🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian couple jailed in UK for £433,000 tax fraud using stolen Transport for London employee data
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Luciana and Femi Akanbi, a Nigerian couple, have been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison each in the United Kingdom for a large-scale tax fraud. Luciana Akanbi, 38, who worked in Transport for London's human resources department, accessed sensitive personal information of 107 colleagues, including passport details, National Insurance numbers, and bank records. The couple used the data of at least 40 employees to submit 139 fraudulent tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs between September 2021 and January 2022. This fraud resulted in losses of over £433,000 to the public purse, with total claims submitted nearing £650,000. Judge David Miller described the case as the most severe data breach in Transport for London's history, impacting staff morale and performance. The court heard that the proceeds were rapidly moved through a complex money laundering network, with over £50,000 paid into gambling accounts. While Luciana initially attempted to deflect blame, the judge ruled both defendants were central to the scheme. Transport for London has since strengthened its data protection systems, and HM Revenue and Customs warned of continued pursuit of tax fraudsters. The couple may face deportation after serving their sentences.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadA family member of one of the pupils rescued after nearly two months in captivity in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has shared the child's traumatic experience. The relative stated that the child, identified as Taiwo, reported being beaten by his abductors whenever he asked about his family. Taiwo also revealed that the captives were fed garri without sugar throughout their time in the forest. Another relative described the child's fearful reaction to unfamiliar faces post-rescue, noting that the child clung to them and trembled. A different family member added that the child recounted how abductors punished victims for requesting to see loved ones. This account follows the rescue of all abducted pupils and teachers from the May 15 attack, announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The principal of Community High School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, also rescued, previously detailed the 56-day ordeal, including beatings for crying children, forced silent treks, and the blindfolding and chaining of male teachers.
The Federation Account Allocation Committee distributed N2.55tn to the Federal Government, state governments, and local government councils from June 2026 revenue. This represents a N250bn increase from the N2.3tn allocated in May, marking a 10.9 percent month-on-month rise and continuing the upward trend in federation revenue this year. The N2.55tn distributable revenue included N1.81tn in statutory revenue and N740.72bn from Value Added Tax. Total gross revenue for June was N4.5tn, with N160.74bn deducted for collection costs and N1.79tn for transfers and refunds. Statutory revenue saw a significant increase, rising to N3.7tn in June from N2.65tn in May, while gross VAT revenue also improved to N799.75bn from N743.69bn. This improved performance was attributed to stronger collections from Companies Income Tax, petroleum royalties, Value Added Tax, and import duties, despite decreases in Petroleum Profit Tax, Hydrocarbon Tax, and mineral royalties. From the N2.55tn, the Federal Government received N923.44bn, states received N838.21bn, and local government councils received N591.39bn. Additionally, oil-producing states received N197.61bn as 13 percent derivation revenue.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has initiated a grassroots political engagement to bolster his party's structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. The governor's spokesman, Sunusi Tofa, stated that Yusuf made this declaration during a session with the APC Polling Unit Supporters Association, known as 'Yan Akwatina, led by Najib Salati. This association has structures across Kano State's 44 local government areas, 484 wards, and polling units, making it a significant grassroots mobilization platform. Governor Yusuf emphasized that President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027 would consolidate the administration's economic reforms and infrastructure development. He added that sustained grassroots mobilization would strengthen the party's support base and position it for victory in presidential, governorship, and other elections. To support the association, the governor reportedly donated plots of land and ₦100 million. The governor's Political Adviser, Mustapha Bakwana, described the meeting as the start of the party's grassroots mobilization strategy for the 2027 elections, noting the association's capacity to mobilize at least 1,122,200 votes for Tinubu. Najib Salati, the association's leader, thanked the governor for including members in state and local government appointments and pledged the group's commitment to the party's success. The party's Kano State Chairman, Umar Doguwa, expressed confidence in a landslide victory, citing an expanding support base.