In a swift operation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended Soberechukwu Inya Ewa, a banker, and Azubuike Mamwu Obasi, a Point of Sales (POS) cashier, for their alleged involvement in currency racketeering.
The arrests were conducted by operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command in the early hours of Friday, February 15, 2024, at Ecobank, Rumuobiakani, and Maddox Night Club, New Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Investigations revealed that Ewa, the banker, specialized in selling new naira notes of various denominations to POS cashiers for commercial purposes. On the other hand, Obasi was apprehended while engaging in currency racketeering, charging fees for the acquisition of new naira notes. At the time of his arrest, Obasi was found in possession of N554,600.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Six Hundred Naira).
Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for EFCC, confirmed the preliminary findings and announced that the two suspects would soon face charges in court. The EFCC remains committed to curbing illicit financial activities and maintaining the integrity of the nation’s currency.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has cautioned Nigerians against using inflammatory comments against the government, saying that such comments are unnecessary.
This was made know in a release signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Director (Information , Press& Public Relations)
The Minister made this call against the backdrop of some unguarded utterances coming from some sections of the populace.
“Such comments are incisive and destructive and can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence in our beloved nation,” he said.
Dr. Matawalle said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has the capacity and political will and he is working round the clock to see that Nigeria is better and a well secured nation.
The Minister also highlighted the various policies Presidy Tinubu’s government has put in place so far to reshape and modernize our economy and to secure lives, liberty and property of the people.
Accordingly, Mr. President has given priority to the safety of citizens by equipping the Nigerian Military to function optimally while the Service Chiefs have also been charged to rebuild the capacity of the security Services.
Speaking on the economy of the nation, Matawalle said that the President understands the nexus between insecurity and poverty and that was why the government is increasing its investment in MSMEs. This is in addition to the 15 Million vulnerable households that will be added to the extended social safety net.
Continuing, the Minister said that: “Just few days ago, the President approved the creation of a committee that included the State Governors and Federal representatives that will explore among other things the possibility of establishing State Police that will help in check mating crimes.
The Minister however underscored the importance of unity, stating that what affects one Nigerian ultimately affects the entire nation.
“It is imperative for us as Nigerians to embrace dialogue and understanding in addressing our differences. We must remember that our strength lies in our diversity, and only through unity can we overcome the challenges facing our nation,” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is trying his best in tackling the economic challenges being experienced by Nigerians. While acknowledging the global nature of the challenges, Dr. Matawalle reassured the public that the President and his team are tirelessly working to alleviate the burdens on the Nigerian populace. He advised the agents of disunity to refrain from further unwarranted utterances, as such will have consequences.
Accordingly, Dr. Matawalle urged all citizens to prioritize peace, tolerance, and national cohesion in their words and action, as we collectively strive towards building a prosperous and harmonious Nigeria.
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE, MUHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR, CON, MNI AND OTHER DIGNITARIES RECEIVED PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR IN ADDIS ABABA FOR THE 37TH AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT SCHEDULED TO HOLD IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA.
The Federal House of Representatives in Nigeria has urged the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to fully implement community policing as outlined in Section 15 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020. This resolution was made following the adoption of a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented by Hon. Asama Ago (LP-Plateau).
Despite several resolutions passed by the House on attacks in communities across Nigeria, the lawmaker noted that these resolutions seemed inadequate in addressing the issue as communities continued to be victims of heinous attacks. He specifically mentioned the recent attacks in Nkienzha community of Bassa LGA, Plateau State.
The Police Act of 2020 provides for the establishment of Community Policing, explicitly outlined in various sections. Hon. Ago emphasized the need for the full implementation of this aspect of the Act, urging the Commissioner of Police in each state to establish Community Policing Committees at various levels.
In response, the House observed a minute of silence in honor of innocent victims of attacks across the country. The Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks.
The Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to conduct enlightenment campaigns exposing the negative effects of sports betting, especially concerning the participation of young Nigerians. This resolution followed a motion presented during Thursday’s plenary by Hon. Nwogu Kelechi, representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State.
Kelechi highlighted the expansive growth of sports betting globally, including various Nigerian platforms, with approximately 60 million Nigerians aged 18 to 40 engaging in such activities. He emphasized the mental health problems, strained relationships, financial difficulties, and legal issues associated with excessive sports betting.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the weak or neglected regulations in the sports betting industry, citing the National Lottery Act of 2005, which is intended to ensure fair operation and the protection of players and the public. The House believes that proper regulation could generate tax revenue for the government and contribute to economic growth.
As part of the adopted motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct nationwide campaigns raising public awareness about the negative impacts of youth participation in sports betting. Additionally, the Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs was mandated to conduct a public hearing on the effects and benefits of sports betting in Nigeria, reporting back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The Federal House of Representatives has urged the administration led by President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of this year’s Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, officially fixed at N5 million. The motion, titled “Need to review the 2024 Hajj fare payable by intending pilgrims,” was adopted during Thursday’s plenary.
