Ahmed Bola Tinubu Appoints Hamza Al-Mustapha as the New Commander of NSCDC
Introduction:
In a surprising turn of events, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has made a significant appointment by choosing Hamza Al-Mustapha as the new commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). This decision, reported by The Guardian, has sparked discussions and speculation about Tinubu’s motives and the potential impact on the country’s security landscape.
Background:
Hamza Al-Mustapha rose to prominence during his tenure as the Chief Security Officer to late General Sani Abacha, a former military dictator in Nigeria. His name became synonymous with controversy due to his alleged involvement in various human rights abuses and political repression during that era. Al-Mustapha was eventually prosecuted for the murder of Kudirat Abiola, the wife of pro-democracy activist Moshood Abiola, and served time in prison before his controversial acquittal in 2013.
Tinubu’s Appointment:
Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Al-Mustapha as the commander of NSCDC has raised eyebrows and generated mixed reactions amongst Nigerians. Some individuals perceive the appointment as a strategic move by Tinubu to solidify his political influence, leveraging Al-Mustapha’s controversial reputation and extensive security background. Others view it as a shocking and questionable decision, considering Al-Mustapha’s past associations and allegations of human rights abuses.
The Controversy:
The appointment of a figure with such a contentious past as the head of a security agency has naturally fueled concerns and criticisms. Many argue that it undermines the principles of accountability, transparency, and the promotion of human rights that are crucial for effective governance. Critics worry that Al-Mustapha’s appointment may embolden security forces to act with impunity, as well as create a sense of fear and intimidation among citizens.
Implications for National Security:
The potential consequences of this appointment on national security cannot be underestimated. The NSCDC plays a vital role in safeguarding the country’s critical infrastructure, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the overall safety of Nigerians. Consequently, it is essential to scrutinize whether Al-Mustapha’s controversial background aligns with the values and objectives of the NSCDC.
Looking Ahead:
As Nigerians react to this surprising appointment, it remains to be seen how Al-Mustapha will contribute to the NSCDC and address the security challenges facing the nation. The public will closely monitor his actions and decisions, holding him accountable for his conduct and the agency’s performance. Additionally, Tinubu’s motives in making this appointment are likely to face scrutiny, as they may have broader political implications for his own aspirations and the stability of Nigeria’s political landscape.
Conclusion:
Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Hamza Al-Mustapha as the new commander of NSCDC has sparked controversy and debate within Nigerian society. The decision presents a unique challenge, balancing the need for effective security measures with concerns over human rights and accountability. As Nigerians observe Al-Mustapha’s performance in this role, they will undoubtedly be eager to see how he navigates this complex landscape and contributes to the overall security and well-being of the country.
EFCC names hackers suspected of developing software to defraud Kaduna banks
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Michael Annan Onyemisi before Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna on October 13, 2023, on charges of developing code-named “Bee-Leaf” and “Real-” software. Eve committed fraud. ” The amount of First City Monument Bank Plc is 17,785,010.75 Naira (17.785 million Naira and Seventy Five Naira only).
Onimisi is accused of developing software to defeat bank security measures in order to defraud banks. He was tried on six counts of wire fraud and money laundering.
One of the charges is that “you, Michael Annan Onyemisi, sometime in June 2023, directly withheld N17, 785,010.75 (one thousand seventeen million, one thousand seventeen million) in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court One thousand one hundred and eighty-five). One thousand and one hundred naira 75 kobo) of Sh City Monument Bank Plc and you are aware that these funds constitute a contravention of Section 18(2) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Prohibition of Money Laundering Act)( d ) Act 2022 and may be punished under section 18(3) of the law.”
He pleaded not guilty to six charges when the suspects read them to him.
In light of the defendant’s guilty plea, prosecution counsel N. Salili set a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional center pending the start of the trial.
Meanwhile, defense lawyer Rabe Mohammed told the court that he had applied for bail. Salil objected and asked for more time to study and respond.
After hearing the lawyer’s defense, Judge Aikawa subsequently postponed the case to October 19, 2023 to hold a hearing on the bail application, and the trial began on December 6, 2023.
He also ordered that the accused be remanded in custody at the Nigeria Correctional Center in Kaduna.
The trouble started when the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC received a petition filed on June 23, 2023 by First City Monument Bank Plc, accusing the defendants, the sole owners of Ohoiza Crafts, of hacking into the banking system and committing fraud. Withdrawal method: 17,785,010.75 Naira. Withdraw from bank account and transfer to his account.
Forex trader, two others jailed for Ilorin cyber fraud
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has convicted a 26-year-old foreign exchange trader, Kolawole Temidayo Joshua, and two others for crimes bordering on cyber fraud.
The other two are Abdullah Ishaq and Daniel Roland Augie.
CONVICTED: Joshua, Isiak and Orji were arraigned on one count before Justice Maha Mahmoud Abdul Ghaffar at Kwara State Secondary School, Ilorin on Monday, October 10, 2023.
The charges against Joshua are as follows: “You, Kolawole Temidayo Joshua, some time between April and May 2023, before the Judicial Division of the Ilorin High Court, when you impersonated Mia Phillips , committed fraud by impersonating: denisfranptonfm85@gmail. He urged Daniel Murphy, also known as Wagba Wealth and Danny, to pay a total of $400 (Four Hundred Dollars) via gift cards, thereby violating the Criminal Code and “may be liable for an offence.” punished for the offense under Article 321 of the Penal Code”. According to Section 324 of the Penal Code. ”
They admitted the charges against them, prompting the court to postpone the trial.
During the hearing that resumed on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, EFCC lawyers Muinat Bello and Isabelle Adeniran presented evidence as they reviewed the facts of the case, including phone calls, extrajudicial statements and compensation brought by the defendants, which were in evidence. Subsequently, they requested the court to convict and sentence them in accordance with the law.
Judge Abdul Ghaffar later convicted and sentenced them. Joshua was sentenced to six months in prison with the option of a fine of 500,000 naira (just $500,000), and the federal government was ordered to forfeit an iPhone 12 and $200 ($200).
The court also sentenced Isiak to six months in prison, suspended, and ordered that the iPhone 12 Promax he used as a tool in the crime be forfeited to the federal government.
Likewise, Judge Abdul Ghaffar sentenced Orji to six months in prison with an option to pay a fine of N150,000 (just one hundred and fifty thousand naira) and confiscate his iPhone 6 and US$250 (approximately $250). ). federal government.
The criminals were arrested by operatives of the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Command on suspicion of cybercrime and were later admitted to the Correctional Centre. They were taken to court and convicted.
