₦airaland Forum

Lifemanage:
Was that not how they were insulting Jonathan and foisted Buhari on us Let them use their powers well

Godfullsam:
I hope this bastards will not force governor to clamp down on these virtual banks?

Maybe the money was paid to their informants and accomplices as compensation.

iwaeda:
More than half a billion naira in a day, when hunger and hardship is hitting the thumbs of those who voted for is ewa, ebay and garri, Nlfpmod.

Terrorists, locally dubbed as bandits, now receive ransom through bank electronic transfer in Zamfara State, North-West, Nigeria.

SaharaReporters learnt that some of the terrorists were paid N2million ransom through a moniepoint virtual bank account on October 3, 2024.

A money transfer instrument seen by SaharaReporters showed that N2million was paid into a Palmpay virtual bank account number 7026353728, owned by one Musa Muhammad, believed to be a bandit in Zamfara State.

This was reported by a conflict and crisis journalist in Nigeria's Northwest, Bakatsine on his X social media handle.

Bakatsine, disclosed that after the N2 million bank transfer, the bandits instructed that additional millions be delivered to a specified location according to a credible source.

The incident, reportedly happened in the Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

"Bandits in Zamfara State received ransom through bank transfer. After transferring N2million to their bank account as requested, they later instructed that additional millions be delivered to a specified location according to my source the incident happened in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State," Bakatsine posted.

Nonny95:
Rivers LG Election: Amb Ihunwo Chijioke, the APP candidate for Obio/Akpor LGA, has casted his vote in unit 40, Rumunduru, Obio/Akpor LGA.

#RiversLGAPolls2024

Bandits armed with dangerous weapons invaded Dan-Ali, a community in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, disrupting Jummat prayers in multiple mosques.

PUNCH Online learnt on Friday that the armed assailants stormed the areas, firing sporadically, causing panic and forcing worshippers to flee.

A source within the community confirmed the incident.

He stated, “We were at the Jummat prayer when we heard the shooting and everybody ran. We couldn’t hold our prayers again. Thanks to the Security Watch Corps in the area that gave them a hot chase.”


The source, who wished to remain anonymous, added, “We need reinforcement because the bandits are giving us a tough time in our communities as we speak.”


According to him, for over a week, bandits have been preventing farmers from entering their farmlands in Dan-Ali and surrounding areas, including Gwarjo, Dangane, Tudun, Tasha Kadanya, and Tasha Biri.

“Many farmers have been kidnapped, and we are all scared to enter our farms,” the source added.


Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, for comment, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

President Bola Tinubu has boasted that Nigerian security has improved under his leadership.

Tinubu, who was represented by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the inaugural international lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria, narrating how the country’s security was worse in 2022 and up till 2023, when Muhammadu Buhari was the President.

The President added that Nigerians can now easily drive from the capital, Abuja to any part of the country without any fear of being attacked.

He said: “We have not been talking, we have been working. We work, we work less. And I can assure you that we are on the right track. Nigeria is getting to be stable. You will feel it, you will see it. Give us time.

“This is also a gentle reminder that to some of us who are, don’t forget the Nigeria of 2022. Here in Abuja, bad people and terrorists would come here and kill our soldiers.

“In Nigeria, people would come in and attack our prisons and remove the most dangerous persons from the prison; just 2022 up to 2023. They would attack a train and take hundreds of victims of kidnapping.

“That is Nigeria of 2022. And we came in, and I can assure you Abuja is secure. Today you can drive at night, and you can go to Kaduna, you can go to Lokoja, you can go to Minna. You can go to Lafia and you will feel safe, that is one year and four months. In Nigeria, you can travel to any part of the country and you dared not do it in 2022.”

Meanwhile, a recent report released by SBM Intelligence showed that no fewer than 7,568 people were abducted across Nigeria between July 2023 and July 2024.

The report noted that the security crisis had become increasingly complex, with armed groups and non-state actors exploiting the state’s weakened influence.

It was noted that some of the issues include Boko Haram’s resurgence in the Northeast, armed gangs in the Northcentral and Northwest, secessionist violence in the Southeast, and gang-related issues in the Southwest.

