Category: News

  • NPF: Crime Reporters Mourns CP Waheed Ayilara’ s Death

    NPF: Crime Reporters Mourns CP Waheed Ayilara’ s Death

    The Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) is shocked and. saddened by the sudden passing of Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Abdulwaheed Ayilara.

    Late CP Ayilara was an exceptional senior Police officer, a dedicated and committed cop who embodied the values of excellence, justice, and compassion. His unwavering dedication to duty and unrelenting passion for protecting the rights of all Nigerians will forever be remembered.

    During his saddle as DCP State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, Lagos, and acting Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, the late Ayilara was renowned for his open-door policy, making himself readily accessible to all. His progressive and liberal approach to policing earned him widespread respect and admiration.
    Prior to his promotion to the rank of CP and subsequent deployment to Akwa Ibom State, Ayilara’s leadership and approachable nature made a lasting impact on the Lagos State Police Command and the communities he served.

    He was a shining example of a fine officer, a true gentleman, and a mentor to many. His passing leaves a gaping void that may never be filled.

    We are deeply saddened to bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, whose contributions to the Nigeria Police Force will never be forgotten.

    He was a liberal cop who gave a fair hearing to all parties, a rare breed in the policing world. His passing is a monumental loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the entire nation.

    The deceased police chief exhibited no sign of illness or intending death as he interacted with members of our association during the Pull Out Parade of the immediate past Secretary of the Nigeria Police Force ,AIG Yetunde Longe (rtd ) in Lagos ,just a few days ago

    We condole with the entire Ayilara family, the Nigeria Police Force, and all those who had the privilege of knowing this extraordinary individual.

    The Nigeria Police has indeed lost a senior fine officer, a man of integrity, and a champion of justice. His memory will live on through our continued commitment to justice, equality, and human rights.

    Rest in peace, CP Ayilara. Your memory will never be forgotten. May his legacy continue to inspire other cops to strive for excellence.

    We condole with the Nigeria Police Force ,the people of Akwa Ibom State and the families , left behind by the deceased.

  • Ronchess Global Resources Denies Contract Irregularities In Kaduna, Accuses State Of Intimidation Tactics

    Ronchess Global Resources Denies Contract Irregularities In Kaduna, Accuses State Of Intimidation Tactics

    On Friday, Ronchess Global Resources Plc issued a detailed response to allegations published by Sahara Reporters on August 28th regarding road construction contracts awarded by the Kaduna State Government.

    The online publication had alleged that Pastor Adeolu Adeboye, a board member of Ronchess, was awarded contracts by the state government and that some of the projects were abandoned.

    The company also clarified that the Adebimpe Adeboye mentioned is not related to Pastor Adeolu Adeboye as erroneously claimed. Ronchess believes the publication deliberately targeted the Adeboyes due to the church leadership role of Pastor Adeolu’s father, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

    Ronchess restated its legal rights against any inhuman treatment or arrest over civil disputes. It said the allegations are receiving the attention of its legal representatives for further actions. The company urged the public not to be misled by the claims made in the Sahara Reporters article.

  • LAWMA ACADEMY CONCLUDES 2024 SUMMER SCHOOL: As Program Empowers Young Eco-Warriors In Lagos

    LAWMA ACADEMY CONCLUDES 2024 SUMMER SCHOOL: As Program Empowers Young Eco-Warriors In Lagos


    The LAWMA Academy has concluded its 2024 summer school program, a comprehensive initiative designed to educate pupils on effective waste management and recycling practices.

    The four-week intensive course, which was held at LAWMA’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, saw participation of pupils across various schools in Lagos State.

    In his address at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of Finance, expressed satisfaction with the performance of kids who participated in the program, while encouraging them to apply their newly acquired knowledge in their daily lives.

    He said, “I am thrilled with your performance during this training. I urge you to go out there and share what you have learned with others. You must put these lessons into practice by properly sorting your waste and utilising recycling materials to create useful items.”

