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  • Alleged Terrorism: We didn’t arrest Kanu with any weapon, DSS tells court

    Alleged Terrorism: We didn’t arrest Kanu with any weapon, DSS tells court

    ABUJA– Trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, resumed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, as the Department of State Services, DSS, gave more insight into what transpired when he was arrested in 2015.

    The security agency, through one of its operatives that appeared as a witness in the case, told the court that on October 14, 2015, when Kanu was arrested in one of the rooms in Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos International Airport, no weapon of terrorism was found on him.

    The witness, whose identity was shielded for security reason, told the court that the lady that was found inside the hotel room with the IPOB leader, equally had no weapon in her possession.

    Giving his evidence under the codename PWAAA, the witness admitted that most of the items that were retrieved from the hotel room were Kanu’s personal belongings, among which included materials for radio broadcast.

    However, the operative who testified behind a protective shield, maintained that though the recovered items may not be ordinarily harmful, he said their intended usage by the defendant could be a source of problem.

    While being cross-examined by Kanu’s legal team led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, the witness listed the items recovered from Kanu to include: 1 Black laptop, 2 Multi mix transmitters, 1 Mini white Apple iPad with pouch, 1 Grey Apple iPad with pouch, 1 Grey MacBook with pouch, 1 Grey MacBook with case, 1 Mini drone sound wave speaker, 2 Mini white speakers, 1 Large computer mouse, 1 White adaptor, 1 Laptop adaptor and 1 Carton bag with laptop.

    Others are; Two 3G modems, 2 Glo modems, 1 Glo Hawaii modem, 1 MTN modem, 1 Etisalat modem, 1 Flash drive, 1 Camcorder, 1 Hand recorder in a black pouch, 1 MacBook Pro adaptor, 1 Mic stand, 1 Phillips headphone, 1 Radio Sharp mic with cord, 1 Pro sound mic with cord, 1 4G LTE modem, a bunch of cards, 1 Power adaptor for mixer.

    1 Easy Blaze white modem, 1 Samsung phone,1 Black Motorola phone and 1 Nokia phone.

    As well as; 1 Black Samsung phone, 1 Black phone, 1 D-Link black modem,
    1 8GB flash drive, 1 Extension wire adaptor, 1 Pair of shoes, 1 Belt, 1 Pair of ciderwood sneakers and1 Footwear, 1 Black Softech wristwatch, 2 Singlets, 1 Sealed Hermes perfume, 1 Trinket, 1 Pokham perfume, 1 Fredrick Peckham wristwatch, 1 Diesel wristwatch, 1 Alexander Christy collection wristwatch, 1 Club wristwatch and10 items altogether.

    The last set of items he listed were; 3 Bank MasterCards, Copies of documents, 1 Copy of IPOB complementary card, Documents tagged IPOB, 1 White clipper, 1 Bottle of medicine, 1 Oman perfume, 2 Mini scented oils, 1 Empty black purse, 1 Nigerian passport bearing the names Okwu Kanu Nwannekaibeya Nnamdi Ngozichukwu and 1 British passport bearing the name Okwu Kanu Nwannekaibeya, 1 Black purse, 1 Passport holder, 1 Card holder, 1 Box of Rocarden wristwatch and 4 Bundles of cords.

    The recovered items, which were brought before the court in four suitcases, were earlier admitted in evidence and marked as exhibits by trial Justice James Omotosho.

    Answering more questions during the cross-examination, the witness, admitted that he did not analyse any of the items as he was only mandated to arrest the defendant and obtain his statement.

    Though the PWAAA admitted that Kanu’s phones were eventually analysed, he said the report of the analysis was not tendered before the court as it was not considered important.

    The witness acknowledged that since over 10 years that the items were taken away from Kanu and confiscated, they would have lost their value or expired.

    More so, the witness admitted that at the time Kanu’s statement was obtained, none of his lawyers were present to observe the process.

    Asked if he was aware of other persons also facing trial over Biafra agitation, the witness answered in the negative, saying he does not know any person that is facing a similar trial as Kanu.

    He, however, told the court that he is aware that one Simon Ekpa has been arrested and would soon be brought back to Nigeria to face trial for supporting Kanu’s agitation.

