FEATURES
Davido’s aide, Isreal DMW confirms authenticity of viral photo with US model, clarifies timing
AFOLABIDavido’s aide, Israel DMW, has stepped forward to confirm the authenticity of a viral photo depicting the Afrobeat singer in a cozy pose with a US model.
The emergence of this photo on social media has sparked a wave of speculation regarding Davido’s personal life, particularly concerning allegations of infidelity.
In the photo, Davido can be seen in a cozy pose with the US model, prompting a wave of rumors regarding his fidelity.
Israel DMW affirms Davido's identity in viral photo, provides crucial context
Despite skeptics questioning the resemblance of the person in the photo to the renowned singer, Israel DMW affirmed the identity of the individual as Davido.
Clarifying the timeline of the controversial photo, Israel DMW revealed that the photo was not recent but was taken three years ago.
Responding to the allegations circulating on social media, Israel DMW succinctly dismissed the rumors with a comment in the photo’s caption section.
He wrote;
“3 years ago picture.”
The National Bureau of Statistics is set to unveil inflation figures on Monday, March 15, 2024.
NBS releases its monthly consumer prices index every mid-month.
Recall that February’s inflation figure rose to 31.70 per cent from 29.90 per cent recorded in January 2024.
Meanwhile, CAPE Economic Research and Consulting says the country’s consumer price index would increase to 32.65 per cent from 31.70 in February 2024.
This is as Nigeria’s food inflation figure continues to soar, reaching 37.92 per cent.
Nigerians have continued to lament the rising cost of living despite the sustained appreciation of the Naira against the Dollar for the past months.
The Anambra State Police has spoken on the controversy surrounding the burial of the victims of the Anam boat mishap by the riverside.
According to the police, three of the deceased were buried by the riverside but actor Junior Pope and one other are still in the morgue.
Tht police also disclosed that one of those buried by the riverside has been exhumed and taken back to her state for burial.
Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement: “The Command on an inquiry about the unconfirmed information that the recovered bodies including Junior Pope were buried by the Riverside where the boat accident happened, discovered that three of the deceased Families accepted the victim should be buried beside the river.
“But later, the family of one of the victims decided to exhume the body to be given a proper burial in her State while the other two were still buried there.
“Also, Junior Pope and one other are still in the morgue and await the deceased family’s funeral arrangements, Please let’s be guided.
“Meanwhile, the producer of the movie and the two boat drivers’ Statements have been obtained, and other necessary actions/moves already emplaced by the Operatives as directed by the Commissioner of Police to determine the criminal liability of any person, if any, in the mishap.”
The Edo State government demolished the security post at the residence of former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Sunday.
Officials of the Edo State Network and members of the Public Works Volunteers in the Government Reservation Area, Benin, took this action.
Shaibu, who was impeached last Monday by the Edo State House of Assembly over allegations of leaking official secrets and perjury, has seen his privileges swiftly rescinded following the impeachment.
The demolition is part of a series of repercussions Shaibu faced after his removal from office. The Assembly’s decision was based on the findings of a seven-man panel set up by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
Governor Godwin Obaseki has since appointed Marvellous Omobayo as the new deputy governor, further solidifying Shaibu’s exit from the state’s executive.
Naija News understands that Shaibu has challenged his impeachment in court, claiming his removal was an act of persecution for his aspirations to succeed Governor Obaseki.
The demolished security post, which was located adjacent to a golf course and shared the same fence with Shaibu’s residence, served as a temporary shelter and checkpoint for the former deputy governor’s security details.
With his removal from office, the justification provided by a senior member of one of the agencies involved, who requested anonymity in a chat with Punch, was that Shaibu, now a private citizen, no longer warrants such official privileges.
The state Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Eta Uzamere, responded to inquiries about the demolition, stating that the exercise was not linked to his ministry.
He said, “I have seen some online reports linking my ministry to the demolition of the former deputy governor’s security and I can tell you it had nothing to do with my ministry.”
