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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a 25-year-old mother of two for armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms as well as also recovering one pump action gun and other incriminating items.
The spokesman for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Tuesday, that the arrest followed a reported incident on January 22, 2025, at the police station where the suspects and one other, who is still at large, dispossessed a victim of her personal belongings around the Oko Community Hospital.
Ikenga added that the joint security team comprising police and vigilante operatives, acting on intelligence-driven investigation carried out the arrest on January 24, 2025.
He said, “The joint security team comprising police operatives at the Oko Divisional Headquarters and operatives of the AVG Amaokpala acting on the intelligence-driven investigation on January 24, 2025, by 4.54 pm, arrested one Michael Chinweze aka ‘Small’, ‘M’, aged 20 years, a native of Iwollo, Eziagu LGA of Enugu State and Mmesoma Agba ‘F’, aged 25 years from Enugwu-Nanka in Anambra.
“During the arrest, the police recovered one pump action gun, one mobile phone, a black handbag, two tiny glasses suspected to be used in inhaling hard drugs.
“The arrest follows a reported incident on January 22, 2025, at the police station where the suspects and one other who is still at large dispossessed a victim of her personal belongings around the Oko Community Hospital.
“The items forcibly taken at gunpoint include: one red Cub motorcycle with Reg No: WER 137 GV valued at N1,300,000 only, her bag containing one Techno mobile phone, one ATM card and a cash sum of N38,000 only allegedly realised from the victim’s daily business in the shop.
“During interrogation of the suspects, Michael confessed to the crime and said that he stole the gun from a security post in a hotel at Amaokpala.
“Preliminary information also revealed that the first husband of Mmesoma (a mother of two) was earlier neutralised by the police in a gun battle with the gang members during a criminal operation.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, had ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka and charged the operatives to redouble efforts at arresting the other suspects currently on the run.
Similarly, the command said it had launched an investigation into the killing of a yet-to-be-identified middle-aged man who was shot dead along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway of the state.
Some eyewitnesses near the scene of the incident said the victim was accosted by some gunmen who were riding in a Toyota Sienna vehicle, attacked him along the road and shot him in the stomach.
One of the eyewitnesses who craved anonymity said, “The attack happened on Thursday morning along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway. The victim was shot in the stomach by the gunmen who were riding in a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
“They shot him and abandoned his lifeless body and fled the scene. The police operatives from Ozubulu Division were alerted and they came the following day to remove the corpse.”
However, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack and removal of the lifeless body in a statement on Tuesday.
Ikenga said a spot observation by the police response team and reports from eyewitnesses at the scene revealed that the victim was shot in the stomach.
He said, “In the early hours of January 23, 2025, police operatives attached to Ozubulu Divisional Headquarters responded to a distress call along the Onitsha/Owerri Express Road and recovered the body of a yet-to-be-identified young man.
“The command hereby seeks assistance from members of the public for possible identification of the victim and other information that will facilitate the ongoing investigative proceedings.
“A spot observation by the police responding team and report from eyewitnesses at the scene reveals that the victim was shot in the stomach by suspected armed men who abandoned his lifeless body and fled the scene.
“Meanwhile, the body has been deposited at the morgue and further developments shall be communicated, please.”
‘Would you criticise APC publicly if you were part of Tinubu’s cabinet?’ – Bwala to El-Rufai
AFOLABI
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has tackled the former governor of Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai, over his public criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While addressing a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, El-Rufai labelled the state of governance and opposition in the country as a “national emergency.”
He accused the APC of straying from its founding ideals and fostering poor leadership.
The ex-governor, who shared the report on his X handle on Tuesday, expressed concern over the absence of internal democracy and active party structures within the APC. He stated, “I no longer recognise the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.”
He condemned the quality of leadership emerging from political parties, blaming it on unqualified delegates. “You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders. This is why we end up with the poor leadership we have today,” he said.
El-Rufai urged political parties to raise standards for candidates and delegates, emphasising that the constitution’s minimum requirement of a secondary school certificate should not be enough for nominations, while lamenting that the APC’s founding goals of combating corruption, rebuilding the economy, and enhancing security have been abandoned.