“Amid these diverse security threats, widespread kidnap for ransom has emerged as a common thread. Between July 2023 and June 2024, our research found that no fewer than 7,568 people were abducted in 1,130 incidents across the country,” the report says.

“In that same period, kidnappers demanded at least the sum of N10,995,090,000 (approximately $6,871,931) as ransom but received N1,048,110,000, a mere 9.5% of the money demanded, indicating that kidnappers have become less targeted in their victimology.

“Of the 1,130 reported kidnapping cases, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have the highest numbers of incidents and victims.”

The report also noted that Zamfara recorded the highest incident with 132 cases and 1,639 victims.

“Zamfara recorded 132 incidents with 1,639 victims, Kaduna had 113 incidents with 1,113 victims, and Katsina reported 119 incidents with 887 victims,” it says.

“These three states also have the highest number of civilian deaths. In the year under review in this report, kidnapping has become more lethal, with 1,056 people killed in 1,130 reported kidnap incidents. On average, someone is killed each time there is an attempted kidnap.”

Justice Evelyn Maha, of a Federal High Court in Abuja, has issued an order restraining the Directorate of the Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office, from stopping, impounding or confiscating vehicles on the road.

The court also barred the Road Traffic Services from imposing fines on motorists.

The judgment, delivered on October 2 by Justice Maha, stemmed from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and public interest attorney Abubakar Marshal.

Justice Maha, in the judgment, agreed with the applicant’s contentions that there is no legal basis for the VIO and its officials to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles or to levy fines against motorists.


The applicant, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, sued the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Mr Leo, the Area Commander, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (as at December 12, 2023) Onoja Solomon, Team Leader, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Jabi Area command, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

Marshall in his originating motion on notice among others, had asked the court for a declaration that the “1st to 4th respondent under the control of the 5th respondent, herein are not empowered by a law or status to stop, impound or confiscate the vehicle of motorists or impose fine on motorists and doing so is wrongful, oppressive and unlawful as it violates the fundamental human right of such motorists to fair hearing, freedom of movement and presumption of innocence and therefore unlawful by virtue of section 6(6)(B) 35 (1)( and (12) and 41 and 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and article 2(7) (b) 12 and 14 of the African Charter of human and peoples right”.


The court in its judgment, issued a restraining order against the respondents, preventing them and their agents from impounding or confiscating vehicles or imposing fines, labelling such actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.


Justice Maha further granted a perpetual injunction to protect the rights of Nigerians, ensuring their freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and right to own property without lawful justification.

The court in its judgement held that “the 1st (Directorate of Road Traffic Services) to 4th Respondents under the control of the 5th Respondent (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory) are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”

The court also gave “an order restraining the 1st to 4th respondents either through their agents, servants and or assigns from impounding, confiscating the vehicle of motorists and or imposing fine on any motorist as doing so is wrongful, oppressive and unlawful by themselves.”

The court made an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on behalf of the 1st respondent from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification inter alia.

Civil servants in Abuja are voicing their concerns following the abrupt suspension of the Nigerian government’s subsidised rice sales priced at N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag.

Their unease was prompted by the sudden disappearance of officials at various registration units for purchasing the rice.

It could be recalled that the President Bola Tinubu-led government had pledged to sell 30,000 metric tonnes of 50-kilogramme bags of milled rice to Nigerians at the subsidised rate.

Mr. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, explained that the initiative was part of government’s efforts to reduce food prices in the Nigerian market.

The sale commenced and lasted over a week before being suspended without prior notice, leaving many workers who had not benefitted feeling frustrated.

A civil servant, identified only as Mrs Nwachukwu expressed her surprise and dismay upon arriving at the federal secretariat only to find officials absent.

“I was encouraged to come to the registration unit at the secretariat, only for me to be told that the whole thing has been suspended. Nobody knows what may happen next and if the scheme will still continue,” she stated.

Mrs. Kudirat, another civil servant who initially faced delays in accessing the rice, voiced her disapproval of the suspension.

