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Persistent Price Increment Pushes Food Inflation To 20.6%

Increases in the prices of basic food items continued for the 17th consecutive month, prompting the Food inflation to hit 20.6 per cent in January, the highest since September 2019.

Consequently, the nation’s annual inflation rate also rose for the 17th consecutive months to 16.47 percent in January representing 0.71 percentage point increase from 15.8 percent in December 2020.

The National Bureau of Statistics released Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report for January 2021 revealed that the rise in the food inflation was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, meat, fruits, vegetables, fish and oils and fats.

The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 16.47 percent (year-on-year) in January 2021, 0.71 percent points higher than the rate recorded in December 2020 (15.75 percent). Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline index.

According to the NBS, the composite food index rose by 20.57 percent in January 2021 compared to 19.56 percent in December 2020.

According to analysts, this upward trend in food prices will persist due to the insecurity in the country and the approaching planting season.

On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.49 percent in January 2021. This is 0.12 percentage points lower than the rate recorded in December 2020 (1.61 percent).

In January 2021, all items inflation on year on year basis was highest in Kogi (21.4 per cent), Oyo (20.17 per cent) and Bauchi (19.52 per cent).

Kwara (13.96%), Abuja (12.96 per cent) and Cross River (12.22 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in headline Year on Year inflation.”

Increases in the prices of basic food items continued for the 17th consecutive month, prompting the Food inflation to hit 20.6 per cent in January, the highest since September 2019.

Consequently, the nation’s annual inflation rate also rose for the 17th consecutive months to 16.47 percent in January representing 0.71 percentage point increase from 15.8 percent in December 2020.

The National Bureau of Statistics released Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report for January 2021 revealed that the rise in the food inflation was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, meat, fruits, vegetables, fish and oils and fats.

The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 16.47 percent (year-on-year) in January 2021, 0.71 percent points higher than the rate recorded in December 2020 (15.75 percent). Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline index.

According to the NBS, the composite food index rose by 20.57 percent in January 2021 compared to 19.56 percent in December 2020.

According to analysts, this upward trend in food prices will persist due to the insecurity in the country and the approaching planting season.

On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.49 percent in January 2021. This is 0.12 percentage points lower than the rate recorded in December 2020 (1.61 percent).

In January 2021, all items inflation on year on year basis was highest in Kogi (21.4 per cent), Oyo (20.17 per cent) and Bauchi (19.52 per cent).

Kwara (13.96%), Abuja (12.96 per cent) and Cross River (12.22 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in headline Year on Year inflation.”

Aretha Franklin: New Series To Explore Gospel Roots, Faith Of Music

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National Geographic’s latest season of its anthology series, “Genius: Aretha,” will explore the gospel roots and faith of music of legend Aretha Franklin.

The series, which airs next month, stars Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo, who portrays the queen of soul.

The Emmy-winning anthology series dramatizes the stories of the world’s most “brilliant innovators, their extraordinary achievements and their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships,” the network says.

The third season of the limited series will premiere with back-to-back episodes over four consecutive nights, starting on March 21.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25, 1942, Franklin’s father, Clarence LaVaughn “C. L.” Franklin, was a preacher at Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church. She was a child prodigy and by age 10, she was already performing in church.

To say that Aretha Franklin was one of the greatest American artists of all time is an understatement.

Her multi-octave voice moved millions around the world during an unrivaled career that spanned six decades and garnered the singer-songwriter every achievement and honor imaginable.

Her reign as the Queen of Soul plays out across four discs on a new boxed set from Rhino that is the first to span her entire career, including songs from every label she recorded with.

2021 FIBA Afrobasket: D’Tigers Battle South Sudan For Ticket

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Nigeria’s D’Tigers, will take on South Sudan in their first game of the qualifiers for the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket Championship holding in Tunisia.

The best teams from the qualifiers will pick the tickets for the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket Championship to be hosted in Rwanda.

Nigeria’s men’s senior national basketball team, having recorded three straight victories in group D over South Sudan, Rwanda and Mali, hope to continue their unbeaten run when they file out in Monastir.