    Besides, he told the court that he could not remember any time that Kanu complained about corruption in high places, high unemployment rate among youths or when he tendered apologies for insulting the President and Igbo leaders.

    The operative further told the court that he could not remember anytime that Kanu described the IPOB as a non-violent voluntary organization.

    While acknowledging that there have been killings in some part of the country, especially in the North, the witness said he was aware that the government has been doing its best to stem the tide.

    He said he does not know if the killings had anything to do with any form of agitation for self-actualization.

    Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to May 6, 7 and 8 for continuation of the cross-examination.

    Kanu, who was arrested upon his return to the country from the United Kingdom, is answering to a seven-count charge the FG preferred against him.

    It will be recalled that the court had on April 25, 2017, granted him bail on health ground, after he had spent about 18 months in detention.

    Upon the perfection of the bail conditions, he was on April 28, 2017, released from the Kuje prison.

    However, midway into the trial, the IPOB leader escaped from the country after soldiers invaded his country home at Afara Ukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, Abia State, an operation that led to the death of some of his followers.

    Kanu was later re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021 and extraordinarily renditioned back to the country by security agents on June 27, 2021.

    Owing to the development, the trial court, on June 29, 2021, remanded him in custody of DSS, where he remained till date.

    On April 8, 2022, the court struck out eight out of the 15-count charge that FG preferred against him on the premise that they lacked substance.

    Likewise, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, on October 13, 2022, ordered Kanu’s immediate release from detention even as it quashed the charge against him.

    Dissatisfied with the decision, FG took the matter before the Supreme Court, even as it persuaded the appellate court to suspend the execution of the judgement, pending the determination of its appeal.

    While deciding the appeal, the Supreme Court, on December 15, 2023, vacated the judgement of the appellate court and gave FG the nod to try the IPOB leader on the subsisting seven-count charge.

  • Treason Charge: How we arrested IPoB leader, Kanu, DSS tells court

    Treason Charge: How we arrested IPoB leader, Kanu, DSS tells court

    ABUJA—The Federal
    Government, yesterday, opened its case against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as the Department of State Services, DSS, narrated before the Federal High Court in Abuja, how he was arrested in 2015.

    The development came on a day the court gave permission for identities of all the witnesses that are billed to testify in the case, to be shielded.

    Trial Justice James Omotosho gave the approval, following an ex-parte application FG filed through its team of prosecutors, led by Adegboyega Awomolo.

    He permitted the proposed witnesses to testify behind a screen with their real names replaced with acronyms.

    FG’s lawyer, Awomolo, pleaded that the witnesses needed to be protected for security reasons and given the serious nature of the case.

    While the witnesses would be shielded from the public, they would however be seen by the judge and the defendant.

    Kanu’s team of lawyers, led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, did not object to the procedure.

    Sequel to Justice Omotosho’s ruling, FG presented its first witness, who was simply identified as PWAAA.

    In his Evidence-in-Chief, the witness told the court that he led the team of security operatives that arrested the defendant on October 14, 2015, in one of the rooms in Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos International Airport.

    Kanu, who was arrested upon his return to the country from the United Kingdom, UK, was said to be in the company of a lady when the operatives struck.

    Narrating what transpired, the witness told the court that the DSS, acting on intelligence, deployed an eight-man team of operatives to the hotel where Kanu was arrested during a room-to-room search.

    He said the team decided to search all the rooms in the hotel after they could not find Kanu’s name on the manifest.

    According to the witness, it was after Kanu was arrested that it was discovered that he used his native name to secure the hotel accommodation.

    Kanu’s legal team

    did not raise any

    objection.

    In the statement that was read in the open court, Kanu denied his alleged link to violence in the South East region of the country.

    He maintained that his struggle for the emancipation of the South East, South South and parts of Benue and Kogi states, was his fundamental human right and not terrorism, as alleged by the government.

    The embattled IPoB leader further contended that freedom fighting, which he was involved in, is neither a crime in Nigeria nor in any part of the world, describing it as a basic right.

    Confirming that he established Radio Biafra, the IPoB leader insisted that it was duly registered in the UK, where he resided.

    Justice Omotosho adjourned the case till Friday to enable Kanu’s lawyer to cross-examine the witness.

