Plus Naija

Author: Emmanuel Opara

  • JUST NOW: NAFDAC Shuts Illegal Water Factory in Lagos

    JUST NOW: NAFDAC Shuts Illegal Water Factory in Lagos

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has recently shut down an illegal water factory in Apapa, Lagos where counterfeited, adulterated, and unhygienic sachet water was being produced.

    During an operation by the Investigation & Enforcement Directorate of the Agency, the factory was located at No. 89 Marine Road, Oluwole Market Waterside.

    The factory’s address was entirely different from the one on the already produced counterfeited sachet water brands.

    The operation revealed that thousands of bags of counterfeit sachet water, produced in a filthy environment beside a dirty canal, were ready for distribution.

    Over 2,500 bags of sachet water were confiscated and the remaining stock was destroyed on-site during the raid.

    The illegal factory was sealed, and all production equipment was dismantled and evacuated.

    NAFDAC has estimated the street value of the seized water to be over ₦1 million.

    The Agency however urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

  • Breaking News: Kaduna Impersonator Arrested, Prosecuted

    Breaking News: Kaduna Impersonator Arrested, Prosecuted

    One Manasseh Hamza Bello (a.k.a Domingos Pereira) has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and sentenced to jail by the Kaduna State High Court for impersonation.

    Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna convicted and sentenced Bello to five years imprisonment with the option of paying N500,000 fine for the offence.

    According to EFCC X handle, Bello was prosecuted on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation. The charge reads: “That you Manasseh Hamza Bello (a.k.a Domingos Pereira) (M), sometime in 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, committed an offence, to wit: falsely presenting yourself as Domingos Pereira (a white man) on Facebook (an online social media application), which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142 (1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017.”

    He pleaded “guilty” to the charge upon which prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

    The judge consequently convicted and sentenced him to five years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N 500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition to his jail term, he forfeited the iPhone 13 Pro Max mobile phoneTwenty-Seven, a Tecno PoP 8 mobile phone, a golden-coloured Toyota Camry car and the sum of N2,127,000.00 (Two Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand Naira) to the federal government.

    Bello was arrested and prosecuted following credible intelligence on the fraudulent activities of a cybercrime syndicate operating within the Barnawa, Kakuri and Television Garage axis of the Kaduna metropolis.

  • Marwa Calls for National Support Against Insecurity

    Marwa Calls for National Support Against Insecurity

    The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa has urged Nigerians to support the military and other security agencies in the ongoing efforts to end all security challenges facing the country.

    The Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi in a press release revealed that during a visit of the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) , Major General Adamu Laka to the NDLEA’s National Headquarters in Abuja to seek collaboration between the NCTC and NDLEA, Buba Marwa said there’s need to support and encourage the Armed Forces following a viral video of bandits celebrating the ‘capture’ of a military armoured vehicle stuck in a mucky path in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state.

    He added that the Nigerian military is well placed and capable of containing banditry like they already contained insurgency in the North East.

    He however commended the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, patriotism and daily sacrifices in their efforts to curb banditry in the North West and other security challenges in parts of the country.

    According to him, “man for man, officer to officer, soldier to soldier – the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel are an equal or better match to any of their colleagues anywhere in the world.”

    He said this explains their success in peacekeeping operations even before independence and the reason why they are well sought after by the United Nations, adding that the exploits of our armed forces under ECOMOG are still fresh in memory. “I recall that during my tenure as Defence Adviser in our Permanent Mission to the UN, Nigerian troops were always sought after for their professionalism and effectiveness”, he stated.

    Harping on the need to appreciate the sacrifices being made by personnel of the armed forces, Marwa said, “We must always remember that our men and women in uniform left their families and went to the bush these past 15 years, fighting an asymmetrical warfare in ill-defined territories and an amorphous enemy that easily mixes with the rural population.”

    Marwa said, “We must always remember that our men and women in uniform left their families and went to the bush these past 15 years, fighting an asymmetrical warfare in ill-defined territories and an amorphous enemy that easily mixes with the rural population.”

    He noted that if the same security forces have been able to contain the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, which was once far worse than the present banditry in the North West, they will in a matter of time end the criminal activities of non-state actors in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and other parts of the region.

