Crime Facts

The Identities of soldiers killed by IPOB’s Sit-At-Home enforcers

  Details of the soldiers gruesomely murdered by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have emerged, DailyTrust reports. Recall how vehicles and tricycles (popularly known as Keke Napep) were also set ablaze by the rampaging IPOB terrorists while the attack lasted on Thursday. The military high command had earlier on Friday confirmed that no fewer than 5 of its troops deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were killed. In a signal sighted by Daily Trust on Friday, those killed included two Sergeants, two Corporal and one Lance Corporal while 6 civilians, according to the military were killed in the cross fire. The soldiers were identified as: Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu (94NA/38/1467) Sergeant Bala Abraham (03NA/53/1028) Corporal Gideon Egwe(10NA/65/7085) Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu (13NA/70/5483) Corporal Augustine Emmanuel (13NA/70/6663) Then signal read, “On 30 May 24, at about 0830 hrs, troops of 144 Battalion deployed at Obikabia Junction Federal School Road, Ogbor Hill in Obingwa LGA were attacked by unknown gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN members. “Gunmen who were enforcing Sit-At-Home order numbering about 30, stormed troops location in 3 black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps and opened fire during which 5 x Soldiers were killed.” It further disclosed that the assailants also carted away 5 AK47 rifles, burnt down 2 military patrol hilux vehicles and injured 2 civilians. The signal noted that the current situation in Aba is generally tensed while monitoring continues as further details will be forwarded as situation unfolds. Source: DailyTrust

40 Directors Fail Permanent Secretary Exam

  No fewer than 40 directors have scored below the average pass mark of 50 per cent of the qualifying examination for the positions of permanent secretaries. According to The Nation, 92 directors sat for the examination on Monday but the results indicated 40 of them failed. The report also disclosed that three directors did not come for the exam, while one could not finish the exam. A memorandum dated May 28, 2024, from the Office of the Head of Service, designated as “HCSF/ CMO/ AOD/012/IX/59,” revealed that the next stage of the selection process will involve an ICT-based assessment. This is coming as a challenge despite the federal government’s efforts, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, to address prevailing and forthcoming vacancies by appointing new permanent secretaries. The vacancies available are found in South-South, South-East and other regions including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara. Meanwhile, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan, made the important details in the circular known to Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Yemi-Esan’s circular, dated April 19, 2024, highlighted the eligibility criteria, stressing that only directors who attained substantive director status by January 1, 2022, qualify for consideration. The circular noted the commencement of the process for appointing Permanent Secretaries, as well as stressing the importance of adhering to eligibility criteria, updating records on the IPPIS Verification Portal, and maintaining a clean disciplinary record. The circular, referenced as “HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/IX/24,” stated: “Following the approval of Mr. President, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is initiating the process for appointing Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service for current and anticipated vacancies in Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara states, South-East, and South-South geo-political zones, where current Permanent Secretaries have retired or will retire between April and September 2024.” Eligibility criteria outlined in the memo include having reached the position of substantive Director on Salary Grade Level 17 by January 1, 2022, updating records on the IPPIS Verification Portal, being from the specified states or geopolitical zones, and not retiring before December 31, 2025. It, however, stated that officers currently undergoing disciplinary procedures are not considered from the selection process.

Huggies producer exits Nigeria, cites ‘refocused priorities, economic developments’

  Kimberly-Clark, makers of Huggies, says it plans to stop local manufacturing and sales in Nigeria after 14 years of operation. The American multinational corporation made the announcement in a statement on Friday. According to the statement, the decision was made owing to its recently refocused corporate priorities globally as well as economic trends in the country. “Kimberly-Clark today announces it has made the difficult decision to exit its business in Nigeria after almost 15 years, due to recently refocused company strategic priorities globally as well as economic developments in the country,” the company said.   “Kimberly-Clark will close its manufacturing facility and commercial office in Lagos and will no longer manufacture, market, or sell its Huggies and Kotex products in the country.” The company said its top priority will be to fulfil its obligations and ensure that employees and partners “are treated with fairness and respect”. In 2022, Kimberly-Clark opened its factory estimated at over $100 million in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.   The pullout of the international company follows the recent exit plans of multinationals from the country. In August 2023, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Nigeria Plc announced plans to cease operations, transferring its business activities to a third-party organisation. Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Limited, a French pharmaceutical company, in November 2023, also halted its direct operations in the country. In December 2023, Procter & Gamble (P&G), an American multinational consumer goods company, said it has plans to transition from local production to solely importing its products.

107, 646 passports uncollected, immigration CG laments

  Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap has appealed to applicants whose passports have been produced to go for pick-ups at the various Passports Issuing Centres across the country. The CG in a statement on Friday by Service Spokesman, Kenneth Udo, said 107, 646 produced passports are awaiting collection. “However, efforts made at reaching out to the owners have proved abortive”, the CG lamented. She therefore advised applicants to always provide verifiable addresses and phone numbers when filling their online passport application forms for easy contact. Consequently, the CG directed that all Passport Offices in Lagos should operate on Saturdays between 9am – 2pm to attend to applicants coming for the collection of their produced passports only. “Therefore, those concerned are hereby informed to take advantage of this opportunity”, the statement added.