“The problems that led to the creation of the APC remain unresolved, but I no longer believe the APC is interested in addressing them. The distance between me and the party is widening.
“There are internal mercenaries in the PDP, hired and motivated to destroy the party. The Labour Party is also facing similar issues. Peter Obi himself told me, ‘I don’t know what’s happening in the party I contested with.’
“There seems to be a deliberate project to destroy opposition parties,” he alleged.
Citing a poll that showed 75% of registered voters might abstain from the 2027 elections, El-Rufai warned of a potential crisis.
“This is dangerous. For those of us who lived half our lives under military rule, we know what it is. We don’t want a military rule, but we also don’t want civilians behaving like the military in their babbar riga and suits.
“This is a national emergency, and we must act before history repeats itself,” he added.
Reacting to El-Rufai’s post, Bwala questioned the former governor’s stance, asking if he would have held the same position were he part of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
“My Senior brother, if you were to be in the government and cabinet, would you have held and expressed the same position? History is replete with examples. It is a government you participated in its formation, that you now want to unseat. Haba Mallam, a Ji soron Allah mana,” Bwala wrote.
Two people, including an adult and a teenager, have died, while five others sustained injuries after a two-storey building under construction collapsed in Lagos.
The incident occurred at Mega Mall Estate, Mobile Road, Inikpa Villa, Ikota, Ajah.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident, with its Lagos Office Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, stating that the immediate cause of the collapse remains unknown.
“Information indicates that more people are likely trapped in the rubble. Search and rescue operation is ongoing. Investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of collapse,” Farinloye said.
The injured, all men, have been rescued and transported to the hospital for treatment. Rescue operations are continuing, as authorities work to ascertain the total number of people affected
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has signed a new law imposing a 21-year jail term for cult members and their sponsors.
The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhllor. According to the statement, the previous law addressing cult-related offences has been repealed and replaced with stricter penalties to deter cult activities.
Ikhllor emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state, warning the public against engaging in actions that could jeopardise Edo’s growth and development.
The statement read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the public that the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition Law) 2018 has been repealed by the Edo State House of Assembly.
“By virtue of the repeal, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, has been passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, effective from 24 January 2025.
“Please be informed that in the new law, there are provisions for stricter penalties for anyone found guilty of secret cult-related offences in the state.
“Section 5 of the law prescribes 21 years of imprisonment for financial and material sponsors of secret cults.
“Additionally, Section 6 of the law provides for 10 years of imprisonment for those who knowingly harbour members of a secret cult or permit secret cult meetings or activities to take place in any house, building, or location under their control.”
The statement further noted that, in addition to the 10-year jail term for those who harbour cult members, such individuals would have their properties confiscated and demolished by the state government.
It added: “Section 12 of the law clearly states: ‘Any person found to be a cultist under Section 4, who assaults, injures, maims, or kills any person(s) or destroys any property in furtherance of the activities of any secret cult, is guilty of an offence and is liable to 21 years of imprisonment without an option of fine. In the case of a fatality, the perpetrator(s) shall be liable to the death penalty upon conviction, and any properties in their name, as well as their place of residence, shall be confiscated and demolished by the State Government.’
“The general public is, by this notice, advised to take heed and refrain from acts detrimental to the peace, growth, and development of Edo State.”
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has denied opposing the idea of forming a coalition that would wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Obi, who had earlier rejected efforts by other opposition leaders to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, made a u-turn on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
While rejecting the idea, Obi said he won’t endorse any coalition if the motive is solely to grab power.
Speaking in Abuja on the sideline of a two-day national conference on Monday, January 27, 2025, the former Governor of Anambra said he’s “not interested in any coalition to take power.”
But on Tuesday, Obi took to X to clarify his position on the efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to form a coalition.
He wrote: “I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position. Let me set the record straight. I am not against coalition. In truth, I am for it, not for a power grab but to position Nigeria for greatness.
