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Category: Nigeria News

  • 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.”

  • Benin Court Sentences 25 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

    Benin Court Sentences 25 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

    Benin Court Sentences 25 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

    The duo of Justice Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Ituseli of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City have convicted and sentenced twenty-five (25) internet fraudsters for various jail terms.

    According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the individuals involved were sentenced on Wednesday, 20 and Thursday, March 21, 2024 respectively.

    The convicts include Joshua Osarumwense, Oziegbe Courage, Michael Osawowamen Enofe, Precious Ezomo, Favour Ezomo, Adetokunbor Oghamomwan, Amaize Victor Ohimah, Destiny Okpala, Emmanuel Benjamin and Williams Chinedu Onyeji.

    Others are Michael Ugochukwu Davidson, Favour Victor, Aigbadon Nathaniel, Owas Palmer, Kelvin Aghator, Samuel Endurance, Emmanuel Ogiehor and Oseni Usman.

    Success Bashorun, Hassan Usman, Omoruyi Stanley, Omoruyi Osasu, Festus David Ofuomadega, Omokaro Junior Aisosa and Okolo Oghenenyerhovwo make up the rest of the convicts.

    The law enforcement agency stated that they were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission.

    “That you Favour Ezomo (m) on or about 14th March, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.2006 and punishable under section 1(3)of same Act,” the charge against Favour Ezomo reads as revealed by EFCC.

    Benin Court Sentences 25 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

    The Commission also disclosed that all the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, F. Jirbo, I.K Agwai, A. A. Ibrahim and Salihu Ahmed to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

    It was also revealed that the counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, claiming that they have become remorseful for their actions.

    The trio of Oziegbe, Stanley and Davidson bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000.00 (two hundred thousand naira) each, while the duo of Ofuomadega and Oghenenyerhovwo got two years imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000 (two hundred thousand naira) each.

    Similarly, the other twenty (20) individuals were sentenced to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000.00 (one hundred thousand naira) each.

    The judges ordered that the convicts forfeit their phones, balances in their various bank accounts being instruments and proceeds of crime and a Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 recovered from Ezomo to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    All the convicts were also asked to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.

    The convicts’ road to the correctional centre began following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in computer-related fraud.

  • Customs Debunks Allegation of Wrongdoing in E-auction of Overtime, Seized Goods

    Customs Debunks Allegation of Wrongdoing in E-auction of Overtime, Seized Goods

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has rebutted the claims making the rounds about its involvement in an e-auction of overtime and seized goods.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by Customs Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada on Saturday.

    “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is in receipt of a report titled “The Monumental Stealing By The Customs Auction Committee And Their Plans To Dispose-Off Overtime Containers” with great concern. It is disheartening to note the serious allegations regarding the integrity of the ongoing e-auction process designed to provide a level playing ground for all Nigerians.

    “The NCS is a law-abiding government organization dedicated to maintaining the most outstanding levels of accountability and transparency in all its activities and taking any accusations of improper behaviour seriously,” the statement read in part.

    Similarly, NCS denied involvement in fraudulent activities or underhand dealings as regards the e-auctioning of vehicles or other goods.

    “The NCS Auction Committee operates within the confines of the law and adheres strictly to established guidelines and procedures for disposing of seized/overtime goods.”

    Nigeria Customs added: “Regarding the allegation that over 300 vehicles have been auctioned to just one individual via the e-auction window after purported underhand payments, we wish to state that this is entirely false, misguided, and spurious. Furthermore, suggesting that a token sum of N10,000 is collected as duties to the Federal Government on the e-auction window, which has a reserved price of N400, 000 is indeed misleading and misrepresentation of fact.”

    It further disclosed that from the data generated upon completing five successful bidding windows, 13,605 applicants registered in the five windows e-auction portal; 476 vehicles were uploaded, and 462 won.

    “Also, the government realized N556,738,736 as revenue. It begs the question of where the allegations are coming from.”

    The Service reiterated its commitment to remain transparent, accountable and always adhere to the rule of law in all activities.

    It also urged members of the public to join the Service with the common goal of promoting an inclusive system that is fair to all Nigerians irrespective of their status.

