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Post Date : September 7, 2024

Tinubu Didn’t Approve Tenure Extension For IGP – Police

President Bola Tinubu did not extend the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. This is according to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) which said instead, the President gave his approval to the law governing the tenure of the office as required. In a statement on Friday, Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP’s appointment is for four years. The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to various misleading reports and misinterpretations concerning the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, and wishes to categorically state that what President Bola Tinubu approved for the IGP is not an extension of tenure, but rather the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office of the IGP,” the statement read. “Contrary to the misinformation being circulated on social media and in the news, an appointment letter in circulation was issued to the IGP shortly after his appointment was confirmed by the Police Council. “This letter, dated 3rd November 2023, clearly stated that the President had approved a four-year tenure for the IGP in accordance with the provisions of Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).” According to Adejobi, the IGP does not need to lobby for any tenure extension as he has yet to use the years stated in his. appointment letter. “It is important to emphasize that the IGP does not need to lobby for any tenure extension as his appointment letter explicitly grants him a four-year tenure from the date of his appointment. The ongoing circulation of false information is the handiwork of pessimists and mischief makers who are determined to spread baseless narratives against the office and the personality of the IGP for obvious reasons and pecuniary gains,” he added.

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

We didn’t stop under 18-year-old students from writing WASSCE, NECO – Minister

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that the ministry has not stopped students who are not up to 18 years old from writing the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, clarified Abuja on Friday while fielding questions from journalists at an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD). Sununu said that the public misconception and misinterpretation of what was said by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, was highly disappointing. He said that the minister was actually speaking on the 18 years of entry age into the tertiary institutions as was practiced in the 6:3:3:4 system of education. “We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress. The National Assembly is working and we are also working. “It was shocking to say that a university in this country gave admission to children at ages 10, 11 and 12 years. This is totally wrong. “We are not saying that there are no exceptions, we know we can have talented students that have the IQ of an adult even at age 6 and 7, but these are very few. “There must be a rule, and the ministry is looking at developing a guideline on how to identify a talented child, so that parents don’t say we are blocking their children’s chances. “Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” he said. Speaking on the International Literacy Day, Sununu underscored the critical role of literacy in fostering mutual understanding, peace and socio-economic development. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027). He highlighted youth and adult literacy as key components, while emphasising the importance of using learners’ mother tongues as a medium of instruction. “We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace,” he added. He also emphasised the need for well-trained educators who should be equipped to teach in local languages, as well as the development of follow-up reading materials in these languages. On his part, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), Prof. Simon Akpama, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to integrating multilingual education into schools’ literacy programmes. “In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual education is not just a necessity, it is a tool for fostering peace and cultural respect,” he said. Meanwhile, UNESCO’s Country Representative, Mr Diallo Abdourahamane, re-echoed that literacy remained a fundamental human right, hence the need to create a just, peaceful and sustainable society. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ILD which is celebrated annually on Sept. 8, is aimed at highlighting the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

