The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has commended the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for its unrelenting war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, assuring of its preparedness and commitment to partner and support the agency to succeed in its onerous task of ridding Nigeria of the drug menace.

The assurance was given after the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) briefed the Committee on the activities, challenges and achievements of the agency in the last 34 months at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.

While briefing the committee on Tuesday 7th November, Marwa said the global supply and demand of illicit drugs, including opioids and synthetic drugs has exacerbated the world drug problem, with devastating impact on people and their well-being across borders and continents.

According to him, Families, communities, young people and old men and women and indeed the very fabric of our society is daily being destroyed by drug abuse. He added that the scourge is at the basis of the security challenges facing not only Nigeria but other nations and as such, no effort must be spared in addressing the problem.

Speaking on some of its achievements in the areas of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, Marwa said The agency re-ignited its intelligence-based enforcement capabilities, focusing on drug barons and cartels, with a view to cutting off supplies and taking illicit drugs away from our streets. This is yielding positive results with the arrest of 36,096 drug traffickers, among them 40 barons, between January 2021 and September 2023. The agency has recorded seizures of 6,668 tons of drugs, worth over N635 billion. About 957.319 hectares of cannabis farms have been destroyed across 12 states within the period under review, while we successfully prosecuted and got convictions in 6,043 cases. Presently, there are 11,166 pending cases in Federal High Court across the country. And between January 2021 and September 2023, over 27,432 drug-dependent individuals have been counselled and discharged from our counselling and treatment facilities across the country.”

He highlighted some of the challenges facing the agency to include: inadequate funding, dearth of standard rehabilitation centres, lack of operational boats and vehicles, forensic laboratories and poor salary structure for personnel among others.

He noted that the modest achievements recorded by the agency in the past months couldnt have been possible without the backing of the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature. We are hopeful that we will get even more impactful support from the 10th Senate. We look forward to your assistance in taking care of some Gordian knots that can only be solved by legislative means, he added.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo said I want to assure you that the newly inaugurated members of the committee are fully committed to working with the NDLEA. All the members have assured that they would contribute and do their best in working to eradicate the use of illicit drugs and narcotics in Nigeria. We will consider the possibility of having an emergency summit on drugs because of the seriousness of the issue.

Also speaking, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Osita Ngwu said We are so glad that the NDLEA is working and we are seeing the results. Over 6000 tons of drugs confiscated is not a joke. I use this medium to encourage you, and whatever support you need from our end, we will give. We are all passionate about reducing drug demand, if we dont deal with it now, it will destroy us. Whatever support we can give we will provide for you to continue this fight, so that we can take drugs off our streets and make our youth useful. We are all going to work together by all means to make sure that all we discussed here will be put in process.

Other members of the committee who spoke toed the same line of commendation and assurance while they all agreed to fast track the amendment of the NDLEA Act earlier passed by the 9th Senate but returned to the 10th Senate because it lapsed.

Femi Babafemi

Director, Media & Advocacy

NDLEA Headquarters Abuja

Wednesday 8th November 2023

In Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo, candidates flying the flags of the APC are known to be stooges of some godfathers within or outside of those states – Atiku Abubakar

The governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states are scheduled to take place this Saturday, the 11th day of November.

These elections, which are classified as off-cycle, are the first set of polls to take place after the 2023 general elections in our country.

Although there is a groundswell of dissatisfaction and resentment about how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) walked back on the promise of transparency in the last general elections, but that shortcoming is not enough reason for us to give up on democracy.

Despite our disappointments, I urge us all to derive wisdom in the immortal saying of former US President James Monroe that, “the best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.”

Our objective of defeating anti-democratic elements in our polity cannot be successful if we refuse to go out enmasse to cast our ballot on Election Day.

And, that is why, I am appealing to the good people of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states to come out in large numbers this Saturday to vote for the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in those respective elections.

In Bayelsa State, Governor Duoye Diri has given a good account of himself as a leader who is directly responsible to the people. His giant strides in the areas of infrastructure and social development speak volumes about how his government has been able to touch the lives of the people positively.

In Kogi, Senator Dino Melaye has shown great capacity to stand on the side of the people and, by so doing, using every opportunity available to him to drive speedy development to his constituents. Electing him governor will afford him a bigger platform to do even more.

In Imo State, too, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has a rich profile of a political leader who is not only in touch with the grassroots but is committed to protecting the interests of his constituents. Senator Anyanwu is a political leader who I believe has what it takes to take Imo State to a higher pedestal in good governance.

While our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has put forth visionary leaders whose main objective is to serve the people, it is a different story altogether with our main rival, the APC.

In Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo, candidates flying the flags of the APC are known to be stooges of some godfathers within or outside of those states.

The elections this Saturday are absolutely about the people. It is absolutely not about any political godfather.

