September 2024 – Page 30

Post Date : September 8, 2024

NDLEA intercepts cocaine, opioids hidden in sanitary pads, hair cream

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted consignments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids concealed in ladies’ sanitary pads and hair treatment cream containers heading to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus at three courier companies in Lagos. In a statement on Sunday by the agency’s Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, he saidin one of the companies, not less than 30 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.1 kilogramsconcealed in hair cream containers were recovered by NDLEA officers during the examination of cargoes going to Ireland on September 3, 2024. “Another consignment of 24 parcels of cocaine weighing 862 grams also hidden in hair cream containers meant for delivery in the UK was equally intercepted at the same company on September 6. “In the same vein, a total of 525 pills of tramadol 225mg and ecstasy (MDMA) concealed in ladies’ sanitary pads going to Cyprus were seized at another courier firm in Lagos by NDLEA operatives on September 3 while a shipment of 200 ampoules of promethazine injection and pentazocine injection hidden in food items and herbs heading to London, UK, was also seized by operatives on Wednesday September 4,” Babafemi added. He noted that Operators of the agency equally intercepted another consignment of tramadol 225mg buried in granulated melon that came from Cameroon and going to South Africa on September 6. At the Port Harcourt International Airport, Babafemi said no fewer than 550,000 pills of tramadol were intercepted on September 2 during a joint examination of a cargo that came from Delhi, India, with men of the Nigerian Customs Service. “A suspect was already arrested in connection with the seizure,” he added. In Ekiti state, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives supported by men of the Nigerian Army on September 3 stormed three camps inside the Ise-Ekiti forest reserve, in the Ise/Orun local government area where over 100,000 kilograms of cannabis spread across 51 hectares of farmland were destroyed. He added, “The affected settlements include: Aba Saalaja with 23 hectares; Aba Paanu with 12 hectares, and Aba Arogunmatidi with 16 hectares, all within the Ise-Ekiti forest reserve.” Babafemi also said a total of eight suspects were arrested with different illicit drugs on September 6 in Kaduna State. He said, “Two suspects: Bala Musa, 42, and Danladi Muhammad, 44, were arrested on Friday 6th September along Toro-Jos road, Kaduna with 305kg cannabis concealed in a false compartment of a J5 boxer bus marked YLA 682 XM, while another suspect, Aminu Ayuba, 24 was arrested in possession of 18 kilograms of same substance at Makarfi town. “Two others: Umar Usman, 40, and Zubairu Kabiru, 45, were arrested along Zaria- Kaduna highway in possession of 1300 tablets of tramadol, all same day.” Babafemi also said arrests were made in Jigawa and Kogi State. He said, “In Jigawa state, Uzairu Ya’u, 30, was nabbed with 32.6kg of cannabis on Thursday 5th September at Koran Shehu, while operatives in Kogi on Wednesday 4th September intercepted 77,300 pills of tramadol, diazepam, and exol-5 as well as 1,230 bottles of codeine in a commercial bus driven by Attai Okolo, 68, along Aloma – Ejule road, Ofu LGA, Kogi state. Another suspect, Mohammed Idris, 56, was nabbed along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway on Tuesday, 3rd September, with 42.400kg of cannabis coming from Lagos en route to Kano.“ “While NDLEA operatives in Borno state arrested Idris Muhammad, 40, at Ramat area of Maiduguri on Thursday 5th September with 13,100 pills of tramadol, their counterparts in Kano on Wednesday 4th September nabbed Hakilu Usman, 35, with 25.8kg cannabis and 3,000 pills of diazepam along Kano – Daura road. “In Taraba, no fewer than 87,790 pills of tramadol were recovered from Musa Adamu, 30, when he was arrested in Zing, while in Osun state, a raid of the home of a drug kingpin, Mayowa Abayomi Awe (a.k.a Bishop) in Ilesa on Wednesday 4th September led to the seizure of 43 grams of crack cocaine, 23 grams of methamphetamine, 17.126kg cannabis and a locally made pistol,” the statement added.

