FEATURES
[#ICYMI] We will deliver Tinubu as your successor - APC govs tell Buhari
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/we-will-deliver-tinubu-as-your-successor-apc-govs-tell-buhari
[#ICYMI] PDP crisis: Fresh Atiku, G5 reconciliation bid suffers setback
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/pdp-crisis-fresh-atiku-g5-reconciliation-bid-suffers-setback
[#ICYMI] Why I Will Never Backs Same Faith Ticket – Dogara
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/why-i-will-never-backs-same-faith-ticket-dogara
[#ICYMI] Morocco, Croatia earned $25 million, $27 million - Qatar 2022 World Cup prize money breakdown
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/morocco-croatia-earned-25-million-27-million-qatar-2022-world-cup-prize-money-breakdown
[#ICYMI] [OPINION] Tinubu, Obaigbena feud: we are not deceived - Etim Etim
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/opinion-tinubu-obaigbena-feud-we-are-not-deceived-etim-etim
[#ICYMI] [OPINION] Buhari At 80: 12 Things Nigerians Need to Know - Garba Shehu
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/opinion-buhari-at-80-12-things-nigerians-need-to-know-garba-shehu
[#ICYMI] [OPINION] On Campaign Gaffes, Missiles and Banters - Simon Kolawole
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/opinion-on-campaign-gaffes-missiles-and-banters-simon-kolawole
[#ICYMI] 2023: Apologize to Nigerians instead of campaigning – Atiku to Tinubu, APC
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/2023-apologize-to-nigerians-instead-of-campaigning-atiku-to-tinubu-apc
[#ICYMI] [COMMENTS AND ISSUES] Public Disclaimer - Mike Ozekhome
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/comments-and-issues-public-disclaimer-mike-ozekhome
[#ICYMI] Argentina vs France: The French team were poisoned before World Cup final – Piers Morgan
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/argentina-vs-france-the-french-team-were-poisoned-before-world-cup-final-piers-morgan
Ramaphosa re-elected as South African President under ANC
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/breaking-ramaphosa-re-elected-as-south-african-president-under-anc
2023: What’ll happen if BVAS machines fail at polling units during election – INEC
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/2023-what-ll-happen-if-bvas-machines-fail-at-polling-units-during-election-inec
CSO tasks govt to address social injustice, economic inequality
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/cso-tasks-govt-to-address-social-injustice-economic-inequality
Buhari has never stolen a kobo unlike others – Islamic group celebrates President’s 80th birthday
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/buhari-has-never-stolen-a-kobo-unlike-others-islamic-group-celebrates-president-s-80th-birthday
KASTLEA to release all impounded motorcycles to owners
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/kastlea-to-release-all-impounded-motorcycles-to-owners
Tell the world I’m back – Davido announces return after son’s death [Video]
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/tell-the-world-i-m-back-davido-announces-return-after-son-s-death-video
Ronaldo silent as rival Messi leads Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/ronaldo-silent-as-rival-messi-leads-argentina-to-world-cup-glory-in-qatar
Qatar 2022: Pele is my GOAT, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo can’t rival him – Sunday Oliseh
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/qatar-2022-pele-is-my-goat-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-can-t-rival-him-sunday-oliseh
Qatar 2022: It’s a shame – Lineker slams FIFA for allowing Messi wear bisht during World Cup presentation
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/qatar-2022-it-s-a-shame-lineker-slams-fifa-for-allowing-messi-wear-bisht-during-world-cup-presentation
U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles coach gives conditions for inviting foreign-based players
#Emefiele #ATMs #Benz #Camavinga #MasterP #Ajaokuta #Messi #DoyinOkupe #Tinubu #Deschamps #Apostle #Mourinho #Gabi
https://www.reubenabati.com.ng/index.php/component/k2/u-20-afcon-flying-eagles-coach-gives-conditions-for-inviting-foreign-based-players
The Nigerian government plans to impose stricter rules on cryptocurrency platforms to defeat the Naira against the dollar in the foreign exchange market.
The development comes as the Director General of Nigeria Securities and Exchange, Emotomtimi Agama, will meet with local and international crypto exchanges on Monday.
Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria, BICCoN, chair, Lucky Uwakwe disclosed this in a statement.
The planned regulations became necessary after the Nigerian government lifted the suspension on cryptocurrency in December 2023.
“Everyone’s presence and insights are invaluable as we collectively navigate the regulatory terrain and strive toward fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth within the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector,” he said.
The meeting comes amid the continued clampdown on Binance, OctaFX, and other cryptocurrency platforms based on the undermining of Naira in the forex market.
Recall that barely five days ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria stopped OPay, Palmpay, Kuda Bank, and Moniepoint from onboarding new customers over allegations of accounts being used for illicit foreign exchange transactions.
Governor of CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, in a briefing at the 293rd meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, said $26 billion was funnelled through cryptocurrency without a trace.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted 511 jumbo sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 4,752kg concealed in the gas tank compartment of a truck along the Abuja-Abaji highway.
The agency in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the operatives on a stop-and-search operation along the highway on Wednesday, May 1, intercepted the 40-ft gas tanker marked RBC 77XG and upon a thorough search discovered the sacks.
Babafemi added that four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The statement read in part, “NDLEA operatives on a stop-and-search operation along Abuja-Abaji highway on Wednesday, May 1 intercepted a 40-ft gas tanker marked RBC 77XG and upon a thorough search discovered 511 jumbo sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 4,752kg concealed in the gas tank compartment of the truck.
“The consignment was loaded into the tanker in Ondo State and meant to be delivered in Abuja for further distribution. Four suspects: Efe Abel Mikel, 39; Ebigide Cyril, 29; Ejechi Monday, 41; and Friday Benson Chukwudi, 39, have been arrested in connection with the seizure.”
Babafemi stated further that the agency smashed an international drug syndicate with networks in parts of Nigeria, South Africa and Thailand.
According to him, no fewer than five members of the cartel were arrested in a two-week intelligence-led operation in Lagos, Abia and Anambra states following the seizure of their illicit drug consignments at the NAHCO import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
He said, “The unravelling of the drug cartel started on Sunday, April 20, when their cargo of four big suitcases arrived at the NAHCO shed on an Airpeace airline flight from Johannesburg, South Africa. After days of close monitoring and investigation, the first suspect, Umeh Chisom Peter, was arrested on Wednesday, April 24, after he showed up to pick up two of the suitcases containing Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis owned by a Thailand-based member of the syndicate, Obum Michael. The consignment of four parcels was concealed in false bottoms of the two suitcases, while the four suitcases contain a total of 17.6 kilograms Loud and drug candies.”
He added that another member of the syndicate, Mrs Chinwendu Uche Ugbe whose South Africa-based husband, Aloysius Uche Ugbe, sent some of the consignments, was traced to Anambra State where the NDLEA officers arrested her on Saturday, April 27, while attempting to collect the drug parcels sent to her by her husband.
“Two other suspects: Onyejiakor Francis Chimezie and Nnaji Valentine Chukwukere, with links to the cartel, were also arrested in parts of Lagos on Monday, April 29. Their arrest led to another operation in Abia State where Mrs. Chinazo Osigwe was arrested when she was to pick up some of the parcels containing Loud and drug candies sent by her husband, Osigwe Chidiebere Anthony, who is equally operating from South Africa.
“While two suspects: Aminu Umar, 25, and Anas Umar, 22, were arrested with 207.1 kilograms of cannabis sativa in their house at Unguwan Rimi, Basawa, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State on Monday, April 29, Bashir Umar, 35, was nabbed at Ladanai, Hotoro area of Kano on Friday, May 3 with 194 bottles of codeine syrup,” the statement added.
Breaking away from usual pet choices, the woman has opted for a different kind of bond with her scaly pals. Her decision to keep and care for such a large number of snakes has sparked both curiosity and debate.
Her home has been transformed into a cozy haven for her snake buddies, with special homes built just for them. Visitors are amazed not only by the number of snakes but also by the strong bond between the woman and each one.
