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Category: News

  • Customs seizes N22.8m smuggled items in Adamawa

    The Adamawa and Taraba Area Command of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has seized smuggled items with Duty Paid Value of N22.89 million in the last six weeks.

    The Area Comptroller, Salisu Abdullahi-Kazaure, made this known while briefing newsmen in Yola on Friday.

    According to him, the command made 16 seizures from May 6 to June 16.

    Abdullahi-Kazaure said the siezed items included 494 bags of NPK fertiliser, 14,980 liters of petrol in Jerry cans and drums, and three vehicles used for smuggling activities.

    Others, he said, were 90 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice from Cameroun and 960 pieces of foreign soap.

    He explained that the siezed petroleum product would be auctioned, in accordance with NCS Standard Operating Procedure.

    Abdullahi-Kazaure said though fertiliser was not a contraband, it was siezed because some criminals were using it to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices.

  • Human Trafficking: NAPTIP arrests 2 suspects in Abuja

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has arrested two suspects, Awulonu Franklin and Joseph Ukaluo, in Abuja over alleged human trafficking.

    The Director-General (DG) of the agency, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, disclosed at the weekend that officers of the agency busted the trafficking syndicate on Friday, June 9, at about 11:00 hours.

    She said that the suspects are part of the syndicate that specializes in moving young female Nigerians, between the ages of 16 to 26, to India for sexual exploitation and possible organ harvesting.

    Waziri-Azi said that a sting operation was conducted after several days of undercover activity by operatives of the agency.

    She said two female victims, aged between 16 and 22, were rescued just as they were being taken to the Embassy.

    According to him, the victims narrated their pathetic story of how they were lured by the syndicates.

    The DG disclosed that the victims were forced by the suspects to swear to an oath of allegiance in two shrines, located in Delta and Imo.

    Waziri-Azi stated that one of the victims also revealed how her very close friend who has already been trafficked to India was subjected to having sex with a minimum of 10 men daily.

    She further said that the agency was on the trail of the suspects’ accomplices in India.

    The DG said that the two suspects, who claimed to be operating a mobile tour company as at the time of their arrest, were found in possession of 28 passports.

    She said some of the passports indicated that the victims were from Ghana, the Republic of Benin, Niger Republic, and other countries.

    Waziri-Azi listed other materials found in the possession of the suspects as Laptops, phones which are under forensic examination, and other equipment related to the commission of the crime.

    She disclosed that a total of 10 letter-headed papers belonging to different companies were also recovered from the suspects.

    The DG said that the agency had placed the hotel where the victims were harboured on red alert as money was paid on behalf of the victims.

    The DG called on the media to assist the agency by championing the awareness campaign against human trafficking in order to reduce the menace.

    She said the agency had collaborated with many organisations and governments in order to launch a fresh angle to the fight against the crime.

    However, Franklin believed to be a prime suspect in the offence, denied involvement in trafficking, saying he only operates a travel and tour company through which he had assisted many people.

    He said that some of the passports recovered in his possession belonged to some of his clients traveling to study in some countries, including a University in India.

    “My company is registered as ‘Endless travel and tour agent’, and I have been in this business since 2018,” he said.

    Ukaluo also said that he knew Franklin as a travel agent and nothing more than that, adding that they had both lived in the same neighborhood for many years.

    Mr. Daniel Atokolo, Director, Investigation and Monitoring Department, told journalists that an investigation is ongoing into the matter.

    According to him, the investigation will involve a forensic examination of all the properties recovered from the suspects.

  • NJC dismisses petitions against Justice Mary Odili, 25 others

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dismissed petitions written against a retired Supreme Court Justice, Mary Ekaego Peter Odili, and 25 other Judicial Officers.

    They were accused of professional misconduct in the discharge of their duties.

    Justice Odili escaped being investigated by the Council on the ground that she had retired as a Judicial Officer while 25 other petitions were thrown out for various reasons ranging from lack of merit, lack of diligent prosecution, withdrawal, being subjudice and for the subject Judge having retired from service.

    However, seven State High Court Judges indicted by the NJC’S investigation Committee are to face probe panels that would determine the level of their culpability.

