₦airaland Forum

No fewer than nine Nigerians who attempted to stowaway to Europe through The Gambia have been received by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos Command.


The stowaways had claimed that they were lured into the voyage by some of their friends who were lucky to make it to Europe through the same path.


Vanguard gathered that the Nigerians involved are between the age range of 21 to 30.

They attempted to travel to Europe through The Gambia sea, but they were spotted by the ship captain who immediately alerted the security agencies of the neighbouring country.

It was also learnt that in a bid to escape arrest, the stowaways jumped into the high sea with two of them struggling to swim.

They were eventually rescued from drowning and taken to the Nigeria High Commission in The Gambia which immediately processed emergency travel documents for them to be repatriated to Nigeria, despite their reluctance to return into the country.

The stowaways were brought back to Nigeria through Asky Airlines with the registration number: via Lome, Togo.

Meanwhile, the Comptroller, NIS, MMIA Command, Mrs. Adesola Adesokan, has described the development as a deathtrap.

Adesokan, lamented the incessant stowaway incidents among Nigerians and admonished them against it.


She said: “Such a trip is a deathtrap waiting to happen. Many Nigerians had lost their lives through such means in the past.

“The nine stowaways have been handed over to the MMIA Command by the officials of the Gambian immigration service.

“About nine Nigerians were sent back by The Gambian immigration officers for attempted stowaway in the high sea and two of them almost lost their lives in the process because when they were discovered, they attempted to escape and jumped into the high sea. Unfortunately for them, two of them could not swim.

“The captain of the ship had to get in touch with the country that is within the neighbourhood for the rescue mission. The security officers were able to quickly rescue them, put them in the boat and took them to a hotel where they were given food.

“But, they were very resistant and refused to return to Nigeria. In fact, they were still demanding money from the immigration service there before they could return to Nigeria. They were eventually taken to the Nigeria High Commission in The Gambia, which persuaded them and issued them emergency travel documents for them to be able to be brought back to Nigeria through the MMIA.”


She also appealed to such irregular travelers to desist from it and follow the right channel of travels to any country of their choice.

“We need to change our mentality. When they get there illegally, the first thing is they will begin to hide and when they are caught, they will be deported. Even when they are not caught, they go there to do odd jobs that they cannot be proud of doing to their friends and family members.

“They should look before they leap. Most of the time, it may be a journey of no return. I am not saying you can’t travel abroad, but, go there legally, read your books, apply it in the right way, apply to travel and go and showcase Nigeria as a very intelligent nation in the comity of nations,” she said.

In response to the situation, one of the stowaways, Abdul Yakubu, alleged that he was selling noodles and dried eggs on Lagos island before he was cajoled to embark on the trip.

He alleged that he lost N70,000, which he paid to the man who introduced and boarded him on the ship.


Also, another member of the returnees, Daniel Vincent, said he thought he would have been in Europe after three days of the trip.

Vincent said he was shocked to realise that he had not left the shore of Africa when they were detected by the crew members of the ship and handed over to immigration in The Gambia.

“They told us we would be in Europe within five or six days. We didn’t carry any food or water with us when we boarded the ship at Tin Can Port in Lagos. It was a very regrettable experience I would not encourage even my enemies to embark upon,” he said.

A boat driver, who declined to give his name, claimed he had once embarked on an unsuccessful trip as a stowaway.

He claimed he was convinced to embark on the journey by a friend who successfully entered Europe through the illegal method.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/nine-nigerian-stowaways-captured-at-gambia-sea-return-to-lagos/amp/

Dareal90s:
How e take concern u?

I want to know na

Maybe, na why you take am personal

Dareal90s:
E con dey pain you?

You follow go the Dubai owambe jamboree

Truly, Tinubu turned the Dubai summit into an owambe jamboree

TemplarLandry:
HoeBee the crook.

You are no longer dedicating songs and great jams

LeoDeKing:
NASS said Tinubu went to drop an empty box.

One clown whose voice resonates like female teenagers didn't get half of the concept, he started echoing what he heard the lawmakers saying.

To him, that is how to play opposition. Even his unintelligent followers agreed with the bullshit he vomited.

Meanwhile, what is displayed here is just the State House Budget, the rest are still in the flash.

