The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Interpol

  • FG seeks integration of MIDAS with Interpol surveillance systems

    FG seeks integration of MIDAS with Interpol surveillance systems

    The federal government is seeking the integration of the Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS) with the International Police (Interpol) Surveillance Systems.

    The government also clarified that the electronic gates (e-gates) recently installed at Airports are strictly for Nigerian passengers for now.

    According to the government, the integration would make access to real-time information and data seamless, and prevent cross-border movements of illegal migrants or persons of interest.

    The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the call when he granted an audience to the Chief of Mission to Nigeria of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Ambassador Laurent De Boeck. 

    He advocated the strengthening of collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to enhance border security. 

     Tunji-Ojo said there is a need for synergy among all stakeholders, stating that “we collectively have more grounds to cover and we will cover more grounds”.

    According to a statement from the director of press in the ministry, Ozoya Imohimi, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the update on the progress made so far on Migration issues, and commended the IOM on the collaboration with Nigeria Immigration Service, especially on the issue of Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) which has made access to information and data quite seamless.

    He emphasised the need to integrate the MIDAS solution with the Interpol 24/7 Surveillance system which is very key to national security architecture and enhancement of border security.

    Speaking on the installation of e-gates at the Nigerian airports, the minister reiterated that they are strictly for Nigerian passengers now and are intended to make traveling a seamless experience and to enhance National security.

    “Our officers, no matter how well trained they are, do not have detectors in their eyes, they can only work with the data and information available to them,” he said.

    He disclosed that the government is interested in opening the Nigeria space to make the visa application process easy for legitimate visitors. 

    “Nigeria will be open to business and tourism, and I think this will reduce illegal movement in and out of Nigeria,” the Minister said

    Read Also: Binance executive escaped with smuggled passport, INTERPOL on the trail – ONSA

    Acknowledging the mutual benefit of the partnership, the minister said: “Our doors are always open. This collaboration is the beginning of a better relationship that will lead to a peaceful and safer world because Nigeria is part of the world.”

    The Chief of Mission, IOM, Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck, had earlier provided updates on progress made on projects with the Nigeria Immigration Service, saying they would be far-reaching in transforming the operations of the NIS.

    He commended the support of the Ministry and officials of NIS, saying that the IOM would continue to reciprocate the gesture.

  • $9.6b P&ID scandal: INTERPOL arrests fleeing Briton in Italy

    $9.6b P&ID scandal: INTERPOL arrests fleeing Briton in Italy

    A director of Process and Industrial Development Limited, James Nolan, has been arrested by the International Criminal Police Organisation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nolan, an Irish national, who allegedly jumped bail in 2022 in the ongoing $9.6bn P&ID scandal in Nigeria, was arrested by the INTERPOL in Italy on January 27 during a visit he paid to his wife.

    A source in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission confirmed the information, according to NAN.

    “Yes, we got the information through informant sources,” the official said.

    The source said the next line of action was for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to apply to INTERPOL for Nolan’s extradition back to Nigeria to stand his trial.

    NAN reports that counsel for Nolan, Paul Erokoro, SAN, in a telephone chat, said he had also heard about the report.

    He said: “There is a report that James Nolan was arrested but the EFCC is actually in the better position to confirm. They might have heard from INTERPOL. But I have not spoken to him (Nolan) and I don’t have firsthand confirmation but I have heard about the report.”

    According to NAN, Nolan, who also has British citizenship, was at the centre of the controversial Gas Supply Processing Agreement which was signed in 2010.

    After he was arraigned and he pleaded not guilty to the counts preferred against him, a Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 7, 2019, granted him a N500 million bail but the bail was later varied to N100 million due to his inability to meet the bail condition.

    However, after he perfected his bail conditions, he failed to appear in court for trial since 2022.

    A sister court, where the embattled Irish was also standing trial had, on September 28, 2022, revoked his bail.

    The then presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed (now elevated to Appeal Court), in a ruling, issued a bench warrant for his arrest for jumping bail.

    Mohammed ordered that Nolan should be arrested by security agencies, including INTERPOL, anywhere he was sighted within or outside Nigeria and be produced in court to stand trial.

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    “As far as this court is concerned, the absence of the second defendant (Nolan) in court implies he has jumped bail,” he had said.

