The United States and Nigeria have strengthened their cooperation against financially motivated sextortion, romance scams and other forms of transnational cybercrime.

Michael Gonzales, the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, highlighted the progress during his visit to Abuja. His trip coincided with Nigeria’s Cybercrime Awareness Week and focused on advancing shared security priorities.

Gonzales met with senior officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Police Force. Discussions centred on expanding joint investigations and improving coordination against cyber-enabled offences.

He noted that cybercrime crosses borders within seconds and urged law-enforcement agencies to ensure that international cooperation moves equally swiftly. Recent extraditions, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of combining investigative, diplomatic and legal capabilities.

In August, Nigeria extradited two alleged cybercriminals to the United States. They face separate charges involving financially motivated sextortion cases connected to American minors who died by suicide. Since 2022, the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Abuja has worked with the EFCC on 41 extraditions, including five completed in 2026.

Gonzales commended the EFCC, the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for supporting the investigations and extradition process. He also stressed that swift and visible accountability is essential to deterring criminals and protecting vulnerable victims.

The visit reaffirmed that the strength of US-Nigeria security cooperation is measured not only by funded programmes, but also by practical results and sustained institutional collaboration.

Evangelist Apostle John Okoriko of Akwa Ibom State has urged President Bola Tinubu to deploy the nation’s available resources and security architecture to combat Boko Haram.

Speaking during a monthly interactive session themed “The Power of Belief,” Okoriko attributed the sect’s activities to a destructive religious belief system. He warned that such beliefs, alongside other retrogressive cultural practices, could undermine Nigeria’s stability and development if left unchecked.

According to him, education drives technological advancement and economic growth. He therefore expressed concern that Boko Haram’s opposition to education, particularly in northern Nigeria, could severely damage the country’s future.

Okoriko also urged Nigerians to maintain faith in their country despite insecurity, economic hardship and limited technological progress. He stressed that a nation unable to uphold the rule of law or believe in its own future risks collapse.

He called on the Federal Government to confront Boko Haram decisively, promote education and discourage beliefs that hinder national development.

With heavy hearts, total submission to the divine will of God, and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, the entire family of the Late Mr. Raphael Iwuagwu of Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State, announces the passage of their beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt, and sister, *Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu* (affectionately known as *”Tomato Jos”), who passed away at the age of 86.

Tributes from Her Loving Daughters

From Her Second Daughter, Hope Anoma

“What can I say about a lady who lived most of her years devoted to the church? I spoke with my sister Chiaka and she told me about your condition. I couldn’t bear it; I rushed down from Abuja to the hospital (F.M.C) where you were admitted. You didn’t see me when I came in, only to spend two days in the hospital with you, thinking that you will wake up so that we can go home together. But mama, you left a space in my heart that can never be occupied. Who will welcome me whenever I am back? Who will make me laugh? Death, why now? Why did you take Nda’m away? Continue to rest in the bosom of your creator. My love for you is forever.”

Tribute from Chiaka Nnanna Amajirionwu

 “Tribute to my lovely mom… She will call me Chiaka Nga Raphael and I will call her Chiaka Nga Nnanna—that is what we normally call each other. Who will ever call me that name again? Who will ever remind me of Orieobibi market days again? I never knew that a day like this will come that I will call her and she won’t answer me again. I know you have gone to a better place. Rest in peace Nda’m (my tomato Jos).”

Funeral Arrangements

The family warmly invites relatives, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers to join them in honoring her memory and bidding her a final farewell. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Friday, October 30, 2026

4:00 PM — Christian Wake Keep

Venue: St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, held at her husband’s residence in Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

Saturday, October 31, 2026

9:00 AM — Departure from Hospital

The body leaves Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, for her hometown, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

10:00 AM — Lying in State
At her husband’s compound, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze.

11:00 AM — Funeral Service
At St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A.

12:00 PM — Interment
Committal follows immediately after the funeral service at her husband’s residence.

1:00 PM — Reception
Reception follows immediately after interment at her husband’s residence, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

May Her Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.