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  • NDLEA arrests 220 for drug-related offences in Edo

    Drug

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 220 suspects for drug-related offences in Edo from February till date.

    NDLEA Commander in Edo, Mr Callys Alumona, disclosed this in Benin on Wednesday in his address at an event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    According to Alumona, the suspects include 148 males and 72 females.

    The NDLEA boss noted, however, that 18 convictions were secured with 115 trials currently pending before the Federal High Court in Benin.

    “It is interesting to note our effort in eradicating substance use in Edo state, especially, Ihama Road, Boundary Road, TV Road, Sapele Road axis of Benin, Ekpoma, Uromi, Auchi, Igarra, Abudu and others is yielding positive results.

    “Worthy to note also is the rigged determination of the command to dismantle and sanitise the two notorious drug areas in Benin City – Ihama Road and Country Home.

    “Both petty dealers and users have been consistently arrested and drugs seized.

    “Two drug barons out of the four under watchlist that distribute drugs to these notorious locations have been arrested and are currently facing trial,” he said.

    The commander said the command also seized a total of 1,676.99 Kilogrammes of illicit drugs and 3,558 bottles of Codeine-based syrup, a substance that is usually abused.

    He said that Cannabis farms, measuring a total of 18.5 hectares, and approximately 46.251 kilogrammes of the substance were destroyed in the state within the period.

    He, however, recounted that the command rehabilitated and counselled 154 suspected drug addicts, eight of which were indoor clients.

    Notwithstanding the success story, the NDLEA commander said the agency lacked adequate operational vehicles in the state.

    He also hoped to see improved volunteering of credible information to aid an intelligence-led policing of the state.

    He described the 2024 theme, “Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention”, as apt.

    The agency, he said, was already investing in prevention by mounting a serious war against drugs.

    Such steps, he said, include supply reduction via arrest and prosecution, and demand reduction through counselling and rehabilitation of victims.

    In his address, Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr Samuel Alli, called for renewed commitment and collaboration amongst security agencies to combat the menace.

    The commissioner also stressed the need to address the underlying issues such as poverty and ignorance that usually lead the youth to indulge in illicit affairs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner was represented by Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, Director, Regulation & Monitoring in the ministry.

    NAN reports that the event featured lectures and plays by the NDLEA drama group and members of the National Youth Service Corps. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/CHOM/MAS

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Moses Solanke

     

     

     

  • German foreign minister warns of regional escalation in Middle East

    German foreign minister warns of regional escalation in Middle East

    Warning

    Berlin, June 26, 2024 (dpa/NAN) German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock has warned of unforeseeable consequences for the broader Middle East region as tensions and clashes increase between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

    Israeli forces have been waging an intense military offensive in the Gaza Strip for seven months.

    With the leaders vowing to destroy the Palestinian Hamas militant group in response to the bloody Oct. 7, terror attacks on Israel.

    “Another war will mean a regional escalation on a scale that we can hardly imagine.’’

    Baerbock told Germany’s Deutschlandfunk public radio on Wednesday, a day after meeting with Lebanese and Israeli leaders in Beirut and Jerusalem.

    However, Israel and Lebanon were in danger of slipping into such a war, she said.

    “And that is exactly what we need to prevent, that through the daily escalation, where more rockets are flying, large parts on both sides do not want this war, but we are slipping into it.”

    Baerbock said Lebanese leaders in Beirut appeared to view the same way, but unfortunately the government has no effective access on the ground, not even to Hezbollah.

    Baerbock said, making efforts by mediators like the U.S. and France all the more important.

    According to Baerbock, what happens next in the Gaza Strip would also be crucial for further developments on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.

    “If this urgently needed ceasefire is finally achieved in Gaza, then that will also calm the northern front,’’ she said.

    An escalation that saw Israel fighting wars on two fronts would be fatal to the process.

    A plan presented last month by U.S. President Joe Biden for a ceasefire in the Gaza war is supported by the Israeli government, said Baerbock, who again demanded that Hamas accept the plan. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HS
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

     

  • WDD: NGO raises concern over proposed death penalty for drug offenders

    Management Team, Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA)

     

    WDD: NGO raises concern over proposed death penalty for drug offenders

     

    Death
    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA), has raised concern over the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) proposed amendment to impose death penalty as maximum punishment for drug offenders.

