South Africa : Two Nigerians jailed for life for human trafficking

A high court in Gauteng, South Africa has handed life sentences and an additional 106 years imprisonment to two Nigerians for human trafficking.

The duo, Frank Amaku and Ilo Promise Somadina (25), were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigating unit in April 2016 at a hideous dwelling in Fourways where they reportedly ran a brothel and held victims captive.

Five victims were rescued during the operation and taken to a place of safety.

Godfrey Lebeya, national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, applauded the investigation team for working around the clock to ensure that the accused were ultimately convicted and sentenced.

“The sentence couldn’t have come at a better time, taking into consideration that August is celebrated as Women’s Month in South Africa,” he said.

“This is a time to once again warn those who abuse women, that they will be brought to book and justice will be served.”

One of their victims from Upington was kept at the Fourways home, where she and three other women spent months servicing the pair’s clients until they were rescued.

The Nigerians denied their level of involvement in human trafficking and have stated on multiple occasions they will appeal the conviction.

Their lawyer, Moleko Ratau, asked that the court be lenient with the pair as they were “relatively young” when the said crimes took place in 2016.

The court was told that the duo kidnapped the women specifically for financial gain, transforming them into sexual objects and dehumanising them, which was evident by Boswell’s testimony that she had been starved and forced to live in terrible conditions. - Daily Post

Price hike: DStv shuns court injunction, retains new rates

Satellite service provider DStv has continued to implement its new bouquet rates despite court order restraining the action.

DStv is a Sub-Saharan African direct broadcast satellite service owned by MultiChoice. The service launched in 1995, provides multiple channels and services to its more than 11.9 million subscribers.

An official of DStv, who declined to give his name because they had been asked by the company not to speak on the issue, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that subscribers still pay the increased rates.

“The case is being reviewed at the moment and there are some information that I cannot disclose.

“But as it is, for all of the DStv subscriptions, the price still remains at its increased rate price list.

“I do not have any information as to how long it will take to review the prices but the case is being reviewed in the court with the business and legal experts,” he said.

In July, MultiChoice raised the subscription rate for the DSty Premium package from N14,700 to N15,800, Compact Plus from N9,900 to N10,650, Compact from N6,300 to N6,800.

The Family package went from N3,800 to N4,000, and Access from N1,900 to N2,000 which was implemented from Aug 1.

However, on Monday, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba granted an injunction restraining the video entertainment and Internet Company from implementing the new rates.

The court also restrained MultiChoice from any conduct capable of interfering with the regulatory process of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

The restraining order was issued in respect of Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/894/18 brought before the court by the CPC following public outcry.

NAN recalls that in March 2015, DStv announced a 20 per cent increase for all its satellite pay TV bouquets in Nigeria, which took effect from April 1, 2015.

NAN also recalls that an order of interim injunction restraining Multichoice from enforcing the planned increase was granted by Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

In spite of the ruling, DStv went on to implement the increased prices with the defence that the Court order was granted on April 2 after price increase had taken effect on April 1, 2015.

The Director-General of CPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera in a statement on Friday unveiled a special channel for receiving complaints for customers who could not renew their subscriptions at old prices.

“The Council is setting up a special channel for receiving complaints for this purpose.

“This is in view of the continuing and increasing complaints that consumers are unsuccessful in renewing subscription in compliance with the order of the court, even after service of the order upon Multichoice.

“As such, any consumer who has, or is experiencing this challenge should please send an email to multichoicecompliance@cpc.gov.ng, stating relevant information.

“The information should include smart card number, name, telephone number, date and time of failed attempt to pay, supporting same with relevant evidence such as a screenshot or document (where necessary),” Irukera said. - The Nation

PL news : I have no problem with Woodward - Mourinho

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho insisted his relationship with Ed Woodward remains strong, in what was a succinct eight-minute press conference on Friday. 

United endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market as they failed to recruit the centre-half Mourinho had requested.

The United boss also wanted an additional signing - believed to be an attacking midfielder - but had to settle for the three players the club did sign - midfielder Fred, defender Diogo Dalot and goalkeeper Lee Grant.

Mourinho also clashed with Anthony Martial, while Paul Pogba hinted at his frustrations after United's win over Leicester.