In the first-ever meeting between both teams, D’Tigers were the better side with Ike Iroegbu leading the offensive with 13 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and a steal, while Caleb Agada scored 16 points and two assists.

According to acting Head Coach, Mfon Udofia, who is standing in for Coach Mike Brown and Alex Nwora, the team is ready to pick up from where they left off when they file out against South Sudan by 5.00 pm.

The 30-year-old, who has been with the team since the 2019 FIBA World Cup, has assured that the players will step up to the occasion despite the absence of Coach Brown and Nwora.

D’Tigers, who narrowly lost to host-Tunisia at the finals of the 2017 edition, is hoping to qualify as well as win the second-ever Afrobasket title.

Lagos Task Team Seeks Collaboration With Shippers’ Council On Apapa Gridlock

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The newly inaugurated Lagos State Government Task Team on Restoration of Law and Order on Apapa Ports Access Roads has solicited the cooperation of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, to enable it solve the traffic problem in Apapa.

During a courtesy visit to Nigerian Shippers Council’s headquarters in Lagos, Chairman of the Task Team, Toyin Fayinka, said the essence of the delegation’s visit to NSC was to introduce the team to the Council, emphasising that the Committee cannot succeed in its assignment without the support of the NSC, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, and other agencies in the maritime sector. 

General Manager, Lagos Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Jide Oduyoye, who is a member of the team, said LASTMA will not hesitate to sanction any case of indiscriminate parking of trucks on port access roads. 

Oduyoye lamented the lack of regulation of truckers and truck ownership, pointing out that most trucks are second hand and unserviceable. He said minimum standards are required for truck drivers and trucks.

On his part, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Hassan Bello, described the Apapa traffic situation as an international embarrassment.

He said the traffic in Apapa is affecting the efficiency of the port while assuring the Team that the Federal Ministry of Transportation has prioritised the solving of the Apapa traffic situation.  

He cited the on-the-spot assessment visit to the ports by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, and other top officials of the Ministry to Apapa in December 2020 as evidence of the Government’s commitment to the situation.

He said the Implementation Committee on the Ministerial Directives to decongest traffic gridlock along the Port Access Roads and Lagos Maritime Logistics Ring would work in tandem with the Task Team as a permanent solution to the Apapa traffic problem.

This he said will benefit all Nigerians by eliminating the distortions in prices of goods imported into Nigeria.

Thousands Endure Strict COVID-19 Safety Guidelines To Be Featured In Movie Reenactment

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Thousands of fans and actors endured strict COVID-19 health and safety guidelines to be featured in a reenactment of the Sermon on the Mount for a scene in “The Chosen” series.

While many studios in Hollywood have avoided gathering large numbers of extras, thousands endured COVID-19 testing, quarantining, and more testing to be a part of the production that’s being filmed in Midlothian, Texas.

On Wednesday, the faith-based drama gathered more than 2,000 extras to film a reenactment of the famous biblical account. Many of the extras were people who’ve invested in the project. Some even flew from outside the U.S. to attend the filming.

According to Hollywood Reporter, Dallas Jenkins, director of “The Chosen,” revealed that they initially planned to shoot the scene before the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Reports of the elaborate production revealed that everyone who participated in the scene was required to get a negative PCR test result before traveling to the set.

A PCR test is a COVID-19 test that detects the genetic material of the virus. Once on set, they were given a rapid antigen test and had to remain in their cars while awaiting their virus-free test results. 

Texas COVID-19 filming guidelines do not place a limit on the number of extras allowed on set. They require health screenings before coming onto a production, face coverings and social distancing when possible, and note that productions “should stay informed and take actions based on common sense and wise judgment that will protect health and support economic revitalization.”

The eight-episode first season, now available to watch on The Chosen App, takes viewers into the lives of those who were by Jesus’ side while He walked the Earth.

The first installment of “The Chosen” has been seen by nearly 50 million people in 180 countries and has been translated into over 50 languages.

Production for season 2 is underway and Jenkins and his team had to raise another $750,000 specifically designated for COVID-19 protocols. The first half of the new season was shot in fall 2020 with safety protocols in place. While filming the new season, Jenkins revealed they had less than five positive cases, each of whom was isolated to prevent further infections. The filmmaker did, however, acknowledge the large gathering of their latest scene did come with risks involved.

