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The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) says it is yet to receive a formal notification from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso about their intention to quit the regional bloc.
It was reacting after the military juntas from the three Member-States withdrew from ECOWAS with immediate effect.
The three countries, which mulled a counter force, Alliance of Sahel States, against the regional bloc after the overthrow of the democratically elected government in Niger, announced the development on Sunday.
ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had threatened military action if the Niger junta refused to transfer power.
But the regime stood its ground as Mali and Burkina Faso vowed to fight in defence of Niger.
On Sunday, the leaders of the three Sahel nations said they had taken a sovereign decision to pull out their countries from ECOWAS.
However, in a communique issued by the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja on Sunday evening, the body said it had been working with the three countries for restoration of constitutional order.
It insisted that Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso remained important members of the Community and the Authority of Heads of State and Government remained committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
The communique reads: “The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community.
“The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.”
[DailyTrust]
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has visited the families and victims of recent accidental air strikes in Nasarawa State.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally bombed civilians during operations near Rukubi in Doma Local Government Area on January 24.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshall Edward Gabkwet, said Air Marshal Abubakar apologised to the victims and their families over the accidental bombing.
The statement quoted the CAS as saying the NAF pilot had targeted suspected terrorists and cattle rustlers, following worsening insecurity in the area at the time.
Abubakar noted that the primary responsibility of the NAF is safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.
He said the service would not deliberately engage in acts that put the lives of Nigerians at risk.
During a visit to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, the CAS solicited the state’s support to interface with the representatives of the victims.
Doing so, he said, would assist in answering some important questions, promote accountability and transparency as well as enable the NAF to learn valuable lessons to mitigate similar incidents, going forward.
“Our efforts to mitigate civilian casualties as well as take responsibility in the event of accidental strikes are not just a reflection of our values as a service but also strategically imperative to our operations,” Abubakar said.
[TheNation]
The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger yesterday announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, saying it had become a threat to member states.
The ECOWAS Commission, however, said the community is ready for a “negotiated solution” with the three countries
But the Presidency in its immediate reaction yesterday, said the three countries were technically not members of ECOWAS, since they were on suspension.
Leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement saying it was a “sovereign decision” to leave the ECOWAS “without delay”.
Struggling with jihadist violence and poverty, the regimes have had tense ties with ECOWAS since coups took place in Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020.
All three, founding members of the bloc in 1975, were suspended from ECOWAS with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions as the bloc tried to push for early return of civilian governments with elections.
The sanctions were an “irrational and unacceptable posture” at a time when the three “have decided to take their destiny in hand”, a reference to the coups that removed civilian administrations.
The three nations have hardened their positions in recent months and joined forces in an “Alliance of Sahel States”.
The leaders’ joint statement added that 15-member ECOWAS, “under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, had become a threat to member states and peoples.
They accused the grouping of failing to help them tackle jihadists, who swept into Mali from 2012 and then on to Burkina Faso and Niger.
Under pressure from the military regimes, France has removed ambassadors and troops and watched Russia fill the void militarily and politically.
The French army’s withdrawal from the Sahel, the region along the Sahara desert across Africa, has heightened concerns over conflicts spreading southward to Gulf of Guinea states — Ghana, Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast.
‘Bad faith’
The prime minister appointed by Niger’s regime had accused ECOWAS of “bad faith” after the bloc largely shunned a planned meeting in Niamey.
Niger had hoped for an opportunity to talk through differences with fellow states of ECOWAS, which has cold-shouldered Niamey, imposing heavy economic and financial sanctions following the military coup that overthrew elected president Mohamed Bazoum.
Niger’s military leaders, wrestling with high food prices and a scarcity of medicines, have said they want up to three years for a transition back to civilian rule. In Mali, the ruling officers under Colonel Assimi Goita had pledged to hold elections in February this year, but that has now been pushed back to an unknown date.
Burkina Faso, which has not been put under sanctions although Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in September 2022, has set elections for this summer, but says the fight against insurgents remains top priority.
Reacting to the development yesterday, the ECOWAS Commission said in a statement: “The attention of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the national television of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw rom the community. However, the ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order.
“Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali remain important members of the community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncement as the situation evolves.”
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger suspended from ECOWAS — Presidency
In its reaction yesterday, the Presidency said the three contries were technically not members of ECOWAS, having been suspended by the body.
It also explained that the suspension order, which was slammed on the countries before President Bola Tinubu took over the leadership of the regional bloc, was a result of the coup d’etat in the countries that illegally removed democratically elected government.
A Presidency source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, however, said the ECOWAS Secretariat and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were in a better position to give clarity to the development.
The Presidency source said: “Mali and Burkina Faso were suspended before Mr. President became chairman of ECOWAS. Niger was the last one and you know the reason they were suspended.
“They were removing the elected legally/legitimate government via coup d’etat. So that is why they were suspended. So technically, I don’t know why people are worried about this.
“Technically, those countries are no longer members of ECOWAS as at today because their memberships have been suspended. So, when they said they are leaving, they are not members because they are serving suspension.
‘’So, it is just superfluous; they had left. There will be reaction from the ECOWAS Secretariat. ECOWAS will react appropriately because I remember on Thursday, a delegation of ECOWAS, a ministerial committee of ECOWAS, was supposed to go to Niger but they didn’t go because there was a flight problem. “Like I said, the main reaction will come from the ECOWAS Secretariat and our Minister of Foreign Affairs.” However, the minister could not be reached yesterday as calls and text messages sent to his mobile phone remained unreplied.
It’s a serious diplomatic meltdown — Atiku
Reacting to the withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS, former Vice President Atiku described it as a serious diplomatic meltdown.
Atiku, who reacted on his X handle (formerly twitter) said: “Reports about the withdrawal of three countries from our sub-regional body, @ecowas_cedeao, is concerning. It is a matter of serious diplomatic meltdown. We must keep the country’s national security interest, especially the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and others in focus while we appraise the situation.”
Also reacting yesterday, member of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who is also a member of ECOWAS parliament, said: “We are all aware of the continued military intervention in these three member states.
