung models)
• Luxury wristwatches (such as Rolex and Cartier)
• Laptop computers suspected to have been used for fraudulent transactions

Investigation and Prosecution

The EFCC stated that the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. Sources within the Commission revealed that some of the suspects are linked to romance scams, identity theft, and business email compromise (BEC) schemes targeting both local and international victims.

EFCC's Warning to Cybercriminals

The Port Harcourt Zonal Commander, ACE II Usman Imam, reiterated the Commission's commitment to rooting out internet fraud and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities. "We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that those involved in fraudulent online activities are brought to justice," he said.

This latest crackdown follows a series of similar operations across Nigeria, including recent arrests in Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja, as part of the EFCC's intensified war against cybercrime.

Signed:
EFCC Media & Publicity
May 15, 2025

Public Reaction

The arrests have sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians commending the EFCC for its efforts, while others questioned whether the suspects were given fair treatment before prosecution. Legal analysts have emphasized the need for thorough investigations to ensure due process is followed.

The EFCC has encouraged anyone with additional information related to cyber fraud to contact their offices or use the Commission's anonymous tip-off channels.

Israel's contestant, Eden Golan, has secured a spot in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Grand Final after a tense semi-final round marked by protests, heightened security, and a disrupted dress rehearsal. The performance of her song, "Hurricane", advanced despite vocal opposition from pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside Malmö Arena and inside the venue.

Protests and Rehearsal Disruptions

Mass Demonstrations: Thousands of protesters gathered in Malmö, calling for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Chants of "Free Palestine" and "Boycott Israel" were heard near the arena, with some activists attempting to block entrances.

Inside the Venue: During Israel's semi-final rehearsal, a spectator reportedly shouted protests, briefly interrupting the performance. Security swiftly removed the individual, and the show continued.

Enhanced Security Measures: Swedish police deployed additional forces, including anti-drone technology, after reports of planned disruptions. Attendees faced strict checks, with some pro-Palestinian symbols reportedly confiscated.

Mixed Reactions to Israel's Qualification

Public Vote vs. Jury Support: While Israel received strong jury votes, some reports suggest it had lower televote support in certain countries, reflecting public divisions.

Statements from EBU & Israeli Delegation:

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) reiterated that Eurovision is a "non-political event" and confirmed Israel's eligibility under contest rules.

Israel's delegation thanked supporters, with Golan stating, "Music should unite, not divide."

What's next?

The Grand Final on May 11 is expected to see further protests, with authorities on high alert. Bookmakers rank Israel as a mid-table contender, while favorites like Croatia and Switzerland remain front-runners.

Sources:

• BBC News – "Eurovision 2025: Israel advances amid Malmö protests"
• The Guardian – "Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally as Israel qualifies for Eurovision final"
• Eurovision World – Voting analysis and fan reactions
• Ynet News – Israeli delegation's response

In a landmark ruling, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately release Mr. Moses Abiodun, a businessman detained without trial for 16 years, and pay him N20 million (approximately $14,300) in compensation for violations of his fundamental human rights.

The judgment, delivered on May 15, 2024, marks a significant judicial rebuke of Nigeria's prolonged pretrial detention practices and reinforces regional human rights protections.

A 16-Year Legal Ordeal

The arrest and detention without trial of Mr. Moses Abiodun, a Nigerian businessman, started in November 2008 by operatives of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). He was held for five months without charge before a Magistrate Court in Lagos State issued a remand order on March 23, 2009. Despite this order, Abiodun was never formally charged, tried, or convicted of any crime.

His lawyers argued that his detention violated Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Right to Liberty) and Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (Freedom from Arbitrary Detention). Citing, Article 7(1)(d) of the African Charter (Right to Fair Trial) and also Article 5 of the African Charter and Article 7 of the ICCPR (Prohibition of Inhuman Treatment)

Government's Defense

The Nigerian government denied the allegations, challenged the authenticity of the remand warrant, and contested the admissibility of the case before the ECOWAS Court. However, the court dismissed these objections, affirming its jurisdiction.