The growing unrest at Old Trafford was compounded last weekend when United were defeated 3-2 by Brighton but Mourinho insists there is no tension between himself and Woodward.

"Of course (our relationship is fine)," the United boss said, having turned up 30 minutes early to talk with the media.

"No (problem at all)."

After the defeat to Brighton, Pogba admitted United had the wrong attitude and said he was at fault as much as anyone.

Mourinho was asked about those comments but said it was Pogba's place to explain what he meant.

"Paul said that so Paul has to answer that. If you want an explanation for Paul's words, you must get him and ask him," Mourinho said.

There is good news for United on the injury front as Mourinho confirmed captain Antonio Valencia, Nemanja Matic, Alexis Sanchez and Diogo Dalot have all returned to training.

A final decision on their availability for Monday's visit of Tottenham, live on Sky Sports, will be made on Sunday.

Mourinho said: "Today is still Friday and we will have training on Saturday and Sunday, then the match on Monday.

"The decision will be made on Sunday but yes, they are training with the team and [Diogo] Dalot also is training with the team for the first time this week so in terms of the medical department, they are almost free." - Sky Sports

Youth set Osun police station ablaze over ‘killing of undergraduate by SARS’

Angry youth in Iwo, a community in Osun state, set ablaze a police station in area on Friday morning.

This followed the killing of one Tunde Nafiu, a student. An operative of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) was said to have opened fire on him.

Nafiu was reportedly shot dead while returning from Olupono, a neighbouring town, on Thursday.

Aggrieved youth had trooped to the street in protest, setting the station ablaze in the process.

Commenting on the incident, Fimihan Adeoye,  commissioner of police in the state, said the circumstance which led to the shooting of the student by the officer is yet to be established.

Adeoye said the four officers on patrol on the night of the incident are currently in detention, adding that if found guilty, the officers will be made to face the wrath of the law. - TheCable

My life under threat, says Ortom

Benue State governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom yesterday alleged threats to his life and those of his security aides.

The governor, who spoke at an interactive session between the church, traditional institution and other stakeholders on peaceful elections in 2019, said he had received information on plans by some unnamed persons to attack his convoy on his way to Abuja.

He also alleged a plan by the would be attackers to kidnap and torture one of his security aides before subjecting him to the most cruel death for daring to speak out against the invasion of communities in Benue State where massive killings were carried out.

Ortom said since he received the information he had sometimes resorted to taking chartered flight to Abuja while such flights have been stopped from landing at the Makurdi Airport.

He said he was confident that God would show him a way out of the situation if he had to travel out of the state.

At the event, which was organised by the Makurdi Diocese of the Catholic Church and held at Pope John Paull II Pastoral Centre in Makurdi, the governor listed eradication of nationwide violence as well as arrest and prosecution of its perpetrators as the recipe for peaceful elections in 2019.

He expressed worries that individuals and groups known to have been involved in violent acts were not being punished even when they sponsor large scale violence involving destruction of property, arson and killing of about 20,000 people in 19 states of the federation.

He said: “If those that perpetuate violence, like armed herdsmen, are arrested, prosecuted, jailed or appropriate sanctions are applied on them, it will serve as deterrence for those contemplating violence in the future.

“Nigerians should use the 2019 elections to demand an end to the Fulani herdsmen’s aggravated violence.

“The Federal Government must stem the tide of violence and address the root causes of threats to elections in some states.

“Actors, including INEC, the police, judges and other state security personnel neglect or fail in their duties during and after elections, leaving room for violence.”

He added that actors like non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), labour unions, religious and traditional leaders, social and mass media must not relent in promoting and advocating for peace and community values that would strengthen national unity.

According to the governor, the main threat to peaceful election in 2019 is the incessant and devastating attacks by herdsmen in 14 states.

Quoting media reports, the governor said between January and March 2018, at least 1,351 people were killed by herdsmen, Boko Haram and other forms of insurgencies. - The Nation

Lagos DPO removed for allegedly extorting money from innocent Nigerians

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Pen Cinema Police station, Harrison Nwabuisi, has been removed over allegations bordering on corruption.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, ordered his removal following a newspaper publication alleging gross professional misconduct during the Sallah day celebration.

The DPO, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and some of his boys were alleged to have been carrying out illegal raids and extorting money from innocent persons around Agege area.