  • Comptroller Ojike Assumes Kebbi Customs Command Leadership

    Comptroller Ojike Assumes Kebbi Customs Command Leadership

    Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike has taken over as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Kebbi Command following the end of Comptroller Husseini Bello Ahmed’s reign.

    This was made known in a statement released by the Spokesperson of Kebbi Area Command, Mohammed Tajudeen Salisu on Friday.

    “Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command welcomes Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike as the new Customs Area Controller (CAC). The grand occasion took place at the Command conference room on Thursday, 15 February 2024.

    “The new sheriff in town, while bidding farewell to the outgoing Comptroller warned smugglers that Kebbi is no more a breeding ground for smuggling activities. He further stated that officers under his watch must be patriotic and disciplined,” it stated.

    The outgoing Comptroller, Husseini Bello Ahmed extended gratitude to God for the successes he attained during his career and stay in Kebbi.

    He also thanked the management, men of the Command, state government and other sister agencies for their constant support – and urged them to give the necessary support to the incoming Comptroller.

  • COWA President Kikelomo Unveils Vision to Empower 100,000 Women, Combat Drug Abuse

    COWA President Kikelomo Unveils Vision to Empower 100,000 Women, Combat Drug Abuse

    President of Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi has unveiled an initiative that will help to empower 100,000 women in the fight against drug abuse.

    Mrs. Adeniyi made this known while giving a speech at the relaunch of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association in Abuja on Thursday.

    The event witnessed the presence of members, stakeholders, government officials, business moguls, and diplomats – and was centred around the importance of the association.

    According to the wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, it is an avenue to support the Federal Government in empowering women, mitigate drug abuse and job creation.

    She also asked for the support of the country’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Bola Tinubu so as to improve the general well-being of women in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Adeniyi stated that the association has launched a pilot program to empower 1,200 women, adding that the plan is to assist over 100,000 women, thereby making them to be impactful in their various families.

    She revealed COWA’s readiness to kick-start a fully-equipped ultra-modern Skills Acquisition Center in Abuja, where members will undertake vocational training for empowerment.

    The President of COWA added: “The association aims to provide food and other humanitarian support to about 100,000 less privileged individuals across the country before the end of 2024.”

    Mrs. Adeniyi stressed that the relaunch of the association offers an opportunity to bring their activities to the forefront and will help in raising funds from corporate organizations and spirited Nigerians for the implementation of their programs and activities.

    She continued: “COWA plans to establish Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools across major border communities and even within cities and towns to offer decent, qualitative, and affordable education to the children and wards of serving and retired Customs Officers.

    “The schools will reduce the financial burden of Customs officers who pay exorbitant fees to educate their children. It will also enable us to instill in our children high moral values associated with the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “COWA has been established with a clear aim to touch lives in a meaningful and impactful manner, and our primary drive is to build relationships, partnerships, and friendships that support the nurturing of healthy communities to alleviate poverty, create jobs, and support the economic empowerment of our members through initiatives that promote prosperity and economic opportunities.”

    She lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their support and commitment to improving the welfare of Customs officers.

    Mrs. Adeniyi also disclosed that plans are being made to provide suitable accommodations to officers and their families.

    Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who was also present at the gathering expressed delight towards the advancement made by the association.

    Comptroller Adeniyi heaped praises on her wife and the rest of the team for their tremendous works that have resulted in COWA’s rise.

    He revealed that NCS has placed women in strategic and vital positions across various units and commands, stressing that it is a significant achievement in attaining gender balance.

    CG Adeniyi further stated: “We appreciate our wives whose support encourages us to maintain our stance in fighting against smuggling and sources of strength, especially during challenging times. We are fully committed to supporting them in their work whenever and wherever necessary.

    “The service is supporting COWA in building schools, supporting widows, and conducting medical outreach programs in our border communities. This initiative significantly enhances our corporate social responsibility program and demonstrates our holistic approach to community engagement.”

    “Given the substantial impact of COWA’s work, we wholeheartedly support the revival and relaunch of their activities. Confidently, we will continue to contribute positively to our organization and the community.”