    Kanu, whose trial started de-novo (afresh) following the reassignment of his case-file to Justice Omotosho, had earlier pleaded not guilty to a seven-count treasonable felony charge the government preferred against him.

    IPoB lashes out at

    FG over court

    proceedings

    Meantime, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday, took a swipe at the court proceedings at the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Omotosho, in the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    Spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful in a release said: “To the shock and dismay of all present, including international observers, the so-called evidence consisted of four boxes containing Mazi Kanu’s personal belongings: wristwatches, a microphone, a DJ mixer (falsely labeled a transmitter), cables, Arabian perfumes purchased for his mother and mother-in-law, a brown shoe, laptops, chargers, and phones. No bombs, guns, grenades, or attack plans were found because none existed.

    “This revelation lays bare the truth: there is no evidence to support the grave accusations leveled against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The items presented in court are not weapons of terrorism but ordinary possessions of a man who has consistently and openly declared his mission as a freedom fighter dedicated to the liberation of his people through peaceful means, including a referendum.

    “With utmost humility, IPoB calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom to end this charade masquerading as a trial. The persecution of Mazi Kanu and IPoB, which has led to the loss of countless lives, including his parents, must cease. We do not seek to humiliate any party but to affirm that IPoB’s mission is rooted in the pursuit of dignity, freedom, and a better life for Biafrans, the black race, and Africa as a whole.”

    99 percent Ebonyi youths hawkers in Lagos, Onitsha —Nwifuru

    ….Flags off industrial city

    By Jeff Agbodo

    ABAKALIKI—GOV
    ERNOR Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has revealed that 99 per cent of people hawking on the streets of Lagos and Onitsha are Ebonyians.

    He said that his intention was to bring those hawking in major cities back to the state to train them in various skills in the new industrial city under construction.

    The governor who disclosed this during the official flag-off of Ebonyi State Industrial City at Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu local government area said that the state has numerous challenges such as youth empowerment which will be tackled.

    He said that he has not borrowed any kobo to run the state since he assumed office about two years ago, addng that he’s determined to revive the Nkalagu cement factory and build more industries in the state.

    Nwifuru said that Ebonyi will replicate Dubai economic hub where investors would be coming to invest their businesses, adding that the industrial hub will increase the GDP of the state.

    “Ezzamgbo Industrial City is not merely a constructionproject. It is a comprehensive and deliberate strategy to reposition Ebonyi State as a foremost destination for industrialisation and economic expansion. It is designed to host a wide range of industries, including manufacturing hubs, technology parks, logistics centres and export facilities.

    “Through this project, we aim to connect and add value to our abundant natural resources, solid minerals, agricultural products and human capital; attract both local and international investors by providing a business-friendly environment with modern infrastructure and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. We will empower our great youths and women and additionally promote technological advancement and innovation, stimulate trade and economic integration within and beyond borders of our great state Ebonyi.

    “We are deliberately situating this project in this place because of its strategic location (2:40) along a major transportation corridor and its prosperity to raw materials, skills in power, skilled manpower and markets. The industrial city will feature a web, plant and network with constant, sustainable power supply.”

    through independent power solution, standardized water treatment and reticulation system, advanced waste management and environmental protection measures.

    “The industrial city features broadband internet, connectivity and security architecture that guarantees the safety of investors,workers and residents.

    “Our government, in collaborations with the strategic partners, is committing substantial resources to ensure the successful delivery of this critical infrastructure. Economic impact of this project cannot be overstated. The Ebonyi State Industrial Park, industrial city, will become a catalyst for transformative change across the state.

    “We are doing this because it will strengthen the internal generated revenue of our great state based on the opportunities within local and community and that of international and it will prove a very high standard of living in our great state” Nwifuru stated.

    Anyaoku: Mbah genuinely, quietly transforming Enugu

    ….As Gen. Nwachukwu, Prof. Gambari renew call for true federal constitution, good governance

    Former Secretary
    General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Emeka Anyaoku, has described Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as an epitome of good governance, noting that the governor was genuinely and quietly transforming the state.

    Anyaoku, however, stressed that visionary leadership and speedy development, such as being witnessed in Enugu State under Mbah, would become a mere routine with a genuine federal constitution.

