All Posts in "General News"

Kano police arrest robbery suspects, recover illicit drugs worth N42.9m

Police-OfficerThe Kano State Police Command says it has arrested two notorious robbery suspects and intercepted consignments of suspected illicit drugs and liquid intoxicants, locally known as Akuskura, valued at N42.95m.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, the suspects, identified as 20-year-old Nura Sani of Zango Town, Bauchi State, and 35-year-old Ibrahim Lawan of Katsina State, were apprehended after a robbery at Tokarawa Quarters on September 14, where they allegedly stormed a residence with dangerous weapons and carted away a Mercedes Benz GLK worth N26.5m, alongside phones and other valuables.

“In a related operation, operatives recovered 540 packets of suspected Pregabalin capsules valued at N40.5m in Jalli Village, Dawakin Tofa LGA,” the statement read.

Kiyawa added that “on September 30, at about 11:15am, a surveillance team intercepted two other suspects, Alhaji Isyaku Babayo of K/Mazugal and Mohammed Ahmed of Dorayi Babba, at Dangauro Trailer Park.”

They were allegedly found with seven bags of Akuskura, each containing 350 bottles, totalling 2,450 bottles, valued at N2.45m.

The police said all the recovered illicit substances, including suspects linked to over N120m worth of Tramadol, Pregabalin, and Cannabis Sativa, had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano Command, for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers for their professionalism and assured that efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects and recover more stolen items.

He also appreciated the support of residents, urging them to continue cooperating with security agencies in the fight against crime.

Dan Poster by — October 3, 2025 in General News 0
Osun NULGE kicks as pro-APC workers suspend strike

NULGECrisis deepened in Osun State’s local government system on Thursday after a faction of local government workers, under the umbrella of the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State, directed striking council staff to immediately resume work.

The directive runs contrary to the position of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Osun State chapter, which had ordered workers to stay off duty since February 17, 2025, following violent clashes between members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress over control of councils.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the coordinator of the breakaway group, Adedayo Adekunle, accused the state NULGE leadership of insensitivity for keeping workers at home for nearly eight months.

Adekunle insisted that council staff were apolitical and should return to duty.

He said, “To avoid degradation and possible job loss, concerned local government staff hereby call on all patriotic and law-abiding workers to resume work without delay.

Information at our disposal is that staff auditing has been slated for next week to ascertain the actual number of staff in the office.

“In addition, all staff are to report at their mother council with their first appointment letter, confirmation letter and last promotion letter for easier and proper identification. Sequel to the above, we want to assure our members that we are apolitical.”

But in a swift response, Osun NULGE, through its Publicity Secretary, David Owoeye, dismissed the directive as fake and warned its members not to comply.

The statement read in part, “The union is using this medium to inform our esteemed members that such  information did not emanate from the elected state NULGE Executives under the leadership of Comrade Dr. Nathaniel Kehinde Ogungbangbe.

“It was authored to destabilise the peace of the state, through which our members could be massacred and our membership strength reduced. Therefore, the union beseeches all our members to see the write-up as the handiwork of the killers of destiny, which must be completely jettisoned, and stay away from office until further directive from the REAL elected State NULGE executives.”

Meanwhile, the Osun State House of Assembly has again warned commercial banks, especially the United Bank for Africa’s Osogbo branch, against honouring unauthorised financial instructions on local government accounts.

In a letter signed by the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, dated Thursday, October 2, 2025, the Assembly described as unconstitutional alleged directives authorising deductions of up to 15 percent of September allocations from some local government councils, including Boluwaduro.

The House insisted that under the Osun State Guidelines on Local Government Administration and the Public Financial Management Law, 2020, only the Local Government Chairman and the Director of Administration and General Services are recognised as signatories to council accounts.

The Speaker warned, “Any transaction in breach of this position shall attract the full constitutional and legal consequences, including summons before the House, warrants of arrest, and referrals to anti-corruption agencies. Your institution will also stand the risk of blacklisting and withdrawal of the privilege to operate government accounts.”