    The Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs Oluwafunke Adeoye, said the proposed amendment would not curb the scourge during a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Drug Day on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Adeoye urged the National Assembly to critically review and reverse its position on the use of Death Penalty for Drug offence in Nigeria.

    She said that the proposal represented a severe setback for human dignity and criminal justice reforms in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Proposed Amendment, known as the NDLEA (Amendment) Bill, 2024, encompasses diverse objectives, including enhancing the operational efficiency of the NDLEA.

    NAN reports that other objectives also include facilitating the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories for drug analysis among others, all of which are very much welcome.

    However, a major amendment highlighted in the bill is the modification of Section 11 of the existing act, which pertains to the punishment of drug offenses.

    Adeoye said that the previous legislation prescribed life imprisonment for offence involving the importation of hard drugs.

    “However, the amended version introduces a much stricter penalty – the death penalty. After extensive consideration, the bill passed its third reading and received unanimous Senate approval.

    “This development reflects a fearful stance against progressive criminal justice reforms in Nigeria.

    “On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold human rights and human dignity and to promote justice that restores.

    “Hope Behind Bars Africa firmly opposes the introduction of the death penalty for drug offenses in Nigeria.

    “We urge the National Assembly to reconsider this bill and focus on progressive, humane, and effective solutions to address the drug endemic,“ he said.

    The NGO  emphasised that Hope Behind Bars Africa’s position against the death penalty should not be misconstrued as support for crime-related activities.
    She said that the organisation had overtime supported the mandate of the Legal Aid Council to ensure the speedy delivery of justice for the socio-economically disadvantaged.
    This, she said was firmly upholding human rights and ensuring that indigent persons charged with capital offenses had  the best form of legal representation pro bono.
    She added that the organisation’s approach to crime deterrence was co-creating evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of crime and uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals in the process.
    According to her, Specifically for drug related offenses, we believe that the evidence is clear, the government must invest in prevention.
    She said “On this WDD observed annually on June 26 to promote action and cooperation for a drug-free world, we believe it is crucial to amend the NDLEA Act.
    Adeoye called on the national assembly to focus on Including appropriate proactive measures to block the pipeline through which people were able to access illicit drugs.
    She also called on the lawmakers to develop detailed guidelines for appropriate imprisonment and fines for drug offenses by categorising them based on the type of narcotic and specific quantities involved.
    “Also, discriminalisation of low-level drug use or implementation of non-custodial sanctions alongside adequate mental health support.
    “There is need to Adopt harm reduction strategies by strengthening social protection systems and implementing policies that focus on public health approaches to drug use, access to treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
    “Also, Investment in the capacity development  of law enforcement officers,  judicial officers and other stakeholders who handle drug-related cases.
    “Enhancing oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure that legal processes adhere to human rights standards will go a long way,“ she said.
    NAN reports that the Senate on May 10 approved a death penalty for drug offenders found guilty of drug offence .

    The senate’s decision follows the consideration of a report by a joint Committee on Judiciary , Human Rights and Legal Matters and Committee on Drugs and Narcotics on an Act to amend the National Drug Law Enforcement agency Act .

    The contentious clause II recommending a death sentence sparked an uproar among a cross section of Lawmakers in the Senate but it was eventually passed

    Chairman of the joint committee , Senator Tahir Monguno presenting the report to amend the National drug law enforcement agency act to strengthen the operation of the agency , review penalty provisions and enhance the power of the agency to prosecute drug related offences .

    During the clause by clause consideration , the Chief Whip of the Senate , Ali Ndume, disapproved of the Committee’s recommendation on clause 11 which proposes a more lenient penalty for drug offenders of not more than 25 years imprisonment , without option of fine different from what is contained in the Act which provides a life sentence .

    The lawmaker proposed a death Sentence for anyone found guilty to serve as a deterrent to drug offenders .(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/ACA/SH

    ===========

    Edited by Chidinma Agu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Ajimobi’s legacies will never be forgotten, Says lawmaker

    Ajimobi’s legacies will never be forgotten, Says lawmaker

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, House of Representatives member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, has described late governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, as a true statesman whose legacies will never be forgotten.
    She said this why paying tribute to Ajimobi to commemorate his remembrance in a statement made issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
    Ajimobi passed away on June 25, 2020 at the age of 70 after a brief illness.

