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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said its operatives on Saturday, 2 March 2024 intercepted a 40-year-old businessman, Ejike Chibuke Solomon with 1.45 kilograms of cocaine concealed in his luggage while attempting to board an Ethiopia Airlines flight number 950 to Vietnam via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja.
According to the Agency, Ejike was arrested at the Abuja airport on Sunday after NDLEA officers subjected him to a thorough search, and “in the process, discovered the illicit substance concealed, factory fitted, in his bag”.
“In his statement, the suspect claimed he was on a business trip to Vietnam”.
“In another operation, operatives of a special unit of the Agency on Friday 1st March swooped on members of a syndicate that deals in methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in their hideouts in parts of Lagos.
“The operatives assigned for the operation raided the home of Esimone Amachukwu Christopher at 14 Arochukwu street, Ejigbo, where 10.012 kilograms of methamphetamine was found in possession of his associate, 40-year-old Evelyn Nneka Okem. Esimone is currently at large.
“While the Ejigbo operation was going on, another set of officers were simultaneously busy in the residence of another member of the syndicate, 45-year-old Ebele Edwin Iwuegbunam, located at Plot 1604 Close D, 4th Avenue, Festac town, Lagos where they arrested him and recovered 429.5grams of cocaine and 7 kilograms of heroin”.
In Kogi state, NDLEA officers on a stop and search operation along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway on Friday 1st March intercepted a commercial bus marked GRM 347XA (Borno) conveying 28 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 11kg; 100 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and 500 tablets of diazepam.
They were all concealed in three plastic drums covered with cattle fats, heading to Jos Plateau state.
In Ogun state on Thursday 29th February, operatives recovered 169kg consignment of cannabis abandoned in a truck at Sagamu tollgate, their counterparts in Lagos seized 25 cartons of tramadol containing 325,000 pills in Ikeja the previous day Wednesday 28th Feb.
Same day, a suspect, Abdullahi Garba Khalil, 42, and 2,745,000 capsules of pregabalin recovered from him at Singer market, Sabon Gari area of Kano were handed over to the Kano state command of NDLEA by the Department of State Security, DSS.
In the same vein, the 243 Recce Battalion, Nigerian Army, Badagry on Saturday 2nd March transferred 27 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 1,110kg recovered at a coastal community, Ajido by soldiers, to the Seme Special Area Command of NDLEA.
A suspect, Hassan Muhammad, 34, was on Saturday 2nd March arrested with 44,950 pills of tramadol at Moranti area of Borno state by NDLEA operatives.
In Abia state, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 28th Feb raided a drug joint at Cemetery Barracks, Aba, where Ifeanyi Uche, 37, was arrested with different quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Another raid was carried out at the abandoned Eyimba Hotel, Ogbor Hill, Aba, where illicit substances were seized and suspects arrested on Friday 1st March.
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 including WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of Fobin Primary and Secondary School, Idiroko, Seme, Lagos.
Others were at Army Barracks Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo state; State Model Secondary School, Awka, Anambra state; and Government Girls Secondary School, Okumgba-Ama, Ogoloma, Okrika, Rivers state.
There was also WADA advocacy campaign to leaders and residents of Lapan community, Gombe state, among others.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the NAIA, Abia, Ogun, Kogi, Lagos, Seme, Borno and Kano Commands of the Agency as well as those of the Special Unit for their outstanding feats in the past week.
He equally applauded them and their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures.
One Nonso Nwobodo, 39, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for allegedly repackaging local rice into bags labelled as foreign rice.
The trader was said to have been involved in the act in a bid to maximize profits.
Naija News understands that Nwobodo was arrested on Saturday at around 4:15 pm in the Durumi area of the FCT, specifically at Plot 740 centenary credentials.
A government source who confirmed the development to journalists said Nonso was discovered to be packing locally produced rice into printed bags that were made to resemble foreign rice bags.
According to him, this deceptive act aimed to mislead the public into believing that the rice was imported. As a result of the operation, a total of 160 bags of rice, varying in size from 5kg to 50kg, were seized as evidence.
“Nonso Nwobodo was re-packaging local rice to a different designed foreign bags of rice with an attempt to sell them as foreign rice.
