close
Women Times

Chat Room

News

Precious Williams Remanded in Port Harcourt Over Alleged N13.8 Billion Ponzi Scheme

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ordered the remand of Precious Williams, a director of Glossalalia Nigeria Ltd. and Pelenged Nigeria Ltd., in connection with an alleged N13.8 billion Ponzi scheme that defrauded numerous investors. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Williams on multiple charges of fraud, money laundering, and operating an illegal investment scheme, following a series of complaints from victims across Nigeria.

The EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate revealed that Williams and her companies allegedly lured investors with promises of exorbitant returns, ranging from 20% to 50% monthly, on investments in purported cryptocurrency and forex trading ventures. Investigations, however, uncovered that the companies operated a classic Ponzi scheme, using funds from new investors to pay returns to earlier participants, with no legitimate underlying business to sustain the payouts. The scheme reportedly collapsed in early 2025, leaving thousands of investors, including retirees and small-scale entrepreneurs, with significant financial losses.

According to the EFCC, the N13.8 billion figure represents the total amount allegedly collected from investors between 2022 and 2025. Prosecutors presented evidence of bank transactions, promotional materials, and victim testimonies, which detailed how Williams and her associates used aggressive marketing tactics, including social media campaigns and religious endorsements, to gain trust. The EFCC further alleged that a significant portion of the funds was diverted for personal use, including the acquisition of luxury properties and vehicles.

During the court session, presided over by Justice E.A. Obile, the prosecution argued for Williams’ remand, citing the severity of the charges and the risk of her interfering with ongoing investigations. The defense, led by Williams’ counsel, requested bail, arguing that their client was a first-time offender with strong community ties. However, the court denied the bail application, ordering Williams to be held at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending the next hearing scheduled for July 10, 2025.

The case has garnered widespread concern in Nigeria, where Ponzi schemes have proliferated amid economic hardships and rising unemployment. A recent report by the EFCC highlighted that Nigerians have lost over N911 billion ($589 million) to such scams over the past 23 years, with perpetrators exploiting financial illiteracy and desperation for quick wealth. The Williams case is among the largest of its kind in recent years, drawing comparisons to the infamous MMM Nigeria collapse in 2016.

Victims of the alleged scheme, many of whom gathered outside the courthouse, expressed frustration and despair. “I invested my life savings, N4 million, hoping to secure my children’s future,” said Esther Okon, a 52-year-old widow from Akwa Ibom. “Now, it’s all gone, and we’re left with nothing.” Community leaders and financial experts have called for stricter regulations on investment schemes and increased public awareness to prevent similar incidents.

The EFCC has vowed to intensify its crackdown on financial crimes, with ongoing investigations into other individuals and entities linked to Williams’ operations. The agency also urged the public to report suspicious investment schemes and verify the legitimacy of financial institutions before investing.

 

 

read more
NewsUncategorized

ASCON Director General Urges Attitudinal Shift in Public Service

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The Director General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Mrs. Cecilia Gayya, has called for a transformative change in the mindset and work ethics of public servants to enhance efficiency and service delivery in Nigeria’s public sector. While speaking at a recent training program in Lagos, Gayya emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability, and excellence among civil servants.

“Attitudinal change is critical to reforming the public service. We must move away from complacency and embrace a culture of diligence, transparency, and innovation,” Gayya stated. She highlighted that outdated practices and resistance to change have hindered progress in government institutions, urging public servants to adopt a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

She stressed that training programs at ASCON are designed to equip civil servants with modern skills and a service-oriented mindset to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving society.

Participants at the event, including senior government officials, louded Gayya’s sentiments, noting that a shift in attitude could bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation. The call to action aligns with broader national goals to improve governance and public trust in institutions.

Gayya also urged public servants to leverage technology and embrace continuous learning to stay relevant in their roles. “The world is changing, and we must change with it to deliver value to the Nigerian people,” she added.

The event concluded with a renewed pledge from attendees to drive positive change in their respective agencies, signaling a potential turning point for Nigeria’s public service sector.