    A statement by the NJC’S Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye on Friday in Abuja explained that the petition against the judicial officers were dismissed at a meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

    The dismissed petitions were written against Hon. Justice Mary Peter Odili, Rtd Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justices A. R. Barka, James G. Abundaga, O. O. Olasumbo Goodluck, Ibrahim A. Andetur-Yangsto all of the Court of Appeal.

    Others are Justices F. O. Liman, A. R. Mohammed, H. A. A. Dashen, Peter Lifu, F. O. G. Ogunbanjo, A. Lewis Allagoa, D. E. Osiagor all of the Federal High Court.

    Others are Justice Theresa O. Diai, Chief Judge, Delta State, Hon. Justices S. B. Belgore, K. N. Ogbonnaya Jude Onwuegbuzie and Edward Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Also escaped the NJC hammer are Justices Joseph I Acha, Vesty O. Eboreime, both of High Court, Edo State, Hon. Justices Thelma Adanna Achom, Elvis A. Ngene of the Ebonyi State High Court, Hon. Justices A. B. Usman, M. M. Abubakar of Bauchi State High Court, Hon. Justice O. A. Opesanwo of the Lagos State High Court and Justice Oladiran Akintola of Oyo State High Court, 

    The rest are Justice Gegele A. Hammed of Kwara State High Court, Justice K. N. Udobong of Akwa-Ibom State High Court, Justice B. C. Iheka, Imo State High Court, Justice M. A. Zandai High Court, Borno State, Justice Mohammed Shinkafi of Zamfara State High Court, Justice R. S. Ladoja of the Kaduna State High Court and Justice M. S. A. Mohammed of the High Court of Niger State.

    At the meeting, the NJC came up with a policy barring Judicial Officers from switching henceforth from High Court of Justice to the Customary Court of Appeal and vice versa.

    The only exception allowed is when a new Customary Court of Appeal is established in a State and Judges who indicate interest to go to the Customary Court of Appeal will be allowed to proceed.

    Under the new policy, once established, the candidates for the headship of the Court must be drawn from that Court only, even if all the Judges of the Court are junior to their counterparts in other Courts.

    Meanwhile, the Council recommended 37 Judicial Officers for appointment to the President and seven Governors as Justices of the Court of Appeal, Heads of Court and Judges of the High Court and Customary Courts of Appeal.

    Those going to the Court of Appeal are:

    Justices Asma’u Musa Mainoma, Paul Ahmed Bassi, Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun, Binta Fatima Zubair, Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, Peter Chudi Obiora, Okon Efreti Abang, Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu.

    Justice Dije Abdu Aboki was recommended for appointment as Chief Judge of Kano,

    Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa for Edo and Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye.

  • Court orders DSS to allow Emefiele access to family, lawyers

    A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Maitama has ordered the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately grant suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele unhindered access to his lawyers and family members.

    Justice Hamza Muazu gave the order following an oral application by counsel to Emefiele, Joseph Daudu (SAN) with Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) in a suit marked No: FCT/HC/CV/6450/23.

    Listed as respondents are the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF); the Director General of State Security Service and the State Security Service.

    The enrolled order dated June 16, 2023, reads:

    “The lawyers of the applicant shall have access to the applicant immediately. And regularly at reasonable time, pending the determination of the application.” 

    In his submission, Daudu informed the court that he has written letters to the respondents particularly on June 14, 2023, for the purpose of taking further instruction from him, but the DSS has refused to respond to the application. 

    Responding, counsel to the 2nd and 3rd Respondents I. Awo, informed the court that the DSS does not have the penchant for refusing such a request and that it is wrong to do so. 

    Awo assured that he is certain the Security Service would abide the order of Court and grant access to the listed lawyers and family members of Mr. Emefiele to see him, while counsel to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation did not oppose the application. 

    Meanwhile, counsel to the DSS, as well as the AGF requested for an extension of time to file their respective responses to the originating motion, which was granted and the suit was further adjourned till Tuesday June 20, 2023 for substantive hearing of the suit.

    Godwin Emefiele, has been taken into custody by DSS hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office.

    The spokesperson to DSS, Peter Afunanya in statement confirmed that “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is now in its custody for some investigative reasons.”

  • Indonesia donates 1.58m doses of Pentavalent Vaccines to Nigeria

    Indonesia has donated 1,580,000 doses of Pentavalent Vaccines to Nigeria through the Indonesian Aid Agency to boost healthcare delivery.

