Crime Facts

Police arrest hospital manager, invites doctor over Rivers graduate’s death

  The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the manager of Paragon Clinics and Imaging Diagnosis, a private health facility located along Stadium Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The police said the arrest was part of an investigation following the report of the death of a first-class graduate of Micro Biology from Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State identified as Rebekah Sekidika at the hospital. The father of the deceased, Sampson Sekidika, had told PUNCH Metro that his daughter died during a procedure at the hospital on February 2, 2024. Sekidika faulted those who performed the procedure on his 24-year-old daughter, saying she did not require surgery. AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Lose To Elephants To Clinch Runner-up0.00 / 0.00 He noted that he drove Rebekah to the facility stating that he insisted that she was healthy and without any medical condition but needed to carry out a text following delayed menstruation before embarking on a foreign trip. “The complaint was that she had not seen her period for a while. So, she needed to know why it was so. When she had the clinical visit, they subjected her to some tests, including a pregnancy test which came out to be all negative. “But they told her to see a specialist to be sure. On the day of the appointment, they took her into the theatre and gave her an anaesthetic for a simple procedure that didn’t require surgery where she developed complications and died. “She (Rebekah) was supposed to travel to the United Kingdom for her Masters and PhD programmes. Everything was set, flight booked, tuition paid, everything arranged, ” the distraught father told PUNCH Metro. The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest of the manager to our correspondent on Sunday. Iringe-Koko expressed dismay that an earlier invitation by the police to the doctor and the person who administered the anaesthetic was not honoured. She stated, “Yes I can confirm that the manager has been arrested. We have also invited the doctor and one other person as part of our investigation. “The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for proper investigation. ” She further said two others who were also arrested have been released because their duties at the facility have no direct link with the incident.

Bandits Burn 12 To Death, Raze 17 Houses In Kaduna

  At least twelve people have been killed and nine others brutally injured by bandits who attacked Gindin Dutse Makyali village of Kufana district in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The police authorities in Kaduna State have not confirmed the incident, but a community leader, Moses Musa, told Channels Television that the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday very close to a military checkpoint. He said that the bandits invaded the community around 5am as the residents were still asleep and immediately started shooting sporadically. He disclosed that nine people were burnt to death inside their rooms, while nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries from fire burn. The community leader also disclosed that 17 houses were burnt by the bandits during the attack that lasted for some hours without any resistance from the military that were stationed in the community. Attacks by armed bandits in the North-West especially in Kaduna State has been on the increase in recent weeks. The Sunday attack in Kajuru is coming after another reported attack in the same LGA by bandits which killed at least six persons including a former Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and his younger brother in Kwassam and Sabon Layin communities. According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Josiah Abraks, the bandits attacked the Kwassam community on Friday night. He also said that 50 people were kidnapped by the bandits in another attack at Sabon Layin village at the same time. Abraks called on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to step up action against the bandits who are constantly terrorising communities in Southern Kaduna.

