Metro
Romance scam: Two US-based Nigerians face 40-year jail term

Two Nigerian nationals, Olutayo Sunday Ogunlaja, 39, and Abel Adeyi Daramola, 37, each face up to 20 years in a United States prison after being convicted by a federal jury for orchestrating a $560,000 romance scam.
In a statement released on Monday evening and obtained by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, the US Attorney, Alexander Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, revealed through the Department of Justice that the Nigerian pair was convicted of perpetrating the scam following a four-day trial and under three hours of jury deliberation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the two Nigerian nationals, in partnership with other accomplices, initiated a scheme in January 2016, using a fabricated identity, “Glenn Brown,” on the dating website, eHarmony.com.
Prosecutors revealed that the fraudulent profile was later used to establish a romantic relationship with a victim in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Along with other accomplices, the defendants allegedly obtained thousands of the US dollars from the victim.
The statement said, “Throughout the fraud, the victim was led to believe that their financial assistance was necessary for ‘Glenn Brown’ to complete a purported construction project in Malaysia and return safely to the United States.
“The victim sent approximately $560,000 to various accounts in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia between January 2016 and April 2017.
“On September 27, 2016, the victim wired approximately $28,000 to a Woodforest Bank account in the name of Daramola Cars, as instructed by the fraudulent “Glenn Brown” persona. Daramola subsequently wired $18,000 to a seafood importer in Denmark and issued a check (cheque) for $14,000.”
Although Daramola was said to have denied involvement in the romance scheme, a statement from the FBI Albuquerque Field Office revealed that text and WhatsApp messages on his phone exposed his role in supplying bank accounts for the multiple fraud schemes.
The statement highlighted that Ogunlaja’s involvement included using his Bank of America account “for receiving fraudulent funds.”
It was noted that “Glenn Brown” specifically instructed the victim to deposit $20,000 in cash into Ogunlaja’s account on March 9 and March 15, 2016.
After receiving the deposits from the victim, Ogunlaja was said to have made several cash withdrawals and transferred them to Daramola’s account.
A report by PUNCH Metro on November 26, 2024, detailed how two other Nigerians, Anthony Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, were sentenced by a US federal jury to a combined 30-year prison term for defrauding US citizens of $3,500,000.
The convicted individuals were said to have deceived their victims by claiming they had received large inheritances that required a fee to access.
Metro
Police arrest herbalist over death, mutilation of 11-year-old in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a Herbalist identified as Murtala Musa, over the death and mutilation of an 11-year-old boy in Kodomun village, Demsa Local Government Area.
SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, Police Public Relations Officer in a statement said the incident was reported to the police in Demsa on the 13th of April, 2025, by the Village Head of Kodomun and one Fancy Alifas, the Mother of their Victim.
“She reported that her son, Yangapwa David, aged 11, was taken to the said herbalist for treatment but unfortunately died while in his custody.”
According to her, arrangements were made to convey the body home, during which time the corpse was left in the herbalist’s room.
Shockingly, upon her return, she discovered that her son’s left eye had been removed.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly visited the scene and arrested the suspect.”
The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, *CP Dankombo Morris assured members of the public that the Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served.
The suspect remains in custody as the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, has been detailed to conduct a discreet investigation.
Metro
Mob kills man over suspected dog theft in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the death of a man identified simply as Peter, who was killed by a mob in Bauchi metropolis over allegations of dog theft.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakili.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on April 9, 2025, and involved a mob assault on two individuals accused of stealing a dog.
Wakili said the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into what he described as an “egregious act of jungle justice.”
The second victim, identified as Dokagk Danladi, aged 38, was also attacked by a group of youths in a secluded area behind Lushi. He sustained severe machete wounds to the head and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Peter, whose surname is yet to be identified, was found at the scene and was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area has led a team of detectives to the crime scene to gather evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CP Aliyu condemned the act, describing it as barbaric and a threat to the nation’s legal framework. He warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
“No individual has the authority to brutalize a suspect. Anyone apprehended for any alleged crime should be handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution,” the Commissioner stated.
He appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing relevant information that could aid the investigation.
“The Command is resolute in its pursuit of justice and is committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous act are brought to book,” Aliyu added.
Metro
Pastor sentenced to 15 years in jail for raping member under pretense of conducting deliverance

A 42-year-old Limpopo Pastor identified as Thabiso Victor Mongatane bagged 15-year jail term for r@ping a 25-year-old woman under the guise of offering her spiritual deliverance.
The Mahwelereng Regional Court, South Africa handed down the sentence for the 2022 r@pe that took place in Masodi village.
According to Limpopo Police Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Mongatane exploited his position of trust and manipulated the woman into believing she was suffering from a condition that required spiritual intervention.
The incident dates back to March 2022 when the victim’s mother became ill and Mongatane was recommended by a relative to assist with her healing.
The victim brought her mother to Mongatane’s premises where he conducted what was described as spiritual treatment.
Several months later, on September 4, Mongatane prophesied over the young woman and instructed her to return two days later for further intervention related to so-called “obstacles” in her life.
On September 7, the woman complied and returned to Mongatane’s premises.
Ledwaba explained that Mongatane instructed the woman to undress and cover herself for steaming as part of the ritual.
After leaving her briefly, he returned and told her not to get dressed as he wished to continue the treatment. It was during this session that Mongatane raped her.
The victim later opened a r@pe case at her local police station. The case was taken over by the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, with Sergeant Lesetja Langa leading the investigation.
Mongatane was arrested on March 28, 2024, and initially released on R1,000 bail before being convicted and sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the investigative team for their thorough work and welcomed the conviction, calling it a victory for justice and a message to others who exploit positions of trust.
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