    The diplomat spoke at the 14th Emeka Anyaoku Lecture Series on Good Governance, themed “The Imperative of Good Governance: Nigeria in a Global Comparative perspective” and organised by the board of Youth Affairs International Foundation at the Enugu International Conference Centre, yesterday.

    “Allow me the privilege of describing him (Mbah) as a truly performing governor. Yesterday, I was given glimpses of projects that have either been completed or in active progress towards completion. I saw, for example, this magnificent International Conference Centre. I saw an array of CNG buses at the Okpara Square. I saw the Smart Green Schools, which I gathered that the governor’s plan is to replicate in every electoral constituency (wards), and I learnt that there are as many as 260 of them. I was also able to visit a state-of-the-art bus station, the Holy Ghost Terminal.”

    However, he said that at 92, he regretted that Nigeria was still struggling with her pluralism and numerous challenges, warning that many countries that failed to address their pluralism with genuine federal constitution had since disintegrated.

    “So, I have been quite consistent in advocating for a new democratic constitution for Nigeria, which addresses our plurality. This country was more peaceful and was developing faster in the first six years of our independence, because it had a genuine federal constitution, which allowed the four regions to take care of their regional development, their social amenities, education, health, and internal security,” the octogenarian said.

    To address the many challenges facing Nigeria and Africa, the Guest Speaker and Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, called for a radical restructuring of the Nigerian federal arrangement to significantly devolve power to the people, a rejig of the leadership recruitment process, retooling of the state as a guarantor of security, unity, and ideals of equal citizenship as well as fashioning out of a new elite consensus, a complete overhaul of political parties, and a greater attention to constitutionalism, among others.

    Speaking, Governor Mbah emphasised that “good governance or lack of it is often the fine margins between an ascendant state and one on a downward trajectory.” He, therefore, charged leaders to move beyond the realm of ideas into the realm of practicality and renewed his call for people-centred governance and investment in the youth.

    Setting the tone for the day, chairman of the event and Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (retd.), stressed the need for transformative leadership, which he said could not happen under the present structure of Nigeria.

    “This is why I have long been advocating for the restructuring of Nigeria to become a proper federation, allowing state autonomy and bringing governance closer to the people. This also allows access to the mineral, natural, and human resources for their development.

    “I stand for respect for the rule of law, the need for a forthright and independent judiciary, a more effective, and responsive military, police and intelligence services.

    “I also stand for the creation of State Police and local policing for our communities.”

    Platview introduces Fraudspect to check cyber fraud

    By Niyi Okiri

    Chief Executive Officer
    of Platview Technologies, Dapo Salami, has said the company introduced a fraud alert system called ‘Fraudspect’, into the market, to provide solutions to navigating cyber and financial fraud businesses are exposed to.

    “We are excited to introduce Fraudspect, designed to address the critical pain points of financial and cyber fraud. Our commitment is to empower businesses with reliable, innovative technologies that drive operational excellence and secure growth.

    “Fraudspect enables real-time fraud alerts, customisable workflow engine, and actionable insights providing solutions to navigating cyber and financial fraud businesses are facing,” Salami stated, while commenting on the fraud prevention system.

    The new tech leverages AI and machine learning to identify and mitigate fraudulent activities in real time, providing businesses with robust tools to safeguard their digital assets, reduce financial losses, account takeover risks and build consumer trust.

    As the digital scape continues to expand, organizations are faced with growing challenges around fraud management and cyber threats. Fraudspect combats these issues, setting new technological benchmarks.

    With this offering, Platview Technologies reinforces its position in delivering scalable solutions that help businesses stay ahead of evolving threats and operational challenges.

  • Hearing on DSS ₦5bn defamation case against SERAP begins

    Hearing on DSS ₦5bn defamation case against SERAP begins

    ABUJA: A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday began hearing the case of defamation instituted by two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

    The officers instituted the case last September following SERAP’s refusal to apologise to the DSS after accusing operatives of the secret police of invading its Abuja office.

    Miffed by the action of the civil society organisation, the DSS officers, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, filed the defamation lawsuit in October 2024, seeking ₦5 billion in damages from SERAP.