“He was arrested with 160 bags of different sizes of rice ranging from 5kg to 50kg already rebagged to look like foreign rice. 53 empty bags of local rice that had already been rebagged to foreign bags were recovered.
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“While 590 new empty foreign bags of rice that are yet to be filled with rice were also recovered at the scene. Police have confiscated the rice,” SaharaReporters quoted the source as saying.
A government storage facility in Gwagwa town, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), fell victim to a brazen act of looting on Sunday morning, with large quantities of food items stolen.
Eyewitnesses reported to Daily Trust that a crowd of youths forcefully entered the warehouse around the Tasha area of the community at approximately 7 am, making away with bags of maize and grain.
According to Jaafar Aminu, a local resident, the looting spree went unchecked for about two hours until 9 am.
The incident attracted individuals from nearby Jiwa and Karmo towns, exacerbating the chaos and resulting in significant traffic congestion along the Gwagwa-Karmo road, which connects to the Dei-Dei and Jabi axes.
Aminu, who suffered bruises in the turmoil, described a scene of desperation as people from various areas converged on the site, hoping to partake in the looting.
Another resident, Christopher Agbo, noted that the looters were indiscriminate in their plunder, taking not only food items but also any other materials they found useful, including protectors initially set up to secure the site.
This incident marks the second time the warehouse has been targeted, recalling a similar episode during the Covid-19 lockdown when grains and pumping machines intended for relief efforts were stolen.
Following the raid on the government facility, the mob proceeded to Idu Industrial Estate, targeting additional warehouses owned by both individuals and the government.
At the time of reporting, there was an alarming absence of security personnel at the scene.
However, FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, assured that police forces were mobilized and working to restore order amidst the ongoing crisis.
Popular Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has lost her mother.
This comes on the same day John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, was confirmed to have died of cardiac arrest.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Emeka Rollas made the announcement in a post on his official Instagram page on Saturday.
Rollas, in his post, described the passage of Henshaw’s mother as a “sad day” for the AGN.
He wrote; “Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today.”
Kate Henshaw’s illustrious career spans two and a half decades, and she has established herself as one of Nollywood’s most revered characters.
Henshaw sprang to fame after playing a notable role in the 1993 film ‘When the Sun Sets,’ and has since become a household name, capturing audiences with her talent and flexibility on screen.
Aside from her acting skills, Henshaw is well-known as a fitness devotee who exudes perseverance and discipline both on and off film.
Her enduring career in the Nigerian film industry is distinguished by countless prizes and accolades, a testimony to her indelible imprint on the cinematic landscape.
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft on Operation Delta Sanity has intercepted a vessel, Motor Tanker SWEET MIRI suspected to have been involved in crude oil theft.
The navy said on Saturday evening that the vessel had 13 crew; one Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians.
While briefing newsmen onboard the vessel, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan stated that the vessel had been a vessel of interest to the Nigerian Navy and she is being arrested on suspicion of crude oil theft.
He added that, on 25 February 2024, the vessel was observed to have switched off its Automatic Identification System to avoid detection. The vessel was arrested 174 nautical miles of the coast of Nigeria, approximately 320 kilometers, heading to Benin Republic.
“This necessitated the deployment of Nigerian Navy Ship ABA to investigate the vessel. Subsequently, she was found carrying products suspected to be crude oil. Thereafter, NNS SOKOTO was deployed to double up the search and interdict the vessel. On arrival, it was discovered that she was carrying about 2 million liters of suspected product without approval.
“The FOC further disclosed that, in line with the directive of Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, the ship is opened for other agencies to come and take samples and carry out their own independent investigations to find out the culpability of the vessel. Also speaking, the FOC said that, the vessel is owned by a Ghanian and registered in Ghana by a Ghanian company.
“In the same vein, while giving update on the earlier arrested Motor Tanker VINNALARIS, the FOC said that, the CNS has instructed that the investigations of all arrested vessels should be conducted beyond the level of crew. In this regard, the FOC has extended the investigation to uncover the kingpins. He finally appreciated the efforts of DSS for assisting the Nigerian Navy in conducting investigations when matters of crude oil theft are brought to them,” the release by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer, read.