Post Date : September 8, 2024

45 Burnt To Death In Niger Road Accident

At least 45 people were burnt beyond recognition in an accident along Agaie-Bida road in Niger State. The accident involved a petrol laden tanker, a truck with cattle and a passenger vehicle. It was gathered that the incident happened near Man-Woro village on Agaie-Bida road around 1am on Sunday. The victims in the trailer with cattle were said to have taken off from Wudil, Kano State, heading for Lagos, while the passenger vehicle was reportedly going to Agaie Sunday market. A resident, Abubakar Agaie, told our correspondent that 45 bodies were buried at Man-Woro village on Sunday morning. Alhaji Wuchiko, a commercial driver, said he conveyed the driver of the tanker and another victim to Lapai General Hospital, adding that some survivors were taken to Federal Medical Centre, Bida. It was gathered that the tanker fell while trying to meander through the deplorable Agaie-Bida road. Another witness, Yahaya Mohammed, said they counted 45 corpses that were identified as human bodies, saying that the victims were burnt beyond recognition. “The three vehicles were burnt down completely. As I speak with, we have counted 45 dead bodies that we could be able to recognize as human beings. “What happened was that, the tanker fell down and cut fire. The other two vehicles; a passenger vehicle and a trailer loaded with goods and human beings, seeing the fire wanted to pass and they fell victim,” Mohammed explained. When contacted, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kumar Tsukwam, promised to get back with details but he had not done so as at the time of filing this report. But the Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the incident. Arah said, “Over 30 people are already confirmed dead, with over 50 cattle burnt alive. NSEMA’s Rapid Respond Team (RRT), in conjunction with LGEMCs, is still on scene of the incidence conducting search and response operation as more corpses are still trapped inside the trucks”. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as painful. The governor said State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other relevant organisations had been mobilised to the scene for rescue operation and other necessary actions. While calling for calm, he urged road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property. The governor prayed that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured.

Post Date : September 8, 2024

FACTCHECK: No! Peter Obi didn’t apologize on behalf of Canadian woman who threatened to poison Yoruba, Benin people

Claim An X user, @WaleBolatito, claimed that the ex-governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, apologized on behalf of Amala, a Canadian woman who threatened to poison the Yoruba and Benin people in August. Verdict This claim is FALSE. In two separate posts on X on August 30 and September 4th, while reacting to this, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate vehemently condemned the comments by Amaka Summberger. Full Text An X user named @WaleBolatito has claimed that the former Anambra State governor, Mr Peter Obi apologized on behalf of Amaka Summberger who threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin people. In a post on X, the user claimed Mr Obi said, “Don’t blame Amaka Summberger, the Yorubas and Benin people forced her to make such statement.“ “Peter Obi apologizes on Amaka’s behalf“ The post generated over 133k. Many persons who believed this slammed Mr Peter Obi for supporting a tribal bigot. Is this the Werey that want to be Nigeria president? O sope oti lọ. He is the biggest hypocrite I have ever known— Travel Doc (@tripdoclinic) September 6, 2024 Congratulations to all reasonable Nigerians for dodging a bomb, bitter Obi is free to join her legal team to defend her in court.— OlaD24real (@Olamother4luv) September 5, 2024 Next Election we must do poster for OBI and add this woman face. Part of the Manifesto will be to release Amaka the Killer— Dami (@adulawoglory) September 6, 2024 Background On August 28, Abike Dabiri, the chairperson of a federal agency, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, disclosed the identity of a Canada-based woman who threatened to kill fellow Nigerians living in the North American country. In a video clip circulating on X (formerly Twitter), a woman’s voice is heard making anti-Yoruba comments in what appears to be a virtual meeting on TikTok. The woman spoke mainly in Pidgin English. “Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one,” the woman, later identified by Mrs Dabiri as Amaka Patience Sunnberger, said in the virtual meeting. The woman vowed that she would take poisonous substances to her workplace and poison any Yoruba or Benin person she came across. She claimed that her comment was in response to the “hate” against the Igbo. Some other voices could be heard, interjecting and prodding her. Her Arrest On 2nd September, the police in Canada arrested the Canada-based Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, who threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin people living in the North American country. The Toronto Police Service, Canada, said Ms Sonnberger, 46, was arrested on Sunday and that she has been charged with uttering threats. “She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 107,” the Toronto Police said in a statement published on their website on Sunday. “This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence,” the police said, adding that those who wish to volunteer information on the case should contact them. Verification A thorough search by FactWatch shows that no credible news organization in Nigeria reported that Mr Peter Obi apologized Amaka’s behalf. This Fact Checker couldn’t find any post that supported this claim on any of the verified social media accounts of Mr Peter Obi. But reacting to the comments by the Canadian woman, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate vehemently condemned it In a post on his X account on August 30, Mr Obi wrote, I utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a Nigerian woman living in Canada against other Nigerians of diverse origins. Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society. I utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a Nigerian woman living in Canada against other Nigerians of diverse origins. Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society.— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) August 30, 2024 In another post on 4th September, He said, “Following my recent comment on the Nigerian woman living in Canada, who made very distasteful comments against her fellow Nigerians in Canada. While condemning such a level of tribal and religious division, I have received a barrage of reactions from people, many of who tried to justify their actions. “Some explained that her comments were in reaction to earlier hateful comments made by another Nigerian and reportedly directed at other Nigerians of the Igbo ethnicity which I also now condemn in the strongest terms. “As I mentioned then, and still maintain now, tribal tension and religious division must not be allowed to grow among us. Such divisive and hateful comments and behaviours against one another should have no place among us. “We must remain one united nation, focused on solving the myriads of challenges facing us as a nation. We must unite against the further polarisation of our nation along tribal, religious and political lines, and focus on finding lasting solutions to the challenges of high insecurity, unbearable high cost of living and leadership failure that has continued to weigh us down. “With faith in our nation, may we embrace unity and peace, so that we can achieve true progress, growth and development in our nation. On one united and peaceful nation, shall the New Nigeria stand. It is POssible. Following my recent comment on the Nigerian woman living in Canada, who made very distasteful comments against her fellow Nigerians in Canada. While condemning such a level of tribal and religious division, I have received a barrage of reactions from people, many of who tried to…— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) September 4, 2024 Conclusion An X user @WaleBolatito deliberately made this post to mislead the public and to promote tribal bigotry in Nigeria. This is an act of disinformation. Credit: FactWatch

