Trojan, Malware: NCC Advises Against Installing Apps From ‘Mobile Apps Group’

November 9, 2022

Following the constant introduction of malicious apps into Google Play Store, the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has advised against the installation of apps from the offending publisher, the ‘Mobile Apps Group’, whose products were discovered to contain Trojans and adware that are harmful to users and their privacy.

NCC-CSIRT’s advisory on the incident disclosed that “The Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) has continued to observe and monitor the constant introduction of malicious mobile applications into Google Play Store.

“Mobile apps Group has a history of distributing malware-infected apps through the Google Play store, and the current batch of apps has already been downloaded over a million times” it said.

It listed this group’s malicious apps as the Bluetooth Auto Connect; Bluetooth App Sender; Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB; and Mobile transfer: smart switch.

According to the advisory, “The apps will delay the display of ads for up to three days after installation to avoid detection, saying that once this period has passed, the user is bombarded with advertisements and is directed to malicious phishing websites in the Chrome browser. While the device is idle, the malicious app can open Chrome tabs in the background. Some of the sites it opens may appear to be harmless, but they are pay-per-click pages that generate revenue for the developers when clicked on.”

Consequences of installing the malicious apps include the user being bombarded with advertisements, which will degrade the user experience; theft of sensitive user data; clicking on the ads resulting in the stealth download or installation of additional malware, as well as the user privacy and data being jeopardized.

These unpleasant consequences are avoidable when users refrain from downloading apps developed by Mobile apps Group and ensure to read app reviews before installing any app. Other proffered solutions are for users that may have installed any of the identified malicious apps to immediately uninstall them and to install up-to-date anti-malware solution to detect and remove malware.

NCC-CSIRT rated the malicious activities of the offending apps as high in probability and potential to do damage.

The CSIRT is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.

The CSIRT also works collaboratively with ngCERT, established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, and problems or related events.

Don’t Drag Atiku Into Fulani Herders’ Attacks,’ Dino Melayi Cautions Benue Gov, Ortom

Editorial staff

November 8, 2022

The spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Dino Melaye has cautioned Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, against dragging the Presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar into the Fulani herders’ attacks in Benue State.

Dino Melaye, who spoke today, November 8 in an Arise TV interview, said that it is unfair for Governor Ortom to paint Atiku in a bad light just so as to justify why he would not support him, as a Fulani man, due to atrocities of the Fulani people in Benue State.

Governor Ortom had said in Makurdi, the state capital yesterday, November 7 that he would not support Atiku, the Presidential candidate of the party under which he is governing the state, because he (Atiku) is a Fulani man.

The governor spoke in the presence of his colleagues – Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu Abia State.

The Benue State Governor said: “my people are being killed and you want me to be quiet; you want me to be a slave to a Fulani. It’s better I die. Anybody supporting Atiku in Benue is an enemy of the state.”

But Dino Melaye described the statement of Governor Orton as amounting to dragging Atiku into the mud over the issue which he does not cause.

“Everybody has the right to support any presidential candidate of his choice. But it is unfair for Governor Ortom to put the blame of criminalities of Fulani herders going on in Benue State on the lap of our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

“I also condemn the attacks and killing of people in Benue, but this has nothing to do with Atiku Abubakar.”

The PDP Presidential Campaign Council’s spokesman reasoned that all Fulani people are evil, adding that there are good Muslims and Christians among the Fulani.

According to him, former Nigerian Presidents, Shehu Shagari and Umaru Yar’Adua were both Fulani who appointed Benue indigenes into their respective governments.

I’ve Appealed Against My Conviction, EFCC Boss Announces

Editorial staff

November 8, 2022

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has announced that he has appealed against his conviction by a Federal high Court in Abuja.

Bawa was convicted today, November 8 for contempt of court by Justice Chizoba Oji, who said: “the Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is in contempt of the orders of this honourable court made on November 21st 2018 directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abuja to return to the applicant, his Range Rover (Super charge) and the sum of N40, 000,000.00 (Forty Million Naira).

