₦airaland Forum

Security operatives in Ghana’s Eastern Region have arrested 15 suspects, including 12 Nigerians, during a targeted operation against alleged prostitution and human trafficking activities in Koforidua.

The operation was carried out by officers of the New Juaben South Municipal Police Command following a complaint that triggered investigations into a suspected trafficking network operating within the municipality.

According to local reports, the arrests were made on Monday, February 9, 2026, after a 30-year-old Nigerian woman, identified as Stella Godwill, reported that she had been trafficked from Nigeria to Ghana and forced into commercial sex work.

The complainant alleged that she was brought to Ghana by a woman identified as Christabel Simon Monday under the pretext of work, but was later compelled to engage in prostitution. She further told police that she was required to generate a daily income of 400 Ghana cedis.

On the day of the reported incident, she said she managed to earn only 250 cedis and was allegedly assaulted by the suspected trafficker and her boyfriend, identified as Simon Kwarteng, for failing to meet the target.

Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, confirmed that authorities immediately launched an investigation after receiving the complaint.

Acting on intelligence, police traced the prime suspect to Dabiasem, a suburb of New Juaben, where she was arrested. Subsequent investigations led officers to a property allegedly being used as a brothel, resulting in the arrest of 12 additional suspects.

Two other individuals were also apprehended a landlord accused of converting his building into a brothel and charging occupants 25 Ghana cedis daily, and a bouncer allegedly linked to the operation.

Police reported recovering condoms during the raid as part of evidence gathered at the scene.

Authorities disclosed that the suspects currently in custody are aged between 15 and 31 years. The minor among them has been separated from the adults and placed under protective care, with the Department of Social Welfare notified for further intervention.

Superintendent Nsiah stated that all suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Kusi Asante, the Municipal Crime Officer, warned property owners against allowing their premises to be used for unlawful purposes. He cited Section 277 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960, which criminalises the operation of brothels and carries penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Police indicated that the suspects are being investigated for alleged violations of Sections 273, 274, and 277 of the Act, which address prostitution-related offences, human trafficking, and brothel operations.

Law enforcement authorities expressed concern over the reported involvement of minors in commercial sex activities and reiterated their commitment to dismantling trafficking networks operating within the Eastern Region.

Investigations are ongoing, with officials urging members of the public to volunteer credible information that could assist in protecting vulnerable individuals and curbing exploitation.

The latest arrests form part of broader anti-trafficking efforts in the region, where previous investigations uncovered syndicates allegedly luring young women from Nigeria with promises of hospitality jobs before subjecting them to exploitation.

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of officers accused of assaulting and allegedly stealing from popular skit maker and Nollywood actor Ijoba Lande, in a significant update to a case that has drawn widespread public attention.

TrendingHouse earlier reported that Ijoba Lande accused police operatives of physically assaulting him and dispossessing him of personal items shortly after his return from the United Kingdom. The allegations, which were accompanied by a distressing video shared on social media, triggered public outrage and calls for accountability.

https://www.nairaland.com/8613625/ijoba-lande-alleges-lagos-police

In a fresh development, the Lagos police say the officers involved have now been identified and taken into custody for investigation.

The confirmation was contained in a statement posted on X by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, who said the matter is being handled internally by the command.

According to Adebisi, the arrested officers have been brought before the police authorities, while statements are currently being taken from all parties involved.

“The officers involved have been identified and brought forward to the Command for investigation,” the statement read. “At the moment, both the officers, the actor, and his friend are giving their statements. Further developments will be communicated accordingly.”

The police spokesperson added the hashtag #SayNoToImpunity, reinforcing the command’s position against misconduct within the force.

The update follows days of intense social media reactions after Ijoba Lande’s allegations went viral, with many Nigerians demanding transparency and disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.

The Lagos State Police Command has assured the public that further updates will be released as investigations progress.

Popular skit maker and Nollywood actor Ganiyu Kehinde Morufu, widely known as Ijoba Lande, has accused operatives of the Lagos State Police Command of assaulting him and stealing valuable personal items shortly after his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom.

The entertainer made the allegation public on Friday via an Instagram video, claiming the incident happened just six days after he arrived in the country.

According to Ijoba Lande, the police officers allegedly seized his iPhone 16 Pro Max and took $1,200 belonging to his brother during the encounter. He said the situation escalated into physical violence that nearly cost him his life.

