₦airaland Forum

The Lagos State Police Command has intercepted substances suspected to be Indian hemp worth N13m from two men along Mushin, Isolo Road in the Isolo area of Lagos State.

According to a statement on Monday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the illicit drugs were conveyed by Fidelis Otiga, 49 and Chukwuma Kennedy, 50, in a Toyota Sienna car with number plate KJA 118 HV last Wednesday.

He said the items were recovered at midnight when they were stopped by policemen from the Aswani Police Division during a routine stop-and-search on the road.

The statement read in part, “The interception occurred on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, around 11.56pm during a routine stop-and-search, leading to the arrest of Fidelis Otiga and Chukwuma Kennedy aged 49 and 50 respectively, in whose vehicle the drugs were found.

“The illicit drugs with a street value of N13m were being conveyed in a Toyota Sienna car with number plate KJA 118 HV.

“The suspects and exhibit have since been transferred to the command headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.”

The statement quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, as reiterating his commitment to fighting drug misuse and abuse in the state while assuring residents of their safety.

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, on Tuesday, said things are not working in Nigeria because the country’s constitution is copied from the American constitution.

The PDP chieftain made the statement while featuring as a guest speaker at the Fifth Year Lecture organised by SWAAYA Limited, publishers of the Freedom online news platform.

The lecture was themed “2023-2027: Nigerians, elected leaders and expectations.”

Speaking during the event which took place at the Function Suite, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, George noted that the Nigerian constitution “is military in setting” and needed to be reviewed.

He said, “Having served that long in the military, I can authoritatively confirm to you that the Nigerian constitution is absolutely military in setting. In the military, orders come from top to bottom.

“But in a democratic dispensation, powers come from the people to the top. But we have copied the American constitution, and that’s why things are not working. We must be deceiving ourselves if we think that this constitution will take us to the promised land.”

The PDP chieftain also backed the idea of state policing, noting that it would be a very effective way of securing the country

The Peoples Democratic Party has accused lawyers holding briefs for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress at the Presidential Election Petition Court of engaging in acts aimed at intimidating the judiciary.

This is just as the main opposition party claimed that the alleged threats are contained in the lawyers’ written addresses before the election petition tribunal.

In a press release issued on Monday by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the party stressed that “The statement by the lawyers in the said written address threatening crisis and anarchy in the country in the event of the court ruling that their clients did not meet the constitutionally required 25 per cent votes in the Federal Capital Territory is subversive, an affront to democratic order and assault on the corporate existence of the nation.”

The statement said it is “Alarming and disturbing that the APC externalised to the public, their final written address in which they also threatened national peace if the court upholds the clear provisions of Section 134 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) with regard to the mandatory and statutory requirements for which a candidate in a Presidential election can be declared the winner.

“The threats, either through counsel or officials of the APC are calculated to intimidate and harass the judiciary and indeed Nigerians.

“The PDP holds that the clear intent of the APC is to blackmail the court and emasculate the independence of the judiciary to discharge its duties in accordance with the dictates of the law. This action is ostensibly to set the stage to orchestrate violent crises in various parts of the country with the intention to further blackmail the PEPC.”

The PDP also questioned the rationale by the ruling party for making public the said written addresses.

“We ask, why is the APC externalizing their final written address to the public? Is the APC being pre-emptive and now seeking to heighten tension, subvert the judicial process and trigger anarchy, having realized the weakness of their case before the PEPC?

“The PDP however cautions and emphasizes that Nigeria is a country of rule of law. The statutory requirements for a winner in a Presidential election as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022 are clear and unambiguous.

“The APC must therefore respect the provisions of the law and allow the judiciary to discharge its duties independently, without threats, intimidation and coercion.

“Contrary to the doomsday claims of the APC and its lawyers, upholding the provisions of the constitution and the laws at this point will rather promote peace and stability in the polity, deepen our democracy and engender confidence in the institution of the judiciary.

“The PDP calls on Nigerians to remain calm, alert and hopeful in the ability of the judiciary to dispense justice accordingly,” the statement further read.

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, has arrested no fewer than 28 people for their involvement in various crimes in some parts of the state.

Among the suspected criminals were two secondary school girls who were arrested by the men of the corps for allegedly faking their kidnap and demanding ransom from their mother.

Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the command in Akure the state capital, on Monday, the state Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the two female pupils were 13 and 15 years of age. Both of them were said to be in JSS 1 and JSS 3.

According to the commander, the suspects hid somewhere at Oka-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state, and called their mother, pretending to be kidnappers who abducted them and demanded a sum of N100,000.

Adeleye also stated that pretending to be kidnappers, the girls called and threatened the monarch of their town to pay the ransom within 24 hours or they would kill the abductees in their custody.

He said, “The 28 suspects we are parading today (Monday) shows that we have more kidnapping than any other criminal activities. This is in continuation of our efforts at ensuring that kidnapping in Ondo State becomes a thing of the past.

“We have people who kidnapped themselves and raised alarm and in our diligent investigations, we were able to unravel the mystery surrounding their disappearance to the extent that they have confessed.”

The Amotekun boss noted that the arrest of the suspects was in collaboration with the operatives of the Department of State Security as the telephone line being used by the girls was tracked to where they were.

Speaking, one of the girls, who confessed to the crime, said it was her elder sister that lured her to it.

The 13-year-old said, “On that day, my sister and I spent the night in our grandma’s place and left there around 6:00 am the following day. While on our way back home, my (elder) sister told me that she had a plan to get money from our mother.

“She then revealed her plan to declare ourselves kidnapped and asked for N50,000 each ransom from our mother. It was my sister who taught me what to say when they put a call through to my mother.

“When we called we didn’t know that it was the monarch that was speaking with us on the phone and we threatened to kill our victims in captivity if they failed to pay the ransom quickly.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, said military offensives alone could not sustainably resolve the security crisis in the North-West.

Rather, he said it would take a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to restore calm in the troubled region.

“Unless we want to engage in an endless war of attrition, there cannot be a military solution to the crisis in the North-West. There has to be a kinetic and non-kinetic solution,” Shettima said in a chat with journalists when he paid condolence visits to the Galadanci and Mangal families in Kano and Katsina, respectively.

The State House Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, revealed this in a statement he signed on Sunday titled: ‘President Tinubu’s solution to insecurity, poverty in northern Nigeria underway, says VP Shettima.’