A statement by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chike Oti, noted that the attention of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Edgal Imohimi, was drawn to a Newspaper publication of Friday, August 24, 2018, captioned “Power-drunk Lagos DPO leads team to mosque, raid adherents, others.”

Oti said that in the publication the reporter, mentioned that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Pen Cinema Police Division, Lagos State, Harrison Nwabuisi, has been conducting raids during which he allegedly arrested innocent residents and extorted money from them.

“Sequel to the allegation, the CP has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, DCP Yetunde Longe, to investigate the officer and other ranks against whom the allegation was made. He equally directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, DCP Elkanah Ayuba, to recall the DPO to the Command Headquarters to allow unbiased investigation into the matter.

 “While recognising the fact that raiding is a major crime fighting strategy of the police, given that it enables proactive intervention into a budding problem, the CP however said, that it must be purposeful, corruption free and Intelligence driven,” he added. - Daily Post

Biafra: Uwazuruike begins collection of tax

The leader of Biafra Independence Movement, BIM, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has announced the sale of 2018 Biafra Income Tax regime.

Uwazuruike said the measure “is part of its annual exercise aimed at achieving the independence of Biafra without violence.”

This was part of a statement signed by Chief Uwazuruike’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mazi Chris Anierobi Mocha, and made available to reporters in Owerri.

He encouraged Biafrans to start paying their taxes, and maintained that it was voluntarily.

The statement added, “The New Biafran leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, at the weekend, announced that the ongoing sale of 2018 Biafra income tax was part of its annual exercise aimed at achieving the independence of Biafra without violence.

“Uwazuruike who addressed his members on the significance of the new Biafra income tax, urged Ndigbo to always feel very proud that Igbo is their tribe and Biafra, their identity, also enjoined all Biafrans to visit any BIM – MASSOB secretariat nearest to them to pay their tax, which he said is voluntary.”

Chief Uwazuruike said he was foreseeing five other countries that would emerge out of Nigeria.

He added, “Nigeria’s six geo-political zones would metamorphose into the new republics to end the killings, injustice, hardships and bad governance in the country.” - Daily Post

Ekiti murder suspect: I killed monarch to claim his throne

A murder suspect, Omoniyi Ademola, has revealed that he killed a traditional ruler in Ekiti State, Oba Gbadebo Ogunsakin to take over his throne.

Ademola stabbed Oba Ogunsakin, the Onise of Odo Oro in Ikole Local Government Area to death with a knife on Monday.

Eighty-year-old Oba Ogunsakin, who was enthroned in 1986, was stabbed to death in his palace on Monday after chairing a meeting of his council of chiefs in the palace.

The suspect thrust the knife into the monarch’s chest with the victim giving up the ghost before reaching the hospital.

He fled to Ado-Ekiti after committing the regicide but was arrested at Ajowa Market in Dallimore area of the city around 4.30 pm same day.

Speaking while being paraded alongside suspects arrested for various crimes at the police headquarters in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Ademola, who is in his 40s, said he committed the regicide to claim his “right.”

Ademola, who spoke correct English and never showed any sign of insanity, was said to belong to another royal family in the community.

He claimed that his family had nominated him to take over from the late king whom he said was serving as a hindrance.

The suspect said: “The crown didn’t belong to Oba Ogunsakin because the town last year declared vacancy because of the death of our Oba.

“They said our Oba was dead and my family nominated me to take over only for him to resurface again and said he remained the Oba.

“Last year December, my family nominated me and since then I have been trying to take over. That day when I got to the palace, it was the late Oba that first attacked me and I attacked him back which led to his death.”

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Ahmed, had earlier addressed a press conference on the recent breakthroughs recorded by the command in arresting the suspects.

The police chief dismissed claims in some quarters that the suspect is mentally unstable.

Ahmed said: “I am not a medical expert to know who is mentally unstable or not.

“But the fact remains that, how could a lunatic committed murder and ran over 100 kilometers from the scene of the incident?

“So, common sense dictates that he must have known what he was doing to have run from that town to Ado Ekiti.”

Answering question on the killing of former Commissioner on the board of the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Bunmi Ojo on August 10, the CP said the command was making progress with some arrests made.

He added: “We are on the trail of the killers, we have reached advanced stage. Some suspects had been arrested and they are helping the police.