An aide to Shaibu said, “As I am talking to you, they have destroyed Shaibu’s security outpost. The place was not built by the government, it was built by Shaibu himself. You can see how wicked the state government is.”
The remaining students of the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State, who were kidnapped last year by a group of bandits, have regained their freedom.
Naija News recalls that the assailants invaded the Sabon-Gida community in the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara on September 22, 2023, and whisked away no fewer than 20 students during the unfortunate event.
Predominantly, females were abducted from their hostels.
Despite the tireless efforts made by the university authorities and the families of the victims, only a portion of the captives were released after several months of captivity. Regrettably, 23 students were held back by the kidnappers.
Fortunately, reports emerged on Sunday evening that the remaining students had been rescued from their captors. Security forces reportedly rescued the students in an operation carried out on Sunday.
“They were released at Kuncin Kalgo in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state and handed over to government officials on Sunday. A total of 23 persons in all,” a source in the know confirmed to Daily Trust.
Pictures of some of the captives were shared with journalists on Sunday evening.
Some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were also kidnapped in Sokoto State have been successfully rescued by the security operatives, as reported by the source.
Naija News reports that Zamfara State is among the states heavily impacted by the violent attacks carried out by bandits in the North West region.
During his visit to Aso Rock last month, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara told President Bola Tinubu that his state is currently under siege.
“There have been several attacks in some of the local government communities. As a responsible governor, I feel I should make this known to Mr President, who is pleased with our discussion and is looking for more military personnel as well as the equipment for them to function effectively and take care of the security situation.
“Zamfara has become the centre of banditry as we speak today, and if nothing is done in Zamfara state, I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in entire northern Nigeria. Most of the guys or the girls kidnapped in Kaduna state ended up in Zamfara state. That is not good for us, and therefore, we’re doing everything to change the narratives, and that is one of the reasons I came to see the president today.
“That is why I am here today. I have informed Mr President, and I have his assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible,” Governor Lawal had told state house correspondents.
A cozy photo of Nigerian music superstar Davido with a U.S.-based model, Bonita Maria, has caused a stir on the internet, leading to widespread speculation about the nature of their relationship.
The image, which shows the pair in an intimate pose, was inadvertently uploaded by Maria and quickly deleted, but not before it was captured by numerous social media users.
The photo displayed the duo close together, in a relaxed pose, with Davido’s arm around Maria. This unexpected glimpse into the singer’s private life has sparked discussions across various platforms, as fans and followers speculate about the implications for Davido’s personal life.
Further fuelling the controversy, a leaked video emerged shortly after the photo was posted, showing Davido pleading tearfully on his knees.
In the video, the singer can be heard saying, “Please, I’m on my knees, oh my days, oh my days.” Maria captioned the video, “This who y’all attacking me over? Leave me alone.” The post has led to a wave of disappointment among Davido’s fans, particularly concerning the respect towards his wife, Chioma Adeleke.
Davido, known for his contributions to the Afrobeats genre and his private personal life, has yet to respond to the incident. His representatives have also remained silent, leaving the public to draw their own conclusions from the viral images and video.
Nigerians demand Pastor Paul Enenche apologises to lady he embarrassed for giving "fake testimony" as proof shows she was telling the truth
AFOLABINigerians are demanding that Pastor Paul Enenche apologises to a member of his church whom he disgraced at the altar and accused of lying.
The member mounted the pulpit to give a testimony on Sunday, April 14, after successfully graduating with a "Bachelor of Law" degree from the National Open University of Nigeria on Saturday, April 13.
However, in the middle of her testimony, Pastor Enenche interrupted her and accused her of lying. He told her she didn't sound like a Law graduate, going by how she speaks. He also told her that there is nothing like a "Bachelor of Law" and demanded she leaves the pulpit (See here).
Subsequently, Nigerians found the woman's Facebook page and photos showing her graduating from National Open University, Abuja.