FG Investigators Supervise Former CBN Governor Emefiele’s Departure From Lagos Official Residence
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Embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele is moving out of the apex bank Governors’ quarters in Lagos.
Emefiele was accompanied to the quarters by a team led by the CBN Special Investigator, Jim Obazee.
The former CBN’s helsman is moving his personal effects from the building located on Glover Road, Ikoyi.
The Federal Government filed 14 fresh charges against Emefiele following a report submitted by the CBN special investigator.
Emefiele was accused of criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to conduct forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit a felony in the amendment.
He is facing accusations for charges relating to financial crimes after President Bola Tinubu removed him from his position as CBN Governor in June 2023.
The Senate also resolved to probe how the N30tn Ways and Means loans of the CBN was obtained and spent by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The senate stated that the reckless spending of the loan collected from the CBN under Emefiele largely accounted for the food and security crises in the nation.
The Presidential Panel on Social Investment Programmes has recommended the removal of intervention initiatives from the purview of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
According to the panel led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, sent its recommendation to President Bola Tinubu.
The social investment programmes are currently domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
By law, they are implemented by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
The programmes – Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, N-Power Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and Home Grown School Feeding Programme – were put on hold after Tinubu suspended Betta Edu as the humanitarian affairs minister.
Edu has since submitted herself to a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
She ran into trouble after a memo surfaced where she asked the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer the sum of N585 million to a private account.
Thereafter, other documents where she made controversial approvals, including approving airfares to Kogi, a state without an airport, went viral, prompting the president to suspend her.
Before Edu ran into trouble, Halima Shehu was suspended as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NSIPA over alleged financial malfeasance. Edu had alleged that billions of naira went missing on Shehu’s watch.
Apart from the EFCC probe, Tinubu directed that the panel led by Edun should “among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes to conclusively reform the relevant institutions and programmes”.
In an interim report seen by TheCable yesterday, the panel recommended that the programmes should be resumed to alleviate the sufferings of poor and vulnerable Nigerians, but that a new board under the leadership of Edun should oversee the social investment programmes.
“Convene a steering committee/board under the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to oversee the coordination of programmes,” it reads in part.
“Determine the future of the NSIPA by advocating for a proper review and amendment of the NSIPA act.”
A government official who pleaded anonymity said before the social investment programmes are transferred to a new body for implementation, the relevant laws would have to be amended.
“The executive bill sent by Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to the National Assembly, placed the NSIPA, which is in charge of these social programmes, in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,” the official said.
“A bill would have to be sponsored to amend the principal act.
“Anything outside of that is illegal and against the laws setting up the NSIPA.”
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Mr Bayo Onanuga did not immediately respond to TheCable’s requests for comments.
Before the humanitarian affairs ministry and NSIPA got embroiled in this saga, the Senate, in October 2023, commenced moves to place the agency under the presidency.
A bill to that effect has since passed second reading at the upper legislative chamber.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Duport Midstream Company Limited, Mr. Akintoye Akindele, was yesterday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja, over alleged $5.6 million fraud.
In a four-count charge brought against him by the office of the Inspector General (IG) of Police, the accused was alleged to have diverted the sum of $5,636,397.01, and N73,543,763.25, belonging to Summit Oil International Ltd.
Akindele and his company, which was the second defendant in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/570/2023, were said to have committed the act between 2017 and 2021, when they allegedly converted the said sum received from Shell into personal use.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge, following which his lawyer, Chief James Onoja, moved his bail application.
Although, counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Simon Lough, did not objected to the grant of the application, the judge however slammed a stringent bail condition on the defendant.
Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling stated that although the accused claimed that a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has already admitted Akindele to bail in the sum of N500,000, there was no evidence before the court to that effect.
The judge subsequently grant bail in the sum of N750 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties, according to the ruling must own landed property within the jurisdiction of the court. In addition, the sureties who must swear to an affidavit of means are to also deposit their statements of account with the registrar of the court.
Justice Omotosho, however, held that since the defendant came to court from his house, the court will permit him to enjoy the bail of the FCT High Court, till March 8.
He would however be remanded if he fails to meet the conditions of the new bail.