    He said rather than fall for the propaganda of criminal elements, the Nigerian public should stand up for massive and unequivocal support to the armed forces and other security agencies in diverse ways. “Our support and goodwill towards our security forces can come in the form of encouraging words, scholarship for their orphaned children and other empowerment grants to their widows and families, all of which can be channeled through their Service Headquarters”, Marwa stated. He commended Gen. Laka for the visit while expressing confidence in his ability to succeed on his task at the NCTC.

    Speaking earlier, Gen. Laka said he came on the visit to seek collaboration between the NCTC and NDLEA because of the strong nexus between drugs and crimes. He noted that with over 50,000 arrests in three years, the activities of NDLEA have disrupted crimes, and struck a significant blow to the criminal organizations as well as activities that thrive on illicit drugs and substances.

    According to him, “we all know the nexus between drug abuse, crime and terrorism. We know that drugs fuel various forms of criminality, including terrorism by providing financial resources and impairing judgment, thus contributing to violent extremism. This nexus underscores the importance of a holistic approach to combating these threats.

    “We have state-of-the-art laboratories at the centre. We have toxicology lab, DNA lab, fingerprint lab, data extraction lab, and so on and these labs are open to you. I would like a situation whereby we can collaborate with the NDLEA to fight threats of terrorism in the country.

    “Additionally, there is a need for strategic communication and sensitization campaigns on the nexus between drugs, and crime. So, we would also like to collaborate with the NDLEA to organize sensitization workshops, seminars, and so on to enlighten the public on the danger of the use of drugs.” Gen. Laka said.

  • JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Set To Release PMS For Sale

    JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Set To Release PMS For Sale

    After sixteen solid months of waiting, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited has disclosed that its much awaited Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, is ready to be released for sale in the Nigerian energy market.

    It’s been over a year since its launch in May 2023, Dangote Refinery, as the company announced the roll out of the anticipated product from its $20 billion 650,000 barrels per day facility located along a vast expanse of land on the fringes of Ibeju-Lekki Community in Lagos State.

    This is even as the chairman of the company, Aliko Dangote declared that “it is celebration day” for Nigerians since the country has been suffering artificial scarcity of the product in the last couple of weeks.

    Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 during which he revealed the roll out plan, he said the quality of the product from the refinery matches that of other refining facilities anywhere around the world.

    His words: “We are now going to have good petrol while the engines of your vehicles will last longer. You will not be having engine issues, which a lot of us were having. It won’t happen at all.

    “The quality of our product here matches the quality of PMS anywhere in the world, even that of the United States of America, we will make sure that nobody will beat us in terms of quality.

    Dangote told journalists that as soon as the company finalizes all the modalities with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the product will be released into the market.

    “As soon as we finalize with the NNPCL, our product will start going into the market. We will help to restore production and confidence in industry and manufacturing sectors.

    “We will also begin real import substitution, which is what we have, you know, saving and earning foreign exchange, which will stabilize the naira and it will also help reduce inflation and cost of living for all Nigerians, irrespective of their social and financial status,” he said.

    Analysts expressed the hope that with the development, Nigerians will be spared the agony of having to cue for several hours before they buy the product anywhere across the country, adding: “It is unthinkable that a country so blessed with abundant crude oil and natural gas should be made to pass through the excruciating experience Nigerians are being made to pass through intermittently.”

  • Ned Nwoko Seeks Creation of Anioma State in South East

    Ned Nwoko Seeks Creation of Anioma State in South East

    The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Mr. Ned Nwoko has presented a bill for the creation of Anioma State in the South East.

    Mr. Nwoko made this known on X, formerly Twitter on Monday, emphasising the need for the creation of Anioma State to balance representation in the South East.

    His words: “The creation of Anioma state is both urgent and compelling. This proposal addresses the longstanding imbalance in the geopolitical distribution of states in Nigeria. The South East geopolitical zone currently has five states, unlike its counterparts, except for the North West, which has seven states.

    “This disparity results in an imbalance of representation and resources, with the South East having only 15 lawmakers compared to the 18 lawmakers of other zones in the senate. This inequity affects legislative representation and the distribution of national resources, perpetuating a longstanding injustice.