However, the woman's choice of companionship has not been without its challenges. Despite her assurances of safety and responsibility, concerns have been raised regarding the potential risks associated with housing such a significant number of large snakes in a residential environment.
Media
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has explained why the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, servers failed to work effectively for the transmission of results during the 2023 presidential election.
Naija News reports that Peter Obi while addressing the issues of the 2023 elections in Canada over the weekend, said the ‘establishment of criminality’ caused the INEC servers not to work during the general elections.
The former Anambra State governor stated that there were a number of glitches during the election result transmission, but Amazon testified that no glitches were recorded globally on the day of the presidential election.
Peter Obi added that people must intensify engagement with all the stakeholders to make the system work.
He said: “Where did we go wrong in the last election? We didn’t go wrong anywhere. We did the right things.
“But as I can always tell people: when you bring a change, you fight all those who live off the old order. They don’t go away; they gang up. And don’t think it’s a straight race to remove an establishment.
“It’s a long-distance journey anywhere in the world. Go and check anywhere, whether you are looking at what happened in India, with Mandela in South Africa, or America. No change has happened overnight, it takes time.
“I urge all of you, if you really want change, we have just begun. We just have to continue from where we are.
“Yes, there might be one or two things we will correct, those things we will correct. I assure you we are correcting them without naming them. It’s not going to be easy.
“The INEC server was the same as the establishment. The server would not work because it was the establishment that made it so it wouldn’t work. It’s ours to continue to say that it would work. But there was no glitch.
“Amazon came and said there was no glitch. Amazon glitch is noticed globally – it’s recorded globally. And at that period, we brought down an Amazon person who said this is the number of glitches we have had since inception.
“And there was none that it reported that day. We know it didn’t occur. It was the glitch of the establishment criminality that was in the system. And we must one day make it work.”
Nigerians who are looking to change their National Identification Number data must provide supporting documents and complete the requisite paperwork at a designated National Identity Management Commission office.
The prerequisites for modifying National Identification Number (NIN) data may differ depending on the nature of the alteration required.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements may vary based on the type of modification needed (e.g., name change, date of birth correction, etc.) and the policies set forth by the NIMC.
However, the general criteria include:
1. Submission of the completed NIN modification form, obtainable from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office or downloadable from their website.
2. Presentation of the original NIN slip for verification purposes.
3. Provision of supporting document(s) corresponding to the modification type (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
4. Verification of identity using a recognized proof (e.g., passport, driver’s license, permanent voter’s card, etc.).
5. Confirmation of citizenship or residency status through acceptable documentation (e.g., birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, etc.).
6. Recent passport-sized photograph for record purposes.
7. Capture of fingerprints at the NIMC office.
8. Signing the modification form with a valid signature.
9. Payment of the applicable modification fee, if required.
10. Completion and signing of a consent form for minors or individuals under legal guardianship.
Meanwhile, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), had announced the decision to launch a new National Identity Card with payment and other social service features.
The New National Identity card would be delivered in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
The UK government has stated that only international students enrolling in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs can bring their dependants to the country.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, revealed this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
He explained that the change in educational policy earlier this year aimed to reduce the influx of foreign students bringing dependants into the UK.
The diplomat highlighted that the substantial increase in dependants was straining many universities, prompting the introduction of these changes.
Montgomery emphasized that the restrictions do not extend to all categories, clarifying that individuals pursuing long-term research degrees, such as a PhD or doctorate, remain unaffected.
The envoy said, “Those coming to the UK for doctorate can still bring their dependency but if you are coming to the UK with a study visa for an undergraduate degree, or short term master’s degree am afraid the rules have been changed.
“People need to understand why this change was brought in, and it is a sensible change because we have a large higher education sector and most of these universities are in towns across the country.”
Five suspected kidnappers who abducted a pastor’s wife and two other persons have been arrested after their victims identified one of them.
The victims had escaped when the kidnappers slept off while taking them to their den.
It was gathered that the effect of hard drugs taken by the kidnappers made them to fall at sleep.
Names of the suspected kidnappers were given as Garuba Mumuni aged 27, Yusuf Tale aged 21, Kabiru Muhammed aged 16, Shaibu Umar and Adamu Mohammed aged 22.