    He emphasised the importance of the pupils becoming ambassadors for waste management, adding “Wherever you find yourselves, remember that you now carry the responsibility of promoting good waste management practices”.

    Head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Bola Adewumi, urged the participants to make good use of their new knowledge to promote sustainable living in their communities.

    Highlights of the event included awards for outstanding students from the primary and secondary categories.

    The pupils, as well as the August LAWMA Academy interns, named team SSS (Sustainable Solution Squad), showcased projects and innovations developed during the program, demonstrating their grasp of waste management concepts and their potential to drive positive change in their various communities.

    The summer school curriculum covered topics such as waste segregation, recycling techniques, and the environmental impact of proper waste management. Participants also engaged in hands-on activities and practical sessions, leaving them with a sound knowledge of sustainable waste practices.

    Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
    Director, Public Affairs
    29/08/2024

  • Navy Hands Over 72 Bags of Cannabis, 4 Suspects To NDLEA

    Navy Hands Over 72 Bags of Cannabis, 4 Suspects To NDLEA


    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over 72 bags of cannabis sativa, each weighing 40 kilograms, along with four suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command. The suspects include three Ghanaians and one Beninese national.

    The interception, which took place on August 25, 2024, was carried out by NNS BEECROFT’s Quick Response Team following credible intelligence on suspicious activities around the Lekki Beach area. The operation resulted in the seizure of 2,880 kilograms of cannabis sativa.

    Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, represented by Navy Captain Mutalib Raji, highlighted that the arrest was part of the Nigerian Navy’s strategic directive under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla to ensure a secure maritime environment. The operation underscores NNS BEECROFT’s commitment to combating illicit drug activities along Lagos waterways.

    Captain Raji warned against the perpetuation of illegal drug activities, reaffirming the Navy’s determination to clamp down on criminal elements threatening national security and public health. The successful operation reflects the Navy’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of illicit drugs among Nigerian youth.

  • CG Adeniyi Seeks Support For Local Vessel Construction

    CG Adeniyi Seeks Support For Local Vessel Construction

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has urged Nigerians to prioritize the construction of local vessels as a strategic move to enhance international trade and support the maritime industry. Adeniyi made this call on Thursday during the Annual Finance Conference organized by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) in collaboration with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) in Lagos.

    Represented by Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Command, Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of vessels in facilitating efficient international trade. He noted that with the current scarcity of foreign larger vessels, there is a pressing need to focus on developing smaller, locally constructed vessels.

    Adeniyi highlighted the importance of supporting vessel construction within the country, stating that it is vital for the growth and sustainability of the maritime industry. He pointed out that the introduction of barge operations by the Customs Service has already contributed to easing cargo movement, creating a significant investment opportunity in the maritime sector.

    “We should look inwards, particularly at this time when we are experiencing scarce resources. Mr. President is encouraging us to promote homegrown technology and move forward,” Adeniyi said. “We need to appreciate locally constructed vessels. We don’t need to wait until we build bigger vessels to demonstrate our expertise. Starting with smaller vessels, the low-hanging fruits, is a practical and necessary step.”

    The Customs CG’s call aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader initiative to encourage local innovation and reduce reliance on foreign resources, especially in critical sectors like maritime.

  • Customs CG Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment To Transparent Promotions

    Customs CG Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment To Transparent Promotions

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) dedication to transparency and merit-based promotions as the 2024 promotion examinations for officers and men commenced this week. Speaking during an inspection visit to one of the examination venues at SASCON in Maitama District, Abuja, on August 20, 2024, CGC Adeniyi assured that the Service will uphold the rigorous standards that have become synonymous with its promotion exercises.

    “We are committed to applying the same rigorous standards as in the previous promotion exercise, which was widely recognized for its fairness. Our goal remains to ensure that every deserving candidate is promoted on merit,” Adeniyi stated during his visit.