Shawn King To File Court Papers Contesting Larry’s Secret Will

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The widow of legendary American broadcaster, Larry King, Shawn, has gone to court to contest his will. He was worth two million dollars.

It is reported that Larry King’s widow, Shawn King, planned to file court papers contesting his secret will. On Tuesday, her lawyers filed the documents in an L.A. court.

Larry, who died last month at 87, had filed for divorce from Shawn in 2019, and last week a “secret” handwritten will surfaced — which didn’t mention Shawn and left his $2 million estate to his kids.

But Shawn, 61, claims in the new papers that Larry’s ill health left him susceptible to “outside influence” and that he might not have even been aware he was signing the new will — plus, she says that when he died, he wasn’t even planning on going through with the divorce.

“Larry was highly susceptible to outside influences and at the time he purportedly executed the [new version of his will] was of questionable mental capacity, having recently suffered a stroke and about to undergo a medical procedure (and possibly already under the influence of pre-operative medication),” the papers read, according to The Blast.

She’s asking that a 2015 will — which she told Page Six had been made by Shawn and Larry “as a couple” with the help of a lawyer — be recognized as the true will and that she be named the executor of the estate, per that document.

He wrote the new version of the will about two months after he filed for divorce, but Shawn suggested in the court papers the estranged couple were on the verge of reconciling when he died.

 “At the time of Larry’s death there was a divorce proceeding that had been pending for quite some time,” the papers say. “Larry was not pushing the divorce and was generally nonresponsive and refused to participate in the divorce proceeding. He gave no indication that he actually wanted to pursue a divorce.”

According to The Blast, Shawn claims the new will “violates the terms of two different post-nuptial agreements between herself and Larry.”

The documents also take aim at Larry’s middle son, Larry King Jr.

The Blast reports that Shawn is “accusing Larry of having a ‘secret account’ that he would make gifts to individuals using community property that she is entitled to, and that she claims to have receipts for over $266,000 sent to Larry King Jr. between 2013-2018.”

The site says she wants back 50 per cent of everything he gave to Larry Jr. from the couple’s community property.

Larry Jr. has also asked to be named the executor of the estate, but Shawn’s filings say, “Larry indicated that he did not even know of [Larry Jr.’s] existence,” until the son was in his 30s. They add that Larry Jr. has “never been involved in Larry’s career or business, and it would be highly inappropriate to place him in a position of representing Larry’s estate.”

In the secret will, Larry said he wanted his estate to go to his five children, Andy, Chaia, Larry Jr. and Chance and Cannon, his two sons from his marriage to Shawn. Andy and Chaia tragically died within weeks of each other in 2020.

It is reported that Larry King’s widow, Shawn King, planned to file court papers contesting his secret will. On Tuesday, her lawyers filed the documents in an L.A. court.

Larry, who died last month at 87, had filed for divorce from Shawn in 2019, and last week a “secret” handwritten will surfaced — which didn’t mention Shawn and left his $2 million estate to his kids.

But Shawn, 61, claims in the new papers that Larry’s ill health left him susceptible to “outside influence” and that he might not have even been aware he was signing the new will — plus, she says that when he died, he wasn’t even planning on going through with the divorce.

“Larry was highly susceptible to outside influences and at the time he purportedly executed the [new version of his will] was of questionable mental capacity, having recently suffered a stroke and about to undergo a medical procedure (and possibly already under the influence of pre-operative medication),” the papers read, according to The Blast.

She’s asking that a 2015 will — which she told Page Six had been made by Shawn and Larry “as a couple” with the help of a lawyer — be recognized as the true will and that she be named the executor of the estate, per that document.

He wrote the new version of the will about two months after he filed for divorce, but Shawn suggested in the court papers the estranged couple were on the verge of reconciling when he died.

 “At the time of Larry’s death there was a divorce proceeding that had been pending for quite some time,” the papers say. “Larry was not pushing the divorce and was generally nonresponsive and refused to participate in the divorce proceeding. He gave no indication that he actually wanted to pursue a divorce.”