If they choose to opt out of ECOWAS because the management has not considered their decisions, so be it.
“What we are saying here is the security of the people, and if they feel that ECOWAS care less about their welfare, if that will work for them, that is fine.
“There has to be a proper housekeeping for every member state. Let’s ask ourselves, has ECOWAS practiced proper democracy? Look at the issue of employment saga within ECOWAS, how was it handled? This should serve as a warning signal.’’
Recall that the July 26, 2023 coup in Niger Republic dealt the latest blow in a succession of blows to democratic governance in the West African sub region, after military takeovers in Mali and Burkina Faso in 2021 and 2022.
The European Union, the US and other allies of Sahelian states had pinned their hopes on Nigerien President, Mohamed Bazoum, as a guarantor of stability and a bulwark of sensible civilian governance. Whereas Islamist militants are stepping up a campaign of violence in Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger had largely contained jihadist activities over the years.
Bazoum had developed a security policy that included non-military initiatives such as engagement with repentant militants, while also forging closer ties with the US and French militaries.
But despite Bazoum’s track record, those who helped him ascend to power in 2021 did not protect him when General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the presidential guard, staged a putsch, apparently fearing that he was about to be removed from his position.
Niger’s donors, neighbours and security partners became divided over how to work with the country’s new military leadership. France withdrew its ambassador after a bitter standoff and pulled out its 1,500 troops out of Niger by the end of the year.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reeling from the instability caused by the military takeovers in Mali and Burkina Faso, imposed harsh sanctions – freezing all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger, including electricity exports.
The EU has thus far backed ECOWAS in its demand that Bazoum be reinstated. While some EU member states increasingly favour a less hardline approach, France does not, limiting the EU’s ability to make inroads with the junta.
ECOWAS has imposed significant financial and economic sanctions and threatened to intervene militarily if negotiations to reinstate Bazoum hit a dead end. A military intervention appears unlikely, however, especially since senators from Nigeria’s northern states urged President Bola Tinubu to “use political and diplomatic means” to resolve the crisis, rather than send soldiers to Niger.
Those countries that favour an intervention – Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal – are unlikely to proceed without Nigeria’s participation.
Most observers agreed that such an intervention will prove disastrous for Niger. The security forces and many of the capital’s residents appear to back the junta, and an armed conflict could lead to civilian casualties.
On 15 September, Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have experienced two coups over the past three years, signed a mutual defence pact with Niger’s military rulers, pledging to help one another fight jihadism and ward off “external aggression.”
It is unclear how much military assistance either country could provide the Nigerien junta, should the accord be put to the test, as both have their hands full trying to contain Islamist insurgencies.
But any involvement on their part would contribute to regional chaos. Moreover, military intervention will undermine ECOWAS itself, particularly if the junta (as well as opposition politicians in ECOWAS member states) keeps harping on the notion that the bloc is being manipulated by France, the former colonial power in much of the Sahel.
[Vanguard]
1. There is no downplaying the reality of the challenging season that we find ourselves in as a nation: the impact of inflation on personal and household budgets, and the threats to security in parts of the country.
2. But that is only part of the story. Just as important are the various bold measures that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking to decisively confront all of these challenges. We fully acknowledge the duty and the responsibility of care that the Federal Government owes to every Nigerian, across the lines of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, and social class.
3. In the area of security, all threats are being boldly confronted. We are taking the fight to the criminals’ dens, with promising results. Within the last week, several bandits, kidnappers and militants have been neutralized or arrested.
4. The resurgent crisis in Plateau State is indeed highly regrettable, and we assure that all perpetrators of violence there, and everywhere else in the country, are being brought to book. Justice will be done, and peace will be restored in all affected communities. We salute the gallantry of security and intelligence agencies who are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we are safe in our homes and on the highways, and that criminals have no breathing space.
5. Regarding the economy, all relevant Ministries and Agencies of the Federal Government are working in coordinated fashion, to bring down inflation, stabilize foreign exchange rates, and create a truly enabling environment for business and investment. The Nigeria that President Tinubu seeks to build is one where no one is left behind.
6. Impactful interventions are being rolled out, including a Students’ Loan Scheme, a Presidential Initiative to deploy lower-cost CNG mass transit buses to provide alternatives to petrol and diesel, and various low-interest loan schemes for businesses. The CNG interventions will bring down the cost of transportation by more than 50 percent. We urge Nigerians to take advantage of these opportunities as they emerge, as they have been designed for the benefit of all.
7. Even as we tackle our challenges with urgency and dedication, it is also necessary to remind all Nigerians of the need to resist all forces and narratives of misinformation and division.
8. For example, it is not true that the relocation to Lagos of the Headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and of certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are political moves aimed at marginalizing a section of the country. These allegations are unfounded. Instead, these are pragmatic administrative steps to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.
9. I would like to urge all Nigerians to be especially mindful of all persons and groups at home and abroad, who specialize in making false and inciting claims on radio, TV and social media, as well as in peddling altered videos and images for viral dissemination. We must all stand together as one, against these forces that constantly seek to test and break the bonds that hold us.
10. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the work of building the Nigeria of our dreams is one that must be done by everyone, regardless of our religious faith or ethnic group or geopolitical zone. It is for this reason that we have produced the Nigerian National Values Charter (NVC), a documentation of the social contract between Government and the citizens, as one of the ways to restore a national sense of hope, trust and solidarity.
11. As part of this focus on earning the trust of Nigerians, the fight against corruption will continue, and will intensify. Determined to ensure that there are no sacred cows, and that public funds are applied wholly for the public good, President Tinubu is providing the anti-corruption agencies with the support required to fulfill their mandate.
12. We will not succeed at building the Nigeria of our dreams if we insist on focusing only on our challenges and problems, and not the abundant opportunities and positive narratives that we are surrounded by. We recognize the fact that the country continues to enjoy genuine enthusiasm for investment from local and foreign investors.