    The judge gave the order after the anti-graft agency’s lawyer, Bala Sanga, made an application to that effect.

    He equally granted the EFCC’s request to continue his trial in absentia.

    Also a brother judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, on July 6, 2023, ordered Nolan’s surety, George Kadiri, to forfeit his N100 million bail bond to the Federal Government over his inability to produce the defendant in court.

    Justice Egwuatu, in a ruling after Sanga moved the motion, also ordered Kadiri, who was absent in court, to be remanded in prison custody until the payment of the N100 million.

    NAN reports that Nolan is standing trial in about eight other cases for his alleged involvement in the controversial gas supply agreement with the Federal Government.

    The contract became the subject of litigation following the award of a whopping sum of $9.6bn judgment debt against Nigeria.

    While eight of the matters are before the FHC in Abuja, a case is before the FCT High Court, besides the London case.

  • Alleged $9.6b P&ID scam: INTERPOL arrests fleeing Briton in Italy

    Alleged $9.6b P&ID scam: INTERPOL arrests fleeing Briton in Italy

    The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has arrested a Director of Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited, Mr. James Nolan, on January 27 in Italy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reliably gathered that Nolan, an Irish national who jumped bail in 2022 in the ongoing $9.6 billion P&ID scandal in Nigeria, was arrested by the INTERPOL while on a visit to his wife, an Italian.

    An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) source confirmed the information to NAN.

    “Yes, we got the information through informant sources,” the official said.

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    The source said the next line of action was for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to apply to INTERPOL for Nolan’s extradition back to Nigeria to stand trial.

    Also, Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN), counsel to Nolan, in a telephone chat, said he had also heard about the report.

    “There is a report that James Nolan was arrested but the EFCC is actually in a better position to confirm. They might have heard from INTERPOL.

    “But I have not spoken to him (Nolan) and I don’t have firsthand confirmation but I have heard about the report,” he said.

    NAN reports that Nolan, who also has a British citizenship, was at the centre of the controversial Gas Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA) which was signed in 2010.

  • Taiwan’s exclusion undermines INTERPOL crucial work, says envoy

    Taiwan’s exclusion undermines INTERPOL crucial work, says envoy

    THE International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) plays a vital role in coordinating law enforcement efforts across countries and, therefore, the exclusion of Taiwan from the organisation significantly undermines its crucial work, Taipei Representative and Head of Mission in Nigeria Andy Yih-Ping Liu said in a statement in Lagos.

    The exclusion, Liu noted, is detrimental because China marginalised Taiwan’s role within the organisation under the guise of “political issues”, and consistently ensuring Taiwan’s exclusion from meaningful participation in INTERPOL.

    China’s attitude, the envoy said, “thereby creating a significant impediment to crime prevention and intelligence-sharing, and unjustly excluding my country from INTERPOL activities. The exclusion of Taiwan from INTERPOL is a significant setback for the organisation’s mission to coordinate law enforcement efforts globally”.

    “Taiwan’s outstanding capacity to carry out border security checks and combat transnational crimes such as terrorism and human trafficking is severely hampered by its lack of access to real-time criminal intelligence shared through INTERPOL’s I-24/7 system and its stolen and lost travel documents database.

    “This means that vital exchanges of intelligence are often out of date and incorrect. Yet at the same time, as transnational crime flourishes in this era of globalisation, Taiwanese passports, which enjoy visa-free access to 145 countries and territories, have become prime targets for transnational criminals. This is a global threat that should not be underestimated,” Liu said.

    According to the 2023 safety and crime rankings by the database website Numbeo, Taiwan ranked third for safety out of 142 countries evaluated. It also had the third-lowest crime rate among all countries, surpassing other Asian nations. Taiwan has made significant contributions to international crime prevention. It possesses advanced technology and expertise, benefits from its strategic geographical location, ensures global security, and fosters strong international collaborations. As the world’s 21st-largest economy and 17th-largest exporter, Taiwan serves as a crucial link between Northeast and Southeast Asia, functioning as a hub for the flow of people, goods, and capital.

    “Taiwan’s advanced technology and expertise can also make a significant contribution to INTERPOL’s capabilities in combating modern-day crime. Taiwan is renowned for its expertise in preventing cybercrime, addressing technology-related offenses, and investigating financial crimes.

