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Author: Ibironke Ariyo

  • FRSC has not abolished patrol points in southeast- official

    FRSC has not abolished patrol points in southeast- official

    Patrol
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) has not abolished patrol points in the Southeastern.

    This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Sunday in Abuja.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a report in some media platforms insinuating that FRSC has abolished patrol points Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Abia.

    “The misleading statement was attributed to the address presented by the Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) of Zone 9 Enugu, the Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Uche Chukwurah while on a visit  to the Abia Sector Command in Umuahia,” he said.

    According to him, the statement by the ZCO was meant to reaffirm the stand of the National Headquarters of the FRSC on the new operational strategy that would de-emphasise static patrol which comes in the form of roadblock.

    He said “It was  unfortunately misconstrued to mean abolition of patrol points in the zonal command based on security threats.

    “Nothing can be further from the truth as the statement was not only misleading but capable of giving wrong information to unsuspecting members of the public.

    “However, the public need to know the intention of the FRSC Management on the ongoing operational rejigging not targeted at the Southeastern states of the country but the nation at large.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the policy of rejigging the operational strategy of the Corps as conceived by the present Management under Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed is aimed at improving the capacity of the personnel.

    “This is to also respond promptly to distress calls through provision of functional operational vehicles, ambulances and motorbikes.

    “Also, retraining of personnel for efficient rescue services and increasing the mileage coverage of daily patrol activities for inceessed presence on parts of the road network, “he said.

    Ogungbemide said that any meaning read to the original statement attributed to the ZCO of Zone 9 Enugu to create the impression that the FRSC was abolishing or intends to abolish patrol in the Southeast was distorted, misleading and should be disregarded.

    He maintained that the FRSC remained the lead agency in road traffic management and safety administration in Nigeria.

    He added that the FRSC remained one of the security agencies charged with the responsibility of creating safer road environment.

    “What we are doing is to work harder to improve on our quality service delivery and support to other security agencies.

    “This is through credible processing of database on drivers and vehicles which has nothing to do with the abolition of patrol points in the Southeast as alleged,”he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/ISHO/SH

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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sadiya Hamza

  • NDLEA bursts snake-guarded shrine used to store illicit drugs, arrests 2 in Edo

    NDLEA bursts snake-guarded shrine used to store illicit drugs, arrests 2 in Edo

    Drugs
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) has busted a snake-guarded shrine used for the storage of illicit drugs in Egor community near Benin, Edo.

    Nr Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the NDLEA operatives had raided the shrine after detecting a specially constructed large hole storage in a wall covered with wallpapers and fetish objects.

    He said that different quantities of illicit substances such as methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado and Arizona, all strong strains of cannabis were seen.

    He disclosed that the total weight of 8.743 kilograms, were pulled out from the deep hole dug in the wall of the shrine within the building.

    “At least, two ladies: Sonia Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani were arrested during the intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, June 18.

    “This was after the big black snake guarding the shrine was demobilised, “he said.

    In the same vein, Babafemi said two suspects: Obi Ferguson,45, and Ernest Abanum, 46, were arrested on Saturday June 22 for alleged drug possession.

    Babafemi said that NDLEA operatives raided the Usen forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo where 209kg cannabis and a motorcycle were recovered.

    Meanwhile, NDLEA officers in Lagos state have intercepted a carefully packaged consignment of 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine at a motor park in Mazamaza, Ojo area of the state.

    Babafemi said that the highly addictive illicit substance, also called ice or crystal meth was packed in an imported Dunkin’ turtle love chocolate wraps.

    “It was concealed in the casing of three loud speakers.

    “A 39-year-old suspect, who was sending the consignment to Owerri, Imo was promptly arrested on Wednesday June 19 at the park, “he said.

    In a related development, NDLEA operatives in Abuja on June 18, intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pick up vehicle with amber lights and fake registration number of a security agency at Kiyi village in Kuje area of the FCT.

    Babafemi said that the vehicle was loaded with 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 340.8kg procured at Uzeba, Edo.