Police said the suspects were arrested by men of the Ofosu Division after the victims identified one of them.
The police said: “A case of kidnapping was reported at Ofosu Division, that a pastor’s wife and a member were kidnapped in the church while the third victim was kidnapped while picking snails at the farm. The victims however escaped from their assailants at different dates after they had taken hard drugs and slept off.
“Through Intelligence, on the 1st of May, 2024, five amongst the six kidnappers were arrested by men of Ofosu division and have been identified by the victims as part of the gang that abducted them.
The operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested no fewer than seven persons for suspected cultism and armed robbery in the State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Saturday.
According to him, the gang members were arrested at about 10.pm on Friday when the officers swooped on them. He said a cut-size double barrel gun, one tricycle without a reg number, and some hard drugs were also recovered from the gang.
“The suspects include Chukwuemka Ozoekwe (aged 18), Chidozie Anagor (aged 18) Chukwuemeka Oyeoka (aged 18), Ebuka Okoye (aged 17), Olisa Obi (aged 19), Chidubem Nwakwu (aged 20), and Nwankwo Kosisochukwu — all males,” he said.
The PPRO also said the Command has declared wanted and launched manhunt for Makuo Nwosu (popularly known as Baby) and one other person whose name is yet to be identified.
The statement read in parts: “Police attached to Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS), while on patrol at UNIZIK Junction, intercepted all males and five occupants, including the driver of a tricycle.
“While the operatives were in a bid to question them, the occupants took to their heels. While the others escaped, Chukwuemka Ozoekwe was arrested.
“Ozoekwe later led the Police to their criminal den where Chidozie Anagor (aged 18 years), and Chukwuemeka Oyeoka (aged 18 years) were arrested, and the remaining two are still at large.
“Also, during the raid operation in their harbor, the operatives arrested Ebuka Okoye (17 years), Olisa Obi (19 years), Chidubem Nwakwu (20 years), and Nwankwo Kosisochukwu.”
Continuing, SP Ikenga said, “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Vipers Cult group, and they are one of the gangs terrorizing Awka metropolis recently. The suspects also confessed that they were on a mission to rob the road users of their phones and personal belongings before the arrest.
“To this end, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration and acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Fidelis Ogarabe PSC MNIPS charged the Operatives to sustain the tempo in the fight against crime in the state.
“He also assured Ndi Anambra that the confidence repose on the Police and all the security agencies in the State shall not be taken for granted, and directed that the suspects to be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigations.”
A Nigerian couple based in the United States has been convicted of forced labour by a federal jury in New Jersey and faces 20 years imprisonment.
Isiaka Bolarinwa, 67, and Bolaji Bolarinwa, 50 — who are both US citizens were also found guilty of operating a coercive scheme to compel two victims to perform domestic labour and childcare in their home.
Speaking at the end of the trial on April 24, Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general, said the husband and wife lured the victims to the US with promises of a better life and an education but instead subjected them to hours of physical and psychological abuse.
“The defendants confiscated the victims’ passports, threatened them, degraded them, physically abused them and kept them under constant surveillance, all to coerce the victims’ labor and ruthlessly exploit them for the defendants’ own profit,” Clarke said.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime, and this verdict should send the very clear message that the justice department will investigate and vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.”
According to the evidence presented at trial, including the testimony of two victims, the incident happened between December 2015 and October 2016.
“Once Victim 1 arrived in the United States in December 2015, Bolaji Bolarinwa confiscated her passport and coerced her through threats of physical harm to her and her daughter, verbal abuse, isolation and constant surveillance to compel her to work every day, around the clock for nearly a year,” the court heard.
“Isiaka was aware of his wife’s threats and abusive behavior toward Victim 1 and directly benefited from Victim 1’s cooking, cleaning and childcare.
“The defendants then recruited Victim 2 to come to the United States on a student visa.
“When Victim 2 arrived in the United States in April 2016, Bolaji Bolarinwa similarly confiscated her passport and coerced her to perform household work and childcare but relied more heavily on physical abuse.