Also, a list of graduates who had their convocation on Saturday, April 13, had the lady's name.
LIB did a search on the National Open University’s website and it revealed that, indeed, the institution has a "Bachelor of Law" program.
Nigerians have now shared all these on Facebook while demanding that Enenche apologises for his actions.
See below.
Bobrisky is treated as normal inmate, he was examined and no realignment of gender or genital organ was discovered – NCoS official
AFOLABIA top official of the Nigerian Correctional Service has given an update on how crossdresser, Bobrisky is being treated in prison.
Recall that Bobrisky was handed a six-month prison sentence over naira abuse. While sentencing him, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, said the judgment would be a deterrent to others who are found abusing and mutilating the naira.
An official of the prison who spoke to Punch said the crossdresser was taken to prison after the judgement and he was examined at the point of admission. It was also stated that no realignment of gender or genital organ was discovered as his male biological features were the same.
The source told the publication;
“Bobrisky made a public declaration that he was a male and court proceedings are public records. Every inmate brought into a facility during admission is examined. He was equally examined and no realignment of gender or genital organ was discovered. The male biological features were the same.
“After that, a cell was allocated to him, and he had a certain number of inmates with him. A bed space was also allotted to him. It is just like a boarding house where your housemaster will issue you your personal belongings.
“When it is time for class, he attends. When it is time for food, he will go and get his portion. The same goes with prep and light out. He observes all these without preference. He has been going about his business just like other inmates since he was brought in here.
“He is not getting any five-star treatment and is not being protected from anybody. He follows the same rules and regulations just like every other inmate. Single cells of isolation cells are to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases. In a male prison, homosexuality is outlawed and it is a grievous offence. Sodomy or homosexuality, is frowned upon here in the custodial centre. So any inmate that tries to violate him will face the law.”
SENATOR Ned Nwoko representing Delta North senatorial district, Delta State, has secured the release of four family members the Army arrested for fabricating weapons at Onicha-Olona community in the state.
The major suspect reportedly has the ability to build drones, and modify Ak-47 rifle designed to hold 30 rounds to 60 rounds, which attracted Senator Nwoko.
His desire was for the nation to provide support and develop the skills of such talented persons, and he plans moving a bill for a law to recognise and build such talents nationwide.
Nwoko, in a statement, said: “ Following my recent visit to Headquarters, 63 Brigade, Asaba, and productive discussions with the Brigade Commander, I am pleased to announce progress in addressing the situation regarding the illegal arms factory discovered in Onicha-Olona community, Delta State.
“Efforts have been made to ensure fair treatment for those involved, balancing justice with the opportunity for rehabilitation and contribution to society.
“I am pleased to reveal that through collaborative efforts, I have successfully secured the release of four family members implicated in the illegal activity.
“However, our commitment to upholding the law remains unwavering, and endeavours continue for fair judgment and potential pardon for the remaining four individuals.
“Moreover, the underlying issue highlighted by this discovery remains of paramount importance.
“We must seize the opportunity to redirect the talents demonstrated by those involved towards lawful and productive endeavours.”
Sunday Igboho and Banji Akintoye, the leading Yoruba nation activists, have condemned the invasion of the Oyo state secretariat by Oodua nation agitators.
On Saturday, security officials arrested 16 gunmen suspected to be members of the group, for invading the state government secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.
The gunmen, who were dressed in military camouflage, reportedly engaged security officers in a gun duel.
Some of the gunmen took to their heels and were pursued into nearby bushes and forests.
They were also said to have removed the Nigerian national flag in the secretariat and replaced it with their “Oodua nation flag”, before the intervention of the security officials.
Reacting through Olayemi Koiki, his media aide, Igboho said he is not aware of the group or their motive for invading.
“I know nothing about it and I don’t know those behind it. If we want to organise a rally or any Yoruba nation activity, we usually make an announcement beforehand,” Igboho said.