    Late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi

    According to the lawmaker, Ajimobi was an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.

    She also said the late former governor could best be described as the architect of modern Oyo State, saying he left the office with distinct legacies and achievements.

    “He Came. He lived. He Conquered the Myth. He was worthy leader”, she said.

    Akande-Sadipe, the House Committee Chairman on Ethics and Privileges, Assembly saluted late Ajimobi’s patriotic spirit.

    She said Ajimobi gave her the opportunity to serve in his cabinet, which was the platform she leveraged to be in the position to serve her people in Oluyole Federal Constituency.

    “Sadly the vacuum created by the demise of the former governor and Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo State, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi is clear to all”, she said.

    Rep. Akande-Sadipe said the late former governor made a significant impact in governance of Oyo state through many innovations and ideas. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/KUA

    =======

    Edited by Uche Anunne

     

  • Cholera: LASCOPA mandates display of essential information on products

     

    Cholera

    By Oluwatope Lawanson
    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has directed all supermarkets and stores in the state to prominently display critical information on consumable products as a strategy to combat  cholera spread.

    The General Manager of the agency, Mr Afolabi Solebo, gave the directive in a statement  on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The statement was signed by the Chief Public Affairs Officer of the agency, Mrs Toyin Oni.

    According to Solebo,  the directive is aimed at enhancing public health and well-being.

    Solebo said that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s registration number of all products should be displayed to ascertain that they had regulatory approval.

    He added that manufacturing and expiry dates of products must be conspicuously displayed on the products.

    Solebo ordered that  the manufacturers’ addresses must be displayed to facilitate traceability and accountability.

    He warned that failure to comply with the regulations would result in immediate closure of erring supermarkets and stores.

    He re-stated the agency’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights and ensuring adherence to health standards.

    Solebo  urged consumers  to be vigilant and report any non-compliance for prompt actions.

    “LASCOPA remains dedicated to upholding consumer welfare and safety across Lagos State.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LAW/CHOM/IGO
    ============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • El-Rufai sues Kaduna Assembly over alleged breach of fundamental rights  

    El-Rufai sues Kaduna Assembly over alleged breach of fundamental rights

    Litigation
    By Patience Yakubu
    Kaduna, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai,  on Wednesday sued the State House Assembly at the Federal High Court, Kaduna for allegedly violating his fundamental rights.
    The suit, which was filed by El-Rufai’s lawyer, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, SAN, is seeking the court’s remedy over the assembly’s alleged unconstitutional action.
    El-Rufai said that the assembly’s committee report indicted him in fraud allegations in which the house denied him the right to fair hearing before approving the report.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ad hoc committee set up by the assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under Nasir El-Rufai submitted its report.
    In the report, El-Rufai and some of his appointees were alleged to have misappropriated N432 billion.
    Mustapha said  El-Rufai approached the court as a Nigerian citizen who is entitled to be given a fair hearing before his rights can be determined by an investigative body or courts.
    This, he said,  is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
    El-Rufai also asked the court to declare the report as unconstitutional, null and void for violating his right to fair hearing as guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution. NAN)
    PMY/AOM/BRM
    =================
    Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Civil servants decry delayed payment of salary increase, minimum wage implementation

    Wage

    By Kadiri Abdulrahman

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Some civil servants have decried the delay in payment of approved salary adjustments for civil servants on the consolidated salary structure, as well as the prolonged minimum wage negotiations.

    The civil servants spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Dr Uche Anunne commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the increase of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase for civil servants on the six consolidated salary structures.

    He urged the government to expedite action on its implementation to help the workers ameliorate the present economic hardship.

    “It is a good thing the president appreciates that there is the need to provide some palliatives by way of adjustment and harmonisation of salaries of public sector workers at the federal level.

    “However, I wish the president could expedite action in that regard because, as it is now, many Federal Government workers are passing through difficult times arising from certain policy adjustments.

    “I know that it is usually not very easy to negotiate and agree on sensitive issues like the minimum wage, the two parties, the Federal Government and the labour unions, have sound arguments.’’