13. In the opening weeks of 2024, our Stock Market has already put us on the global map for the impressive returns being delivered. The Indian businesses that pledged $14 billion in new investment in Nigeria on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India in September 2023 have since started making good on those pledges. Across oil and gas, agriculture, consumer goods, renewable energy, healthcare, ICT and many other fields we are seeing global and local businesses demonstrating unshakable belief in the limitless possibilities that Nigeria embodies.
14. The heartwarming exploits of our beloved Super Eagles at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire are another case in point; a timely reminder that the things that bind us together as one are much deeper than the things that separate and divide us.
15. Let us never forget what is truly possible: that instead of division and hatred, we can live and thrive in unity and hope, assured that, despite the temporary challenges and setbacks that we face from time to time, a glorious dawn is just around the corner.
Mohammed Idris,
Minister of Information and National Orientation,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 36 state governors in the country and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike to “disclose details of federal allocations meant for local governments in your state and the FCT and the actual disbursement of the allocations to the local governments since the return of democracy in 1999.”
The advocacy group also urged them “to promptly invite Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments in their state and the FCT since May 1999.”
This is contained in the freedom of information (FOI) request dated January 27, 2024 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, where he noted that Nigerians have the right to know the details of actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations in their state and the FCT.
Former president Muhammadu Buhari had in December 2022 stated that, “If the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100m, N50m will be sent to the chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.’”
States, FCT to be guided by transparency, accountability
- SERAP said, “States and the FCT should be guided by transparency and accountability principles and proactively publish information pertaining to their actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments.
- “Opacity in the amounts of federal allocations actually disbursed to local governments in your state has continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”
SERAP gives 7 days ultimatum
The FOI request from SERAP partly reads,
- “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state and the FCT to comply with our requests in the public interest.
- “Transparency in the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments is fundamental to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions, and strengthen the rule of law.
- “Implicit in the freedom of expression is the public’s right to know what governments are doing on their behalf, without which truth would languish and people’s participation in government would remain fragmented.
- “Transparency would ensure that the allocations are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust that the money would be used to benefit Nigerian resident in these local government areas.
- “SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of federal allocations meant for local governments have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services in several states.
- “Ensuring transparency and accountability in the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations in your state would also improve the enjoyment by Nigerians of their right to natural wealth and resources.
- “You have a legal responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local government areas in your state, and to ensure that the allocations are fully disbursed to the local governments.
- “SERAP is concerned that despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the culture of impunity of perpetrators.’’
Over N40 trillion allocated to LGAs
- It added, “According to our information, the 36 states in Nigeria and the federal capital territory, Abuja, have collected over N40 trillion federal allocations meant for the 774 local governments areas in the country and FCT.
- “The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed to states N225.21 billion federal allocations meant for local governments in November 2023 alone. States also collected N258,810,449,711.47 federal allocations meant for local government areas in December 2023.
- “However, there is opacity in the actual disbursement of federal allocations to the local government areas in your state. States and the FCT have over the years failed and/or refused to disclose the portion of federal allocations that are disbursed by state governors.
- “SERAP notes that former president Muhammadu Buhari recently alleged that state governors routinely pocket or divert federal allocations meant for local governments areas in their states.
- “According to Buhari, ‘If the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.
- “SERAP also urges you to provide details of the transparency and accountability mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that the trillions of naira of federal allocations that have been received by your state and the FCT are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.
- “Section 162(6) of Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) provides that each state shall maintain a ‘State Joint Local Government Account’ into which all allocations to local government councils from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State shall be paid.
- “Section 162(5) makes it mandatory that amounts standing to the credit of the councils will be allocated to the States for the benefit of their local government councils.” “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your state to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.
- “The public interest in publishing the information sought outweighs any considerations to withhold the information. Nigerians are entitled to the right to receive information without any interference or distortion, and the enjoyment of this right should be based on the principle of maximum disclosure.”
[Nairametrics]
The Nigerian Police Force has arrested a suspected kidnapper reportedly linked to the abduction and murder of Nabeeha, one of the victims abducted in Abuja.
According to a statement by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, Bello Mohammed, 28, of Zamfara state was apprehended on January 20, 2024 in Kaduna with N2.25 million in suspected ransom money.
“The Divisional Police Officer, Tafa Division, acting on intelligence, raided one hotel in Tafa Area, Kaduna, where he arrested Bello, with the sum of #2.25m (Two Million, two hundred and fifty million naira) only, suspected to be proceeds of ransoms collected from kidnapped victims within the area.”
“The suspect, during interrogation, confessed to be part of the gang that kidnapped the family members of one Barrister Ariyo in Bwari, FCT, on 2nd January 2024, and killed some kidnapped victims, including Nabeeha, F, daughter of the legal practitioner, on 13th January, 2024, in a kidnappers camp, in Kaduna State.
‘’The suspect, in a dramatic situation, offered #1,000,000 (one million naira only) to induce the DPO, who rejected the offer and carried out his duty diligently,” the statement said.
Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, had ordered that the suspect, be handed over to the Department of Force Intelligence Tactical Teams (DFI-IRT) in Abuja for discreet investigations.
While commending the DPO Tafa, SP Idris Ibrahim, for the commitment and professionalism displayed in the case, the IGP further assured that the Police would leave no stone unturned in dealing with criminally minded individuals.
Daily Trust had reported how about 19 abductees were taken away by bandits from the Sagwari Estate Layout in the Dutsen-Alhaji area in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The kidnappers had killed four of the hostages, including Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, a 400-level student of Biological Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and 13-year-old Folashade Ariyo.
Nabeeha was abducted alongside six other siblings.
Her siblings were kidnapped with their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, from their home at Zuma 1, on the outskirts of Bwari town in Abuja on January 2.
[DailyTrust]
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made four new appointments amid the State House Assembly voting to override him to pass four new bills into law.
The governor on Friday appointed Goodlife Ben as the Acting Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Tonte Davies as the Acting Administrator of New Cities Development Authority, NCDA, and Ine Briggs as the Acting Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, the governor said the appointments take immediate effect.
On Friday, the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly voted to override Governor Siminalayi Fubara and pass four new bills into law.