 

read more
News

19-Year-Old Nigerian Innovator Clinches Top Prize at WE Innovate, Aims to Revolutionize Agriculture and Save the Planet

by Women Times on

At just 19 years old, Nigerian-born innovator Ifeoluwa Afolayan, a Master’s student in Design Engineering at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Arts, has emerged as one of the first-prize winners at WE Innovate, Imperial College London’s flagship pre-accelerator programme supporting women-led ventures. Her team was awarded €15,000 to further develop their innovative agricultural initiative, which aims to transform farming practices and contribute to a sustainable planet.

The solution, Aeropod (by Muju Earth) is a capsule designed to aerate and enrich soil that activates in response to heavy rain, helping to provide a climate-proof alternative to intensive farming methods.

Ifeoluwa, founder of Aeropod, alongside her talented team members — Yuchen Cai, Alex Clark, and Ocean Hu — pitched their groundbreaking project at WE Innovate. The programme supports the next generation of women entrepreneurs by helping them develop new businesses through masterclasses, business coaching, expert support, and peer mentoring.

The team’s winning concept garnered widespread acclaim for its potential to enhance crop resilience against climate change, reduce environmental impact, and empower local farmers with innovative technology— while promoting environmental sustainability. The success at WE Innovate marks a significant milestone in their journey to make a tangible difference in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and globally.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be part of WE Innovate and to win first prize,” said Ifeoluwa Afolayan. “This initiative has the power to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria, helping farmers adapt to climate change and ensuring food security for future generations. Our goal is to create solutions that not only transform farming but also help save our planet from the adverse effects of climate change.”

Ifeoluwa and her team plan to partner with a Nigerian firm to expand their initiative, leveraging the €15,000 grant and mentorship support from WE Innovate to scale their impact across the region. Their project aims to introduce climate-resilient farming techniques, innovative crop management systems, and sustainable resource use to Nigerian farmers.

Ifeoluwa believes that collaboration with Nigerian industry partners will accelerate the deployment of their solutions, creating new opportunities for local farmers and contributing to Nigeria’s efforts in achieving sustainable agricultural development.

“This achievement is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. Our project aims to transform agriculture in Nigeria, making it more sustainable and climate-proof. We believe that with the right support and partnerships, we can create lasting change that benefits farmers and helps safeguard our planet for future generations,” Ifeoluwa stated.

Aeropod (by Muju Earth), a soil regeneration startup from Imperial College London, and Dainty Grace, an innovative lingerie startup from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), each won first prizes of £15,000 in the WE Innovate 2025 Grand Final.

read more
NewsUncategorized

Women Bear the Brunt as Herders’ Attacks Claim Up to 200 Lives in Benue

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

A recent devastating attack by suspected armed herders has left an estimated 200 people feared dead in Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, with women and children among the hardest hit. The brutal assault, which occurred late Friday night, has caused outrage and grief, particularly among women who are mourning the loss of loved ones and grappling with displacement and trauma.

Local sources report that the assailants stormed the communities in a well-planned attack, targeting vulnerable groups, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), women, and children. Among the harrowing accounts, one woman in Yelewata reportedly lost five children and her mother in a single night of violence, a tragedy that has left the community reeling.

Women in the affected areas have been at the forefront of both suffering and resilience. In Apa Local Government Area, just weeks prior, women staged protests against the ongoing killings, demanding urgent action to protect their communities. The June 3 demonstration, underscored the growing desperation among women who face constant threats while trying to sustain their families in an agrarian region known as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.”

The attacks have compounded the challenges for women in Benue, where herder-farmer clashes have disrupted farming activities, leaving many female-headed households without livelihoods. “They killed women and even children as young as two years old,” a resident of Gwer West told the Daily Trust, describing a recent attack in the region. The violence has forced hundreds of women and their families to flee, with many taking refuge in makeshift shelters or nearby communities, further exposing them to risks of exploitation and insecurity.

Community leaders and eyewitnesses describe the attackers’ brutality, with women often targeted while tending to daily tasks or protecting their children. In a related incident in Apa LGA, 14 female traders were kidnapped while returning from a market in Enugu State, their whereabouts still unknown. The loss of women, who are often the backbone of rural economies, has deepened the crisis, with families like those in Ankpali burying 11 members in a single tragedy.

