US jury convicts Nigerian man in $7.5m charity fraud case as DOJ outlines sentence exposure

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December 21, 2025

Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-20 14:20:00

According to The Punch, a Nigerian national, Olusegun Adejorin, was convicted in a US federal court of defrauding two charities of more than $7.5 million, with prosecutors citing wire fraud, identity theft and unauthorised computer access.

The report says the scheme involved compromising email accounts, impersonating staff, and manipulating withdrawal approvals to divert funds to accounts not linked to the charities.

US authorities say Adejorin was extradited from Ghana, and sentencing is expected in 2026, with potential penalties that include lengthy prison terms for multiple counts.

In its press release, the US Department of Justice said the defendant “faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of the five counts of wire fraud.” TheCable also reported the conviction and noted he was found guilty after a six-day trial for “wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and unauthorised access to a protected computer.”

Echotitbits take:
Expect NGOs and payment providers to tighten verification and anti-fraud controls, which can increase friction for legitimate transactions. Watch for sentencing, restitution orders, and whether investigators identify co-conspirators or linked networks.

Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/court-convicts-nigerian-of-7-5m-charity-fraud-in-us/)
The Punch 2025-12-20

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US immigration freeze hits Nigerians as new travel-ban list expands to 19 countries

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 21, 2025

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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons — Flag of the United States
2025-12-20 11:10:00

In a report published by The Punch, a US official said the Trump administration has directed USCIS to suspend green card and citizenship applications for nationals of newly added countries on an expanded travel-ban list, including Nigeria.

The development is tied to a security-driven review of screening and vetting, with affected applicants facing uncertainty over processing timelines and eligibility across immigration categories.

For Nigerian families, students and professionals, the immediate impact is a backlog effect—cases already in the pipeline may slow as adjudications are paused or subjected to heightened scrutiny.

NPR reported USCIS would pause reviewing pending applications for green cards, citizenship, or asylum for immigrants from the listed countries, noting it “would pause reviewing all pending applications.” Reuters also reported the policy shift as part of a broader tightening, describing it as a “pause” tied to national security screening.

Echotitbits take:
Diaspora communities should expect rapidly evolving guidance. Watch for official USCIS notices, legal challenges, and any changes to country lists or categories—plus what US consulates communicate about downstream impacts.

Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/full-list-us-stops-nigerians-others-from-applying-for-green-card-citizenship/)
The Punch 2025-12-20

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EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 21, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-21 00:40:00

Reporting by The Punch indicates the EFCC’s probe into alleged mismanagement of billions allocated to state refinery rehabilitation remains unresolved months after invitations and reported recoveries, with no suspects arraigned.

The report says investigators are looking at how funds for Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries were spent without commensurate improvements in output, as civil society groups warn delays deepen perceptions of selective enforcement.

In the piece, advocacy groups argue prolonged silence can weaken public confidence and create room for interference, while the economic cost of non-performing refineries remains a recurring policy sore point.

BusinessDay reported the EFCC opened investigations into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation tied to refinery funds, describing it as “an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.” The Punch also quoted an anti-corruption advocate urging action, saying, “It baffles us that nothing has been heard from the EFCC after over six months.”

Echotitbits take:
The credibility marker is court action: charges filed, defendants named, and a clear recovery/prosecution track. Watch for any formal arraignments, asset recovery disclosures, and whether NNPCL’s governance reforms alter how such projects are procured and audited.

Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-refinery-probe-drags-as-efcc-keeps-mum-on-suspects/)
The Punch 2025-12-21

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Nigeria’s gas supply rises in November as regulator cites higher plant utilisation

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 21, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-14 00:10:00

According to The Punch, Nigeria’s average daily gas supply climbed to 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day in November 2025, up from October levels, based on operational data released by the NMDPRA.

The regulator attributed the improvement to higher utilisation across major processing hubs and steadier volumes, including export supply from Nigeria LNG in Bonny.

Rising gas supply can support power generation and industrial activity, but sustained gains will depend on infrastructure reliability and getting gas to priority domestic users.

MoneyCentral reported the factsheet shows domestic gas supply “hit 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscf/day).” The Punch similarly stated the figure was “4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day” for November.

Echotitbits take:
The next test is whether higher volumes translate into better electricity and industrial output—not just export stability. Watch monthly NMDPRA data, NLNG feedgas stability, and any pipeline constraint updates.

Source: The Punch — December 14, 2025 (https://punchng.com/gas-supply-improved-in-nov-says-nmdpra/)
The Punch 2025-12-14

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CBN tightens rules for foreign-card withdrawals as banks told to enable seamless use

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 21, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-21 06:45:00

Figures cited by The Nation show the Central Bank of Nigeria has directed banks and non-bank acquirers to configure ATMs, POS and virtual terminals to accept foreign-issued cards while applying stronger authentication above set thresholds.

The circular instructs institutions to implement multi-factor authentication for foreign card withdrawals and online transactions above $200 per day, $500 per week, and $1,000 per month, and to maintain high system availability for smoother processing.

Banks are also told to clearly disclose exchange rates and charges before completing transactions, and to strengthen transaction monitoring and KYC/AML controls for merchants handling foreign card payments.

Premium Times reported the circular requires institutions to ensure terminals are configured to accept international cards and maintain availability to avoid failures, noting users should be shown terms before completion. Vanguard quoted the CBN directive: “implement multi-factor authentication for all withdrawals and online transactions exceeding $200 per day, $500 per week, and $1,000 per month.”

Echotitbits take:
For diaspora visitors and tourists, this could reduce declined transactions—if banks implement it cleanly. Watch for short-term disruption (higher declines during recalibration), plus how quickly institutions standardise FX rate disclosures and complaint-resolution timelines.