The Vice President revealed that the Tinubu administration would, in the coming weeks, unveil an initiative to address insurgency and poverty, among other challenges confronting Nigerians, especially those living in the northern region.

“In the next couple of weeks, we will unveil the Pulaaku solution, which will address the grievances and social exclusion of our Fulbe cousins in the North-West and also towards addressing the root causes of all the banditry and insurgency in the nation,” Shettima explained.

Pulaaku also called the “Fulani code of conduct,” is an integral cultural and ethical value system specific to the Fulani.

Encompassing a broad range of norms, behaviours and social practices seen as distinctly Fulani, Pulaaku is a major factor binding Fulanis together across different regions, despite linguistic and regional variations.

On the plan to address challenges confronting Nigerians, the VP said, “The President is determined to define the meaning and concept of modern governance and the crisis we have in the North-West, which is further accentuated by poverty.”

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged Nigerians not to see age as a barrier to pursuing educational dreams, saying one of the conditions he was given before his 2022 governorship ambition would be supported, was for him to complete his education.

Adeleke spoke at the combined 9th undergraduate and 5th postgraduate convocation ceremonies of the Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, on Sunday, where 75 postgraduate and 537 undergraduate students were conferred with various degrees.

The governor, who said that after losing the 2018 governorship election, he was subjected to the worst personality attacks and assaults, added that he had to leave the country to escape the attack and to complete his degree programme, after his elder brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke insisted he must complete his education, or forgo his 2022 governorship ambition.

He said, “Dr Tajudeen Adeleke encouraged me to move ahead. Before I went into exile, he called me to a meeting where we discussed. He told me that I should look at what I have been subjected to, by those saying I was not educated. He advised me that I should go to America for studies.

“He said the only thing I can do for Osun people if I am ready to be governor is that I must get educated, I must complete my education, and without completing it, I should forget my governorship ambition.

“At my age then, I successfully re-enrolled and completed my degree programme. I am proud of that achievement and I thank my family and friends for their total support. I came back to re-contest in 2022 as a brand-new graduate. The rest is now history. What is the lesson? Our age must never be a barrier to educational pursuit. What we need is commitment and passion to succeed.”

In his remarks, Dr Deji Adeleke, who is the founder of the university, said if Nigerians resolved to change the country for the better, it could be achieved.

Dr Adeleke, while lamenting the bad attitude of many Nigerians to nation-building, which according to him was hurting the country, noted that about 120 corps members that worked as INEC ad hoc staff during the 2022 Osun governorship election, suddenly disappeared on election day to frustrate the exercise, and did not show up at their different polling units until the leadership of the scheme threatened them.

Making further comment on the bad followership, Adeleke, said components in the turbine that had not been installed, imported for the 1250MW power plant he was building in Ajebandele, Ondo State, were looted by people.

He urged Nigerians who desire a good country to contribute their quota to nation-building and stop apportioning blame to those in positions of authority.

Sowore on Saturday noted that if Emefiele was to be tried for his real offences, former president, Muhammadu Buhari, many All Progressive Congress stakeholders, governors, senators and other high profile personalities in the country would all go down with him.



Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) has stated that the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government would not prosecute the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele for his sundry crimes because of all the other top personalities involved.

Sowore on Saturday noted that if Emefiele was to be tried for his real offences, former president, Muhammadu Buhari, many All Progressive Congress stakeholders, governors, senators and other high profile personalities in the country would all go down with him.

The AAC presidential candidate on his Twitter on Saturday described the continued detention of Emefiele by the Department of State Security(DSS) as a means of holding to favour those in power.

The human rights activist added that the DSS would be applying the same method they used for a former National Security Officer, Sambo Dasuki in 2015 to bury Emefiele’s criminal offences.

Sowore said, “For those who may not be familiar with the modus of the @OfficialDSSNG, holding former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele had nothing to do with the gravity of his high crimes, the game is to hold him on behalf of those in power. If Emefiele was to be prosecuted for his real financial crimes, economic sabotage, money laundering and terrorism financing involvement, FX round tripping etc… he would take down with him Muhammadu Buhari, his entire family, in-laws, members of his inner circle, lots of All Progressives Congress leaders, state governors, Senators, media practitioners, military and police top brass and even people in @OfficialDSSNG, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as “civil society” leaders. A lot would come crashing down. Right now negotiations are ongoing, this is just the “holding charge” before they let him go, if he plays ball!

“These bogey of a charge is similar to how they started with former NSA Col. Sambo Dasuki, he was first charged with illegal possession of firearms, precisely in August of 2015! The rest is now history. #Revolutionnow,” Sowore added.

https://twitter.com/YeleSowore/status/1680253477803511808

SaharaReporters had reported that the Nigerian Government had filed a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition against Emefiele at the Federal High Court in Lagos Division.

This was seen in a copy of the charge sheet dated 13/7/2023 between Federal Republic of Nigeria and Godwin Emefiele, accusing the suspended apex bank boss of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence.

According to the document, the government maintained that the offence violates Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and is penalised under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

The former apex bank chief was arrested on June 10, 2023 after he was suspended by President Bola Tinubu.

Adeboye comes under fire over message on wife's birthday Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), says his prayer is for him and Foluke, his wife, “to be taken home together when the time comes”.

The cleric shared his “fervent prayer” in an Instagram post while celebrating Foluke on her 75th birthday.

In the post, Adeboye described his wife as one of the greatest gifts bestowed upon him by God.

The clergyman, 81, also warned that anyone who dares to harm Foluke will face “divine retribution”.

“Besides the salvation of my soul and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the greatest gift bestowed upon me by the Lord is my wife, @pastorfoluadeboye,” he wrote.

“It is well known that anyone who dares to harm her will face divine retribution. Many are unaware of the incredible extent of her compassion, generosity, and care for others.

“One of my fervent prayers is for both of us to be taken home together when the time comes. We have special endearing names for each other.”

The couple got married in 1967. The union is blessed with four children.

Adeboye has on numerous occasions reaffirmed his love for Foluke. In June 2020, he had vowed to “kill anyone who messes with his wife.”

“You can do whatever you like to me, you can criticize me, you can insult me, you can trample on me, I will only pray for you,” he had said.

“But if you mess with my wife, I will kill you. I will kill you so thoroughly you will not even be able to rise on the resurrection morning.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated veteran journalist, elder statesman and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Aremo Olusegun Osoba, on his 84th birthday.