    “A 76-year-old grandfather,, linked to the consignment was arrested.

    “He claimed to have been in the illicit drug business for 10 years, “he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/KOO/SH
    ===========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Sadiya Hamza

  • FG committed to effective border control, staff welfare – Immigration CG

     

    FG committed to effective border control, staff welfare – Immigration CG

    Border

    By Ibironke Ariyo

     

    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS),  Kemi Nandap,  says the Federal Government is committed to effective border control and working condition of officers and men at the borders.

     

    Nandap said this when she visited some borders in Katsina and Jigawa  in continuation of  her assessment tour of the Nigerian borders.

     

    A statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo on Saturday in Abuja,  stated that Nandap  visited Fago Patrol Base and  Daura Forward Operational Base.

     

    Others are Kongolam Border control post and  Magatari Control Post where she inspected the ongoing e-border projects and other facilities.

     

    “She solicited the support of some critical stakeholders at the border communities, which included traditional leaders, youth leaders, transport unions and market women.

     

    “Nandap called  for their cooperation in safeguarding the borders especially the vast unmanned areas.

     

    “She enlightened them on the dangers of trans border organised crimes such as smuggling of migrants and Trafficking in persons,” she said.

     

    Nandap emphasised on the need to always provide useful information on the activities of irregular migrants.

     

    “She called for continued collaboration in the task of effective border governance noting that, “A safe border is a safe nation”.

     

    The immigration boss charged border officers to display utmost professionalism in the discharge of their duties, and to be extra vigilant in manning the  borders.

     

    She said that government was committed to improving the working condition of all officers at the borders,  through provision of logistics, accommodation and capacity building.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the CG used the opportunity to visit former President, Muhammadu Buhari and the Emir of Daura,  Alh.  Umar Farouk, in  Daura.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    ICA/ISHO/JPE

    ============

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Joseph Edeh

     

  • NDLEA seized 761,000 tonnes of illicit drugs in 3 years, says Marwa

    NDLEA seized 761,000 tonnes of illicit drugs in 3 years, says Marwa
    Seizures
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 21, 2024(NAN)Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the  Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the agency seized 761,000 tonnes of  illicit drugs and substances between January 2021 and March 2024.
    Marwa said this during a special Juma’at service as part of  activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 every year is set aside to commemorate the day and the theme of the 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) is: “Evidence is Clear, Let Us Invest in Prevention”.
    The NDLEA boss said that the 2018 drug use survey showed that 15 million Nigerians abused drugs, saying that it was three times the global average.
    Marwa, who described the report as unacceptable said that the aim of the year 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) Campaign was Prevention.
    “Money-making is the major reason drug barons are persistent inspite of the efforts of the agency to curb to the barest minimum drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
    “When you look at the population of Nigeria and you take out 15 million, it means the rest are not.
    We don’t want even a single Nigerian to enter that basket of users.
    “We have made seizures in three years of 761,000 tons but they still keep coming and we have to look at the other side.
    “Now, assuming we didn’t seize it, were will it be? it will be on the streets and the money would have been used for very negative purposes or it would have gone to the criminals.
    “We are doing our level best, supported by the government to make sure the supply reduction is very effective,” he said.
    Speaking further, Marwa said that prevention was very important in dealing with drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, adding that the agency had recommended a two track approach.
    He said that the first and most important track was global which was the entire society, all fragments, beginning with the family, parenting, adding that the children should be taught as they grow up why drug use was bad.
    “We have children killing their parents. So in anyway, parentage and parenting is also important.
    “Most important is the community level, the traditional institution, religious bodies, both christian and Muslim should include in their sermons and the advocacy in the school system and the curriculum.
    “There should be  random drug tests. For instance, we have promoted drug tests for students, tertiary institutions and drug tests before marriage.
    “When you go for the wedding, bring the HIV, the genotype and bring drug tests that are negative.
    “These are some of the steps on this side. On the other side is to deny availability of drugs and access. You have to have drugs first to abuse it.