Akpabio: FG doesn’t even know what to charge Emefiele with

  Senate President Godswill Akpabio says the allegations against Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are so numerous that the federal government does not know which charges to pin on him. Akpabio made the remarks on Sunday during a thanksgiving service organised by Barinada Mpigi, senator representing Rivers south-east senatorial district. The number three citizen also blamed the economic hardship sweeping through the land on the policies and actions that “they took”. He did not specify who “they” entails. Akpabio further said the prevailing hunger and economic hardship are consequences of almost 60 years of rot. He appealed to Nigerians to be patient, while promising that the current administration will deliver on the promises they “campaigned and danced” around the country for. “So the kind of debt and the economic mess that we are in… and lots of people do not understand,” Akpabio said. “I remember President Obama saying you cannot know Washington until you get to Washington. So by the time we went in to look at the economic situation of the country, it was terrible. “So you know that the former governor of central bank, we don’t even know what to charge him with. “Whether to charge him for putting foam on top of a pail, or to charge him for illegal possession of firearms, or to charge him for printing notes without income. I don’t know what we’re going to charge him with. “But what we know is that yes, there is hunger today because of the kind of policies and actions that they took and we recognise that, and I think every political party should recognise that there is hunger and we’re battling to ensure that Nigerians can sleep with their eyes closed. “There is insecurity. We’re battling to ensure Nigerians can eat three square meals a day. “But rest assured that we campaigned for this job, we campaigned and danced around the country. We will not let you down. “We will get to the bottom of it. All we need is patience. The rot that has happened in Nigeria for so many years, for almost 60 years, cannot be solved in six months. So what we need is patience… patience from all quarters.” The event, which took place in Koroma, Tai LGA of Rivers, was also attended by Dave Umahi, minister of works; Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers house of assembly; and other dignitaries. BACKGROUND Emefiele was suspended on June 9, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, who also ordered a probe into his tenure as governor of the apex bank. He was subsequently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and on July 25, he was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on “illegal possession” of firearms, at a federal high court in Ikoyi. He was later granted bail in the sum of N20 million. However, he was rearrested by the DSS on the court premises on the same day. In August, the court struck out the suit after the federal government filed an application to withdraw the charge of “illegal possession of firearms” against him. A fresh 20-count charge was then filed before the federal capital territory (FCT) high court by the federal ministry of justice. He was subsequently arraigned at the FCT high court in Abuja, on a six-count charge bordering on procurement fraud, and remanded at the Kuje correctional facility. On November 8, Emefiele was granted bail and released, after spending 151 days in detention. On January 18, the federal government amended the criminal charges filed against him. The charges, formerly six counts, were increased to 20 counts. The amended charges border on alleged breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Hoodlums Kill APC Spokesperson in Plateau

  The insecurity situation in Plateau has claimed the life of the publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr Sylvanus Namang. According to reports, the APC spokesperson was shot dead in Pankshin town, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday, February 17, 2024 by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. It was gathered that Namang was gunned down outside his hotel room in the area by the hoodlums around 7:30 in the morning. An official of the party, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident to journalists. The source told DailyTrust that the APC scribe died from injuries sustained in the attack. He described the late Namang as a dependable ally, and deeply committed to the development of the APC at the grassroots and state levels. He noted that the party would issue a statement regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

