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Breaking: DSS, Police Arrest 20 Suspects For Hacking 2025 UTME Server

Mary Oluwabamise
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Breaking: DSS, Police Arrest 20 Suspects For Hacking 2025 UTME Server

In a significant crackdown on cybercrime in the country,the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have arrested 20 individuals suspected of hacking into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) servers operated by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Following a coordinated intelligence-led operation,security sources revealed that the arrests were made in Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kano, and Delta states.

The suspects are believed to be part of a larger syndicate of over 100 cybercriminals targeting Nigeria’s key education systems.

Investigations also disclosed that the group allegedly breached the computer systems of not only JAMB but also the National Examinations Council (NECO), compromising the integrity of examination processes and raising concerns over the security of national data.

Preliminary findings shows that the hackers installed malicious software on examination hardware, which granted them remote access to JAMB servers at selected Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, aimed at manipulating examination results and compromising the credibility of the CBT system.

According to security sources, the syndicate’s method involved placing routers close to targeted CBT centres, enabling them to override JAMB’s platforms.

It was gathered that candidates allegedly paid between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million to access exam answers through this illegal network.

The breach reportedly caused discrepancies between questions and answers during the UTME, contributing to widespread complaints about mass failures in the 2025 edition.

Some of the syndicates are owners of private schools and colleges, who were said to have led the hack in a bid to discredit the CBT system, fearing its full adoption by other examination bodies like WAEC and NECO might disrupt their fraudulent dealings.

“The DSS has been quietly tracking this dangerous network of cyber attacks,” a security operative disclosed. “Their aim was to sabotage the credibility of our examination system, but thankfully, their activities have been uncovered.”

Meanwhile, investigations have found no evidence implicating the seven JAMB officials who supervised the compromised centres, though inquiries are ongoing. The arrested suspects are currently in DSS custody in Abuja, with their identities withheld pending formal charges.

A DSS spokesperson assured that all culprits would be prosecuted. “Those found guilty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the official stated.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the security of digital examination systems in Nigeria, with stakeholders urging for urgent reforms and stronger cybersecurity protocols to safeguard future national examinations.

While JAMB is yet to issue an official statement on the development, public calls for accountability and system overhauls have intensified.

Asuu Threatens Nationwide Strike Over 2009 Agreement With FG

Mary Oluwabamise
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Asuu Threatens Nationwide Strike Over 2009 Agreement With FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) called on the Federal Government to honour the long-standing 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or risk a nationwide strike.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna while sounding the note of warning at a press conference in Abuja, emphasized the urgency of the situation,and pointed out that the deteriorating state of Nigerian universities can no longer be ignored.

According to the ASUU President,nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017, highlighting
withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Mr Piwuna also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction,despite promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, revealing that these commitments remain unfulfilled.

He also highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as the Kogi State University and the Lagos State University, adding that
victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale.

On university autonomy, he said political interference compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples, and
warned that universities were becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests,which he described as unacceptable.

The Union further called for a national rebirth through education, saying it was vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.

They proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare to address the challenges facing university education in Nigeria.

“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,”

The Union therefore reaffirmed its commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle.

“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges. We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights.’’

Nigeria’s Most Expensive States: Where Income Faces Toughest Challenge

Enyosa Favour
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Nigeria’s Most Expensive States: Where Income Faces Toughest Challenge

Nigerians face just how tough it is to stay afloat in certain states. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the national inflation rate may have slightly eased to 23.7% in April 2025, but this national average barely tells the full story. Enugu State, for example, now ranks as the most expensive place to live in Nigeria, recording a steep 36.0% annual inflation rate. 

Meanwhile, Benue State stands out for an entirely different reason an eye-watering 51.8% food inflation rate, signaling a severe affordability crisis that’s straining household budgets and access to basic nutrition.

As Nigerians grapple with rising prices, the pressure extends well beyond food. Niger State has seen sharp monthly spikes in all-items inflation, pointing to recent economic shocks from transportation costs to fuel prices and cross-border trade disruptions. The reality on the ground is that while national figures suggest progress, the lived experience varies widely depending on where you call home.

DR Congo Removes Former President’s Immunity To Face Treason Charges

Tosin Onisuuru
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DR Congo Removes Former President’s Immunity To Face Treason Charges

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo has voted to remove the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila, clearing the path for his prosecution over alleged support for rebel groups in the eastern region.