Source: The Nation — December 21, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/cbn-asks-banks-to-configure-atms-pos-terminals-for-foreign-card-transactions/)
The Nation 2025-12-21

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Reps set up committee to verify alleged changes in Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 21, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch

2025-12-18 10:00:00

In an update published by Vanguard, Nigeria’s House of Representatives has constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee to examine allegations that gazetted tax laws differ from versions passed by lawmakers.

The House says the issue goes to legislative integrity and public confidence, since agencies and taxpayers rely on gazetted texts for implementation and compliance.

Committee members are expected to review records including Votes and Proceedings, harmonised versions adopted by both chambers, and the gazetted copies now in circulation.

Premium Times reported the House was reacting to claims the gazetted laws “did not reflect what the National Assembly debated and approved.” Vanguard quoted the lawmaker who raised the issue saying, “I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different.”

Echotitbits take:
If the committee confirms discrepancies, expect calls for corrections before full implementation to avoid litigation and compliance confusion. Watch for the committee’s report, any official certified copies, and whether timelines for rollout shift.

Source: Vanguard — December 18, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/reps-constitute-committee-to-probe-alleged-alterations-in-tax-laws/)
Vanguard 2025-12-18

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Presidency dismisses calls to pause new tax reforms as political backlash grows

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 21, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch

2025-12-18 05:55:00

Reporting by The Punch indicates the Presidency has rejected demands to suspend Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws, insisting implementation will proceed from January 1, 2026.

Officials argue the reforms are meant to simplify compliance, reduce overlapping taxes, and modernise revenue collection. Critics, however, warn the changes could worsen hardship if rollout is rushed or unclear.

The debate has intensified amid claims by some lawmakers that the gazetted copies differ from what the National Assembly approved—an allegation that could raise legal questions and slow compliance.

Premium Times reported Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced an ad hoc committee, stating, “I’m happy to announce to you that the following members have been appointed to the committee.” Vanguard also quoted a lawmaker complaining, “I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different.”

Echotitbits take:
The policy risk is less about headlines and more about trust: investors and taxpayers need certainty on the final text. Watch for certified copies, a clear implementation guide, and whether the legislature confirms (or disputes) the gazetted versions before take-off.

Source: The Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fresh-storm-brews-over-new-tax-law/)
The Punch 2025-12-18

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FIRS Abuja office fire contained as agency begins investigation

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 21, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-21 00:05:00

According to The Punch, a fire incident affected one of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) offices in Wuse, Abuja, with officials saying there were no fatalities and the blaze was contained.

FIRS said security personnel on duty responded quickly, supported by the FCT Fire Service and other emergency responders, preventing the flames from spreading to other parts of the building.

The agency added that while some offices on the impacted floor were damaged, work to review safety protocols is underway as investigators determine what caused the outbreak.

TheCable also reported the fire was contained and quoted FIRS’ statement that “no life was lost in the incident.” In a separate update, Punch quoted the agency saying preliminary findings point to “a possible electrical fault” as the likely cause.

Echotitbits take:
Even without casualties, any disruption at a key revenue agency invites scrutiny. Watch for an official incident report, confirmation of what infrastructure or records were affected, and any new safety measures rolled out across other FIRS locations.

Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/firs-probes-abuja-office-fire/)
The Punch 2025-12-21

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Tinubu tightens the screws on direct council funding as governors resist

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 20, 2025

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Photo credit: LEADERSHIP Newspapers — Bola Tinubu portrait

2025-12-20 12:00:00

Reporting by Punch indicates President Bola Tinubu is escalating pressure on state governors to stop controlling local government allocations and to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy.

The Presidency’s line is that councils cannot be held accountable for service delivery when states effectively sit on their cash through joint account arrangements and other controls.

The push follows the Supreme Court judgment directing that funds from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments, bypassing state-level bottlenecks.

The dispute has reopened a long-running fiscal federalism fight: governors cite oversight concerns, while reform advocates insist autonomy is impossible without guaranteed access to funds.

BusinessDay also reported the same thrust and quoted Tinubu warning, “If you wait for my Executive Order… I will cut it.”

Vanguard similarly carried the development and quoted him urging states to “give them their money directly.”

Echotitbits take: The next battleground is implementation: FAAC payment routing, audit rules for councils, and whether states respond with legal or political counter-moves. Watch for timelines and any executive directive language that could trigger litigation.

Source: LEADERSHIP Newspapers — December 20, 2025 https://leadership.ng/free-council-funds-embrace-state-police-tinubu-tells-governors/

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Anthony Joshua stops Jake Paul in six as crossover boxing meets heavyweight reality

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 20, 2025

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Photo credit: Punch — Anthony.Joshua

2025-12-20 12:40:00

According to Punch, Anthony Joshua halted Jake Paul in the sixth round in a bout that blended elite boxing pedigree with influencer-era spectacle.

The early rounds were described as cautious, with Joshua reading Paul’s movement before raising the pressure as the fight progressed.

Momentum shifted when Joshua began landing heavier shots, leading to knockdowns before the stoppage sequence in round six.

The outcome reinforces the widening gap between a former heavyweight champion and a social-media star stepping up in size and danger.

Reuters called it a “sixth-round KO” after a slow opening, noting the finish came as Joshua’s pressure intensified.

ESPN reported Joshua “scored four knockdowns” on the way to the stoppage in Miami.

Echotitbits take: If Paul continues chasing elite heavyweights, matchmaking scrutiny will grow—who protects the sport’s integrity vs. who cashes the biggest cheques. For Joshua, the next step is the real story: a legacy fight or a title-path reboot.

Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 https://punchng.com/just-in-anthony-joshua-floors-jake-paul-in-sixth-round-knockout/

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