“I have not, and will never advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritise the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian.
“Any discussion about governance must be centred on what it means for everyday Nigerians and how it will address critical issues such as access to quality healthcare and education and pulling people out of poverty.
“Too often in our nation’s history, individuals and groups have come together solely for the purpose of taking power for power’s sake. Such endeavours, devoid of genuine purpose and vision, have only deepened our challenges, leaving the ordinary Nigerian to bear the brunt of bad governance. This is what I stand firmly against.
“Leadership must be about service, not self-interest. As I have always maintained, the New Nigeria is possible.
“But it requires us to change the way we think about power. It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”
Selena Gomez has been seen in tears over Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, following criticism from some quarters.
The 32-year-old singer and actress, who is of Mexican heritage, appeared to respond to the president’s stringent immigration policies.
The crackdown has included promises of the largest deportation in U.S. history, with the White House recently sharing images of men in shackles boarding a military plane, captioned: “Deportation flights have begun.”
In the now-deleted video posted on Monday, Gomez tearfully said, “I just want to say that I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked. The children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”
Following backlash online, Selena Gomez replaced the video with a post on her Instagram story, writing, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.”
That post, too, has since been removed.
Among her critics was Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sam Parker, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Gomez should “be deported.”
Gomez appeared to respond in another Instagram story, writing: “Oh Mr Parker, Mr Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”
Gomez recently starred in the Oscar-nominated Spanish-language musical Emilia Perez, portraying one of four Mexican women linked to a cartel.
Her video followed Donald Trump’s signing of 10 executive orders on immigration, including measures to accelerate mass deportations and tighten border security. These policies have already led to significant changes.
The Trump administration has reportedly conducted immigration raids in multiple cities this week, including Chicago, New York City, and Aurora, Colorado, with plans for more operations in other cities next week, according to NBC News.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field offices have been instructed to meet quotas of 1,200 to 1,500 arrests per day.
The administration’s expanded arrest priorities now include anyone in the country illegally, not just those with criminal records, public safety or national security risks, or migrants stopped at the border
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has slammed a N20 billion libel suit against the Spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP.
The suit was filed Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, by Kanu’s lead Counsel, Chief Aloy Ejimakor, on behalf of the IPoB leader.
According to the suit, Kanu accused the Police image maker of defaming and portraying him as a terrorist leader following media publications of a press statement issued by Adejobi on January 25 where he described IPOB as “a proscribed terrorist organisation”.
The viral publication titled, “Imo: Police neutralise six IPOB/ESN terrorists, recover arms: further read:’Operatives of the Imo Police Command’s tactical unit have neutralised three notorious kingpins of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
A copy of the suit sighted by Vanguard further read: “The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olummiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Owerri.
“Adejobi said following credible intelligence, the police operatives located and launched a coordinated operation on the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state on January 24.”
“The Force PRO said five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along eight operational motorcycles used by the group, were recovered from the scene.
“According to him, prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Centre on April 5, 2021.
Adejobi further hinted that the neutralised terrorists were involved in the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.”
Meanwhile, Kanu in his suit, averred that “the defamatory statements read by his brother and circle of friends in Abuja and Nigeria at large were false and constitute a grave libel on his person, as the words in their natural and ordinary meaning portrayed” him “as a leader of a violent and terrorist group.”
The IPoB leader further claimed that the statement also portrayed him in the following light: “as an associate of violent criminals and terrorists who allegedly engaged in terrorist acts in Imo State; an irresponsible and violent person that has no regard for the sanctity of human lives; and a person who does not deserve justice in his cases pending in court, bordering on whether the IPOB is a terrorist group or not.
Kanu further claimed that: “The said words in their natural and ordinary meaning were meant and were understood to mean that the Claimant is a leader of a terrorist movement that is to be vicariously blamed for alleged acts of terrorism in Imo State”.
Other claims by the IPoB leader include: “That the words were meant to call into question the Claimant’s honesty, personal integrity and reputation; that the Claimant states that these defamatory and libellous statements go far beyond fair comment and are malicious and are designed specifically to impugn his person and character and they were made in bad faith.”