“Having continued wilfully in disobedience to the order of this court, he should be committed to prison at Kuje Correctional Centre for his disobedience, and continued disobedience of the said order of court made on November 21st, 2018, until he purges himself of the contempt.”

Bawa, who appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption to defend his agency’s budget, today, November 8, said that the law would take its natural course.

“Well, we have appealed against it, so we will allow the natural course of law to take its effect.”

Prof. Gambari, Buhari’s Chief Of Staff, Bags Nasarawa Chieftaincy Title

Greenbarge Reporters

November 8, 2022

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has been conferred with the traditional title of Zanna Yawu Dima of Lafian Bare-Bari in Lafia, capital of Nasarawa State. The meaning of the title is “Defender of the Dynasty.”
Professor Gambari is a potential Emir of Ilorin, having belonged to one of the ruling Houses.
Speaking during the conferment of the title by Alhaji Sidi Bage Muhammad, the Emir of Lafia, Professor Gambari, who was on two-day working visit to Nasarawa State, called on Nigerians to embrace one another and work in unity for the success and development of the country.
He said that this will build an inclusive and cohesive society where everyone will be happy, safe and proud to have a country Nigeria.
He advised Nigerians to give priority to the unity and peace of the country, even as he called on leaders to work assiduously toward unity and tolerance among ethnic groups in the country.
He pleaded with Nigerians to continue to give maximum support to President Muhammad Buhari, saying that his success is everyone’s success.
The Chief of staff, who had earlier visited the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) Lafia, said that the building is a symbol of seriousness of the federal government’s commitment to the development of agricultural across the country.
He expressed confidence that AMEDI in Lafia, which was built by NASENI, will in no time emerge as a centre of excellence in agricultural machinery and equipment design to enable Nigeria to scale new heights for agricultural produce and a Hub for Agro-allied technologies.
“It is a pleasure for me to be here physically, groundbreaking ceremony which was done on August. I am proud to be associated with the tremendous progress that has been made since that time. By God grace, before the end of this administration, this will be commissioned and it will increase the level of agricultural produce and food value chain in the country.”
Professor Gambari appreciated the executive vice chairman of NASENI, Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna for the wonderful work he has been doing across the country.
He expressed happiness over the warm reception accorded him by the Nasarawa state government and applauded governor Abdullahi Sule over his various achievements in the state.
The NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna appreciated Gambari for the visit and the support he has been giving to NASENI.

Liverpool Owners, Fenway Sports Group, Put The Club Up For Sale

Editorial staff

November 7, 2022

Liverpool owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have put the Premier League club up for sale. The owners have already put together, a full presentation for interested parties.

The club’s top brass have retained Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to assist with the process of selling the club.

Whilst it is inviting offers, it is unclear the level of interest and whether a deal is likely to be done.

Mirror Football reported in April last year that FSG had rejected an offer of almost £3billion from the Middle East.

Premier League rivals, Chelsea were recently taken over by the Todd Boehly-led US consortium for a cost of £4.25billion, a new record in the sport.

A statement from Fenway Sports Group to The Athletic read: “There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool.

“FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

“FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”

FSG is principally owned by John W. Henry, who was one of the two founders alongside Chairman Tom Werner.

The group sold an 11% stake to RedBird Capital Partners last year for $750 million (£655 million). RedBird recently became majority owners of Italian champions AC Milan too.

ABU Re-Opens But Can’t Function For Lack Of Funds – NUC Boss

Editorial staff

November 7, 2022

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Rasheed, has said that despite the resumption of work by the academic staff of the federal universities, following the calling off of an eight-month nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Ahamdu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State cannot function now because of lack of funds.

Speaking while defending the 2023 budget of the commission and on behalf of all the universities before the Joint Senate and House Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, Professor Abubakar said that the truth is that ABU has only N5 million in the main account, and that it currently needs a minimum of N80 million for electricity alone.

“The sole administrator (of ABU), in 1996, sacked some staff and they went to court. Nearly 30 years later, the court said ABU should pay N22.5 billion, and the Central Bank removed that money. “That was the money ABU could use to function.