“On at least one occasion, Isiaka Bolarinwa also physically abused Vitim 2, and he was aware of his wife’s coercive, abusive behavior toward Victim 2 and directly benefited from her cleaning and childcare.”
The US department of justice (DOJ) said both victims endured the abuse until October 2016, when one of them (victim 1) summoned the courage to outcry to a professor at her college, who in turn, reported the targets to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Both defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each forced labour count and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the alien harbouring count.
The DOJ added that they will also be required to pay mandatory restitution to the victims and each faces a fine on each count of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss from the offence, whichever is greatest.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
The FCCPC has said it will block loan app that harasses customers.
This was disclosed on the Commissions X page on Saturday, 4 May 2024.
The acting Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, made it known that it won’t happen again as they have begun to address the issue.
Adamu said, ” It would soon be history in the country that online platforms that many people know as loan sharks, where some Nigerians access money quickly to solve urgent issues.”
However, if they don’t pay back on time, some of these loan companies send unpleasant messages with their picture to all their contacts.
This harassment has caused many problems in Nigeria, as some people even lose their jobs because of embarrassment and disgrace.
“We do not agree with that kind of practice because customers are being harassed, even though it’s not directly our problem.
We have involved CBN, NITDA, EFCC, and the Human Rights Commission to form a committee to address the issue.
“Since we found out that they operate online and have no physical offices or managing directors, we approached Google and Apple stores to take down all their Apps. We also coordinated with the CBN to block all their accounts.”
He said after they blocked their accounts, they approached them and gave them forms to fill out with all their details, addresses, and managing directors before giving them the new regulations on how they should operate. So, anytime we receive any complaints from any customer, we will block them again.”
He explained that for now, they have issued warnings to them, and they started this project last week Monday.
“They have agreed in writing that they will no longer have access to people’s contacts and photos, so if we hear that they do it again, we will block them immediately,” he concluded.”
More...
The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour eviction notice to illegal occupants of the Ikoyi Towers in the Lagos Island area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during an inspection of the estate on Saturday.
In a post via his official X handle, Wahab stated that hundreds of undocumented residents were seen on the premises, which lacked sanitary provisions.
The Commissioner added that they pose security and environmental threats to the state, hence the eviction notice.
Wahab, therefore, stated that the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has given the illegal occupants a 48-hour vacation notice to leave the area.
He wrote, “Abandoned Ikoyi Towers which we observed were housing illegal occupants posing a security threat to the environment and a nuisance to the state.
“An undocumented number of persons running into hundreds were seen on the premises with no sanitary provisions and whose daily activities could not be ascertained.
“They have been given a 48-hour vacation notice to leave the area.”
Wahab further stated that the team also conducted an inspection to assess the enforcement of Osborne under the bridge after the illegal structures harbouring several people were removed.
See the video below.
Media
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni says poverty and lack of economic opportunities are the major causes of insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Mumuni who said this in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday, suggested that a multi-faceted approach be used to tackle the problem.
In the statement signed by his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni said to address the problem of insecurity in the region, the government must invest in economic development projects, create jobs and ensure infrastructural improvements.
He said other things to be done to tackle the menace in the region are the introduction of social reforms, strengthening of security forces, community engagement and empowerment of women and youths in the region.
“Addressing the issue of insecurity in northern Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root causes of the problem. Here are some potential solutions. Economic Development: In many instances, poverty and lack of economic opportunities have contributed to insecurity in the region. By investing in economic development projects, job creation initiatives, and improvements in infrastructures, the government can help alleviate poverty and reduce the likelihood of individuals turning to violence as a means of survival.
“Social Reforms: Addressing social inequalities, promoting social cohesion, and fighting discrimination are crucial steps in reducing insecurity. This could involve programs to empower marginalized communities, promote interfaith dialogue, and address issues of land disputes and resource-sharing.
“Strengthening Security Forces: It is important to enhance the capacity and professionalism of security forces in northern Nigeria. This includes providing training, equipment, and support to law enforcement agencies, as well as ensuring accountability and respect for human rights in their operations.