The bills include the Rivers Local Government Amendment Law, the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Amendment Law, the Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-Owned Property Prohibition repeal law, and the Rivers State Funds Management and Financial Autonomy Law.
The House decided on Friday during plenary after Amaewhule read four letters addressed to him by the governor, wherein he declined his assent to the four new bills which had been sent to him for assent.
According to the House, its decision relies on Section 100 subsection 5 of the constitution, which said the assent of the governor is not required for the passage of the bills into law.
The house stated that where the governor withholds assent and the bill is again passed by two-thirds majority of the House, the bill shall become a law and the assent of the governor shall not be required.
Amaewhule further accused the governor of having no plans of conducting local government elections in the state.
This is coming 24 hours after the Supreme Court upheld the election of Governor Fubara.
The assembly, led by Amaewhule comprises 27 members who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Four members of the State Assembly, formerly led by Edison Ehie, who has now resigned as Speaker and member representing Ahoada East Constituency 2, are loyal to the governor.
President Bola Tinubu had waded into the political crisis in the state, which is predicated on the rift between Fubara and Wike.
The intervention of the President had led the concerned parties in the crisis to sign an eight-point resolution (peace accord) to end the crisis.
[DailyPost]
The body of a young man, hands tied behind his back and bearing signs of brutalization relating to a suspected cult clash, was on the early morning of Sunday, January 28, discovered on a refuse dump in Makurdi, the capital of Benue state.
The victim believed to be between 20 and 25 years old and of black complexion, was found with one ear missing.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of Iorpuu Adai Street, Nyiman Layout, HUDCO quarters, in Makurdi.
His assailants had placed his body in a sack before dumping it.
The discovery was made by worshippers en route to morning service on Sunday.
Police said they are yet to be informed of the ugly incident.
Details later…
[TheNation]
Devil’s messengers: Dubious strategies drug pushers employ in planting cocaine, others on air travellers
AdminVICTOR AYENI writes about the dark art used by drug traffickers to plant illicit drugs on innocent passengers who are unwittingly used as couriers to convey incriminating items to foreign countries
A mild drama ensued on January 16, 2024, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, when an unnamed traveller accosted an airport worker for allegedly planting an illegal substance on him.
The viral video which captured the employee being manhandled by the passenger who billed to travel to Accra, Ghana, was first posted on Thursday, January 18, by an X information and commentary page named Sabi Radio.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the traveller caused a scene at the airport alleging that one of the employees, later identified as Ugochukwu, attempted to use him to smuggle what he believed to be illicit drugs hidden in a parcel.
The flyer, it was gathered, was approached by Ugochukwu while at the airport who asked him to deliver a parcel which he claimed was a medication to an individual at his destination.
A caption attached to the 16-second video which garnered over 5.1 million views on Sabi Radio as of Wednesday afternoon, read, “That’s how a stupid FAAN staff (sic) tried to set us up to smuggle drugs, today. A whole (sic) Port Harcourt boy.”
The passenger, in an X post accompanying the video, opined that if he had not raised the alarm and rattled the airport, his picture would have been posted everywhere by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency accusing him of being a drug trafficker.
“Either (sic) it is their usual operation to set people up but they know they jammed (sic) their match today. As I begin razz the whole airport, them know say person dey.
“That’s how my life would have gone like that. Una for see my picture for everywhere for NDLEA says I smuggle drug for an international airport.
“Innocent people are jailed daily through this method but they jam (sic) their match today. The NDLEA personnel were not acting shocked. Y’all (sic) need to be careful at these airports,” he wrote, in a post interspersed with Pidgin English.
In the video sighted by our correspondent, Ugochukwu could be seen kneeling before the miffed passenger and trying to explain himself to two other onlookers.
“I didn’t even open the drug; I just saw this man and told him to please help me,” he was heard saying as the angry air passenger charged at him.
“Tell me the f***ing content of this drug,” the traveller interrupted, slapping Ugochukwu across the face.
Mixed reactions
Many Nigerians took to social media in response to the video. Some said that such an action could have led to the false accusation of drug trafficking against numerous innocent persons while other netizens argued that it was not a case of drug smuggling since the airport’s screening machine had cleared the passenger’s luggage.
One of them, a travel agent, Lucky Ehiorobo, claimed that a false narrative had been added to the story.
“This happened since Tuesday. He (airport worker) didn’t put the medicine (sic) in the pocket of the passenger, please. The staff (sic) asked the man to help him carry some vitamin supplements to Accra and give them to someone there. The passenger agreed and collected the package.
“The so-called drugs passed through the screening machine and checkpoints all cleared it. It was when the man was boarding and he had the fear of not knowing the content of the medicine (sic) that he started acting up. It was not drug smuggling, please be guided,” Ehiorobo wrote.
Conversely, an X user, @Gidi_Traffic said the incident could be more serious than it looked and a plot to incriminate an innocent traveller.
“According to our sources, in cases like these, there’s a standby corrupt NDLEA operative on the receiving end waiting to arrest the innocent traveller on a low key.
“In some instances, the receiver tracks the luggage and takes the merchandise, either by stealing the entire luggage or in some extreme cases, kidnapping, killing the passenger and making it seem like a robbery!
“If the passenger is not lucky and is stopped by security, well then, passengers are unfortunately criminalised, paraded on national TV and legally sentenced for crimes they didn’t commit. The airport CCTV footage could be having selective amnesia and may not help your case,” the netizen wrote.
Meanwhile, a British lawyer on X, Baron Chymaker, pointed out that he had witnessed a Nigerian face the consequences of illicit substances stuffed into his luggage.
He wrote, “We had a drug case a few years ago, and the defendant, who came from Nigeria, swore and cried profusely that he was not the owner of the drug and sincerely was (not) aware of how that drug got to his luggage, but none of us believed him.
“Since I saw this video, I (have) felt maybe, just maybe, we didn’t do our best for him, and he may have been a victim.”
Another X user and legal practitioner, Usman Shamaki, said the MMIA incident should lead to a review of all drug trafficking arrests made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
“In a sane society, this incident should immediately trigger a review of all arrests and convictions, as well as an investigation into all officials at the airport. But this is Nigeria. We’ll just say, ‘Oh well’ and move on,” he wrote.
