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Nigerian instagram billionaire and Hushpuppi ally, Mr Woodberry pleads guilty to fraud & agrees to pay $8 million

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Mr Woodberry

Olalekan Ponle, better known as Woodberry, has pleaded guilty to a fraud charge at a United States district court.

The district court for Northern Illinois has set 11 July for his sentencing.

Woodberry is well-known to be an ally of another Nigerian international fraudster, Ramon Abbas, alias Hushpuppi, who was jailed last year.

The two men were arrested for extensive international online scams in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on 10 June 2020, and were flown to the United States to face separate trials.

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Hushpuppi, who initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea to guilty in April 2021, just before a full-blown trial was to begin. The US district court for Central California where prosecutors charged him jailed him for 11 years and ordered him to pay $1.7 million restitution in November 2022.

Woodberry, accused of defrauding a US company of about $188,000, similarly maintained his innocence for over two years. But he made a U-turn to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud during a change of plea hearing at the US District Court for Northern Illinois this April, according to court documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

The judge, Robert Gettleman, accepted the defendant’s change of plea in a ruling delivered on 6 April.He set 11 July for sentencing after accepting the plea agreement Woodberry entered into with US prosecutors.

The judge referred the case to the Probation Department for a pre-sentence investigation and report, which would guide his decision on the appropriate sentence to impose.

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Read Also: Hushpuppi owned a 15-acre catfish farm in Ghana..and more of the strangest facts revealed from Hushpuppi’s criminal case

He gave the US government 60 days before the sentencing date to provide the Probation Office and the courtroom deputy a list of victims and their full current contact information to obtain the court’s order of restitution.

“The list shall include any amounts subject to restitution. If the Government is not able to provide the full victim list 60 days before sentencing, they shall file a motion to request an extension of time to compile the information,” the judge added.

In pleading guilty, Woodberry confessed to defrauding a company in New York, identified as “Victim Company B” of almost $188,000 through online scams involving business email comprise schemes.

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US prosecutors said starting from January 2019, Mr Ponle and his co-schemers “were engaged in a business email compromise scheme targeting Victim Company B and other companies which resulted in a fraudulent wire of approximately $188,191.50 to a bank account.”

How fraudulent plot was hatched
According to the court filing, the scheme began with one or more of Mr Ponle’s co-schemers gaining unauthorised access to Victim Company B’s email account on or before 16 January 2019.

They hacked into the email account by fraudulently obtaining the account credentials, according to the prosecutors.

“Once access to this email account (“Victim Company B Email Account”) had been accomplished, the co-schemers changed certain security settings in the email account to hide their activity from the actual email account user,” prosecutors said in the plea agreement signed by Woodberry.

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Swiftly, on 16 January 2019, an email was sent from the compromised Victim Company B’s email account to another email account of the company requesting a $188,191.50 payment be made to Victim Company B’s supplier.

The email, according to prosecutors, contained instructions that the money be sent via wire transfer to a bank account which was set up by Whiteberry.

“PONLE knew that he had no right to the money and that the email was intended to defraud Victim Company B into paying money owed to the supplier to an account controlled by PONLE rather than the supplier.

“As a result of the email, approximately $188,191.50 was sent to 8208 account. PONLE acknowledges that the wire was processed through the Federal Reserve System and sent from an account held in New York, New York to an account ending in held in Nashville, Tennessee,” the plea agreement added.

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The document went further to state that on 17 January 2019, Mr Ponle received a message from Individual B informing him that “The money is in”.

It added that Woodberry’s instruction, Individual B converted approximately $119,000 of the proceeds of the fraudulent wire transfer to Bitcoin. “Individual B then sent the Bitcoin to PONLE’s Bitcoin wallet.”

How fraudulent bank account was set up

Woodberry, according to the plea agreement, set up the fraudulent bank account with which he received proceeds of the fraud nine days before he requested payment through Victim Company B’s compromised email account on 16 January 2019.

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The prosecutors say, specifically on 7 January 2019, Mr Ponle, using the alias “Mark Kain,” sent a message from outside the US to “Individual B” asking Individual B to open a bank account in the name of a Victim Company B supplier.

Woodberry was said to have told Individual B to “set up a separate business account just to receive the money.”

Acting at Mr Ponle’s direction, Individual B opened an account under the name “[Individual B] d/b/a [Victim Company B supplier]” and sent the account number, which ended in 8208, and routing number to him, the court filing stated.

