The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • CGC Adeniyi elected as WCO council chairperson

    CGC Adeniyi elected as WCO council chairperson

    Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been elected as chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, marking a significant achievement two years after his historic appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

    The election took place during the closing session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, June 28, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, solidifying Nigeria’s influential role in global customs administration.

    Adeniyi received unanimous support from the Council members, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and making history as the first Nigerian to hold this esteemed position since the WCO’s inception. 

    His election is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the collective achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service under his leadership.

    In response to his appointment, CGC Adeniyi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the WCO Council members, acknowledging the trust placed in him. 

    He characterized this moment as both humbling and historic, not just for himself but for Nigeria and the broader African continent. 

    “This honor is not mine alone; it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years,” he stated. 

    He committed to upholding the core values of the WCO, emphasizing innovation, equity, and the need for deeper collaboration among member states to confront the complex realities of global trade.

    Further reflecting on his ambitions as Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi reiterated his dedication to supporting the WCO’s ongoing modernization efforts while committing to the implementation of its 2025-2028 strategic plan. 

    He acknowledged the critical phase in global trade evolution and the imperative for customs to balance facilitation and enforcement, transparency and innovation, as well as sovereignty and cooperation. 

    “I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution, ready to address today’s challenges,” he explained.

    In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi also paid tribute to the valuable contributions of his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter. He emphasized the significant guidance and stability Kieswetter provided during his tenure, which laid a robust foundation for the ongoing reforms within the Council. 

    Expressing confidence in the upcoming sessions, the CGC committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue and fostering progress among the global customs community.

    The WCO Council serves as the supreme governing body of the organization, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council. Its core mandate revolves around promoting uniformity, modernization, and the adoption of global best practices among customs administrations. 

    Policy decisions made by the Council influence the operations of customs authorities across its 185 member states, creating a framework for international cooperation and trade facilitation.

    As the newly elected Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is poised to offer strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, directing the global customs agenda and guiding high-level discussions on critical issues such as trade facilitation, revenue optimization, security, cross-border cooperation, and the imperative of digital transformation in customs operations.

    Additionally, he will collaborate closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the WCO Secretariat to ensure the effective implementation of the organization’s Strategic Plan. Adeniyi aims to champion greater inclusivity, bolster capacity development, and advocate for sustainable practices within customs operations, particularly benefiting developing nations.

    In a symbolic gesture reminiscent of Nigeria’s new era in leadership, the South African flag was respectfully lowered to mark the conclusion of Kieswetter’s term, while the Nigerian flag was raised at the WCO headquarters. 

    This moment was met with applause from delegates, symbolizing Nigeria’s ascent in global customs affairs and serving as a proud moment for the African continent.

    Under CGC Adeniyi’s chairmanship, Nigeria is strategically positioned to influence customs reform discussions across the Global South, focusing on critical areas such as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the suppression of illicit trade, and the adoption of advanced technologies in customs practices. 

    This leadership role holds immense promise for fostering collaboration and driving innovation in the global customs landscape.

  • NDLEA destroys 30 hectares of cannabis farm in C’River

    NDLEA destroys 30 hectares of cannabis farm in C’River

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed 30 hectares of cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp,  plantation in a forest in Odukpani local government area of Cross River.

    The state Commander of the NDLEA,  Mrs Rachel Umebuali, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Calabar.

    She said that some suspects were also arrested in connection with the destroyed plantation, expressing worries that the locals were protecting the drug marchants.

    Umebuali said that 163.9kg of cannabis sativa seed was recovered from the plantation.

    She added that a total of 6,716.8kg of illicit drugs were seized by the command between January and June.

    Giving the breakdown of the figures, she said the NDLEA  seized 2935kg of cannabis sativa within the six months.

    Others are,  129.6kg of methamphetamine, 82.7kg of psychotropic, 33.3 liters of cannabis mixture, 47.7kg of cocaine, 32.3kg of heroine, 69.7kg Opiod and babiturate, and 5gram Ecstasy drug.

    Umebuali said the command also arrested 191 persons within the same period.

    “15 persons were convicted for various offenses in the period under review,” she said.

    According to her, what is worrisome in the findings, is that most of these drug peddlers are not indigenes of the state.

