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NAFDAC executes major mop-up operation in Maiduguri markets
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out thorough mop-up operation in key markets across Maiduguri, Borno State, to remove drugs and food items contaminated by recent floods. This initiative is aimed to protect public health and prevent the sale of compromised products that could lead to disease outbreaks. Led by NAFDAC officials from Borno, Yobe, Gombe, and the NAFDAC Area Laboratory, the operation targeted Gamboru, Monday Market, Open Air-Theatre Drug Market, and Gwange Drug Market. Contaminated food and drugs, valued at over N5 billion, were seized and sea. NAFDAC also issued guidance to vendors and the public on identifying and handling potentially unsafe products. NAFDAC has temporarily close manufacturing facilities in the flood-affected areas for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) reassessments. The Agency remains committed to ongoing monitoring and urges the public to report any suspicious products to their nearest NAFDAC office.
NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with N4.6billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport
Barely 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the same Class A drug weighing 19.40 kilograms with an estimated street value of Four Billion Six Hundred and Fifty Six Million Naira (N4,656,000,000.00). Ogbuji was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, on Wednesday 10th May 2023 upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986kg. He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on 13thJuly 2023. Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00), which he paid and was set free. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized 1.986 kilograms cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest. Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 18th September 2024 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage. In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt. As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a secondary search. It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect. A total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.40kg belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered. During interview with the suspect, he stated that he initially left the backpack containing the drug at the carousel area as a strategy to beat NDLEA operatives, adding that he never knew there could be a secondary search since he had presented his bag for search previously and nothing incriminating was found. He claimed he had to procure a new international passport to continue his criminal trade. Investigation reveals Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and others in the West African sub-region like Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. In his reaction to the arrest of Ogbuji, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for an excellent job done, adding that the seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport is a milestone that will send a strong message to the international drug cartels trying to find footholds in Nigeria. He said the Agency will continue to work to disrupt the activities of drug cartels operating in the country.
79th UNGA: US Chamber Of Commerce commits $320m to Mortgage Financing, SMEs, Others in Nigeria
Nigeria’s participation at the 79th Session of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (#UNGA79) recorded the first success on Monday, as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment towards mortgage refinancing and women empowerment received the support of the United States Chamber of Commerce @USChamber with a commitment of about $320 million. This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is leading the federal government delegation and representing President Tinubu at this year’s UNGA, has met with other members of Nigeria’s delegation to strategise on Nigeria’s engagements in New York. At a US-Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, Nisha Biswal of the American International Development Finance Corporation announced that with a portfolio of $1 billion, it was investing $200 million in mortgage refinancing in Nigeria. The sum of $100 million has been earmarked for FCMB to finance SMEs in Nigeria, with particular interest in women empowerment. The US Chamber of Commerce also announced that $20 million has been approved for a firm, Robust International, for processing of cashew nuts in Nigeria. Biswal said the American Chamber remained committed to working with Nigerians in the development and pursuit of sustainable economic policies. Appreciating the gesture of the group, Vice President Shettima reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to investor-friendly policies. He stated: “I urge you to give Nigeria the benefit of the doubt. The current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the most investor-friendly administration in the history of Nigeria. When fuel subsidy was an albatross around Nigeria’s neck, President Tinubu, from day one, hit the ground running by withdrawing the fuel subsidy and unifying the multiple opaque foreign exchange markets.” Earlier on Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar @YusufTuggar, led other members to brief the Vice President on the activities and itinerary lined up for him in New York. Tuggar outlined the programmes and activities, saying the Vice President is expected to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly. Apart from President Tinubu’s national statement delivery, Vice President Kashim Shettima is also expected to meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations. Aside other heads of states lined up to meet with the Vice President, there are also scheduled meetings with the head of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States; the President of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Director General of the International Atomic Agency, and multinational companies, among others. Also on the itinerary of the Vice President is a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a host of other international partners. Top Nigerian officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani; Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite. Others are Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake; Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako; Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, among many others.