“I returned from the UK six days ago, and I was attacked and beaten by police officers in Nigeria,” he wrote in the caption accompanying the now-deleted video. “They collected my iPhone 16 Pro Max and my brother’s $1,200. I almost died.”

In the video, the actor appeared visibly distressed, with blood seen around his eye as he struggled to speak. People around him were heard trying to calm him, pouring water on his face as he cried.

Voices in the background of the footage repeatedly mentioned Area J Police Station, indicating that the alleged incident may be linked to the facility. Portions of the video also appeared to show Ijoba Lande inside or around a police station, where he was speaking with others, suggesting he was attempting to report the incident formally.

The video was later removed from his Instagram page, but not before it circulated widely on social media and sparked outrage among fans and observers.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to requests for comment on the allegations.

Ijoba Lande is a well-known figure in Nigeria’s entertainment space, recognised for his street-inspired comedy skits and supporting roles in Nollywood productions. He has built a strong online following by creating content that reflects everyday Nigerian life and social realities.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that preparations for the 2027 general elections are already underway, with the election timetable fully completed.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties, held ahead of the February 21 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections.

INEC Chairman Professor Oash Amupitan addressing political party leaders during a consultative meeting in Abuja
Addressing party representatives, Amupitan stressed the urgent need for political parties to step up voter mobilisation across the six area councils of the FCT, particularly encouraging eligible residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

According to him, the ongoing PVC distribution exercise is expected to end on February 10, and all stakeholders must ensure that no qualified voter is left out of the electoral process.

“Political parties remain critical partners in strengthening democratic participation,” the INEC chairman said. “I urge party leaders to intensify mobilisation efforts so that residents across the FCT can collect their PVCs and fully participate in the elections.”

Amupitan also issued a strong warning against electoral misconduct, cautioning politicians and their supporters to avoid hate speech, violence and vote-buying before and during the polls.

He described vote-buying as a serious threat to democracy, noting that it undermines the will of the electorate and violates Nigeria’s electoral laws.

“Vote-buying is a subversion of the democratic will,” he said. “Anyone found engaging in it will face the full consequences of the law.”

On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Amupitan revealed that INEC has already concluded its Timetable and Schedule of Activities, but is exercising restraint pending the outcome of ongoing electoral reforms at the National Assembly.

He explained that lawmakers are considering amendments to the Electoral Act, including a proposal by the Senate to shorten the election preparation timeline from 360 days to 180 days.

“We are ready with our timetable,” he said. “However, we are mindful of the reforms being discussed and want to see the final position of the law to ensure a stable legal framework ahead of the elections.”

The INEC chairman expressed optimism that the amended Electoral Act would be passed soon, noting that the bill would still undergo harmonisation between both chambers of the National Assembly before being transmitted for presidential assent.

Nevertheless, he added that the commission would proceed with its plans if the legislative process drags on for too long.

“If the delay becomes excessive, INEC will move forward with its responsibilities,” Amupitan stated, referencing the Senate’s recent passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the establishment of a conference committee to reconcile differences in the proposed law.

United States authorities have concluded plans to deport dozens of Nigerian nationals convicted of serious crimes, including terrorism, murder, rape and large-scale fraud, describing them as some of the most dangerous offenders within the country’s immigration system.

According to a recent publication by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a total of 79 convicted Nigerians have been listed for deportation following the completion of their sentences. The list was published on the department’s official website and reviewed on Wednesday.

Photos of Nigerian nationals convicted of terrorism, murder, rape and fraud, listed for deportation from the United States.
DHS said the individuals fall into a category it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens apprehended by officers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency noted that the deportations form part of an ongoing enforcement drive targeting foreign nationals convicted of violent and high-impact crimes.

In a statement accompanying the release, DHS said the exercise aligns with the current administration’s commitment to prioritise the removal of undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records.

“Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, the men and women of DHS and ICE are carrying out the president’s directive by starting deportations with the most dangerous offenders,” the department said, adding that those listed include individuals convicted of offences posing severe threats to public safety.

Photographs, names and details of the crimes committed by the affected Nigerians were published by U.S. authorities as part of the announcement. The deportees are expected to be returned to Nigeria in phases, subject to coordination with relevant Nigerian agencies.