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    “They come here and give money to the locals who protect them by not giving out information of their unholy activities.”

    Umebuali said that the command, with the active support of the state first lady, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, successfully concluded this year’s drug day, which has as it theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest In Prevention.”

    “We have also continued to carry out various advocacy programmes in various institutions across the state, with the object of reducing the menace of drug abuse in the society.

    “Between January and June this year, we carried out 191 sensitisation outings to schools, market places, churches, mosques, non governmental organisations amongst others,” she said.

    Umebuali said that the challenges of the command was underfunding and logistics.

    (NAN)

  • Lagos Police smash fuel theft syndicate, uncover receiver gas station 

    Lagos Police smash fuel theft syndicate, uncover receiver gas station 

    Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have uncovered a syndicate with specialty in hijacking petroleum tankers, other articulated vehicles conveying goods.

    Seven suspected members of the gang were arrested during an operation on Saturday morning at Ejigbo area of Lagos, just as detectives recovered a 45,000 litre tanker Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) hijacked around Alaka in Surulere by the gang.

    The suspects were identified as a businessman, Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, 34; a tricyclist Kayode Falodun, 29; a mechanic Ojo Ayodele, 35; a graphic designer Ayomide Thompson, 24; two drivers Ahmed Saliu, 37 and Babatunde Ahmed, 38; and a trader Igbalaye Kareem, 38.

    According to a statement by spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation was conducted around 6am on Saturday, adding that the tanker which the driver said was fully laden with PMS at the point of hijack, was recovered empty at the Orile area of the state.

    He said the operation followed a report by the tanker driver that his vehicle was hijacked while on transit, adding that a greater number of the suspects were resident at Ejigbo, while others resided at Ijegun Ijedodo and Ogun State. 

    “The police teams promptly swung into action, immediate response and discreet investigation into the case led the operatives to a filling station in Ejigbo, where the stolen PMS had been offloaded. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered another tanker being loaded with the same product stolen from the hijacked tanker.

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    “The seven suspects involved in this criminal act were promptly arrested at the filling station. Additionally, the fuel tanker being used to transport away the stolen fuel has been recovered to the Police Station as exhibit. The suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations,” said Hundeyin.

    Commanding the operatives for their diligence, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents of the unreserved commitment of the command to ensuring adequate safety of lives and property. 

    “CP Jimoh equally encourages Lagosians to continue providing timely information to aid the efforts of the police in maintaining security across the state. All suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations,” added Hundeyin.

  • NDLEA takes anti-drug abuse campaign to Lagos streets

    NDLEA takes anti-drug abuse campaign to Lagos streets

    As parts of efforts to tackle rising substance abuse among youths and other vulnerable groups, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Headquarters Annex, Ikoyi Lagos on Thursday, defied the rainfall to stage a high-impact awareness campaign on some roads in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos in commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The sensitisation walk led by the Director, NDLEA Seaport Operations, ArchieAbia Ibinabo Ogboba, attracted no fewer than 250 participants drawn from different departments of NDLEA, State Security Services, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police Force, Central Investigation Department (CID Alagbon), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), NGOs, Women Initiative for Advocacy, Aramex Company, Redstar Express Company and Cross Country among others. 

    This year’s theme of the campaign is the evidence is clear: Invest in prevention; (break the circle), which formed the thrust of the sensitisation campaign, which attracted other key stakeholders and civil society actors.

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    The event featured a placard walk, dance and singing across major roads in Ikoyi and Victoria Island while sharing information materials and flyers on drug abuse, bearing impactful messages designed to spark conversations and educate the public. In order to reach a wider audience, the anti-drug campaign messages were delivered in major Nigerian languages of Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and Pidgin English. Participants also re-echoed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and applauded the NDLEA for prioritising prevention and youth engagement in its anti-drug campaigns.

    Speaking shortly before the commencement of the walk, Mrs Archie-Abia Ibanabo Ogboba stressed that the campaign was not an NDLEA thing, but a global concern that affects everyone irrespective of geographical boundaries. She noted that drug addiction and substance abuse are increasingly growing into public health crises, which demand everyone’s support and contributions via empathetic solutions and not punishment or stigmatisation.

