Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume of Borno South has expressed frustration over the growing corruption in Nigeria, lamenting that those who steal public funds are often celebrated. Speaking in Kano, Ndume criticized the lack of effective laws to address corruption, stating that people who suddenly acquire wealth are rarely questioned about its source. He also shared his failed attempt to pass legislation targeting unexplained wealth and called for greater investment in agriculture to tackle the nation’s hunger crisis, stressing Nigeria’s vast but underutilized arable land.
NDLEA Nabs Wanted Drug Kingpins and Ex-Convicts in Nationwide Operations
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two notorious drug kingpins, Ajiboye Samuel and Alhaji Bashir Talba, in a series of coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos states. Samuel, also known as “Na God,” was apprehended in Ogun after a 12-month manhunt, following the seizure of over 1,100kg of Ghana Loud cannabis from his warehouse in Mushin, Lagos. Talba, a community leader, was arrested after 226kg of cannabis was found at his residences.
In addition to these high-profile arrests, NDLEA operatives detained two ex-convicts in Katsina for trafficking large quantities of opioids and cannabis. Further operations across the country resulted in multiple drug seizures, including heroin concealed in auto parts and tramadol hidden in footwear, as well as arrests linked to drug shipments destined for several international locations.
Ex-Soldier Reveals Harrowing Sexual Assault Experience in Nigerian Army
In a revealing interview, former soldier Ruth Ogunleye recounted her traumatic experiences of alleged sexual assault by a superior officer while serving in the Nigerian Army. Ogunleye shared her ordeal with BIODUN BUSARI, detailing incidents that occurred in 2022 at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Medical Centre in Ojo, Lagos.
Ogunleye described how her commanding officer, a Colonel whose name has been withheld, initiated unwanted advances shortly after she joined the Medical Corps. Despite refusing his gifts, she was summoned to a hotel where he propositioned her for sex, offering money and promises of advancement in exchange. After her refusal, she faced retaliation, including increased duties and physical harm.
The situation escalated as the Colonel began administering large doses of a sedative drug against her will, subjecting her to repeated assaults while keeping her unconscious for days. Ogunleye spoke of the trauma of being stored in a body bag and taken to a psychiatric facility, where she was cut off from communication with her family and friends.
Despite the support of some colleagues who recognized her plight, Ogunleye felt trapped, as attempts to seek help from superiors were met with indifference. Eventually, after years of suffering and with the involvement of the Chief of Defence Staff, she initiated a redress process. However, her complaints were often dismissed.
After sharing her story publicly, she connected with other female soldiers facing similar abuses but who remained afraid to speak out. Ultimately, Ogunleye opted for voluntary discharge from the Army after an investigation confirmed her claims and offered her a path to compensation.
Ogunleye’s testimony shines a light on the pervasive culture of abuse and harassment within military ranks, highlighting the need for systemic change to protect vulnerable personnel.
October 1 Protest to Proceed at Eagle Square, Organisers Assure Police
Organisers of the #FearlessOctober1 protest have confirmed that their planned demonstration will take place at Eagle Square, Abuja, despite warnings from the police and security forces. The protest is scheduled for October 1, coinciding with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, as activists aim to voice their frustrations over the removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.
The group has communicated with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting security during the protest, emphasizing their constitutional right to assemble peacefully. The National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, indicated that mobilization efforts are underway, with protesters traveling from various parts of the country to join.
The protest will also be held in Lagos at the Ikeja Under Bridge, with organisers demanding an immediate reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and other reforms. Security forces, including police in camouflage, have been instructed to monitor the situation and discourage participation in the protests.
Prominent protest leaders, including Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju, expressed confidence that the demonstration will remain peaceful and urged citizens to join without fear of government repression. Sowore criticized the government for instilling fear and highlighted that the hardship faced by Nigerians necessitates public outcry.
In Katsina State, police have assured citizens of their safety during the protests, emphasizing the importance of responsible expression of rights.
NSCDC Dismisses Officer Accused of Supplying Arms and Drugs to Zamfara Bandits
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed ASCII Maikano Sarkin-Tasha over allegations of supplying arms and hard drugs to bandits in Zamfara State. Sarkin-Tasha, among 17 suspected bandits paraded by the police, was arrested at a checkpoint with illegal firearms, including G3 rifles and an anti-rocket launcher, as well as drugs suspected to be cannabis.