EFCC returns stolen $180,300, 53 cars to Canada

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday handed over a total of $180,300 and 53 vehicles, fraudulently taken by some Nigerians from Canadian citizens to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Speaking at the signing ceremony for the return of the recovered vehicles and funds, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, stated that the Canadians were victims of cybercrimes. He stressed that recovering and returning the assets reinforced the commission’s commitment to fighting financial crimes. The EFCC Chairman said the event also emphasised the need for countries to collaborate to tackle financial and other forms of crime. He said, “This is an occasion we are using to demonstrate our commitment to fighting financial crimes and to also collaborate with other countries and agencies around the world. It’s common knowledge that financial crimes have taken a new turn all across the globe. “It has become a global problem. The people who perpetrate these crimes do so in a way that shows their activities are borderless and barbaric. “They employ various means to ensure they move across jurisdictions. That’s why it has become very necessary and imperative for us to collaborate with our friends across the world. “Most countries are collaborating with us in the fight against financial crimes. What you are witnessing today is a demonstration of that reinforced commitment. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has been collaborating with us.This collaboration has resulted in many recoveries and the impact of joint operations.” Olukoyede noted that although the operations spanned several years, they ultimately led to significant recoveries. He said, “We are here today to witness the handover of assets recovered on behalf of Canadian victims of cybercrime. The operations have taken a couple of years and have resulted in a substantial recovery.” Olukoyede stated that Nigeria should not be seen as a hub of financial and other crimes, adding that the country does not tolerate criminal activities. He said, “It is important for us to let our colleagues and friends from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police know that as an agency, the EFCC, and as a country, Nigeria is always ready to fight financial crimes. Nigeria should not necessarily be seen as a hub of financial crimes. It is a transit town, as are Canada and most countries across the world because people move from one jurisdiction to another. “This is also a demonstration that the Nigerian government will never tolerate any act of financial crime.”The EFCC Chairman pledged to investigate, prosecute, and recover assets for victims of financial crimes. He said, “The Nigerian government does not tolerate financial crimes. Not only that, we will pursue, investigate, recover, prosecute, and ensure that victims are restituted. That is what we are doing today.” Speaking on the recoveries, he said $164,000 was taken from Bogomas Elena, while one Sandra Butler was defrauded of $16,300. He said, “In total, 53 vehicles were recovered on behalf of the victims. In one instance, $164,000 was taken from Elena, and $16,300 was also recovered. These will be handed over to the Canadian police to return to the victims.” Providing background on the recovery process, Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, Micheal Wetkas, said the Canadian police approached the commission in 2012 regarding stolen vehicles that had gone missing en route from Canada. He said, “All they provided us with were the vehicle registration numbers. From there, our team quickly traced the vehicles. At one point, we realised the scale of the operation, which was quite large, and it became known as Operation Hot Wheels. “It was a joint operation between us and Canadian police officers. This collaboration led to the recovery of the 53 vehicles handed over today. Among them, nine were tracked from a vessel transporting them abroad back to Nigeria. That is the brief story behind the operation.” He said Bogomas’ case was a romance scam reported to the commission. “An intelligence-led investigation was painstakingly conducted, and investigators discovered that the fraudster had used the proceeds to purchase real estate in Lagos. This property was traced, confiscated, and the assets returned. “Today, we are celebrating the recovery of $164,000 on behalf of Bogomas. The fraudster has been convicted, and another suspect is still on trial,” he added. Speaking on behalf of the Canadian Police, Premier Secretary and Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Robert Aboumitri, commended the EFCC for their efforts. He said, “This is a testament to your professionalism and commitment to combating crime. I also cannot conclude my remarks without thanking the Government of Nigeria. If I may, Mr Executive Chairman, I’d like to add that we cover multiple countries, and many of them would be envious of the work you are doing here. “This shows that you are one of the key partners in West Africa in the fight against crime. Thank you very much. We highly value this partnership and would like to elevate it to the highest level possible.”

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

INSIDE STORY: In two days, suspected Biafra agitators kill policemen, vigilante members in Imo, Anambra

Not less than six policemen and vigilante members were killed by suspected Biafra agitators on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. In August, Simon Ekpa, heading the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, issued warning of a 30-day shutdown for Nigerian government offices in the South-East due to regional insecurity and Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing detention. He mentioned that the resolution was reached during a virtual gathering of his Biafra Government in Exile, BRGIE, cabinet. Ekpa has threatened that the lockdown will start from August 28, 2024, to September 26. He clarified that the shutdown would impact all Nigerian government offices in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra states in the South-East region. Ekpa also demanded the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and all other Biafrans held by the Nigerian government, along with the demilitarization of the South-East. Three Policemen Shot Dead In Oba Gunmen, suspected to be members of the secessionist group on Tuesday attacked a police station with bombs at Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State killed three policemen and injured others. Though the Police Command claimed that only one policeman, a Corporal, was killed, a senior Police officer told The Nation that three of their men lost their lives. The group, which terrorises the Southeast region, also attacked the Oba Civic Centre. Security Guards Killed Imo On Tuesday night, gunmen also killed two vigilante members guarding the headquarters of Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. The gunmen also set cars parked at the council headquarters ablaze. Eyewitness said the gunmen stormed the s3cretariat around 8.30pm and shot sporadically, killing two vigilante members on duty and setting part of the council building on fire. Another eyewitness said, “Two security men at Isiala-Mbano council headquarters have been shot dead. The hoodlums also set ablaze a larger portion of the council building and several vehicles parked in the premises. Many others escaped with various degrees of injuries. “There is palpable fear in Umuelemai, the LG headquarters because people, as I speak, have fled to neighbouring villages.” One-hour Spent Profiling Residents Until Gunmen Identified, Killed Police Officer In another incident, gunmen launched an attack on Umulogho Community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo, on Wednesday, killing a police operative and torching a section of a police station. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the incident happened at Umulogho by NEPA Junction on the Owerri-Umuahia Road. They were reported to have stormed the area in a Sienna bus at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday night. NAN also learnt that the hoodlums spent more than one-hour profiling residents of the area until they identified and killed the police officer. “Upon identifying the man as a police operative, he was tortured with a machete and left to die,” a source from the community told NAN on the condition of anonymity. The source further said that the gunmen, who operated unchallenged, returned in the wee hours of Wednesday morning to burn down a section of the Divisional Police Station in the area. Another source further disclosed that it took several hours before military personnel responded to the distress call made by the residents. “Imo Police Command and the State Government need to step up the fight against insecurity in the state, especially in the rural areas. “It is confusing how there are three different police formations domiciled in one police division, namely the Area Command, Isiweke Police Station and Obowo Police Division, yet the hoodlums were not challenged. “It is even more worrisome that the police couldn’t respond because they claimed they did not have any operational vehicle. “This is disheartening. It portends danger for residents that there is no security in the area,” the source said. Police Reaction In a statement on Wednesday evening by the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye said that Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, in coordination with leaders of various security agencies, has initiated a decisive response to the attacks. The statement further read, “The assault by these hoodlums, who came in large numbers, firing sporadically and throwing improvised fuel bombs, caused minimal damage, including the destruction of vehicles and parts of both the local government headquarters and the police division building. “Frantic efforts were made to repel the attackers but unfortunately two vigilante personnel lost their lives. Also a Police Constable was gruesomely murdered in his house in Obowo. The loss of these brave individuals underscores the grave risks faced by those dedicated to protecting our society. “In the wake of the cowardly attacks, security forces have been massively deployed and equipped with advanced operational resource to crack down on the miscreants responsible and make them face the full wrath of the law. “More so, a high-level assessment was conducted on 04/09/2024 by the Commissioner of Police together with the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Brig. Gen. UA Lawal, Commander Oguta Naval Base, Commodore MB Salisu, SSA on Security Affairs, Rtd General Joseph Ogbonna, Commandant NSCDC, CC. Mathew Ovey, the Acting Sole Administrator of Isiala Mbano, Hon. Chika Okirike, and the Chairman of the Isiala Mbano Vigilante Group during which they strongly condemned the senseless attacks and vowed to implementing enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents. “The security chiefs addressed the situation with determination and urged vigilante groups and serving personnel to persevere in the midst of security challenges. They emphasized the need for continued collaboration to reduce crime to its barest minimum in the State and called on community leaders to mobilize support in the ongoing fight against violence. In addition, residents are encouraged to assist security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or individuals. “To this end, the Commissioner of Police reaffirms the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. On behalf of the security agencies, he extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel and assures the public that every effort will be made to enhance peace and security in the State.”