    Emphasizing the importance of transparency, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the security measures implemented to maintain the examination’s integrity. “We are ready to put in enough effort to ensure tight security in the venues and essentialize the arrangements. We’ve done enough to ensure that we build a lot of integrity into the process, thus, we want them to believe in the outcome of promotion exams,” he added.

    With limited vacancies available for Deputy Comptroller and Comptroller positions, Adeniyi acknowledged the competitive nature of this year’s promotion cycle. However, he assured that the NCS is determined to identify and promote the most qualified officers.

    To ensure inclusivity, CGC Adeniyi confirmed that technological provisions had been made for officers posted abroad, allowing them to participate in the examination simultaneously with their counterparts in Nigeria. “We have a few candidates who are not in the country, and we have made significant efforts to apply some technological approach to engage them in the examination process at the same time with their colleagues in Nigeria, through the assistance of the National Intelligence Agency,” he explained.

    The Comptroller-General reiterated that the promotion exercise is not only statutory but also crucial to maintaining the high standards of the NCS. “Every eligible officer will be promoted based on their performance. Whoever is deemed to have done well can rest assured that their promotion will fairly be granted as it will be based on merit,” he concluded.

    The 2024 promotion exercise is expected to uphold the NCS’s reputation for fairness, integrity, and dedication to recognizing the hard work and qualifications of its officers.

  • Customs Appoints New Six Acting DCGs, ACGs Management Members

    Customs Appoints New Six Acting DCGs, ACGs Management Members

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has appointed new members to its management team in acting capacities, following the statutory retirement of several senior officials. Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, approved these appointments to bolster strategic service delivery within the Service.

    BM Jibo has been appointed as the Acting Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Finance Administration and Technical Services (FATS). OA Alajogun will serve as the Acting DCG for Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation (EI&I), while IG Umar takes on the role of Acting Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Headquarters. OA Salefu has been named Acting ACG for Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and BA Makinde will assume the position of Acting ACG for Human Resource Development (HRD). Additionally, T Bomodi will act as the ACG for Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation (EI&I).

    These appointments reflect the officers’ commendable service and dedication to the NCS. CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the retiring management members for their contributions and urged the new appointees to enhance the Service’s efforts in revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and trade facilitation.

  • Nigeria Customs Service, NLNG Strengthen Ties, Pledge Continued Collaboration For Economic Growth

    Nigeria Customs Service, NLNG Strengthen Ties, Pledge Continued Collaboration For Economic Growth

    The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to bolstering its collaboration with Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) to enhance the Nigerian economy. This was made known during a courtesy visit by a delegation from NLNG, led by its Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila, to the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

    In his welcome address, CGC Adeniyi expressed deep appreciation for the visit, underscoring the significance of the longstanding partnership between the NCS and NLNG. He highlighted the crucial role NLNG plays in the nation’s energy sector, noting that the collaboration between the two institutions is vital for the country’s economic progress.

    “Your organisation’s contributions to our nation’s energy sector cannot be overemphasised,” Adeniyi stated. “We value the productive partnership between us and are committed to sustaining this collaboration to further our shared mandates of fostering national growth and development.”

    Adeniyi also praised NLNG’s proactive approach and dedication to compliance with customs regulations, noting that such collaboration is essential for the smooth operation of Nigeria’s trade and economic systems. He remarked, “It is commendable that your organisation not only engages with the Nigeria Customs Service when issues arise but also takes the initiative to visit us out of courtesy. This gesture signifies the mutual respect and understanding that are the bedrock of our relationship.”

    In his remarks, NLNG Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila, expressed gratitude to the CGC and his team for their warm reception. He reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the NCS, recognising the critical role the Service plays in facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth operation of NLNG’s activities.

    “At NLNG, we recognise the Nigeria Customs Service’s vital role in facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth operation of our activities,” Mshelbila said. “Our relationship has been one of mutual benefit, and we are committed to continuing our work together to promote the economic well-being of Nigeria.”