That is why it is important for the people of Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi state to come out in large numbers to vote for the PDP and to reject the APC that has brought us untold hardship and misery.

These elections are more about the fortunes of the common people, and it is my firm belief that when the people vote and stand to protect their votes, democracy wins.

When democracy wins, the people invariably win.

Thank you all for listening and I wish you a pleasant polling experience on Saturday. -AA

Court jails five internet fraudsters in Ilorin

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of five internet fraudsters before Justices Adenike Akinpelu and Mahmoud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin.

The convicts are Oyedepo Olamilekan Benjamin, Suleiman Saheed Olayinka, Fakeye Tolulope Emmanuel , Great Ukueni and Adeshina Joseph Oluwaseun.

The defendants who were prosecuted on different separate count charges before the judges pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

Upon their guilty pleas, prosecuting counsels : Andrew Akoja, Mustapha Kaigama and Isabel Adeniran narrated the circumstances that led to the arrest of the defendants. They urged the court to consider the plea of the defendants, the extra judicial statements and all the exhibits tendered to convict the defendants as charged.

Justice Akinpelu in her judgment sentenced Benjamin to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) and ordered the forfeiture of one Apple Iphone X; Hp laptop and the sum of $457 (Four Hundred and Fifty Seven United States Dollars) benefited from the unlawful activities to the Federal Government.

The Judge also sentenced Olayinka to six months imprisonment with an option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and ordered that one Samsung A03 phone recovered from the convict be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Justice Akinpelu equally sentenced Emmanuel to six months imprisonment an with option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and ordered that the sum of $400 (Four Hundred United States Dollars), one phone and hp laptop belonging to the convict be forfeited to the Federal Government.

On the other hand, Justice Abdulgafar sentenced Ukueni to six months imprisonment which is to be suspended and ordered the forfeiture of one Dell Laptop used as instrument of crime by the convict.

The court also sentenced Oluwaseun to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and ordered the forfeiture of one iphone 13 promax and sum of $250 (Two Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars) recovered from the convict.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for internet-related offences. investigations were conducted on their respective cases, prompting their prosecution and conviction.

Media & Publicity
November 4, 2023

EFCC arraigns oil magnate, Azubuike Uzoma for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products

The Port Harcourt’s Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned an oil magnate, Azubuike Uzoma before Justice A.T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for an alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products to the tune of N24, 310,000 (Twenty Four Million, Three Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira).

He was arraigned on October 25, 2023 on three-count charges bordering on money laundering and illegal dealing in petroleum products.

One of the count charges reads:

“That you, Azubuike Uzoma (Trading under the name & style of ALVIN D INTERNATIONAL) sometimes in June, 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court took possession of the aggregate sum of N23,310,000.00 (Twenty Three Million, Three Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira) paid into your account with Keystone Bank Limited, when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity, to wit: Illegal dealing in petroleum products and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering Act”.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel Abdulrahman Abubakar, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and for the defendant to be remanded in a Correctional Service . Counsel to the defendant, C .J. Nmerem, did not oppose the prayers of the prosecution, but urged the court to grant his client bail to enable him prepare for his trial.

Justice Mohammed thereafter granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1, 000,000.00 (One Million Naira), and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a civil servant with the Rivers State government not below grade level 14, and the other surety shall be a family member of the defendant. The sureties must deposit two recent passport photographs with the court and must have verifiable addresses

The judge adjourned the matter till January 22, 2024 for commencement of trial.

Azubuike’s case started when operatives of the Commission arrested him at Ndoni Community of Onelga Local Government Area of Rivers State for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products and money laundering.

Investigations showed that the defendant is into a fraudulent oil business by defrauding his clients into paying several amounts of money for the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Warri depot. He neither supplied the products nor returned the clients’ money to them.

Media & Publicity
November 7, 2023.

EFCC arraigns Emmanuel Sanikpege for forging letter of attestation and presenting himself as a surety to bail one Umor Bright, a suspect under investigation by the EFCC

The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on October 31, 2023 arraigned one Emmanuel Sanikpege before Justice P.I. Ajoku, of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for forging a letter of attestation and presenting himself as a surety to bail one Umor Bright, a suspect under investigation by the EFCC.

Sanikpege was arraigned on two- count charges bordering on forgery, contrary to Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the same Act.

One of the count charges reads: “That you Emmanuel Sanikpege on or about the 22nd day of August, 2022, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make a forged document to wit: LETTER OF ATTESTATION RE: Emanuel Sanikpege purportedly from Government Senior Secondary School, Oyigbo, Rivers State, a document which you knew was forged; with intent that the document be acted upon by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as original and genuine; and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(2) (c) of the of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the same Act”.

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, B. O. Agala prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial.

Meanwhile, defence counsel, T. Musa informed the court of a pending application to bail his client. He urged the court to grant the defendant bail to enable him to prepare for his trial.

