Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), recently disclosed a concerning incident involving the apprehension of individuals in possession of codeine syrup.
According to Babafemi on his official X handle, a PhD student and another individual studying abroad were taken into custody after bottles of codeine syrup were discovered in the luggage they were carrying for a female friend overseas.
Babafemi emphasised that this situation could have resulted in imprisonment if the NDLEA had not intervened to ensure the responsible party was promptly sent back home.
He posted “A PhD student and another student studying abroad got into custody because bottles of codeine syrup were found in the luggage they picked for their female friend abroad.
“That’d have been jail if NDLEA had not worked hard to ensure the owner was put on the next flight home Reason why we warn you not to take any luggage you don’t know its content from anyone. Video shows how bags of opioids were concealed among spare parts coming from Onitsha heading to Mubi in Adamawa.”
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya for breaking the world chess marathon record.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement made available by the Governor via his official Twitter handle as read in part:
“Congratulations to Chess Master Tunde Onakoya on breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York. Your journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition embodies the spirit of our great city.
“Tunde continues to demonstrate that greatness can emerge from even the most humble beginnings. His remarkable story serves as a blueprint for all of us in Lagos-a city where his impact has been felt the most, showing that with determination, dreams can indeed soar to monumental heights.
“Tunde’s entire journey was showcased on digital billboards and celebrated with watch parties, capturing the true spirit of Lagos. Despite enduring pain and fatigue, Tunde persevered, driven by his commitment to empower the children he champions.
“This is your moment, Tunde, and Lagos stands with you every step of the way”.
The Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has launched two soft drinks, Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric Energy Drink.
At the event recently, the monarch described the drinks as a dream come true, adding that the products would bring pride to Africa.
He congratulated Tingo BV Plc, the makers of the beverages, on reaching a significant milestone for indigenous businesses.
Ooni, who served as the official host of the launch, noted that both Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric Drink uphold local content principles.
He said, “Between 80 and 85 per cent of the ingredients are locally sourced or manufactured in Nigeria. I’m very proud to say that this product is an exportable product.”
The royal father, who is also the Chairman of Tingo BV Plc, declared his support for Tingo drinks as the brand’s “number one ambassador” while promising to guard it towards success.
“Today, I am telling the whole world that I have taken up the responsibility for these products because it is one of my passions. I dreamed that one day I would be part of a team to design, conceptualise and put together a drink that would be the pride of not only Nigeria but the entire continent of Africa. Today, we celebrate the realisation of that vision with Tingo Cola and Tingo electric drinks,” he added.
Speaking, the founder of Tingo Foods, Dozi Mmobuosi, noted, “Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric represent not only a triumph of innovation but also a celebration of Nigerian ingenuity.”
Mmobuosi remarked that the team was proud to showcase these exceptional beverages to the world and was deeply grateful for the support of the monarch.
The founder disclosed that Tingo BV would be distributing its products through Ojaja Malls, which are currently in two major cities and expanding to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, as well as online platforms.
“The Tingo range of beverages will subsequently include more flavours. These varieties are Tingo Electra energy drink, Tingo Twist, Tingo B
Mr Joseph Aloba, the father of late Nigerian artist Mohbad, has explained why he insisted on a paternity test for his grandson, Liam Light.
He disclosed in a recent interview that Mohbad did not name Liam, but rather his wife, Wunmi Aloba.
According to the clergyman and musician, he planned to call his grandson Victor, but Wunmi gave him Liam, which raised his suspicions about the 1-year-old boy’s birth.
Since Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, and was first buried in Ikorodu, Lagos State, his family has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute over his assets and is undergoing a DNA test on Liam.
According to reports, Mr. Aloba is delaying the singer’s reburial until a paternity test is conducted. It’s important mentioning that the Lagos State Court has ordered Wunmi to do a DNA test on Liam.
In a recent interview, he revealed that he suspected Mohbad’s son’s birth since his name is Liam, which is Muslim rather than Christian.
In his words, “My son did not give him Liam. I wanted to give him Victor, they said no, they gave him Liam. And it’s Muslim that bear Liam not Christian. That was when I suspected that the boy’s Placenta that they did not give me during his birth was given to the real father of the child”.Social media users flooded comment section with their thoughts.