The suit further read: “That the Defendant’s libellous publications and utterances were circulated and read by millions of people around the world, particularly in Abuja and Nigeria where the Claimant has many friends, family, colleagues, admirers, mentees, well-wishers and millions of followers and cases pending in court in which terrorism is at issue.
It also read: “That the Defendant’s libellous publications and utterances have seriously injured the Claimant’s character, credit, reputation and integrity; and resulted in significant prejudice against the Claimant regarding his cases pending in Court in Abuja and
elsewhere in Nigeria.”
Kanu, therefore, sought an order from the court “directing the Defendant to retract the said publications through another publication through the same media by way of issuance of another press statement.”
Other prayers by Kanu include:” An order of the court directing the Defendant to write and deliver to the Claimant, an unreserved letter of apology. The letter of apology shall be prominently and boldly published full-page in three (3) national dailies, namely: the SUN, Daily Trust and Vanguard.
He also sought “AN ORDER of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant from further and forever uttering the said defamatory and libellous words about or concerning the Claimant.”
The IPoB leader further prayed the court to issue an order “directing the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of N20,000,000,000.00 (Twenty Billion Naira only) being general and exemplary damages”.
He further sought an order of the court directing the Defendant to pay the cost of this suit; and such further orders as the court might deem fit and expedient to make in the circumstance.”
Communique Issued at The Afenifere General Meeting Held At Isanya Ogbo Ogun State On Tuesday 28th January 2025
Admin
The General Meeting of AFENIFERE held on Tuesday 28th day of January 2025, at Isanya-Ogbo Ogun State at the residence of our Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo deliberated on the state of the Nigerian nation, observed and Resolved as follows:
1.0 SECURITY:
1.01 Afenifere notes the terrible security position which worsened under the Buhari administration and remains unabated and calls on President Tinubu as the Commander-in-chief to take bold, positive and ideological steps to ensure genuine protection of life and property all over the country.
1.02 Afenifere reiterates the position that Nigeria with its vast territory, population and as a federation cannot be effectively and meaningfully secured with a single command unitary police structure and thus the need for the restructuring to ensure immediate constitutional institutionalization of state police.
1.03 The steps will prevent a situation the Governor of Oyopolice, even as the Chief Security Officer had to helplessly and lamentably make an outcry on the infiltration of bandits into his state.
2.0 ON NNAMDI KANU
2.01Afenifere notes that from all circumstances, particularly since his abduction in 2021 and rendition to Nigeria and since then subjected to controversial and conflicting legal proceedings in different courts by which his fair trial may no longer be guaranteed in the opinion of reasonable members of the public, it is clear that Nnamdi Kanu is indubitably a political detainee. In the interest of justice and national reconciliation, Afenifere urged President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu forthwith. There is no justifiable reason to continue to keep him in detention without trial.
3. APPOINTMENT
The General Meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of the Afenifere.
ATTENDANCE: In attendance at the Meeting presided over by the Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan are delegates from the 6 South West, Kogi and Kwara states and include former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Secretary General, Chief Akin Osuntokun, Professor Akin Onigbinde, Elder Tola Mobolurin, Dr. Gbola Adetuji, Olorogun Pop Ayo-Banjo.
Signed
Oba Oladipo Olaitan
Deputy Leader.
Prince Justice Faloye
National Publicity Secretary.
The World Bank has revealed that 45 per cent of girls in Nigeria give birth before the age of 18.
This was disclosed by the World Bank Country Director, Ndiame Diop, at the National Conference on Girls’ Education and Empowerment held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking at the conference themed “Effective Partnership on Girls’ Education: Out-of-School Children Education for National Development,” Diop, represented by the World Bank Deputy Country Director, Taimur Samad, said: “Over two-thirds of girls in Nigeria drop out of school before junior secondary school.
“Thirty-five per cent are married by the age of 15, and 45 per cent give birth before the age of 18.”
Diop further stated that with collaboration among traditional and community leaders, the Federal Government, and the 18 governors participating in the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, the challenges facing girls can be addressed.