Earlier this week, the Assembly had resolved that any attempt by unauthorised persons to access local government funds would be treated as aiding and abetting financial fraud, stressing that the step was taken to safeguard grassroots resources from abuse or diversion.

Dan Poster by — October 3, 2025 in General News 0
NAFDAC destroys N15bn fake, expired drugs in Oyo

NAFDAC DG Prof Mojisola AdeyeyeThe National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Thursday destroyed fake, expired, substandard, and falsified drugs and products valued at N15bn in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This was announced by the Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, during the destruction in Ibadan, the state capital.

Represented by NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, Adeyeye said the agency remained resolutely committed to ensuring that foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks were safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption.

“There is no doubt that drugs are a critical aspect of NAFDAC’s mandate, and the agency has established strict guidelines governing the licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products.

“The products we destroyed today (Thursday) include expired, counterfeit, uncontrolled, unregistered, and banned drugs such as Analgin, Cocodamol, codeine cough syrup, tramadol, oxytocin, and various types of vaccines.

“The estimated street value of these products being destroyed today (Thursday) stands at N15bn only.”

She stated that the destruction of those products would eliminate the risk of their re-entry into the Nigerian market.

The DG appreciated the support of the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, NDLEA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, among others.

She, therefore, urged stakeholders to educate their families and wards about the dangers of patronising quacks and unauthorised medicine dealers.

S.K. Tijani, who spoke on behalf of the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, stated that there was synergy between Customs and NAFDAC in the fight against fake, expired, substandard, and unwholesome drugs and products nationwide.

He said all stakeholders must play their part in ensuring that the nation is free from criminal activities.

Dan Poster by — October 3, 2025 in General News 0
NBA kicks as police begin tinted glass permit enforcement

Nigerian Bar AssociationThe Nigerian Bar Association has vowed to provide free legal services to Nigerians harassed by the police over the controversial tinted glass permit, which it described as “illegal.”

The NBA, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law, said the police had no constitutional basis to impose fees or annual renewals on motorists, warning that enforcement of the policy was both unlawful and a revenue-driven scheme.

In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the NBA’s Public Interest Litigation Committee, Olukunle Edun (SAN), said: “We shall invoke the powers of the court to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force does not trample on the rights of Nigerians. Any citizen who is harassed by the police in the purported enforcement of the illegal tinted glass permit should feel free to contact any of the NBA branches.

“The Human Rights Committees of the 130 branches of the NBA in Nigeria are ready to offer pro bono services to anyone who is harassed. It has been estimated that the police may generate at least N3bn within a month from monies that will be collected, thus turning the police into a revenue-generating agency of the Federal Government instead of focusing on the more serious issue of crime.”

Edun stressed that the matter is already in court and accused the police of being “lawless” by commencing enforcement.

In a letter to the Inspector General of Police dated October 2, 2025, the NBA reminded the force of the pending suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 before the Federal High Court, Abuja, which challenges the legality and constitutionality of the policy. The association said the police have a duty to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the court rules.

The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA, seeks declarations that the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree 1991 is unconstitutional and inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution, and that motorists cannot be compelled to pay fees or renew permits. It also seeks an injunction restraining the police from further arrests, harassment, or extortion under the policy.

An affidavit filed by NBA lawyer, Godspower Eroga, alleged that the police intended to divert funds through a private account—Parkway Projects A/C No. 4001017918—instead of remitting payments into the Treasury Single Account.

He further argued that the law cited by the police provides no measurable standard for tinting and is incompatible with modern vehicles that often come with factory-installed tinted windows.

Eroga also noted that successive Inspectors General of Police had at various times suspended the permit regime, declaring it free, indefinite, or unnecessary.

He added that senior police officers themselves use SUVs with heavily tinted windows, often without permits.

The NBA insisted that the police cannot impose what amounts to taxation without legislation.