    “And it’s our job as NDLEA to launch operations to seize drugs, arrest the offenders, take them to court, and seize their assets as well, “he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/EBI/SH

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    Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

  • Beware of fake employment letters, NIS warns

    Beware of fake employment letters, NIS warns
    Employment
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday drew the attention of Nigerians to fake and invalid employment letters in circulation purportedly issued by the service.
    The NIS made this known in a statement by its Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Mr Kenneth Udo, in Abuja.
    Udo warned desperate job seekers to exercise caution so as not to fall victim to the fraudsters.
    According to him, the fraudulent letters falsely claim that the recipients have been offered employment with the NIS.
    He said “the Service categorically denies any involvement in this fraudulent scheme and refutes the misinformation being spread on social media platforms regarding an ongoing recruitment/replacement exercise.
    “The NIS shall continue to ensure that any unscrupulous elements engaging in this criminality will be made to face the wrath of the law.
    “The public is hereby advised to report these scammers to the nearest NIS office or law enforcement agencies.

    “The Nigeria Immigration Service recruitment exercise is exclusively advertised through reputable national dailies, television broadcasts, and our official website, http://www.immigration.gov.ng.

    Udo said that the Service was resolutely committed to safeguarding the interest of Nigerians and upholding the integrity of its recruitment processes.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • NAN MD urges journalists to protect journalism profession, check quackery

    Quackery

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged journalists to jealously guard the journalism profession and ensure the elimination of quackery.

    Ali said this on Thursday in Abuja during the Diamond Anniversary Special Induction of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

    The NAN MD said that media quacks needed to get the right training in order to function better in the society, as Public Relations (PR) was all about professionalism.

    According to him, quacks need better training to be able to get their acts together.

    “In public communication, the tone of the PR man is different, especially when you engage a professional; the tone is that of reconciliation and persuasion, and not combating.

    “But when you see a quack serving as a spokesman, they are always combative.

    “When you become a media manager, naturally, their language and diction should be that of reconciliation, persuasion, peace and not combative nor aggression.

    “My advice to all quacks is to get the right training by joining the institute; get the right education, knowledge, and the right attitude,” Ali said.

    He said that quackery had not only heated-up public communication in the country but had also heightened tension.

    Ali, therefore underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining credibility and authenticity in its reporting, in spite of the prevalence of fake news in today’s digital age. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/EMAF
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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • FRSC produces 73,740 National Drivers Licences in two weeks

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed

    Licence
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) produced 73,740 National Drivers’ Licences (NDLs)  in two weeks, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has said.

    A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide quotes Mohammed as saying this on Wednesday in Abuja.

     

    The Corps Marshal said that the achievement followed strategic interventions introduced to clear the backlogs of licences.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed, on assumption of office, visited the FRSC Print Farm as a major step to revamp the entire process of service delivery with respect to issuance of drivers’ licences.

     

    The assessment was propelled by the rate of public outcry over the unprecedented delay faced by applicants in obtaining National Drivers Licence.

     

    At the end of the assessment, the Corps Marshal set up a taskforce to ensure that the backlogs were immediately cleared as soon as possible.

     

    He directed 24 hours production and immediate rectification of the identified technical glitches that affected the overall production capacity of the farm.

    “As at the moment, a total of 84,500 NDLs are on queue for production and expected to be delivered to the respective State Licensing Authorities nationwide,” he said.

    Mohammed assured the public of the Corps’ commitment to quality service.

    The corps marshal advised applicants, especially those who have been awaiting issuance for sometime, to visit their state licensing offices to check and pick their licences.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/OIF/AOS

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bayo Sekoni

  • World Drug Day: UNODC urges Nigeria to adopt empirical prevention

     

     Mr Danilo Campisi, Deputy Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

    World Drug Day: UNODC urges Nigeria to adopt empirical prevention

    Prevention
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 19, 2024(NAN) The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for urgent and evidence-based measures to tackle drug abuse in Nigeria.