“I know ABU was not happy when the strike was called off because it will be exposed. It was hoping that it will continue to take cover under the strike. But once the strike was off, it has to reopen. It only reopened in name, saying they can start in January.”

The NUC boss said that ABU may run for two sessions, because they have reopened, but that they cannot do anything because everything it had was taken away under garnish order and given to former staff.

“Eight months is equivalent to an academic calendar in every country. So, one session is virtually lost, but the implication is that one session will now run far beyond one calendar year. It will run between 16 to 18 calendar months, depending on the situation.”

Professor Abubakar said that the rising cost of diesel and electricity is placing serious burden on universities.

According to him, the overhead for universities is between N12 million and N14 million per month but that they are being given average of N10 million.

“No university, big or small, spend less than N30 or N40 million in a month. Lagos spends an average of N80 million in a month.”

Cloud Hovers Over 2023 Elections As INEC Says Court processes Affecting Preparations

Editorial staff

November 7, 2022

Cloud seems hovering over the 2023 general elections as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, complained that court processes being served on the commission by political parties are affecting its preparations.

Professor Yakubu explained that cases arising from the conduct of primaries for the nomination of candidates by political parties have increased and that INEC has been joined in about 600 cases relating to the conduct of recent primaries and nomination of candidates for the general election.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC) held at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman said: “cases arising from the conduct of primaries for the nomination of candidates by political parties are on the increase.

“So far, we have been joined in about 600 cases relating to the conduct of recent primaries and nomination of candidates by political parties for the 2023 general election.

“Only two weeks ago, one political party served about 70 court processes on the Commission in one day seeking to compel us to accept the nomination or substitution of its candidates long after the deadline provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 general election had elapsed. Some of the cases will go up to the Supreme Court.

“The implication is that we are still dealing with issues of nomination of candidates thereby eating into vital time for preparation of and procurement of sensitive materials.

“It also means that the courts will be dealing with the same issues long after the general election.”

“We have studied the judgements of the Tribunals arising from both the 2019 general elections, the off-cycle governorship elections and the bye-elections conducted so far. We identified areas where we need to do more to reduce litigations.

“As a result, we are witnessing increasingly less court cases challenging the conduct of elections by the commission.”

Professor Yakubu assured the judiciary that INEC will continue to abide by court orders, even as he complained about a situation where a trial court sought to vary the judgement of the Supreme Court by ordering the commission to issue a Certificate of Return in favour of a candidate whose emergence during the party’s primary election has been nullified by the apex court (and affirmed by the same court following an application for clarification).”

Such situation, he said, put the commission in a difficult situation.

“The matter is currently being litigated again, possibly all the way back to the Supreme Court, thereby wasting the precious time of the courts which are already inundated by even the most improbable cases by litigation-happy individuals and parties.”

The INEC chairman expressed his appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and other heads of courts for the sustained collaboration with the commission, adding that the work (the judiciary and INEC) requires absolute neutrality.

Law Firms Disowns Natasha Akpoti’s Letter Demanding N10 Billion From Uduagha Before Marriage

Editorial staff

November 7, 2022

A law firm, Indemnity Partners, has dissociated itself from a document purported to have been put together by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan demanding N10 Billion from the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan before marriage.

The document contained a demand for N10 billion by Akpoti-Uduaghan from Uduaghan before they got married. The two were joined in wedlock earlier this year.

However, the law firm said that it had nothing to do with the letter.

“Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband,” the law firm said in a statement signed by B. C. Igwilo (SAN).

It said that the document was inauthentic and of dubious origin.

Igwillo said: “That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin.”

The firm, in the disclaimer, dated November 4, 2022, advised members of the public to ignore the document in circulation in its entirety.

“We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents.”

I Will Make Drastic Reforms In Farming, Fishing, Livestock Sector, Tinubu Vows

Editorial staff

November 7, 2022

All Progressives Congress Presidential (APC) Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has promised to undertake drastic reforms in the agricultural sector to enabled it play its rightful role as the bedrock of Nigeria’s new economy when he becomes president next year.