NDLEA seizes ‘loud’ hidden in sound boxes at Lagos airport

  Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency intercepted a large consignment of loud, synthetic, strong strains of cannabis concealed in giant loudspeakers tucked in a consolidated cargo imported from New York, United States of America. The NDLEA disclosed this in a press statement signed by its Director of Media anf Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday. The statement noted that when the giant wooden boxes dressed as sound speakers seized by NDLEA officers at the NAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport were opened, the sound boxes were discovered to have been stuffed with 60 bags of the expensive but highly sought-after psychoactive substance, loud, weighing 33.5Kg. NDLEA seizes ‘loud’ hidden in sound boxes at Lagos airport It said at least three suspects: a freight agent, Akeem Afeez; logistics company manager, Babalola Gboyega; and the receiver of the consignment, Taiwo Anuoluwapo, have been arrested in follow-up operations between Thursday, February 15, and Friday, February 16, 2024. The statement read, “While Afeez was arrested at the airport, Gboyega was nabbed at his office on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, and Taiwo traced to his residence at 13 Ayo Babatunde Crescent, Lekki Phase1, Lagos, where he was picked on Friday. “In Abia, a joint raid operation between the NDLEA and men of the State Homeland Security at 23, Arochukwu Street, Umuahia, around 11pm on Wednesday, February 14, led to the arrest of a female lawyer, Adaobi Nweke, 36; her boyfriend, Emeka Nkemefola, 36; her mother, Mrs. Ngozi Nweke, 65; Dike Okpara, 43, who is an herbalist to the family; Chukwudi Abel, 33, member of the family; Amarachi Paul, 18, another member of the family; and their 22-year-old salesgirl, Blessing Jonathan. NDLEA seizes ‘loud’ hidden in sound boxes at Lagos airport “Investigations reveal that members of the family had long been in the illicit drug business passed on to them by their now late father, Jonathan Nweke. Recovered from them as of the time of their arrest include various quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Loud, cannabis sativa, and precursor chemicals with a total weight of 1.670kg as well as N578,400 monetary exhibit.” The agency added that an attempt by a 25-year-old Uber driver, Joshua Henry, to deliver a consignment of 26.2 grammes of Loud picked up in Abuja to a customer in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Monday, February 12, was thwarted by its operatives, who intercepted him. “In the same vein, 54-year-old Dada Adedara was on Wednesday, February 14th, arrested at Dan Bare area of Kano State with 468 blocks of cannabis weighing 246.4kg. Same day, operatives in Ogun State arrested the duo of Kafayat Junaid and Sakirat Osoanu with 13kg of cannabis sativa. “In Kogi state, a suspect, Charles Chike, 45, was arrested by NDLEA operatives in a hotel in Lokoja on Friday, February 16th with 290 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 116kg. The exhibit was concealed in the boot of a blue Honda Accord car marked Abuja ABC 853 SL, which took off from Ekiti State en route to Abuja. Not less than 227kg of same substance was recovered from Atoshi camp, Emure-Ile, Owo LGA, Ondo State, while two suspects: John Jonathan and Emmanuel Alex were arrested. “Operatives in Edo State acting on intelligence on Wednesday, February 14th, intercepted a consignment of methamphetamine coming from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Lagos, in a Toyota Sienna bus marked Anambra NZM 347 ZL. The meth consignment weighing 0.966kg was concealed inside a cassava-made local food item, African salad popularly called “Abacha”. The driver of the vehicle, Afamefuna Ibeawuchi Kingsley, 42, was arrested in connection with the seizure,” it added.   Similarly, on the same day, NDLEA officers intercepted a Peugeot 406 space waggon car driven by Akhere Fardam, 47, along Uromi Road in Esan Northeast LGA. “A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 865 bottles of codeine; 2,600 pills of tramadol and 600 tabs of swinol and Rohypnol. “In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory NDLEA operatives conducted raid operations in Kubwa area of the FCT during which they arrested Tawa Wasiu, 47, and Iliya Ibrahim, 18, with 10.5kg cannabis, 13.5 grams of diazepam and 2.9 grams of tramadol tablets. Another suspect, Yaro Bala, 27, was arrested on Thursday, February 15th with 50.5kg cannabis during a stop and search operation along Abaji/Abuja highway on his way from Auchi Edo state to Paiko, Niger State,” it stated. It said that the agency across the country continued with the War Against Drug Abuse advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of them include WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of St. Theresa’s College Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo state; students and staff of Banma Girls Day Secondary School, Bida, Niger State; students of Dame High School, Abatete, Anambra State; students of Government Day Secondary School, Tudun Saibu, Soba LGA, Kaduna state; students of Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Obinagu, Udi LGA, Enugu State; and students of Government Girls Secondary School, Garo, Kano State. While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Abia, Nasarawa, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Ondo, and FCT Commands of the agency for their outstanding feats in the past week including the interception of loud among others, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy.

SERAP gives NNPCL 7 days to account for ‘missing $2.04bn, N164bn oil revenues’

  Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to “promptly account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion oil revenues.” SERAP said the allegations are documented in the latest annual report recently published by the Auditor-General of the Federation. SERAP urged Mr Kyari “to name and shame those responsible for the disappeared oil money, surcharge them for the full amount involved, and hand them over to appropriate anticorruption agencies, as provided for under paragraph 3112(ii) of the Financial Regulations 2009, and recommended by the Auditor-General.”   SERAP also urged him “to ensure the full recovery and remittance of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion into the Federation Account without further delay.” In the letter dated 17 February 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The missing oil revenues have further damaged the already precarious economy in the country and contributed to very high levels of deficit spending by the government.” SERAP said, “Without the full recovery and remittance of the missing USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion oil revenues, the dire economic situation may worsen and Nigerians will continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services.” According to SERAP, “the Auditor-General has for many years documented reports of disappearance of public funds from the NNPC. Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing oil revenues.” The letter, read in part: “The alleged missing oil revenues reflect a failure of NNPCL accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s continuing failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.” “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 the NNPCL to comply with our requests in the public interest.” “Had the NNPCL and its subsidiaries accounted for and remitted the disappeared public funds into the Federation Account, it is likely that more funds would have been allocated to the fulfillment of economic and social rights, such as increased spending on public goods and services.” “The missing oil revenues have also impeded Nigerians’ ability to enjoy their economic and social rights, and denied them access to essential public goods and services, especially at the time of cost of living crisis in the country.” “Explaining the whereabouts of the missing public funds, naming and shaming those suspected to be responsible and ensuring that suspected perpetrators are brought to justice and the full recovery of any missing public funds would serve the public interest and end the impunity of perpetrators.” “Nigerians have the right to know the whereabouts of the disappeared oil money. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of oil revenues would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.” “According to the recently published 2020 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) failed to remit over USD$2 billion and N164 billion oil revenues into the Federation Account.” “The Auditor-General fears that the money may have been diverted into private pockets, denying the government the funding needed to carry out its activities.” “The NNPCL reportedly failed and/or refused to remit N151,121,999,966. The NNPCL without any justification deducted the money from the oil royalties assessed for 2020 by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).” “The NNPCL has failed to account for the missing public funds. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted into the Federation Account.” “The NNPCL also failed to remit USD$19,774,488.15 collected as government revenue into the Federation Account. The Auditor-General wants the NNPCL to account for the money, recover and remit it into the Federation Account, and to hand over those suspected to be involved to the ICPC and the EFCC.” “The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Ltd also reportedly failed to account for USD$2,021,411,877.47 and N13,313,565,786.49 of royalties collected from crude oil and gas sales and gas flare.” “The Auditor-General wants the public funds fully recovered and remitted into the Federation Account and for those suspected to be responsible for the missing public funds to be handed over to the ICPC and the EFCC.” “These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], national anticorruption laws, and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption.” “The allegations have undermined the economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty and deprived them of opportunities.” “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 entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.” “Combating the corruption epidemic in the oil sector would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of the government to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations.” “SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” “Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’” “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] imposes clear responsibility on the NNPCL to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.” “Paragraph 3112(ii) of the he Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, ‘Where a public officer fails to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officer shall be handled over to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).’” “Nigeria has

I Don’t Know Who Can Challenge Us In 2027 – Wike

  FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, speaking during a thanksgiving service by Senator Barinada Mpigi in Rivers State on Sunday, February 18, 2024. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says with the alliances his political camp has formed, the 2027 elections will be a walk in the park for them. The minister spoke of his readiness for the 2027 elections during a thanksgiving service by Senator Barinada Mpigi in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday. “With the forces we have I don’t know of anybody who can challenge us. I can tell you it is like tomorrow is 2027. For me it is still very far, I can’t wait. The two leadership of the party, APC is here, PDP is here; where can you find that leadership unity? Which state? It is only in Rivers that you can find that unity. “And that is what many people don’t like. When they see people united and working together, they find how to make sure they are divided but since we know, we have refused to be divided. “This is the only state where the leading party will win for president, the opposition party will take national assembly in election that was done the same time, same minute and same hour. That is uncommon,” Wike said. Wike also canvassed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform policies in the country, saying that it won’t be easy to turn the fortunes of the nation around in a short time frame. “God in His infinite mercies will continue to give us the strength to work together to support Mr President. So many people in this country hardly remember yesterday, we are in a rush – we have problem, but have you asked yourself how was yesterday? Decisions of Mr President, if we are patient by the end of the day, we will get to where we want to get to,” he said. The event was also attended by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, among other dignitaries.

NAFDAC, PCN ask distributors to stop drug supply to Kano market

  Pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers have been directed to stop supplying medical products to patent medicines dealers in Niger Street and Sabon Gari Market, Kano State. This follows the judgment of the Federal High Court on Friday, which ordered the medicine merchants to immediately vacate the Sabon Gari Market and relocate to the coordinated Wholesale Centre in Dangwauro, Kano State. Members of the Nigerian Association of Patent Proprietary Medicine Dealers, had approached the court asking it to stop their forceful relocation from their registered business premises in Sabon Gari, to the new location against their wish. However, delivering judgment in the case, Justice Simon Amobeda held that the suit was lacking in merit and the plaintiffs have no locus standi to challenge the relocation order by the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, a body empowered to regulate their business. In a joint statement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and PCN, the rationale behind the directive was to prevent distribution of substandard and falsified medicines in the state. “ NAFDAC and PCN warn manufacturers, importers, medical representatives and all distributors to from this very moment cease supplying pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other regulated pharmaceutical products to facilities, companies in Niger Street, Sabon Gari Market, or else where outside the Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Dangwauro, Kano,” the statement read in part. They however warned that erring company risks losing its site licence as well as the product licence.