Justice Ajoku thereafter granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1, 000,000.00 (One Million Naira) and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be civil servants with Rivers State Government or Federal Government of Nigeria. The sureties must also be on grade level 12 and above and must own a landed property in Port Harcourt with certificates of occupancy to be deposited with the court. Also, the sureties should deposit two recent passport photographs each, or any means of identification with the court registry. The judge further ruled that the verification of the sureties be carried out by the EFCC.

The judge adjourned the matter to March 12, 2024 for commencement of trial and remanded the defendant in the Port Harcourt Correctional Service.

Sanikpege was arrested by the Commission in August, 2022 for alleged forgery. He allegedly presented himself as a surety for the bail of one Umor Bright, a suspect under investigation by the EFCC. To meet the bail conditions, Sanikpege purportedly forged and submitted a fake letter of attestation with a fake signature signed by the principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt.

Media & Publicity
November 7, 2023.

OLUKOYEDE TO EFFC OFFICERS: UPHOLD INTEGRITY, COURAGE, PROFESSIONALISM AND COLLABORATION IN THE DISCHARGE OF DUTIES

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has said that anti-corruption fights should be premised on initiatives and modalities capable of stimulating economic growth and development in the overall interests of Nigerians.

He stated this in Lagos on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, while addressing officers of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC.

According to him, “There is need to redirect our focus towards what we were set up to do in Nigeria, which is to drive economic development. We will tilt our focus towards that area. We will work to drive economic development, create wealth and employment”.

Continuing, he pointed out that “the era of winding down businesses by way of investigation is gone. We will look into the mix-fund rules that separate proceeds of crimes from legitimate money so as to allow businesses to grow.”
He also stated that the Commission, in line with its mandate, would make conscious efforts to redeem the image of the country in the global community.

“We will drive this to tell the whole world that we are ready to get out of this mess. We will do our own and pressurize other stakeholders to do theirs,” he said.

The EFCC Chair charged officers of the Commission to uphold the core values of the EFCC which include integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration in the discharge of their duties in order to justify their engagement. He stressed that the anti-corruption drive must open up atmosphere of accountability and transparency in the country. “ You must be professional in all you do. Our image should reflect our core values. I have been part of this system. I was out for three years and I know the way things are”, he said.

He tasked officers of the Commission to be above board, insisting that asset declaration is compulsory for every staff. “This was the reason I recently directed that all staff should declare their assets. I have declared mine , so you must declare yours too”, he said.

Media & Publicity

November 7, 2023

Internet fraud: EFCC arraigns 11 Obafemi Awolowo University students

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, November 6, 2023 arraigned eleven students of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, before Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State for their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

The defendants were arraigned on different count charges, ranging from one to six charges as preferred against them by the EFCC.

They are: Perekebena Olombeni Micah, Nnekwelugo Nnaemeka, Moyosore Favour Oluwasakin, Aghwaritoma Wisdom Obaro, Daniel Olashile Maiye, Gbolahan Khalid Adesina, Yinka Temitope Jayeola, Olumuyiwa Emmanuel Adeleye, Abiola Emmanuel Oluwadare, Busari Abdulazeez Ayodeji and Okesipe Tobiloba Paul.

Nine of the defendants were arraigned on one -count charge each, while the remaining two: Micah and Obaro had six count- charges filed against each of them.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Perekebena Olombeni Micah sometimes in 2023 in Osogbo, Osun State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonated the name – Pies through your Whatsapp account phone number +1(414)367-9473 by claiming that you are an American Female in love with your victims in the United States of America with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015.”

Another count reads, “That you, Aghwaritoma Wisdom Obaro on or about 1st November, 2023 at Ile-Ife, Osun State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated by representing yourself to be a white man by name Alex Stephens from United States of America to one Megan Johnson, through your Google Chat and your email address (alexsteps678@gmail.com) with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act, 2015.”

Upon their arraignments, they all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.

Consequently, prosecution counsel, Oluwatoyin Owodunni prayed the court for trial dates and the remand of the defendants at a Correctional Centre.

In response, defence counsels to Ayodeji, Adesina, Oluwasakin, Micah, Adeleye and Okesipe informed the court of “motions for bail applications” filed on behalf of their clients which have been served on the prosecution, therefore urging the court to admit the six defendants to bail in the most liberal terms.

Justice Ayo-Emmanuel, having listened to the prayers of both parties, admitted Ayodeji, Adesina, Oluwasakin, Micah, Adeleye and Okesipe to bail.

Ayodeji, Adesina, Oluwasakin, Adeleye and Okesipe were admitted to bail in the sum of N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira only) each while Micah was granted bail in the sum of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira only).