    According to him, the president can consider the implications of salary adjustment and its sustainability, as well as the ability of state governments to pay.

    “It is good that they are driving an inclusive approach to the negotiation process.

    “But salary adjustment for workers is long overdue; I call on the president to take urgent steps to ensure that the minimum wage impasse is resolved as quickly as possible.

    “While workers continue to wait for salary adjustment, issues bothering on family expenses are not waiting; they are daily requirements.

    “The long wait for a living wage in the midst of rising cost of goods and services is actually affecting the productivity of workers,” Anune said.

    He said that the N250, 000 minimum wage figure of the labour unions should be acceptable to all workers since the unions represented the workers.

    Another civil servant, Mr Joseph Edeh, said that the delay in implementation of the salary adjustment and the prolonged minimum wage negotiations were unfortunate.

    According to Edeh, what Nigerians are going through presently does not warrant such delay.

    “And the communication gap is fuelling a lot of suspicion; nobody knows the reason for the delay.

    “There is the need for better communication so as not to put Nigerians in the dark.

    “The labour unions have done well and they need to be encouraged as they try to negotiate a decent wage for the workers,” he said.

    Mrs Dorcas Jonah appealed to the Federal Government to “try and do the needful” by effecting payment of the salary adjustment.

    According to her, the prevailing economic hardship is taking its toll on civil servants and their families.

    “A lot of civil servants would have planned on the money and it would have gone a long way to help those who have children going back to school.

    “So many civil servants now survive on loans; delaying the payment is not helpful at all,” she said.

    She urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) not to relent in their struggle for a decent living wage for the Nigerian worker.

    “There is a plethora of things to agitate for; the price of everything has skyrocketed; the labour unions should not relent,” she said.

    Angela Atabo, another civil servant, said that the delay in implementation of the various increases in salaries was counterproductive to the workers.

    “On workers’ day, we had hoped that a new minimum wage would be announced but our hopes were dashed because the issue was not even mentioned.

    “The 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustment was announced, and civil servants have been planning on it

    “We can only urge the government to expedite action on implementation,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Director of Press, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr Bawa Mokwa, said that the wage adjustment had been approved.

    Mokwa said that its implementation was awaiting a directive and cash backing by the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

    He urged civil servants to exercise a little more patience as all issues relating to salary adjustment and minimum wage would soon be resolved.

    NAN reports that aside from negotiations for a new minimum wage, the Federal Government had approved between 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase for civil servants on the six consolidated salary structures.

    The salary increase, announced on April 30, the eve of the workers’ day celebration, was contained in a statement issued by Emmanuel Njoku, head of press, at the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

    The statement said the increase would take effect from Jan. 1.

    The six consolidated salary structures affected are consolidated public service salary structure (CONPSS); consolidated research and allied institutions salary structure (CONRAISS), and consolidated police salary structure (CONPOSS).

    Others are consolidated para-military salary structure (CONPASS); consolidated intelligence community salary structure (CONICCS); and consolidated armed forces salary structure .

    The Federal Government also approved an increase in pension of between 20 per cent and 28 per cent for pensioners, on the defined benefits scheme with respect to the six consolidated salary structures.

    Health workers, academic and non-academic staff working in federal tertiary institutions are not included in this latest salary increase.

    In July 2023, the Federal Government approved a 25 per cent salary increase for health workers under the consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS), and consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS).

    In September 2023, the Federal Government also announced a percentage increase in salaries for academic and non-academic staff of all tertiary institutions across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    KAE/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Alleged armed robbery: Absence of prosecution counsel stalls trial of woman, 3 others


    Alleged armed robbery: Absence of prosecution counsel stalls trial of woman, 3 others 