“What has been impressive to us at the World Bank is the conviction of our partners—the Federal Government of Nigeria, the 18 Executive Governors participating in the AGILE programme, and the traditional and community leaders here today—which is even greater than the challenges,” he added.
Also speaking at the conference, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, noted that many girls remain out of school due to poverty, child labour, early marriage, and harmful cultural practices.
“We are aware of the significant barriers that persist. Many girls remain out of school due to poverty, child labour, early marriage, and harmful cultural practices.
“It is disheartening to see girls hawking on the streets or working as domestic help instead of sitting in classrooms where their potential can be unlocked.
“The girl-child thus becomes more vulnerable to exploitation, child labour, and personal life hazards, including threats and violence. Despite free and compulsory basic education programmes, many barriers still prevent girls from accessing education,” the minister said.
Alausa stressed that collective efforts remain essential in advocating for girls’ education.
“While the Federal and State Governments continue to play their roles, we need the support of traditional and religious leaders to advocate for girls’ education, engage communities, and reorient societal attitudes.
“The commitment of stakeholders will be instrumental in creating an environment where girls can thrive and excel,” he concluded.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut down the infamous Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, for the second time in two years.
The agency said it uncovered and confiscated fake and substandard food and beverages worth over ₦5 billion in its latest operation tagged Operation Clean Up Aba.
Described as a hub for Africa’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage cartel, Cemetery Market has been notorious for producing fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and food products.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement she signed on Tuesday, described the raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market.”
“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.
During the operation, over 240 makeshift factories were said to have been discovered, producing counterfeit products under unsanitary conditions.
Adeyeye revealed that these factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water and recycled bottles to manufacture fake versions of popular brands, including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk and Hollandia Yoghurt.
“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption. The adulteration of alcoholic beverages involves cheaper sugars and starches instead of fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.
She added that over 1,500 cartons of fake products were destroyed on-site, with the total street value of the seized and destroyed goods estimated at ₦5 billion.
She said the operation also led to the discovery of three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation on January 22.
NAFDAC commended the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the raid.
“The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee has been critical to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba,” the Director-General said.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“We are determined to safeguard the health of the nation and rid markets of fake and substandard products,” Adeyeye assured all.
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The United States government, under President Donald Trump’s directive, has halted HIV treatment funding for Nigeria and other developing nations.
This decision follows an executive order issued by Trump on his first day in office, which instructed government agencies managing foreign aid programs to stop the disbursement of funds.
As a result, the US State Department has ceased funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a key program that provides HIV treatment in Africa and other developing regions.
The suspension is expected to last for at least 90 days, with the possibility of an extension if the program does not receive an exemption in the coming weeks.
PEPFAR, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has been instrumental in providing HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people globally.
Since its inception, it has saved an estimated 26 million lives. However, in response to the suspension, the US State Department stated, “The United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people.”
Impact on Nigeria
Nigeria, which has one of the highest HIV burdens globally, is home to approximately two million people living with HIV.
Many of these individuals depend on PEPFAR for life-saving treatments and healthcare support.
According to Premium Times, over the years, the program has contributed more than $6 billion to Nigeria’s national HIV/AIDS efforts.
The suspension, or potential termination, of PEPFAR is expected to significantly hinder Nigeria’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, threatening both treatment access and healthcare infrastructure.
The Presidency has slammed former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, for his comments on democracy in the country.
Naija News reported that El-Rufai, on Monday, while speaking at a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed to live up to its promises to the citizens.
“I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show,” he said.
The former Kaduna governor said the gap between and the party was widening. He noted that the ruling party deviated from its founding mission and would not be able to deliver on its promises to the people.
He further said that the hardship in the country was a product of illiterates and semi-illiterates occupying positions of authority.
Reacting to the former Minister of Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) position, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, accused him of planning to unseat a government he helped to form.
On his X handle, in reaction to El-Rufai’s words, Bwala questioned if he (El-Rufai) could make the statements he made if he were in the cabinet of the current government.