    In addition to the remedy sought by the officers for what they called reputational harm, the two officers also demanded that SERAP should publish an apology on its website, national dailies and television stations.
    The duo also demanded the payment of N50 million for legal costs and 10 per cent annual interest on the N5 billion until payment is completed.

    At the resumed hearing, the court advised the defence (SERAP) to go through all the six documents tendered by the plaintiffs.
    The judge stressed that all objections would be part of the final written address.
    The hearing kicked off with the cross-examination of the first claimant, John, referred to as PW1 (plaintiff witness 1) by the counsel to the first and second defendants.

    SERAP was represented in court by Divine Oguru, while its deputy director was represented by Oluwatosin Adesoye, who apologised for the absence of his client.
    Akinolu Kehinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who represented the plaintiffs, said he was fully prepared for the hearing.
    The defence counsel cross-examined the DSS operative John on events surrounding the alleged invasion of SERAP’s office last year.

    Both counsels pushed the argument that the claimants’ names were not mentioned by SERAP hence not justified in the claims before the court.
    But John stated that SERAP’s allegations negatively impacted her reputation, that of her colleague, as well as all personnel of the DSS.

    After a session that lasted about an hour, the judge adjourned to May 8, 2025, for continuation.

  • USAID’s sponsorship of Boko Haram: Senate summons NSA , DGs of DSS, NIA, DIA

    USAID’s sponsorship of Boko Haram: Senate summons NSA , DGs of DSS, NIA, DIA

    ABUJA– THE Senate has summoned the National Security Adviser, NSA , Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Adeola Ajayi; Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, DIA, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, over alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram by the United States Aid for International Development, USAID.

    They are to appear before the lawmakers behind closed doors for an explanation of the allegation levelled against the US agency.

    This is even as President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio met last night at the presidential villa to discuss the matter.

    The Senate, however, raised serious concerns over the escalating insecurity in the country and the alarming allegations that certain international agencies might have been financing the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

    Allegation’s credibility

    The meeting is also to assess the credibility of the allegations, discuss Nigeria’s broader security challenges and determine necessary policy responses.

    However, no date has been fixed for the meeting with the heads of the nation’s intelligence agencies.
    Recall that a United States congressman, Scott Perry, had a few days ago, alleged that USAID had been sponsoring activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

    Though Perry’s allegation is already being investigated by the US congress, the Senate also at yesterday’s plenary, resolved to do a similar thing.

    Resolution of the Senate was sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume and co- sponsored by eight other senators.

    The Senate after debate on the motion, resolved to summon the NSA , the Director-General of DSS, his counterparts in NIA and DIA behind closed doors on a day to be communicated to them.

    In his presentation of the motion, Senator Ndume highlighted the reports circulating in the media, following a hearing by the U.S. Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency.

    At the hearing, U.S. Congressman, Scott Perry, alleged that USAID had been unintentionally channelling approximately $697 million annually to terrorist groups across the world.

    The former Senate leader, who expressed concern over the mystery surrounding Boko Haram’s sources of fund and its sustained ability to wreak havoc across Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern region, said: “It is known that over the years, the modus operandi of Boko Haram in Nigeria has been a source of great concern.

    ‘’Their source of funding and operations have been shrouded in mystery. It is known that the devastation caused by Boko Haram in the northeast region and other parts of the country, which includes the bombing of UN building in August 2021, and, of course, the bombing of the police headquarters here in Abuja, among other attacks, led to loss of life of Nigerians in thousands and unwanted destruction on properties which occasioned and caused internal displacement across the country.

    “The federal government over the years, strives to put measures in place to curtail the activities of terrorist groups in the country by expending huge resources which seem not to have yielded much result, as the various activities of terrorists continue.

    “The monumental devastation caused by Boko Haram in this country should be a matter of concern as it has dented the image of this country.”

    Ndume also noted that Perry’s claim came shortly after the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, raised alarm that terrorist groups in the country were receiving sponsorship and training from international organizations.

    Calls for investigation and security briefing

    After his presentation, other senators echoed the need for an in-depth probe into the alleged international financing of terrorism in Nigeria.

    Past efforts

    On his part, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, noted that previous intelligence efforts to trace terrorist funding sources had not yielded the desired results.