“Any person that said he is agitating for Yoruba nation and is going to attack government facilities, that person or group is on his own. I don’t know anything about it.”
In his reaction, Akintoye, a former leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, also washed his hands off the invaders.
“I have spoken to Sunday Igboho. Some people sent them to make sure that they disrupt the Yoruba self-determination struggle,” Akintoye said.
“We in this struggle don’t act in that manner.”
REMAIN CALM AND VIGILANT, ARMY SAYS
In a statement by Onyema Nwachukwu, its spokesperson, the Nigerian Army called on the public to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
“This is to notify the general public that today Saturday 13 April 2024, sequel to the report of an attack on the State Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State, troops promptly responded to the incident and had contact with adherents of the Yoruba Nation dressed in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes,” the statement reads.
“Upon encountering own troops, the Yoruba nation adherents engaged the troops in a shootout. Troops, utilizing superior firepower, successfully subdued the attackers, who subsequently retreated in disarray.
“As a result of this engagement, nine members of the irredentist group were apprehended, while one Semi Automatic Pump Action rifle and ammunition were recovered.
“Currently, troops are on the track of the fleeing adherents, and the situation is under control. We assure members of the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the general area.
“We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate security agencies. The safety and security of the citizenry remain a priority, as we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.”
More...
“BSc embarrassment”: Video Moment Pastor Enenche caught a lady lying while sharing testimony in his church
AFOLABIA video snippet from Pastor Paul Enenche’s April 14 Sunday service made waves on social media.
In the viral clip, a woman took the stage to recount her journey of breaking through ancestral barriers to become the trailblazing graduate in her family.
She revealed how she defied spiritual obstacles that had long hindered her and her siblings from pursuing higher education.
The lady expressed profound gratitude to God for enabling her to triumphantly attain a law degree from the National Open University Of Nigeria.
The woman continued her testimony, disclosing that she faced an additional year of challenges, which she ultimately conquered.
She proudly asserted her status as the family’s first lawyer. However, Pastor Enenche, sensing something awry in her grammar and diction, felt uneasy.
He gently inquired about her law degree, prompting the woman to hesitate. Sensing her uncertainty, the pastor provided an example to clarify his question.
Pastor Enenche asked
“What kind of degree did you get? Medicine is MBBS.”
With a bold demeanor, The woman held out the mic to say she had a BSc in law.
“BSc sir, BSc in law sir,” she said.
Pastor Paul’s fury ignited, and he promptly ejected her from the pulpit. With passion blazing in his eyes, he delivered a stern warning to his congregation, admonishing them against desecrating the sacred space of the altar with falsehoods masquerading as testimonies.
He emphasized the sanctity of truth, urging them to uphold integrity in their declarations before God and man.
WATCH HIM SPEAK BELOW
Media
Renowned Nigerian gospel artist Mercy Chinwo, together with her husband, Pastor Blessed, have extended educational grants to students at the University of Port Harcourt(Uniport).
During their much-anticipated “Overwhelming Victory Concert” held at the university, the couple made a surprise announcement. They revealed their decision to award scholarships to 50 students.
Addressing the audience, Mercy Chinwo and Pastor Blessed expressed their commitment to education by offering these one-year scholarships.
They dedicated this benevolent act to their son, affirming their support for the academic pursuits of the recipients. “In honor of our son, we are delighted to present these one-year educational grants to 50 students of the University of Port Harcourt,” they declared.
The philanthropic gesture has garnered a wave of supportive prayers for the couple.
Media
#WATCH!!!! Heartwarming moment when Mercy Chinwo and Husband storm University of Port Harcourt for their overwhelming Victory Concert .Donated 100% scholarships to 50 student ….
— Authentic voice (@Authenticvoice6) April 14, 2024
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Authentic voice pic.twitter.com/kLlV4wmUqU
No fewer than 15 federal government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), including the Presidency, and their associated agencies have allocated a staggering N8,997,097,623 billion to welfare packages out of the over N46 billion earmarked for vague “miscellaneous” expenses across board in the 2024 national budget, investigations by this Leadership newspaper has revealed.