ECOWAS Court's Findings: A Scathing Indictment of Nigeria's Justice System

The three-judge panel, comprising:

• Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma (Presiding Judge)
• Hon. Justice Gbéri-bè Ouattara (Member)
• Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante (Judge Rapporteur)

Unanimously ruled that Nigeria violated multiple human rights provisions by keeping Abiodun in detention for 16 years without trial.

Key Violations Identified:

Right to Liberty (Article 6, African Charter; Article 9, ICCPR)
The court held that holding a person for 16 years without trial is a gross violation of liberty.

Right to a Fair Trial (Article 7(1)(d), African Charter)
The court found that prolonged detention without trial undermines judicial fairness.

Freedom from Inhuman Treatment (Article 5, African Charter; Article 7, ICCPR)
The court ruled that indefinite detention amounts to psychological torture and degrading treatment.

Right to Freedom of Movement (Article 12, African Charter & ICCPR)
The court noted that unlawful detention restricts personal freedom indefinitely.

Court's Final Orders

• Immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Moses Abiodun.
• Payment of N20 million in compensation for human rights violations.
• A declaratory judgment affirming Nigeria's breach of international human rights laws.

Legal and Human Rights Implications

A Blow against Prolonged Pretrial Detention in Nigeria
Nigeria's justice system has long been criticized for excessive pretrial detention. According to a 2023 report by the Nigerian Correctional Service, over 70% of inmates in Nigerian prisons are awaiting trial, some for more than a decade. The ECOWAS Court's ruling sets a strong precedent for similar cases and may pressure Nigerian authorities to reform detention practices.

ECOWAS Court's Growing Influence in Human Rights Cases
This ruling reinforces the ECOWAS Court's role as a critical human rights watchdog in West Africa. Recent judgments, including:

• SERAP vs. Nigeria (2022) – On press freedom violations
• Dasuki vs. Nigeria (2016) – On unlawful detention of former NSA Sambo Dasuki.

All these shows the court's willingness to hold governments accountable.

Will Nigeria Comply?

While ECOWAS rulings are legally binding, enforcement remains inconsistent. Nigeria has previously ignored or delayed compliance with court orders, such as in the Dasuki case. Legal analysts suggest that civil society and international pressure will be crucial in ensuring Abiodun's release and compensation.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Human Rights Groups
Amnesty International Nigeria: "This judgment exposes Nigeria's broken justice system. The government must end arbitrary detention."
Prisoners' Rights Advocacy Group: "Thousands remain unlawfully detained. This ruling should trigger mass reviews of similar cases."

Legal Experts
Femi Falana (SAN): "The judgment is a victory for human rights. We urge the Nigerian government to comply immediately."
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN): "This case highlights the need for judicial reforms to prevent such abuses."

Government Response
As of publication, the Federal Government has not issued an official statement. However, sources suggest the Attorney-General's office is reviewing the judgment.

Conclusion: A Landmark Ruling with Far-Reaching Consequences

The ECOWAS Court's decision is a major victory for human rights and a stern rebuke of Nigeria's justice system. If enforced, it could pave the way for reforms and relief for thousands of detainees languishing without trial.

However, compliance remains the biggest challenge. Civil society and international observers must monitor Nigeria's next steps closely.

What's next?

• Will Nigeria comply or appeal?
• Will this ruling trigger mass releases of other unlawfully detained inmates?
• How will this impact Nigeria's human rights record internationally?

Follow for updates as this story develops.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) acknowledges widespread complaints about the 2025 UTME results, released on May 9, 2025. JAMB appreciates public feedback, stating that criticism reflects concern rather than indifference.

An "easily avoidable" technical glitch affected results for some candidates, primarily in Lagos (206,610 candidates) and Owerri zones (173,387 candidates). The issue stemmed from a failure to properly update servers in the LAG (Lagos/South-East) operational category during an attempted correction.

JAMB emphasizes its strict quality control processes, including:

• Multiple oversight committees (Peace Monitors, Chief External Examiners, and Technical Advisers).
• Mock exams, pre-testing of systems, and cybersecurity measures.
• Use of dual operational systems (KAD for North/South-South, LAG for South-West/South-East + some Northern states).

Despite these measures, a software update error led to incorrect grading for early test-takers. The root cause of the problem during the exam (April 25–29, 2025), an item-shuffling omission was detected in the LAG system. A patch was applied on April 29, fixing the issue for later candidates, but some pre-patch results were inaccurately processed.