FAAN responds
However, in its response to the viral video, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, on Thursday, disclosed that Ugochukwu was not an employee of the agency but a private company that worked with airlines.
It also said the item with the name, ‘New Age Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate Complex’ was taken to the NDLEA for further investigation.
The statement read partly, “The Authority wishes to set the records straight by stating that the officer being manhandled in the video is not a staff of FAAN. He has been identified as a member of the staff of Pathfinder Company.
“The employee was said to have approached a passenger to help him convey a parcel through the flight. When the passenger became sceptical, he raised the alarm, alleging that he was being set up for drug trafficking.
“The employee was immediately arrested for questioning by the Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit of the Aviation Security Services.
“The passenger involved has since departed on Ibom Air to Accra while the medication with the name ‘New Age Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate Complex’ has been taken to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation.”
Tramadol owner, airline worker arrested
But two later, the spokesperson of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, revealed that though an investigation was ongoing, the substances had been tested and one of them was found to test positive for tramadol, an opioid pain medication.
“Both the consignment and the suspect are already with the NDLEA. We have tested the two substances and a formal investigation is still going on, but one of the substances tested positive for tramadol and the other one is a supplement. We have arrested a lot of people like that,” he added.
On January 21, Babafemi, in a statement, disclosed that the parcel which Ugochukwu gave to the traveller contained 50 pills of tramadol concealed in the bottle of dietary supplement.
He added that the suspected owner of the opioid medicine was arrested upon his return from Ghana along with Ugochukwu.
“NDLEA operatives on Friday, January 19 arrested one Okosun Paul Punitt, the consignee of a consignment of tramadol concealed in a bottle of dietary supplements, which a staff (member) of Pathfinder International Ltd, Ajuzieogu Mac-Elvis Ugochukwu attempted sending through an intending passenger on Ibom Air to Accra, Ghana at the Lagos airport on Tuesday, January 16.
“A video of the face-off between the passenger and Ajuzieogu later went viral after the vigilant passenger suspected the consignment contained illicit substances.
“Both Ajuzieogu and the exhibit were later transferred to NDLEA on Thursday, January 18 by the FAAN for investigation.
“Preliminary findings by NDLEA showed the parcel contained 50 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in a bottle of dietary supplements.
“A follow-up operation by the agency led to the arrest of Okosun upon his return from Ghana on Friday. He has in his statement confirmed ownership of the drug,” the statement read in part.
Why is tramadol abused?
According to a fact sheet published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union, tramadol is a prescription medicine used to treat immediate and long-term pain of moderate to moderately severe intensity.
“It is a synthetic (man-made) opioid, which has actions similar to those of morphine. Tramadol is currently the most common non-medically used opioid in Nigeria. In Nigeria, tramadol is available in tablet, capsule or liquid form,” the report added.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a clinical pharmacist, James Ucheaga, explained that while tramadol was legal in the country, it was often sought by many drug users and traffickers due to its psychological side effects.
He explained, “Tramadol is mostly taken orally, but sometimes injected. Tramadol is typically prescribed in medical dosages of 50 and 100 milligrammes, both internationally and in Nigeria.
“When taken for non-medical purposes or without a prescription, tramadol frequently surpasses the dosage that is advised by doctors. Tramadol dosages of 200 mg, 225 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg, and higher are available on the black market in Nigeria.
“Many people abuse it because it produces feelings of ‘high,’ intense happiness, and excitement, alters the mood and also alters feelings of fear and pain.
“The medicine also produces increased energy, and decreased alertness and makes people feel relaxed.”
Ucheaga, however, added that the tramadol in the recent incident at the hospital might have been packed together with the Glucosamine supplements because of their pain-relieving effect.
“Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulphates are minerals that are usually found in bones, cartilage, and joint supplements. This medication helps to alleviate pains in the joints and bones.
“But in 2019, the Arthritis Foundation recommended that the medication shouldn’t be used alone for people with osteoarthritis but should be combined with a pain reliever.
“So it is possible that the tramadol was planned to be combined with the GCS supplements, but the use of weak or strong opioids for a long time is not good and there is a strong possibility that the real intention was to traffic the tramadol, the trafficker only used the supplements as a cover-up,” he added.
Drug cartels using passengers as mules
Commenting on the tactic of planting drugs on passengers, an employee of a travel agency, Busayo Ajala, told our correspondent that though some airport workers often asked travellers to help them deliver parcels, travellers ought to be vigilant.
“Passengers just need to be on the alert to know what is in such parcels and I heard this was what happened in this case. It could be dangerous because some drug traffickers use this tactic to convert innocent travellers into drug mules.
“Some of these traffickers will not let you know, they will just use you as a mule. That’s why when travelling, padlock all pockets even if you don’t put any valuables in there.
“Better still, buy luggage without many pockets outside your luggage. Unscrupulous elements can go to great lengths, but we must be vigilant during international flights,” Ajala added.
A YouTube video shared by Roots TV Nigeria illustrated how drug cartels could break the zipper of a piece of luggage and open up the travel bag without breaking the lock.
In the video, the tip of a pen was inserted into the teeth of the zipper and this opened the zipper fully and made the luggage open to the possible introduction of illicit substances by a desperate trafficker.
A Nigerian researcher based in Germany, Francis Odianose, told our correspondent in a chat that a person could be arrested for drug trafficking even when they were merely a mule unknowingly used by a cartel.
He said, “Some of these people could tell you that you should help them hold their luggage and that they want to go to the restroom. Don’t ever accept it.
“That’s one trick they can use to divert attention towards you as security personnel will be alerted to you so that they can get away with their real possessions.
“And don’t ever leave your luggage unattended, or only entrust it with someone whom you truly trust. Some of them can approach you with money too.
“The best plan is to go to the security of the airport and say that you’ve found an unknown package in your bag and turn it in. You might be delayed and miss your flight, but it’s better than if they find drugs on you.”