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

Kaduna Labour Party Rejects Nenadi Usman As National Caretaker Chairman

The Kaduna state chapter of the Labour Party has rejected the emergence of a former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenai Usman as the party’s National Caretaker chairman. The Usman-led National Caretaker Committee was inaugurated at a stakeholders meeting at Umuahia Abia state some days ago. However, like the party’s National Working Committee led by Barrister Julius Abure, the Kaduna State Labour Party chairman Auwal Tafoki in a statement, described the emergence of Usman, an indigene of the state as illegal and unconstitutional. According to him, the appointment of the former Finance Minister to lead the 29-member national caretaker committee of the Labour Party at a meeting convened by the Abia State governor, Alex Otti lacks legitimacy and is a waste of time and resources.

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

Reduce Fuel Price, Nigerians Are Hungry, Kukah Tells APC

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has asked leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to reduce the current pump price of fuel, saying Nigerians are hungry. He spoke on Friday in Abuja, during the official unveiling of The Progressive Institute (TPI). Recall that the pump price of petrol per litre in the country was on Tuesday increased to N855, N918 or higher depending on locations. But delivering his goodwill message during the APC event, Kukah said, “We Nigerians are hungry. Find a way of reducing the price of fuel. Unless democracy is anchored on sound foundation, we will be building on sand. I am concerned about the quality of democracy in Nigeria. We need to fix the problem with democracy in Nigeria.” APC leaders at the event which is ongoing at the Abuja Continental Hotel, are the APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio represented by the deputy Senate president, Senator Barau I. Jibrin; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Others are Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma; Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; ministers; APC states Chairmen and many others.

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

Flood Kills 20, Displaces 3, 000 In Yobe

No fewer than 20 persons have been confirmed dead in the last two weeks in Gashua, the headquarters of Bade local government area of Yobe state following the collapse of houses due to heavy rainfall. The Executive Chairman of the local government area, Babagana Ibrahim told Channels Television correspondent that, many residents are now taking refuge in three designated camps. According to him, the government is providing the immediate needs of the displaced persons such as food items, medical care, hygiene kits, clean drinking water, and food to protect them from any disease outbreaks. Ibrahim is seeking more support from the federal government and donour agencies. “The number of the displaced persons has risen to about 3,000 we need the federal government and donour agencies to support states and local government areas affected by flood in providing relief materials to them” “It’s been raining these days and many houses are collapsing especially mud houses. This morning alone, four people have been confirmed dead in Gashua” Already, the two federal roads leading to Gashua have been cut off in the last ten days, making it difficult for the humanitarian workers to respond to the needs of the displaced persons. The chairman has since directed those living in mud houses to vacate to forestall further casualties from the flood.