Officials have charged Kabila with treason and war crimes, claiming there is a “substantial body of documents, testimony and material facts” connecting him to the M23 armed group, which has seized control of multiple towns in the mineral-rich eastern part of the country.

Kabila, aged 53, has not responded to the allegations but has previously denied any ties to the insurgents.

On Thursday, nearly 90 senators voted in favor of prosecuting Kabila for treason, with five opposing the motion.

Senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde announced the decision, stating, “The senate authorises the prosecution and lifting of Joseph Kabila’s immunity,” following the vote.

The former president, who governed from 2001 to 2019, did not attend the senate session to defend himself.

After leaving office, Kabila was granted the title of “senator for life,” which had previously provided him with legal immunity.

To proceed with the charges against former President Joseph Kabila, the military prosecutor of the Democratic Republic of Congo requested the Senate to revoke his legal immunity.

For the past two years, Kabila has been residing in South Africa. Early last month, he announced his intention to return to the DRC to contribute to resolving the ongoing conflict in the eastern region.

Weeks later, reports surfaced claiming Kabila had returned and was in Goma, a city under M23 control, though his political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), refuted these claims.

Last month, the government banned the PPRD, citing its “ambiguous attitude” toward the M23’s occupation of Congolese territory.

Justice Minister Mutamba ordered the seizure of Kabila’s assets, stating that the former president should return to the country and “face justice… and present his defence.”

Analysts warn that prosecuting Kabila could exacerbate instability in the DRC, which has been grappling with the M23 rebellion since 2012.

Kabila’s party dismissed the prosecution as “pure theatre” aimed at diverting attention from the country’s pressing challenges, according to AFP news agency.

Kabila, a former military officer, assumed leadership of the DRC in 2001 at age 29, following the assassination of his father, President Laurent Kabila.

Although Kabila initially supported President Tshisekedi’s rise to power, their relationship deteriorated, and their parties’ coalition formally dissolved in December 2020.

Kabila has maintained significant influence through the PPRD and connections within the ruling coalition, potentially challenging Tshisekedi’s presidency.

In 2023, Kabila left the DRC, officially to pursue studies in South Africa.

The conflict between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army, alongside allied militias, persists in the east as the rebels seek to expand their control.

The DRC and Rwanda, which denies supporting the M23, may be nearing a peace agreement to end the conflict, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians in recent months.

Last month, the two nations signed a preliminary peace deal in Washington, agreeing on a roadmap to peace.

In 2024, a military court sentenced three M23 leaders—Corneille Nangaa, Sultani Makenga, and Bertrand Bisimwa—to death in absentia for treason.

In March, the government offered a $5m (£4m) reward for information leading to the arrest of these rebel leaders.

Lagos One Month Rent Plan: Matters Arising 

Enyosa Favour
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Lagos One Month Rent Plan: Matters Arising 

News of a possible one-month rent payment plan in Lagos has caught the attention of many residents across the state. In a city where securing accommodation often requires paying up to two or three years’ rent in advance, the Lagos State Government’s proposal to introduce monthly and quarterly rent options is being seen by many as a practical step toward easing the housing burden for everyday citizens. 

The conversation is gaining momentum on social media, where tenants are sharing personal stories and asking if this plan could truly become a reality.

Still, a major concern remains: will landlords be willing to accept rent in smaller, more frequent installments? In Lagos, where landlords are used to receiving large sums upfront, adjusting to monthly payments may not come easily. 

There are questions about how the government plans to make this work, and whether the policy will apply to existing tenancy agreements or only new ones. As the idea continues to circulate, many Lagosians are hopeful but waiting to see if this proposal will move beyond promises into practical action.

Trump Proposes Tariffs On EU Imports And Apple iPhones.

Olaosun Rebecca
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Trump Proposes Tariffs On EU Imports And Apple iPhones.

US President Donald Trump has announced a proposed 50% tariff on all goods imported from the European Union into the United States.

In a social media post on Friday, he stated, “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!” and declared that the new tariffs would take effect on June 1.

This move intensifies on most EU goods, which he later reduced to 10% until July 8 to allow for negotiations.

Additionally, Trump warned of imposing “at least” a 25% import tax on iPhones not produced in the United States.

“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump said.