In a statement on Saturday by Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Tinubu said Osoba’s exemplary life and remarkable achievements are worthy of emulation by many, particularly upcoming Nigerians.

He prayed for more years for the former governor so that he and many others could continue to benefit from his immense wisdom and experience.


“Today, I rejoice with the family, friends and numerous associates of a prominent journalist, former governor of Ogun State and elder statesman, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, on attaining 84.

“Chief Osoba’s life is dotted with excellent achievements. A pioneer journalist started his career in 1964 working with the Daily Times of Nigeria as a trainee reporter and rose to the pinnacle as the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief.


“A pro-democracy activist who fought stridently for democracy and progressive good governance in Nigeria. Unsurprisingly, his people elected him twice as governor of Ogun State, and he remains today one of the leaders of our governing All Progressives Congress.

“Chief Osoba is a highly respected elder statesman from whom many of us within the political class, young and old, receive advice and counselling”, the President said.


Osoba was born on July 15, 1939 in Osogbo, Osun State.

President Bola Tinubu will travel to Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday to participate in the fifth mid-year coordination meeting (5thMYCM) of the African Union (AU), the regional economic communities (RECs), the regional mechanisms (RMs), and the AU member states.

On July 9, Tinubu was elected as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a statement, Dele Alake, special adviser to the president on special duties, communications and strategy, said as ECOWAS chairman, Tinubu will join heads of state and government, foreign ministers of the AU member-states, and high-level dignitaries at the mid-year meeting,

The meeting is scheduled for Sunday.

“The president will present a report on the status of regional integration in ECOWAS, highlighting actions carried out during the period under review by ECOWAS institutions, member-states, the private sector, and other stakeholders to deepen integration through trade, free movement of persons, investment promotion, infrastructure development, peace, security and stability,” Alake said.

“The 5th MYCM, which is convening under the AU’s theme for 2023, christened “Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation” will bring together the Bureau of the AU assembly, comprising the heads of state and government from Comoros, Botswana, Burundi, and Senegal, as well as the leaders of the eight RECs.

“These regional economic communities include ECOWAS, chaired by Nigeria; the East African Community (EAC); the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD); the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA); the Southern African Development Community (SADC); the Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN SAD); the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA); and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

“The meeting will also involve the African Union Commission and the RMs.”

Alake added that the president will be accompanied by senior government officials.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the meeting.

The house of representatives ad hoc committee on the international boundary dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon says “swift” action must be taken to prevent the nation from losing another territory to its neighbour.

In 2008, Nigeria ceded Bakassi Peninsula — over 1,000sq/ km territory — to Cameroon following the Greentree agreement.

Nigeria lost the territory to Cameroon based on a judgment of the International Court of Justice in The Hague in October 2002.

Last week, 10 lawmakers moved a motion on the floor of the house, saying Danare and Biajua communities and about 7,000 to 10,000 hectares of land in the Boki area of Cross River state are at risk of being ceded to Cameroon.

Victor Abang from Cross River, who led the debate on the motion, had said the situation is a result of the non-location of pillar 113A by the technical committee of the Cameroon-Nigeria mixed commission.

The motion was deliberated and the house subsequently set up an ad hoc committee to look into the case of potential land encroachment by the Cameroonian government.

Addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Beni Lar, chairperson of the committee, said all stakeholders in the country must work towards a swift resolution of the dispute to prevent the loss of land and citizens to Cameroon.

“The ad hoc committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon border dispute is deeply concerned about the potential loss of a significant landmass and Nigerian citizens residing within it to the Cameroon Republic,” she said.

“This alarming possibility, following the previous loss of the Bakassi peninsula, underscores the urgent need for immediate action to outline the correct border stretch between the two countries.”

She said the committee recognises the gravity of the situation and the profound implications it holds for Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the welfare of citizens, adding that a swift resolution is imperative to prevent history from repeating itself.

“The committee wishes to express its appreciation and commendation for the relentless efforts of the organisations and individuals who have worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria is not short-changed in the border dispute,” Lar said.

“The committee also calls upon Nigerian citizens, civil society organisations, and stakeholders to remain calm, and patient, trusting the efforts of those charged legally to protect the fatherland, as well as be supportive throughout this critical period.

“Unity and collaboration are crucial to achieving a favourable outcome that preserves Nigeria’s territorial integrity and upholds the rights of its citizens.

“Once again, the ad hoc committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon border dispute remains committed to a peaceful and amicable resolution guided by international law and the principles of justice, fairness and equity.

“We are confident that with the collective efforts of all parties involved and with very good sensitisation collaboration of the media, a lasting solution can be reached, which is securing Nigeria’s land and the well-being of its citizens.”

Some road fittings installed on the Second Niger Bridge have been stolen by vandals.

On December 15, 2022, the federal government opened the bridge to ease traffic in the south-east during the festive season.

The bridge was later closed to traffic on January 15, 2023.

On May 23, Muhammadu Buhari, former president, inaugurated the bridge and fully opened it to traffic. A couple of weeks on, however, the ‘Nigerian factor’ has caught up with the gleaming infrastructure.

Speaking with journalists in Onitsha on Wednesday, Martins Oluwaseyi, representative engineer from the federal ministry of works, said the expansion joints on the Onitsha end of the bridge have been carted away.

Oluseyi condemned the act, saying the federal government will beef up security around the bridge to prevent further vandalism.

“It is true that the bridge was vandalised. Those fittings will surely be replaced. It is an important national asset that should be protected by all,” he said.

“We have contacted all the security agencies and we will beef security around the bridge and on the bridge.

“People have cried for this bridge for decades, now they have the Second Niger Bridge, just a month after it was inaugurated, they vandalised it, I think something is wrong somewhere.

“This bridge will be beneficial to everybody. The vandalism on the bridge is unacceptable.

“It is not in the interest of the larger community, as the profit from the vandalisation is just for a moment.

“The effect of the destruction will be for a very long time, because at the end of the day they will also suffer the consequences, so it is better not to vandalise public property, it belongs to you and I.”

Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says Nigerians have lost confidence in the country’s democratic process.

Speaking at the 2023 law week programme of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Edo state chapter, Falana said only 22 million out of the 93 million voters that were registered, voted in the last presidential election.