Tinubu, at a meeting with stakeholders in the agro-allied sector in Minna, Niger State today, November 7, vowed to make the reforms specifically in farming, Fishing and livestock of the economy to make it more competitive and attractive.

The Presidential candidate, who was unanimously endorsed by the the crop and livestock farmers as well as fishing communities at the event, stressed that farming and agro-allied businesses would receive a pride of place in his government.

Asiwaju Tinubu emphasised the important role agriculture played in the country’s economy before the discovery of oil, acknowledging that all the states in the country have the ability to offer one or two things to ensure that the nation fully produces what it eats.

“Northern Nigeria has great agricultural potential due to its abundant arable land. It must continue to march at the forefront if the sector is to significantly advance at all.

“Every state and the FCT have some degree of competitive advantage in agriculture, whether horticulture or crop production, fisheries, poultry or animal husbandry.

“Properly developed, these assets will not only satisfy our domestic needs but make Nigeria a global force within a short time.

“If Nigeria fully harnesses its agricultural potential, our exports will rise to the level such that we shall feed much of sub-Saharan Africa, allowing us to better balance our economy while fostering social tranquility, stronger consumer bases and political goodwill between us and other nations in the region and on the continent.”

The APC Presidential candidate was endorsed at the townhall meeting by the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Maize Association of Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria and Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria.

At the event were the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; the party’s Presidential running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima; Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Simon Lalong, Governor Abdullahi Sani-Bello of Niger State; Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru; Niger State APC Governorship candidate, Hon. Umar Bago and other party chieftains.

NCC Sets To Accelerate Broadband Infrastructure Deployment, Inaugurates Committee

Editorial staff

November 6, 2022

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has moved to expand the broadband services in the country with the inauguration of industry-wide committee under a project named, National Communications Backbone (NCB).

A statement today, November 6, by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said that the committee is being chaired by NCC’s Director of Digital Economy, Dr. Augustine Nwaulune, with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), and Tower Companies (TowerCos) as members.

The statement said that the Committee, christened the National Broadband Infrastructure Joint Committee (NBIJC), is saddled with the responsibility of supporting the drive towards the realisation of the NCB targets, as outlined in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025.

It said that the Director of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, Josephine Amuwa, who presided over the inauguration on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, in Abuja recently, said that the Committee came about as a result of the need to inject a broad-based industry approach to address challenges impeding the actualisation of broadband targets.

Professor Danbatta was quoted as having said that the Committee is expected to drive the targets set by the NNBP, including deployment of 120,000 kilometer of fibre across the country; deepening of broadband penetration to 70 per cent by 2025 and connection of 60 per cent of Communication towers with fibre; among other targets, as stipulated in its approved Terms of Reference (ToR).

“I appreciate your willingness and readiness to make a considerable investment of time and talent to participate in this Committee. We appreciate that you will provide an invaluable perspective as we seek to address gaps impeding the actualisation of the NCB and NNBP initiatives.”

“The depth and scope of experiences represented by the broad spectrum of this Committee’s membership will, no doubt, provide the Commission with much-needed insight and drive to overcome the challenges facing broadband infrastructure deployment in the country, and even exceed the current set targets.”

The statement said that the Committee held its maiden meeting that discussed the frequency of meetings and other critical issues considered relevant to deliver on its ToR.

It added that the committee’s six-point ToR include: enhancing collaboration between MNOs and InfraCos towards achieving target of the NCB of the NNBP 2020-2025; and to design an NCB network architecture and harmonized comprehensive plan that will create a more viable business case that will attract investors, establish synergy between the MNOs and the InfraCos, and facilitate infrastructure deployment.

The Committee, in collaboration with the Commission, is also expected to organize an NCB financing workshop and invite all the major financial institutions, MNOs and InfraCos, and present the project, estimated at N800 billion, for adoption and financing.

The Committee is also mandated to initiate engagements with identified sources of funding including Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), Africa Development Bank (AfDB), and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) among others.

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