In response to recent calls for secession in the South West region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to take strong action against anyone threatening the unity and independence of Nigeria.
Tinubu’s statement follows incidents involving the Yoruba Nation movement attempting to seize government buildings in Oyo State.
Over the weekend, individuals believed to be Yoruba Nation supporters wearing military attire stormed the Oyo State secretariat in Ibadan in an effort to take control of the State House of Assembly. They were swiftly apprehended by security forces.
The attempted takeover was reportedly led by Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, who, in a widely circulated video, proclaimed the secession of Yorubaland from Nigeria.
During a meeting with Afenifere leaders at the State House, President Tinubu reiterated his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and democratic principles, emphasizing that those who challenge the country’s sovereignty will face severe repercussions.
Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration is resolute in defending Nigeria’s borders and safeguarding its citizens, highlighting progress made in combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
The president further stated that his government will not yield to those attempting to disrupt the nation’s stability and will intensify efforts to maintain security.
These statements from Tinubu come in the midst of escalating demands for self-governance from various ethnic groups, particularly in the South East and South West regions.
Additionally, Oba Falae praised Tinubu for infrastructure projects like the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos and urged the president to prioritize fairness, equity, and constitutional reforms to empower states.
The meeting concluded with reassurances of support for the president’s initiatives, highlighting the importance of reciprocal engagements for national development.
Twenty nine suspects have been arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate Court for their alleged involvement and roles in the invasion of Oyo state secretariat at the weekend with intention to hijack government.
The suspects comprising male, female, young and old were arraigned on a seven count charge bothering on treasonable felony, going armed in conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and order, illegal possession of firearms amongst others.
Their offences, according to the Investigative Police Officer, Bakare Rasaq, an Inspector with the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan are contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.
Presiding over the case, the Chief Magistrate OO Ogunkanmi adjourned the case to the 1st of August 2024 for hearing and ordered that the suspects be remanded at the state correctional centre, Agodi.
Former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai recently stated that the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu is currently subsidizing fuel for Nigerians. El-Rufai expressed this view during an interaction with journalists in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday, noting that the FG is now spending more on fuel subsidy than before.
The President had announced the removal of fuel subsidies during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, mentioning that the country could no longer afford to provide this benefit to its citizens. However, this decision led to a surge in fuel prices and a subsequent increase in the cost of other goods and services, exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation since 2023.
Contrary to the earlier removal of the subsidy, El-Rufai revealed that the government had reinstated the fuel subsidy. He explained that the return of the subsidy was prompted by the realization that the measures introduced to mitigate its impact had not been effective in alleviating the economic burden, leading to the reimplementation of fuel subsidy by the federal government.
El-Rufai highlighted that many individuals might not be aware of the reinstated fuel subsidy. He suggested comparing petrol and diesel prices as evidence, noting that while diesel is priced above one thousand naira per litre, petrol remains at N600 per litre.
This price discrepancy indicates that the government is still subsidizing petrol, as per El-Rufai’s observations, aimed at addressing the shortcomings in the initial implementation of the fuel subsidy.
The Oyo State commissioner of police, CP Adebola Hamzat has listed out the names of the masked men who invaded the state secretariat on Saturday morning.
Hamzat in a statement made available to the press on Monday sated that “apart from providing clarity and dispelling speculations surrounding last Saturday’s event, it is pertinent as law enforcement to provide the General Public especially through our revered Media partners with a detailed account of what transpired with specific emphasis on arrests and exhibits recovered based on verifiable facts and truth.”
“On Saturday, at about 0855hrs, information was received that some men dressed in military-like camouflage, armed with pump action semi-automatic rifles, riding on motorcycles, were sighted moving into the main city from Olomi axis of Ibadan. At about 0915hrs, the hoodlums later known as Yoruba Nation Agitation Group were trailed to the State Secretariat, spreading from the Flyover to within the Premises of the Governor’s Office, and hoisted their Flag at the House of Assembly, proclaiming the creation of a “democratic republic of the Yoruba.”