“Community Engagement: Building trust between communities and security forces is essential in combating insecurity. Community policing initiatives, dialogue forums, and conflict resolution mechanisms can help foster cooperation and understanding between different groups.
“Countering Extremism: Radicalization and extremist ideologies have fueled insecurity in northern Nigeria. Countering violent extremism programs that address the root causes of radicalization, provide alternative narratives, and promote tolerance and respect for diversity can help prevent individuals from joining extremist groups.
“Empowering Women and Youth: Women and youth often bear the brunt of insecurity in the region and are key actors in promoting peace and stability. Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles, as well as engaging youth in positive activities and youth-focused programs, can help build resilient communities and prevent violence.
“In conclusion, addressing insecurity in northern Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach that combines security, economic, social, and governance strategies. By tackling the root causes of insecurity, promoting sustainable development, and fostering inclusive and peaceful societies, we can work towards a future where all individuals in northern Nigeria can live in safety and prosperity.”
A fast rising actress, Damilola Omotoso, has shared how she handled randy movie directors and producers who demanded sex for roles.
She stated she lost a lot of movie roles and job opportunities for shunning the sexual advances.
“The most common challenge I faced in the industry as a newbie was losing a lot of job opportunities because I turned down several sexual advances from those who were in charge of the movie productions.
“I had to find money and start producing my own movies and from there I got more than enough chances to showcase my skills.
So other producers and directors started noticing me and calling me for jobs,” she stated.
The UNILORIN Chemistry graduate, who joined the movie industry in 2015, said her love to be a thespian started from childhood.
She explained she was nervous the first time she was featuring in a movie.
She said she appeared in the work with established actors like Muyiwa Ademola and Bimbo Oshin.
“I was extremely happy being featured for the first time, it was an opportunity for me to showcase my talent but I was also nervous because I had to work with some of our industry veterans like Muyiwa Ademola and Bimbo Oshin,” she added.
The Ekiti-born actress, writer and movie producer has since featured in several other works and produced her movies.
Mentioning the titles of her own movies she stated, ” I have been privileged to produce movies like Oju Ide, Kanranjogbon, Radehun Alapoka, Married Strangers, Hidden Venom, and.a lot more. I have also featured in a lot of movies produced by some of my colleagues.”
Talking about the movie that brought her to limelight, Omotoso believes that there are a number of them but “If based on number I believe Kanranjogbon is it.”
The sultry actress noted that stardom has not changed her routine.
“I rarely go out unless it’s important or for work, even before I started acting so nothing has changed much for me,” she stressed.
Shehas an advice for the up-and-coming actors and actresses.
“First,I’m still up and coming as well but I would say we shouldn’t be so desperate and lose our morals just to become a star.
“Take your time and also make sure you’re doing something different because there a lot of people doing the same thing in the industry and the only way to stand out is to be different,” she said.
[TheNation]
The Federal Government may consider the suspension of the $56.7bn peer-to-peer cryptocurrency market after a crucial meeting between the Securities and Exchange Commission, and digital asset operators scheduled for Monday.
Nigeria’s volume of crypto transactions grew by nine per cent year-over-year to $56.7bn between July 2022 and June 2023, according to the 2023 Geography of Cryptocurrency Report by Chainalysis, a United States of America-based international blockchain analysis firm.
The latest move by the SEC signals a broader effort by the Federal Government to tighten regulatory oversight within the cryptocurrency space amidst growing concerns over illicit activities and the manipulation of the naira exchange rate.
Earlier this week, the Central Bank of Nigeria had stopped major fintech firms from onboarding new customers in an ongoing audit of their Know-Your-Customer process. Following the regulatory action, major fintech firms, including Opay and PalmPay, sent emails to their customers on Friday, warning them against trading in cryptocurrency or any virtual currency on their apps, and threatened to block any accounts found engaging in such activities.
The threat to block accounts has faced heavy criticism, particularly from the 33.4 million individuals actively trading cryptocurrencies; many of whom rely on cryptocurrency trading as their primary source of income.
