Operatives from the Enugu State Police Command, in their ongoing battle against kidnapping, killed two suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout on Thursday.

The operatives also rescued one victim and recovered their weapons, according to a statement on Friday, by the Command's spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.

Ndukwe said, "On October 17, 2024, around 8pm, operatives from the Enugu State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response and Special Intervention Squads, raided a kidnappers' hideout in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, following a diligently gathered actionable intelligence.

"Upon the operatives' arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries."

"Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had demanded a ransom of N40,000,000 for the release of the victim. The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu metropolis and its environs.

"Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them."

Ndukwe also disclosed that the buildings the criminals used for the criminal acts, including the present one, had been destroyed by the Enugu State government.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives' efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state.

He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts

Nigerians in the United Kingdom have been thrown into mourning following the death of a woman, Mrs Olubunmi Okeniyi, nearly a month after she relocated to the European country.

The woman, who relocated with her two children to join her husband, Jacob Okeniyi, reportedly died on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

A statement by the Nigerians in the UK on X claimed that Olubunmi arrived with her two children in Sunderland on September 16, 2024.

The tragedy brought to the fore concerns about the welfare of many Nigerians relocating to the UK. 

Members of the Nigerian community in the UK decried the spate of deaths of fellow compatriots shortly after they landed in the European country.

Early this year, another Nigerian, Saheed Wahab, died a day after relocating to the UK for his master’s degree.

Similarly, an unnamed Nigerian man reportedly died of a heart attack after he slumped and died in Hull City, two months after joining his wife in the UK.

In the message announcing Mrs Okeniyi’s demise, the community sought financial support after setting up a GoFundMe account to assist with burial expenses.

“With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mrs Olubunmi Okeniyi, who tragically passed away on 13/10/24, at 4:30 pm in Sunderland, UK,” it wrote.

“Mrs Olubunmi, who arrived from Nigeria with her two sons on 16/09/24, is survived by her husband, Mr Jacob Okeniyi.

“We are urgently seeking donations to assist with her immediate burial, as her husband cannot afford the costs.

“Please support by donating through the link below.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, providing more information about the incident, an X user, Godwin Ejeh, said the deceased was 49 years old and died of breast cancer.

According to Ejeh, who posted a statement purportedly issued by the Chairman of the Nigerians in the Sunderland community, the victim was sick back in Nigeria before joining her family in the UK.

She reportedly started the treatment for cancer upon arrival, but doctors advised that she was unlikely to survive it and that palliative care should be commenced.

“But due to their status here, the above care had to be carried out at home with medical personnel visiting her at home to give her care,” Ejeh wrote.

On the day of her demise, Mrs Okeniyi reportedly called her husband that she wanted to urinate. He and the children helped her to the commode after caregivers visited their home to offer normal routine care and left.

“As she was passing urine, her countenance changed immediately and they assisted her back to the bed and quickly called back her caregivers, who were already on their way. They rushed back but unfortunately, Mrs Okeniyi gave up the ghost around 4:30pm,” Ejeh added.

Ejeh said as of 10pm on Wednesday, the victim’s husband confirmed that a total of £5,800 had been raised.

“GoFundMe as of this evening stood at £3,557,” he added.

The Rivers State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦85,000 for its civil servants.

George Nwaeke, the state’s Head of Service, announced that Governor Siminalayi Fubara granted the approval during a private meeting with labour leaders and senior government officials.

Nwaeke confirmed that the implementation of the new wage would take immediate effect.

“He (Governor Fubara) has set a figure that is higher than the national minimum wage, approving ₦85,000.00. This is a significant development for civil servants in Rivers State, who have never had it this good since the state’s inception,” Nwaeke said.

When inquired about the payment of arrears, Nwaeke disclosed that a technical committee has been formed to devise a feasible payment plan that will also tackle issues concerning the outstanding arrears.

“The committee, which I will serve as Deputy to the Secretary to the State Government, will iron out the details regarding the payment of arrears and inform the public accordingly,” he explained

In response, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Team, Chukwu Emecheta, commended Governor Fubara for fulfilling the expectations of Rivers State workers and appreciated his commitment to their welfare.