“Efforts are being intensified and we shall feed the public with the right information when we are ready to charge them to court.”

Also paraded were 25 other suspects, who were arrested for cultism and other murder cases, including a man, Toyin Ajakaye, who allegedly hanged a commercial motorcyclist in his farm in Agbado Ekiti on Wednesday.

Ahmed  added that the 16 suspects arrested for allegedly belonging to ‘Aye’ and ‘Eye’ confraternities have confessed their memberships of the secret cults, saying they will be charged to court soon.

He revealed that weapons like: one cut-to-size gun, one cartridge, criminal charms, Toyota Camry Car with Registration number FKJ 912 DEK, one kitchen knife and one cutlass were recovered from the suspected cultists.

Ahmed revealed that four armed robbery gang: Idowu Oluwole, Ganiyu Rasak, Ojo Ayomide and Asimile Efra were arrested for stealing a Bajaj motorcycle from one victim in Ado Ekiti.

The police boss the command will continue to intensify efforts to ensure that criminals have no hidden place in the state. - The Nation

Revealed : Marijuana ages brain by three years

A new research report published in the journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has revealed that smoking cannabis ages the brain by an average of nearly three years.

According to New York Post, Marijuana was found to ramp up brain aging by 2.8 years making it worse for the mind than bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Schizophrenics’ brains were found to age by an even greater average of four years.

Boozing was also shown to age the organ by 0.6 years, the research adds.

Brain aging is defined as reduced blood flow through the organ.

Lead study author, Dr. Daniel Amen, founder of Amen Clinics, said: “The cannabis abuse finding was especially important, as our culture is starting to see marijuana as an innocuous substance. This study should give us pause about it.”

Reduced brain blood flow has previously been linked to strokes and dementia.

The researchers analyzed 62,454 brain scans from 31,227 people.

Scans were collected during both rest and concentration and taken from people aged between nine months and 105 years old to determine factors that contribute to brain aging.

Researchers analyzed the blood flow through 128 regions of each brain to determine how old they thought the individual was.

Once they learned the person’s actual age, they were able to measure the rate of accelerated aging.

Dr. George Perry, from the University of Texas, San Antonio, commented on the research, saying: “This is one of the first population-based imaging studies, and these large studies are essential to answer how to maintain brain structure and function during aging.”

The results also suggest bipolar disorder accelerates brain aging by 1.6 years, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) speeding it up by 1.4 years.

No link was found between depression and brain aging.

Amen added: “Based on one of the largest brain imaging studies ever done, we can now track common disorders and behaviors that prematurely age the brain.

“Better treatment of these disorders can slow or even halt the process of brain aging.”

Study author, Sachit Egan, from Google, a partner in the study, added: “The results indicate that we can predict an individual’s age based on patterns of cerebral blood flow.

“Additionally, groundwork has been laid to further explore how common psychiatric disorders can influence healthy patterns of cerebral blood flow.”

The findings were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. - Daily Post

After disconnection threat, Niger, Benin Republic pay $10m electricity bill to Nigeria

Two international customers, Benin Republic and Niger, have paid $10.1m to Nigeria to settle their electricity bill. 

This was disclosed by the market operator arm of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) during the August power sector stakeholders’ meeting.

The two neighbouring countries made the payments for their outstanding energy debt through their respective power companies.

NIGELEC of the Republic of Niger paid $3.79m while the Community Electric du Benin (CEB), an international electricity firm co-owned by the governments of Bénin and Togo, paid $6.32m.

Under an international treaty, Nigeria supplies power to both countries through the TCN and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc.

In June, data from the market operator showed that electricity delivered to the international customers and Ajaokuta Steel was 229,487.29MW/h, while energy delivered to bilateral customers was 95,939.31MW/h.

In July, Babatunde Fashola, minister of power, works and housing, warned that Nigeria would stop supplying electricity to the international customers if they didn’t pay their bills.

“We issued disconnection notices and that is why I’m asking the NBET to go and collect your money because we have duties, obligations and international agreements with them as brother and sister nations,” the minister had said.

“But that does not mean they will not pay us if they are defaulting. So, we have issued letters to them to pay their bills, and from time to time, they pay.” - TheCable

Former Brazilian President, Lula plays kingmaker from his prison cell

It is Thursday outside a government building in this tidy city in southern Brazil. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the country's former president, is receiving visitors to plot his political future.