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

Only Nigerians With NIN To Benefit As FG Begins Sale Of ₦40,000/bag Rice

The Federal Government has said only public servants with duly registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be allowed to purchase as it flags off the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari while flagging off the exercise, said the move is to curb racketeering, and is part of efforts to crash the prices of food in Nigerian markets. Represented by President Bola Tinubu, Kyari said the intervention will be sold strictly “one man to one bag or one woman to one bag”. He said the rice — which is to be sold at a flat rate of ₦40,000 naira only for 50kg — is the federal government intervention for the sales of subsidised milled rice to ameliorate the prevailing food crises in Nigeria. “This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” he said. “As one of the numerous efforts of the present administration to cushion the effect of high cost of food commodities, kindly join me to applaud the immense efforts of the present administration such as the release of 42,000MT of Assorted Food Commodities (AFC) to vulnerable and the 30,000MT of milled rice which is being flagged-off for sales to Nigerians today 5th September, 2024.” The minister blamed COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, climate change amidst other localized factors/challenges for the high cost of food prices. “This has led to increase concern and risk of food insecurity and general decline in the standard of living globally. I therefore urge us to understand that the present challenges are not peculiar to our great country,” he said. He added that the federal government being aware of the potential challenges associated with the sales of an important staple such as rice, at this critical period has deployed a multi-disciplinary machinery of Government, as well put in place certain processes and conditions to ensure the transparency, wider reach and success of this exercise. “This includes one man one 50kg of rice, others are the verification of intending beneficiaries using relevant identification mediums such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers to forestall multiple access to this food commodity by fraudulent individuals at the detriment of other citizens,” he said. He implored citizens to cooperate with the relevant citizens to achieve the initiative. “Let us work together to ensure that the dream of the present administration to uphold the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved. It is expected that with the injection of 30,000MT (1000 trucks of 30MT each of these important staples into Nigeria’s food balance sheet, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives.” He called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and be patient with Mr. President as his numerous efforts to enhance Food security will soon begin to pay off. The director, food and strategic reserve of the ministry, Haruna Sule Abutu outlined the procedure to buy the subsidised rice. “To qualify for the one person one bag, you must have National Identification Number, of course you have phone numbers and those in public service are all registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) platform,” he said. “Once you have any of these three, at the point of sale, with the NIN logged into the system, a code number and a Treasury receipt will be generated, and with that the buyer can get to the collection center and pick up his bag. The receipt will indicate, time and point of collection to eliminate stampede.”

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

CAC warns unregistered PoS operators as deadline expires

The Corporate Affairs Commission has reminded Point of Sale operators across Nigeria that the deadline for business registration, initially announced on July 7, 2024, expired on September 5, 2024. In a statement released on Friday, the CAC expressed concerns over inadequate compliance with the directive, despite the large number of PoS operators in the country. However, CAC commended operators who have taken steps to formalize their businesses, praising their “positive attitudes” towards compliance. The Commission noted with concern the significant number of operators who have not adhered to the directive. The statement read, “Recalcitrant operators have refused to adhere to the advice for formalization due possibly to engagements in unwholesome activities or for some reasons best known to them.” The CAC emphasised that it is working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to implement a comprehensive enforcement and sanction framework. The measures may include the shutdown of non-compliant businesses and other severe legal consequences. “We are to make it clear that the Commission is working with Law Enforcement Agencies and other relevant stakeholders to deploy comprehensive enforcement and sanction framework that may include not only possible shutdown but other severe legal consequences,” the statement read. The Federal Government, through the Corporate Affairs Commission, had previously set a two-month deadline for POS operators to register their agents, merchants, and individuals with the commission in compliance with legal requirements and the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This directive was issued in response to a rise in fraud incidents involving POS terminals and CBN’s plans to prohibit trading in cryptocurrencies and other virtual currencies. A report from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc revealed that POS terminals were involved in 26.37 per cent of fraud incidents in 2023. The CAC stated that the registration initiative aims to reduce fraud within the system, as well as combat kidnapping and the payment of ransoms.

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Post Date : September 6, 2024

Bandits Abduct 22 Persons In Fresh Kaduna Attack

At least 22 people have been abducted by bandits who attacked Mani village in Rido ward in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Thursday morning. Among the victims include a nursing mother with four children, young children and an infant. Although the police authorities in Kaduna State are yet to confirm the incident, a youth leader in the Rido community, Zacharia Musa told Channels Television that the bandits stormed the community in large numbers while the residents were still asleep, and started shooting, and later moved from house to house to kidnap people. In another incident, Bandits attacked Dan Honu II, New Millennium City also in Chikun Local Government where they abducted a nurse and her three sons. The attack came barely two months after two journalists were kidnapped by bandits in the same community and were released after one week. Security agencies have not responded to the recent upsurge of attacks, but Local sources told our correspondent that the bandits invaded the Dan Honu II community at about 10 pm on Wednesday and scared the residents with gunshots before taking away some people including a woman and her three sons. While the woman was later abandoned inside the bush due to her failing health condition, the bandits, however, went away with her three children.

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