“If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”

Since returning to the White House, President Trump has implemented and proposed multiple tariffs on nations worldwide, viewing them as a strategy to enhance US manufacturing and safeguard jobs from foreign competition.

A tariff is a domestic tax applied to goods entering a country, calculated based on the import’s value and paid by the importing business.

The possibility of increased tariffs on US imports has alarmed many global leaders, as it will raise costs and complicate efforts for businesses to sell goods in the world’s largest economy.

On Friday, Trump said the EU had been “very difficult to deal with”.

“Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025,” he added.

Trump said there would be no tariff charged if the product was “built or manufactured in the United States”.

Trump’s warning to Apple follows the company’s announcement that it is relocating the production of most iPhones and other devices intended for the US market away from China.

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, stated earlier this month that the majority of iPhones destined for the US will be manufactured in India in the coming months, with Vietnam serving as a key production hub for products like iPads and Apple Watches.

“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump said.

“If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”

US Bars Harvard from Hosting Foreign Students, Prompting Mass Transfers

Ohiomoje Margaret
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US Bars Harvard from Hosting Foreign Students, Prompting Mass Transfers

In a decision rooted in national security concerns, the Trump administration has stripped Harvard University of its authority to admit international students.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday that Harvard will no longer be permitted to enrol foreign students—a move that has drawn widespread criticism as politically charged and possibly illegal.

The directive, issued by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, cancels Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program starting with the 2025–2026 academic session. This development will compel current international students to either transfer to other institutions or risk losing their immigration status.

Noem alleged that Harvard is “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.” She added, “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enrol foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments.”

According to officials, the decision came after Harvard declined to share extensive documentation regarding international student visa holders, including surveillance from campus demonstrations over the past five years.

In its response, Harvard condemned the decision as “unlawful” and “retaliatory,” asserting its commitment to supporting its students. “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” the university said. It emphasized that it remains “fully committed” to educating international students.

Data from the university indicates that nearly 6,800 international students were enrolled at Harvard during the 2024–2025 school year, accounting for 27% of the student body. The largest share came from China, followed by Canada, India, South Korea, the UK, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and Japan.

This decision fits into a broader initiative by the Trump administration to overhaul the U.S. higher education system. Since taking office with a tough stance on immigration, Trump has accused universities of endorsing “anti-American, Marxist and radical left ideologies.” Harvard has often been singled out, especially for employing well-known Democrats and allegedly failing to adequately address campus antisemitism.

In a related action earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services withdrew $60 million in grants from Harvard, citing its purported inability to combat antisemitic and racial bias.

That cutback followed a previous freeze on approximately $3 billion in research funding, a decision that led Harvard to pursue legal action to restore the funds.

Separately, a federal judge ruled on Thursday that the government cannot revoke foreign students’ legal status across the U.S. without following standard regulatory protocols. The implications of this ruling on Harvard’s situation remain unclear.

Democratic leaders swiftly rebuked the administration’s decision. U.S. Representative Jaime Raskin called it “an intolerable attack on Harvard’s independence and academic freedom,” accusing Trump’s team of retaliating against the university for its political stance.

Immigrant rights groups also voiced strong opposition. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow with the American Immigration Council, remarked that the measure “needlessly punishes thousands of innocent students.” He continued on Bluesky, “None of them have done anything wrong; they’re just collateral damage to Trump.”

Secretary Noem warned that additional institutions, such as Columbia University, may soon face similar penalties. “Absolutely, we are,” she confirmed. “This should be a warning to every other university to get your act together.”

As this political and legal confrontation develops, many international students at Harvard find themselves in a precarious situation, caught between government policy, institutional autonomy, and ideological battles.

Why is Federal Government Suing Senator Natasha?

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Why is Federal Government Suing Senator Natasha?

The controversy surrounding lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is yet to be over soon.

The suspended senator representing Kogi Central, who has been embroiled in one matter or the other with the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, now has a case to answer at the court.

The Federal Government has filed a lawsuit against her over alleged defamatory comments she made during a live television interview.

According to court documents, the case – marked CR/297/25 – was filed on May 16, 2025, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

The FG alleges that the senator made statements that could “harm the reputation of a person,” an offence under Section 391 of the Penal Code, and punishable under Section 392.

The incident in question took place on April 3, 2025, during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

During the broadcast, Akpoti-Uduaghan made serious allegations, including:

“Senate President Akpabio instructed Yahaya Bello to coordinate an attempt to assassinate me outside Abuja so it would look like a local mob attack.”