Since the dawn of the 4th republic, have you ever seen a national budget in this form

Tinubu himself isn't denying that he went to the national assembly to drop an empty budget box but you his minions are busy searching for excuses, throwing up this nonsense flash drive point

garfield1:
Oga,everyone knows that Tinubu is a religious bigot, Peter Obi is not.tinubu had friends across all religions including traditionalists,he is tolerant,wife is a pastor.obi is not.obi hardly relates with non Catholics self.in 1979 awolowo picked a Christian as his running mate and in 1993,abiola picked a Muslim son.obidients are ignorant people

Fixed


Abiola attempted it

Was he sworn in as president

Let me ask you

If a Christian in his or her desperate move to grab power by all means hired fake imams to give a false impression of the muslim
ummah endorsing his christian christian same faith ticket, you and I know that the kind of religious riots that would have engulfed this nation should have been better imagined than experienced

Stop supporting evil

No presidential candidate in the history of this country played the kind of dirty religiously and ethnically divisive emilokan brand of campaign Tinubu employed to grab and snatch power,

garfield1:
Funny.tinubu had no religious intention,didn't appeal to any mosque or church or make religious statements.obi went directly to churches,visited programmes,brought religious sentiments and spoke at such events.he turned himself to a xtian candidate.after he lost election,he disappeared from religious houses.even when he was governor,he concentrated on Catholics and marginalized others.he is a religious bigot

You are a hypocrite

Obi who is a Christian shouldn't attend churches but Tinubu can attend mosques, make a passionate appeals to the muslim ummah at various fora to support his presidential ambition even went as far as picking a follow Muslim as his running mate in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria, the first time such a despicable act is done in the history of this country, hire fake pastors and clergymen to create a false impression that the christians endorsed his demonic Muslim Muslim ticket



garfield1, honestly you are a hypocrite

Winning123:
Shallow reasoning. The property will be that of Nigeria and other VPs will use it. This is what bile and hatred turned you and others who liked your comments. When OBJ bought the current presidential jet for $7m in 1999 many people like you shouted that time. Yaradua used it, Jonathan used, Buhari has used and now Tinubu. Do you know what it will cost today to buy same jet.

You are actually senseless

HeadlessMob:
How many people's living standard did your Obi uplift when he was the governor of Anambra state? And why do we still have hundreds of Anambrans move to Lagos and Abuja in droves including Obi himself?

Just as your Monika implies, you are a headless mob

“We have taken note of statements credited to the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, who made another frail and futile attempt to paint the President Bola Tinubu administration in bad light,”

No one is trying to paint Tinubu's administration in a bad light.

Infact, Tinubu himself literally turn the lights down and bad on his administration

It's justified because your boss is the current VP and will so benefit from it

garfield1:
You said tinubu ran a religious campaign and I am proving to you that obi is the one that ran a religious campaign

But it's true that Tinubu ran the most religiously divisive campaign ever witnessed in the history of this country.

Tinubu chose a demonic same faith ticket in a religiously diverse country like ours, even went as far as hiring fake pastors and clergymen to give a false impression that the christian congregation/community endorsed his demonic same faith ticket

That's the length a notorious narcotics drug trafficker who is now engaging in criminal state capture can go to snatch, run away and grab power

georgeakins:
Dey deceive yourself.
All the political parties are the same.


Obi has been crushed .
he can never be president.

You are still stuck george

Move on, elections are long over and when the election is over governance begins

garfield1:
You mean Peter obi that was heard on audio igniting religious war and going from religious house to house

Even you garfield1 follow the spread this propaganda

I expect you to be much more reasonable bro

BoldBrainz:
There's nothing unlucky or unfortunate about Alia's romance with the APC and his subsequent emergence as the governor under the same party. He's an adult who like almost every other average Nigerian, was glaringly aware of the decay that that party portends.

He chose to be where he is. Whatever circumstances he eventually finds himself, is of his own making. No be like say the idiot even dey useful to Benue state people.

An ardent and abject failure, he is!

Are you implying that the people of Benue state got it wrong again after what they pass through under previous governments

youneedjesus:
When the righteous is in position the people rejoice

You are right

But some buccaneering power grabbers want to use the judiciary to deprive the people of plateau state this opportunity to rejoice

....Condoles With Families

The new leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) led by Comrade Pedro Obi has called on the police to bring everybody responsible for the death of three students across the country to justice.