With Police re-inforcement, the miscreants were warned to dispatch. The agitators turned violent and opened fire on the Police and a detachment of Amotekun corps present. The Police responded and were joined by Operation Burst Patrol teams and Personnel of other security agencies who suppressed the treason and dealt with the agitators in line with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). A Total of (21) Twenty-One Suspects were arrested, (7) Seven rifles made up of (5) Five English Pump Action semi-automatic rifles, (2) Two Wooden double barreled guns and other items of exhibits as displayed, were recovered.
While declaring this act as criminal, unpatriotic and a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism to be meted with adequate sanctions through purposeful prosecutions, the Command re-assures the good people of Oyo State that it remains solidly unwavering to the protection of their lives and property as constitutionally required by the laws of the land.
The continued existence of Nigeria as a sovereign indivisible entity is a task that must be accomplished. The labor of our heroes past shall never be in Vain. Oyo State Police Command will be unrelenting in ensuring the continued united corporate existence of Nigeria as a country.
The CP further sated that” as a Parent, I enjoin other Parents, Guardians and leaders in every sphere of political, religious and socio-economic influence to prevail on their children, ward, protégés and followers against being used by unpatriotic individuals to promote anarchy in the State and by extension, Nation. In addition, I would like to use this medium to remind the criminally minded that Oyo State is home to many responsible, hospitable and extremely intelligent individuals who pride themselves with creativity, hard-work and resourcefulness. Under my watch, it would not be reduced to a playground for the criminally minded and obviously misguided individuals or group who intend making their livelihood from distorting the relative tranquility enjoyed by the good people of the State”.
“To this end, while the security architecture of the Command has been immediately reviewed to enable it tackle the present day realities, the Oyo State Police Command enjoins residents to be generous with information and cooperate with the Command in a bid to rid the State of Criminal elements whose intent is to propagate their separatist agenda”.
” In the same vein, I have ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Tactical teams and formations throughout the Command to lead Security Operations from the Frontline”.
“These shall include; Intelligence led Motorized Patrols with relevant Sister Security Services, Intensive Stop and Search, Surveillance routines around places of residence, National critical infrastructures and raids to rid the state of criminal elements. Patriotic Citizens of Oyo State, the business of Security is for us all. If you see something, say something and the Police will immediately do something. In case of emergency, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 08081768614 with 615 (toll free) for the Oyo State Security Response Center “.
Summary of Arrests TWENTY–ONE SUSPECTS COMPRISING OF; TWENTY MALE ONE FEMALE SUSPECTS: –
ADEYEMO PETER ‘M’ AGE 75YR
ADEYEMO JOSEPH OLUWASEUN ‘M’ AGE 29YRS
AMOS OLUWATUYI OGUNDEJI ‘M’ 45YRS
AYANWALE ROFIAYAT ‘F’ AGE 25YRS
OLALERE MATHEW ‘M’ AGE 54YRS
MALOMO ISMAILA ‘M’ AGE 65YRS
FATOKI ANTHONY ‘M’ AGE 34YRS
MURITALA ABEFE ‘M
M’ 40YRS
ADEPOJU ISMAILA ‘M’ 45YRS
FATUNMBI WASIU ‘M’ AGE 30YRS
ISAAC FRIDAY ‘M’ AGE 27YR0S
AYANWALE SABURI ‘M’ AGE 28YRS
ELEGBEDE ADEOLA ‘M’ AGE 27YRS
ADEMOLA DENIYI ‘M’ AGE 29YRS
ALABI OGUNDEJI ‘M’ AGE 55YRS 16 OJO OLUFEMI ‘M’ AGE 52YRS
The students of Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, University of Ibadan organized symposium on energy crisis in Nigeria.
The symposium which was held on the 11th of April, 2024 started with first lecture which was delivered by Barr. Olawale Aro, General Manager, Legal and Regulatory Compliance, North-South Power Company Ltd, Nigeria, on the topic: Incessant Power Outages in Nigeria: Economic Implications and WayForward. Barr. Olawale Aro began the lecture by giving a run-down of the value chain in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) market structure, and pointed out that, part of the problem facing the power sector, is the way and manner the value chain was actually arranged between the Generation Companies (GenCos), the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET), Transmission Company (TCN) and Distribution Companies (DisCos). He emphasized that the revenue collected by the DisCos from customers within 30-day circle does not belong solely to the DisCos, but to the market which comprises TCN in its contribution of pushing out the product in the value chain, NBET, NERC, settlement of outstanding loans pumped into the value chain and the overall operations of the players; the monies being shared upwardly.