Alleged misappropriation: Step aside for probe, LP chairmen tell Abure

  Labour Party (LP) Chairmen in the 36 states have asked its National Chairman, Barr Julius Abure, to step aside for proper and fair investigation into the allegation of misappropriation of party’s finances leveled against him. The call was made by Forum of LP States Chairmen in the 36 States of the Federation while addressing Journalists in Abuja, Saturday evening, led by Comrade Solomon Ndem, Plateau State labour Party Chairman. Recall that Oluchi Opara, LP National Treasurer, had earlier asked Abure to account for N3.5 billion generated from the sales of nomination forms and other activities ahead of the 2023 general election. Reading the text of the briefing made available to Journalists in Bauchi, Solomon Ndem stated that, “We extend warm greetings to all faithful members of the Labour Party (LP) of Nigeria and to every Nigerian dedicated to the New Nigeria project. Your commitment and enthusiasm for positive change are truly commendable.” The Forum added that, “We stand before you with a profound appreciation for the responsiveness of HE Peter G. Obi, a stalwart in our party, for his swift action in response to the call for the external auditing of the LP accounts. This gesture underscores his unwavering commitment to transparency and the principles of the New Nigeria project. “However, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where we must address certain internal matters for the sake of our party’s integrity in the spirit of openness and accountability as elected Chairmen of Labour Party in Nigeria, we wish to address certain concerns that have come to our attention,” the Forum stressed. “We are appealing to His Excellency, Peter G. Obi, Senator Ahmed Datti, and other distinguished personalities within the party to join us in requesting Barrister Julius Abure to step aside. “This step is essential to facilitate the establishment of an independent investigative panel that will thoroughly examine various allegations, including the misappropriation of funds level against him by the Treasurer of our Party and indeed the complaints of forgery and impersonation by a lot of our party aggrieved members.” The Forum added, “It is crucial that no one acts as a judge in his own case, and we believe this measure will ensure a fair and impartial inquiry. “Furthermore, we want to draw attention to a critical matter that could impact the upcoming off-season election in Edo State. We want to remind the party and the people of Edo State about the potential repercussions if we emerge victorious and these legal complexities surrounding the leadership of the party have not been addressed,” it stressed. “A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, led by Justice Hamza Muazu, on April 5th, 2023, restrained Barrister Abure from parading himself as the National Chairman of the LP. It is imperative for the party and the people of Edo State to consider this matter seriously, as the actions of one individual should not jeopardize the efforts of our candidate and the aspirations of our voters in Edo State. “In conclusion, let us emphasize that this press conference is convened in good faith. We remain committed to the principles of the New Nigeria project and believe that by addressing these concerns head-on, we can strengthen the Labour Party, uphold justice, and continue our journey towards a brighter future. Long live Labour Party, and long live the great people of Nigeria,” it concluded.

Cost Of Living Crisis: Nigeria, Others Risk Social Unrest – AfDB

  The African Development Bank (AfDB) has warned that Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola and Kenya risk social unrest owing to the rising prices of fuel and other commodities. The AfDB gave the warning in its macroeconomic performance and outlook for 2024 wherein it projected the continent’s economy to grow higher than the 3.2 per cent recorded in 2023. Nigerians, in some states, including Kano, Niger, Lagos and few others, had protested against the cost of living crisis in the country, which is largely blamed on the federal government’s policies of the petrol subsidy removal and floating of the naira. The AfDB, at the weekend, warned that internal conflicts could arise from an increase in energy and commodity prices occasioned by currency depreciation or subsidy removal referencing Nigeria, Angola, Kenya and Ethiopia, where energy subsidies were removed. It stated, “Internal conflicts and violence could also result from rising prices for fuel and other commodities due to weaker domestic currencies and reforms. “For instance, the removal of fuel subsidies in Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria and the resulting social costs has led to social unrest driven by opposition to government policy.” The bank also said the increase in geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, coupled with the El Nino phenomenon, could trigger supply chain disruptions, which could exacerbate energy and food inflation across the world with Africa more vulnerable to these shocks. The AfDB further warned that regional conflicts and political instability occasioned by disruptions in constitutional governments could have deleterious economic costs with resources meant for development and social support channeled into security and defence. It also cautioned that an unconstitutional takeover of the government might lead to sanctions, which have negative implications for the economy.