The development has once again drawn attention to transnational crime and the growing cooperation between U.S. immigration authorities and foreign governments in addressing it.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, were on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The two defendants were brought before the Abuja Division of the court on a five-count charge filed by the Federal Government. Prosecuting counsel, Callistus Eze, informed the court that the charges relate to alleged abetment of terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Addressing the court, Mr Eze stated that the charge, dated February 2 and filed on February 3, was ready to be read to the defendants, subject to the court’s convenience. The charges were subsequently read, and both defendants entered pleas of not guilty to all counts.

Following the pleas, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending further proceedings.

Counsel to the defendants, Shuaibu Arua, SAN, countered with an oral application seeking bail for his clients. He told the court that the defendants had already spent two weeks in DSS custody and had been brought to court directly from a hospital, urging the court to exercise its discretion in their favour.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, declined the oral request and directed the defence to file a formal bail application, stressing that the court is a court of record.

“I order counsel to file and serve a formal bail application,” Justice Abdulmalik ruled.

The case was adjourned to February 20 for the commencement of trial.

According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami is accused in the first count of knowingly abetting terrorism financing during his tenure as attorney-general of the federation. The Department of State Services (SSS), which is prosecuting the case, alleged that in November 2022, Malami declined to prosecute certain individuals suspected of financing terrorism after their case files were submitted to his office.

The alleged offence is said to contravene Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In the remaining counts, Malami and his son are jointly charged with conduct allegedly preparatory to terrorist acts, as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The prosecution claimed that in December 2025, the defendants were found at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in possession of a Sturm Magnus firearm without a valid licence.

They were also alleged to have unlawfully possessed 16 live rounds and 27 expended rounds of Redstar cartridges.

The prosecution said the alleged offences are punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Sections 3 and 8(1) of the Firearms Act, 2004, with penalties outlined in Section 27(1) of the same Act.

While Malami alone is charged in the terrorism financing count, both defendants are jointly charged in the remaining counts relating to firearms and ammunition.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until February 20 and ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for external candidates, revealing a strong performance nationwide as more than 80 per cent of candidates earned at least five credits.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in Minna, Niger State, by NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi, during a press briefing at the council’s headquarters.

In a video shared on NECO’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Professor Wushishi confirmed the release and encouraged candidates to check their results online using their examination registration numbers via the council’s official website.

According to him, a total of 96,979 candidates registered for the examination across 16 subjects, made up of 51,823 males (53.43 per cent) and 45,156 females (46.56 per cent). Out of this figure, 95,160 candidates eventually sat for the examination.

Performance data showed strong outcomes in core subjects. In English Language, 93,425 candidates participated, with 73,167 candidates (78.32 per cent) securing a credit or higher. Mathematics recorded even stronger results, as 85,256 out of 93,330 candidates (91.35 per cent) achieved credit and above.

Overall, NECO reported that 68,166 candidates, representing 71.63 per cent, obtained five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics. When English and Mathematics were excluded, the figure rose to 82,082 candidates, accounting for 86.26 per cent.

However, the council also raised concerns over examination malpractice. Professor Wushishi disclosed that 9,016 candidates were involved in various forms of misconduct, marking a 31.7 per cent increase compared to the 6,160 cases recorded in 2024.

As part of disciplinary measures, five supervisors from the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, Adamawa and Ondo states were recommended for blacklisting for their alleged involvement in malpractice. In addition, four examination centres two in Niger State and one each in Yobe and Kano were recommended for de-recognition due to whole-centre examination irregularities.

The SSCE External examination is designed mainly for private candidates who either missed the internal school examination or are seeking to improve their previous results, providing an alternative pathway to academic certification.

Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has alleged that much of the resistance to President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform agenda is coming from individuals who have accumulated wealth over the years without paying taxes.

Oyedele made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s January 2026 Business Breakfast, where he addressed concerns surrounding the government’s fiscal reforms.

Taiwo Oyedele speaking at the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce business breakfast on Nigeria’s tax reforms
According to him, many critics of the new tax laws are deliberately silent about their true motives.

“People attacking these reforms rarely explain their reasons,” Oyedele said. “The truth is that some of them have made money for decades and never paid taxes. Once you introduce a system where no one is above the law, resistance is inevitable.”

He acknowledged that taxation is generally unpopular across the world but insisted that Nigeria cannot afford to sacrifice its long-term stability for short-term comfort.