According to The Blast, Shawn claims the new will “violates the terms of two different post-nuptial agreements between herself and Larry.”

The documents also take aim at Larry’s middle son, Larry King Jr.

The Blast reports that Shawn is “accusing Larry of having a ‘secret account’ that he would make gifts to individuals using community property that she is entitled to, and that she claims to have receipts for over $266,000 sent to Larry King Jr. between 2013-2018.”

The site says she wants back 50 per cent of everything he gave to Larry Jr. from the couple’s community property.

Larry Jr. has also asked to be named the executor of the estate, but Shawn’s filings say, “Larry indicated that he did not even know of [Larry Jr.’s] existence,” until the son was in his 30s. They add that Larry Jr. has “never been involved in Larry’s career or business, and it would be highly inappropriate to place him in a position of representing Larry’s estate.”

In the secret will, Larry said he wanted his estate to go to his five children, Andy, Chaia, Larry Jr. and Chance and Cannon, his two sons from his marriage to Shawn. Andy and Chaia tragically died within weeks of each other in 2020.

5 Important skincare tips every lady should know

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Skincare is one of the best things you can do for yourself. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive products. There are some simple everyday things you can do to greatly improve the health of your skin.

From homemade face masks to DIY body scrubs, there are simple things you can do right at home to improve the health of your skin. It only takes a few minutes, but it can make you look and feel years younger.

Take Care Of Your Health 

You should maintain a proper diet full of essential vitamins and nutrients as well as fibre and omega fatty acids to maintain the health of your body as well as your skin. Also, it is important to stay hydrated. You should drink 8 to 10 eight ounce glasses of water a day. Green tea is also beneficial for your skin as it contains antioxidants, antibacterial properties and polyphenol.

Sleep is another important factor. You should get at least 8 hours of sleep a night for your health and the health of your skin, as well.

Know Your Skin Type

You think that you would be able to readily identify your skin type if someone asked, right? How many of us really know what type of skin we have? Do you have dry skin? Oily? Combination? What is your undertone? Do you have sensitive skin? If you are unsure, it can’t hurt to consult a professional such as a dermatologist or beautician. Then you will be able to purchase products that are most suited for your skin type. You certainly don’t want to apply the wrong products to your skin as this can cause more harm than good.

Always Remove Your Makeup

You might feel tired after a long day at work or a fun evening out. And as a result, you might not feel like taking the time to properly remove your makeup. However, taking off your makeup is just as important as brushing your teeth. If you don’t have the energy to use a cleaner, you can use a cleansing wipe.

And coconut oil is one of the best ways to remove eye makeup. Simply dab a bit on your eye and wipe off with a cotton pad. If you don’t remove your makeup, you will clog your pores and be prone to breakouts and dry or oily skin, depending on your skin type. A few minutes to cleanse your skin can go a long way and your skin will thank you!

Exfoliate

Speaking of cleansing, let’s not forget the importance of exfoliating. You can make a homemade face scrub or you can purchase an exfoliant at your local beauty or drug store. You should exfoliate your skin at least once a week to get rid of dead skin cells and to rejuvenate it. Besides, a blackhead removal mask comes in more than beneficial too. Again, it only takes a few minutes, but it can make a world of difference!

Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin is just as important as cleansing and exfoliating. You should moisturize your skin no matter what type of skin you have. And it should be part of your daily routine, year round. There are moisturizers designed for every skin type. And if you want to use a more natural product, you can always use coconut oil. It works wonders on dark circles under the eyes and fine lines.

20 Common foods that will boost your energy level

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Low energy can lead to fatigue, making simple tasks feel impossible. And it has a lot to do with what you aren’t eating.

Fatigue is caused by a diet low in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B levels. To help with lethargy, Glennon advises, “Consider adding fatty fish, like salmon or tuna, cage-free eggs, avocado, and nuts and seeds to your diet to boost your energy.”Which foods give you the most energy? 

Apple cider vinegar

The best morning drink to start the day with to increase your energy is 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in 1/2 glass of water.