This statement is now at the center of the FG’s case, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello named as nominal complainants and expected to testify in court.

Other listed witnesses include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, activist Sandra Duru, and two investigating police officers, Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba.

Senator Natasha has maintained that her suspension from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for what was described as “gross misconduct” was politically motivated and aimed at silencing her. She has also insisted that her claims, including those of sexual harassment and threats to her life, have not been taken seriously by the Senate leadership.

In response to her accusations, both Akpabio and Bello filed petitions to the Inspector-General of Police, urging legal action over what they describe as “criminal defamation, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.”

As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the courtroom– and the larger questions it raises about freedom of speech, political accountability, and the limits of parliamentary criticism.

Google’s Veo 3 AI Tool Sparks Buzz with Ultra-Realistic Video Creations

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Google’s Veo 3 AI Tool Sparks Buzz with Ultra-Realistic Video Creations

Google has unveiled its latest artificial intelligence tool, Veo 3, capable of generating hyper-realistic video content that is already causing a stir across social media platforms.

Announced at the Google I/O event on Tuesday, Veo 3 can create videos that include dialogue, background music, and sound effects. The tool is currently available to users in the United States subscribed to the $249-per-month Google AI Ultra plan.

The launch follows the rising popularity of OpenAI’s video generator, Sora, but Google’s Veo 3 is drawing attention for its lifelike output and strong command of visual detail. According to Google, the model was “informed by our work with creators and filmmakers.”

In one viral clip shared by filmmaker and molecular biologist Hashem Al-Ghaili, viewers were stunned as AI-generated characters appeared to question their own existence. The post quickly circulated on X, adding to the growing interest in AI-generated media.

Veo 3 is designed to follow real-world physics, maintain continuity between frames, and produce digital humans with anatomically accurate features. Many viewers have reported difficulty distinguishing Veo 3’s content from actual footage captured with a camera.

Despite the tool’s impressive capabilities, some creators have expressed concern. While filmmakers featured in Google’s promotional video praised the creative freedom it offers, others worry about the implications for originality and artistic control. “It feels like it’s almost building upon itself,” filmmaker Dave Clark said in the promo.

There have also been questions about how the tool was trained. Reports suggest that in some cases, Veo 3 has produced repeated content — such as identical jokes or visuals resembling well-known YouTubers’ setups — raising concerns about data sourcing and content originality.

As AI-generated videos become more realistic, industry professionals are now facing new challenges around copyright, creative authorship, and ethical use of synthetic media.

APC Governors Endorse Tinubu As Sole 2027 Presidential Candidate

Olaosun Rebecca
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APC Governors Endorse Tinubu As Sole 2027 Presidential Candidate

On Thursday, the 22 governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially declared their unanimous endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The announcement came during the APC National Summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, delivered the formal declaration.

To further affirm their position, the governors passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, reinforcing their commitment to his leadership and candidacy.

Kaduna State Governor and PGF Vice Chairman, Senator Uba Sani, joined Uzodimma on stage and formally seconded the motion supporting Tinubu’s presidential bid.

Uzodimma proceeded to present the motion for a vote to the summit’s attendees. The audience included high-ranking government officials such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the National Assembly, as well as current and former governors and party members from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The motion was met with a standing ovation and a voice vote of overwhelming approval, officially cementing Tinubu’s endorsement for a second term in 2027.

Highlighting the significance of the endorsement, Uzodimma underscored the importance of continuity in leadership and party unity:

“That for Nigeria to get to her destination faster in prosperity, that the president should be used and adopted as our flag bearer for 2027 presidential election, for a second term in office.

“That the governors produced by our All Progressives Congress are hereby charged to take responsibility to market our federal government policies, occupy the political space in their domains, and take responsibility for winning all elections in their states come 2027.

“It is therefore my humble pleasure, with total humility, to Almighty God to move that this August assembly adopt and concur the position of progressive governors that Mr President carries our flag 2027 and governors take responsibility for delivering this mandate. I so move as a motion.”

In seconding the motion, Governor Uba Sani added his voice of support:

“I rise to second the motion as ably moved by the chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, the governor of Imo state, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, that this August gathering pass a vote of confidence on our able and amiable president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a sole candidate of APC come 2027 general election.”

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