    “I am presenting a bill for the creation of Anioma State to correct this historical oversight. Anioma is composed of nine local government areas, six of which are rich in oil and gas resources. The region also boasts significant human capital, making it a viable and sustainable candidate for statehood. Creating Anioma state is not just about increasing the number of states; it is about ensuring fair representation and resource allocation for the South East.”

    He said that the call for Anioma State has widespread support from various stakeholders, noting that the Anioma socio-cultural group, Izu Anioma, and the Pan Igbo cultural organization, Ohanaeze Indi Igbo, have both been vocal in their advocacy for the cause.

    “The political class in Anioma, including traditional rulers led by the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, have also consistently supported the creation of Anioma state. They have held numerous meetings, including discussions with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to voice their consensus,” the lawmaker stated.

    Nwoko also explained that the creation of Anioma State is a crucial step towards achieving justice and equity for the South East.

    “With the majority of stakeholders in agreement, it is time to act and bring Anioma State into existence, correct the past imbalances and ensure fair representation in national affairs,” he added.

  • IGP Gives ₦2.5bn Insurance Cheques to Families of 563 Deceased Police Officers

    IGP Gives ₦2.5bn Insurance Cheques to Families of 563 Deceased Police Officers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has allotted ₦2.5 billion naira insurance cheques to 563 next of kins of deceased police officers from the 2018/2019, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 insurance policy years.

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said that the insurance cheques through ‘the Group Life Assurance and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme’ are part of the determination of the current administration to honouring the memory and sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes who dedicated their lives to the service and protection of the nation.

    This was made known in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday.

    (Photo Credit: @PoliceNG on X)

    “The Group Life Assurance Scheme and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme are essential in offering financial assistance and welfare support to the families of our departed officers.

    “Today’s distribution, marking the third presentation in 2024 and the sixth under the current Police administration, saw a total of Two Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Eight Naira, Fifteen Kobo (₦2,588,456,838.15K) only disbursed to 563 families.

    “This brings the cumulative amount to Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty-One Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Nine Naira, Eighty-Eight Kobo (₦9,851,847,889.88) only, benefiting 3,077 families and next-of-kins since July 2023,” the statement reads in part.

    (Photo Credit: @PoliceNG on X)

    While presenting cheques to some of the beneficiaries alongside the Force Management Team, IGP Egbetokun assured that his administration remains deeply committed to the welfare of police officers and their families.

    He stressed that he will continue to evolve and revitalize welfare schemes to ensure adequate support for the families of fallen heroes and improve the conditions under which officers serve.

    The IGP thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in facilitating the timely release of the insurance claims.

    He also commended the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Force Insurance Unit for their outstanding efforts in ensuring prompt settlement of claims.

  • Customs’ Operation Whirlwind Hits Hard on Petrol Smugglers as Operatives Make Significant Seizures

    Customs’ Operation Whirlwind Hits Hard on Petrol Smugglers as Operatives Make Significant Seizures

    Barely two weeks after Nigeria Customs Service launched “Operation Whirlwind” – a decisive onslaught against illegal trade of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, says the Service has started recording massive turnout in curtailing the menace of PMS smuggling across the federation.

    Addressing newsmen on Monday, 10 June 2024, in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, the CGC re-emphasised strategic efforts to address the critical issue of fuel smuggling, Stating that the exercise aimed at curtailing economic saboteurs has the solid support of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    He said the Service had, in response to the alarming increase in fuel smuggling, launched the initiative to defend the National currency, reduce pressures that may be attributed to the activities of smugglers and dismantle their cartels within the ecosystem.

    “In the past 2 weeks we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of the price of PMS around the Border States, this is easily attributed to disruptions in the operations of smugglers”, he said.

    According to him, the operatives attached to the initiative had, within 7 days of non-stop task, intercepted a total of 150,950 litres of PMS, valued at N105,965,391, at various locations nationwide, highlighting, “On Friday 31 May 2024. A total of 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was seized at Mubi, Adamawa State.