    Mr Danilo Campisi, Deputy Country Representative, UNODC Country Office in Nigeria made the call at a press briefing organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Drug Day is celebrated annually on June 26 globally.

    Campisi emphasised the need for scientifically-backed strategies to address the growing drug problem in Nigeria.

    He said that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, was aimed to promote global cooperation and action towards a drug-free world.

    Campisi said that this year’s theme, “The Evidence Is Clear, Let Us Invest In Prevention”, was particularly relevant for Nigeria, where youth involvement in drug use was alarmingly high.

    According to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, drug use prevalence in Nigeria stands at 14.4 per cent, three times the global average, with the highest rates among those aged 25 to 39.

    “Projections indicate a 40 per cent increase in drug use in Africa by 2030, primarily due to the continent’s youthful population.

    “The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide.

    “From individuals struggling with
    substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organised crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex.

    “Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritises prevention and treatment,” he said.

    Campisi, however, said that UNODC had worked with the Government of Nigeria to adapt and implement evidence-based prevention measures.

    This, he said, included the highly successful UNPLUGGED, a school-based Drug Prevention Programme implemented together with the Federal Ministry of Education.

    “This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and supported by the MTN Foundation.

    “Implemented in 110 Unity Schools and several states, including Kebbi, Bayelsa, and Kaduna, the program has shown significant success in reducing substance use among students and improving their academic performance.

    “However, the UNPLUGGED program currently reaches only two per cent of the school population, prompting calls for broader adoption by state governments and private schools.

    “In addition to UNPLUGGED, UNODC has piloted other effective programmes in Nigeria. These include the Strengthening of the Family Programme and Strong Families, which focus on building family resilience against substance use,

    “Other are the Line Up Live Up (LULU), a sports-based prevention program targeting out-of-school youth, and the Drug Education for School Children program, aimed at sensitising young students about the dangers of drug use, “ Campisi said.

    The UNODC representative commended the European Union for its support in adapting and evaluating the UNPLUGGED program in Nigeria.

    He reaffirmed the UNODC’s commitment to provide technical and normative support for these evidence-based prevention and treatment programs.

    NAN reports that the press briefing was organised ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/NNO/BRM

    ==================

    Edited by Nick Nicholas/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Why we target assets of drug barons, traffickers – Marwa

     

    The Secretary, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Shadrach Haruna with the Deputy Country Rep, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Danilo Campisi.
    Drug

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa on Wednesday justified the decision of the agency to go after assets of drug barons and traffickers.

    Marwa said this at a news briefing in Abuja to begin the week-long activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 26 every year is set aside to commemorate the day.

    NAN also reports that the theme of the 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) is: “Evidence is Clear, Let Us Invest in Prevention”.

    Represented by Mr Shadrach Haruna, the Secretary of the agency, the NDLEA chairman said that the decision was part of ongoing offensive against illicit drugs peddlers and cartels in the industry.

    According to him, the offensive against drug cartels and traffickers inaugurated in January 2021, has till date continued to yield the desired result with the arrests and prosecutions of several barons.

    He said that in April, two serial traffickers got life imprisonment.

    According to him, our prosecution efforts have continued to achieve successes in courts given the painstaking investigations and diligence in the prosecution of cases.

    “Our water tight case preparations are unassailable. This has been further strengthened with our forfeiture regime with the passage of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA 2022).

    “Aside from conviction, the assets of the convicts used as instrumentality of the crime or the proceeds derived from the crime are forfeited to the Federal Government.

    “Indeed, a civil action in rem could be maintained against assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime in which case the burden of proving the lawful origin of the asset will be on the defendant, who claims ownership of the asset.

    “This diligent and painstaking preparation of investigations and prosecutions explains the success of the high conviction rate,” he said.

    Speaking on the drug demand reduction efforts of the agency, Marwa said that the flagship programme, War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) was built on the whole of society approach to preventive action against drug abuse.