“For the governor to approve this new minimum wage amidst all the difficulties is a clear demonstration of his commitment to the well-being of the workers. We are overjoyed by this decision,” Emecheta remarked.

Similarly, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State, Alex Agwanwor, remarked that the new minimum wage would significantly ease the financial burdens faced by workers in the state.

“With Lagos and Rivers both approving ₦85,000, but given their differing IGRs, this places Rivers State at the forefront. The governor has proven once again that he is the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria, and we fully support him,” Agwanwor said.

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has intensified his criticism of Nigeria’s economic situation under President Bola Tinubu, expressing deep concern over the nation’s weakening currency.

Igbokwe, who was an active campaigner for Tinubu during the 2023 elections, took to social media on Friday to voice his frustration following a recent report from the World Bank that declared the Nigerian naira as the weakest currency in Africa.

In his Facebook post, Igbokwe highlighted the paradox of Nigeria’s economic potential, stating that the country’s abundant resources and demographic advantages do not align with the current economic assessment.

Igbokwe wondered why the “currency of the most endowed and populous country in Africa with the most educated people, huge and fertile landmass, favourable weather and excellent talents among other advantaged factors, has the weakest currency in Africa.”

He attributed the dire economic situation to widespread nepotism and a self-serving approach to governance, lamenting that “almost everybody is working for themselves; nobody is working for this great country.”

This is not the first time Igbokwe has raised concerns about the administration’s policies. In September, he criticized the new electricity tariffs and urged President Tinubu to take action to alleviate the burden on citizens.

The NNPC Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (NNPC-CNL JV) has announced a significant oil discovery with the successful drilling of the Meji NW-1 well in Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) 49, located in the shallow offshore region of the Western Niger Delta.

The area, which now operates under the terms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, remains a vital component of Nigeria’s energy production sector.

In a statement released on Friday, Chevron’s General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, confirmed the development, stating that the well was spud on September 2, 2024, and reached a total depth of 8,983 feet by September 13.

The well encountered approximately 690 feet of hydrocarbons within Miocene sands, extending the productive Meji field.

The drilling operations were completed on October 2, and the rig has since departed the location.

“This achievement aligns with Chevron’s commitment to advancing its Nigerian resources,” the statement read, highlighting that the discovery fits into the company’s broader global exploration strategy. This strategy focuses on “discovering new resources that extend the lifespan of existing production assets and reduce development cycle times.”

The discovery marks a positive development for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, reinforcing the offshore region’s potential.

The NNPC-CNL JV reiterated its commitment to partnering with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to ensure continued progress in the country’s oil and gas development.

“We remain dedicated to collaborating with the Nigerian government and stakeholders to support the growth of the oil and gas industry and the overall Nigerian economy,” the statement emphasized.

The Kano State Hisbah Board has confirmed the arrest of Auwal Danladi Sankara, the Commissioner of Special Duties in Jigawa State, for allegedly engaging in a romantic relationship with a married woman, Tasleem Baba Nabegu.

The arrest took place on Friday after Hisbah operatives caught Sankara in the act in an uncompleted building that reportedly belongs to him.

Hisbah, known as the Sharia police, made the announcement following intelligence tracking and a series of complaints received about Sankara’s alleged misconduct.

Abba Sufi, the Director General of the Hisbah Board, confirmed the arrest, stating, “Yes, it is true we have arrested Auwal Danladi Sankara with a married woman in an uncompleted building. Unknown to him, we were tracking him based on reports we received against him.”

The allegations surfaced after Nasiru Bulama, the husband of the married woman, lodged complaints with multiple authorities, including the Kano State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Bulama accused Sankara of engaging in illicit sexual activities with his wife, who is also the mother of his two children.

The Hisbah DG revealed that Sankara would face multiple charges in court on Monday, not only related to the alleged affair but also for operating illicit drug centers disguised as hotels, known by names including “Picklock” and “360.”

Sufi added, “We have been having problems with Sankara because he is operating illicit drug centers in the names of hotels, involving prostitution and drug addiction activities.”