    “On Saturday, 1 June 2024, a total of 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was also seized at Mubi, Adamawa, while between Monday, 3 June 2024, and Friday, 7 June 2024, a total of 92,928 litres of PMS in 25 litres of different sizes of jerry cans at Mubi, Song-Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda road and Gidan Madara – Sahuda road, in Adamawa state and others in Illela, Sokoto and Agbaragba creek in Mfum border of Cross River State”.

    The CGC further stated that the Service has also recorded significant seizures of 129,185 litres of PMS from unpatriotic individuals attempting to deprive Nigerians of access to fuel and cause unnecessary hardship valued at N90,558,685, adding “A combined diversion of 280,135 litres of PMS of N196,524,075.50 raises serious economic concerns with broader implications on National Security.”

    The CG lamented the unfortunate increase in smuggling of PMS across Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states borders between April and May 2024, and the Service deemed it necessary to collaborate with the NSA to come up with a lasting solution to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Between April and May 2024, Borno and Kebbi States recorded 76% and 59% increases in evacuations, ranking among the top three states. On a year-on-year basis (May 2023 and May 2024), Sokoto and Taraba States recorded the most substantial increases in evacuations, with 247% and 234% increases, respectively”, he added.

  • AMJON Partners School of Eloquence to Train Maritime Journalists

    AMJON Partners School of Eloquence to Train Maritime Journalists

    All is set for the 2024 edition of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) annual training for maritime journalists.

    This year’s edition, tagged ‘Special Edition’ is a collaborative effort between the foremost Public Speaking training School, known as School of Eloquence and AMJON.

    Slated to hold on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the School of Eloquence premises at Osborne Road, Ikoyi, experts from the Nigeria Customs Service, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and School.og Eloquence, have been lined up to train journalists on the rudiments of their own operations

    The President of AMJON, Paul Ogbuokiri while speaking on the development, stated that journalism required constant training to be in tune with the evolving trends in the industry.

    According to him, journalism has taken a leap from what it used to be and journalists need to equip themselves with modern journalism tools that will help them to catch up with the trends.

    “We need constant training and restraining to be relevant in this age of journalism. If we fail to update ourselves, we will soon fizzle out,

    “This partnership with the School of Eloquence is a right step in the right direction. It will no doubt, energise our knowledge of reportage,” he maintained.

    Also speaking, the Chairman Organising Committee, Segun Oladipupo said that the event would afford members the opportunity to take their reporting to enviable height

    He therefore enjoined participants to seize the opportunity to learn new trends in journalism as well as learn the business side of the job

    He thanked the School of Eloquence for providing a platform for Nigerian journalists to take a flight in their daily assignment.

  • NIMASA DG Mobereola Tasks Port State Control Officers on Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability

    NIMASA DG Mobereola Tasks Port State Control Officers on Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability

    Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has tasked Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) to always show integrity, professionalism and accountability while discharging their duties in the nation’s maritime domain.

    Participants at the training

    He gave the charge, while delivering his goodwill message at the Ethics, Integrity and Leadership training organized for the PSCOs in Lagos on Monday, June 10, 2024 by the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control for West and Central Africa in collaboration with the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN).

    Chairman, Abuja MoU and Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure Development, Republic of The Gambia, Ebrima Sillah; Vice Chairman, Abuja MoU and Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, who was represented by the Danish General Counsel; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MACN, Mrs. Cecilia Muller Torbrand and Secretary General, Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren, among others, attended the event.

    Mobereola, who commended stakeholders, organizers and participants, revealed that the training, which is being attended by PSCOs from 22 member states of the Abuja MoU focuses on the importance of ethics, integrity and leadership in the implementation of port state control responsibilities by member States.

    His words: “As we are all aware, Port State Control Officers are the first line of defense and the singular most important instrument for enforcing the rules of maritime safety and protecting the lives and well-being of seafarers, ships and the marine environment from the potential effects of unsafe shipping.

    “For this reason, they have a responsibility to discharge their duties with the highest level of transparency and accountability.

    “Ethical conduct in Port State Control activities demands that decision making, even under the most challenging circumstances must be fair, just, equitable and strictly in line with established standards.

    “It requires that subjectivity, undue influence, compromise and conflict of interests must be set aside at all times. Similarly, integrity is the cornerstone of trust and requires unshaken honesty and strong moral foundation on the part of the Port State Control officers.