On 10 January 2019, he sent a message to Individual B indicating that the wire to the Victim Company B supplier account would be “$188K”.

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The prosecutor is pushing for the court to order the defendant to make full restitution in the amount outstanding at the time of sentencing.

The US government last year described w Woodberry’s ally, Hushpuppi as “a prolific international fraudster who conspired to launder tens of millions of dollars through a series of online scams.”

The government said Hushpupi “flaunted his luxurious, crime-funded lifestyle on social media.”

His Instagram account, his flagship platform for flaunting his expensive lifestyle, has since been closed at the request of the US government.

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People & Lifestyle

Ada Senior High Tech Students Receive 600 Math Sets from UK-Based Philanthropist Stacey Rosa

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In a commendable act of generosity and commitment to education, Stacey Rosa, a renowned Ghanaian philanthropist based in the UK, has donated over 600 math sets to the students of Ada Senior High Technical School. This significant contribution is aimed at enhancing the learning experience and academic performance of the students, particularly in mathematics. (more…)

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Comprehensive Guide to Weed Delivery and Dispensaries in Stamford, Connecticut

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5 World's Most Expensive Weed of 2023

Cannabis enthusiasts in Stamford, Connecticut, have a variety of options when it comes to purchasing their favorite products. With the rise of dispensaries and weed delivery services, obtaining recreational cannabis has never been easier. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Stamford dispensaries and weed delivery in CT, including the best options, delivery services, and tips for a seamless experience.

Stamford Dispensaries: Where to Buy Recreational Cannabis

Stamford dispensaries offer a range of high-quality cannabis products for recreational use. Here are some of the top dispensaries in the area:

1. Compassionate Care Center of Connecticut

Located in nearby Bethel, this dispensary offers a wide range of cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Known for their knowledgeable staff and welcoming environment, Compassionate Care Center is a top choice for many Stamford residents seeking recreational cannabis.

2. Fine Fettle Dispensary

Fine Fettle has locations throughout Connecticut, including one in Stamford. They offer an extensive selection of high-quality cannabis products and emphasize customer education, ensuring that both new and experienced users find the right products for their needs.

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3. Curaleaf

Curaleaf, a well-known name in the cannabis industry, has a Stamford dispensary recreational customers love. They provide a wide variety of products, from premium flower strains to edibles and concentrates. Curaleaf is praised for its exceptional customer service and product knowledge.

Weed Delivery in Connecticut: Convenient and Discreet

For those who prefer the convenience of having cannabis delivered to their door, several weed delivery services in CT operate in Stamford and the broader Connecticut area. Here’s how to make the most of cannabis delivery in CT:

1. Pelicandelivers

Pelicandelivers is a popular choice for weed delivery in CT. They offer a user-friendly online platform where customers can browse a wide range of products, place orders, and schedule deliveries. With a focus on timely and discreet service, Pelicandelivers is a trusted name in the industry.

2. Weedmaps

Weedmaps not only helps users locate nearby dispensaries but also offers delivery services in many areas, including Stamford. By using the Weedmaps app or website, customers can easily find available products, read reviews, and arrange for delivery.

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3. Eaze

Eaze is another reliable delivery service that caters to the Stamford area. Known for their fast and efficient delivery times, Eaze ensures that customers receive their orders promptly and discreetly.

Tips for a Smooth Cannabis Delivery Experience

To ensure a positive experience when using weed delivery services in CT, follow these tips:

1. Check Delivery Zones

Before placing an order, verify that the delivery service operates in your area. Some services may have specific delivery zones or minimum order requirements.

2. Browse and Compare

Take the time to browse different delivery platforms and compare product selections, prices, and delivery fees. This can help you find the best deals and ensure you get the products you want.

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3. Read Reviews

Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of products and the reliability of the delivery service. Look for reviews on the delivery platform or third-party sites to make an informed decision.

4. Prepare for Delivery

Ensure that you are available to receive your delivery at the scheduled time. Some services may require ID verification to confirm age and identity, so have your ID ready.

5. Tipping

As mentioned earlier, tipping your delivery driver is a great way to show appreciation for their service. Consider tipping 10-20% of your order total, or a minimum of $3-5 for smaller orders.

Legal Considerations for Cannabis in Connecticut

Before purchasing or ordering cannabis in Stamford, it’s important to understand the legal landscape:

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  • Age Restrictions: You must be 21 years or older to purchase recreational cannabis in Connecticut.
  • Purchase Limits: Adults can purchase up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower or equivalent products.
  • Consumption: Cannabis consumption is allowed in private residences but is prohibited in public places.

