EFCC’s Operations At Majesty Estate, Port Harcourt

In response to a distress call by residents of Majesty Estate, Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, concerning the nefarious activities of internet fraudsters in their neighborhood, operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 1, 2025, carried out a sting operation that yielded 37 suspected fraudsters.

In the course of the operation, the apartment of one of the residents that the Commission’s intelligence flagged was visited. For some inexplicable reasons, the residents refused to open their doors even when operatives of the Commission properly introduced themselves and announced their mission. On this score, one of the doors of the apartment was pried open, and search operations were carried out. No arrest or recovery was made, and no unprofessional conduct happened in the course of the operations. The Commission finds reports of a viral video of a broken door and harassment of residents in the Estate strange and unwarranted, as many residents profusely appreciated and commended the Commission for coming to their aid in making some arrests of suspected internet fraudsters.

The Commission remains resolute in upholding sound professional conduct in its operations and will not hesitate to take disciplinary measures against any of its operatives found to be overzealous in the discharge of his duties.

George Foreman: "After I lost to Ali in Zaire, I told everyone that l was robbed - the ropes were loose, the water was drugged, then, once l'd changed my nature, I realised what a blemish l'd put on this great man's career.. Why would I go out and spit on his victory to mess up this great man's name?

"It was the last of the 70's, I believe 1978, Ali, I do not know how he got my phone number because he avoided me, he didn't want to give me a title rematch. He called and complimented me for about 20 minutes then he said ‘George, would you do me a favor', he knew I liked him, I said, ‘certainly,’ he said, 'please come back and beat Ken Norton and fight him for me, they are going to strip me of my title and I can't beat him George, you can. He's afraid of you. I'll let you use my training camp and everything.’

"That day forward, we became the best of friends, and, we starting talking on the telephone, he’d call me, I would try to run him down wherever he’d be. We had these religious conversations. His children became good friends with my children. That is where the love affair began, right there at the end of the '70's."

What started as rivalry ended in respect. That loss in Zaire became the beginning of a deep friendship, built on faith, forgiveness, and mutual admiration. Ali and Foreman went from opponents to brothers.

Head of Mission, Jonny Baxter Extols Super Falcons Defender Ashleigh Plumptre Upon Her Reception at the British High Commission in Lagos

Jonny Baxter remarked, "From Leicester to Lagos! It was a pleasure meeting with Ashleigh Plumptre and her father, Tim Plumptre, today."

He further praised her as a remarkable ambassador for both Britain and Nigeria, stating, "She embodies the spirit of Jollof and Tea, symbolizing how our shared culture, heritage, and sports unite us."

Success has many friends

Head of Mission, Jonny Baxter Extols Super Falcons Defender Ashleigh Plumptre Upon Her Reception at the British High Commission in Lagos

Jonny Baxter remarked, "From Leicester to Lagos! It was a pleasure meeting with Ashleigh Plumptre and her father, Tim Plumptre, today."

He further praised her as a remarkable ambassador for both Britain and Nigeria, stating, "She embodies the spirit of Jollof and Tea, symbolizing how our shared culture, heritage, and sports unite us."

Success has many friends

While men slept, The D Tigress tore apart Cameroon 83-47 in the quarter-final of the AfroBasket Women 2025 tournament. Amy Okonkwo was hot and shot 100% from 3, finishing with 18points. Victoria Macaulay and Nicole Enabosi had 12 points while Elizabeth Balogun finished with 11-points in a wire-to-wire triumph.

The victory seals Nigeria's spot in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying. A rematch with Senegal and former Nigeria coach, Otis Hughley awaits in the semifinals.

Nigeria women steady making us proud! No1 in the world!