NSCDC Commandant Sani Mustapha announced the dismissal, with NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi expressing shock and condemning the officer’s actions, leading to his immediate removal from the Corps.
Wike Alleges Foiled Bomb Plot at Civic Reception in Port Harcourt
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed that there was an attempt to bomb the venue of a civic reception held in his honor in Rainbow Town, Port Harcourt. Speaking at the event organized by the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress, Wike revealed that a group of individuals had been dispatched to carry out the attack but were apprehended by the police before they could execute their plan.
Wike condemned the growing violence in Rivers State, warning that such acts could deter investors. He also criticized individuals taking credit for projects he initiated, such as the ring road project. Wike was accompanied by members of the G-5 integrity group and other political figures.
Wike Mocks Fubara Loyalists for Defecting to APP, Vows to Teach Them “Real Politics”
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Peoples Party (APP) ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State.
Speaking at a reception organized by the Ijaw Peoples Assembly in Port Harcourt, Wike questioned the loyalty of Fubara’s camp, dismissing their chances in the upcoming election. He vowed that the PDP, under his leadership, would outmaneuver them, emphasizing that true politics is about capacity, not money.
Wike also addressed rumors of an internal fight within the Ijaw community, asserting that only a few ungrateful individuals were opposing him and that he remains too influential to be challenged.
Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Reaches N1700 as CBN Takes Action
As of Saturday, 28th September 2024, the dollar to naira exchange rate at the Lagos black market hit N1700 for selling and N1695 for buying. Despite these parallel market rates, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains its official rate, with the dollar selling at N1638.
In response to growing demand for foreign exchange, particularly for invisible transactions, the CBN has announced the sale of $20,000 to eligible Bureau De Change (BDC) operators at a rate of N1590 per dollar. The central bank aims to inject liquidity into the forex market to help stabilize rates.
Sevilla Coach Garcia Pimienta Admits Kelechi Iheanacho Struggling to Find Form
Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta has acknowledged that Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho is currently struggling to find his best form since joining the club. Iheanacho arrived at Sevilla during the summer transfer window with high expectations, following his successful spells at Manchester City and Leicester City in the Premier League.
However, the striker has yet to make a significant impact for Sevilla, failing to score or assist in his first four La Liga appearances.
Pimienta expressed confidence in Iheanacho’s abilities but noted that the player has faced challenges due to his late arrival and a lack of full preseason preparation. “He joined the team a month late and had to train individually. He is still adapting,” Pimienta explained in an interview with Spanish media outlet Ondacero.
The Sevilla coach remains optimistic that Iheanacho will soon rediscover his form, adding that the striker’s time with the national team, where he didn’t play, also contributed to his slow start. Pimienta emphasized the importance of building Iheanacho’s confidence and expects him to return to his best soon.
Iheanacho will have another opportunity to break his scoring drought when Sevilla faces Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames stadium on Sunday, September 29.
Wike Criticizes Fubara Again, Declares “No One Has a Monopoly on Violence
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that “nobody has the monopoly of causing violence.” Wike made this statement during a speech at the Rivers State Ijaw Peoples Congress held in his honor in Port Harcourt.
During the event, Wike addressed the perception that Fubara represented the entire Ijaw community’s views in the political struggle for dominance. He dismissed the idea, emphasizing that the Ijaw people as a whole are not against him, despite a few individuals creating that impression.
Wike expressed gratitude for being honored but humorously suggested the money used for the event could have been given to him instead. He stated, “There are always ungrateful people, but a single bad actor doesn’t reflect an entire community.”
In his speech, Wike questioned what Governor Fubara had done for the Ijaw community and suggested that envy from political opponents was the root of the ongoing tensions. He further highlighted his own role in supporting an Ijaw man to become the governor of Rivers State, an achievement he believed his critics had never accomplished.
Concluding his address, Wike issued a warning that while he has chosen to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace, no one should assume that this restraint gives them the upper hand in causing unrest. “No one has a monopoly on violence,” he declared.