In his keynote address titled “General election in Nigeria 2023: A review of the nation’s political culture and electoral integrity”, Falana tasked the NBA to defend democracy and the rights of the people.

He said the association needs to put pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the inconsistencies of the 2023 elections, including the late arrival of staff and malfunctioning bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) machines.

Falana said the body of lawyers must also work towards collaborating with the judiciary in drafting amendments to the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act to institutionalise credible elections in Nigeria.

“INEC must also address insecurity at some polling units, including violent attacks on voters and officials, voter intimidation, snatching and destruction of voting materials, significant cases of vote-buying, and limited access facilities for persons living with disabilities,” he said.

“The Benin branch of the NBA should prevail on the national body of lawyers to convene a national summit to review the 2023 general election as soon as the curtain is drawn on the election petitions by the various election petition tribunals, the court of appeal and the supreme court.

“The NBA should ensure that the summit is attended by the representatives of all relevant stakeholders. At the end of the programme, the NBA should collaborate with the judiciary committees of both houses of the national assembly in drafting amendments to the constitution and the Electoral Act with a view to institutionalising credible elections in Nigeria.

“All mass-based organisations must mobilise the Nigerian people to take their political destiny into their hands by participating in the democratic process.

“Even though we cannot comment on the petitions that are pending in the court of appeal and the various election petition tribunals due to ethical restrictions, we are not precluded from reviewing the recent decisions of the apex court that have redefined the nation’s electoral jurisprudence.

“The NBA must defend the democracy and human rights of the Nigerian people which have been recognised and enshrined in the Nigerian constitution 1999 [as amended] and in several human rights treaties such as the international covenant on civil and political rights and the African charter on human and peoples’ rights to which Nigeria is a state party.

“With the total control of the political arena by money bags, democracy has since been replaced by plutocracy. As if that was not enough, armed thugs unleashed violence on voters who did not vote for certain political leaders.

“The violence that marred the elections in many parts of the country claimed the lives of 137 people. The electioneering campaign was not based on the socioeconomic problems confronting the people but on religion and ethnicity. Instead of expanding the democratic space the national assembly members empowered INEC to deregister political parties that fail to win any seat in the parliament.

“Having hijacked the democratic process, the members of the ruling class have completely excluded the majority of the people from the democratic process.

“Since the ruling class will not peacefully relinquish power to the people it is suggested that mass-based organisations be mobilized to participate in politics. It is the only way to end the highly expensive and violent winner-take-all presidential system which has made a mockery of democracy in Nigeria.”

President Bola Tinubu has asked the senate to approve a borrowing request of $800 million.

The president’s request was in a letter read by Godswill Akpabio, senate president, at the plenary on Thursday.

Tinubu, in the letter, explained that the loan would be used to scale up the national social safety net programme.

He said the new borrowing would be sourced from the World Bank.

He assured that the federal government would transfer the sum of N8,000 monthly to 12 million poor and low-income households for six months.

He said the money would be transferred directly to identified beneficiaries’ accounts.

“Please note that the federal executive council led by President Muhammadu Buhari approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be secured from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net programme. Copy of FEC’s extract attached,” the letter reads.

“You may also wish to note that the purpose of the facility is to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with basic needs.

“You may further wish to note that under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme, the federal government of Nigeria will transfer the sum of N8,000 per month to 12 million poor and low income households for a period of six months, with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals.

“In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts and mobile wallets.

“It is expected that the programme, will stimulate economic activities in the informal sector, and improve nutrition, health, education, and human capital development of beneficiaries’ households.

“Given the above, I wish to invite the Senate to kindly grant approval for the additional loan facility of $800 million to be secured from World Bank for the National Social Safety Net Programme.

“While hoping that this submission will receive expeditious consideration by the Senate, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the inclusion of the naira, the country’s legal tender, as a payout option for diaspora remittances.

The apex bank also directed that the investors and exporters (I&E) window foreign exchange rate should be used in determining the rate for such naira payout.

The development means recipients of diaspora remittances will now have the option to receive their proceeds in naira, in addition to the existing options of dollar and eNaira.

The directive was contained in a circular dated July 10, 2023, and signed by O.S. Nnaji, director, trade & exchange department, CBN.

The circular was addressed to deposit money banks, international money transfer operators (IMTOs) and the general public.

“Further to the circular referenced TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/011 dated November 30, 2020, in respect of the above subject, the Central Bank of Nigeria hereby announces Naira as a payout option for receipts of proceeds of International Money Transfers,” the circular reads.

“Accordingly, all recipients of diaspora remittances through the CBN-approved IMTOs on the attached list shall henceforth have the option of receiving naira payment in addition to USD and eNaira as payout options.

“For the avoidance of doubt, International Money Transfer Operators are required to pay out the proceeds using the Investor & Exporter’s window rate as the anchor rate on the day of the transaction.”

“This regulation takes effect immediately. Please note and ensure compliance.”

CBN APPROVES FIVE ADDITIONAL IMTOs TO FACILITATE DIASPORA REMITTANCES

In the circular, the CBN updated its list of registered IMTOs in the country.

The list was extended from 57 IMTOs in April 2021 to 62.

IMTOs accept cash for the purpose of transmitting to persons resident in Nigeria or another country. They also carry out cross-border transfer services for personal purposes such as money transfer services towards family maintenance and money transfer services for foreign tourists visiting Nigeria.

The five additional IMTOs approved by the CBN are CSL Pay Limited, e-2-e Pay Limited, LeadRemit Limited, Lycamoney Financial Services Limited, and SimbaPay Limited.

The house of representatives has asked the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to extend the validity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results to three years.

The lower legislative chamber also urged the board to conduct the UTME at least twice a year.

By current arrangement, result of the exam conducted by JAMB is only valid for a year.

Candidates who are unable to get admission for that year are expected to take the exam the next year to pursue their quest for tertiary education.

But moving the motion on Wednesday, Akin Rotimi, the lawmaker representing Ekiti north 1 federal constituency, asked JAMB to “rethink” the arrangement to meet global standard.

Rotimi said the move “would bring immediate relief to students and their parents/sponsors, who bear the burden of paying every year for the exam, as well as give candidates multiple windows to sit for the exam in a year”.

He argued that there is nothing in the extant act establishing JAMB that stops it from immediately carrying out the resolutions of the house on the subject.