“I was here for two days to get my name registered, but because of the huge crowd, I decided to wait until it eases off, only to be told now that the exercise has been suspended,” she told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“What I heard from the grapevine was that the suspension was as a result of the rowdiness and chaos at the registration and payment point. If they can adopt a better method of access to the rice, it will be better for us,” she said.

Mr. Sylvester also expressed disappointment over the suspension. “My brother, I spent two days here before I could register my name, waiting to be called for the rice, but now I am hearing another story.

“[b]Although we heard that the rice will be accessed through another method, we cannot trust this government. The palliative rice will, to some extent, ease the burden of hunger, so, it is important for the government to bring it bac[/b]k,” he said.

NAN's findings confirmed that a new arrangement is being established to simplify the rice purchase process. An authoritative source in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who requested anonymity, clarified that their office was not responsible for coordinating the scheme as speculated.

The source indicated that the palliative rice distribution is being managed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) after its inauguration by the minister.

On the suspension of the sale, the source explained that registration was halted due to excessive noise and chaos disrupting the work environment. “People could no longer attend work in their offices as a result of this exercise. Therefore, we have to suspend it,” the source stated.

They also acknowledged NAN's report about individuals facing difficulties accessing the subsidised rice. Plans are underway to decentralise the purchasing process by involving various ministries, where core civil servants will register in their respective ministries.

The source advised officials at MDAs to connect with their parent ministries for details on the new payment and distribution methods for the palliative rice.

The incident occurred just hours after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum reassured farmers of adequate security during their Independence Day messages.

Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly slaughtered five farmers and abducted 15 others in the Ngoshe Community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.

The incident occurred just hours after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum reassured farmers of adequate security during their Independence Day messages.

Sources revealed that the terrorists struck as farmers were working in their fields, leading to the massacre of five individuals and the killing of Jubril Zarana, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who bravely aided security forces in repelling the attack.

One of the sources told Vanguard that, “We deeply regret to inform you of the abduction of approximately 15 farmers, including children, women, and the elderly, by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.

“The attack also claimed the lives of Jubril Dada Zarana, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and five other civilians. The terrorists ambushed the farmers while they were working in their fields.

“Despite the efforts of security forces, including the Army and CJTF, they were unable to hold off the attackers for long. Jubril Zarana tragically lost his life defending his community, while the other victims were taken alive.

“After reaching their base, the terrorists brutally executed five of the captives: Isa Musa Moh’d Diyara, Doglas, Salawuddin Suleman Dauda Lawan, Maryam Gwambran, and Baba Amos."

“Three women captives were later released. They reported that several victims, including Anna Andrew Gadzawaga, Hauwa Braga, and two young boys, remain held hostage," another source stated.

“Among the still missing are Babawo Kanin Shagari, Ummi Trabos, Babson Yaron Teacher, and others.

It said, “To our fellow Gwoza citizens, please keep these individuals in your prayers during this time of despair.

“On this Independence Day, meant to celebrate freedom, human rights, and progress, our people are instead experiencing sorrow, fear, and hopelessness.

“Despite severe hardships and the lack of basic necessities, they choose to remain in their homeland out of love for their country. Neither the government nor NGOs have provided them with food supplies, and the little farming they do to survive comes at the risk of their lives,” they added.

ABUJA: The Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS has affirmed the suspension of senior officers alleged to have been involved in violating ethical standards regarding the custody of cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, who was legally at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre.


Officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections DCC Michael Anugwa had told a parliamentary inquisition on Monday in Abuja that he was not suspended, despite an official order of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to the contrary.


NCOS spokesman, ACC Abubakar Umar in a statement on Monday night said the suspension which took effect from the 26th of September, 2024, was conveyed to the various officers accordingly.

He said; “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a trending video of one of its senior officers purporting that the Service has not served him a letter of suspension as earlier directed by the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board CDCFIB.

“The Service views this as an act of gross misconduct aimed at misleading the public on the issue at hand.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the said officer in the video, but three other officers following their alleged roles in various misconducts so as to allow for further investigation.