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    By sharing its knowledge and providing technological support, Taiwan could greatly enhance INTERPOL’s ability to respond to emerging criminal trends and effectively tackle the challenges posed by technology-driven crimes. Moreover, Taiwan’s strategic geographical location grants it a unique advantage in supporting INTERPOL’s activities in East Asia. Taiwan plays a crucial role in identifying and disrupting criminal operations, thereby ensuring regional and global security.

    “Taiwan’s involvement in INTERPOL’s General Assembly would enable its police authorities to interact with counterparts from other nations, fostering collaboration and enhancing global collective ability to combat transnational crime. By supporting Taiwan’s participation in INTERPOL’s General Assembly, the world takes a significant stride towards achieving this goal.

    “Therefore, Taiwan’s participation in INTERPOL is not merely a matter of national interest but a crucial step towards strengthening global security. By rectifying the historical injustices that have hindered Taiwan’s involvement, the world can harness its expertise and resources,” the envoy said.

  • Navy transfers suspects, weapons to INTERPOL

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday handed over the nine suspects arrested on board a service boat, SEA ANGEL 3, four firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered to the International Police (INTERPOL).

    Three Greeks, an American and five Nigerians were on Sunday arrested on the boat during a joint naval operation between Nigerian and United States (US) navies within the nation’s western waters.

    Handing over the suspects to Deputy Commissioner of Police INTERPOL, Lagos Command, Tunji Akingbola, the Officer in-charge of Tactical Command (OTC), Commodore Dickson Olisemenogor, said the captain of the boat had lied during radio interrogation that there were only five Nigerians on board, only for the special forces to discover that there were white men as well as MI-1 rifles and over 1,000 ammunition.

    Olisemenogor said: “Before now, we went out there to make arrest and we handed over to relevant agencies, but the activities of these criminals have continued unabated.

    “This time, we made a detailed search and interrogation of ships at sea. When we interrogated the captain and crew members, they made us believe that there were only five Nigerians on board.

    “The boat was painted in navy colour, and this aroused our suspicion. They were not shining their electronic gadget at sea, which will indicate their position, as stipulated by the International Maritime Organisation. This attracted our attention.

    “We boarded and discovered that there were more than five persons on board. There were five Nigerians, three Greeks and an American.

    “Further search on the boat revealed that they had four MI rifles that can do anything at sea and over 1000 rounds of ammunition with them, as well as various military kits.

    “What they are doing on our waters, we do not know. We are handing over the suspects, exhibits and boats to the Nigeria Police.”

    DCP Akingbola, who said he was directed by the acting Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu, to take over the suspects and exhibits, added that the police would begin investigation immediately.

    He said the police would write the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to ascertain the immigration status of the suspects, adding that findings would be made public.

     

  • Corruption breeds terrorism, says INTERPOL scribe

    The Secretary-General of INTERPOL, Jurgen Stock on Monday met with the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu to explore partnership on how to fight corruption.

    Stock said since corruption breeds terrorism, the anti-graft war must be sustained.  

    He commended the zeal and concerted efforts of the  EFCC in ridding Nigeria of all forms of economic crime, and stressed that partnership between INTERPOL.

    He said: “Working with the EFCC will help in building a strong network in the fight against corruption across the globe.

    “The fight against corruption will help in the fight against terrorism as the main source of terrorism financing comes from corruption”.

    While emphasizing the need for collaboration between international law enforcement agencies in the fight against corruption, Stock said the INTERPOL was establishing a link with the EFCC in achieving the mandate of the anti-graft agency.

    On his part, Magu, who expressed great delight at the visit, praised Stock for finding time out of his busy schedule as the Secretary-General of INTERPOL to visit the EFCC.

    Magu said corruption had become an organized crime in Nigeria, and it needed concerted efforts within and outside of the country, to combat.

    Read also: EFCC officials apprehend Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia in court

    Magu said: “EFCC and Nigerians in general are delighted with the visit by the Interpol, and this visit gives the Commission hope in partnering with the Interpol.

    He gave assurance that the EFCC will remain unrelenting and resolute in its fight against corruption.

    “The EFCC deals with partnership with other countries in order to address the issue of terrorism financing,” he said.