If you’re feeling fatigued, apple cider vinegar helps boost your energy levels. It contains potassium and enzymes, acting as a natural electrolyte solution. Also, the amino acids counteract lactic acid build-up in the body, relieving fatigue.

Water

Water is essential to staying healthy and hydrated; it’s a biological need! Water protects your body tissue, keeps your organs functioning, lubricates joints, regulates your body temperature, and more. Plus, it can give you an energy boost.

Walnuts

Walnuts are great to add to your breakfast or sprinkle on your lunch. They are filled with omega 3s, a type of fatty acids our bodies need, but they have alpha-linolenic acid which our body uses for energy.

Dark leafy greens

In addition to providing a range of important nutrients that promote energy (like B vitamins), fresh fruits and veggies also provide fiber to aid in keeping you full for longer, making you less likely to hop back into the kitchen for a snack.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but this fruit is also great for a boost of energy due to its natural sugar content. Foods that are balanced in carbohydrates and fibre are a good way to get a steady source of energy in the morning.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds rich in Omega-3 fat (as well as protein) help to stabilize and balance energy and blood sugar levels to keep us full and focused. This includes nuts and seeds.

Avocado

Avocado is also rich in Omega-3s.

Almonds

The goodness of almonds provides protein, fibre and calcium, while the carbs from whole grains or dried fruit supply energy that satisfies, while also providing vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Cereal

Whether hot or cold, cereal can provide a wealth of nutrients, including the fibre that most of us don’t get enough of.

Mint

Mint, especially peppermint, is an herb known for its stimulating effect. Smelling mint can enhance alertness and reduce fatigue.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish, like salmon and tuna, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fat for reducing feelings of fatigue.

Bananas

Bananas are an easily digestible source of carbohydrates, the body’s preferred source of energy. They also contain potassium, which helps reduce muscle cramping so you can power through your exercise.

Brown rice 

The health benefits of brown rice are mostly due to it being a whole grain. Brown rice gives us energy to burn, and helps break down carbohydrates and protein to produce energy.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious source of delicious energy for those looking for an extra boost. Because sweet potatoes have a rich fiber and complex carbohydrate content, your body digests them slowly, which gives you a steady supply of energy.

Orange

When carbohydrates are broken down into their basic building block, glucose (sugar), our body is able to utilize this to create quick energy.

Dates

Dates are an awesome source of quick energy, especially pre-workout or for a mid-afternoon snack, due to their high carbohydrate composition and high caloric density.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein, in addition to other nutrients that are found in the yolk.

Spinach

Spinach is a great source of B vitamins and alpha-lipoic acid, which are very important for energy production and can help provide stability throughout the day.

Oats

Oats are a good source of sustained energy due to their fibre content. Oats are also incredible for heart health and digestion, thus helping your body to run like a well-oiled machine.

Strawberries

Berries are loaded with natural sugars, fibre and antioxidants, compounds that can combat inflammation and oxidative stress, which may be beneficial in warding off fatigue.

Coffee

Coffee is energizing mainly because of its caffeine content, but also because it is an awesome source of antioxidants.

Lose that excess stomach fat with these 15 effective tips

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A bulging tummy has become every woman’s most dreaded plague. It takes away that perfect body shape you’ve worked really hard for as well as your confidence.

Losing stomach fat has become one of the hardest things to do, especially as we age. But it doesn’t have to be hard.

There are several ways to lose stomach fat. You simply have to make some basic lifestyle changes and you can watch that extra belly fat melt away.

See some helpful tips below:

1.     Avoid Fast Food

In our fast-paced, hectic lives it is so easy to stop for a quick meal, but fast food is fried and greasy and full of fat and calories. If you simply pack a lunch or choose a healthy alternative, you can easily lose weight in your stomach.

2.     Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking water is one of the best ways to lose belly fat. The more water you drink, the more weight you will lose.

3.     Eat Your Fruits And Veggies

Replace sugary, fatty snacks with raw fruits and veggies to assist you in losing belly fat.

Fruits and veggies are beneficial for so many reasons. They contain the necessary number of essential vitamins and nutrients for a healthy diet.