“The suspended officers are the officer-in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT command, DCC Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakiliki, Ebonyi state.

“Recall that two letters were issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services board (CDCFIB) with reference nos: CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/16 and CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/17 both dated 26th September, 2024, suspending the aforementioned officers.

“The suspension which took effect from the 26th of September, 2024, was conveyed to the various officers accordingly.


“The public is advised to remain resolute as the Service would ensure that thorough investigation would be carried out and any person or group of persons found culpable would be punished in line with the Public Service Rules as well as other extant laws”.

FCT Police Personnel Accuse Superiors Of Withholding N30,000 Monthly From Entitlements, Threaten To Begin Strike On October 1

Police constables and corporals serving under the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Abuja, have lamented that the command is short-changing them by denying them the “N40,000 increment approved by the Nigerian government”.

The police personnel also told SaharaReporters that since January 2024, police personnel in other state commands have been receiving an additional N1,000 on their salaries but the FCT command has not been paying it.

They threatened to commence a strike from Tuesday, October 1, 2024, if nothing is done to resolve the issue and pay them their complete N40,000 approved by the federal government.

“We all know about the increment that was implemented and several agencies were paid a flat rate of N40,000 increment but commands like Niger State and FCT are paying only N10,000 increment.

“As we are abiding by our code of conduct, we are not allowed to voice out our frustrations. We need help and urgent intervention by the police authorities,” one of the affected officers told SaharaReporters.

Another police officer said, “In respect of the recent increment of federal government workers' salary, please let it be known that we police constables only received an additional N10,000 instead of N40,000 that other sister agencies paid their staff and personnel.

“We are pleading with Mr President, some of us have parents that depend on us; N77,000 cannot even buy a bag of rice. We are humans just like them.

“If other agencies could pay N40,000 irrespective of rank, then I see no reason why the Nigeria Police Force whom we call the mother of all forces will retain N30,000 and pay N10,000 to constables as if we are beggars.

“If nothing is done about the shortchange, we constables have agreed to go on nationwide strike on October 1 because we can't continue to suffer in silence.

“And again, FCT Command has been short-changing constables by not paying N1,000 that should be added to our salary for the past 9 months. Our mates in other state commands have had an additional N1,000 added to their salaries since January this year but here in FCT command, it has been the same amount since we passed out till date.”

When contacted, the FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, directed SaharaReporters to contact the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

However, Adejobi did not answer his calls. He had not replied to messages sent to his mobile line as of the time of filing this report.

Nigeria’s import bills on used vehicles, popularly known as tokumbo, fell by 83 percent year-on-year, YoY, to N138.62 billion in the first half of the year (H1’24) from N819.15 billion in H1’23.


Quarter-on-quarter, QoQ, breakdown of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, ‘Commodity Price Indices’ and Terms of Trade, ToT, report for the review period showed that in Q1’24, no used vehicle was imported compared to N69.23 billion worth of used vehicles that were imported in Q1’23.

In Q2’24, the value of imported used vehicles stood at N138.62 billion, representing an 81.5 percent decline YoY from N749.92 billion in Q2’23.

NBS noted that the used vehicles were imported mainly from the United States of America, stating: “On the other hand, total imports from America in Q2’24 stood at N971.84 billion.

Recall that last year, the federal government introduced a new set of taxes on imported vehicles, among other things.

The new tax regime stipulates that imported vehicles between 2000 capacity (2 litres) and 3999 capacity (3.9 litres) engine will pay an additional charge known as Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) levy of two percent of the value of the vehicle, while vehicles with 4000 capacity (4 litres) and above engines will attract IAT of four percent of their value.


The new levy is in addition to the 35 percent import duty and 35 percent levy being paid by importers of vehicles.

However, vehicles below 2000cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and locally manufactured vehicles are exempted from the IAT levy.

The government also revised the import prohibition list with the inclusion of used motor vehicles above 12 years from the year of manufacture.


But in March this year, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the suspension of the 25 percent import duty penalty on improperly imported vehicles.