A 300-level student of Ebonyi State University, Ayogu Evans, had died in accident while being chased by police officers on Saturday, December 2.

Another student, Agabaidu Obiaje Joseph of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi State, was also stabbed to death by robbers while attempting to forcefully seize his phone.

The 500-level Geology student of ATBU who hailed from Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State but based in Benue State, was stabbed around 7 pm on Saturday when he was reportedly returning to his lodge located around the Yelwan Tudu Market in the Yelwa area, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis.


A student of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, Ogun State, was recently killed while about nine others were injured by armed robbers.

However, NANS in a condolence message signed by its President, Pedro Obi called for improved security for students around the country.

Obi declared that all student areas around the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory “to be in a state of emergency and we urge all security agencies to swift into actions immediately.”

The statement read, “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is profoundly saddened by the untimely demise of Ayugo Evans, a 300-level student of Ebonyi State University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology, due to a tragic motor accident allegedly caused by a pursuit by the Nigeria Police Force.


“The loss of such a promising young individual is a devastating blow not only to Ebonyi State University but to the entire Ebonyi State community. NANS stands in solidarity with the family of the deceased, the institution, and the Ebonyi State government during this difficult time of mourning.

“NANS calls upon the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. We urge swift action to identify and hold accountable any police officers involved in this pursuit that led to the unfortunate demise of Ayugo Evans.


“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ayugo Evans and reiterate our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice in this distressing situation.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also expresses profound sorrow and solidarity with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, and the Bauchi State government following the tragic demise of Agabaidu Obiaje Joseph, a final year Geology student at ATBU. Joseph met an untimely demise due to a heinous attack by robbers on Saturday evening, resulting in an irreparable loss to the university community and the entire Bauchi State.

“NANS calls upon the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State, to conduct a thorough investigation into this heart-wrenching incident. We implore the authorities to swiftly apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice. The safety and security of our students, both on and off-campus, remain a paramount concern.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Agabaidu Obiaje Joseph during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

On the Ogun incident, Obi said, “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, Comrade Pedro Chibuzo Obi, has issued a fervent and unequivocal condemnation following the tragic robbery attack that befell Ogun State Polytechnic, claiming the lives of innocent students.

“Expressing profound dismay and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Comrade Pedro Chibuzo Obi remarked, “The barbaric attack at Ogun State Polytechnic has deeply saddened us. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this immensely difficult time.”

“The NANS President has vehemently denounced the reprehensible act of violence and has called upon law enforcement agencies to swiftly and resolutely pursue the perpetrators. “We demand immediate and thorough investigations into this heinous crime. It is imperative that those responsible for this tragic loss of life face the full force of justice,” emphasized Comrade Pedro Chibuzo Obi.


“In light of this distressing incident, Comrade Pedro Chibuzo Obi urged heightened security measures across all educational institutions nationwide, emphasizing the critical need for a safe and secure environment conducive to learning and development for students, faculty, and staff.

“We stand united in our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian students,” stated Comrade Pedro Chibuzo Obi. “It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, including authorities and security agencies, to collaborate and prioritize measures that prevent such grievous occurrences in the future.”


https://dailytrust.com/nans-new-president-demands-justice-over-death-of-ebonyi-bauchi-ogun-students-condoles-with-families/

Throwback:
You are still pained that he used his influence to secure victory for APC in the Benue presidential election.

Despite all the religious warfare of Peter Obi, he could not even win Benue State.

It's on record that Tinubu ran the most religiously and ethnically divisive emilokan campaign ever witnessed in the history of this country

No fewer than 500 private legal practitioners have volunteered to defend the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Nasir Gawuna, at the Supreme Court.


The lawyers, under the aegis of the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, said the move was to save Nigeria’s democracy from vote riggers.

Having secured victories at the State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and Appeal Court, the legal practitioners expressed confidence that Gawuna will again emerge victorious at the Supreme Court.

At a press conference on Tuesday, spokesman of the group, Barr. Joseph E. Onwudiwe, said Nigerians have observed keenly the situation unfolding in Kano State regarding the March 18 governorship election.


“As a group saddled with the onerous responsibility of safeguarding our democratic ethos and values, we are no longer comfortable with the unwarranted attacks on the judiciary and moves to blackmail the Court into giving backing to wanton electoral malfeasance and vote heist.