These MDAs exploit this ambiguous budget line to allocate funds to non-viable causes while the country and its citizens, particularly those in the private sector, grapple with economic hardships.
The Budget Office of the Federation received the largest allocation for miscellaneous expenses, with a whopping N920,301,938,040 billion earmarked, taking advantage of cozy relations with a compromised National Assembly, which often colludes to inflate budget figures for clandestine agendas.
Notably, the Presidency alone allocated a sum of N1,574,940,619 billion in the 2024 budget. A breakdown of this allocation reveals allocations such as N673.17 million for welfare packages at the State House, N39.83 million for the Vice President’s office, N1.88 million for the State House Liaison Office in Lagos, N13.9 million for the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and N104.54 million for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Other beneficiaries include the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) with N584.88 million, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) with N100.95 million, the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) with N95.84 million, the National Atomic Energy Commission with N30 million, the National Agriculture Land Development Agency with N15 million, and the National Council on Climate Change with N14.82 million.
In a disturbing trend, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which responsible for the budget preparation process and its oversight agencies, allocated N371,589,777 million for staff welfare. However, details regarding how these funds will be utilized remain vague, with no specific breakdown of beneficiaries or expenditure.
Details of the total amount show that while the ministry’s headquarters would spend N185,637,214 million on welfare package, the Nigerian Institute and Social Research under its supervision would take N50 million for the same item, with the Centre for Management Development taking another N20 million. Also the National Bureau of Statistics under the ministry is also expected to take N115,952,563 million for the same welfare package for staff.
If that sounds strange, Federal Ministry of Finance and four agencies under its supervision have concluded plans to spend N655,125,689 million on welfare package that is different from salaries/wages, allowances, and other frivolous items, including the litany of repeated items on the budget list.
While the headquarters of the ministry budgeted N180 million for welfare packages, Debt Management Office will spend N15 million on welfare package for its few staff members that would draw a total of N845,131,167 million as salaries from the national budget.
In the same vein, the Office of the Accountant-general of the Federation budgeted N228,940,407 million as welfare for the same staff that would draw N3,732,858,625 billion from the federal budget.
After a deduction of N2,048,231,918 billion salaries for its very few staff, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has earmarked another N177,517,162 million as unexplainable welfare package.
The investigation also revealed that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) joined the band wagon as its welfare package is worth N25,420,000 million, while National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission plans to spend N28,248,120 million on welfare packages. Curiously, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc did not vote any amount for welfare.
The Ministry of Interior stands out with one of the largest allocations for miscellaneous and welfare packages, with a total of N2,290,896,818 billion approved, with an additional N561,298,825 million allocated to welfare expenses. The discretion afforded to MDA heads in spending these funds often leads to misappropriation and diversion.
A breakdown of the budgetary provisions showed that the Ministry of Interior, as the mother agency, will get N94,392, 582 for miscellaneous, while its welfare packages will gulp N35,172,505 million respectively. Under the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is apportioned N1,075, 259, 358 for miscellaneous and N390,330,443 for welfare packages.
According to the budget document, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will spend N722,986,563 on miscellaneous, while welfare packages will gulp N60,500,000 million.
The sum of N121,060,932 million was earmarked for miscellaneous while N14,876, 290 million was apportioned to welfare for the Nigeria Correctional Service.
For the office of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), N17,614,457 million was allotted to miscellaneous and N9,842, 857 was earmarked for welfare packages.
Meanwhile, N259,582,926 million was set aside for miscellaneous, while N50, 576,730 million was allotted to welfare packages for the Federal Fire Service (FFS).