Umar Ajilo, representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, led the debate, emphasizing the importance of pilgrimage in the Islamic religion. He noted that the N5 million fare is exorbitant and unsuitable for middle- and low-income intending pilgrims.
The House expressed concern about the economic reality and urged the Federal Government to reassess the processes and procedures adopted by the National Hajj Commission to arrive at the fare. The aim is to make the fare more affordable for intending pilgrims.
In response, the House mandated the Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage to engage the National Hajj Commission in reviewing and reassessing processes and strategies. The goal is to ensure that the pilgrimage fare becomes more affordable. The committee is expected to report to the House within four weeks.
In a significant move towards meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, the NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies Joint Venture has achieved zero routine gas flare in all its assets. This accomplishment aligns with the Nationally Determined Contribution targets under the Paris Accord, aiming for a 20% unconditional and 47% conditional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The achievement was announced during an inspection tour of OML 100 in the Southeastern Niger Delta, off Port Harcourt. The joint NNPC Ltd and TotalEnergies team assessed the success of the OML Flare Reduction Project initiated in December 2023.
The NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies Joint Venture, as the concession holder of four leases, had already achieved zero routine flaring across OML 99 (2006), OML 102 (2014), and OML 58 (2016). With the elimination of routine flaring in OML 100, the last flare volume of about 12MMscf/d (twelve million standard cubic feet per day) of gas has been eradicated, resulting in a reduction of approximately 341KtCO2e/yr in greenhouse gas emissions.
This accomplishment is part of NNPC Ltd’s broader sustainability efforts, emphasizing the ‘Reduce’ aspect of its 5R Strategy (Reduce, Replace, Renew, Re-plant, Repurpose). The company is actively working across all its assets to achieve zero routine flaring by 2030 or earlier.
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), presented laptops, cash, and certificates to 26 young female fish farmers in Kano as part of an initiative aimed at fostering female entrepreneurs in agricultural value chains.
The presentation occurred during the closing ceremony of a 5-day empowerment program for women and youth in modern agriculture in Kano.
Dr. Mahmoud praised the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja for the initiative, highlighting the importance of promoting education, skill acquisition, and gender empowerment. She acknowledged the program as an outcome of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, encouraging the Women Development Centre to elevate female entrepreneurs in the country through agricultural value chains.
Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, the Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, emphasized the program’s focus on exposing young women to the ways information and communication technology (ICT) can enhance agricultural practices. Agriculture employs over 75 percent of Nigeria’s workforce, and the demand for agricultural produce continues to increase with population growth.
Dr. Bashir underscored ICT as a driving force for development in all sectors, including agriculture, urging participants to leverage the knowledge gained to contribute to the country’s economic growth. The program aimed to create digital farmers in the North-West Zones of Nigeria, exposing participants to technological innovations in the agricultural sector. A beneficiary, Hajia Umma Aminu Waru, expressed gratitude for the training and pledged to make good use of the acquired skills.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared its commitment to preventing illegal markets and unauthorized settlements from obstructing extensive road construction efforts.
Traders operating in such areas have been given a warning to vacate immediately.
Tlp. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, conveyed this message during clearance operations on the N16 road corridor.
Represented by Hassan Ogbole, Deputy Director of Monitoring and Enforcement, Galadima stressed the importance of individuals wishing to operate markets coordinating with municipal authorities to secure designated spaces.
The ongoing operation involves collaboration with security agencies, Parks and Recreation, and other relevant departments.
Galadima highlighted that the constraints posed by illegal markets and structures had hindered the progress of a road construction project for which a contract had been awarded by the FCT Administration.
Galadima emphasized that the removal of structures is within the purview of the FCT Administration and falls under the responsibility of the Development Control Department.
“We will advise them where they are operating within road corridors that are not sanctioned by the authority; they should vacate such locations and liaise with the Abuja Municipal Area Council or Urban Affairs Department of FCDA, and they will be catered for,” stated Galadima.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control in the FCTA, pointed out that the prevalence of shanties on road corridors has contributed to concerns about insecurity in the city center.
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has clarified that it consistently publishes details of the monthly revenue allocation by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the three tiers of government.
The OAGF, through its Director of Press, Bawa Mokwa, stated in Abuja that it is up to date in the publication of monthly revenue distribution, and this effort will be sustained.
The OAGF has been adhering to the policy of keeping Nigerians informed about government financial inflows and expenditures.
The statement highlighted that the monthly revenue distribution for 2023 was published both in print and online media, as well as on its website. Furthermore, the details of the December 2023 revenue, shared in January 2024, have already been published on the OAGF’s website.
The Office emphasized its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in government financial transactions while upholding the principles of prudent financial management.