    Delivering the items at a ceremony on Friday in Abuja, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria Dr Usra Harahap, said the gesture was a testimony to the strong bond existing between both countries.

    Usra added that the two countries share a common commitment to sustaining the well-being of their citizens.

    According to him, one of the most significant developments in public health has been the production of the pentavalent vaccine with a view to preventing diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis-B, and Hemophilus influenzae type B that include five critical vaccines.

    He said, “The burden of these preventable diseases will be greatly lessened as a result of this thorough immunisation, especially among the most vulnerable populations, such as newborns and young children.

    “The pentavalent vaccines are produced by Indonesian manufacturer PT. Biofarma and  a total of 1,580,000 doses of Pentavalent Vaccines have been donated by Indonesia to Nigeria through the Indonesian Aid Agency.

    “I am delighted to inform you all that for this donation – a total of 730,000 doses – arrived in Nigeria on May 30, 2023 and a total of 850,000 arrived on June 14, 2023, to make a total of 1,580,000 doses of vaccines.

    “All these donations are to improve the healthcare system and increase immunisation coverage for every child in Nigeria to grow up safe and healthy.

    “We are delivering these pentavalent vaccines with utmost faith and confidence in Nigeria’s capability to distribute and administer them effectively; we have complete confidence in your passion, knowledge and dedication to preserving the health of your people.”

    He expressed the hope that the pentavalent vaccines would deepen ties and global health cooperation, to ensure a world where everyone is healthier, safer, more resilient and happier.

    Also speaking at the event, Dr Faisal Shuaib, Executive-Director/CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Government for the donation of the vaccines.

    He said that the partnership between both countries brought about the donation of 1,580,000 doses of lifesaving Pentavalent vaccines, to support Nigeria’s Routine Immunization programme.

    According to him, the vaccines received were more than just vials of medicine; they represent hope, protection, and the promise of a brighter future for children.

    “The donated vaccines will be distributed to healthcare centres throughout Nigeria to ensure they reach as many children as possible.

    “Particularly, those in remote and underserved communities, where they will be instrumental in preventing countless cases of debilitating and life-threatening diseases among the most vulnerable members of our society.

    “We will be guided by accessibility, equity, and efficiency. We firmly believe every child, regardless of their background or geographic location, should have equitable access to life-saving vaccines. We will leave no child behind.

    “We will emphasize the importance of vaccine education and dispel misconceptions or hesitancy surrounding immunization; through transparent communication and community engagement, we aim to build trust and confidence for the safety and efficacy of these vaccines,” Shuaib said.

     He commended the Indonesian government for the donation, saying it marked the interest of Indonesian-Nigeria and their commitment to global health.

    In his remark, Dr Walter Kazadi, the Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) commended the gesture by the government of Indonesia to have marked deviation from past achievements in healthcare donation.

    According to him, today we saw an example of triangular South-South Cooperation, “We thank the government of Indonesia for this gesture, Nigeria is in dire need of vaccines to close the gap of zero dose children”.

    “We believe your contribution will go a long way as Nigeria is accelerating to close the gap, it is very important for us, especially the United Nations Agencies.

    “To show that we fully support the avenue of South-South collaboration, we have suffered from injustice with COVID-19 vaccination, for so long.

    “We hope beyond this gesture there will be more collaboration to strengthen our capacity for local manufacturing of vaccines in our respective countries,” Kazadi said.

    Highpoint of the event was the official donation of the vaccines by Harahap to Shuaib. 

  • Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline: NNPCL, ONHYM, others sign $25bn deal

    Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline: NNPCL, ONHYM, others sign $25bn deal

    The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project has advanced with the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to ensure progress and strategic direction of the $25 billion Trans-Atlantic gas pipeline project.

    Four MoUs were signed on Friday in Abuja at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Headquarters during the project’s first Steering Committee Meeting.

    The agreements were signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) of Morocco and the Société Nationale des Opérations Pétrolières of Cote d’Ivoire (PETROCI),

    Others include the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures of Benin (SNH-Benin), and the Société Nationale des Pétroles of the Republic of Guinea (SONAP).

    Once completed, the project will enhance the monetisation of the natural gas resources of the affected African countries and also offer a new alternative export route to Europe.

    Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, in his remarks disclosed that currently, FEED Phase II Study was at over 70 percent in tendering process for the surveys, with clear visibility in project funding.