By staying informed about local laws and regulations, you can enjoy cannabis responsibly and legally.

Conclusion

Stamford, Connecticut, offers a variety of options for recreational cannabis enthusiasts, from well-regarded Stamford dispensaries to convenient weed delivery services in CT. Whether you prefer to visit a local dispensary or have your products delivered, understanding your options and following best practices can enhance your cannabis experience. Happy shopping and enjoy responsibly!



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People & Lifestyle

Tim Swain Launches Black Star 400: A Visionary Initiative To Transform Ghana

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Activist, educator, and content creator Tim Swain proudly announces the launch of Black Star 400, a four hundred kilometre run from Salaga Market to Cape Coast set to take place December 16, 2024. The run aims to provide resources that will support the transformation of Ghanaian and Diasporan youth. 

Backed by Anidaso 360, a non-profit organisation that offers cultural immersion programs to empower marginalised communities to make a meaningful impact as global citizens, Swain’s Black Star 400 Run will raise awareness and funding to bring solutions to key goals. 

At the heart of Black Star 400 is a journey that transcends geographical boundaries, uniting people from diverse backgrounds under a common cause. The lead up to the run in December.

This visionary initiative combines advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement to tackle critical issues facing Ghana, focusing primarily on infrastructure development and youth leadership empowerment.

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Project Goals:

1. Fundraising for Boreholes: Drill 20 boreholes across Ghana by December 2025 to provide essential access to clean water.

   

2. Youth Empowerment Program: Bring 10 young Black men aged 18-23 to Ghana by July 2025 for an immersive business and cultural empowerment program, designed to develop future global leaders.

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3. Leadership Academy: Establish an Academy for Leadership for Ghanaian youth in (North of Ghana) 

Leading this initiative, Tim Swain brings his vast experience as a theologian and marathon runner, having completed numerous high-profile marathons such as the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis and the Rock ‘n’ Roll series. 

His commitment to social impact and his ability to mobilise communities will be pivotal in driving the success of Black Star 400.

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“Black Star 400 is more than a run; it is a movement fueled by hope, determination, and a shared commitment to transformation,” said Tim Swain. “By rallying support and resources from both local communities and the Global African Diaspora, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of Ghanaians and the future leaders from the Black Diaspora.”

Black Star 400 invites individuals, organisations, and stakeholders worldwide to join in on the journey. The Black Star 400 project aims to fundraise for the next 8 months and will work to implement and achieve their projected goals by the end of 2025. 

Leading up to the run in December 2024, Tim Swain will do a monthly run to prepare and will invite communities from all around the Diaspora to run with him to raise awareness and support for the Black Star 400 goals.

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Hugely popular JAMBO WWE celebrates 100th Episode!

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SuperSport’s ground-breaking magazine show JAMBO WWE celebrates its 100th episode on Thursday, 20 June 2024. 

Launched on 28 July 2022, JAMBO WWE is an innovative weekly programme tailored to cater to the rapidly growing WWE fanbase in Africa. The 30-minute show airs every Thursday at 4pm and offers a unique, localized, and culturally relevant WWE experience. 

Since its launch, JAMBO WWE has seen a substantial increase in viewers. Its average linear viewership has increased by 40% compared to last year, according to internal analysis tools, making it a staple for WWE fans across Africa. The show is also one of the top-watched sports magazine programmes generating above-average viewership numbers. It’s not only in Africa that the show is making a stir – it’s also setting a new standard for WWE programming globally.

As the exclusive broadcast rights holder for WWE in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2017, through a direct partnership with WWE, SuperSport has established itself as the go-to platform for WWE RAW, WWE SmackDown, NXT, WWE WrestleMania, and all WWE Premium Live Events.

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SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha added: “We’re extremely proud to see JAMBO WWE reach the 100th episode milestone. WWE has allowed us to entertain many different audiences and to reach a younger audience, while crossing boarders well into the rest of Africa, where WWE has proven extremely popular. The show has deeply resonated with fans and fostered a vibrant WWE community across the continent.

 

SuperSport’s 24-hour WWE channel on DStv 128/GOtv 168 is where viewers will find JAMBO WWE, as well as archive content, documentaries and bespoke WWE content.

“We’ve seen viewership continue to rise on our entire WWE offering, especially during this year’s WWE WrestleMania 40, which performed exceptionally well this year compared to 2022 and 2023. The comeback of old stars and firm favourites such as The Rock, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns, also contributed to the increased interest.”  