“We will no longer fold our arms as lawyers and watch the judiciary be continuously harangued, and the temple of Justice desecrated by a group of people who failed to perfect an electoral heist and inflate their votes.


“It is on the above premise that we wish to salute the courage and sound reasoning that resonated in the judgements of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal which dispensed justice by allowing the overwhelming yearnings and aspirations of the majority of Kano citizens, as expressed in the valid number of votes cast in the March 18 Kano Governorship election, to stand against the selfish interest of a few who planned to subvert the democratic exercise through electoral fraud and vote manufacturing.

“May we repeat here that the judgement of the Court of Appeal on this case was a very straightforward one which rightly dismissed the appeal of Abba K. Yusuf and upheld his sack by the tribunal? The courts envisaged clerical errors in judgement and therefore embedded in their handbook and rules, enactments that empower the Court to vary its judgement to reflect its original intentions,” he stated.


The lawyers, therefore, called on Nigerians to rise in defence of democracy from desperate politicians using every illegal means to blackmail the judiciary into giving authenticity to electoral fraud.

https://leadership.ng/kano-guber-500-lawyers-to-defend-gawunas-victory-at-supreme-court/

It's so unfortunate that Fr Alia found himself in a political party populated by buccaneering power grabbers who are not interested in uplifting the living standard of the people they claim to represent

This was an opportunity for the supreme court to redeem itself after that abracadabra judgement that brought upon the Imo people a candidate they never vote for. A candidate that came a distant fourth

The truth remains that Imo state have never remain the same since the coming onboard the supreme court imposed governor

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has described the bombing of Tudun Biri Villagers in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army as regrettable.

Obi made this assertion in a statement via his official X handle on Tuesday, saying the incident is an embarrassment for the Nigerian Army and the country.


Recall that not less than 80 Muslims lost their lives in the incident, which occurred on Sunday night during the celebration of Maulud Nabiy in the village.

Obi said any incident that leads to harm or the loss of lives of the innocent people they are meant to protect should be avoided.

The former Governor of Anambra State, who said the bombing mishap is highly regrettable, asked the military to exercise utmost caution and professionalism to avoid this kind of embarrassment to both the military and the country.

Obi also called on the security agencies to work with reliable human intelligence reports on the ground before any offensive attack to avoid innocent casualties, as has been recorded in Kaduna.

He also commiserated with families that lost their loved ones and prayed to God Almighty to forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest.

He stated, “I read with sadness, the devastating reports of the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri Village in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, by a Nigerian Army craft that mistook the villagers for terrorists.

“The lethal incident left death tolls reported to have risen to 80, with several others injured. While our military continues to fight impressively against insecurity in many parts of the country, they must exercise utmost caution and professionalism to avoid this kind of embarrassment to both the military and the country.

“Any incident that leads to harm or the loss of lives of the innocent people they are meant to protect should be avoided.


“Even though the mishap is one too many, the security agencies should work with reliable human intelligence report on the ground before any offensive attack to avoid innocent casualties, as has been reported in this case.

“Fatal mistakes like this leave indelible trauma on the families who have lost their loved ones to this ugly and unfortunate mishap. I sincerely commiserate with families that lost their loved ones.

“And to the dead, I pray God Almighty to forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest, and quick healing to the injured. We pray that such a mistake leading to a sorrowful outcome, as this, never happens again in our country.

“It is regrettable that the problem of insecurity in our nation has persisted for so long that we are now paying such unintended human costs as collateral damage.”


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/kaduna-bombing-regrettable-embarrassment-for-army-nigeria-peter-obi/amp/

having been bashed for being wasteful, watch this government list this as cost cutting achievement

Lapintoz50:
Then wait for your turn 😁😁😁

Good you acknowledged the fact that Tinubu got nothing to offer

Tjra:
Tinubu 2023 to 2031
Shettima 2031 to 2039
Soludo 2039 to 2047

So finally an Igbo man might become president of Nigeria

I thought some agbadorians here said an Igbo man will never be Nigeria's president

LeoDeKing:
Who doesn't know pitobi is fraud personified?

That illiterate is the worst criminal that ever the green planet.

Can you compare the exchange rate in 2009 with what is obtainable now

Very soon, you lots with say that Peter Obi is the reason why Tinubu turned out to become the worst president Nigeria ever had