However, Sunday PUNCH learnt that during the proposed Monday meeting, the government may choose to announce a temporary halt in the P2P crypto trading to enable it come up with a comprehensive set of rules for effective regulation of the space.
Other sources privy to the meeting said the government might choose to engage the crypto stakeholders on a new set of rules that could be deployed to better regulate the space.
They ruled out the possibility of imposing a temporary halt on P2P crypto trading. As of Sunday, details of the exact decision the government might take during or after the meeting with the crypto operators remained sketchy.
However, operators in the crypto market confirmed the meeting, saying the meeting would bother on the current development in the space. The Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria, in a notice posted on its X handle on Saturday, noted that the meeting had been at the instance of the new Director General of the SEC, Dr Emotimi Agama.
BICCoN said, “The newly appointed Director General of the Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed an industry-wide meeting with the Nigeria blockchain community. The meeting will be facilitated by the Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria.”
Officially, the SEC has yet to confirm the Monday meeting, but sources close to the commission confirmed the meeting on Saturday. They, however, said that ‘nothing was cast in stone yet’.
In 2021, the CBN had restricted banks and other financial institutions from operating accounts for cryptocurrency service providers. However, in December 2023, the financial regulator lifted the ban and announced a reversal of the policy.
Fresh concerns emerged in February over the activities of the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, Binance, on its peer-to-peer platform, such as implementing a price cap on USDT trading.
Authorities said those activities contributed to the devaluation of the naira and destabilised Nigeria’s economy.
Worried over the significant volume of transactions through Binance Nigeria, the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, stated that $26bn had passed through the platform over the past year from ‘unidentified sources’.
Amid the crackdown, the crypto exchange ceased all naira services, including deposits, withdrawals, and trading pairs, starting in early March 2024.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Chairman of BICCoN, Lucky Uwakwe, said that the group would be seeking to reach a middle ground with the regulator, which had so far this year introduced stiffer guidelines for digital asset operators, as well as a proposed increase in the registration fees.
Ukakwe said the meeting “is for us to try and bring the industry to be compliant and remove bad actors who abuse technology, especially the concern raised by the government on those that use the technology for market manipulation of naira.
“We also hope that innovation in the industry is encouraged to enable the industry to gain more foreign inflow that will aid the current administration’s drive for foreign investment into the nation as seen in other countries such as China and the UAE, and not to stifle the industry.”
On his part, the President of Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria, Obinna Iwuno, told one of our correspondents that there was no official communication on the ban of cryptocurrency transactions from regulators. He said, “There is a whole lot going on. It is not just clear the direction as we speak, but hopefully, on Monday, we will get to have a position, “What we have done to solidify our position with the Nigerian government is that local exchanges stopped their naira services. The government raised an alarm that cryptocurrency was responsible for naira depreciation; operators stopped,” Iwuno explained.
The ‘Know Your Customer’ compliance level of fintechs has also been a source of worry for regulators. This involves verifying a customer’s identity and understanding their financial activity to prevent financial crimes, such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud. According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System’s fraud watch report, fraud losses increased by 496.96 per cent over the past five years, and financial institution customers had lost N59.33bn between 2019 and 2023.
The report read in part, “The amount lost to fraud has increased over the past five years, along with the growth of financial transactions in the digital payments sector.”
A source from one of the major fintechs in the country, who preferred anonymity, disclosed to Sunday PUNCH that the CBN was not declaring cryptocurrency illegal, but was rather focusing on addressing regulatory and identity management issues.
“Some of the expectations from the meeting would be to have a more robust and safer ecosystem that will prevent fraud, and protect the funds of customers.
“The CBN is not saying that cryptocurrency is illegal, but there have been issues surrounding regulations and identity management. Those are the grey areas that the CBN is trying to address. They don’t want a situation where people are getting into Nigerian systems to defraud others, or engage in any negative activity that could harm innocent Nigerians.
“It is more or less about finding a way to make this thing work better. Sometimes, people can simply create a virtual account, and one won’t even know who is behind the account. So, it’s really about ensuring end-to-end verification, from the first line of payment to the very end, with the account holders’ identities attached to it. I think it is necessary at this time,” the source explained.