4.     Eliminate Soda And Sugary Drinks

Soda and sugary drinks just pack on the pounds. Substitute sugary drinks and soda with water or green tea. Also, look for weight loss smoothie recipes to give you a boost of energy and to speed up your metabolism.

5.     Cardio

You cannot lose weight in your belly by dieting alone. You need to exercise, as well. Cardio is the best way to lose weight. You can do aerobics, swim, bike or even walk briskly.

6.     Strength Training

In addition to cardio, you need strength training to help build muscle and lose fat.

7.     Do Not Skip Meals

Skipping meals does not help lose weight, despite popular beliefs. Your body just stores up fat and you end up getting sick and losing energy if you do not eat regularly.

8.     Eliminate Carbs

Cutting out carbs is one of the best ways to lose belly fat. They don’t call it “wheat belly” without good cause. Choose healthy carbs and avoid starchy foods that are full of fats and carbs.

9.     Reduce Your Salt Intake

Sodium is bad for your heart and causes bloating. If you simply reduce your salt intake, you will notice that your stomach will be flatter and you will have more energy.

10. Eat Foods That Are High In Fiber

You should eat foods that are high in fiber such as nuts, grains, veggies, and beans. High fiber foods are extremely beneficial if you want to lose fat in your stomach.

11. Don’t Fall For Weight Loss Fads

Everywhere you look today, there are ads for quick weight loss. These supplements and weight loss fads are most often unhealthy. Stick to losing weight safely and naturally and you will keep it off.

12. Eliminate Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and sugars. If you simply eliminate alcoholic beverages, you will quickly lose weight in your stomach area.

13. Get Proper Sleep

You might think that getting too much sleep slows down your metabolism. However, a proper night’s sleep is crucial for weight loss. You need at least 6-8 hours of solid sleep a night to lose weight effectively.

14. Find A Support System

It is always easier to lose weight if you have some type of support system. Find a friend or family member who wants to lose weight, as well. You can exchange recipes, offer each other encouragement, keep each other accountable and even join an exercise class together. Working out is always more fun when you have someone along for the ride!

15. Set A Realistic Weight Loss Goal

The most important step when trying to lose stomach fat is to set a realistic weight goal. It is not healthy to lose too much weight too quickly. You might have a burst in weight loss when you first start out, but realistically 1kg a week is ideal.

Cybercrime: US court sentences Invictus Obi to 10 years in prison

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Chief District Judge, Rebecca Smith, has sentenced international fraudster, Obinwanne Okeke, better known as Invictus, to 10 years in prison for fraud to the tune of $11m.

The Nigerian national was jailed for involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that caused approximately $11m in known losses to his victims, according to the judge.

“Through subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year global business email and computer hacking scheme that caused a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

“Today’s sentence further demonstrates EDVA’s and FBI’s worldwide reach in vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of American victims and others and holding international cybercriminals accountable, no matter where they commit their crimes.”

According to court documents Okeke, 33, operated a group of companies known as the Invictus Group based in Nigeria and elsewhere.

From approximately 2015 to 2019, Okeke and others engaged in a conspiracy to conduct various computer-based frauds. The conspirators obtained and compiled the credentials of hundreds of victims, including victims in the Eastern District of Virginia.

As part of the scheme, Okeke and other conspirators engaged in an email compromise scheme targeting Unatrac Holding Limited, the export sales office for Caterpillar heavy industrial and farm equipment.

In April 2018, a Unatrac executive fell prey to a phishing email that allowed conspirators to capture login credentials. The conspirators sent fraudulent wire transfer requests and attached fake invoices. Okeke participated in the effort to victimise Unatrac through fraudulent wire transfers totalling nearly $11m which was transferred overseas.

Additionally, Okeke engaged in other forms of cyberfraud, including sending phishing emails to capture email credentials, creating fraudulent web pages, and causing other losses to numerous victims.

“The FBI will not allow cyber criminals free reign in the digital world to prey on U.S. companies,” said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office.

He added, “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners at the Department of Justice and our foreign counterparts to locate cyber criminals across the globe and bring them to the United States to be held accountable.”

Okeke, who was an inspiration to many youths in Nigeria, was listed on the Forbes 30 under 30 category for his business exploits and wealth.