“The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating agency of the Federal Government,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the association expressed outrage that on the very first day of enforcement, police officers in Asaba, Delta State, impounded the vehicle of a National Industrial Court judge, Justice O. A. Ogunbowale.

NBA-SPIDEL described the action as “an embarrassing and avoidable situation” that underscored its warnings about the dangers of the policy.

The body revealed it had made a last-minute attempt to secure an injunction to halt the enforcement, but the Federal High Court’s vacation judge declined to hear the application, citing procedural limitations.

“A simple order to stay the police action could have protected the public and, as it turned out, one of his own colleagues,” the NBA said.

It concluded by urging the judiciary to act decisively in matters of urgent public interest:

Dan Poster by — October 3, 2025 in General News 0
FIDA Marks International Day of Older Persons

…CALLS for stronger protection of Elderly Women’s Rights

 

On the occasion of the 2025 International Day of Older Persons, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Worldwide) has called for stronger global action to protect the rights and dignity of older persons, particularly elderly women.
In a statement signed by FIDA’s Global President, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, the organisation celebrated the invaluable contributions of older persons, describing them as custodians of wisdom, resilience, and lifelong experience. However, it noted that despite their importance, older persons across the world continue to face discrimination, neglect, and barriers in accessing justice and essential services.
“As women lawyers and advocates for human rights, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of older persons, particularly older women who often experience compounded vulnerabilities,” the statement read.
FIDA urged governments and policymakers to establish robust legal frameworks, inclusive policies, and supportive societal attitudes that promote equality, safety, and empowerment for the elderly.
The statement further emphasised the need to celebrate the wisdom and strength of older persons while fostering a world where aging is met with respect, inclusion, and justice.
Federación Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA) was formally established in Mexico in 1944. The name translates to the International Federation of Women Lawyers.

Picture: FIDA’s Global President, Mrs Ezinwa Okoroafor

DFC Management by — October 1, 2025 in General News 0
Independence day: Let’s farm our land, build our factories -Tinubu tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has said that all hands must be on deck to reposition the country among its peers globally.

The President made this call during nationwide broadcast to mark the country’s 65th independence anniversary on Wednesday.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria must be a nation of producers, not just consumers.

“Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just as the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building.

“Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,” Tinubu said.

The President explained that though the economic reforms introduced by his administration, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, came with “temporary pains,” allowing Nigeria to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option.

Dan Poster by — October 1, 2025 in General News 0
At 65, many Nigerians still live in fear, says ex-presidential candidate

Nigeria @65 official logo. Photo: Federal GovernmentAs Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, the Social Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, warned that the nation cannot prosper while millions of its citizens remain trapped in poverty and fear.

The Federal Government had declared Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to commemorate the country’s independence from Britain in 1960.

However, in a late announcement on Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed that the traditional Independence Day parade would no longer be held.

In a statement issued in Abuja to commemorate the day, Adebayo said the country’s promise of greatness would remain unfulfilled unless urgent action were taken to confront insecurity, hunger, and corruption.

“No nation can prosper while its people live in fear. Peace is not optional; it is the precondition for progress, the anchor of prosperity, and the oxygen of national renewal,” he declared.

His comments came against the backdrop of the shocking death of 29-year-old Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who reportedly died on Monday following injuries sustained during a violent robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja.

The incident, which colleagues say was compounded by her alleged denial of medical care, has reignited concerns over the state of security and healthcare in the country.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, Adebayo recalled the vision and lofty dreams of the nation’s founding fathers, including the country’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa:

But 65 years on, Adebayo noted, the reality for many Nigerians stands in sharp contrast to the projected vision.

He lamented that 63 per cent of citizens—some 133 million people—are classified by the National Bureau of Statistics as multidimensionally poor with one in three lives below the World Bank’s poverty line of $2.15 per day; and over 31 million are facing acute food insecurity.

“These are not abstract figures; they are broken lives, and they demand a national response as urgent as war,” he said.