    “The intelligence agencies in Nigeria have in the past made numerous attempts to investigate the funding of these terrorists and bandits through various ways, but did not yield the much desired results,’’ he said.
    In his contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi, called for a high-level security briefing, emphasising that such sensitive matters should not be debated openly in the Senate.

    Instead, he proposed a closed-door meeting with the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, the Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, DIA.

    Ningi said: “We do not need a very robust, elaborate debate because the apex lawmaking body of the country, the Senate, needs to be briefed, first and foremost, by the head of various security agencies in a closed-door session.

    “Beyond the media, beyond what I know, beyond what you know, we have intelligent organisations that are funded by this government. I strongly feel that we need to carry just one prayer, that we invite the National Security Advisor, NIA and the director of DSS, for a closed-door session with the Senate on this particular matter because that is their prerogative, that is their field.

    “They have been funded to protect and ensure that the intelligence system functions well, protect this country against all odds. I’m sure this motion arose because of the inability of the government to make any pronouncement on this particular matter.”

    Akpabio warns against unverified claims

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who called for caution, warned against relying on unverified claims, especially those circulating on social media.

    He pointed out that false narratives and misinformation often gain traction online, making it crucial for the Senate to hear directly from security agencies before drawing conclusions.

    Akpabio said: “You know, social media is garbage in, garbage out. Everybody can say anything on the social media. Many of us have experienced social media attacks as well.

    “Sometimes, 99% of what is in the social media is inaccurate, sometimes, total speculation, and sometimes based on mischief. So, there is no way we can shift the mindset behind the bar.

    “We must hear from our own security agents and intelligence agencies. I also believe we should also look at the Defense Intelligence Agency, DIA.

    ‘’They will have information on past arrests and questionings and all that to brief us and security is not something we discuss in the market, it is something that should be discussed in closed session.’’

    Trump’s move

    At this point, Senator Ndume countered Akpabio’s remarks, asserting that the claims were not merely social media rumours, but were actively being investigated by the U.S. Congress.

    He added that Parliament Reports recalled that in January, Us President, Donald Trump, also suspended all foreign aid for 90 days, explaining that the pause was to determine whether the use of those funds aligned with America’s interests.

    Recall that the United States Mission in Nigeria Tuesday announced plans an investigation into how past aid allocation to Nigeria and other countries were utilised.

    In a post on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Mission confirmed that that monitoring systems were in place to track past assistance provided by the US government.

    ‘’Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to help very that US assistance reaches intended recipients,’’ the Mission had stated.

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu met last night with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio over the matter, at the president’s official residence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Although the agenda of the meeting was not made public at press time, it came hours after the Senate summoned intelligence chiefs to investigate allegations made by United States congressman, Scott Perry, that the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, had been funding terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram.

    Akpabio had earlier at plenary on ther floor of the Senate yesterday, said the federal government won’t allow USAID to continue operating in Nigeria, if found guilty of sponsoring terrorism.

  • Kidnapping, banditry: DSS officer testifies against NSCDC officials in court

    Kidnapping, banditry: DSS officer testifies against NSCDC officials in court

    Mr Stephen Okolo, a Department of State Service (DSS) official, has said that the deployment of technology aided the arrest of three security personnel facing charges of kidnapping and banditry in Oyo State.

    Okolo said this in his testimony before Justice N.E. Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, on Monday.

    He was giving evidence as first prosecution witness (PW1) in the trial against the three officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and one other.

    The three NSCDC’s officers are, Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale and Asmau Omar while the fourth defendant, Emmanuel Olatunji, is an unlicensed arms dealer.

    “My lord, following the increase in the cases of kidnapping and banditry in Okeogun area of Oyo State and parts of Kwara, the DSS fashioned out how to address the issue by deploying our technical expertise, that is equipment.

    “With sustained surveillance, we were able to detect, trace, and arrest the criminals involved.

    “My lord, two kingpins; one Baguda and the other Banshile, who were the most dangerous terrorists operating in that axis were identified in the process.

    “The operation which led to the arrest of one Lawan Buhari, and one of the NSCDC’s officials believed to be supplying ammunitions to the terrorists commenced in January 2023.