In a statement, the lawmaker said the house also adopted a motion seeking to establish an ad-hoc committee to discuss the resolution of the house with JAMB and other and relevant authorities.

“In addition to passing my motion, the honourable house also passed a motion for an additional prayer moved by Hon. Olumide Osoba, establishing an ad-hoc committee of the house to liaise with the authorities of JAMB and the ministry of education to ensure the resolution is expeditiously carried out,” he said.

Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Oyo state, moved a similar bill during the 9th assembly.

However, the bill — which sought extension of UTME’s validity to four years — was stalled after the second reading.

Afe Babalola, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says sitting judges should not preside over election petition tribunals.

Babalola spoke on Monday in Ado-Ekiti at an event to mark his 60th anniversary at the bar.

The legal luminary said election tribunals should be handled by retired judges and senior advocates, adding that with that, regular court cases would not be affected.

He also said the judiciary needs a total overhaul which can only be achieved with a new constitution.

“Our judiciary today needs a total overhaul and you cannot do it without a new constitution,” he said.

“I have about three cases myself in respect of matters arising from the university.

“For the past four years, these cases have been on. We have some judges here, the headquarters won’t be able to sit for many months because they are handling what they call election petitions.

“Election petitions should not be handled by sitting judges, they should be decided only by the committee set up consisting of senior advocates and retired judges in that case regular courts would not close down.”

Dangote Granite Mines, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, has awarded scholarships to about 60 students in five host communities.

The company disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its Media Personnel, Dangote Industries Ltd., Mr Francis Awowole-Browne.

Awowole-Browne stated that the scholarship was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility to foster educational development in its host communities.

He noted that the Director of Human Assets Management, Dangote Projects, Mr Ebenezer Ali said the scholarship was meant to help the beneficiaries’ parents lessen the burden their children’s education placed on them.



Ali added that the scholarship was part of the agreements reached with the leadership of the host communities during the signing of the Community Development Agreement.

He said the move was to ensure its host communities were not left behind in areas of education and infrastructural development. Ali urged the beneficiaries to face their education as they would be given automatic employment if they performed well academically.

He thanked the communities’ leaders for creating an atmosphere of peace in the area and for showing the understanding that has led to the tranquility enjoyed by the company and the communities.

He assured the communities of the company’s readiness to do its own part of the agreement in ensuring that it identified with the people at all times.

“I charge the communities’ leaders to continue to support the management of Dangote Granite Mines by maintaining peace,” he said.

An Ijebu Igbo Monarch, the Sopenlukale of Oke Sopen, Oba Adesesan Yussuf, thanked the management of Dangote Group for the assistance rendered to the communities.

The monarch said the scholarship indicated that the company was community friendly and committed to giving back to society hence deserving of all the support the communities could muster.

He urged the beneficiaries not to take the scholarship for granted and see it as a show of love for the host communities.

He advised community members to continue to maintain peace, saying that it was only when there was peace that the company could help the communities better.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Grace Aregbe of Tai Solarin University of Education, thanked the company for the kind gesture. She said that the scholarship would go a long way in lessening the financial hardship they would encounter in school.

She promised that the beneficiaries would not let down the company and their parents and also prayed for the well-being of the Chairman of the company, Aliko Dangote.

(NAN)

The volume of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, that was consumed across the country in the first half of 2023 is 11.26 billion litres, the Federal Government has said.

It was, however, observed that after the removal of subsidy on petrol, following the pronouncement by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, PMS consumption reduced by an average of about 18.5 million litres daily in June.

Data obtained on Sunday from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in Abuja, on Sunday, showed that between January 1 and May 28, 2023, which was the pre-deregulation period, the total amount of petrol consumed nationwide was about 9.9 billion litres.

The average consumption for the 148-day period was put at 66.9 million litres, indicating the country consumed an average of 66.9 million litres of petrol daily during the five-month period when subsidy on petrol was still in place.

But figures from the Federal Government agency indicated that between June 1 to June 28, 2023, which was described as the post-deregulation period, the total petrol consumption across the country was 1.36 billion litres, while the average daily consumption was put at 48.43 million litres.

An analysis of the data by our correspondent showed that the difference between the average monthly consumption figures during the pre-deregulation and post-deregulation periods was about 18.5 million litres.

This implies that the average daily consumption of petrol across the country reduced by about 18.5 million litres after subsidy on commodity was stopped by the Federal Government.

It was, however, observed that petrol consumption rose above 100 million litres in some days, while it fell to below 10 million litres in few other days.

A random pick of petrol consumption figures contained in the NMDPRA report, for instance, showed that on March 8, April 20, and May 16, Nigerians consumed 103.6 million litres, 105.02 million litres, and 101.9 million litres respectively.

These were during the ore-deregulation days, as figures from the post-deregulation period indicated that the country never consumed beyond 78.84 million litres all through the 28-day period captured in the document.

In fact, the 78.84 million litres was consumed on June 20, and it was the highest consumption figure during the post-deregulation period, while the lowest figure during the same period was the 470,000 litres that was consumed nationwide on June 11.

Subsidy caused terrible practices, says NAEE

The President, Nigeria Association for Energy Economics, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, said the fuel subsidy regime created avenues for terrible practices.

There had been repeated complaints by both the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and oil marketers that Nigeria’s petrol was being smuggled out of the country to neighbouring nations during the period when the commodity was subsidised.

Omorogbe, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, while announcing forthcoming 16th annual conference of the NAEE holding in Abuja, said the removal of fuel subsidies was a right step despite the harsh impact.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says two church officials have been arrested in Ogun state for drug trafficking.

In a statement on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the suspects were officials at Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries in Delta state.

He said they were operating a factory where different “dangerous drugs” were produced in Ogun.

Babafemi said the suspects, identified as Adewale Ayeni, 39, and Ebipakebina Appeal, 41, were arrested alongside four other persons.

He said the operatives intercepted two consignments of the illicit drugs in Warri, adding that two other women were arrested in connection with the crime.

Ayeni, one of the two officials, works as the manager of the prayer call centre of the church, while Ebipakebina is in charge of the movement of international guests from the airport to the worship centre.

“No fewer than 4,560 kilograms of skunk have been seized in interdiction operations in Lagos, Adamawa and Osun by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, who also raided a skucchies factory in Ogun and arrested four members of a drug syndicate including two church officials; female staff of a courier company and another lady, involved in trafficking lethal opioid, fentanyl in Delta,” the statement reads.

