The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives, assigned to the Taskforce on Currency Mutilation, Dollarization of the Economy, and Forex Malpractice, have apprehended 34 individuals suspected of engaging in foreign exchange fraud. The arrests were made during a sting operation on Friday, following credible intelligence regarding illicit dollar sales in the Wuse Zone 4 area of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

As conveyed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspects include individuals such as Usman Mohammed, Abdullahi Nasir, Abubakar Saleh, and others listed in the statement. The arrests reflect the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to cleanse and stabilize the foreign exchange market.

Oyewale stated that upon the completion of investigations, the suspects will be brought before the court to face charges.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, a Premier League club, has reportedly submitted a €12m bid for Bright Osayi-Samuel, the Super Eagles defender currently playing for Fenerbahce. According to NTVSpor, Wolves are eager to secure the services of the Fenerbahce star, with Crystal Palace and Leeds United also expressing interest in the full-back.

It remains uncertain whether Fenerbahce will accept the offer. Osayi-Samuel is enthusiastic about returning to England after a successful stint with Queens Park Rangers. Throughout this season, he has made 34 appearances across various competitions, contributing to nine goals. Despite having one year left on his contract with Fenerbahce, his desire to return to English football could influence his future transfer.

The Idoma Intellectual Forum (IIF) has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to ease the growing tension within the Benue State Polytechnic community by promptly appointing a substantive Rector for the institution. In a statement released on Friday in Abuja by Dr. Sunday Ochigbo, the National Secretary of IIF, the group expressed support for Governor Alia’s commitment to revamping the educational sector in Benue State.

While acknowledging the governor’s decision to dismiss all heads of state-owned higher institutions with the aim of bringing in more qualified individuals, the group expressed concern over the delay in filling the vacancy at Benue Polytechnic, Ugbokolo. They noted that despite the swift appointment of a substantive Provost for the Benue State College of Education, Oju, and a Rector for the Alfred Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi, the process for Benue State Polytechnic has been protracted.

The group criticized the composition of the management team at Benue Polytechnic, describing it as unfavorable to the Idoma people and contrary to the principles of state representation. They highlighted the dominance of Tiv individuals in critical management positions within an institution situated in Idoma land as unacceptable.

Moreover, the IIF condemned the removal of an Idoma Rector and the installation of a Tiv acting Rector by the Alia administration. They denounced what they perceived as a deliberate effort to marginalize and disadvantage the Idoma people across various sectors in Benue State, including within a state-owned Polytechnic located in Idoma territory.