Other bail conditions are: two sureties in like sum, first surety must be the defendant’s father or mother, second surety must be a relative, sibling, clergy or civil servant with the Osun State Government; the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means and both residential and office addresses of the sureties, as well as their statuses must be provided and verified by the court registrar.

The judge adjourned the matters to November 29 and December 12, 2023 respectively for commencement of trial and remanded the defendants at the Ilesha Correctional Centre, Osun State pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The defendants were among the sixty-nine (69) suspected internet fraudsters arrested on Wednesday, November 01, 2023 at Oduduwa Estate area of Ile-Ife in Osun State following actionable intelligence on their alleged involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities.

Media & Publicity

November 7, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF PRESIDENTIAL UNLOCKING HEALTHCARE VALUE-CHAIN INITIATIVE

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Abdu Mukhtar to serve as the National Coordinator of the Presidential ‘Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain’ Initiative, which is domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare.

This strategic approval seeks to unlock billions of dollars of new investment into the nation’s healthcare-delivery system through a time-bound and cross-ministerial collaboration to restructure the ecosystem of Health Product manufacturing, Health Logistics services, Health Technology services, Health Retail services (e-Commerce), Health Provider facilitation, and Health Payor reform (Third Party Administrators & Insurers) in order to achieve the following:

(1) Measurable increase in the domestic manufacturing of generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, and devices.

(2) Reduction of outbound medical tourism by enhancing service quality in Nigeria while catalyzing alternative health ecosystems in-country.

(3) Measurable increase in quantity of quality jobs across the value chain through enhanced FDI and local capital mobilization.

Dr. Mukhtar comes to the task as the immediate past Director of Industry & Trade Development at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Prior to joining the AfDB, Dr. Mukhtar served as the Group Chief Strategy Officer of the Dangote Group of Industries, where he played a key role in the conglomerate’s expansion of its cement production footprint into fourteen African countries, in addition to important joint ventures in the power, oil & gas, and agriculture sectors. This followed a four-year tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the FCTA’s Abuja Investment Company Limited from 2007 to 2011.

Dr. Mukhtar holds a Doctorate in Biotechnology from Boston University (USA); a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School (USA); a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and a Medical Degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The President expects that the National Coordinator of this new cross-ministerial initiative will bring to bear his vast experience and academic qualifications in the effective execution of this essential national assignment such that the massive economic boon represented by Nigeria’s healthcare-delivery system can move from potential and theory into reality and practice in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 7, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS THREE NEW NUPRC EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONERS

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of three (3) new Executive Commissioners to serve in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the redeployment of one current Executive Commissioner, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate:

(1) Mr. Bashir Indabawa — NW — Executive Commissioner, Exploration & Acreage Management

(2) Dr. Kelechi Ofoegbu — SE — Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Administration (Redeployed)

(3) Mr. Enorense Amadasu — SS — Executive Commissioner, Development & Production

(4) Mr. Babajide Fasina — SW — Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulation & Strategic Planning

The President approves this reshuffling and replacement based on his deeply informed assessment of all factors concerning the sector with a view to establishing a regulatory framework and culture that comprehensively disincentivizes errant behaviour and incentivizes diligence and rules-based business practice across the industry.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 7, 2023

PRESS RELEASE 

LAGOS’LL CONTINUE TO PARTNER CIPM FOR PROFESSIONALISM IN CIVIL SERVICE, SAYS SANWO-OLU

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhance professionalism among civil servants and public servants in the State.

He said the Lagos State Government will continue to be in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) to ensure professionalism in the human resources cadre of the civil servants in the State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria led by its President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Olusegun Mojeed, at the Lagos House, Marina.

He said: “I am not unaware that Lagos State Public Service sees the benefit of what the institute (CIPM) brings to the professional cadre in the human resources cadre of the civil service. Having served as the Commissioner for Establishment, Pensions and Training at one point, I have been an advocate of the need to put a professional trend in all of the possible cadres we have in the service.

“I am happy that that trajectory has continued and we will continue to see a lot of civil servants and public servants taking professional examinations of the institute. I think the CIPM certification is apt and proper. It helps to put professionalism as a proper cardinal of the civil service so that the Human Resources cadre is not an all-comers cadre.”

Commenting on the 55 years anniversary of the Institute holding in Abuja next week, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Special Guest of Honour, said CIPM in the last I0 years has taken its place among the committee of institutes in the private or public sector.

Speaking earlier, Mojeed commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for good governance and the impressive performance of his administration in the last four and half years.

He said: “Lagos has recorded major milestones and witnessed laudable projects that are aimed at easing the burden on the average Lagosian and bringing progress and prosperity to the people for a Greater Lagos.”

Mojeed said CIPM would like to take the partnership with Lagos State to the next level. He therefore seeks Governor Sanwo-Olu’s support for the recognition and inclusion of the CIPM certifications in the Lagos State Scheme of Service.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

07 NOVEMBER 2023