The Senate has announced that the Federal Government is expected to submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) following President Bola Tinubu’s return from his current overseas trip.

The MTEF serves as a crucial legal framework that outlines the budgetary template for the nation and is typically submitted to the parliament ahead of the annual budget presentation by the President.

President Tinubu has been on a two-week vacation since October 2, initially travelling to the United Kingdom before continuing to France.

During his absence, the House of Representatives expressed concerns regarding the government’s delay in submitting the MTEF and the proposed 2025 budget, citing a violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

In a motion presented by Representative Clement Jimbo, lawmakers highlighted the absence of the 2025 Budget Estimates, stressing that the National Assembly is only two months away from the conclusion of the 2024 fiscal year.

They urged the President to adhere to Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which mandates the timely preparation and submission of the MTEF and budget estimates.

Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that although the executive has not yet provided a specific date for the submission of the MTEF document, there is optimism that ministries and agencies will begin the process promptly upon the President’s return.

Adaramodu also indicated that Tinubu is expected to present the 2025 budget in early November, which would provide a clearer picture of the government’s financial plans moving forward.

The reason President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not intervene to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has been revealed.

Bello, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was a member of the defunct Tinubu/Shettima campaign organization that worked for Tinubu’s election in 2023.

Despite claims from some that Bello was being targeted by the EFCC, the President has consistently emphasized that the commission must fulfill its legal mandate, while encouraging Nigerians to support its anti-corruption efforts.

A member of President Tinubu’s inner circle explained to Western Post that the President’s decision not to intervene stemmed from a desire to send a clear message that his administration would not tolerate corruption in public office, regardless of ethnic or political connections.

The EFCC, led by Ola Olukoyede, accused Bello of N110 billion fraud, after initially filing 19 charges against him, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu for alleged money laundering offenses totaling N80,246,470,088.88.

In updated charges dated September 25, the sum allegedly laundered increased to N110,446,470,89.00. Bello and his co-defendants were accused of purchasing 12 properties in Abuja with the laundered funds.

The defendants were also charged with criminal breach of trust over the same amount.

The EFCC declared Bello wanted, and the Nigerian Immigration Service placed him on a watchlist after attempts to arrest him and his repeated absence from court proceedings.

In September 2024, Bello’s Media Office claimed EFCC operatives attempted to arrest the former governor at the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro.

Following Bello’s visit to EFCC headquarters, his media director, Ohiare Michael, alleged the operatives were trying to forcefully arrest him.

Explaining why President Tinubu didn’t interfere, presidency sources said the President aimed to send a clear message to corrupt officials that such behavior would no longer be tolerated.

According to the sources, Tinubu is determined to break the pattern where political allies evade prosecution despite evidence of misusing public funds due to party affiliations.

“Tinubu’s decision to let the EFCC proceed with Bello’s prosecution demonstrates a shift towards a more unbiased approach to tackling corruption,” the source, who requested anonymity, told Western Post.

He added that the President won’t “allow selective prosecution of individuals based on political loyalties.”

“Tinubu did not intervene to stop the anti-graft agency from carrying out its duties, especially considering that Bello is a key member of the ruling All Progressives Congress because upon assuming office, he emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

“By allowing the EFCC to operate without interference, the President is sending a clear message that his government will not condone corrupt practices, irrespective of political affiliations or status,” the source added.

Another presidency official said Tinubu’s administration is committed to fighting corruption at all levels of government.

“Tinubu’s desire to uphold the independence and integrity of critical institutions like the EFCC was why he didn’t interfere. Don’t forget that the EFCC chairman had also confirmed in one of his public engagements that the President had never interfered in their operations.

“This autonomy is crucial in strengthening public trust in the nation’s institutions. As an anti-corruption body, Tinubu recognises that the EFCC must be empowered to act independently. So, stopping or interfering in the arrest of Bello could cast doubts on the administration’s anti-corruption fight,” the source added.

“By allowing the EFCC to pursue its mandate, the President is reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that his longstanding belief in democratic principles is upheld, even when dealing with close political allies.