“Paying tax is never easy anywhere,” he added. “But we cannot compromise the future of this country. What is at stake goes beyond individual interests.”

Oyedele also highlighted the gap between Nigeria’s tax earnings and those of South Africa, noting that despite having a smaller population, South Africa generates far more revenue from personal income tax.

“In 2024, South Africa raised over ₦60 trillion in personal income tax alone,” he said. “That figure exceeds what Nigeria earned from all taxes combined including corporate, investment, federal, state and local government revenues.”

While acknowledging South Africa’s higher per-capita income, Oyedele argued that Nigeria still has the capacity to match such performance if high-earning citizens are properly captured within the tax system.

“If you isolate the top 60 million income earners in Nigeria, their earnings would be comparable to South Africa’s average income level,” he stated.

Tension flared at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday, January 28, after police operatives fired tear gas to break up a protest by residents affected by ongoing demolition exercises across parts of the state.

The protesters had converged on the assembly complex to register their grievances over the demolition of homes and structures in communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara and Baba-Ijora. They accused the state government of carrying out the demolitions without meaningful engagement, adequate compensation, or clear resettlement plans.

What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated when security operatives deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. The action triggered panic as protesters fled the area in different directions.

Eyewitnesses said some individuals sustained injuries in the process as they struggled to escape the choking fumes. As of the time of reporting, there was no official statement from the police or the Lagos State Government on the incident.

Videos circulating online show residents running from the scene amid the confusion, further fueling public debate over the handling of urban renewal and forced evictions in Lagos.

Seven Football Fans Die in Romania Crash While Heading to Europa League Match in France (video)

Seven football supporters lost their lives in a devastating road accident in western Romania while travelling to France to attend a UEFA Europa League match.

The victims, all fans of Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki, were on a road trip to watch their team face Olympique Lyonnais when their minivan collided head-on with an oncoming lorry. The crash occurred early Tuesday afternoon along the E70 highway, between the towns of Caransebeș and Lugoj.

Authorities said the group of ten supporters, all aged between 28 and 30, were travelling in a black minivan when the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle. Dashcam footage from a nearby car shows the van crossing into the opposite lane moments before it struck the heavy truck, which had no room to avoid impact due to traffic conditions.

The collision sent the smaller vehicle spinning across the roadway, scattering debris across both lanes. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but seven men were pronounced dead at the scene. Three others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Romania’s fire service confirmed that multiple rescue units, including extrication teams and fire engines, were deployed. Officials also said air ambulances were unable to reach the area because of poor weather conditions.

Tributes have poured in from Greece, with Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis expressing condolences to the families of the victims and wishing the injured a swift recovery.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has formally denied multiple bribery allegations after appearing before the Southwark Crown Court in London.

The former minister was in court on Tuesday, January 27, as her long-running corruption case entered full trial proceedings. British prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke lived an extravagant lifestyle financed through illegal payments received while she was in office.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences took place between 2011 and 2015, a period during which Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s petroleum minister and later as president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Prosecutors claim she accepted financial and material benefits from individuals seeking preferential access to lucrative oil and gas contracts with Nigeria’s state oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

During the opening of the trial, the court was told that the alleged inducements included large sums of cash, luxury transportation, private jet travel, and extensive benefits linked to properties in London. Other claims involved payment of school fees and the acquisition of high-end luxury items from well-known retailers.

Alison-Madueke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining her innocence. She has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015, although formal charges were only filed in 2023.

In Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to pursue related cases against the former minister. UK authorities, including the National Crime Agency, have previously stated that they suspect she abused her public office for personal gain by influencing the award of multi-million-pound oil contracts.

Two other defendants, Doye Agama, identified as her brother, and Olatimbo Ayinde are also facing similar bribery charges in the same case.

Presiding judge Justice Justine Thornton indicated that the court aims to conclude the trial by April 24, subject to proceedings.

Nigeria and Türkiye have set an ambitious target of achieving a $5 billion bilateral trade volume, following the signing of multiple strategic agreements between both nations.

The commitment was announced in Ankara during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Türkiye, where he held high-level talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across key sectors, including trade, defence, energy, education, investment, and security.

President Bola Tinubu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during bilateral talks in Ankara to strengthen Nigeria–Türkiye trade and defence cooperation.