    He said that the approach had been a tremendous success as an effective tool of advocacy for social action and an awareness-driven vehicle.

    This, he said was for public engagement and collaboration against illicit trafficking and abuse, which aligned with the theme for the 2024 WDD.

    He said that the WDD observed on June 26 every year, “was an important day for the global community, and an occasion during, which current efforts against illicit drug problems were given policy direction for the next 12 months.

    Marwa said that the theme emphasised the importance of preventing people from falling into the danger of experimenting with illicit drugs and subsequently into the trap of dependence on psychoactive substances.

    According to him, prevention is an important aspect of the effort to curb the menace of abuse of illicit drugs in the society.

    “At NDLEA, prevention as ably anchored in our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), social advocacy programme is a priority area for us.

    “Within our modest means and with the support of the Federal Government and our various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention by various means over the past three years.

    “This is part of the reforms being undertaken in the agency.” he said.

    Marwa expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments for the support given to the agency in various ways in the onslaught against drug traffickers.

    He acknowledged that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) had been a strong support for the agency as well as the foreign partners, including the U.S.-Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    Others he said included the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the British Border Force, National Crime Agency (NCA) of United Kingdom, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    The rest are the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police  Force (NPF), Immigration, NAFDAC, NFIU, NACA, FRSC and Civil Defence, among others.

    In his remarks, UNODC Country Deputy Representative, Mr Danilo Campisi called on government at all levels and other stakeholders in Nigeria to invest in drug use preventive measures.

    Campisi said that this would help to avoid a 40 per cent rise in the population of drug users in the country, especially among the youth.

    According to him, projections show that by 2030, there will be a 40 per cent increase in the use of drugs in Africa based on the population of young people.

    “This is extremely concerning, if we consider that 2030 is only six years away.

    “We are all familiar with the saying prevention is better than cure and considering the data and projections, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to invest heavily in drug use preventive measures.

    “I do not think it will be an exaggeration to describe this as a national emergency.

    “If the country is to take on the challenge of this projected increase in drug use, it is imperative that it adopts scientific evidence-based approaches that prioritise prevention and treatment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/DCO/EEE

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • NDLEA recovers 230,900 Tramadol pills, uncovers skuchies coy in Ogun

    NDLEA recovers 230,900 tramadol pills, uncovers skoochies coy in Ogun

    Pills
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN)The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recovered a total of 230,600 pills of 200mg and 225mg of Tramadol, a prohibited substance in Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano, Kano State.

    NDLEA ‘s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the NDLEA operatives arrested the duo of Yasir Rabi’u, 23, and Abubakar Ado, 30, who were major distributors of the illicit drugs in Kano and Jigawa states respectively.

    He said that the suspected drug peddlers were arrested on Monday.

    Babafemi said, “In the same vein, another suspect, Hassan Abdullahi-Ali, 25, was nabbed with 150 bottles of codeine syrup at Kofar Nassarawa area of Kano on Tuesday.

    “Also, In Ogun, NDLEA operatives on Monday seized 390kg of cannabis and arrested the three in connection with the illicit drugs.”

    He said that Muhammad Sani, Nura Mohammad and Samaila Rabe were arrested during an early morning raid at Ibese area of the state.

    Meanwhile, Babafemi said that officers on Wednesday busted a skuchies making factory at Sabo area of Sagamu town where seven suspects were arrested.

    “They include: Kareem Jamiu; Oriyimi Ayo; Bamidele Wasiu; Rasheed Olarewanju; Ramota Lawal; Amudalat Olarewaju; and Adeniyi Omotosho.

    “Exhibits recovered from them include: 387 litres of skuchies; 70 litres of industrial codeine; 25kg cannabis and different quantities of Tramadol, Rohypnol, Diazepam.

    “Also, there were various equipment used in the production of the new psychoactive substance and all were intercepted, “ he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/KOO/BRM

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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Bashir Rabe Mani