    He highlighted the importance of exchange of information, stressing that it was key to winning the fight against corruption, money laundering and terrorism financing.

    “Other countries need to support the EFCC in achieving our goal of ensuring the repatriation of funds stashed out of the country by corrupt people,” he said.

    The delegation from the Interpol was taken on a tour of the new EFCC Head Office Complex.

  • Failed companies: Reps panel to use INTERPOL against fleeing CEOs

    THE House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market and Institutions is set to collaborate with the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to extradite indicted former chief executive officers and managing directors of failed companies that fled the country.

    The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also been mandated by the lawmakers to reconstitute an interim management for Capital Oil Plc.

    According to the panel, a lot of infractions have been discovered and those that perpetrated them must face the music.

    House committee Deputy Chairman Tony Nwulu, who spoke to reporters on the committee’s resolutions at the weekend, said: “Where we need to communicate with the INTERPOL and extradite former MDs of defaulted companies, we will surely do so.

    “We interfaced with the insurance companies yesterday. Four were absent, and we expected 15. The process has led to the uncovering of a whole lot within the insurance sector, which we will also make public.”

    He said the committee will also give letter of commendation to those who performed beyond expectation.

    “Those that believe that other people’s money is free for all, we will ensure that no matter how highly placed they are, they will not be spared,” he said.

    Eleven  companies, including Suno Insurance Plc, Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc, AICO Insurance Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Wapic Insurance Plc, Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc, Corner Stone Insurance Plc, Universal Insurance Plc and African Alliance Plc were present at the hearing last week.

    But Staco Insurance Plc, Great Nigeria Insurance Plc and Consolidated Hallmark Plc could not make the session and wrote the committee to tender an apology.

    The lawmaker said those that missed the previous events were  expected to make appearances on Thursday last week, but did not come.

    “We made firm our position that failure to appear will leave us with no option other than to make their infractions public through the media. We want them to know that the committee is not taking this lightly to protect the investing public.

    “You collect money from shareholders and you believe you cannot answer the call of their representatives? Most of the insurance companies that came have defaulted in paying dividends; only a few paid. We also discovered a whole lot of infractions bothering on corporate governance and insider dealings,” Nwulu said.

    He added: “We have identified some companies that are just struggling, but answering big names for nothing and are in contravention of a lot of things including taxes.

    “Some directors and CEOs have companies that do business directly with the insurance companies they head.

    “Some are in violation of SEC and NICOM regulations. We will further proceed to invite SEC, NICON, NLC, shareholders and law enforcement agencies; it will be televised live.

    “We want them to come and explain to Nigerians and the shareholders what they have been doing with their money. We will leave no stone unturned. We will do everything possible to make sure Nigerians do not lose money and their jobs.

    “We will expose the banks the way we expose the insurance companies,” he said.

  • Buhari seeks collaborative efforts to fight human trafficking

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called for collaborative efforts among nations to fight human trafficking and smuggling of persons.

    Buhari made the call at the 16th INTERPOL Conference on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling on Monday in Abuja.

    He was represented by Mr Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary, General Service Office, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    “Human trafficking requires our collective efforts to eradicate which destroying the future of our youths,” he said.

    The President said that Nigeria was among the first set of countries to domesticate United Nations relevant protocols on trafficking in persons and smuggling of persons.

    Buhari said that the protocols were at various times domesticated, resulting in the country’s enactment of the trafficking in persons prohibition law enforcement Act and eradication Act 2003 and the 1963 Immigration Act.

    He said that the Immigration act empowered the service to combat the smuggling of migrants.

    The president said that the country had recorded a landmark in the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

    He said that the collaborative efforts of the country’s security agencies had resulted in several interceptions, arrest and prosecution and conviction of 359 traffickers and smugglers.

    He urged the INTERPOL and relevant agencies to deepen already established collaboration in order to combat this modern day slavery to a standstill.

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    Buhari said that collaborative efforts across the international borders would go a long way to identify arrest and prosecute traffickers and smugglers in their countries of origin.

    He called on the INTERPOL to consider Abuja, Nigeria for the location of the proposed Strategic Service Centre.

    “Nigeria is ready to play host to the centre and we will avail you with all the necessary assistance within the provisions of the law,” he said.