The Ministry of Steel Development has budgeted a total of N62.38 million as welfare in the 2024 Appropriation Act. A breakdown of the budgeted sum indicates that the Ministry of Steel Development headquarters has N30 million; the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency budgeted N4.76 million; the National Metal Development Centre, N1.416 million; Metal Training Institute, N2.518 million; National Iron Ore Mining Project, however had no specific budget for welfare but had a miscellaneous budget of N8.52 million.
The others are Ajaokuta Steel Company, N2.16 million budgeted for welfare while the National Steel Council has N13 million budgeted for welfare.
The sister Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has a total budget of N126.37 million for welfare, with the bulk of N70 million budgeted by the ministry’s headquarters.
The agencies under the ministry include Geological Survey Agency of Nigeria, N3.06 million; Mining Cadastre Office, N22.60 million; Solid Mineral Development Fund, N5.708 million; and the Nigeria Mining & Geosciences Institute, N2.5 million.
The Federal Ministry of Tourism is not left out of including suspicious and frivolous items in the budget. N491, 466, 376 million was allocated for miscellaneous and welfare packages as first line charge. The ministry has a budget of N18, 867, 308, 651 for 2024.
The ubiquitous embezzlement is also exemplified by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and the agencies under its watch when they allocated N60, 886, 252 million to welfare packages out of the N590,977,343 million earmarked for miscellaneous expenses.
Similarly, the federal government further allocated a total of N251, 419, 160 for miscellaneous and welfare packages to the Ministry of Women Affairs and its agency, National Centre for Women Development.
In its latest budget allocation, the federal government allocated N355,065,055 million towards welfare packages for MDAs in education.
Details of the amount include that the mother ministry alone would get: N79,205,369 million; National Institute for Education Planning and Administration: N40,451,885 million; National Library of Nigeria, N23,500,000 million; Nomadic Education Commission, N500,000; NERDC: N36,514,584; National Business and Technical Education Board, N3,665,435 million.
Despite the current economic hardship facing Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development has earmarked a whopping N3,156 billion in the 2024 appropriation act to take care of refreshment/meals, settlement of honorarium, welfare packages for the eggheads and other miscellaneous expenses.
That is apart from the N9,387,143 million to be spent on vague welfare packages. The amount is left for the supervising minister and permanent secretary to determine how it would be spent.
For the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, N2,638,634,610 billion is needed to augment welfare packages for the staff in the ministry’s headquarters and its agencies, Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP), National Productivity Centre (NPC), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) and National Directorate of Employment (NDE), despite the billions of naira only voted for what is tagged miscellaneous.
On it’s part, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation got N37.14 million allocated for welfare packages in the 2024 budget, while Ministry of Niger Delta allocated a substantial sum of N80,113,609 for the welfare packages that lack specifics.
The budget document that was obtained by LEADERSHIP revealed that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation allocated N398 million for welfare packages alone in the 2024 fiscal year, while the Federal Minister of Justice and the agencies under it were allocated the sum of N180,151,316 million for welfare packages in the 2024 budget.
The sister Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare allocated N285, 582, 708 for welfare in the 2024 budget, while the Federal Ministry of Environment budgeted a total sum of N301,068,141 million or welfare packages in 2024.
Amidst persistent acute hunger faced by many Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has earmarked a substantial sum of N327,430,823 million for welfare packages in the 2024 approved budget.
According to the budget document, the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja received a notable N95.5 million from the welfare package.
A further breakdown revealed the allocation of welfare funds across various agricultural bodies. The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) received N50 million, while the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science and the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research were allocated N20.149 million and N20.156 million respectively.
Other notable welfare allocations include N10.5 million for the National Agricultural Development Fund, N8.6 million for the National Root Crops Research Institute in Umudike and N5.5 million for the National Horticulture Research Institute in Ibadan.
The Lake Chad Research Institute in Maiduguri was granted N12.190 million, with smaller sums allocated to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), N2 million, and the Institute of Freshwater Fish in New Bussa, N2.45 million, amongst others.