“By not intervening in Bello’s arrest, Tinubu reinforces the idea that political office should not be a shield from legal scrutiny. The EFCC’s action against Bello can be seen as part of Tinubu’s broader effort to demonstrate that elected officials and public officeholders must be held accountable for their actions,” the source added.

The Labour Party presidential flagbearer during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has faulted the foreign trips embarked upon by both President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He said the trips, coming when the country is grappling with domestic challenges, were concerning.

The PUNCH reports that Tinubu departed for the United Kingdom on October 2, 2024, for a two-week working leave. He later left the UK for France on Friday, October 11, for “another important engagement,” his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, tweeted.

Meanwhile, Shettima left Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden on a two-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.

Justifying both trips, the Presidency on Wednesday said the absence of Tinubu and his deputy does not pose any vacuum in Nigeria’s leadership. It said the two principal officers are “fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while away.”

But reacting to the Presidency’s justification on Friday in a post on his X, Obi, who is also a former Anambra State governor, maintained that it was disturbing that Tinubu and his deputy weren’t in the country at a time when citizens need them most.

He wrote, “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa, there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media yesterday, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.

The President had told us he would only be gone for 14 days. The 14 days have passed now, and we are waiting to see him in the country. One would have expected him to return earlier than expected, considering the volume of work that needs to be done in a troubled nation like ours.

“The untold hardship that has been unleashed on our people as a result of some of his administration’s policies is unimaginable and we need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation.”

According to him, since the President is reportedly in Paris, France, which is just about 833 nautical miles from Stockholm, Sweden, one wonders why he did not just attend the 2-day working visit to Sweden.’

Obi added, “He could simply have done it on his way back from France with his new powerful jet, which would have taken him a little over 2 hours. This would have saved time and the very scarce national resources we need critically at this time.

“Instead, he delegated the Vice President, who needed to travel 3055 nautical miles, over nine hours, and (about 4 times the travel time from Paris) Abuja, Nigeria, to Stockholm, Sweden, to represent him at the event.

“It would take about 4 times the time and distance it takes to travel from Paris to Stockholm to travel from Abuja to Stockholm. This does not represent the kind of fiscal responsibility and common sense that is expected of leaders whose people are facing severe hunger and poverty.

“This is the time to show true and committed leadership to the people by making decisions that prioritize the well-being of the people and effective management of the nation’s scarce resources in alleviating the sufferings of the people.”

Meanwhile, the trips mark the second time both officers have been concurrently absent from the country since assuming office 17 months ago.

Between late April and early May 2024, while Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Shettima left Nigeria, first to Nairobi to attend the International Development Association Heads of State Summit.

After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. However, the VP cancelled his trip midway and returned to the country.

Tinubu returned to Abuja on 8 May.

NIPCO Gas Ltd management has attributed the explosion at its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, to the actions of unauthorized CNG technicians.

Recall that an explosion had occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, injuring about three persons.

But a statement by the management of NIPCO blamed the explosion on the activities of fake installers of CNG cylinders.

It said preliminary findings showed that the explosion occurred when the vehicle arrived at the station for CNG refueling.

The statement read, “Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle—later identified as a fake and fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG—exploded after filling with just around 4 SCM of gas. The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident.

“While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries. One person suffered a leg injury, and another sustained an eye injury. Both victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Based on the attending doctor’s recommendation, one of the individuals will require surgery at a different hospital.

“Our team is ensuring they receive the necessary care and treatment. The incidence has been reported at the local police station and the police has taken the custody of fake cylinder pieces and the car involved in the incident.

“This incident underscores the dangers of unauthorized CNG installations by unqualified technicians using non-compliant cylinders, which we have always campaigned against.

“We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence and reinforce our commitment to public safety across all operations.

“As a precautionary measure, the operations at the affected station are suspended to express our solidarity with those impacted by the incident.

“We remain resolute in our efforts to provide safe and reliable infrastructure for the growth of CNG as an alternative automotive fuel in Nigeria. We assure the public and our valued customers that safety remains paramount in all our operations.

“NIPCO Gas Ltd. will continue to uphold the highest industry standards to ensure the well-being of all stakeholders.

"Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”