Nigeria’s volume of crypto transactions grew by nine per cent year-over-year to $56.7bn between July 2022 and June 2023, according to the 2023 Geography of Cryptocurrency Report by Chainalysis. Despite Nigeria now leading in peer-to-peer exchange volume, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for only 2.3 per cent of the global cryptocurrency transaction volume between July 2022 and June 2023, making it the smallest crypto economy in the world.
In an interview with Techpoint Africa, Youssef said most of the P2P transactions did not happen on Binance or any other platform, but on social platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and ‘everywhere on the streets’.
“Most peer-to-peer (transactions) don’t happen on Binance P2P, NoOnes, or any of those other platforms. They happen on WhatsApp, Telegram, coffee shops, and everywhere on the streets. That is where most peer-to-peer is happening. I think most of that is peer-to-peer volume. They are trying to cover up too, because Nigerians are very crafty and have ways of using things for reasons other than what they were created for,” he maintained.
In March, the SEC, under the former DG, Lamido Yuguda, revealed plans to issue updated guidelines for the operations of digital assets and virtual asset service providers in the country, saying the new guidelines would ensure criminals did not gain entry into the country’s capital market.
The SEC notice, dated March 4, 2024, partly read, “The SEC has also developed a new AML/CFT/CPF onboarding manual for licensing, registration, and ongoing screening of digital and VASP beneficial owners to ensure that criminals are not registered as operators in the capital market. The SEC is ready to interface with genuine VASPs based on these clear rules and regulations.”
The SEC also proposed that for virtual (crypto) asset service providers, ‘no person or entity shall provide any virtual asset service unless registered with the Commission; a company seeking to operate as a VASP shall be incorporated and have an office in Nigeria. Its Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director or its equivalent shall be resident in Nigeria.”
When questioned about the SEC’s proposed guidelines in the crypto sector at the last Capital Market Committee meeting that he chaired, the former SEC DG said investor protection was a driving motive.
“We want to ensure that investors who decide to get involved in digital asset products are well protected. We want a platform where certain capital market functions are duly segregated. If you are an exchange, we don’t want you to also be a custodian, and such.
“Also, we are very mindful that AML/CFT considerations are very important when one is dealing with crypto assets. We want to make sure it is not money laundering or funds used to promote terrorist financing,” the former SEC DG said.
The Chief Operating Officer of Fintech Association of Nigeria, Babatunde Obrimah, told Sunday PUNCH, “I am not privy to the circulars sent to the Fintechs, and I am not aware that crypto is illegal. The meeting will put things into perspective.”
“I think the issue is that to trade, one must be licensed by the SEC. So, if one is trading without a license, then one is technically illegal. But, we should talk after the Monday meeting, instead of speculating,” he added.
In March, the SEC proposed a 400 per cent increase in crypto firm registration fees. However, checks by Sunday PUNCH, on Saturday, showed that the proposed guidelines had been deleted from the SEC’s website. It is unclear when the PDF was removed from the regulator’s website.
The proposed amendments to the rules for crypto issuers, exchanges, and custody platforms include hikes to all supervision fees. Instead of a N100,000 application fee and a N30m registration fee, the SEC proposed N300,000 with every application, N1m as a processing fee, and N150m as registration fee, with the sponsored individual fees raised to N300,000 from N100,000.
An economist, Aliyu Ilias, emphasised the need for urgency in addressing the deficiencies within the fintech ecosystem, citing the ongoing struggle of the apex bank to effectively regulate them, as illustrated by the recent case involving Binance.
Ilias argued that in the dynamic tech industry, regulatory clampdowns often led companies to exploit loopholes, stating, “Even the Know Your Customer requirement proves insufficient.”
Another industry stakeholder, who is also the founder and coordinator of Blockchain Nigeria User Group, Chuta Chimezie, expressed hope that the Monday meeting would ‘help the industry significantly, and improve the relationship between regulators and policymakers’.
“The last few months have been nothing short of wars. as the CBN keeps clamping down on P2P platforms,” he lamented.