Customs FX rate moves up by 23 per cent, increases to N1,474/$

  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has increased the foreign exchange (FX) rate for import duties to N1,474.69 per dollar on Friday. The adjusted rate translated into a raise of N278 or 23.2 per cent higher than the N1,196.61/$ rate adopted on Thursday, May 30. It was learnt that the new rate reflected on the single window trade portal of the Federal Government on Friday.   Customs adopts FX rates recommended by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for import duties according to trading activities in the official FX market. However, the Customs rate is slightly lower than the official FX rate of N1,484/$ recorded at the close of trade on May 30. Meanwhile, the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, said yesterday that it has asked the federal government to adopt an exchange rate of N800 per dollar for customs import duty. The Chairman of the Committee, Taiwo Oyedele during the presentation of some recommendations of the committee, expressed worries over the import duty rate which constantly changes due to the volatility of the FX market. Oyedele said that since the government used N800/$ to plan the budget, it would not lose anything if the same exchange rate is used for import duty collection. He also said adopting the proposed import duty FX rate would help the economy bring down the price of importation which would also help with inflation.

Otti places N25m bounty on killers of 5 soldiers in Aba

  The Abia state government has placed a N25 million bounty on the killers of the 5 soldiers at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba. Unknown gunmen had yesterday attacked the military checkpoint and killed 5 soldiers and burnt 2 patrol vans and the checkpoint. The gunmen were alleged to have seized their rifles and escaped. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the State government condemned the attack and commiserated with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Military High Command in the country for the unfortunate incident and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the gallant soldiers who died while in active duty. The statement read; “As a government committed to security, safety and peace within its territory at all times, the Abia State Government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024 a serious affront to its resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the State. This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses. “The Government will therefore respond appropriately to reassure citizens, investors and friends of Abia across the world that it would be relentless in bringing the full wrath of the law to bear on anyone or group who constitutes the slightest threat to the peace and security of the land, whatever be their motivation. “To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs. “The security formations in the State have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book. Pledging to prioritize the welfare of the security operatives working in the state, the state government also promised take up the responsibility of supporting the families of the slain soldiers, including payment of regular stipends to their spouses, and the education of their children to university level. “The government appreciates the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the State for maintaining high sense of professionalism in their response to the distressing event. The State will also encourage our military and security personnel to continue to show restraint, whether at the checkpoints, on patrol, or while engaged in other security duties, even as the government continues to work with all relevant stakeholders, including the security high commands, traditional and community leaders to gather and process all intelligence information which will ultimately lead to the capture of the perpetrators of the heinous crime at Obikabia Junction, and anyone directly or remotely connected to it in any form. “The Government wishes to use this medium to encourage citizens to go about their legitimate duties without fear as necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents, and businesses in all parts of Abia. Individuals with useful information on the activities and movement of criminals in their neighbourhood are also advised to share such information with the security agencies as quickly as possible for necessary action.” The government further urged traditional rulers in the State to set up suitable local intelligence gathering mechanisms in their localities and share whatever new information they get with the security agencies regularly and vowed to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any traditional ruler found to be harbouring criminal elements. The state government further pledged necessary support to the security agencies in the State to protect lives and property and warned criminal elements to consider all parts of Abia as a no-go area is still in force. “Any attempt to test the will of the government, as happened on Thursday, May 30, 2024, shall be resisted with every resource at the disposal of the State. Abia shall remain very hospitable and accommodating to all law-abiding citizens and those who engage only in legitimate businesses as defined by the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria while it shall continue to be a very hostile space for anyone whose actions or inactions, are capable of disrupting the peace and security of our communities.”

Report: Soldiers take over Aba town after killings on Wednesday

  Tension is increasing in Aba, Abia state, as soldiers have taken over the city following the killing of five of their colleagues at a military checkpoint located at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill.   Gunmen suspected to be enforcers of the sit at home order directed by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had attacked the checkpoint and killed five soldiers and burnt two patrol vans as well as their checkpoint. The tension over the killing has increased with two military helicopters still hovering over the Ogbor Hill area and environs. Vanguard gathered that residents have resorted to scampering for safety whenever they sight the several patrol teams of soldiers who move on top speed. Vanguard also gathered that soldiers had stormed Cemetery, Ngwa road, Nsulu markets and other business centres and ordered traders to leave the areas. Many schools in the city didn’t open for studies as parents did not allow their children to leave for school while some schools closed before midday. However, the Aba main motor park was still a beehive of activities when Vanguard visited. Vanguard also noted that soldiers had left the military checkpoints at Asa road and Emelogu junction in Ogbor Hill. Residents of Umuola, Ukaegbu, Ehere, New Umuahia and Ururuka roads in Ogbor Hill and Obohia and Ohanku in Ndiegoro area, as well as adjoining areas have remained indoors for fear of reprisal from soldiers. Fierce looking soldiers have also barricaded the Aba – Umuahia section of the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway. Passengers now alight at Arungwa, Umuekea, Isiala Ngwa and Ntigha junctions and trek a kilometer while raising their hands. To avoid the situation, some motorists navigate through local routes to avoid the numerous military checkpoints on the expressway. Efforts to get the reaction of the Army Public Relations Officer,14 Brigade, Ohafia, Lt. Innocent Omale, was unsuccessful, as he didn’t respond to a message sent to his mobile number.