    “Leadership for Port State Control officers on the other hand entails setting a commendable example and inspiring others just as it presumes an ability to make on-the-spot decisions in a correct and wholesome manner without the need for micro- management by superior authorities.”

    He stressed that the requirements of ethical conduct and integrity remain fundamental to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Codes of Conduct for Port State Control and other international, regional and national bodies such as the Abuja MoU and NIMASA.

    Mobereola, who pointed out that the IMO Code of Good Practice, outlined three fundamental principles for Port State Control Officers namely: Integrity, Professionalism and Transparency, adding that in NIMASA, Port State Control Officers are required to comply with the applicable international and domestic rules on transparency, accountability and anti-corruption.

    “This is particularly given the stated commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the war against corruption and allied offences.

    They are also mandated to update the Agency’s Core Values which have been simplified by the acronym ‘CAPITEL D’ (Commitment, Accountability, Professionalism, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Leadership)

    “It is also important to reiterate Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to its international and regional responsibilities, especially given its leadership role in the West and Central African sub-region.

    This of course includes shipping, maritime and the blue economy where NIMASA spearheads the drive for safety, security and the protection of the marine environment,” he stated.

    The NIMASA DG expressed confidence that the training will provide the participants valuable opportunity to build their mental resolve towards carrying out their Port State Control duties under a clean, fair, transparent and equitable environment at all times.

    “Within each and every one of us lies a leader and I enjoin you to dig deep within yourselves to bring out the leader in order to provide inspiration to others to perpetuate the best practices as a minimum standard,” he added.

  • Operation Whirlwind Hits Hard on PMS Smugglers, As Operative Makes Significant Seizures

    Operation Whirlwind Hits Hard on PMS Smugglers, As Operative Makes Significant Seizures

    Barely two weeks after Nigeria Customs Service launched “Operation Whirlwind” – a decisive onslaught against illegal trade of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, says the Service has started recording massive turnout in curtailing the menace of PMS smuggling across the federation.

    Addressing newsmen on Monday, 10 June 2024, in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, the CGC re-emphasised strategic efforts to address the critical issue of fuel smuggling. Stating that the exercise aimed at curtailing economic saboteurs has the solid support of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    He said the Service had, in response to the alarming increase in fuel smuggling, launched the initiative to defend the National currency, reduce pressures that may be attributed to the activities of smugglers and dismantle their cartels within the ecosystem, adding, “In the past 2 weeks we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of the
    price of PMS around the Border States, this is easily attributed to
    disruptions in the operations of smugglers.”

    According to him, the operatives attached to the initiative had, within 7 days of non-stop task, intercepted a total of 150,950 litres of PMS, valued at N105,965,391, at various locations nationwide, highlighting, “On Friday 31 May 2024. A total of 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was seized at Mubi, Adamawa State.”

    He stated that “On Saturday, 1 June 2024, a total of 45,000 litres of PMS
    in a tanker was also seized at Mubi, Adamawa, while between Monday, 3 June 2024, and Friday, 7 June 2024, a total of 92,928 litres of PMS in 25 litres of different sizes of jerry cans at Mubi, Song-Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda road and Gidan Madara – Sahuda road, in Adamawa state and others in Illela, Sokoto and Agbaragba creek in Mfum border of Cross River State.

    The CGC further stated that the Service has also recorded significant seizures of 129,185 litres of PMS from unpatriotic individuals attempting to deprive Nigerians of access to fuel and cause unnecessary hardship valued at N90,558,685, adding “A combined diversion of 280,135 litres of PMS of N196,524,075.50 raises serious economic concerns with broader implications on National Security.”

    The CG lamented the unfortunate increase in smuggling of PMS across Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states borders between April and May 2024, and the Service deemed it necessary to collaborate with the NSA to come up with a lasting solution to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed
    Tinubu.

    He said, “Between April and May 2024, Borno and Kebbi States recorded 76% and 59% increases in evacuations, ranking among the top three states. On a year-on-year basis (May 2023 and May 2024), Sokoto and Taraba States recorded the most substantial increases in evacuations, with 247% and 234%
    increases, respectively.”