“My Senior brother, if you were to be in the government and cabinet, would you have held and expressed the same position? History is replete with examples. It is a government you participated in its formation, that you now want to unseat,” he wrote.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday, declared that imported cargoes or vehicles that stay beyond 90 days in various seaports across Nigeria will be declared as overtime cargoes and consequently auctioned.
In a press statement by the NCS national public relations officer, Abdulahi Maiwada, titled ‘NCS Issues Guidelines on Dwell Time For Import and Export Consignments At Port Terminals,’ the Service said the new measure will address port congestion, streamline clearance processes and reduce disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo.
According to Assistant Controller Maiwada, all imported and exported consignments shall enjoy 30 days from the date of arrival at the port, free of overtime clearance encumbrances.
“The NCS will commence implementation of new guidelines regulating the dwell time for import and export consignments at port terminals, reflecting its commitment to trade facilitation in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
“The new measures aim to address port congestion, streamline clearance processes and reduce disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo. Under the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the Service is reinforcing the provisions that mandate imported consignments to be cleared within 30 days after the completion of discharge of the importing carrier or within a timeframe prescribed by the Service, as provided in Section 30(1).
“In addition, Section 149(1) empowers the Service to establish time limits for cargoes to leave customs territory. These guidelines will ensure compliance, prevent undue delays, and maintain order at port terminals while allowing importers and exporters ample time for cargo clearance,” he stated.
NCS, however, urged stakeholders to comply with the regulations to facilitate smooth trade operations.
He stated further that where a consignment remains undeclared within 60 days, clearance shall require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator upon application.
“To enhance efficiency in cargo clearance, all consignments shall enjoy 30 days from the date of arrival at the port, free of overtime clearance encumbrances. Cargo exceeding 30 days shall be deemed ‘overtime’ but may still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC).
“Where a consignment remains undeclared within 60 days, clearance shall require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator upon application. This clearance opportunity is valid within 90 days from arrival. Any consignment uncleared beyond 90 days shall be due for the commencement of the disposal process.
“It is important to note that without prejudice to the guidelines above, the Service reserves the right to initiate the disposal process, if necessary, following the initial 30-day grace period stipulated by the NCSA 2023.
“The Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi remains committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient cargo clearance process that prevents undue port congestion, mitigates legal disputes associated with overtime cargo, and enhances overall trade facilitation.
“Stakeholders are encouraged to comply with these regulations to facilitate smooth trade operations,” the Customs spokesman added.
Operatives of Okpuje Division of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a 33-year-old Sunday Echege, a resident of Ibagwa-Agu Farm Settlement in Ibagwa-Ani community of Nsukka local government area for severing the left wrist of his wife, Chinonso Echege over suspected infidelity.
A statement by the spokesman of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe disclosed that the arrest was made possible with the assistance of law-abiding members of the community, adding that the machete used in committing the crime has been recovered from the suspect.
Ndukwe stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect claimed to have acted out of suspicion that his wife was involved in extramarital affairs.
He added that the suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to ensure thorough and timely investigation on the incident.
CP Uzuegbu, according to the statement, further urged couples to resolve their differences through love, understanding, and legal means, rather than resorting to violent criminal acts.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State government has moved the wife to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital for medical care.
The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development in the state, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, disclosed this on Tuesday.
“This is yet another sad development, which we are following up with to ensure that justice is done.
“The information we have that the man in question aimed for the wife’s head during a disagreement, but ended up chopping off the left hand with which she tried to fend off the machete. She also sustained injury on the right hand.
“So, we swung into action immediately we got the information and had him arrested immediately. So, he is now in police custody.
“But the most urgent matter now is to save the victim’s life. So, we have moved her to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, where she is currently receiving full medical attention.”
She maintained that the state government is taking the case very seriously, saying the wife of the governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah is personally on the gruesome matter and has vowed that justice must be served.
The Commissioner warned Enugu residents to refrain from all manner of domestic and gender-based violence as well as child abuse, vowing that the administration would never treat such with levity.