Never mind that this compound, the regional federal police headquarters, doubles as a prison for corrupt politicians. Or that Lula, as this leftist icon is universally known, is serving a 12-year sentence for graft.

Despite his predicament, Lula is still calling the shots in his Workers Party (PT) and engineering another presidential run, underscoring his stature as the most popular modern political figure in Brazil. During his two presidential terms, which ran from 2003 to 2011, the economy soared, poverty plunged and Brazil basked in the international spotlight, winning bids to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.

PT lieutenants regularly visit Lula in prison to map out strategy ahead of October's presidential balloting, eight party insiders told Reuters. This day's crop included Vagner Freitas, head of Brazil's most powerful trade union. Lula's vice presidential running mate Fernando Haddad, and Gleisi Hoffmann, the PT's president, showed up the following day.

Outside the lock-up, vendors sold T-shirts with Lula's bearded visage to the partisan crowd. Occasional chants of "Lula president, Lula innocent" filled the air.

His candidacy is the longest of long shots. Convicted felons are banned from running for office. An electoral court is expected in coming weeks to declare him ineligible for October's race.

Critics decry Lula's bid as a stunt aimed at motivating the base and propping up Haddad, his likely stand-in. The former mayor of Sao Paulo, Haddad is little-known outside that city - and disliked by many in it.

But in a chaotic political season in Brazil, Lula could be the kingmaker. The presidential contest is unpredictable, loaded with candidates struggling to connect with voters. Brazilians are despondent over their nation's stagnant economy, rampant violence and ineffective political class.

The PT is betting Lula's star power can remind voters of more prosperous times when he ran the show. At 72, the charismatic former metal worker still dominates the party he founded and shows no signs of letting prison constrain him.

"There is no question that Lula is a key political actor," said Ricardo Ismael, a political scientist at the Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro. "Lula will have tremendous influence even if he is not a candidate. He has prestige and is a political force, mainly with the poorer voters."

In handwritten letters and conversations relayed by visitors tasked with carrying out his orders, the former president has quelled infighting that had threatened his leadership, both inside the PT and in a coalition of allied parties, several senior party members who have met with Lula in jail told Reuters.

They say he effectively knee-capped a political rival with designs on his mantle, and arranged for his surrogate Haddad to take his place atop the PT ticket should he be barred from running.

Federal prosecutors are fed up with Lula's maneuvering.

The team whose investigation put him in jail has asked a judge to restrict his jailhouse visitors. In a sealed court document dated June 28 and obtained by Reuters, they said Lula has transformed his cell "into his campaign headquarters." They want to limit the list to family, clergy and lawyers working specifically on his legal defense.

The judge has yet to make a decision.

Meanwhile, polls show Lula leads a pack of 13 candidates in a potential first-round matchup; the top two vote-getters advance to a run-off if no one wins a majority.

Still, plenty of Brazilians despise the former president, whose big-spending policies and scandals they blame for plunging Brazil into a tailspin. Others are eager to move on to fresh leadership. Some fear his meddling could ultimately deliver the presidency to the race's most extreme candidate, Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right ex-military man who has cheered Brazil's former dictatorship and delights in sullying Lula's legacy.

SERENADES, SUNBATHS, SOLITUDE

Until Lula arrived, Curitiba was best-known as the base of Judge Sergio Moro, who is overseeing a sweeping corruption probe known as Operation Car Wash.

That ongoing investigation revealed a massive bribes-for-public works scheme that ensnared Lula along with scores of business leaders and politicians from all major parties. Lula was convicted last year for accepting renovations to a luxury beach apartment from a construction firm in exchange for helping it win contracts with state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA or Petrobras. He faces five additional corruption trials. He maintains his innocence.

Since Lula was jailed on April 7, the area around Curitiba's federal police headquarters has morphed into the epicenter of leftist resistance. Supporters have proclaimed Lula a political prisoner. They allege right-wing enemies conspired to drive the PT from power by jailing him and impeaching his hand-picked successor, former President Dilma Rousseff. She was tossed from office in 2016 for fudging government accounts, which she denies.

Now unions, the Landless Workers Movement and private citizens have rented a few houses in Curitiba to stay while keeping vigil.