Different shades of dark art
In 2022, the NDLEA arrested a 27-year-old drug trafficker, Opoola Mujidat, who planted illegal drugs concealed in local bowls containing “scary native black soap and sponge” on two Oman-bound male passengers at the departure hall of the MMIA in Lagos.
The passengers, Raji Kazeem and Akinbobola Omoniyi, were reportedly travelling together to Oman on an Ethiopian Airline flight in July when they were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the airport.
The spokesman for the agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, noted that both Kazeem and Omoniyi immediately alerted the anti-narcotic officers that Mujidat, who was still within the vicinity, had given them the bag containing the illicit substance at the airport before she was arrested.
In the same month in 2022, an attempt by a human trafficker, Matthew Bassey, to use an orphan, Gift Eno, to smuggle an illicit drug to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, was also thwarted by the operatives of the NDLEA.
In a statement, Babafemi disclosed that Bassey who had already recruited Eno for a phantom job in the Arab country was arrested following the interception of Eno at the departure hall of the MMIA in Lagos.
When Eno’s luggage was searched, 50 parcels of cannabis (2.8 kg) concealed in food items were discovered, and there were discrepancies between the age she declared and the date of birth on her international passport.
Bassey, who was said to be lurking around the airport, waiting for Eno’s departure was promptly tracked by the officials and arrested.
Babafemi said it was further discovered that the recruiter leveraged Eno’s naivety and planted the drugs in her bag for onward delivery to his contact in Dubai.
In 2019, the NDLEA announced that it had nabbed an airport cartel which specialised in planting drugs on passengers.
The then chairman of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (retd.), said the cartel was uncovered after detectives embarked on an investigation of a Nigerian lady identified as Zainab Aliyu, who was accused of entering Saudi Arabia with tramadol.
On December 26, 2018, Zainab was arrested by Saudi Arabia police shortly after she arrived for lesser Hajj, over allegations that a luggage bearing her name tag contained the unlawful substance.
However, while in detention, the NDLEA received a petition from her father, seeking a probe of his daughter’s ordeal.
Consequently, the NDLEA commander launched an investigation, which culminated in the arrest and arraignment of seven staff members of the airport.
The accused were identified as Idris Umar Shehu, Sanni Suleiman, Nuhu Adamu, Rhoda Adetunji, Udosen Itoro Henry and Sanni Hamisu.
The cartel had reportedly planted the tramadol-bearing luggage on Zainab.
It was further established that Zainab, who had only a piece of luggage, was not aware that a second bag had been labelled in her name.
Speaking of Zainab’s case, then-permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mustapha Sulaiman, said, “We piled pressure and there have been discussions at various levels between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi authorities.
“The ministry used all available diplomatic channels to secure her release.”
He explained that an investigation by the Federal Government revealed that a drug cartel in Nigeria placed the drugs in her bag, leading to her arrest in Jeddah.
This discovery by the NDLEA raised concerns that some Nigerians arrested and executed for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia might have been innocent.
Russian used by Nigerian lover
In 2017, a 30-year-old Russian woman, Maria Dapirka, who was accused of being a cocaine mule faced the death penalty in Vietnam.
But Dapirka stated that she was set up by her Nigerian lover, identified as Nick, also known as ‘Chib Eze’, who posed as a top footballer.
Dapirka, who lived in Thailand, was caught with almost 3kg of cocaine by Vietnamese customs on a flight from Singapore.
She said the cocaine was planted in her luggage by Nick who had a penchant for seducing attractive young women before conning them into becoming drug couriers.
Although Dapirka’s execution was overturned, an online report published on February 7, 2021, and sighted by our correspondent on Wednesday, said she was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Drug cartels also use social media – NDLEA
In 2015, the NDLEA disclosed that it foiled an attempt by a drug trafficking organisation to recruit a 37-year-old lady, Gloria Ezeabata, on Facebook as a drug courier under the guise of a marriage proposal.
The agency stated that after it mounted surveillance, the courier who was recruited and headed for Malaysia was apprehended.
“Some of the tricks to watch out for include marriage proposals to unsuspecting female victims, unsolicited generosity like cash and other gift items as well as offering all-expense paid trips to Asia, Europe, America and South Africa.
“Gloria was arrested during the screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight on her way to Malaysia at the departure hall.
“Substances that tested positive for methamphetamine weighing 1.325kg were detected in her luggage.
“The drug was concealed in 26 packs of Indomie noodles in a bag of foodstuff containing plantain, pepper, melon and other spices.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of one Mr Philip Maduabuchi Akpaka who allegedly coordinated the travel arrangement for Gloria and gave her the bag containing the drugs,” the agency said in a statement.
Airports need increased monitoring – Experts
Highlighting the need for digital security, a tech consultant, Solomon Nwadike, told Sunday PUNCH called for an increase in the level of monitoring by airline staff members who check passengers’ luggage.
He stated, “It doesn’t help if citizens have to rely on their phones to capture what was about to be done to their luggage.
“These banned substances don’t come from the air, they come from a stored place, by some people, and they even bribe and enlist the aid of airline workers. So, they should be fished out.
“Unfortunately, maybe due to poverty or greed, we have a deeply entrenched culture of bribery which can provide a leeway to criminals.
“But with increased surveillance, both manual and digital, these incidents can be minimised. Citizens should also learn to voice out and alert the relevant agencies whenever they sense a suspicious activity going on.”
[Punch]
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have declared an ex-beauty queen, Ms. Aderinoye Queen Christmas, also known as Ms. Queen Oluwadamilola Aderinoye wanted over her alleged deals in illicit substances.
According to reports, Aderinoye was declared wanted after she escaped from her Lekki, Lagos residence when NDLEA operatives raided her apartment at Oral Estate, Lekki, on Wednesday 24th, following credible intelligence that she deals in illicit substances.
The suspect was Miss Commonwealth Nigeria Culture 2015/2016 and founder of Queen Christmas Foundation.
Recovered from her home during the search witnessed by the estate officials include 606 grams of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, an electronic weighing scale, large quantities of drugs packing plastics, a black RAV 4 SUV marked Lagos KSF 872 GQ, and her picture frame among others.