    She charged participants to collectively promote awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation as the sustainable path forward.

    “We are going out for this campaign to sensitise Nigerians, especially the youths, to stay out of drugs and substances as well as crime. If we do not take the messages to them on the streets, who will do it? This is a national duty, as what we are doing here today is being replicated across the country and the globe. We thank you for your support,” she added. 

    The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the United Nations in 1987, is observed annually on June 26th to strengthen global action and cooperation toward a drug-free world.

  • FRSC emerges as Africa’s road safety lead agency’s coordinator

    FRSC emerges as Africa’s road safety lead agency’s coordinator

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has emerged as the Permanent Secretariat of all Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA) in Africa.

    Spokesman of the FRSC, Assistant Corps Marshal, Olusegun Ogungbemide, who announced this in a statement on Friday, said the recognition was conferred at the 1st General Assembly of the Continental Road Safety body held from June 26 to 27, in Lusaka, Zambia.

    According to Ogungbemide, the corps will be responsible for “facilitating the sharing of best practices, harmonisation of road safety strategies, and mobilisation of resources towards the implementation of the African Road Safety Action Plan.”

    He said the Corps Marshal FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, had expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in Nigeria’s road safety institution and reaffirmed FRSC’s continuous commitment to championing road safety initiatives that will save lives and improve transportation systems across Africa.

    “While pledging his support for the Association, Corps Marshal maintained that the digitalisation and robust sensitisation policy thrust of his administration will be deployed in assisting the Secretariat and a boost for the Corps to rejig its commitment in service delivery in Africa.

    “He expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his administration’s continued support, without which the Corps wouldn’t have achieved this feat,” Ogungbemide said. 

  • MACBAN to fish out killer-herders

    MACBAN to fish out killer-herders

    Members of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have agreed to collectively lay down their arms to allow peace reign between them and farmers in Benue and Nasarawa States.

    National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma stated this position yesterday in Lafia after their stakeholders meeting comprises of members in Benue and Nasarawa States on the need for peace and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

    Speaking during the meeting, Ngelzarma said the killings have become too much and it’s time to embrace peace following the visits of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Benue state to commiserate with the people over the killings.

    According to him “We have come together at a time of great concern and reflection, the painful and tragic loss of lives and livelihoods resulting from prolonged conflicts between farmers and herders in parts of Benue and Nasarawa States is one of the most heartbreaking realities facing our region

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    “Let’s recognize the critical importance of peaceful co-existence for our survival and progress. We are herders, but we are also fathers, mothers, citizens, and Nigerians with a shared destiny. We must, therefore, be at the forefront of peace advocate

    “MACBAN as an association deeply rooted in the cultural and economic life of Nigeria, we cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering, displacement, and mistrust that these conflicts have generated

    “We must disown and isolate every element within our ranks that promotes confrontation or criminality. Conflicts over land, water and grazing have become far too frequent, and the consequences are too dire to ignore. It is time to change our approach.

    “Let me make it clear, violence is not a solution, rehabilitation is not justice, and we must now embrace dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding. Our pastoral way of life can only continue to thrive if we live in peace with our neighbors.

    “In this regard, I urged our members in both Benue and Nasarawa states and in fact the whole country to actively engage with peace building initiative. I call on traditional rulers who are the custodian of our values and cultures to rise and play a more assertive role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation. These leaders must serve as bridges between communities and as beacon of wisdom and unity” he said

    He urged government to involve youths who often become pawns in cycles of violence, empowering them with knowledge, skills and opportunities for constructive livelihoods. Idle and aggrieved youth population is a breeding ground for chaos,” he added.

  • Court sentences gospel singer to death for murdering corps member

    Court sentences gospel singer to death for murdering corps member

    A High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel singer Timileyin Ajayi, to death by hanging for the murder of Salome Adaidu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    Justice Simon Aboki, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, found Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Penal Code applicable in northern Nigeria.

    Ajayi was arrested in January after he was caught with the severed head of the deceased in a polythene bag at Agwan Sarki, Orozo, a border area between Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Following his arrest, he confessed to the crime during police interrogation.

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    “I didn’t plan to kill her. She is always cheating. She hides most things from me. I discovered she was cheating when I saw her phone. I got angry seeing her chat with other guys, and that’s why I killed her,” she said.