Meanwhile, the court has adjourned till March 15, for trial.
Count one of the bail read: “That you Akintoye Akindele male 49 years MD/CEO of Duport Midstream Company Limited of D2 Mambilla Close Osborne Estate Ikoyi Lagos and Duport Midstream Company Limited of 42 Alexander Avenue Ikoyi Lagos between October, 2017 and November, 2021 in Lagos state within the jurisdiction of this honourable court while acting in concert conspire together to commit felony to wit: Stealing by conversion of the sum of $ 5,636,397.01 Million USD and N73,543,763.25, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 516 of the Criminal Code law, Cap C38 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”
John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu was a Nigerian Nollywood actor and a comedian from Enugu State.
His death, announced on Saturday, March 2, 2024, threw colleagues and fans into mourning.
In October 2023, the veteran actor was reported ill and required financial assistance.
In November 2023, Okafor’s family confirmed that one of his legs had been amputated to keep him alive.
The amputation became necessary because of an infection of the arteries at the ankle that was not detected early enough.
Here are eight things to know about Mr Ibu:
1. John Ikechukwu Okafor was born on October 17, 1961.
2. He was a Nigerian actor and comedian.
3. The comic actor came to the limelight in 2004 with the movie “Mr Ibu.” featuring another popular actor, Osita Iheme.
4. Okafor acted in more than 200 Nollywood films including Mr. Ibu, Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London, Police Recruit and many others.
5. On October 15, 2020, the veteran ventured into music and released two singles titled “This Girl” and “Do You Know.”
6. In 2012, Mr Ibu called for an end to homosexuality in Nollywood, he described it as akin to a virus.
7. He graduated from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu State.
8. He died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62.
[Punch]
When assessing the wealthiest countries in Africa, it’s crucial to consider the GDP per capita, a measure of the value of all goods and services produced per resident.
This list, featuring smaller nations like Mauritius and Libya, is based on purchasing power parity (PPP) which accounts for inflation and local cost variations, providing a more accurate comparison of the average standard of living in these countries.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Here are the 10 richest countries in Africa by GDP per capita (PPP) in Africa 2024 – IMF as of February 22.
Mauritius
Mauritius claims the top spot as the richest country in Africa in 2024, with a GDP-PPP per capita of $31,157. Known for its diverse economy, Mauritius has successfully diversified beyond its traditional sectors like sugar and textiles.
Libya
Despite facing political and economic challenges in recent years, Libya is second on the list with a GDP-PPP per capita of $26,527. The country’s wealth is primarily derived from its vast oil reserves, and efforts to stabilize its economy have played a crucial role in maintaining its position among Africa’s richest nations.
Botswana
Botswana, with a GDP-PPP per capita of $20,311, is recognized for its stable economic growth and successful diversification strategies. The country has effectively managed its diamond resources and invested in sectors such as tourism and agriculture, contributing to its economic resilience.
Gabon
Gabon, ranking fourth, boasts a GDP-PPP per capita of $19,865, driven by its abundant natural resources, including oil and minerals. The government’s emphasis on sustainable development and economic diversification has played a pivotal role in maintaining Gabon’s status as one of Africa’s wealthiest nations.
Egypt
Egypt secures the fifth position on the list with a GDP-PPP per capita of $17,786. As one of the most populous countries in Africa, Egypt’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Equatorial Guinea
With a GDP-PPP per capita of $17,237, Equatorial Guinea relies heavily on its oil wealth to drive economic development. While oil remains a dominant factor, efforts to diversify the economy and invest in sectors like agriculture and infrastructure have contributed to its economic success.
South Africa
South Africa, the continent’s economic powerhouse, ranks seventh with a GDP-PPP per capita of $16,625. Despite facing challenges such as inequality and unemployment, South Africa’s diverse economy encompasses mining, manufacturing, and services, making it a key player in the region.
Algeria
In eighth place, Algeria has a GDP-PPP per capita of $14,227. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, but efforts to diversify into other sectors, such as renewable energy and manufacturing, have been underway to ensure sustained economic growth.
Tunisia
Tunisia, with a GDP-PPP per capita of $13,694, has positioned itself as a strategic economic player in North Africa. The country’s focus on economic reforms, tourism, and manufacturing has contributed to its ranking among the top 10 richest nations in Africa.