    “Further operation led to the arrest of the other three defendants; Okesola, Olatunji and Adewale,” Okolo told the court.

    The PW1 tendered before the court, a bag containing 1000 rounds of live ammunition as an exhibit collected from Buhari,.

    He said the command was able to break the chain of supply of ammunition to terrorists, which reduced the high rate of kidnapping and banditry in the areas.

    In his own testimony, Lawan Buhari, the PW2, said that he received thousands of naira supplying AK47 guns and bullets to the defendants who sent same to their terror links.

    “Before I was apprehended and detained at the 81 battalion barrack at Mokola, I was serving with the Operation Burst security outfit where the trio approached me to start supplying them arms,” Buhari said.

    The DSS prosecution Counsel, Mr T.A. Nurudeen told the court that the defendants were arraigned on a 15-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, terrorism, unlawful arms dealing, aiding and abetting terrorism.

    The four defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Maha adjourned the suit until Feb. 11 for continuation of trial.

  • Revenue: Tin Can Customs Targets N1.130tr, Declares 2024 Year of Stakeholders

    Revenue: Tin Can Customs Targets N1.130tr, Declares 2024 Year of Stakeholders

    Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi has disclosed that the command aims at collecting N1,130,768,051,851 as revenue for 2024 while declaring that the year is dedicated to stakeholders

    Nnadi who said this in Lagos at a press conference, expressed optimism in meeting the target with the cooperation of customs operatives and other stakeholders including importers, freight forwarders, haulage operators, the media and others.

    He said the command has been mandated by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to engage all stakeholders in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and foster a culture of compliance that would lead to enhanced revenue collection and trade facilitation.

    Giving a breakdown on how the revenue target would be achieved, Comptroller Nnadi said the command is aiming to generate 4,332,444,643.22 daily collection; 21,662,223,216.16 weekly and 94,230,670,990.11 monthly to meet up with the target.

    He said the command started 2023 with enhanced recovery guidelines, mitigating the risks of non compliance, achieved automation of its bond seat and revamped the command’s dispute resolution committee

    Comptroller Nnadi added that under his watch,the command has supported moves to decongest port corridors through regular engagement with Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders in the logistics chain of the Lagos port corridor

    On capacity building, Nnadi said the command aligned with the 2023 theme of International Customs Day which was ” Nurturing the Next Generation: Promoting a Culture of Knowledge-sharing and Professional Pride in Customs” to evolve a sustainable succession plan for the NCS.

    While declaring 2024 as a year of the stakeholders in Tin Can Island Port, Nnadi lauded compliant importers, freight forwarders and their agents for contributing to the revenue collection strides of the command and urged all other port users emulate the virtue of compliance through sincere declaration and prompt duty payment.

    He said “In the area of trade facilitation, the Command continues to provide a conducive environment for trade through continuous engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders and regulatory agencies of Government.

    “The Command has had several meetings with stakeholders in 2023;

    Meeting with fast track beneficiaries in the Command, addressing their challenges and opportunities for growth.

    “Engagements with NPA and Terminal Operators on the need to decongest the port corridors for free flow of import laden containers.

    “Collaboration of the Command with terminal operators on schedule and modalities on the overtime clearance of cargoes in TCIP.

    The shipping lines in TCIP are constantly inundated on the need to guide their NICIS access as the incidence of fraudulent/double transmission of bill ladings has become too prevalent in recent times.

    “Regular meetings with compliant and high net worth stakeholders like Crown Flour, Promasidor Nig Ltd, Hurlag Nig ltd, BUA etc. The Command encourages their businesses and proffer avenues for improvements in areas they need help.