    Stall
    By Joy Kaka
    Abuja, June 26, 2024( NAN) The absence of a prosecution counsel, Fidelix Ogbobe, on Wednesday stalled the trial of Blessing Akaaza, Garba Raymond, Ismaila Murtala and Nuhu Jezuli in the FCT High Court, Zuba.
    The police charged the defendants with two counts bordering on armed robbery.
    At the resumed sitting, the defence counsel, Gabriel Okpata said that the matter was for continuation of trial but the prosecution sent a letter saying that he was on official training.
    Okpata however asked the court for an adjournment.
    Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya adjourned the matter until Oct.21 for hearing.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecution alleged that the defendants and others at large conspired while armed with a gun and other dangerous weapons on Sept.9, 2022.
    He said the defendants robbed one Garba Kwamkur of $65,000, N5 million and other valuables in his residence at Garki, Abuja on the said date.
    The offence, he said, is punishable under sections 6(b), 1(2)(a) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, CAP R11 LFN 2004
    The defendants had pleaded not guilty.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JK/SH
    =====
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

  • Drug trafficker bags 6-month imprisonment

    Imprisonment

    By Olawale Akinremi

    Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Ibadan on Wednesday sentenced a drug trafficker, Samuel Adedotun, to six months in prison for dealing in 500 grammes of hemp.

    In his judgement, Justice Ekerete Akpan said he convicted and sentenced Adedotun on the evidence tendered before him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and by his guilty plea.

    Akpan also stated that he took cognisance of Adedotun’s plea for mercy; being a first-time offender, not wasting the court’s precious time and being his family’s breadwinner.

    “I hope the convict is truly remorseful of his action because stiffer punishment shall be applied if brought back for any crime.

    “However, to serve as a deterrent to other would-be criminals, the defendant is sentenced to six months in prison.

    “The sentence starts from the date he was first arrested.

    “The weed exhibit found in his possession shall be destroyed by the NDLEA,” the judge said.

    Meanwhile, NDLEA counsel, Mr Daniel Otunla, had earlier told the court that the convict was arrested on May 11 in Ojoo area of Ibadan.

    The prosecutor said the convict faced a charge bordering on unlawful dealing in hemp.

    Otunla added that NDLEA operatives acted on a tip-off from informants that Adedotun had a sack containing 500 grammes of the illicit substance before he was eventually apprehended.

    According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened the provisions of Section 11 (C) of the NDLEA Act Cap. N30 law of the Federation 2004.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Act prescribes maximum life imprisonment for anyone convicted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SEM/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

  • U.S. identifies Nigeria as location to promote chemical security

    U.S. identifies Nigeria as location to promote chemical security

    Chemical

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The United States of America says it has identified Nigeria as one of the most viable countries to promote chemical security for a safer world.

    Mr. Daniel Rockniak, Senior Director, America Chemical Council (ACC), said this in Abuja on Wednesday at a workshop tagged “Promoting Chemical Security for a Safer World.”

    According to him, Nigeria is one of those countries we have identified as hopefully good locations for responsible care, and that’s why we are here to start this workshop.

    He said that his mission was to talk to stakeholders handling chemical distribution about how the country could handle responsible chemical distribution.

    He said that it was imperative to potentially identify the responsible organisations to sponsor responsible care in Nigeria.

    “We have seen benefits around the world of a country and industries taking up responsible care and having a program that identifies specific requirements.

    He stated that the US was not about to replace the regulations on chemical distribution in the country but to complement them.

    According to him, in a country where you already have chemical management programs, responsible care can help improve a company’s performance.

    He said that if there were challenges with regulatory processes, responsible care could help fill some of those gaps by using best practices around the world to improve their chemical management.

    Dr. Patric Omokpariola, Director, Chemical Evaluation and Research at NAFDAC, said that the concept of chemical safety has been around for many years.

    He said, “Everyone that has contact with chemicals and chemistry already knows that chemicals are inherently hazardous and dangerous, so we have to be kept in such a way to be safe.”

    He said that the real concept of chemical security started after Sept. 11, 2021, what we usually call 9-11, during the attack on the World Trade Center.

    He said that NAFDAC had adopted the chemical security programs of the United States, adding that this is what’s being implemented in the country.

    He stated that this had been developed to make sure that the citizens were able to keep chemicals safe.

    “Chemical security is to keep people safe from the harmful effects of chemicals, while chemical security, on the other hand, is to keep the chemicals safe.

    He stated that this is so  in order that people who have various activities, such as non-state actors, terrorists, and the rest of them, do not have access to chemicals.

    This, he said, was to forestall criminal elements such as suicide bombers and terrorists, among others from using it to manufacture bombs .(NAN)

    ODF/EAL

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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi