HUSH PUPPI STEALS OVER $400,000 BY SCAMMING US GOVERNMENT, CITIZENS FROM INSIDE AMERICAN PRISON — JOURNALIST CLAIMS, CITING NEW COURT DOCUMENT

A few years ago, the internet was awash with news that popular Gucci millionaire and Instagram influencer Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, was arrested in the UAE for fraud and extradited to the US.

Well, he’s at it again. This time, right behind bars. US prosecutors presented documents before the United States District Court of California on Wednesday with fresh evidence indicting Hushpuppi of committing fraud and money laundering in a US federal correctional facility.

In court documents obtained from the US Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Central District of California, Hushpuppi, while in a US federal correctional facility, participated in the purchase and laundering of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) debit cards fraudulently obtained from compromised data of US citizens and residents.

EIPs are financial support offered by the US government to residents according to the CARES Act. It is also called stimulus package or stimulus check. One of the ways eligible US residents obtain their EIP is by debit cards. From the documents presented in court, it was found that hackers use data of US residents to file and obtain those debit cards. They sell off these EIP cards in underground marketplaces to other cybercriminals.

US prosecutors said Hushpuppi’s recent frequent internet usage triggered a red flag and they monitored and recorded his internet activity. The court document read:

Security alerts on Abbas’ activities

• Inmates in correctional facilities across the US are allowed certain activities which includes access to phone calls, video calls, the internet, and computers with limited and regulated usage
• Inmates have constitutional rights to their privacy. Phone calls from correctional facilities by inmates are not recorded except when necessary and a warrant is obtained for this purpose. Inmates’ internet activities are not logged or recorded except when necessary and a warrant is obtained for this purpose.
• Abbas was also allowed these privileges like every other inmate.
• Between 28th January 2022 and 4th March 2022, security officers at the US Federal correctional facility, Central District of California, observed more frequent usage of the internet by Abbas. With the knowledge that the crimes Abbas committed which he is being charged for are all internet related crimes, security officers were concerned and informed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• On 7th March 2022, investigators obtained a federal search warrant, issued by Central District of California, to monitor and record Abbas’ internet activities.
• Security officers at the US Federal correctional facility, Central District of California, were instructed to setup a dedicated computer for Abbas. Any time Abbas requests for access to the internet, he should be given that dedicated computer. Only Abbas should be given that computer.
• From 7th March 2022 to 13th March 2022, investigators monitored and recorded Abbas’ internet activities. In this period, he requested internet access daily. He spent an average of 55 minutes for each session.
• During this period, we found out that Abbas was actively buying Economic Impact Payments debit cards from an underground cybercriminal marketplace where hackers sell EIP debit cards for Bitcoins.

The document went further to detail their shocking findings while recording Hushpuppi’s activities

EIP debit cards purchase and money laundering

• Investigators found out that Abbas uses an underground cybercriminal marketplace for hackers to sell EIP debit cards for Bitcoins.
• On the marketplace, hackers listed EIP debit cards with different balances. Investigators found EIP debit cards with $1,400 balance to as high as $8,000. These EIP cards were applied for by hackers using compromised and stolen data of US citizens and residents.
• Investigators found out that criminals can order a virtual option of EIP debit cards and receive it instantly. They use this for online purchases. Criminals can also order for the plastic version of EIP debit cards and they receive it to their mail address.
• Abbas bought between seven to 10 EIP debit cards daily for the period he was recorded. He purchased a total of 58 EIP debit cards in this period, with a total value of $429,800.
• Of the 58 EIP debit cards, Abbas chose the virtual card option for 36 EIP cards and he selected the plastic physical card option for 22 EIP cards.
• Abbas was in constant communication with one AJ. Abbas sent all the cards he bought from the marketplace to AJ. Abbas gave instructions to AJ on what to shop online. He gave instructions on what to do with the purchased items. Abbas also gave instructions on cash withdrawal from ATMs with the plastic cards.

In the document, the prosecutors mentioned Hushpuppi was constantly buying high-end gadgets such as iPhones, gaming consoles, MacBooks and iPads through his primary contact AJ. Investigators could not ascertain the total proceeds Hushpuppi has laundered from this fraud. Their recorded evidence was for a total of $429,800.

US prosecutors said they are on a mission to unmask the identity of Abbas’ accomplice AJ. They said they are also working with relevant authorities and bodies to take down the underground cybercriminal marketplace.

This story was written by journalist, Mathilde Salomé Bonnet

TYSON FURY KNOCKS OUT DEONTAY WILDER

The Gypsy King, Tyson Fury has retained his WBC heavyweight boxing crown on Saturday with a dramatic 11th round knockout of Deontay Wilder.

The much awaited fight started at about 4:00am WAT with Deontay Wilder, the challenger approaching the ring first in his mask and beaded regalia. The Defending champion, Tyson Fury was seen later with his knighthood costume beftting of a champion.

In a stunning battle that saw both fighters floored on multiple occasions, Tyson Fury was able to finish stronger with a knockout to put Wilder down via a powerful right hook on the 11th round. 

The event happened at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES 200% PAY RISE FOR NIMC STAFF, NEW CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

    President Muhammadu  Buhari

*Male staff to enjoy paternity leave

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a 200 per cent pay rise and an enhanced conditions of service for the staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Male employees of the agency are now to enjoy paternity leave under the new conditions of service.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, officially conveyed the approvals to both the Chairman, Governing Board of NIMC, Bello Gwandu and its Director General, Aliyu Aziz.

Pantami said the new salary scale was 200 per cent of the total personnel cost of NIMC, which raises the total cost of the agency from about N5.3 billion to N16.7 billion per annum.

He said: “We now have a new condition of service and salary scale approved by Mr. President for the National Identity Management Commission. This new condition of service and salary scale increases with over 200 per cent the total NIMC personnel cost, a significant departure from what is currently obtainable.”

“The NIMC Condition of Service is a comprehensive document that going forward, would serve, as the machinery through which the Commission articulates and implements its personnel policies and programmes,” the minister said.

According to him, the NIMC plays a critical role that impacts the life of every Nigerian.

He said in the light of the foregoing, it was imperative that the vibrant NIMC staff who are tasked with managing one of the nation’s most sensitive and critical asset are provided with the enabling environment to play this pivotal role efficiently and effectively.

According to him, securing a N25 billion approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for NIMC to upgrade its infrastructure led to the rapid increase in the number of enrolments from 41 million to over 60 million in less than a year.

“Securing the N25 billion Federal Executive Council Approval for upgrade and replacement of the NIMC Identity Infrastructure, and the implementation of novel initiatives that has increased the registration of persons to over 62 million on the NIDB,” he added.

The Chairman, Governing Board NIMC, Bello Gwandu, the Director General NIMC, Aliyu Aziz, praised the president and minister for approving this new salary scale and new conditions of service.

The Legal Adviser, NIMC, Hadiza Dagabana stated that in the newly approved conditions of service, NIMC male staff are to enjoy paternity leave, adding that staff on Grade Level 14 and below are getting 70 per cent allowance of their salaries.

NIGERIAN MILITARY REACTS TO PORT HARCOURT -- BONNY CHOPPER ATTACK

The Nigerian military says the report by some print and online media saying that “the military fired at a cargo boat conveying people and foodstuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny is false and calls to question the credibility of the news medium.

In a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Benjamin Sawyer said, contrary to the report, the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, (OPD) received reports from ground troops who were on clearance operations but encountered resistance. On receiving the report, a combat helicopter was despatched to provide a close air support mission along the Cawthorne Channel.

The helicopter encountered an illegal bunkerers’ boat popularly called “Cotonou Boat”. The boat which was being escorted by 2 speedboats was suspected to be carrying illegally refined oil products in large drums along the Channel in the direction of OPDS patrol boats.

On sighting the boat, warning shots were fired to dissuade the crew from hostile action. The crew fired back at the helicopter and the boat was engaged accordingly. The 2 speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the “Cotonou Boat” which was neutralised. The helicopter later went after the 2 speedboats but was unable to get them.

The suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them. 

The statement added that the military remains a professional institution that operates in line with best practices, through the application of the rule of engagement and code of conduct. It is also positioned to protect the populace, rather than victimize their efforts by anyone to protect criminality, by disparaging the actions of the military in preventing economic sabotage and other sundry crimes that need to be condemned by all.

The general public is therefore enjoined to disregard the report and continue to provide accurate information to troops, that will lead to the attainment of their operational mandate of safeguarding lives, property as well as government assets in the South-South region.

TENSION BREWS AS NORTHERNERS PLAN TO TURBAN SULTAN OF SHUWA ARAB OF EDO

     Gov Obaseki

Tension rose in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Thursday over plans by some northerners to turban a Sultan of  Shuwa Arabs of Edo.

The Shuwa Arabs ethnic group from Borno, in the plan, pencilled Idris Addano as the Sultan of Shuwa Arab of the entire Edo State, who will be receiving homage from citizens from his ethnic group dwelling in Edo State.

The widely circulated invitation for the coronation ceremony slated the coronation to hold on Saturday, 21 August 2021, at Rialto Hotel, Eyaen, a suburb of Benin City, owned by a Duke in Benin Kingdom, Osazuwa Iduriase, the Enogie of Enyean.

The invitation provoked many prominent Benin youths to react on Facebook, condemning the planned coronation of a Sultan within the Kingdom.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that unknown to many in the state, the Shehu of Borno, had on August 4 this year, turbaned Addano and gave him the same title.

The planned event is for Addano  to establish the authority given to him in Borno as the leader of the Shuwa Arabs community in Edo State

Reacting to the development, the President of Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM), Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, said Benin indigenes would do whatever it would take to resist what he described as “evil act” by persons who are bent on fomenting trouble.