These allocations raise serious concerns about the misuse of public funds, especially in light of the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerians. Despite the urgent need for fiscal prudence and accountability, budget allocations continue to be marred by opacity and inefficiency, further eroding public trust in government institutions.
Many people believe that urgent measures must be taken to enhance transparency and accountability in budgetary processes, ensuring that public funds are utilized judiciously for the benefit of all citizens.
Without decisive action to curb corruption and mismanagement, Nigeria’s development aspirations will remain elusive, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and inequality.
NDLEA Intercepts N3.2 Million Counterfeit Cash, Arrests Pregnant Woman And Two Others In Abuja
AFOLABIThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) says it has intercepted a commercial bus conveying N3.2million counterfeit cash owned by an eight-month pregnant woman, Favour Peter, 24; Esther Adukwu, 27, and Ochigbo Michael, 39.
Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, said they were arrested at Jabi Park in Abuja in a follow-up operation on Tuesday, April 9, following the seizure of the fake naira notes in Lokoja, Kogi state.
Babafemi said this was as two suspects: Sani Mohammed, 43, and Christopher Eze, 64, were arrested in the Sabon Gari area of Kano on Tuesday 9th April with 900,000 pills of opioid recovered from them, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Owerri-Onitsha road.
He said NDLEA officers in collaboration with men of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard base, Lokoja intercepted 37-year-old Aliyu Lawal along Lokoja-Abuja road on Monday 8th April and recovered 620 blocks of cannabis weighing 310kg from him.
The NDLEA Spokesman added that 10 sacks of the same psychoactive substance weighing 98kg were seized along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway by NDLEA operatives from Jama Obodo, 44, in a commercial bus coming from Ilesha, Osun state en route Taraba state on Wednesday 10th April.
He said in Cross River state, a 40-year-old widow and mother of two, Mrs. Theodora Ita was on Monday 8th April arrested at Bassey Edom, Calabar, by NDLEA operatives for producing and selling a lethal new psychoactive substance, NPS, locally called ‘Combine’.
He said “Combine” is a mixture of different strains of cannabis and opioids soaked in raw gin.
According to the statement, as at the time of her arrest, 18 litres of the dangerous substance in used paint drums were recovered from her.
Babafemi said in her statement, she claimed she started the illicit drug production and distribution in October 2023.
He said another suspect, Godwin Okon Samuel, 48, was apprehended at the Essit Ebum area of Calabar with 39.4kg of cannabis sativa on Tuesday 9th April.
He said Imo state on Friday 12th April intercepted a logistics truck with registration number JGB 403XB and recovered 230 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 119kg hidden under household items after a thorough search.
The statement reads: “At least 252 kilograms of cannabis were seized during a raid at Ijesa Isu forest, Ekiti state on Saturday 13th April while four suspects: Adamu Umar, 39; Abdullahi A Gimba, 27; Julius Uduakhomu, 28; and Micheal Sunday, 24, were nabbed loading 40kg of same substance to the engine compartment of a gas truck at Agho village, Owan East, Edo state. Two motorcycles used in conveying the consignment to where the gas truck heading to the North was parked, were also recovered.
“In Ogun state, a suspect, Ismaila Ogun was arrested on Friday 12th April with 79kg cannabis at Imeko, while 18-year-old Friday Abah was nabbed with 410kg of the same substance when NDLEA operatives raided Obatedo camp, Itaogbolu forest, Akure North LGA, Ondo state.
“With the same zeal, the various commands of the Agency across the country continued with the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of them include WADA sensitisation lecture for students and staff of Gboko Polytechnic, Gboko, Benue state; officers and men of 15 Engineering Field Regiment Nigerian Army, Topo, Badagry Lagos; meat butchers at Odo Eran abattoir, Osogbo, Osun state and WADA advocacy visit to Kogi state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, among others.
“While commending the officers and men of the Kogi, Cross River, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Imo, Kano, and Edo Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in drug supply reduction, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded them and their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures, aimed at drug demand reduction.”