Labour begins nationwide strike Monday

  Members of the organised labour, on Friday, declared a nationwide indefinite strike over the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000. The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this at an ongoing press conference in Labour House, Abuja. Ajaero said the strike would begin by midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Earlier on Friday, talks on minimum wage between the Federal Government and organised labour hit a brick wall when the government failed to shift grounds on the N60,000 it proposed during the last meeting. Recall that the NLC and TUC had given a May 31, 2024 ultimatum on the new minimum wage.   On Tuesday, talks between the Federal Government and organised labour broke down after the government and organised private sector raised their offers to N60,000. The government added N3,000 to its initial offer of N57,000 proposed last week, taking the total figure to N60,000. It was dismissed by labour at the meeting. At the meeting, labour again lowered its demand by removing N3,000 from the N497,000 it proposed last week, pegging the new proposal at N494,000. Details shortly…

Zambia’s Ex-First Lady Arrested For Money Laundering

  Zambia’s former first lady has been arrested on money laundering charges, her lawyer said Friday, days after her husband claimed he was being targeted as part of a political vendetta. Esther Lungu, 66, was held Thursday evening alongside her two daughters, after being quizzed for hours about properties the family holds in the capital, Lusaka, lawyer Makebi Zulu told AFP. She has now been released on bail. “The former first lady has been arrested for being found in possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime and money laundering charges,” Zulu said. He said the properties, a block of flats in Lusaka’s high-end New Kasama district, were built by Lungu’s husband, former president Edgar Lungu, 67. Zambia’s anti-drug agency said the one time first lady had failed to give a “reasonable explanation” of how she acquired the flats, which had a construction cost of 41 million kwacha ($1.6 million). They were “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime”, it added. Edgar Lungu led copper-rich Zambia from 2015 to 2021, when he lost an election to President Hakainde Hichilema, who had been a veteran opposition leader before winning the vote by a landslide. Last year, Lungu announced he was to return to politics, with general elections scheduled for 2026. He has since complained about a shrinking democratic space in the country and what he said was a campaign of harassment against his family. Police warned him against turning his morning jogs into political events and last week he claimed he was “practically under house arrest”, which authorities denied. The latest arrest was not Esther Lungu’s first run-in with police. Last year her house was raided on accusations she had stolen some vehicles.

Atiku seeks political solution to Nnamdi Kanu saga, says criminals behind south-east killings

  Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has called for a political solution to the Nnamdi Kanu imbroglio. Kanu, who is the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since he was extradited to Nigeria in 2021. He is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony at the federal high court Abuja. Kanu’s trial has stoked tension and violence in the south-east region, with the militant wing of IPOB invoking his prolonged detention to unleash mayhem on hapless residents. IPOB has also been enforcing sit-at-homes in the south-east since Kanu was forcibly brought back to Nigeria. Last week, IPOB declared May 30 as a sit-at-home in the south-east to honour “our heroes and heroines” who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970. “Every Biafran in Biafra territory is expected to sit at home on this day and reflect on the danger of the forced unity called Nigeria that have taken millions of lives of Biafrans,” Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, said in a statement. The police had asked residents of the region to ignore IPOB’s directive. On May 30, five soldiers were killed by gunmen in Abia state. The gunmen who were purportedly enforcing the sit-at-home, opened fire on a military checkpoint in Obikabia junction in Aba. The military has vowed to retaliate the killings. Reacting to the latest spate of killings in the south-east, Abubakar condemned the murder of the soldiers. “The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned,” Abubakar wrote on his X page. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one. May their souls rest in peace. “But even more profound is the impact of yesterday’s sit-at-home in the Southeast region of our country on students writing WAEC examinations. “The veil of the so-called unknown gunmen hiding undercover to unleash death and mayhem must be lifted to ensure that criminal elements are separated from legitimate agitators.” Abubakar also urged the federal government to go outside of the courts. “To this end, without prejudice to the ongoing legal processes, I think the time has come to explore a political resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues,” he added. “I believe that this will defuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. It will be a win-win for all parties.”