“The bust of the fentanyl cartel operating from Warri, Delta state is coming barely a month after two members of another syndicate: Odoh Collins Oguejiofor and Oliver Chigozie Uzoma were arrested at Ogbogwu market, Onitsha head bridge, Onitsha south LGA, Anambra State following months of intelligence-led investigation of the syndicates behind the dangerous drug, which is 100 times more potent than heroin and currently responsible for over 70 percent overdose deaths as well as a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States.

“Two female accomplices also arrested in Warri in the course of investigating the intercepted shipments include Naomi David, 28, who is a staff of United Parcel Services (UPS), and Stacy Njideka, also known as Nkiruka, 27, who is a business associate of Ayeni.”

In another development, Babafemi said the operatives seized a Toyota vehicle carrying two passengers with 118 cartons of noodles where 544 blocks of compressed cannabis were concealed in Adamawa.

The drugs weighing 408kg were to be distributed in Yola, Mubi, and Gombe states.

He said 89 jumbo bags of skunk were seized from one Segun Odeyemi in Lagos, while an abandoned Peugeot vehicle was recovered with bags of fresh pepper used to conceal 25 bags of cannabis on the Akure-Ilesa expressway.

“In the same vein, operatives in Ogun state on Thursday 6th July raided a skucchies factory at Ajaka Sagamu where a suspect, Adekunle Adekola was arrested. Exhibits recovered from the premises include 10kg cannabis; 1,356 litres of sketches, 20 litres of codeine, seven deep freezers; a set of fireman generators, and two gas cylinders among others,” he said.

The spokesperson added that Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, commended the officers and urged them to continue to track the fentanyl opioid cartels in Nigeria.

Leather products, raw materials and machines worth over N3 billion were destroyed on Saturday night by fire in Aba, Abia state.

The fire outbreak affected over 30 shops at the mansion zone block of the powerline leather products industrial cluster.

Okechukwu Williams, president of the leather product manufacturers association in Abia, said the huge losses suffered by traders worsened by the harsh economic situation would have been lessened if a fire station were within quick reach.

Williams called on Alex Otti, governor of Abia, to establish a fire service outpost at the Ariaria international market to address emergencies.

Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, chairman of the affected block in the industrial cluster, told NAN on Sunday that more than 500 workers were working in the affected shops.

Nwanchukwu said the fire was put out after the Abia fire service arrived from Umuahia, the state capital, about an hour after the incident.

Cherechi Ndukwe, a victim, appealed for immediate help to the affected traders, noting that the incident has put their businesses, families, and employees in jeopardy.

“We made frantic but unsuccessful efforts to douse the inferno with buckets of water before the arrival of the men of Abia fire service from Umuahia,” NAN quoted Ndukwe as saying.

“It will be very difficult to survive without the support of Abia and the federal government,” he added.

Goodluck Mmeri, another victim, said the situation was made worse by miscreants who capitalised on the incident to loot some materials and machines.

President Bola Tinubu says he remains committed to ensuring that peace thrives in Nigeria and the world.

Tinubu spoke during a visit to the Nigerian troops under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stabilisation force in Guinea-Bissau, according to a statement released on Saturday by Dele Alake, the president’s special adviser on communications and strategy.

According to the statement, Tinubu thanked the soldiers for their dedication and service to Nigeria and their host country.

He added that Nigeria would continue to support democracy in the West Africa sub-region and around the world.

“Nigeria is a giant that has made its mark in Sierra Leone and Liberia and other places. We count on your support for the defence of constitutional order. I heard your allowances have been paid up to date. Nothing else should make you angry. We will continue to build a virile force,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

“We are proud of you. Proud of your loyalty. Nigeria depends on you. There will be peace and progress in our country.

“I am here to show solidarity with you. I want to assure you we are committed to supporting peace and democracy not only in West Africa but around the world.”

Al-Hassan Grema, commander of the troops, thanked Tinubu for his commitment and noted that he was the first president in Nigeria’s history to visit the soldiers outside the shore of the country.

TheCable reported that Tinubu was set to travel to Bissau, the capital of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for the 63rd ordinary session of the authority of heads of state and government of the ECOWAS.

The summit which will open on Sunday will be Tinubu’s first international engagement within the African continent since he assumed office on May 29.

The 16 regional leaders are expected to address memoranda on pressing sub-regional issues including a report of the 50th ordinary session of the mediation and security council (MSC) covering security challenges faced by the member countries.

Other issues to be addressed include a report of the 90th ordinary session of the ECOWAS council of ministers on the financial situation of the body and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The report on the status of transition in the Republics of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, memoranda on the ECOWAS single currency programme and the report on obstacles to the free movement of goods on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor will also be considered.

The acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bankole Sikiru as the Head of the Interpol National Crime Bureau, Force Criminal Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The posting follows his recent promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

The posting according to a statement by the Force spokesperson, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, is immediate.

According to the statement, “The IG has ordered the posting of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bankole Sikiru to Head the Interpol National Crime Bureau, Force Criminal Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“The Inspector-General of Police while reiterating his zeal to integrate and embrace multi-agency diplomacy in achieving his vision for the Nigeria Police Force, urged the Senior Police Officer to prioritize collaboration and cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and partners in combating transnational crime, while staying updated on emerging global security threats and trends, and adapting strategies accordingly.”

Adejobi added that the IG tasked Sikiru to ensure regular updates on Interpol activities, challenges, and achievements, so as to enable the Nigeria Police to provide necessary support and guidance.

Adejobi said Sikiru had served in various operational, investigative, and administrative capacities within the Force. This includes as DCP Interpol and CP Interpol, FCID Abuja, and CP Ogun State.

President Bola Tinubu will, on Saturday, July 8, depart Abuja for Guinea-Bissau to attend the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, in Bissau, the country’s capital.

The President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, revealed this in a statement he signed on Friday evening, titled ‘President Tinubu to attend ECOWAS summit in Guinea-Bissau.’

At the summit on Sunday, July 9, participants are expected to address memoranda on five pressing sub-regional issues.

They include “Report of the 50th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council covering security challenges faced by the member countries; Report of the 90th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Council of Ministers on the financial situation of the body and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as Report on the status of Transition in the Republics of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea,” Alake revealed.