Spokesman of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi who made this known said Operatives also arrested a Brazil returnee, Udechukwu Ekene Theophilus at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for ingesting 60 big wraps of cocaine.
“The suspect who was arrested during inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the D-Arrival Hall of the Lagos airport on Sunday 21st January 2024, initially refused to undergo body scan, raising health concerns in a desperate bid to evade arrest.
“When he was however offered other options, he accepted to be placed on excretion observation and shortly after he was ushered into NDLEA observatory, he excreted the first set of cocaine pellets, after which he expelled a total of 60 wraps of the class A drug weighing 1.279 kilograms in five excretions.
“In his statement, Udechukwu claimed he ingested the consignment in Brazil and was to discharge everything at the airport in Addis Ababa but could only excrete 15 pellets which he handed over to another member of his syndicate before his connecting flight to Nigeria was called.
“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport on Tuesday 23rd January recovered a total of twelve (12) cartons of tramadol 225mg containing five hundred and ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred (599,900) pills weighing 385.40kg from an overstayed cargo at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport after a joint examination with other agencies.
“The tramadol consignment had come into the country in two batches on KLM Royal Dutch Airline flights from Karachi, Pakistan between 27th July and 1st August 2023.
“They were however placed under watch by NDLEA operatives since then”.
He continued, “Not less than 822 kilograms of cannabis sativa hidden in a fuel station located at Ashipa community along Badagry-Seme road were recovered by operatives of the Seme Special Area Command of NDLEA, while a suspect Sani Audu, 35, was arrested with 111.3kg of same substance at Maigatari town in Jigawa State on Tuesday 23rd January.
In Yobe state, two suspects: Mohammed Usman and Adamu Ma’azu were arrested on Saturday 27th January with 49 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 50kg at Damaturu motor park, Damaturu.
The duo of Paul Obor, 38, and Dennis Fuokorighe, 48, were arrested on Wednesday 24th Jan. at a Navy check point, Itobe, Ofu LGA, Kogi state with 318 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 190.8kg concealed in a gold colour Honda Accord Car marked RBC 449AE, and were handed over to the Kogi state command of the Agency on Friday 26th Jan. by men of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Lugard, Lokoja.
In Kano, a suspect, Shamwilu Idris, 29, was arrested at Gadar Tamburawa area on Thursday 25th January with 271kg cannabis following the seizure of an abandoned 28.1kg of same substance at Rijiyar Lemo area of the state on Wednesday 24th January.
Another suspect, Abubakar Haruna Salisu, 24, was nabbed at Kotun Wambai, Yan Awaki, area of Kano on Friday 26th January with 600 bottles of codeine-based syrup while a total of 1, 306 blocks of cannabis weighing 886kg seized by the Police at Kwanar Dangora, area of the state were transferred to the Agency on Wednesday 24th January.
A total of 87 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 73kg as well as 21, 346 pills of tramadol and 3,800 tablets of diazepam were recovered from a suspect, Musa Galadima on Friday 26th January when his DAF truck marked GME 971 XD was intercepted at Lafiyawo, along Gombe – Bauchi road by NDLEA operatives. In Plateau state,
Aminu Ubanta, 35, was nabbed on Saturday 27th January with 5.355kg cannabi at Layin Zana area of Jos.
Two members of an international drug trafficking syndicate: Sunday Michael Owoborode, 52, and Valentine Anene were arrested the next day Thursday 25th January at Edu Orita, Ogun state where Valentine was being prepared to travel with some drugs to Qatar same day on board a Qatar airline flight from Lagos.
At the time of their arrest, 1.8kg of cannabis, an electronic weighing scale and other illicit substances were found on them.
In another interdiction operation by operatives in Lagos, a 50-year-old Sunday Adediran, was arrested on Wednesday 24th January with 20kg cannabis sativa found in one of the rooms in his house at Mushin Olosha.
With the same vigour, 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 of Government Day Primary and Secondary School, Jiddel Michika, Adamawa State; students of Soltab Comprehensive College, Abeokuta, Ogun state; pupils and teachers of Sangotedo Primary School, Ajah, Lagos State.
Others were pupils and teachers of ADS Basic Primary School 1&2, Ogbomoso, Oyo state; students and teachers of Farfanu Malami community secondary school, Magama Jibia, Katsina state; and WADA advocacy visit to His Royal Highness, Dr. Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu, Eze Uzu 11 of Awka, Anambra State, among others.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Seme, Kano, Gombe, Kogi, Plateau and Jigawa Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in the past week.
He equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures, thus creating a balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities.
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Newly inaugurated Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has announced his first set of appointments, including Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff.
Shortly after being sworn-in on Saturday at the Muhammadu Buhari Mini Stadium in Lokoja, Ododo nominated Folashade Ayoade Arike as SSG, Kingsley Fanwo as Chief Press Secretary, and Ali Bello as Chief of Staff.
Other appointees include Hilary Ojoma as Deputy Chief of Staff, Jerry Omodara as Security Adviser, and Deedat Salami Ozigi as Special Adviser on Media.
Some nominees were retained from the previous administration like Bello and Fanwo who served ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.
Governor Ododo has sent the list of nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening, urging swift action to enable them assume duties immediately.
The new appointments are the first major decisions taken by the governor as he takes charge in Kogi. Analysts believe he aims to hit the ground running by ensuring key offices are promptly filled at the start of his tenure.
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has reminded socialite Aisha Achimugu of her tax obligation following her lavish 50th birthday party hosted in Granada.
Aisha, who is the widow of late oil and gas tycoon, Sulaiman Achimugu, hosted an opulent weeklong birthday party in the Caribbean Islands where she hosted top Nigerian politicians and celebrities.
A special website launched for the birthday celebrations detailed how guests were treated to an eight-day gala in Calivigny Island and Silversand Grenada, a seven-star luxury resort located in Grand Anse beach.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was said to have attended the posh event, reports Premium Times.
Local and international musicians and entertainers flown in to perform at the party include Kenny G (American saxophonist and composer), Waje, Flavour, Adekunle Gold, Asake and Mr Killa (a Grenada musician).