“This will never happen in Benin Kingdom, we are Benin,” Ugbo added.

The Coordinator-General of Great Benin Descendants (GBD), Imasuen Izoduwa,  on his part said the organisation would meet and lock up the hotel-venue of the coronation, for allowing “such nonsense” in the land”.

“We will meet later today so we can lock up that hotel by tomorrow or next for allowing such nonsense in our land. Enough is enough, I will no longer take any of this in our Kingdom,” he said.

Comrade Amos Ehinomen Uagbor said: “Is this obtainable elsewhere? We should now have oba and Sultan in Edo State? In fact, the venue should be sealed”.

Efforts to reach mobile phones numbers on the card for a reaction failed,as calls made to them failed to connect.

Also, Iduriase, the owner of the proposed hotel for the coronation has also distanced himself from the event.

PIB: PETROL PRICE REMAINS N162 PAR LITRE, COOKING GAS PRICES TO DROP – FG

The price of petrol will still sell at between N162 and N165 per litre despite the signing of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law, the Federal Government has said.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assented to the PIB passed by the National Assembly in July.

The assent gives legal backing to full deregulation which means oil marketers would now have the power to fix prices based on market forces.

But the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva on Tuesday said fuel price still remains N162 per litre as there would be no immediate implementation of the aspect that covers fuel price deregulation.

“No fuel price increase, at least, for now. We are not starting the implementation of that aspect (deregulation) now. We would do that only when we have put many things in place to cushion the effects on Nigerians,’’ Sylva said.

The minister admitted that full deregulation would cause hardship and sufferings for Nigerians, but he said “that is the best thing to do.’’

He said the Governors’ Forum was agitating for full deregulation because they knew that was the only way they could get more allocations for capital projects.

He said continuing to subsidize fuel price in the country was “like cutting our faces to spite our noses”.

On the 3% host communities' fund in the PIA, Sylva said that is the fairest rate to every stakeholder.

He said giving more than 3% as host communities' fund would scare away investors.

He said the National Assembly and other stakeholders settled for 3 % for Host Communities Fund because that is what will attract more investments into the oil producing areas.

“Everything was weighed before 3% was settled on. It is in our collective interest. If we put the fund at 10%, the oil companies will only add it to their operational cost and that consequence would come back to the country,’’ the minister said.

Out of $50bn oil and gas investments that came to Africa last year, the minister disclosed that only $3bn came to Nigeria because foreign investors weren’t so sure of the investment climate in the country.

On the hike in prices of cooking gas, Sylva said the Federal Government would meet with gas suppliers in the country to know why the increase and find ways to bring the prices down. 

FGN INCREASES COST OF VEHICLE NUMBER PLATES, DRIVER'S LICENCE RATES BY 50%

~Nigerians will now pay N18,750 for standard private and commercial number plates against the old rate of N12,500.

Nigerian vehicle number plates/Drivers license

The Federal Government (FG) has commenced the implementation of new rates for vehicle number plates and driving licence across the country.

According to the Joint Tax Board, Nigerians will now pay N18,750 for standard private and commercial number plates against the old rate of N12,500.

Fancy number plate which was N80,000 is now N200,000; motorcycle number plate is N5,000 from N3,000 while articulated number plates (three plates) attract N30,000 from N20,000. For these rates, the minimum increase is 50 per cent.

Out of series number plate has also been revised to N50,000 from N40,000 while government fancy number plate is N20,000 against the former N15,000 rate.

Driving licence (three years) was raised to N10,000 from N6,000, excluding bank charges; licence for five years is N15,000 from N10,000 while motorcycle/tricycle driving licence (three years) goes for N5,000 from N3,000 while the one for five years attracts N8,000 from N5,000.

The decision was taken at the 147th meeting of the JTB, which held in Kaduna on March 25.

A letter by the JTB titled ‘Implementation of the revised rates for vehicles number plates and driver’s licence in Nigeria’, dated July 30, 2021 and signed by the board secretary, Obomeghfe Nana-Aisha, directed various federal and state agencies to commence the implementation of the rates.

Members of the JTB established by section 86 (1) of the Personal Income Tax Act cap. P8 LFN 2004, include the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service as the chairman of the board; one member from each state and representatives of the Federal Road Safety Commission; Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission; Federal Capital Territory Administration; Federal Ministry of Finance; and Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The letter read, “You may wish to recall that at the 147th meeting of the Joint Tax Board held in Kaduna, Kaduna State on March 25, 2021, the board approved revised rates for the sale of vehicle number plates and driving licence in line with the recommendations of Appraisal and Technical Committee of the JTB.

“In the light of the foregoing, we wish to inform you that the Chairman, JTB, has approved Thursday, August 1, 2021, as the commencement date for the implementation of the new rates.”

Meanwhile, the FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, has dismissed a report circulating on social media that the agency was behind the hike, noting that the FRSC was not a revenue generating agency.

He also described as incorrect the report that the standard number plate was N55, 000.