The Benue State Police Command has deployed security forces to restore order, but women in Yelewata and Daudu express frustration over the lack of proactive protection. “We are tired of running, tired of losing our children,” said a displaced mother in Yelewata, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals. The absence of a robust security presence, despite nearby military checkpoints, has fueled accusations of neglect, with residents calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia and federal authorities to intervene decisively.

As the death toll rises and search efforts continue, women in Benue are demanding justice and safety.

The crisis cites the urgent need for policies like the 2017 open grazing ban to be enforced, as women and their communities face an escalating cycle of violence that threatens their survival.

 

 

read more
News

NAPTIP Rescues 14-Year-Old Girl from Severe Domestic Abuse

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued a 14-year-old girl from severe domestic abuse in Sokoto State, authorities announced on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The victim, identified as the firstborn and only female child of Malam Usman Aliyu, was allegedly subjected to maltreatment, starvation, and exploitation by a prominent Abuja socialite and wife of a high-ranking public official in Sokoto.

According to a statement by NAPTIP Press Officer Vincent Adekoye, the girl, named Bashariyya, was discovered in a deplorable state by concerned neighbors, who reported her condition to the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour. The report was swiftly escalated to NAPTIP, prompting immediate action. The victim was found malnourished, unbathed, and emotionally distressed, unable to walk and showing signs of fainting due to extreme starvation and dehumanization.

The statement revealed that Bashariyya had been locked up for weeks, enduring severe abuse after being recruited by the suspect. When NAPTIP intervened, the suspect allegedly hired locals to block access to the girl, complicating rescue efforts. Hospitals in Sokoto were initially reluctant to admit her due to the severity of her condition, but NAPTIP persisted in securing emergency medical care for the victim.

Adekoye disclosed that the suspect, fearing the girl might die, returned her to Sokoto and handed her over to an individual named Maryam, claiming Bashariyya had “spiritual issues.” NAPTIP’s intervention ensured the girl’s rescue and ongoing medical treatment. The agency is now investigating the case, with efforts underway to bring the perpetrator to justice.

NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, condemned the incident, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to combating human trafficking and violence against persons, regardless of the status of those involved. “No one is above the law,” Bello stated, vowing to hold all perpetrators accountable.

This rescue operation shows NAPTIP’s ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals, following recent successes, including the rescue of a two-year-old girl trafficked from Abuja to Abia State and seven young women from a trafficking ring in Abuja. The agency continues to call for public vigilance to report suspected cases of abuse and trafficking.

The Sokoto State government and local authorities have been urged to collaborate with NAPTIP to address rising cases of abuse and ensure justice for victims like Bashariyya.

 

read more
News

BBNaija 2025: Tolanibaj Shares Five Essential Tips for Aspiring Season 10 Housemates

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

As anticipation builds for the 10th season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), former housemate Tolani Shobajo, popularly known as Tolanibaj, has dished out a lifeline of advice to aspiring contestants. The reality TV star and DJ, who rose to fame during the 2020 Lockdown edition, shared a video on her TikTok page, delivering five key survival tips for those vying for a spot in the iconic Big Brother house.

Drawing from her experience in Season 5 and the All-Stars edition, Tolanibaj emphasized the importance of clarity and confidence for contestants entering the house. “Know who you are and what you bring to the table,” she urged, encouraging aspirants to showcase their unique personalities to stand out in the competitive environment.

Her second tip focused on appearance, advising housemates to always look their best. “Your style can attract fashion endorsement deals,” Tolanibaj noted, highlighting how a polished image could open doors to post-show opportunities.

In her third and perhaps most candid point, Tolanibaj cautioned against mistaking housemates for friends. “Your housemates are not your real friends; they are teammates and colleagues,” she stressed. Reflecting on her own journey, she advised contestants to stay grounded and return to their true friends and family after the show, as relationships formed in the house may not last.

Her fourth tip stressed the need for a solid plan for life after BBNaija. Tolanibaj warned that the spotlight fades quickly and urged contestants to prepare for the future, noting that prize money payouts are gradual and should not be relied upon for reckless decisions. “The real challenge begins after eviction or when the show ends,” she said.

