News
New SMS-based Android malware, TangleBot, unleashed by cybercriminals
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), again, has been informed of a new high-risk, critical and Short Messaging Service-based malware, TangleBot, infecting Android mobile devices.
KANO FOCUS reports that TangleBot employs more or less similar tactics as the recently-announced notorious FlutBot SMS Android malware that targets mobile devices. TangleBot equally gains control of the device but in far more invasive manner than the FlutBot malware.
According to statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Saturday by Ikechukwu Adinde Director, Public Affairs of NCC the disclosure on TangleBot was made in a recent security advisory made available to the Commission’s New Media and Information Security Department by the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT).
TangleBot Android malware is installed when an unsuspecting user clicks on a malicious link disguised as COVID-19 vaccination appointment-related information in an SMS message or information about fake local power outages that are due to occur.
The statement said the aim behind both or either of the messages (on COVID-19 or impending power outages) is to encourage potential victims to follow a link that supposedly offers detailed information. Once at the page, users are asked to update applications such as Adobe Flash Player to view the page’s content by going through nine (9) dialogue boxes to give acceptance to different permissions that will allow the malware operators initiate the malware configuration process.
According to the statement the immediate consequence to this, is that TangleBot gains access to several different permissions when installed on a device, allowing it to eavesdrop on user communications. The malware then steals sensitive data stored on the device and monitors almost every user activity, including camera use, audio conversations, and location, among other things.
Furthermore, the malware takes complete control of the targeted device, including access to banking data, and can reach the deepest recesses of the Android operating system.
The NCC, therefore, wishes to, once again, urge millions of telecom consumers in Nigeria to be wary of such wiles of cyber criminals, whose intent is to defraud unsuspecting Internet users.
In order to ensure maximum protection for Internet users in the country, the ngCERT has offered a number of preventive measures to be taken by the consumers. These measures include an advisory to telecom consumers and other Internet users to refrain from opening Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) from unknown sources while using your mobile devices.
Additionally, telecom consumers should never respond or send reply to messages or call back a phone number that is associated with the text that they are unaware of. Should any telecom consumer or Internet user become curious and wish to ascertain the authenticity of any call or messages and wish to probe the incident, such persons may do a web search of both the number and the message content.
The NCC hereby reiterates that mobile users are under obligation to practice safe messaging practices and avoid clicking on any links in texts, even if they appear to come from a legitimate contact. Indeed, it is important to be judicious when downloading apps by reading install prompts closely, looking out for information regarding rights and privileges that the app may request.
Other risk-mitigating measures advised by ngCERT is for users to be cautious of procuring any software from outside a certified app store. Advisedly, it is safer to call the company directly rather than using the phone number on the message received, especially if the message is spoofing a company. Finally, telecom consumers and other Internet users should report any incident of system compromise to ngCERT via incident@cert.gov.ng for necessary support and technical assistance.
The Commission expresses its commitment to continuously inform and educate mobile telephony subscribers and Internet users in Nigeria, on cyber risks, however they may manifest. This is to insulate them from the dangers and losses arising from cybercrimes of any kind.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has heartily congratulated Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo on his emergence as the Chairman of the newly inaugurated Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
Governor Yusuf described Dangambo’s election as a significant step towards strengthening professionalism and ethical journalism in the digital media space.
He commended the leadership of the NUJ Kano Council under the able leadership of Comrade Sulieman Dederi for the successful establishment of the Online Media Chapel, which he said will complement the efforts of traditional media in promoting truth, fairness, and integrity.
The Governor expressed confidence that under Dangambo’s leadership, the Online Media Chapel would set a new standard for responsible and development-driven journalism in Kano State and beyond.
He assured of his administration’s continued support for initiatives that promote credible information dissemination, media development, and the unity of practitioners.
Governor Yusuf wished Comrade Dangambo and the entire executive council a successful and impactful tenure, urging them to work diligently in fostering professionalism, building capacity, and enhancing the role of online journalism in the state’s growth and progress.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary action against two court registrars and two Upper Shari’a Court judges over misconduct.