Morocco
Morocco secures the tenth position with a GDP-PPP per capita of $10,926. Renowned for its stability and strategic geographic location, Morocco has built a diverse economy with strengths in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, making it a key player in the region.
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The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise said revoking 4,173 Bureau De Change operator licenses by the Central Bank of Naira is good for the Naira amid the foreign exchange crisis.
The Director of CPPE, Muda Yusuf, disclosed why reacting to the recent revoking of BDCs licenses over failure to meet regulatory guidelines.
CPPE said the move to regulate the operations of the BDCs in Nigeria is laudable.
He said, “Definitely, revoking the licences of non-operational BDCs is appropriate now. It is the right move because the previous number was difficult to manage and unwieldy.”
DAILY POST recalls that the CBN revoked the licenses of 4,173 Bureau De Change operators.
[DailyPost]
John Okafor, the ace Nigerian actor popularly known as Mr Ibu, has passed away.
Emeka Rollas, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), broke the news in an Instagram post on Saturday evening.
Rollas quoted Don Nwuzor, the actor’s longtime manager, as confirming that he died due to cardiac arrest.
“Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years Mr Don Single Nwuzor,” the post reads in part.
“I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didnt make it. May his soul rest in peace.”
In October last year, the ace actor revealed he was battling with a life-threatening illness.
Ibu, who spoke from a hospital bed, also cried out for financial assistance over the medical condition.
The film star’s plight prompted calls on social media for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to assist one of its own.
Several people announced their donations to the ailing actor, including the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation, which revealed it “paid the entire medical expenses of Ibu”.
On November 6, Ibu’s family revealed that the actor’s leg had been amputated after undergoing seven surgeries. He, however, remained in the hospital where had been recuperating.
The 63-year-old actor had delved into acting since the early 2000s but rose to fame for his role in the movie ‘Mr Ibu,’ which was released in 2004.
He also featured in a plethora of movies such as ‘Coffin Producers’, ‘Husband Suppliers’, ‘International Players’, ‘Mr.Ibu in London’ and ‘Police Recruit’
Ibu was well known for renowned for his comedic roles and he earned several nominations and awards for his craft.
More to follow…
[TheCable]
The Chief Executive Officer of Fathia Entertainment, Olawale B, has disclosed that popular Nollywood actor Oyebamiji Tolani Quadri, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, had secured his United States visa before his passing.
The CEO, who is also a show promoter and tour manager, shared this information in an Instagram post on Friday through his handle, @fathiaentertainments_showbiz.
He wrote, “So sad to hear the death of Nollywood actor @iamsisiquadir US visa was already approved. date fixed already. Who are we to question God?”
The late actor, who passed away at the age of 44, was renowned for his role in the movie “Seniyan Seranko,” which premiered in December 2004.
He also featured in movies such as ‘Ebudola’, ‘Ololade Mrs Money’ and other comedy skits.
Sisi Quadri, aside from being an actor, was also a fashion designer.
He was happily married and blessed with two kids, Hazani Olamilekan, and Olamide Oyebamiji. In October 2020, he completed his house.
Quadri’s passing occurred just a year after he lost his mother on February 22, 2023.
Wisdom Anucha, a lecturer at Abia State University who went viral for proposing to his fiancée, Grace, in her classroom on Valentine’s Day, has revealed their wedding date.
In the viral video, Anucha proposed to Grace, who is reportedly a student in the Optometry Department of the university, in front of her coursemates.
Anucha revealed they had their parents’ approval in a wedding invitation that was shared on his Facebook page on Friday, March 1.
Anucha wrote, “#Ugo_Wizzy__2024! With the consent of our parents, we, Grace and Wisdom, with every sense of humility, respect and responsibility, most humbly wish to invite you as a special guest as ‘We’ walk down the aisle.
“Date; Saturday 6th April 2024.
“Venue: St. Paul’s Ang. Church Umuocham.
“Reception: Ngwa High School Aba.
“Please kindly treat this as an official invite. We covet your prayers as we embark on this journey for life. Otito_Diri_Jesu!”