Speaking at a joint press briefing, President Erdogan said both countries had agreed on concrete steps to deepen economic ties and expand investment flows. A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a Joint Economy and Trade Committee, which will serve as a formal platform for driving business partnerships and attracting Turkish investments into Nigeria.

According to Erdogan, the bilateral talks involved a wide-ranging review of relations between the two countries, covering commerce, industrial development, defence industries, energy cooperation, and educational exchange. He described the $5 billion trade target as realistic, noting that both governments are committed to removing barriers and creating a more enabling business environment.

The Turkish leader also praised Nigeria’s ongoing energy sector reforms, expressing confidence that partnerships between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian energy institutions would deliver positive long-term outcomes.

On regional security, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insurgency, particularly within the Sahel region. He pledged deeper cooperation in military training, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism strategy, offering Türkiye’s experience in combating extremist threats.

President Tinubu, in his response, welcomed Türkiye’s commitment to partnership, stressing the importance of building an inclusive economic system that creates opportunities for vulnerable populations. He emphasised the need for open trade, skills development, and policies that allow citizens to participate actively in economic growth.

Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued role in promoting peace and stability across Africa, despite ongoing security challenges in parts of the continent.

As part of the visit, both leaders witnessed the signing of nine bilateral agreements, covering critical areas such as diaspora policy, defence cooperation, halal quality standards, higher education, media and communication, diplomacy training, women affairs, social development, and the formal establishment of the Nigeria–Türkiye Joint Economy and Trade Committee.

The agreements signal a new phase in Nigeria–Türkiye relations, with both countries positioning themselves for stronger economic integration, security collaboration, and long-term strategic partnership.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has explained the reasoning behind its enforcement ban on alcoholic drinks sold in sachets and in small PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres, pointing to growing public health risks, especially among children.

In a video shared on the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, addressed widespread concerns and clarified that the policy is not targeted at responsible adult drinking. Instead, she said the ban is designed to prevent minors from gaining easy access to highly concentrated alcohol.

According to Adeyeye, children process alcohol very differently from adults, making early exposure particularly dangerous. She stressed that minors are not simply “small adults,” noting that their organs and body systems are still developing.

“When children are exposed to alcohol early, their bodies are forced to handle substances they are not physiologically equipped for. This often results in long-term damage,” she explained.

She also highlighted the alarming alcohol content found in many sachet products. While beer typically contains between six and eight percent alcohol, some sachet drinks contain as much as 43 percent alcohol, making it possible to consume extremely high levels in a short time.

“Two sachets can equal many bottles of beer because of how concentrated they are,” Adeyeye warned.

The NAFDAC boss revealed that discussions around sachet alcohol regulation have been ongoing for several years. After assuming office in 2017, the agency initially explored reducing alcohol concentration rather than implementing an outright ban.

However, following extensive consultations and complaints from manufacturers concerned about job losses, the Federal Ministry of Health granted a five-year moratorium in 2018. The agreement allowed producers time to adjust their business models, with the understanding that sachet alcohol and alcohol in containers below 200ml would be phased out at the end of the period.

Adeyeye said all major stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and industry representatives, signed on to the agreement.
Enforcement began on February 1, 2024, but was temporarily paused to allow further consultations. In December 2024, the Minister of Health approved an additional one-year extension, pushing full enforcement to December 2025.

While the policy is primarily aimed at protecting minors, Adeyeye noted that sachet alcohol also poses risks to adults due to its affordability and ease of access.

“Even for adults, consuming alcohol while working or in unsafe environments can be dangerous. Sachet alcohol makes this kind of misuse very easy,” she said.

NAFDAC’s enforcement move follows a November 11, 2025 announcement confirming that the ban would take effect by December 2025, in line with a Senate directive. However, the decision has sparked protests from civil society groups and workers in the alcohol manufacturing sector.

Labour unions, including the Food, Beverages and Tobacco Senior Staff Association and the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees, warned that millions of Nigerians could be affected directly and indirectly if the ban is fully implemented.

Adeyeye maintained that the policy is rooted in scientific evidence and international best practices. She referenced a 2010 World Health Assembly resolution, signed by over 183 countries including Nigeria, which commits governments to making alcohol less accessible to children.

“Adults can make personal choices and accept the consequences,” she said. “But children cannot. Their bodies are still growing, and they must be protected. That is why this enforcement is necessary.”