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JAMBO WWE’s diverse offering

JAMBO WWE distinguishes itself through its diverse and vibrant format.

African perspective: Hosts Lwazi Volsak, Rosa-Lena Mabunda Mondlane, Emelio Michaels, and Vasilis Argyrides offer insightful analysis and discussions from an African viewpoint.

Latest news and updates: In-depth coverage of RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events, including exclusive interviews.

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Cultural celebration: The show incorporates bold, African-inspired graphics, vibrant music, and segments highlighting the intersection of WWE and African culture.

Community and SuperSport initiatives: The show featured a women-only produced episode, in alignment and support of SuperSport’s Here For Her campaign showcasing our people-driven efforts.

Fan interaction: A big feature of the show is its ability to actively engage with fans through social media and on-air segments, fostering a sense of community among the African WWE Universe.

Celebrity guests: People love special guests. Quite often, the show has managed to display an array of stars from different sports, showing its crossover appeal. This includes WWE Superstars Bianca Belair, The Miz, Bobby Lashley and Charlotte Flair, as well as South African sports icons like Lucas Radebe and Bryan Habana. The crossover appeal of JAMBO WWE is immense, as seen with appearances by Ringo Madlingozi and Grammy Award Winner, Zakes Bantwini.

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Widespread recognition 

JAMBO WWE has received positive coverage from various media outlets, including Fightful, which covered the launch of JAMBO WWE, highlighting its unique approach to WWE coverage in Africa and Wrestlinginc, another leading wrestling news source, amplifying its reach and impact. There’s also been considerable excitement and engagement across a variety of social media platforms, with the hashtag #SSWWE.

Catch JAMBO WWE and all the WWE action on DStv, GOtv. 

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People & Lifestyle

The Power Of Creative Collisions. Why You Need More Chaos In Your Life

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We’re drowning in information, yet starved for real connection. We attend the same conferences, scroll through the same feeds, and mostly find ourselves trapped in echo chambers of our own design. But what if there was a space where those walls crumbled, disciplines collided, and the only expectation was a shared hunger for something more?

What if the real breakthroughs, the ones that matter, only emerge from the beautiful chaos of colliding perspectives, disciplines, and ideas?

That’s the bet Crowdpen is making with “Creative Chaos.” This isn’t your typical networking event. It’s a bi-monthly collision of entrepreneurs, artists, techies, and changemakers—all hungry to build a better future, together.

Here, entrepreneurs, artists, techies, and changemakers converge, not to pitch or impress, but to tap into the power of unlikely collaborations. Because the challenges we face today – from climate change to social inequality to the future of work – demand fresh perspectives and radical collaboration.

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There’s no set agenda, no pre-determined program, no designated speakers. Here, everyone is a speaker, everyone is a panelist, and every voice contributes to the collective brilliance.

No single industry, discipline, or individual holds all the answers. “Creative Chaos” recognizes this, providing a fertile ground for:

  • Spontaneous Brainstorming: Rapid-fire idea exchanges, interactive challenges, and playful exercises unlock new ways of thinking, pushing you beyond your usual creative limits.
  • Unlikely Collaborations: Forget networking within your bubble. Here, you’ll connect with people outside your usual circles, sparking unexpected partnerships and discovering that a tech founder, a filmmaker, and a social entrepreneur might just hold the key to your next breakthrough.
  • Actionable Inspiration: “Creative Chaos” is not about passive listening or predictable presentations. It’s about leaving with tangible takeaways, fresh perspectives, and the motivation to turn ideas into reality.

This is a call to action for anyone who feels stifled by the status quo, for those who crave a space where diverse minds come together to dream, to do, and to disrupt.

The most groundbreaking innovations often emerge not from solitary genius, but from the beautiful chaos of creative collisions.

Convinced to join us?

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Learn more and register here https://crowdpen.co/chaos or call 0546880898/ 0277667561 for more information

Date: Saturday 29th June, 2024

Time: 11am – 3pm

Venue: Jambo Spaces, Tse Addo

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Joselyn Dumas unveiled to elevate elegance with Caveman Watches

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Month after making NFL giant, Jeremiah Owusu as brand ambassador, leading Ghanaian made luxury watch brand, Caveman Watches, has announced celebrated actress, entrepreneur and media personality, Joselyn Dumas as brand Ambassador. (more…)

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