Expansion of Internet Service Providers in Nigeria: Six New Licenses Granted by NCC

Mompha Denounces EFCC Over Alleged Link to Fraud Case

Prominent businessman Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, has publicly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for implicating him in the prosecution of Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi. The EFCC had identified Babafemi as an associate of Mompha in its recent statement regarding the case.

Details of the Charges Against Babafemi

The EFCC revealed that Babafemi, along with his companies-606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited-faces a five-count indictment. The charges include conspiracy, concealment, and the transfer of illicit funds amounting to ₦206 million (Two Hundred and Six Million Naira). These allegations violate Section 332(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2011, with penalties outlined under Section 332(3) of the same statute.

Court Proceedings and Legal Representation

During the hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi, Babafemi entered a plea of “not guilty.” Following this, the prosecution, led by Ayanfe Ogunsina, requested the court to schedule a trial date and recommended that Babafemi be detained at a correctional facility pending trial.

In response, defense lawyer Kunle Adegoke (SAN) informed the court that he had only received the charges the previous day but had already prepared a bail application overnight. He requested that Babafemi be released into his custody, assuring the court of his client’s appearance at the next hearing.

Justice Oshodi approved the bail request, ordering Babafemi’s release to his counsel upon submission of an affidavit of undertaking to ensure his attendance at the subsequent court date. The trial is now set to commence on March 24, 2026.

Specific Allegations Highlighted in the Charges

“Between 2013 and 2018, Sarumi Samusideen Babafemi, as Managing Director and CEO of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited, allegedly conspired with Ismail Mustapha (a.k.a Mompha), Ridwan Momodu Allison (a.k.a Osama), and Richard Ugbah to conceal the origin of funds. He is accused of transferring ₦37,600,000 to Omojadesola Shittu Allison, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe the money was proceeds of unlawful activity.”

“Between 2015 and 2018, Babafemi is further accused of using his companies’ accounts to disguise the source of funds and transferring ₦93,000,000 to Olanrewaju Ibrahim Oriyomi, with knowledge or reasonable suspicion that these funds were illicit.”

Mompha’s Response to the EFCC’s Allegations

Reacting to the EFCC’s statement on Instagram, Mompha vehemently rejected any association with the charges against Babafemi. He condemned the EFCC, labeling it as Nigeria’s most “ineffective and corrupt” government agency. His post reflects ongoing tensions between high-profile individuals and anti-corruption bodies in the country.

Vandalism of Cristiano Ronaldo Statue Sparks Police Investigation in Madeira

Authorities in Portugal have launched a search for an individual who deliberately set fire to a bronze statue of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo on his native island of Madeira. The disturbing incident was captured on video and shared on social media, drawing widespread attention.

Details of the Incident

The perpetrator recorded himself dousing the statue, which commemorates Ronaldo’s illustrious career with clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, with a flammable substance before igniting it. As the flames engulfed the sculpture, the man proceeded to dance energetically to rap music playing from a portable speaker he had brought along.

Social Media Post and Identity

Posting the footage on Instagram under the username zaino.tcc.filipe, the individual described himself as a “person, freestyler and local man.” The caption accompanying the video ominously read, “This is God’s last warning.”

Background of the Statue

The statue, notable for its exaggerated features, was relocated nearly ten years ago by the CR7 Museum after it was previously vandalized, reportedly by supporters of Lionel Messi. Ronaldo, currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, attended the unveiling ceremony in 2014 alongside his family, expressing pride in the tribute. He remarked at the time, “This is a very special moment, to have a statue of me.”

Official Responses and Investigation Status

A spokesperson for the CR7 Museum confirmed that the police are handling the case but declined to provide further details. Meanwhile, a representative from the PSP police force in Funchal revealed to local media that the suspect has been identified and is known to authorities due to previous similar offenses.

Context and Cultural Impact

Incidents of vandalism targeting sports figures’ monuments are not uncommon worldwide. For example, in 2022, a statue of Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires was defaced during a public protest. Such acts often spark debates about respect for cultural icons and the motivations behind these attacks.