Mrs Achimugu, who lost her husband to Coronavirus in 2020, was said to have changed clothes at least 30 times, with each dress reported to cost thousands of dollars.
According to the report, Aisha was decked in very expensive diamond jewelry, wore designer shoes and carried Hermes crocodile-leather handbags, each said to cost between $50,000 and $80,000.
Reacting to social media reactions that trailed the event, Aisha said she would give her critics “things to talk about” when she returns to the country.
“I want to congratulate myself for being the most popular person in the entire world, apart from the Gaza and Israeli fight, I guess something that’s most popular on the news globally. I give God the glory, and I thank God for my life. And for those who have genuinely shown concern over the media, I want to assure you that I’m well, I’m in a high spirit
“But I want to assure you all that this girl is moving ahead. I’m having a great time, and I’ll continue to have a great time and have a ball today, tomorrow, and Sunday for those of you who are going to be around. And for those who are genuinely not concerned, I love you all.
“I’ve not been in a media space, but since they’ve made it a duty for me to do that, I promise you’ll see more of my face in the media. So, in a lighter mode, just to let you know, I’m happy and looking forward to today.
“My most exciting moment is my charity ball, ten years of self, and then tomorrow to party and shut Nigeria down again. So I will give them things to talk about for the entire week. Thank you,” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Aisha’s party has caught the attention of the FCT Internal Revenue Service.
The tax authority extended their birthday greetings to the socialite while urging her to file her annual tax returns.
“The FCT-Internal Revenue Service extends our warmest birthday wishes to you! May this special day be filled with joy and blessings.
“Remember to fulfill your tax obligations by filing your annual tax returns,” the agency said in a tweet.
Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have apprehended a four-man gang masquerading as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials, who terrorized students in Umudike with a toy gun.
The suspects, identified as Onyedikachi Ihechukwumere (25), Onwuka Christopher (26), and Tochukwu Obinna (30), were arrested on Tuesday, January 23, following a tip-off received by the Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia.
Reports allege that the gang, sporting Man O’ War uniforms, stormed Enyioma Christ Lodge in Umudike, brandishing a toy gun and dispossessing students of their phones and a total of N120,000 through forced bank transfers.
Acting swiftly upon receiving the intelligence, a team from CPS Umuahia mobilized to the scene, initiating an investigation that led to the apprehension of the three suspects.
“Exhibits recovered from them include three of the stolen phones, a tricycle used in their operation, and three red-colored jackets bearing the EFCC inscription,” revealed Abia State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement issued on Saturday, January 27.
Further investigation, ASP Maureen disclosed, led to the subsequent arrest of two additional suspects on Wednesday, January 24. These were James Prince Victor (39) and Chidozie Onwuzuruike (40), both residents of Ohuhu Umuahia North.
Victor, claiming to be an EFCC official who allegedly coordinated the students’ lodge attack, was apprehended alongside Onwuzuruike.
“Four more red-colored jackets with EFCC inscription, two EFCC ID cards, another stolen phone, a toy gun, and four EFCC search warrants were recovered from the duo,” the police statement added.
The Abia State Police Command has condemned the activities of the fake EFCC operatives, commending the vigilance of the public and pledging to bring all perpetrators to justice.
The federal government has ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Ogalla is accused of providing security for oil thieves and receiving huge sums in return against the federal government’s touted war against oil thieves.
A statement by the director of press in the ministry of information, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, the minister of state for defence, Muhammed Bello Matawalle, called for a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth of the claims.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has zero tolerance for corruption in the public service.
“Though these allegations might be mischievous, the Ministry of Defence is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces. The allegations leveled against Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla are serious,” he said.
Speaking on the source of information, he said: “We respect the role of the media in fostering transparency and holding public figures accountable. At the same time, we urge responsible journalism that adheres to the principles of fairness, objectivity and accuracy. Accusations of this nature can have far-reaching consequences on the reputation of individuals and institutions, and thus, it is crucial to avoid premature judgments.”
The minister assured that the Ministry of Defence would collaborate fully with relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
“We remain committed to the principles of due process and fairness, ensuring that findings will be based on concrete evidence and legal standards.
“It is our collective responsibility to maintain the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in the institutions that safeguard our nation’s security. We call for patience as the investigative process unfolds and trust that justice will be served in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy has described the allegations as malicious, baseless and false.
The director of information, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, said the allegation that the CNS accepted over $170 million in bribes and the alleged involvement in multi-billion naira contract splitting fraud in the last six months are untenable, baseless and untrue.
He was reacting to a publication in an online medium yesterday following the federal government’s order to probe the Naval chief.
He said the service was aware of the coordinated frantic efforts to blackmail the office and person of the CNS by some disgruntled elements who were feeling the heat of the Nigerian Navy’s renewed vigour to fight crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain as well as those who have in one way or the order shortchanged the Navy before now.
He said; “The continuous rejuvenated operations towards curbing oil theft has given the oil thieves sleepless nights hence the decision to engage in the malicious publications.”
He added that there were clear procedural requirements in the arrest, detention and release of any vessel or persons found culpable in the maritime environment.
He said it is until these processes are duly concluded that such vessels are released to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further actions.
“Indeed, all arrested vessels mentioned in the publication that were involved in crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering are being investigated and none of such vessels has been released as alleged,” he said.
He stated that the CNS does not award or oversee oil bunkering contracts; noting that the award of such is the sole prerogative of NNPCL.
He said all contracts awarded by the Navy follow due process in line with the laws of the federation.
The director said the Nigerian Navy is an offshoot of the constitutional provisions and duly guided by extant laws and regulations of the land.
“The policing roles of the Navy empowers her to monitor the maritime domain of the nation. These among others include arrest of vessels that contravene any of the maritime laws and SPOMO Act 2019,” he added.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Navy recently launched Operation Delta Sanity which provides for a holistic and more robust roadmap towards the reinvigorated stance of the Navy towards the fight against crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities in the nation’s maritime environment.
[Leadership]