    Despite his earlier confession, the gospel singer pleaded not guilty during trial.

    The court, however, held that the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence linking Ajayi to the gruesome murder. The judge noted that the accused not only confessed to the crime but also showed no remorse.

    Ajayi had claimed he and Adaidu were in a romantic relationship for about a year before the incident. But the deceased’s family strongly refuted this, stating that Salome never had a relationship with the convict.

    Justice Aboki ruled that Ajayi’s actions were premeditated and cold-blooded, stressing that such a heinous act deserved the maximum punishment under the law.

  • Ondo monarch arrested for ‘raping 12-year-old girl’

    Ondo monarch arrested for ‘raping 12-year-old girl’

    A village head (Baale), Adeniyi Ifedayo, has been accused of sleeping with a 12-year-old girl in Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Ifedayo, who is the traditional ruler of the Laagba Community, was accused of luring the victim into his house, which served as his palace.

    The victim was said to have been rushed to the hospital after the escapades was exposed to the people.

    Sources said the monarch allegedly kept the girl for two weeks, where he sexually harassed her.

    “He (monarch) is now with the police where he would face the consequence of his action,” he said.

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    Narrating her ordeal in an interview, the victim revealed how she was lured to the house of the monarch by a commercial motorcycle rider in the community.

    The girl said: “The Baale kept me in his house for two weeks and feed me with pap, while he assaulted me sexually on daily basis. My parents became worried about my whereabouts and eventually raised the alarm, declaring me missing. After two weeks, the Baale took me on a motorcycle and dumped me at a location in Akure, the Ondo state capital.”

    The Area Commander of the Ondo Area Command of the Nigeria Police, Mr. T. Y. Pickson, said the case had been transferred to the State Police Command in Akure for further investigation.

  • Imo market explosion blamed on IPOB/ESN

    Imo market explosion blamed on IPOB/ESN

    The Imo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the explosion that occurred at Eke Ubaheze Market Square in Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area on Tuesday.

    Police said yesterday that explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which resulted in “the death of one person and injuring five others.”

    The Commissioner of Police, (CP) Aboki Danjuma, attributed the incident to IPOB/ESN, stating that “preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion occurred when a middle-aged woman from Ubaheze village, identified as Ngozi Umeh, stepped on a landmine suspected to have been planted by IPOB/ESN terrorist.”

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    He said that the police command swiftly responded to the incident, deploying operatives to cordon off the area, evacuate victims, and sweep the market vicinity for any other planted IEDs.

    “The area has since been declared safe, and normal activities have resumed under enhanced security surveillance,” he assured.

    CP Danjuma assured residents of Orsu LGA and Imo State that the Command remains resolute in its determination to root out all criminal elements threatening the peace of the state.

    He commiserated with the family of the deceased, late Ngozi Umeh, and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims.

    He further urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious items, persons, or movements to the nearest police station.

  • Four gunrunners arrested for terrorising communities in NANS-marked vehicle

    Four gunrunners arrested for terrorising communities in NANS-marked vehicle

    The Osun State Police Command has arrested four gunrunners along the Osogbo/Ilesa road while transporting ammunition in a private car with the plate number of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

    The Nation learnt that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday by the Commissioner of Police’s surveillance squad during a ‘stop-and-search’ operation.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) Ibrahim Gotan explained that one Kehinde Adewale, 25, Ayuba Adebayo, 22, Abeeb Olasupo, 23 and Mustapha Adeniyi, 21, were arrested around 8:30pm while travelling along Ilesa/Osogbo road.

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    He said: “They were intercepted in a Toyota Camry marked ‘Presidency NANS 27ZD driven by Adewale with three other occupants.”

    He said “the suspect claimed that they are students. When my men searched thoroughly, an English Beretta pistol and two empty magazines which were carefully concealed in a box inside the vehicle were recovered alongside a cutlass and some criminal charms.”

    He added that the investigation revealed that they have been terrorising Ilesa/Osu communities and their environs.

    Gotan also said police operatives arrested two suspects who are electricity cable vandals and recovered seven motorcycles, two big sacks of IBEDC cables and two saw blades.