    Kyari listed the surveys as the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Policy Framework (LARPF).

    “We are also pleased to welcome our counterparts from NOCAL of Liberia, PETROCI of Cote D’Ivoire, SNH Benin and SONAP of Guinea for committing to collaborate with us on this project through the execution of MoU.

    “This is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Host Governments, the ECOWAS Commission, and the National Oil Companies to deliver on this strategic project, create wealth and value for our countries and other stakeholders.

    “As you are aware, our collective decisions and actions guided by our shared vision would extend far beyond gas supply to spur prosperity and economic integration between our nations,’’ he said.

    Kyari, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting NNPC Ltd. with the strategic project, acknowledged ECOWAS Commission’s role in co-hosting the meeting in addition to planned execution of the Treaty, Host Government Agreements and other enablers.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of ONHYM, Madam Amina Benkhadra said that the gathering represented a progressive step in ensuring social and economic development through energy security and accessibility geared towards attaining total development of Africa by Africans.

    In his remarks, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitisation, Mr Sédiko Douka said the pipeline was designed from Nigeria to Morocco, passing through Atlantic Coast States, with inland ramps to supply the Interland Countries, possibly to Europe.

    “The project will strengthen our electricity production/generation capacity, stimulate industrial, agricultural development, and contribute to the energy transition by using a source of energy that is cleaner than other fossil fuels,’’ he said.

    He recalled that the Steering Committee, which was enlarged to include other stakeholders, was part of the dynamics of the MoU signed between the ECOWAS Commission, NNPC and ONHYM on Sept. 15, 2022, in Rabat, Morocco.

    He recalled that ECOWAS was engaged further to the instructions of the Heads of State and Government in the development of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Extension Project (WAGPEP), through a feasibility study approved in 2018.

    He said at the same time, Nigeria and Morocco, through NNPC Ltd and ONHYM, also agreed to initiate the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project (NMGP).

    “The similarities between the two projects soon became apparent, and so, the need for synergy to pool efforts in order to achieve a single gas pipeline project.

    “Today, we can assure you that the ECOWAS member States are fully committed to this structuring Project.

    “As proof, the statutory bodies of ECOWAS have ratified the decision to merge the projects into a single one,’’ he said.

    The ECOWAS-ONHYM-NNPC Steering Committee meeting for development of a single gas pipeline had representatives from Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco.

  • AfDB’s Adesina revolutionised Nigeria’s agric sector- Expert 

    The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has been commended for implementing positive and far reaching policies that helped in revolutionising Nigeria’s agricultural sector during his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture.

    The Managing Partner, Sahel Capital Agribusiness Managers, Mezuo  Nwuneli,  gave the commendation in a report published by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

    Mezuo  Nwuneli, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sahel Capital, an agribusiness focused private investment firm managing a $90 million in commitments across two funds which invest across sub-Saharan Africa, said  as Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Adesina made the  opportunities in the country’s  agricultural sector to  become exciting to Nigerians, including the youth, through the way  he communicated the opportunities to them .

    “When Adesina was minister, he was able to communicate the opportunities in the sector in a way that was exciting for people. Around that time, there was a lot of excitement and interest in the youths and the many people coming into the sector at the same time.” Said Nwuneli.

    A bold reformer, as Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria from 2011 to 2015 Dr. Adesina turned the agriculture sector of Nigeria around within four years. Under his tenure, Nigeria ended 40 years of corruption in the fertilizer sector by developing and implementing an innovative electronic wallet system, which directly provides farmers with subsidized farm inputs at scale using their mobile phones. Within the first four years of its launch, this electronic wallet system reached 15 million farmers, dramatically transforming their lives.

    On 19 October 2017, the AfDB President was conferred with the World Food Prize, also known as the “Nobel Prize for Agriculture”

    Only two weeks ago, Dr. Adesina was appointed one of the  global leaders to spearhead the fight against malnutrition, food and nutrition security, by the United Nations Secretary-General , António Guterres, under the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement.

    Members of the SUN Movement Lead Group include representatives from the membership of the SUN Movement, which includes 65 countries, 4 Indian states, more than 4,000 civil society organizations, more than 1,400 businesses (including small and medium enterprises), 16 United Nations agencies, international finance institutions and donor governments and philanthropies funding nutrition.