EFCC warns Skit Makers on unauthorised operational accoutrements
An old video, code-named: “EFCC and Army Wahala” is regaining traction across the social media. This, once again, compels the EFCC to reiterate its warning to skit makers and other social workers to desist from using the operational accoutrements of the Commission illegally and irresponsibly. “EFCC and Army Wahala” is a caricature of the operational etiquette of the EFCC. The shameful characterization of supposed operatives of the Commission in the video unleashing terror on “suspects”, is not only embarrassing but indicative of deliberate attempt to cast shadows on the image of the EFCC. Operatives of the EFCC are not bullies. They are trained as refined modern law enforcement officers rich in decency, civility and respect for members of the public, including suspects of economic and financial crimes. Skit makers are warned again to desist from unauthorized use of the accoutrements of the Commission.
Tinubu orders crackdown on Cybercriminals, Transnational car thieves
Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities. To this end, President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies — including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) — to intensify efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles. The President noted that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities. He acknowledged the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals. While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commends the Commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace. The President further directed all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration. He also demanded that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions. The president strongly affirmed, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries. ” President Tinubu affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.
NDLEA intercepts N14.9bn opioids, arrests octogenarian, community leader’s wives, son
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a total of Twenty- Fivr Million (25,000,000.00) pills of tapentadol, an opioid three times stronger than tramadol and Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand (350,000) bottles of codeine- based syrup at the Tincan port complex in Lagos. The seizure were made on Tuesday 17th and Friday 20th September 2024 from three containers which had been on the watchlist of the Agency following processed intelligence. As a result, the NDLEA had requested for 100% joint examination of the shipments with men of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies. The 25 million pills of tapentadol have an estimated street value of Thirteen Billion Seven Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Naira (N13,725,000, 000.00) while the codeine consignment us an estimated street value of Two Billion Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N2,450,000,000.00), bringing the total value of the seizures to Fourteen Billion Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N14,950,000,000.00). The tapentadol consignment packed in 500cartons was discovered in one of the containers on Tuesday 17th September while another container examined same day contained 175,000 bottles of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine packed in 875cartons. The third container containing 175,000 bottles of CSC cough syrup with codeine was examined on Friday 20th September. Meanwhile, operatives of the Lagos State Strategic Command of the Agency on Friday 29th September arrested an 89-year old grandfather, Oba Aremu Shojobi with 14 kilograms of cannabis at his home in Iyana Ioaja area of the state. In his statement, the Octogenarian claimed he has been in the business of selling illicit drugs for 25 years. He further claimed he get his supplies from Benin Republic, and sells to his customers from his residence between 7am and 10pm every day. In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Lagos on Wednesday, 18th September raided the two homes of a community leader and Sarkin Yama of Badagry Weat LCDA, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Taobalinga, where a total of 226kg of cannabis was recovered from his two wives and son. Though Alhaji Talba is currently at Lege, a search of his house in Ashoka area of Seme Badagry led to recovery of 93 compressed blocks of cannabis saliva weighing 57.6kg from his first wife, Asma’u Bashiru, 35, and son, Sadat Bashiru, 22, while ano the search of his house at Aketegbi area of Seme Badagry led to the seizure of 302 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 168.6kg from his second wife Hausa Bashiru, 42.
Tinubu pens to First Lady on her 64th birthday
President Bola Tinubu penned an emotional message to the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on her 64th birthday. Tinubu expressed his goodwill message on his official X handle. The elated Nigerian president wrote; “My Dearest Oluremi, “On this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are. Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life. Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria. “You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom. Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady. “On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you. Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me. I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life. “As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come. “With all my love and appreciation, now and always, “Yours Bola.”
Edo election: IG orders movement restrictions
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders. To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters. Furthermore, the IGP has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all. Egbetokun, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes. The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are: DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, mni; 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, mni; 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state. The Inspector-General of Police underscored the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law. The IGP reaffirmed that the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.