According to him, what the DisCos get at the end of the day is operational expenses. The problem begins, he said, where the DisCos cannot collect or retrieve from customers, the expected returns by the market (value chain), resulting in debts accrual and loss of value. He stated that currently, the market is being owed N1.6 Trillion in collections that the DisCos has not been able to collect. Giving further reasons why Nigerians continue to experience incessant power outages, Barr. Aro enumerated the reasons to include lack of gas supply, poor transmission and distribution infrastructures, distribution losses (Aggregated Technical & Commercial losses AT&C), liquidity issues and issues of capacity vs. demand. On economic implications, the learned practitioner listed same as reduced productivity, impact on SMEs, increased cost of business and impediment to investment. However, as regard wayforward, Barr. Aro emphasized on infrastructural investments; maintenance, upgrade and expansion of the grid; total overhaul of existing infrastructure for both transmission & distribution, encouraging alternative sources in renewable energies, policy & regulatory reforms, encouraging decentralization of Power generation and distribution to enhance efficiency, and capacity building (human capital development).
The second lecture titled “From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy: The Benefits and Opportunities for Nigeria”, was delivered by Mr. Tunde Gbajumo, Chief of Party, USAID Nigeria Power Sector Programme. He began by stressing the point that resolving the issue of POWER conundrum in Nigeria should not be left only for engineers but should involve lawyers, economists and engineers alike, which is in line with what CPEEL is doing. He expressed his experience over the years with REA established to roll out a programme called the Nigeria Electrification Project which has three pillars: promoting mini-grids in Nigeria, with over ten thousand communities in Nigeria that earmarked to benefit from same; deployment of solar home system and the Energize Education Programme where government with other agencies are working to provide electricity in Universities and hospitals. He emphasized that the idea is to switch from fossil noisy diesel generators to cleaner solutions. He stated that BUK Kano, was the first University where the project was launched with a capacity of providing 7 MW to power the University. He reiterated that at present, over 50% of Nigerians have no access to energy and also that inspite of what is put in place to phase out fossil fuels, fossil fuels will still be part of our energy mix in 2030. “What we are seeing now is a phase down, rather than a phase out”, he said. He pointed out that phase out may be possible between 2060 or thereabouts. On issue of emissions through gas flaring, Mr, Gbajumo spoke on government’s plan through the gas flare commercialization programme, for the purpose of commercializing the gas instead of flaring it, to reduce carbon emissions, in order to cushion the effects of climate change which has been blamed for various ills like herdsmen and farmer clashes, floods etc and stressed on the importance and benefits of renewables which, according to him, still face issues like financing, commercial, operational and enabling environment.
A discussant, Engr. Christopher Lawal, Head, Network Operations of Ibadan Electricity Distribution company (IBEDC), also contributed to the symposium, in his words, he identified lack of gas supply to GenCos as a major fall back of the reasons for incessant power outages in Nigeria. Further, he stated that the capacity of the Transmission company due to dilapidation of transmission facilities is another factor and called for upgrade of TCN facilities. He also identified massive load sharing due to increase in power demand, inadequate prompt response to breakdown of transmission lines and transformers, dilapidated network especially in DisCos, as factors responsible for incessant power outages. He therefore called for overhaul of the distribution lines and partnership with embedded power generation companies by DisCos as solutions to ease the issues of power outages in Nigeria.
The special guest of honour, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, President, Nigerian Economic Society (NES), while commenting, thanked the President and Excos of CPEELSA for organizing the programme and stated that the power sector needed a fundamental restructuring where the design of the privatization plans had to be revisited, and all stakeholders including the government, private sectors, and regulators can come together and take a second look at the privatization programme to detect where failures emanated from in the industry in order to nip it at the bud.
Also contributing to the Symposium, Prof. Fisoye Delano, President, Delphi Ventura Group, Texas USA, as a special guest of honour also talked about increasing and improving gas supply and infrastructures for the GenCos and also called on stability of gas supply as a means of improving power generation and supply.
There were Questions and Answers section and the programme was eventually brought to an end with a vote of thanks from the President of Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law Students’ Association (CPEELSA), Mr. Ismael Taiwo.