Felix Osemwengie Isere in Hot Water: How Edo Government’s Oil and Gas Summit Was Allegedly Used as a Fraud Vehicle

Jonathan Osemudiamen

The Edo State Government has suspended Barrister Felix Osemwengie Isere, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, over his alleged involvement in a fraudulent fundraising scheme disguised under the banner of the state-sponsored Oil and Gas Summit scheduled for August 7, 2025. The suspension, confirmed in an official announcement signed by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, has rocked political circles and sent shockwaves across Edo’s oil and gas sector.

According to the public notice issued on July 28, 2025, Mr. Isere was suspended for "unauthorized fundraising using the name of Edo State Government" in relation to the upcoming summit. What the public announcement did not include—but has since been uncovered through multiple reliable sources—is the shocking extent of the financial impropriety involved.

At the heart of the scandal is the revelation that Felix Isere used the bank account of his private company to solicit and receive sponsorship funds from stakeholders in the oil and gas sector. These funds were allegedly positioned as donations towards the now-suspended Edo Oil and Gas Summit — an event that had been widely publicized as government-endorsed.

Investigations reveal that over ₦50 million was funneled into his personal company account from a major oil and gas company whose name has not yet been disclosed. Sources claim that several other private operators also donated substantial amounts, believing their contributions were going directly to support the state government’s summit and energy agenda. However, none of the funds appear to have gone through official government channels or state-sanctioned accounts.

Critics argue that Isere’s actions go beyond mere misjudgment and represent a deliberate act of fraud. “This is not just unethical; it’s criminal,” one official familiar with the case remarked. “You don’t use your private company to collect donations for a government program unless you’re trying to profit illegally.” The suspended adviser has reportedly been ordered to refund all monies collected, and the summit itself has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of further investigations.

Contrary to earlier public perceptions, Felix Isere is not a UK-trained lawyer. He is, in fact, a Nigeria-trained legal practitioner who only recently relocated to the United Kingdom in pursuit of greener pastures. Facing tough economic realities abroad and struggling to secure stable work, Isere returned to Nigeria and began lobbying intensely for a political appointment in Edo State. Governor Monday Okpebholo, moved by his situation and seeing potential in his legal background, appointed him as Special Adviser on Oil and Gas — a portfolio meant to attract investments and deepen sector reforms. Just months later, that empathy appears to have been misused.

This is not the first time Felix Isere’s name is being linked to controversial practices. Popular social media commentator and investigative presenter, CT Naija’s Albert Obazee, had earlier accused Isere of fraud involving the UK’s Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) system. Obazee alleged that Felix was charging desperate Nigerians exorbitant fees for fake UK job placements using manipulated COS documents — a practice that has led to financial ruin and shattered dreams for many victims.

At the time, supporters of Isere dismissed Obazee's claims as envy, especially after images surfaced of Felix flaunting a newly built mansion in Benin City, despite only returning from the UK a few months earlier. Today, however, these earlier warnings appear prophetic.

In a rare but commendable move, the Edo State Government has acted swiftly, suspending Isere from office and disassociating the administration from any dealings with him. The public has also been advised not to engage with him on any government-related matters, especially in relation to oil and gas business in the state. Governor Okpebholo, who has prided himself on transparency and accountability, is said to be deeply disappointed by the incident. “This is a slap in the face of a government that gave him a chance,” a source within the Governor’s Office lamented.

Pressure is now mounting on anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate the matter thoroughly and prosecute if necessary. Civil society groups have called for a full audit of all financial activities related to the Oil and Gas Summit and any prior dealings by Felix Isere under the Office of the Special Adviser.

Meanwhile, Edo citizens, already weary of corrupt officials, are watching with skepticism, hoping this will not be another case of political cover-up and immunity.

Felix Osemwengie Isere remains innocent until proven guilty, but the signs are grim. From allegations of immigration fraud abroad to financial misconduct at home, his fall from grace may not only mark the end of his political ambitions but also serve as a cautionary tale for those who seek public office for personal enrichment. The question on everyone’s lips now is: How many other “Felixes” are still in government?

Jonathan Osemudiamen
Social analyst and commentator
Based in Russia