  • Results of Our Partnership With NDLEA Impressive, UK Home Office Int’l Operations Says

    Results of Our Partnership With NDLEA Impressive, UK Home Office Int’l Operations Says

    The United Kingdom Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has revealed that it has gotten great results from the collaboration with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on several drug law enforcement operations and projects.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi on Wednesday following the HOIO’s Director of Africa region operations, Mr. Richard Lloyd visit to NDLEA’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Mr. Lloyd, who led a four-member delegation to the NDLEA office disclosed that following the impressive performance of the Agency, the UK government will embark on the construction of a maritime headquarters for NDLEA in June to further enhance the capability of the anti-narcotic body.

    He lauded the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, stressing that it has achieved tremendous successes in dismantling a lot of trans-border drug trafficking cartels.

    Lloyd also said that as further proof of their commitment to the result-oriented partnership with NDLEA, his office will be glad to sign an already drafted Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NDLEA in no distant time.

    His words: “I have heard so many good stories of the agency and your team. I will start by saying thanks for your support and the relationship that we have. I’ve been nothing but impressed since I arrived in Nigeria 10 days ago.

    “I met a lot of the teams in Lagos and in Abuja and I must say they have been fantastic. The way that we work together with the Home Office International Operations and the NDLEA is astonishing. I manage a lot of countries and teams in Africa and I have a lot of teams across the continent and in Nigeria here is by far head and shoulders above everyone.”

    He added: “To be fair, not only in Africa, because I work in Africa I may be biased but across all of our operations, we are massively ahead of everyone and it is really good for me to go back to the UK and highlight the amazing work that NDLEA does with Home Office team in the country. The office has a keen interest in Nigeria and the way that we work to disrupt organized crime and gangs in the country. Congratulations to the NDLEA team for doing a fantastic job.”

    The director further revealed that the HOIO has just completed the refurbishing of two patrol boats for the maritime operations of the Agency and vowed to support with more logistics.

    Meanwhile, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in his remarks expressed gratitude to Lloyd and his team for their kind comments about NDLEA’s work, adding that such commendation will further encourage the officers and men of the Agency to do more.

    The NDLEA boss stated: “We thank you very much for these encouraging remarks. These commendations coming from you are considered highly because we are glad to be meeting our mandate. I will like to give you the assurances that the NDLEA is very committed to our mandate.

    “We plan to go down to the 774 local governments of the country so that at the community levels, we are able to check what is going on there and do whatever needs to be done there. We know these are difficult times in the UK as it is with other countries, and we appreciate that even with that you find the resources to support us is much welcome, especially the training, and capacity building which is very important.”

  • NiMet, NIRSAL Plc to Collaborate, Boost Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria

    NiMet, NIRSAL Plc to Collaborate, Boost Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Plc have announced that they will partner on several projects to boost agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

    This comes following a meeting that was held on Wednesday between the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike and NIRSAL’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abbas Umar Masanawa at NIRSAL Plc’s headquarters in Abuja.

    “The urgency of climate action requires that critical stakeholders collaborate, invest in preparedness and ensure that smallholder farmers are protected by early warnings of climate disaster. NiMet is keen on exploring opportunities for both NiMet and NIRSAL to partner in de-risking agriculture. With the work that NiMet does and the data it generates on a daily basis, this will help farmers to plan effectively and efficiently,” Professor Anosike said.

    The NiMet boss added: “Climate change impacts greatly on farming activities and agricultural yield, hence the need for data-driven farming operations. This will help to de-risk the agricultural value chain.”

    Similarly, NIRSAL’s MD, Mr. Masanawa in his remarks disclosed that NiMet has done well over the years not only in the aviation sector but also in the other economic sectors including agriculture.

    His words: “The DG/CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike and his team have been doing very well not only in aviation but in agriculture as well. NIRSAL is interested in collaborating with them to support small holder farmers for increased productivity. This is in line with NIRSAL’s mandate.”

    He also noted that collaborating with NiMet is critical as the focus will be on increasing primary production.

    “This will be beneficial to all as the farmers are the ones that are most vulnerable. We are also happy that NiMeT downscales its weather and climate data and information in different local Nigerian languages for wider reach and understanding.”