    The president said that unless the country fight corruption, the little resources budgeted for development would be stolen by few elites, exposing the youths to poverty and becoming vulnerable to trafficking and smuggling.

    In a remark, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, said that the force was at the forefront in the fight against the ugly trend.

    Idris, who was represented by DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover, said that trafficking and smuggling in persons posed a threat to both the victims and the countries of the world.

    He said that recently the force upgraded the anti-human trafficking section with the appointment of a Commissioner of police.

    Mr Jurgen Stock, Secretary General of INTERPOL said that trafficking in human beings and smuggling remained a prominent cahhlnge for law enforcement.

    He noted that the trend had opened the door for the exploitation of those simply seeking improved well-being and opportunities.

    Stock urged other participating countries at the conference to prioritise the fight against human trafficking and smuggling in persons.

    He said that INTERPOL had launched a platform consisting of 110 countries and 150 specialists from immigration, customs and investigative units to exchange information.

    News Agency of Nigeria reports that 500 participants from 70 countries are attending the conference.

    News Agency of Nigeria also reports that more than 500 specialists from security agencies, non-governmental and international organizations, public and private sectors are also participating.

  • Police, NIS sign MoU on Interpol

    Police, NIS sign MoU on Interpol

    The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS), on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the extension of the use of INTERPOL i-24/7 to the service.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris who was represented by the DIG in charge of Operations, Mr Habila Joshak signed on behalf of the police.

    The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Muhammed Babandede who signed on behalf of the service, was also represented by Mr Raymond Jaja, Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration in charge of border management.

    Idris said that the signing of the MoU would afford other law enforcement agencies in the country access to critical intelligence information on the organisation’s system.

    He also said that the initiative would allow the conduct of joint national and transnational operational collaboration and as well capacity building between the agencies.

    “This access when fully operational will optimally lead to a corresponding increase in the arrest of fugitives, wanted persons among others.

    He added that the office of the National Security Adviser has promised to implement the programme through coordinated meetings.

    The police boss said that plans were at advance stage to present MoU and other INTERPOL documents to all relevant law enforcement agencies in the country,

    He said that the collaboration between the agencies would enhance the operations of their officers on the field.

    Idris noted that sharing of intelligence information had nothing to do with superiority of service.

    Babandede said that the signing of the MoU was an index to the commitment of the Federal Government to end criminality in the country.

    He assured that the service would implement the MoU in view of the security challenge in the country.

    The immigration boss also said that it gives the service a better opportunity to fish out criminally minded persons who come into the country illegally.

    “The Nigeria Immigration Service will be more than ever prepared to share this synergy with other law enforcement agencies in the country,” he said.

    In his remark, the Commissioner of Police in charge of INTERPOL, Mr Olushola Subair said that the MoU was aimed at intensifying the fight against crimes in the country.

    He said that the NIS was an important ally to the police in fighting crimes in the country.

    Subair added that with the signing of the MoU, criminals would no longer have any hiding place in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NIS was the first law enforcement agency to sign the MoU.

    NAN also reports that the IG officially inaugurated the refurbished National Central Bureau Headquarters, Abuja and the upgrade of INTERPOL in January.

  • Human trafficking: 40 arrested, 500 others rescued in West Africa

    Human trafficking: 40 arrested, 500 others rescued in West Africa

    Forty people were arrested and 500 people rescued after a swoop on human trafficking across West Africa, international police organisation Interpol said on Thursday.

    The Interpol-led action comes amid a global outcry sparked by footage of Africans being sold as slaves in Libya, often the final transit for migrants wanting to reach Europe.

    In a statement, Interpol said that some 500 people, including 236 minors, had been rescued in simultaneous operations across Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal.

    Read Also: 16 Edo girls returned from Libya with pregnancy

    Forty suspected traffickers were arrested.

    “The results of this operation underline the challenge faced by law enforcement and all stakeholders in addressing human trafficking in the Sahel region,” said the operation’s coordinator, Innocentia Apovo.

    The 40 arrested face prosecution for offences including human trafficking, forced labour and child exploitation.

    “They are accused of forcing victims to engage in activities ranging from begging to prostitution, with little or no regard for working conditions or human life,” Apovo said.