Watch the Footage

Below is the video capturing the shocking act of arson on the Ronaldo statue:

Son of Kwara Monarch Freed Following N20 Million Ransom Payment

Olaolu, the son of Oba Simeon Olanipekun, the Oniwo of Afin in Kwara State’s Ifelodun Local Government Area, has been released after being held hostage. The young man, who is currently serving with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), regained his freedom following the payment of a N20 million ransom to his captors.

Details of the Abduction Incident

The kidnapping occurred on December 31, 2025, when armed assailants stormed the palace, abducting both the monarch and his son. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the growing security challenges in the region.

Negotiations and Release

According to a family insider who spoke anonymously to Punch on January 20, 2026, intense negotiations culminated in Olaolu’s release on Monday morning. The source revealed that the prince was dropped off at a herders’ settlement near Oreke in Ifelodun LGA. From there, he was transported to a nearby military base, where authorities were alerted.

Current Condition and Ongoing Crisis

Olaolu is presently receiving medical care at a confidential hospital, recovering from both physical injuries and psychological distress sustained during his captivity. Meanwhile, Oba Simeon Olanipekun remains in the hands of the kidnappers, along with other abducted community members. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded an additional N15 million to secure the monarch’s release.

Context and Broader Security Concerns

This incident underscores the persistent threat of kidnappings in parts of Nigeria, where ransom demands have become a lucrative criminal enterprise. In 2025 alone, the Nigerian Police Force reported a 12% increase in kidnapping cases nationwide, with rural areas like Ifelodun LGA being particularly vulnerable. Similar high-profile abductions have occurred recently, including the 2024 kidnapping of a prominent traditional ruler’s family in neighboring states, which also involved multi-million naira ransom negotiations.

Frustration at Nigerian Embassy in Sweden Over Passport Renewal Delays

A Nigerian woman recently took to social media to express her disappointment with the Nigerian Embassy in Sweden, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by Nigerians seeking passport renewals or new passport issuance at the embassy.

Embassy Visitors Left Disappointed Due to Technical Issues

In a detailed post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the woman recounted her visit to the embassy two days prior for passport renewal services. She revealed that several Nigerians had traveled from various European countries-including Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Finland, and different regions of Sweden-specifically to complete their biometric data capture and passport processing. Unfortunately, embassy staff informed them that they could not proceed because of a lack of “connection with Abuja,” referring to the Nigerian headquarters.

This unexpected technical failure forced all visitors, regardless of whether they had scheduled appointments, to return home without any service. Many had spent significant sums on flights, trains, and ferries, only to be told to come back at an unspecified later date.

Recurring Problems and Impact on Nigerian Citizens Abroad

Several individuals at the embassy shared that this was not an isolated incident but a recurring problem. One man, who had traveled from Finland, was experiencing the same connectivity issue for the second time. Unable to afford another trip, he opted to stay in a hotel rather than return home empty-handed.

The woman lamented the lack of compensation or support for those affected, emphasizing the financial and emotional toll on Nigerian citizens abroad. She also noted that while the ambassador in Sweden was empathetic and personally addressed the crowd, the systemic issues remain unresolved.

From Efficiency to Chaos: The Decline of Embassy Services

Historically, the Nigerian Embassy in Sweden was regarded as one of the most efficient in Europe for passport services, often issuing new passports on the same day. However, since the embassy lost the authority to print passports locally, the process has deteriorated significantly, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

Broader Implications for Nigerian Diplomatic Missions

This incident reflects a broader challenge faced by Nigerian embassies worldwide, where technical and administrative hurdles disrupt essential consular services. According to recent reports, similar connectivity and service issues have been reported in other Nigerian diplomatic missions, affecting thousands of Nigerians living or traveling abroad.

Conclusion: The Need for Improved Consular Services

The experience shared by the Nigerian lady underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian government to enhance the reliability and responsiveness of its embassies. With over 2 million Nigerians living in Europe alone, efficient passport and consular services are critical to maintaining trust and supporting citizens overseas.

Until these systemic issues are addressed, many Nigerians will continue to face unnecessary hardships, including wasted travel expenses and prolonged uncertainty regarding their travel documents.