On insecurity, Adebayo warned that banditry, insurgency, and communal violence had displaced more than 2.3 million Nigerians by the end of 2024, according to United Nations data.

The SDP candidate argued that without a coherent security strategy that unifies the military, police, and intelligence agencies while deploying modern surveillance tools such as drones and satellites, the country’s development would remain stunted.

Yet, despite the bleak outlook, Adebayo insisted that hope was not lost. According to him, the urgent task before any government was to place peace and accountability at the centre of its agenda.

“The urgent task before us now is to build a Nigeria where no Nigerian is left behind, and where no community is consigned to despair. If we meet this test, we will awaken the Nigeria of our dreams. This is the true promise of independence,” he said.

Dan Poster by — October 1, 2025 in General News 0
EFCC Arraigns FBI Suspect For Alleged Cryptocurrency Account Takeover In Enugu

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Godslove Munachiso Obiwuru, a 26-year old Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI,  suspect before Justice M. T. Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.

He was arraigned  on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering.

Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Godslove Munachiso Obiwuru ‘M’ sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained 0.042 Ethereum (digital currency) equivalent to $50 (Fifty United States Dollars) in a Binance wallet account with the address 0xD62C9DA42BDe76a7Be113ABA225456C57320A569 which you know or reasonably ought to know, is a proceed of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 20 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022”.

He pleaded “not guilty” to the two counts.  In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I A.Y Abdullahi prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Correctional facility.

However, the defence counsel, Abel Anih, prayed the court for a short date to enable him file an application for bail before the court.

The matter was thereafter adjourned for hearing of bail application while the defendant was remanded at the EFCC custody.

The defendant was arrested on August 5, 2025, following a petition by the FBI alleging that the defendant was involved in auctioning a cryptocurrency account takeover scheme.

According to the petition, in November 2022, a Coinbase cryptocurrency belonging to a citizen of the United States of America was compromised, leading to the theft of 90,410.126 Gold Retriever Tokens (GLDN), worth approximately $307,394.00, at that time.

Further investigation by the FBI revealed that part of the stolen cryptocurrency funds were transferred to a Binance account belonging to the defendant.

However, preliminary investigations by operatives of the Special Task Force of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, revealed that the defendant received cryptocurrency, allegedly stolen from two different victims.

Dan Poster by — October 1, 2025 in General News 0
LASWA Announces Jetty Closures For E1 Championship

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), has announced partial closures of jetties and terminals along the iconic Five Cowries Creek from October 2 to 5, 2025.

This carefully planned disruption is designed to ensure the safety, security, and smooth running of the much-anticipated E1 Championship Lagos series. Starting Thursday, October 2, there will be partial closure between Falomo bridge and Oriental Hotel from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Friday, October 3, a full closure will be in effect from Oriental Hotel to Mekwen bridge during the same hours. The weekend will see full closures again, from Falomo bridge to Oriental Hotel, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

LASWA reminds ferry operators, passengers, and all waterway users to plan their travel accordingly and use alternate routes as they host the international sporting event that positions Lagos as a leading global destination for sporting excellence.

Normal ferry services along these routes will resume on Monday, October 6.The Lagos State Government extends its appreciation for everyone’s understanding and cooperation as the city prepares to welcome the world for this groundbreaking championship.

Dan Poster by — October 1, 2025 in General News 0
Tinubu Unhappy With Death Of Arise TV Journalist

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he received with deep sorrow the news of the tragic passing of Ms Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a brilliant news anchor with Arise News Television, who was killed during an attack by robbers at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

 

Tinubu, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms Maduagwu, the management and staff of Arise News Television, and the entire Nigerian media fraternity over this painful loss.

 

Tinubu says: ” Ms Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.

 

” Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay”.

 

While commiserating with the bereaved family, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that his administration remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and will continue to strengthen measures aimed at combating crime in all its forms.

Dan Poster by — October 1, 2025 in General News 0