Among the roughly 150 supporters who assemble daily outside the jail is Adinaldo Aparecido Batista, an unemployed construction worker. He recounted the abundant jobs, anti-poverty programs and consumer credit that flourished under Lula.

"I was able to buy three cars and even a little inn," said Batista, 52. "Now, I have almost nothing."

These faithful gather every morning to chant "good morning, President Lula!" After night falls, they call in unison to bid him sweet dreams. On weekends, musicians belt out ballads to raise his spirits.

Lula occupies a 160-square-foot room at the federal police building that once housed visiting officers. A handful of other politicians and businessmen are incarcerated in formal, shared cells. Lula is not allowed to mix with other prisoners.

Those familiar with his routine spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly. They said Lula is allowed to wear his own clothing, often a soccer jersey, and can spend up to two hours daily in an open courtyard. His room contains a TV and a treadmill where he logs four miles daily. He has access to books and devotes hours to writing.

Still, the gregarious Lula lives for his visitors, the people said. Clergy come on Mondays. Thursdays are for family and friends.

But the real access belongs to Lula's legal team, whose members can come at any time and stay as long as they like, without supervision or electronic eavesdropping from jailers. The PT's Haddad and Hoffmann, both lawyers, are on that team, enabling them to carry out Lula's directives and spread his message.

Among the most visible moves, people familiar with the situation say, was Lula's order to undercut the presidential chances of Ciro Gomes of the center-left Democratic Labor Party (PDT). Gomes appeals to some Brazilian progressives and could siphon votes from Lula or Haddad.

So the PT struck a deal with another leftist party. The Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) agreed to withhold support from Gomes and remain neutral in the presidential contest, the people said. In exchange, the PT agreed to back a PSB candidate in a gubernatorial contest.

Gomes, who has yet to catch fire in the polls, is steaming at what he sees as betrayal. Long an ally of Lula and the PT, Gomes said in a TV interview that he has been repaid with "disrespect and hostility."

The PT acknowledges playing hardball.

"The number one priority was Lula's candidacy," a PT spokesman said.

Such bare-knuckle tactics have not dissuaded true believers like retired teacher Gliceria Polak. She was among those chanting to Lula on a recent morning in Curitiba.

"If he has to serve out his 12-year sentence here, I will never leave this place," she said. "Under no circumstances will I abandon Lula." - REUTERS

Iranian hackers attack UK universities to steal secret research

Hackers linked with the Iranian government are targeting universities and academic institutions around the world as part of a major campaign to steal unpublished research and obtain intellectual property, security researchers have revealed.

Cyber experts from IT firm Secureworks discovered the attacks, which they believe stem from the Cobalt Dickens group operating out of Iran.

The hackers targeted 76 universities located in 14 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States

As the investigation is still ongoing into the hacking attacks, Secureworks has not shared the full list of universities. However, the firm told The Independent that targets include universities listed in the Times Higher Education Top 50..

The campaign involved creating fake websites that resembled the login pages for each university.

Anyone who accidentally filled in their account name and passwords to the spoofed login pages would have handed the group their login credentials.

After filling in their details, victims would be automatically redirected to the legitimate website, meaning they may have been unaware that they had fallen for the hack.

Most of the domains for the fake websites were registered between May and August of this year, with the most recent registration on 19 August.

"The targeting of online academic resources is similar to previous cyber operations by COBALT DICKENS, a threat group associated with the Iranian government," a spokesperson for Secureworks said.

"In those operations, which also shared infrastructure with the August attacks, the threat group created lookalike domains to phish targets and used credentials to steal intellectual property from specific resources, including library systems."

Earlier this year, the US Justice Department charged nine Iranians for conducting a massive cyber theft campaign on behalf of the Iranian government. 

The indictment alleged that the Iranians stole more than 31 terabytes of documents and data from more than 140 universities, 30 companies and five government agencies in the US.

"The hackers targeted innovations and intellectual property from our country’s greatest minds," US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said at the time.

"These defendants are now fugitives from American justice, no longer free to travel outside Iran without risk of arrest. The only way they will see the outside world is through their computer screens, but stripped of their greatest asset – anonymity.”

It is unclear if these nine alleged hackers were involved in the latest attacks. - INDEPENDENT