Other items slated for discussion include; the Memoranda on the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme and the Report on Obstacles to the Free Movement of Goods on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

Guinea-Bissau is the first African State the President is visiting since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

So far, he has visited Paris, France, where he participated in the summit for ‘A New Global Financing Pact’ hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron from June 22-23.

From June 24 – 27, President Tinubu was in London for a private visit, where he reportedly met his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. So far, he has spent eight days on foreign engagements.

Some members of the Presidential Policy Advisory Council and other top government officials will accompany him.

The Nigerian leader is expected back in the country at the end of the meeting.

Anchor University, located in Ayobo, Lagos, has awarded a full scholarship to Miss Nkechinyere Kamsiyo Chukwu Umeh, who achieved the highest score of 360 out of 400 in this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) nationwide.

The university, recognizing Nkechinyere as its Young Ambassador for the 2022/2023 academic session, announced that she will be able to pursue any course of her choice in the institution free of charge, along with other benefits associated with the full scholarship.

The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor of Anchor University, Prof Oye Bandele, during a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday.


Furthermore, the vice-chancellor revealed that the university has granted tuition-free scholarships to the top 10 students in the same UTME from any Deeper Life High School across the country.

In addition, a significant percentage reduction in tuition fees will be offered to the next 50 students from Deeper Life High Schools who scored 250 and above in the UTME and gained admission into the university for the 2023/2024 session.

Prof Oye Bandele, a Professor of Educational Evaluation and Computer Education, explained that the purpose of rewarding NkeChinyere and others is to celebrate excellence and encourage healthy competition, hard work, and commitment among the students.

He commended the National Head of Deeper Life High School and the Education Secretary of the church’s group of schools, Mrs T. O. Malaka, for consistently producing well-rounded students and graduates.

The vice-chancellor also announced that Anchor University’s admission screening for the 2023/2024 academic session has commenced, assuring that the university will continue to recognize and promote excellence among its students and staff members.


He extended his appreciation to Prof Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, for his efforts in elevating the organization and standing for truth.

He urged Nigerians to provide him with the necessary support and cooperation to further enhance university education and the economy as a whole.

The Chairman of the National Population Census, Nasir Kwarra, Thursday in Abuja, requested the release of the allocated N31 billion capital allocation, in the 2023 budget, for preparatory activities ahead of the exercise.

Kwarra also requested President Bola Tinubu’s approval for an additional N225.2 billion to cover training and fieldwork allowances, retraining of trainers, and the conduct of a second-class Trial Census. He also pegged the total cost of the exercise at N546.72 billion.

He was at the State House to brief the President on the Implementation Status of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, where he requested the issuance of a proclamation for a new Census date later in 2022 or early 2024.

The President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, revealed this in a statement he signed on Thursday titled ‘Population Census: President Tinubu pledges support for NPC, calls for data integrity.’

The NPC Chairman noted that the Commission had trained 60,000 instructors who would further train enumerators and supervisors.

He said plans were being concluded for final training but were disrupted due to the transition programme for a new government and funding challenges.

This necessitated the postponement of the exercise by the immediate-past President Muhammadu Buhari, he explained.

Kwarra also highlighted the funding challenges faced by the Commission, saying they were waiting on the President to support NPC and approve the conduct of the census.

He said the agency had demarcated the entire country, stating that only one or two places were left and that this would be done soon.

In a paper titled “Implementation Status of the 2023 Population and Housing Census,” the NPC requested the release of the allocated N31bn capital allocation, in the 2023 budget, for preparatory activities.

The Commission put the total cost of the Census, after a methodology review, at N546.72 billion.

Kwarra also requested the President’s approval for an additional N225.2 billion to cover training and fieldwork allowances, retraining of trainers, and the conduct of a second-class Trial Census.

President Tinubu was also asked to approve and convene a stakeholders’ meeting with the organised private sector and foreign partners to galvanise funds for the Census.

On the preparations made so far, the NPC Boss informed the President that Nigeria had developed a helpful database for national planning, infrastructure development and revenue generation for the government.

“NPC, having completed Mapping in March 2022, tested the market with the geospatial data by making it available to researchers at a ‘test price’ where it generated over N5 million through REMITA.

“To this end, with fully integrated spatial and statistical data, government geospatial policy and coordination, NPC can generate up to $14 billion and further save a lot of resources for the nation through automation of economic planning by 2028,” Kwarra said.

An Ogun House of Assembly member, representing Abeokuta South Constituency II, Igbalaye Ayodele has announced sponsoring of no fewer than 100 students from his constituency on scholarship to a university in the Republic of Benin.

Ayodele said the scholarship for his constituents to study at ESTG University in the Republic of Benin was part of his efforts to further promote education among the youths in the state.

The Media Adviser to the lawmaker, Adeyemi Obadimu in a statement on Tuesday, said the beneficiaries of the scholarship were selected after passing the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The lawmaker noted that his vision and mission are to foster unity among communities and improve the quality of education by championing academic brilliance.

He added, “As we all know, no better gift could be given to our children than a quality education. Education is a powerful driver of development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty, gender equality, peace, and stability.

“You will recall that the scholarship scheme started six years ago with 50 students, but increased to 100 students this year, selecting the beneficiaries from all the public secondary schools in Abeokuta South.

“Over 300 students have benefited from the scheme. This is even, as I intend to increase the number of beneficiaries in the coming years Especially among secondary school students who want to gain admission into the university.”

One of the students, Adeola Oguniyi, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, prayed for more achievement and success for Ayodele.

Timehin Adelegbe, a member of the house of representatives, says Bola Adelegbe, his younger brother, who was abducted by suspected bandits is yet to be released despite the payment of a “substantial” ransom.

Adelegbe, who represents Owo/Ose federal constituency of Ondo, spoke on the floor of the green chamber on Tuesday while moving a motion on the need to address the “incessant killing and kidnapping” by suspected bandits in Ose LGA of the state.

The lawmaker said the victim, a former chairman of Ose LGA, was kidnapped on April 23.

THE MOTION

While leading the debate on the motion, Adelegbe, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said there have been “persistent” killings and kidnapping of citizens of Ijagba, Imoru, Molete, Arimogija, Ute and Okeluse communities in the LGA by bandits.

According to the lawmaker, bandits have held the communities in “perpetual siege and bondage” leading to wanton loss of lives, properties and farmlands.

He said 50 people have been killed with “several kidnapped and unaccounted for” in the last two years, including the recent abduction of one Isaac Ohimeren and his son Solomon.