    “I believe that the approach of the SUN Movement to tackle malnutrition through a country-owned multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach is more crucial than ever before. These global leaders are championing country-led efforts to scale up nutrition and to deliver for girls, boys and their families a world free from malnutrition by 2030,” Guterres said.

    With Dr. Adesina at the helm, the African Development Bank Grouphas achieved the highest capital increase since its establishment in 1964 when on 31 October 2019, shareholders from 80 member countries raised the general capital from $93 billion to a historic $208 billion.

  • Agbebaku emerges Speaker of Edo 8th Assembly

    Mr Blessing Agbebaku (PDP-Owan West), on Friday emerged as Speaker of the 8th Edo House of Assembly.

    Agbebaku was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past Speaker, Marcus Onobun

    He was elected by the lawmakers shortly after a letter of proclamation of the assembly by Governor Godwin Obaseki was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr Yahaya Omogbai, in Benin.

    Mrs Maria Edekor (PDP-Esan North East II) was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House.

    The 24 members-elect were also inaugurated into the 8th assembly.

    Speaking shortly after taking his oath of office, Agbebaku promised a unified Assembly that would move the state to greater heights through effective legislation.

    He thanked God for his protection and guidance throughout the electoral process and for his emergency as the speaker.

    He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for giving him the privilege and for believing in his capacity and competence to serve as speaker.

    “Choosing me to lead this assembly is a great honour and privilege bestowed upon me with a sense of responsibility and acceptance.

    “I will not take this position for granted. I will carry everyone along irrespective of their political affiliations.

    “I commend the 7th assembly for setting the template in legislative activities which has placed the assembly on the right track.

    “I assure all that we will put Edo people first as we perform our oversight functions and make the state great again,” he said.

    Agbebaku finally thanked Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, for leading the party in the right direction.

  • Just in: Tinubu, Sanusi in closed-door meeting

    Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Sanusi Lamidi Sanusi, is currently meeting with President Bola Tinubu. 

    The meeting, which is ongoing at the Aso Rock Villa with the former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, at the State House, is not unconnected with the current vacant position at the Apex Bank.

    Though the agenda of the meeting is not known, there are speculations that it could be connected to the suspension of Godwin Emefiele as CBN Governor. 

    Sanusi served as CBN boss between June 2009 and June 2024. 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last Friday, suspended Godwin Emefiele as CBN Governor, ordering him to hand over to deputy governor operators, Folashodun Shonubi till investigation into his activities are concluded. 

    More details later…

  • NIS boss launches Visa on Arrival Lounge, declares state of emergency on passport

    The Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Adepoju, on Friday, launched a state-of-the-art Visa on Arrival Lounge in Lagos, whilst announcing a state of emergency on Passport issuance across the country.

    Adepoju said during her working visit to Lagos where she said there was an urgent need to address the challenges faced by Nigerians in obtaining international passports.

    A statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Mr Tony Akuneme, said that the acting CGI inaugurated a state-of-the-art Visa on Arrival Lounge at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

    The NIS boss used the event to announce a comprehensive plan of action to tackle the issues effectively.

    She said that the facility was a demonstration of the NIS commitment to improving the overall travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria.

    According to her, the state of emergency declaration on Passport issues signifies the renewed commitment of NIS to resolve the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking to obtain passports.

    “It represents a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, “she said.

    Adepoju directed all Passport Control Officers, relevant units and personnel, including Missions abroad, to eliminate all hindrances preventing Nigerians from accessing Passports promptly.

    “NIS is leveraging technology and instituting robust administrative measures to enhance the Passport application and issuance process.

    “We urge all Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the service as it takes decisive steps to address the Passport crisis,” she said.

    Adepoju assured the public that the efforts was to ensure that every eligible Nigerian who required a Passport could obtain one in a timely manner.

    Adepoju also paid an unscheduled visit to Alausa Passport office to assess the situation firsthand.

    In her address, Ag. CGI emphasised the necessity to dismantle all man-made bottlenecks impeding Passport application process.

    She stressed that the NIS management was fully committed to addressing institutional and technology-based drawbacks to ensure more efficient and streamlined service delivery.

    Also, Adepoju, who recognised the importance of collaboration and community engagement, embarked on a grassroots sensitisation initiative targeting traditional rulers.

    She visited the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, during which she sought the cooperation of traditional rulers nationwide in NIS activities, including the prevention of human trafficking.