    Mshelbila further expressed NLNG’s appreciation for the support received from the NCS, emphasizing that the visit was a testament to NLNG’s desire to deepen its collaboration with the Customs Service, which he believes is key to national development.

    The meeting concluded with an exchange of souvenirs, symbolising the goodwill and mutual respect that underpin the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria LNG Limited.

  • CISLAC Condemns Police Allegations Against NLC, Raises Concerns Over Attempts To Silence Labour

    CISLAC Condemns Police Allegations Against NLC, Raises Concerns Over Attempts To Silence Labour

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as “desperate attempts” to silence the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) following allegations brought against the union’s leadership. In a strongly worded statement, CISLAC condemned the recent police actions, which it sees as an effort to undermine the rights and freedoms of Nigerian workers.

    CISLAC recalled that on August 7, 2024, heavily armed security personnel unexpectedly surrounded the NLC’s headquarters, commonly known as Labour House, in Abuja. The siege came shortly after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting, where members had criticized the heavy-handed tactics used by security forces during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

    The organization highlighted the alarming development in which the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was summoned by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Ajaero is required to appear on August 20, 2024, to answer allegations ranging from “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”

    CISLAC emphasized that while it does not oppose legitimate police investigations, such inquiries must be transparent and free from political manipulation. The organization stressed that the integrity of both the NLC and the police force is at stake, warning that anything less than a credible investigation would further erode public trust in Nigeria’s security agencies.

    The statement also criticized the government’s failure to effectively address the activities of known criminals, such as terrorist financiers and kidnappers, while security forces have allegedly targeted peaceful protesters with excessive force. CISLAC noted that recent incidents, such as the kidnapping of the Emir of Gobir and the inability of the police to apprehend the culprits, raise serious concerns about the priorities and effectiveness of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.

    Furthermore, CISLAC expressed disappointment that police officers, who are also victims of poor governance, are being used to suppress legitimate protests. The organization warned that this could severely damage the international reputation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that such actions might be viewed as attempts to stifle civil liberties.

    CISLAC called on President Tinubu to take immediate action to protect civil space and prevent further damage to Nigeria’s image abroad. The organization also urged non-state actors, including journalists and civil society organizations, to remain vigilant against potential attempts by desperate politicians to frame them or undermine their credibility.

    The statement was signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria, who reiterated the organization’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

  • BMATT Hands Over Counter Terrorism Training Village To 81 Division Training School

    BMATT Hands Over Counter Terrorism Training Village To 81 Division Training School

    The British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) has officially donated a state-of-the-art Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Training Village to the 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Training School in Owode, Ogun State. The facility, aimed at enhancing the practical training of soldiers in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, was commissioned on August 20, 2024.

    During the commissioning ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Sani Mohammed, praised the initiative. He emphasized the positive impact of the long-standing collaboration between the Nigerian Army and BMATT in critical areas such as Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training, Special Forces development, and Basic Infantry Training. General Mohammed expressed optimism that the new facility would significantly modernize the Division’s training processes and facilities.

    The British Deputy High Commissioner to Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, also delivered remarks at the event, highlighting the importance of the training village and other capacity-building efforts for the Nigerian Army. He stated that these efforts are essential in preparing troops for deployment in Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CTCOIN) operations.

    In his welcome address, Brigadier General OB Davies, the 81 Division Training Officer, underscored the importance of training in enhancing troop professionalism. He noted that the training village, which includes seven buildings, accommodation areas, a dedicated training area, a market, and a perimeter fence, would provide students with practical, hands-on experience that complements their classroom learning.

    The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa, and Brigadier Martin Leach from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, among other senior officers from the Army Headquarters and 81 Division.

    The ceremony featured a demonstration drill by students of the Division Training School, the official commissioning of the training village, the presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.

    Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 81 Division Nigerian Army, issued the official statement on August 21, 2024.

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