He added that Ohimeren was murdered while his son was released after the payment of N400,000 ransom.

“In the same LGA, one of the foremost traditional rulers of the state, the late Oba Israel Adeusi, the Olufon of Ifon, was shot dead while returning from a function in the state capital on 26 November 2020,” he said.

The lawmaker said bandits are “operating unhindered in the forest reserve spanning about 10km behind Okeluse where they have converted to their permanent base”.

Following the adoption of the motion, the house asked the federal government to set up a “well-equipped and properly motivated joint security task force to curb the Okeluse forest reserve” to apprehend the culprits and end the killings.

The house further asked Olukayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to “urgently” dispatch enough personnel to the troubled communities to keep the attackers at bay and also take over the investigation on the whereabouts of the lawmakers’ younger brother

Mmesoma Ejikeme, the Anambra student who was accused of manually inflating her 2023 UTME result by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Wednesday confirmed that she received an automated text message from JAMB indicating that her score was 249.

Mmesoma made this known during an interview with Sunrise Daily on Channels Television which was monitored by The PUNCH.

JAMB’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, had earlier revealed that the candidate sent a series of messages to the board’s automated telecoms system, including the results showing an aggregate of 362.

Responding, Mmesoma said the only SMS she sent to JAMB was through its support system: “That’s the only SMS I sent there.”


Asked if she got any feedback, she said, “They didn’t reply. If they check their JAMB Support System, they would see that I sent a text message. They didn’t reply.”

On the claim that she used an Airtel line, Mmesoma replied: “Yes,” but she added it was “not through USSD code”.

“The one I checked through the USSD code is the one of 360 that I saw,” she explained further.

Responding to the claim that the feedback from JAMB showed her score as 249, she agreed.

“Yes,” she said. “After all was said and done, I now saw that I got 249. I sent them a text message there to know what really happened — the JAMB Support System. If they go to their system, they will see it there.”

The PUNCH reports that the embattled 19-year-old Anambra student has been in the news following allegations of UTME score forgery.

The Anambra State government has faulted the position of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in the way it has handled the development concerning the University and Tertiary Matriculation Examination result presented by Mmesoma Ejikeme.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, on Wednesday, said investigation was still ongoing on what transpired about the result when JAMB made a press release condemning the result as being fake.

Nwosu added that following the development, an eight-member committee of enquiry has been set up to thoroughly investigate the JAMB/Mmesoma matter and the findings of the Committee will be made public.

According to him, the committee members include, Prof. Nkemdili Nnonyelu as Chairman, other members are Prof. Mercy Okonkwo, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Prof. Maduabuchi Dukor, Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo, Rev. Sr. Prof. Mary-Felicia Opara, Rev. Cannon Dr. Uchenna Umeifekwem, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Managing Director, Anambra Information Communication Technology Agency.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Government has, for obvious reasons, been following the JAMB/Mmesoma Ejike matter with keen interest.

“It is important to note that Miss Mmesoma Ejike went to the office of the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh with her UTME result to protest that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board didn’t recognise her as the candidate with the highest score.

“The Commissioner in turn called JAMB to confirm her claim, but she was told that Mmesoma’s result was forged.

Nigerian wonderkid, Achunike Okafor has been honoured by Science Park High School at Newark in New Jersey, US, for his extraordinary performance.

Okafor received an International Baccalaureate diploma with a record-shattering 4.625 grade-point average from the school.

According to TapIntoNewark, an online newspaper, his GPA is the highest among Newark’s 2,649 graduates in the Class of 2023, and highest ever for the city public school district.

It earned him more than 40 scholarship offers, many from the nation’s top universities: Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Princeton, Penn State, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, and Rutgers.

“I am grateful for the opportunities to attend such esteemed universities and to represent my family and community.

“I do not take lightly the privilege and responsibility to be among the few individuals selected for such honors,” Okafor said.

The 18-year-old plans to attend Harvard University to pursue a neuroscience degree.

“There’s absolutely nothing average him,” Science Park principal Darlene Gearhart said.


“Achunike is an extraordinary (person). He’s humble, driven, and industrious. He has always been a great kid. He is always eager to learn,” Gearhart said.

Superintendent of Schools Roger León acknowledged Achunike’s exceptional performance as a source of pride for Science Park High, the school district, and the Newark community.

“We are extremely proud of Achunike Okafor.




“His achievements are a testament to his perseverance, resilience, and dedication to excellence. We wish him continued success at Harvard, and look forward to more accomplishments from him in the future,” León said.

Achunike’s father Godfrey Okafor said his son’s achievements are also a source of family pride.

“We place a high premium on education in our home. Education, and continuing to learn in life, allows young people to provide for themselves and their families, and build their future,” Okafor, a high school math teacher, said.

Godfrey Okafor says his five other children, including two older sons and three daughters, are currently studying computer engineer and pharmacology, or enrolled at nursing school and law school.

Outside the classroom, Achunike was co-founder of his school’s Science Club; vice president of its Junior Student Council and its Stand & Deliver Club.


Also, a president of its Future Educators Club and Black Student Union; co-captain of its robotics team, and treasurer of its Environmental Club.

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Tuesday said that Nigerians will be shocked if the board decides to reveal the details of the “forgery” perpetrated by Mmesoma Ejikeme, the candidate from Anambra State whom the board accused of manually inflating her UTME score.

Oloyede noted that the result paraded by Ejikeme was the template for a student who sat UTME two years ago.

In an interview with Premium Times, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin said, “If you scan the code, the candidate’s result will show. So I can say emphatically that the girl is parading a fake result. It is either she is being duped, or she is part of a syndicate manufacturing purported JAMB results.

“There are security features on our results, so I can emphasise that the girl is just trying to deceive the public. Her result is completely fake. Her claim that she printed the result from our site is a lie, and totally incorrect. If we should reveal all that we know, people will be shocked. So if people are looking for shortcuts to achieve an end, that is what would happen.”

JAMB said the matter has nothing to do with its system, saying nobody hacked into its system and that the result did not emanate from its system.

“The result she is holding is completely fake because we are able to track everything printed from our system”, it said.

Mmesoma was accused of forging her 2021 UTME result by the board on Sunday evening. She has since denied the allegations levied against her by the examination body, JAMB.

But JAMB insisted that she forged the result and placed a three-year ban on her.