    “Additionally, the dispute settlement structure of the Command aligns with the provisions of the import duty mechanism outlined in paragraph (H) subparagraph (8) of the Import Guidelines, Procedure and Documentation Requirements which allows an importer to take delivery of his cargo in the case of persistent dispute after securing a bank bond, the total duties and taxes payable on the item being disputed” he said

    In the area of Enforcement and Anti-smuggling activities of the Command, there were a total of 96 Detentions and 47 seizures made in 2023. The seizures include; 1264 packages weighing 473.50kg of Colorado (Cannabis Indica )with a street value of =N=118,381,184

    concealed in various containers from 8 seizures, 10 sacks of used clothing and 5 used fridges with a DPV of =N=3,170,821in 1x40ft Container, DFSU 6858264. Other detentions are; 3028 pieces of matches, 435 Cartons of De Ruth Tomato Paste, Unregistered Pharmaceutical Products in 1x 40ft Containers, MRSU 5923970, MRKU 5534321 and MRSU 5923970 respectively. 7X40ft Containers containing Bulk Charcoal with a DPV of =N=24,769,161. Twelve (12) different Arms, Six (6) different pistols, Five Hundred (500) Ammunition of Different Caliber extracted from 1X40ft Container, CMAU 8834719. 58 Bags and 3 Bags of Used Shoes concealed in 1X40 ft TGBU 4466688 and 1X40 ft MEDU 7552832 respectively, 987 bales of used clothing extracted from 3 Containers, suspected concealment in 2X20 ft declared as gauze rolls, one (1) unit of Land Rover Discovery with Chassis number, SALCT2BG4FH527794, Suzuki Carry with Chassis number, MHYESL4152J115591, Mercedes Benz C300 WITH Chassis number, WDDGF8BB9AK093016S. In addition to the above, other detentions made include; supermarket items extracted from various containers, 32 packs of 50 pieces each of Toilet Paper, 531 cartons of pharmaceutical products and 80 cartons of beauty products.

    Seizure was also made of 615 sacks of Water Buffalo Horns, 2500 Cartons of frozen poultry with a DPV of =N=47,365,957, 3642 Bags of Basmati Rice of 20kg each, household goods, arms and ammunition and military wears concealed in 1X20 ft Container, TGHU 0510362. The total DPV of the seized goods and street value of the narcotics amounted to =N=3,160,972,083.50.

    Additionally, there were 50,297 containers with a breakdown of 15, 289 20ft containers, 34,55740ft containers and451 45ft containers used as means conveyance of goods through January to December, 2023 at Tincan Island Port. Also, there were 1,430 units of new vehicles and 4,342 units of used vehicles imported through the ports. In terms of revenue generation, the enforcement unit through painstaking efforts and interventions aided the Command through Demand Notices to the sum of =N=210,781,823.00.

    In terms of Export, the total of tonnage of goods exported through Tincan island Port for the year under review in Metric Tonnes was 623,694.7 MT with a total F.O.B. of =N=489,221,453,693. Nnadi described it as an impressive growth with a notable increase of 85.5% in tonnage and 101.9% increase in FOB Value when compared to the year, 2022.

    The products exported through the command in the year under review include;

    Agricultural Products like Cocoa Beans, cashew Nuts, Sesame seeds, Soya Beans, Hibiscus Flower, etc.

    Locally Manufactured Goods like Cosmetics, Hair Attachments, Indomie Noodles, Beverages, Cigarettes, and Insecticides.

    Mineral Resources such as Lithium Ore, Tin Ore, Fluorite Ore, Aluminium Ingots and Lead Ingots and others.

    Goods previously imported after the payment of 2.5% levy on the current value of the goods with government permission.Other various exports like Charcoal, Personal Effects, Items for Repair and Return.

    He acknowledged the critical role played by the other customs units and sister agencies like the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Valuation unit, Customs Strike force, Federal Operations Unit as well as interventions by sister regulatory agencies such as NDLEA, NAFDAC, DSS, SON, the Nigeria Police and others in making these seizures and detentions.

  • DSS clears ministerial nominees for Senate screening

    DSS clears ministerial nominees for Senate screening

    The Department of State Services (DSS) have cleared the ministerial nominees put forward for President Bola Tinubu.

    This means the Senate will now screen the nominees for confirmation.

    Meanwhile, Senator Lado in a statement on Monday has confirmed that ministerial nominees have commenced documentation ahead of their screening and confirmation by the Senate, which commences on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

    The statement read, “He stated that the nominees were already submitting relevant documents as first in the series of procedures for the screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees.

    “The nominees are expected to be screened and confirmed by the Senate in compliance with Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended).”

    Recall that President Tinubu had written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation
    of appointments of seven ministerial nominees announced in Abuja on Wednesday.