Post Date : September 8, 2024

Group gives Tinubu 48 hours to reverse ‘unlawful petrol price hike, probe NNPCL

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to use his “leadership position and good offices to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the apparently illegal and unconstitutional increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across its retail outlets.” SERAP urged him to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies “to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, including the spending of the reported $300 million ‘bailout funds’ collected from the Federal Government in August 2024, and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers, despite allegedly failing to remit oil revenues to the treasury.” SERAP said, “Suspected perpetrators of alleged corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered.” In the open letter dated 7 September 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The increase in petrol price constitutes a fundamental breach of constitutional guarantees and the country’s international human rights obligations.” SERAP said, “Nigerians have for far too long been denied justice and the opportunity to get to the bottom of why they continue to pay the price for corruption in the oil sector.” The letter, read in part: “Rather than pursuing public policies to address the growing poverty and inequality in the country, and holding the NNPC to account for the alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, your government seems to be punishing the poor. “The increase in petrol price has rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.” “The increase is not inevitable, as it stems from the persistent failure of successive governments to address allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector and the impunity of suspected perpetrators.” “Corruption in the oil sector and the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds to support the operations of the NNPC have resulted in persistent and unlawful hike in petrol prices.” “Holding the NNPC to account for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector would serve legitimate public interests.” “The increase is causing immense hardship to those less well-off. We are concerned that as the economic situation in Nigeria deteriorates, the increase in petrol price is pushing people further into poverty.” “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 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 your government to comply with our request in the public interest.” “Increasing petrol prices at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to face worsening economic conditions is entirely inconsistent with your government constitutional and international obligations to ensure the minimum living conditions compatible with human dignity.” “The arbitrary increase has placed a disproportionate burden on the marginalized and most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly those disadvantaged by poverty.” “The increase is seriously jeopardizing their living conditions, well as individuals’ physical, emotional, and individual development, and intensifying and worsening socioeconomic conditions in the country.” “The increase constitutes a serious human rights problem because of the intensity with which it undermines the enjoyment and exercise by Nigerians of their human rights and renders their civic participation illusory.” “The fundamental right to life includes not only the right of every Nigerian not to be deprived of his/her life arbitrarily, but also the right that he/she will not be prevented from having access to the conditions that guarantee a dignified existence.” “The growing poverty and inequality in the country has continued to adversely affect the right of Nigerians to participatory democracy, and impede their ability to participate in their own government.” “Persistent increase in petrol prices keep people in poverty which in turn perpetuates discriminatory attitudes and practices against them.” “Your government has a legal obligation to mobilize the maximum of the country’s available resources to ensure people’s socio-economic rights and to protect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Nigerians.” “Your government also has the legal obligations to probe and prosecute allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of corruption.” “Investigating and prosecuting allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution, and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations.” “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to ‘abolish all corrupt practices’ including in the NNPC.” “Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’” “Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’” “According to our information, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited recently increased the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across its retail outlets.” “The price of the product increased to N855 per litre, from about N600, and in some instances above N900 per litre. The apparently unlawful increase in petrol price followed a scarcity caused by the reported refusal by suppliers to import petroleum products for the NNPCL over a $6 billion debt.” “The NNPC reportedly failed to remit USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion of oil revenues into the public treasury, as documented in the recently published 2020 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

Post Date : September 8, 2024

Report: Canada student enrolment drops by 45 per cent after new study visa cap

Universities in Canada have raised alarm over a significant drop in international student enrolment following the cap on student visa. Gabriel Miller, president of Universities Canada, told Global News that initial projections suggest a dramatic 45% drop in international student enrolments once universities complete their tallies in October. “There’s every possibility that it’s going to be even worse than we fear,” Miller said in an interview. “We’re already in uncharted territory, and this should be a wake-up call for Ottawa to take immediate action.” Neighbor recounts how woman abused 12 years old niece, burnt her with hot knife and forced…..0:00 / 0:00 The national cap, introduced in January by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, was initially aimed at reducing international student intake by 35% over the next two years. The temporary measure was put in place to address concerns over housing, healthcare, and other services strained by the growing number of international students. The government initially estimated that approximately 364,000 study permits would be approved in 2024, but this figure has since been revised to around 292,000. The reduction is especially targeted at provinces experiencing the most significant growth in student numbers. Universities Canada is worried about the long-term effects of the cap on enrolment and competitiveness. International students, according to Miller, are crucial not only for enhancing the educational experience but also for contributing financially to Canadian institutions and the broader economy. “The cap’s collateral damage will hurt our ability to attract and retain talent in the future,” he added. In response to these concerns, the immigration minister’s office noted that, while they have seen a reduction in approvals compared to 2023, it is still too early to assess the full impact. The busiest period for study permit processing—August and September—has yet to be fully analyzed. The office added that more accurate data would be available once the final numbers for the fall 2024 and winter 2024 seasons are collected.

Post Date : September 8, 2024

NAFDAC investigating Pastor Jeremiah’s miracle water, soap – DG

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has alerted Nigerians to the activities of a faith-based organisation, Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, led by Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, using the agency’s name to deceive the unsuspecting public. NAFDAC, in a statement on Sunday signed by its Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, noted that none of the products advertised and sold are registered with the agency. It said, “NAFDAC wishes to alert the public on the activities of a faith-based organization – Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries – that uses NAFDAC name to deceive the unsuspecting public. “Recently, NAFDAC has been inundated with petitions from concerned citizens about Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, Km 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, Delta State, on a Miracle Water and Miracle Soap being advertised with healing and miracle claims and sold to unsuspecting members of the public by the Spiritual Ministry. The Minister showcased the use of Miracle Water and Miracle Soap on social media to heal barrenness. He claimed that the women would carry twins if they used the soap. He openly told his congregation that the Soap is NAFDAC registered. Thus, the public began to visit the office to confirm the claims. “The petitioners also submitted the following products from the Spiritual Ministry to NAFDAC to verify the bogus claims. The products are Miracle & Healing Water, River Jordan Water, the Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida, A New Beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water, Water of Life, Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida (1L), A New Beginning Pool of Bethsaida Water, and Father Smelled Perfume.” The agency stated that upon receipt of the petitions, it contacted the Delta State Coordinator, through the Director Post Marketing Surveillance of the agency, to ascertain the existence or records of any transaction with the Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries and the products in Delta State Office. “The Coordinator was also directed to visit the Ministry to establish the veracity of the claims in the petitions and take necessary regulatory action on the production facility in the Ministry where the Miracle water and other products are produced. The State Coordinator covertly bought the Miracle Water (25cl) for 3000 naira from the Ministries and took the pictures. “On Wednesday, August 14th 2024, the State Coordinator Delta State visited the Mercy Land Ministry and met the Head of Service – Mr. Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer. The officials denied producing Miracle and Healing Water or Soap even with the evidence of the receipt of purchase. He claimed that only the Logo and address on the label were theirs but not the product. The HOS added that they only have a pool of Bethsaida water, which is spiritual and artificial. The HOS requested time to meet with other staff and returned. He returned after 30 minutes and refused to cooperate, asking them to see the CSO. “On August 27th 2024, a team of Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC and Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods visited the Ministry to commence investigation on the place of purchase or the manufacturing site for possible sample collection, for laboratory analysis, but the officials did not cooperate with the team. Letters of invitation were issued to the officials to report on August 28th, but it was not honoured. The company instead submitted a Legal document at NAFDAC Headquarters Abuja on August 28th, 2024 and asked to come back on September 3rd, 2024, to organise their document before coming. The Agency then gave the Prophet till the 29th to report to the investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC Office Asaba for further necessary investigation. “Investigation and Enforcement Asaba waited for the Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries officials based on their earlier request to report for commencement of the investigation, but they still refused to show up. On September 3rd, 2024, they forwarded some documents instead of asking for more time to report,” it explained. It added that in a document made available to the NAFDAC Office on the evening of September 3rd, the faith organisation claimed to have entered into a production contract agreement with Globod Table Water Km 4, DSC Expressway, Otokutu, Delta State, without the knowledge of NAFDAC State Office in Delta State. The agency stated that the act is illegal according to the extant rules and regulations on commercial production. “In continuation of our investigation, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement has sealed the Globod Table Water factory to aid and abet the production, sale, and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome Miracle Water under the pretext of Fake NAFDAC Registration Number. “At this point, it is very clear that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5, is not ready to present itself for investigation of production and advertisement of suspected falsified, unwholesome, and unregistered miracle products. “NAFDAC wishes to inform the public that none of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC. The public is also being advised to stop patronizing any of these Miracle products. NAFDAC is scientific organization that is guided by verifiable scientific facts before registering any product. “In the meantime, we will continue with our investigation into the activities of this faith organization with regard to products within our mandates that have been reported to be manufactured and sold by them. I want to use this opportunity to warn faith organizations against illegal production of regulated products without requisite regulatory requirements,” it added. Adeyeye, however, assured Nigerians of the agency’s resolve to continue safeguarding their health.

Post Date : September 8, 2024

Anambra Security: ASN Decries Poor Remuneration of AVG Operatives

…calls For Immediate Upward Review Amidst increasing security lapses in Anambra State, where there have been resurgence of kidnapping and unwholesome criminal activities of Unknown Gun Men (UGM) of late, a group under the aegis of Anambra Security Network (ASN) has decried the poor treatment of operatives of the Anambra Vigilant Group (AVG). In a statement in Awka ASN called on the Anambra State Government and wealthy Anambrarians to encourage the members of AVG by paying them good salary. In the statement signed by the President of ASN, Col. Jude Obi Rtd, the group said presently AVG operatives are paid N100, 000 each, which they claimed is extremely too small, considering the harsh economic situation of the country and the risk associated with their job. The group said that AVG operstives ‘ salary should be increased to N200,000 to N300,000 each or more so that it can go a long way to ameliorate the prevailing economic hardship, saying that N100, 000 cannot buy anything now including a bag of rice. The group also called for the equipping of the security outfits with new operational vehicles and since most of the ones they are now using are obsolete and have been damaged by tear and wear. The Security Network said that AVG has been doing a lot in containing high profile crime in the State and most of them have lost their lives and to encourage them to do more they should be provided with necessary materials such as arms and ammunition. The government should provide incentives and platform for insurance to protect them in the case of death or fatal lacerated injuries The group also called for the retraining of the AVG operatives for efficient and effective operation, saying that those of them working hard to catch criminals and recover arms and ammunition should be compensated as a way of encouraging them to do more and warned that if on or before October 2024, their monthly salary were not reviewed upwards,they will definitely embark on withdrawal protests to attract government attention to their present economic predicaments, ASN advised the governor to immediately create Ogbunka-Umunze sector,Agulu-Nanka-Umuchu sector,Ogbaru-Ugwuanocha sector,Azia-Lilu sector and Otuocha-Anam sector to finally checkmate the influence of resurgence of criminal activities and wonder how a few ragtags criminals will be unleashing terror and fear to Anambrarians The governor should also use at least only one month security vote monies running into billions of naira to address ongoing security challenges,Col Obi rtd, warned

Post Date : September 8, 2024

DAILIES TOP STORIES: Food import waiver, others push naira to new low

Sunday 08 September 2024 NNPC conditions: Dangote refinery may dump local market, export petrol Decomposing bodies still litter our community after terrorist attack – Survivors of Yobe massacre 61 foreigners deported over irregular migration, says NIS Anti-party: PDP panel gets report on Wike, Ortom, Makinde Money laundering: US seeks access to ailing Binance executive LP crisis: NLC backs Obi, Otti’s 29-man caretaker c’ttee Seven arrested as fuel hike protest hits Kwara Flood sweeps away two sleeping residents in Anambra NAHCON crisis lingers as agents threaten to pull out Presidency disowns yacht found in France We’re Steadfast In Improving, Equipping Our Police To Protect Nigerians – Tinubu Dangote Refinery: No Guarantee Of Lower Prices – NNPCL Presidential Spokesman Ajuri Ngelale Proceeds On Indefinite Leave Of Absence Governorship Poll: Over Two Million Voters Registered In Ondo – INEC 10 Kidnapped Maritime Travellers Regain Freedom Gov Aiyedatiwa Appoints 28 SSAs, 316 SAs Over 100,000 Protest In France Against New Prime Minister OPay to charge N50 stamp duty on transactions above N10k from Monday Petrol pains so deep: Tough times await parents, students, teachers as school resumes Dialogue With Bandits: Be wary of implications, NEF spokesman warns Yar’adua’s Mother Made Me Who I Am – Jonathan Saudi Arabia retains Nigeria’s 95,000 slots for 2025 Hajj Four vehicles burnt as petrol tanker explodes along Ife-Ibadan expressway Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Post Date : September 7, 2024

Fintechs charge N50 transfer levy on transactions above N10,000

Financial technology companies have started charging levies on electronic transfers into personal and business accounts in compliance with the Federal Inland Revenue Service regulations. In a notice to its customers on Saturday, OPay, one of the fintechs, stated, “Dear valued customers, please be informed that starting September 9, 2024, a one-time fee of N50 will be applied for electronic transfers of N10,000 and above, paid into your personal or business account in compliance with the Federal Inland Revenue Service regulations.” The company clarified that the charges are a government requirement and not a source of revenue for the payment platform. “It is important to note that OPay does not benefit from these charges in any way, as it is directed entirely to the Federal Government,” the notice read. This fee introduction follows the Federal Government’s efforts to generate revenue from electronic transactions through FIRS regulations. Users of other fintechs like Moniepoint and PalmPay have also reported that these institutions have started implementing the charges. A former Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, issued the Electronic Money Transfer Levy Regulations, 2022, under her authority, pursuant to Section 89A(3) of the Stamp Duties Act Cap. S8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (SDA), as amended by the Finance Act, 2021. The regulations provide guidance for the imposition, administration, collection, and remittance of the Electronic Money Transfer Levy which was introduced by the Finance Act, 2020. Key provisions include A one-time levy of N50 on the recipient of any electronic receipts or transfers of N10,000 or more. For transfers in other currencies, the levy will be charged at exchange rates determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria; the FIRS is appointed as the administrator of the Levy and is responsible for assessing, collecting, and accounting for the Levy. It noted that the receiving banks are required to collect and remit the Levy to the FIRS by the next working day or on a date prescribed by the FIRS. For walk-in customers without accounts, the levy must be deducted from the amount payable. Also, banks must prepare daily lists of cancelled or reversed transactions, detailing the transferee’s name, transaction amounts, levies deducted, and amounts reversed or cancelled. Levies on reversed or cancelled transactions should be deducted from the next day’s collections and returned to affected customers. Banks are also required to submit monthly returns of the levies collected, including details of reversals and cancellations, to the FIRS within 21 days after each month. Additionally, banks must retain records of all electronic transfers on which levies are collected for a minimum of seven years. The provisions noted that banks that fail to collect the Levy will be liable for a penalty of 150 per cent of the Levy not collected. If a bank collects the Levy but fails to remit it, the bank will be liable for the levy, plus a 50 per cent penalty and interest at the CBN’s Monetary Policy Rate. Moreso, failure to render or inaccurately render returns will result in a penalty of 10 per cent of the unrendered or incorrectly rendered returns. Banks are defined under the regulations as “a deposit money bank or financial institution referred to under Section 89A of the SDA, including all banks and other financial institutions defined under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.”

Post Date : September 7, 2024

10 Kidnapped Maritime Travellers Regain Freedom

Ten maritime travellers who were abducted along the Bonny – Port Harcourt waterway earlier this week have regained their freedom. The victims of them were abducted on Monday, September 2. The police authorities had pledged to investigate the incident and rescue the victims. But a source confirmed the victims’ release to Channels Television on Saturday. He said 10 of the travellers were abandoned by their abductors when they noticed operatives of the Nigerian Navy’s, Forward Operations Base (FOB), Bonny were searching for them. The within the FOB Bonny who doesn’t want to be quoted said that operatives of the base had been tracking the kidnappers since it was reported and their intense intelligence led to their captors fleeing and abandoning them along the Onne channel. The victims were taken to the base for medical checkups after which they were reunited with their various families. Though no official statement has been released by the Navy or the Police, but the agencies insist they will intensify operations against sea pirates operating in the vicinity.