KANO FOCUS reports that this is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson of the Kano State Judiciary Baba Jibo Ibrahim, in Kano.
He said that the decision was part of the resolutions reached at the JSC’s 80th meeting held on April 22, 2025.
He said the commission, in line with its mandate, adopted the recommendations of the investigation carried out by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) and resolved to suspend and issue formal warnings to them.
Those suspended are: Ibrahim Adamu, Principal Registrar II of the Kano High Court and Maigida Lawan, Principal Registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal.
The commission has also issued a warning letter to Upper Sharia Court Judges Alkali Mansur Ibrahim and Nasiru Ahmad.
Ibrahim said Adamu, a Principal Registrar II of the Kano High Court of Justice, was suspended without pay for six months.
“His promotion is deferred after a finding that confirmed he verbally assaulted and attempted to use physical force against his superior officer, amounting to gross misconduct in violation of the provisions of the Kano State Civil Service Rules 2004 and the JSC Regulations.
“This is the second time Adamu has appeared before an investigative committee for violence-related actions at work, and he has been issued a series of queries.”
The commission found Adamu’s actions to be grossly unbecoming of his office and imposed the appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
The statement said Lawan, a Principal Registrar of the Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal, was suspended without pay for six months, immediately, after being found guilty of demanding and accepting improper gratification under false pretences.
“The commission adopted the recommendation of the JPCC, and Lawan was demoted by one grade level (from GL-13 down to GL-12).”
He said that the commission issued a warning to Malam Mansur Ibrahim, an Upper Shari’a Court judge, after evidence confirmed he used insulting and abusive language towards a litigant.
The JSC also issued a formal warning to Nasiru Ahmad, an Upper Shari’a Court judge, for ordering the detention of a judgment debtor in a manner that suggested personal interest and compromised judicial impartiality.
He emphasised that discretionary powers must be exercised with the utmost fairness and objectivity to preserve public confidence in the judiciary.
The JSC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and corruption.
“These measures underscore the State Commission’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
“All judicial officers and staff are reminded to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the honour and trust vested in them by the people of Kano State.”
He warned all court staff not to engage in any corrupt practices, as anyone found engaging in corruption will be directed to proceed on compulsory retirement, as the JSC will not condone any act of corruption.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has inaugurated the Kano Online Media Chapel, marking a new chapter for digital journalism in the state.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Sunday at the NUJ Secretariat, was attended by top government officials, media executives, and stakeholders, including the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, and the NUJ Kano Council Chairman, Comrade Suleiman A. Dederi.
During the event, the following officials were sworn in to lead the new Chapel:
• Chairman: Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo (Publisher, Independent Post)
• Vice Chairman: Kahdija Aliyu (Publisher, Paradigm News)
• Secretary: Isiyaku Ahmad (Publisher, Stallion Times)
• Assistant Secretary: Zahrau Nasir Ahmed (Publisher, Daily Watch 24)
• Financial Secretary: Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo (Publisher, Kakaki24)
• Treasurer: Abbas Yushau Yusuf (Publisher, Nigeria Tracker)
• Auditor: Musa Ahmad Durumin Iya (Publisher, Alifijir News)
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing that the Online Media Chapel would not compete with traditional media but complement it.
He stressed the importance of promoting ethical, responsible, and impactful journalism in the digital era, pledging to uphold the highest standards of truth, fairness, and integrity.
“We are committed to fostering professionalism, unity among practitioners, and building the capacity of online journalists to meet global standards,” Dangambo said.
Commissioner Waiya described the inauguration as a historic moment for Kano State, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting media reforms. He called on all online practitioners to embrace unity and professionalism, promising that all necessary support would be provided to strengthen the Chapel.
The formation of the Kano Online Media Chapel is seen as a major milestone aimed at uniting online journalists under one umbrella to ensure the delivery of authentic, reliable, and development-driven information to the public.
Gov. Yusuf Praises NUJ’s New Digital Frontier, Celebrates Dangambo’s Innaguration
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Dangambo Leads as NUJ Inaugurates Kano Online Media Chapel
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