Finally, Tolanibaj encouraged aspiring housemates to approach relationships in the house with caution, reminding them to stay strategic and focused on their goals.

Her advice is timely as hundreds of hopefuls prepare for auditions, with the promise of a ₦100 million prize and other rewards like cars and endorsement deals up for grabs.

While we await BBNaija Season 10, Tolanibaj’s words serve as a timely reminder for contestants to stay authentic, strategic, and prepared for the whirlwind of fame that awaits.

 

read more
NewsUncategorized

Outrage Grows Over Brutal Assault of Women at Port Harcourt Nightclub

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Outrage is growing as Nigerians demand justice for three young women who were allegedly brutally assaulted at Black Box nightclub in Port Harcourt during a birthday celebration. The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, came to light after the victims shared harrowing videos detailing their ordeal.

The women, who had reserved a table at the popular nightclub to celebrate a friend’s birthday, claim they were attacked by a male patron identified as Maduba Okechi Christian, CEO of Ceemore Global Limited. According to one victim, the altercation began when the man, who joined their table uninvited, demanded they not film him. Despite their compliance, he allegedly launched a violent attack. One woman suffered a severe head injury after being struck with a bottle, another lost a front tooth after being punched, and a third was reportedly stripped and pushed down a staircase by the man and his security detail.

In a video circulating online, one victim, visibly injured, said, “All we did was go out as girls. That’s our only ‘offense.’ Is every girl in Nigeria now assumed to be a prostitute?” The women also alleged the assailant is a regular at the club with a history of similar incidents, raising concerns about safety in public spaces.

The Rivers State Police Command has responded, confirming an investigation is underway. On Friday, June 13, 2025, the command stated via its social media handle that the Black Box manager and the alleged suspect have been invited for questioning, urging the victims to provide statements. The Divisional Police Officer in the jurisdiction has expedited action, though the suspect and nightclub owner reportedly failed to appear at the station on Friday. Adebayo Steve, Rivers State Director of Behind Bar Human Rights Foundation, confirmed two victims visited the police station, while two others remain hospitalized.

A man identifying himself as the founder of Black Box, using the TikTok handle @datfairboy, issued a personal statement condemning the assault. “No one has the right to inflict harm on anyone, especially when there was no threat,” he said, noting he had visited the victims in hospital and reported the matter to authorities.

The incident has ignited a firestorm online, with advocacy groups and influencers amplifying the victims’ calls for justice. Netizens expressed anger over the perceived lack of safety for women, with one X user, @dglasses_girl, writing, “Women can’t exist in peace in this crazy country.” The hashtag #PortHarcourtAssault is trending as Nigerians demand the suspect’s arrest and prosecution.

The case sheds light on ongoing concerns about gender-based violence in Rivers State, where reports of assaults and inadequate justice responses have fueled public frustration. The police investigation and the victims’ recovery remain under close scrutiny as the nation awaits accountability.

 

 

read more
News

Nigerian-Australian Woman Arrested for Alleged Trafficking of 15 Papua New Guinean Students

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

A 56-year-old Nigerian-Australian woman, Binta Abubakar, was arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, for allegedly trafficking 15 Papua New Guinean (PNG) students and forcing them into unpaid farm labor under the guise of educational scholarships. The arrest follows a two-year investigation by the AFP’s Northern Command Human Trafficking Team, initiated in July 2022 after a tip-off from Queensland Police.

Abubakar, a dual citizen primarily based in PNG, allegedly lured the students, aged 19 to 35, to Australia between March 2021 and July 2023 through her company, BIN Educational Services and Consulting. She promised fully funded scholarships but instead coerced the students into signing agreements to repay undisclosed costs for tuition, airfares, visas, insurance, and legal fees, placing them in significant debt. The victims were then forced to work on Queensland farms, including fruit farms in Lockyer Valley and Stanthorpe, often for 10 hours a day, seven days a week, in violation of their visa conditions. Some reportedly lived in oppressive conditions, including shipping containers.

The AFP alleges Abubakar collected the students’ wages and withheld them to repay their “debts,” threatening deportation or harm to their families in PNG if they resisted. The farmers employing the students were unaware of the trafficking scheme. Abubakar faces 31 charges, including four counts of human trafficking (maximum penalty: 12 years’ imprisonment), 14 counts of deceptive recruitment (seven years), and 13 counts of debt bondage (four years).

She appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 12, 2025, and was granted conditional bail, with a court reappearance scheduled for September 19, 2025. AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer condemned the exploitation, emphasizing the vulnerability of foreign workers lured by false promises. “The AFP is committed to protecting those targeted by greed and profits,” Telfer said, urging the public to report suspected trafficking. The Australian Red Cross’s Support for Trafficked People Program is assisting victims, some of whom remain in Australia.

This case tails recent international efforts to combat Nigerian-linked trafficking networks, including the arrest of 13 suspected syndicate members in Germany and a key trafficker in Nigeria in 2024. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging them to come forward.

 

 

read more
NewsUncategorized

Last Surviving Twin Rescued by Mary Slessor Dies at 115 in Arochukwu

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, fondly known as Mama Nsu Bekee, the last surviving female twin rescued by Scottish missionary Mary Slessor in Nigeria’s Arochukwu Ancient Kingdom, has passed away at the remarkable age of 115. Her death was announced by her only surviving son, Bishop Okechukwu Okereke, in a statement released to the press in Umuahia, Abia State, on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Born over a century ago, Madam Malinda and her twin sister, Mgbokwo, were saved from a grim fate by Mary Slessor, who arrived in the region in the late 1800s to end the traditional practice of twin-killing. At the time, twins were considered taboo in Arochukwu and parts of the Lower Cross River region, often killed and discarded in the “evil forest” due to cultural beliefs that viewed their birth as an abomination. Slessor, a devoted missionary, enforced a ban on this practice in 1876 and personally rescued and fostered many twins, including Malinda and Mgbokwo, whose births were attended by Slessor and her team at their maternity in Obinagu, Amasu Village, Arochukwu.

Under Slessor’s care, the twins were raised and educated at the Mary Slessor Primary School (now Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School) in Arochukwu, where they received formal education under the direct supervision of Scottish missionaries. This opportunity marked a significant departure from the fate that awaited twins before Slessor’s intervention. Mgbokwo, Malinda’s twin sister, passed away nearly two decades ago, leaving Malinda as the last living symbol of Slessor’s transformative work in the region.

Madam Malinda’s life stood as a testament to the enduring impact of Mary Slessor’s missionary efforts, which not only saved countless lives but also challenged deeply rooted cultural practices. Her passing marks the end of an era, closing a chapter on a remarkable story of survival, and the power of compassion to change lives.

The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements, but Madam Malinda’s legacy as a survivor of a bygone era and a beneficiary of Slessor’s humanitarian work will continue to inspire the living. Her story is a reminder of the progress made in abolishing harmful traditions and the influence of one woman’s mission to protect the vulnerable.

 

 

read more
NewsUncategorized

Democracy Must Serve Nigerians Beyond Voting, Says Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

On Democracy Day, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, called for a democracy that prioritizes the welfare of Nigerians beyond election periods. She emphasized the importance of justice, equity, inclusion, and unity to ensure the system delivers meaningful progress and improves the quality of life for all citizens.

 

“June 12 stands as a symbol of our collective struggle for democratic governance,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said, paying tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes whose sacrifices paved the way for Nigeria’s democratic system. “It is a tribute to the courage of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and countless Nigerians, known and unknown, who stood firm to defend the sanctity of the people’s will.”

Uduaghan stressed that while Nigeria has made strides in sustaining democracy, true progress must be measured by its impact on citizens’ everyday lives. “Democracy must bring real development, empower the weak, uphold the rule of law, and protect the dignity of every Nigerian,” she said. Her call to action resonated across social media, with posts on echoing her message that democracy should translate into concrete improvements for all.

The Senator’s remarks come at the time when Nigerians are reflecting on the state of governance, with many expressing concerns over economic challenges and social inequalities. Her statement has spiked discussions about the need for accountable leadership and policies that prioritize the welfare of the masses.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s message serves as a reminder that the essence of democracy lies in its ability to uplift and unite the nation, not just during elections but in the daily lives of its people.

 

 

read more
1 … 45 46 47 48 49 … 77
Page 47 of 77