JAMB conducted an immediate audit (instead of the usual June review) due to public outcry. The board admits the error but highlights that 2025 saw the highest top score (374) in 15 years, indicating overall system improvements. JAMB pledges corrective measures but does not specify if affected candidates will have results re-processed. The board reaffirms commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

Summary

JAMB acknowledges technical lapses in the 2025 UTME but defends its rigorous quality checks. The error, primarily affecting Lagos and South-East candidates, has prompted public backlash, but JAMB insists the exam was otherwise a historic success. Further resolutions may be announced after internal reviews.

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria's political opposition has grown increasingly vocal, raising concerns about governance, economic policies, and democratic accountability. With rising inflation, a weakening currency, and widespread public dissatisfaction, opposition parties and groups, particularly the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have intensified their critiques, demanding greater transparency and policy reversals.

Nigeria's opposition has gained momentum due to economic hardship and hyper-inflation hit at 33.2% in March 2024 (NBS), exacerbating public frustration.

Controversial Policies such as the abrupt fuel subsidy removal and floating of the naira triggered economic shocks that have kept millions of Nigerian households hungry.

Even though the Supreme Court have declared some legal victories for the regime, some groups are still questioning some electoral disputes and claims such as the 2023 elections result where PDP's Atiku Abubakar and LP's Peter Obi challenged Tinubu's victory in places like Lagos and Rivers State.

The opposition have resorted to several strategies to press home the need for massive reforms and tacking of graft and inefficiencies in the regime such as legal challenges and ongoing lawsuits questioning Tinubu's eligibility and election integrity.

Street Protests: Labour unions and civil society groups have organized nationwide strikes over economic policies.
Media Campaigns: Opposition leaders leverage social media and traditional press to amplify grievances.

Key Criticisms against the Pres. Tinubu Government

Economic Management
Currency devaluation: Naira Depreciation: The currency fell from ₦460/1(May2023) to ₦1,500/1(May2023) to ₦1,500/1 (May 2024).
Fuel Price Surge: Petrol prices tripled after subsidy removal, increasing transportation and food costs.
Debt Burden: Nigeria's debt rose to ₦97.3 trillion ($65 billion) in Q1 2024 (DMO).

Security challenges remain albeit getting worst, like the persistent Insurgency such as the Boko Haram and bandit attacks that continues in the North.
Kidnapping Epidemic: Mass abductions in schools and highways remain rampant.

Appointment Controversies: Critics accuse Tinubu of favoring Lagos allies and family members in key positions. A clear case of allegations of nepotism & lack of transparency
Missing Audit Reports: The government has delayed releasing audits of subsidy payments and security budgets.

Public Sentiment and Opposition Momentum

Recent Polls: An Afrobarometer survey (2024) found 72% of Nigerians believe the country is "going in the wrong direction."
Protests: The NLC and TUC have staged multiple strikes over minimum wage and living costs.
Youth Mobilization: Social media movements like #EndTinubuProtests reflect growing discontent among young Nigerians.

Independent media have exposed corruption scandals, including fraudulent oil subsidy claims.
Government Pushback: Journalists face harassment, with cases of arbitrary detention abounds and in many cases without trials or deliberately cosmetic-staged trials.

Need for More Scrutiny: Deeper investigations into security spending, debt management, and political appointments are crucial.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Opposition

Opposition Unity: NGO's taking the 4th realm and opposition political groups building and forming a strategic alliance to present a stronger front.
Policy Alternatives: Beyond criticism, opposition parties must propose concrete economic solutions.
Judicial & Legislative Oversight: The National Assembly and courts must ensure executive accountability.
Media Protection: Laws safeguarding press freedom are needed to ensure robust scrutiny.
Public Mobilization: Civil society should sustain pressure through protests, petitions, and voter education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nigeria's opposition is gaining traction, but systemic challenges and economic instability, security threats, and weak institutions requires more than rhetoric. Stronger investigative journalism, opposition cohesion, and public engagement are essential to ensuring that the Pres. Tinubu administration delivers on its promises or faces electoral consequences in 2027.