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.
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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.”
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.
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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.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he was not bothered about scoring another hat-trick but cares more about his team.
The veteran Portuguese forward scored his 66th hat-trick of his career and it’s 52 goals in 52 games this season.
Ronaldo reduced his tally to just 10 goal to reach 900 career goals as Al-Nassr beat Al-Wehda 6-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday at Al-Awwal Stadium.
The Portuguese icon scored his 50th goal of the season with his first one in the match along with netting his 66th career hat-trick.
He, however, said his priorities lie with the team rather than individual achievements.
“I don’t care about scoring a hat-trick as much as I care about the team,” the 39-year-old said after the game.
Ronaldo is just 10 goals away from 900 career goals and when asked about that post-match, he said:
“I always say, numbers come naturally, so I don’t attach numbers, they come.”
Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George has said it is important for the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Finidi insisted that he will do his best to ensure the Super Eagles didn’t miss out on a place at the mundial for the second consecutive edition.
Recall that the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the last edition of the global soccer fiesta hosted by Qatar.
The three-time African champions face a tough task of making it to the 2026 World Cup finals after drawing their opening two matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin in their next two games in the qualifiers.
Finidi said he would need the prayer and support of all Nigerians to succeed on the job.
“The World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and Benin Republic is a collective responsibility for all Nigerians.
“I know I am in charge now and the heavy responsibility is on me to win the two world cup matches,” Finidi told reporters during his visit to Nigeria Football Federation’s office in Abuja.
“I will do my best to ensure success and qualify for the World Cup. I am also in touch with the players and they are ready and willing to give their all having missed out in the last edition held in Qatar.
“In terms of having knowledge of our opponents, I have been following them.
“The world today is a global village, one can monitor anything in the comfort of his/ her sitting room.
“We need prayers and support from everybody, this is our own, we can do it and do it well. I watch our players weekly as they play in their various clubs.
“Honestly my target is to win the two matches and not to be judged with the two international friendly games played.”
Finidi’s appointment as Super Eagles head coach was confirmed by the NFF last week.
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]