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Customs Seizes Contraband Worth N3.24 Billion in Lagos

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Customs Seizes Contraband Worth N3.24 Billion in Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, has intercepted 220 consignments of prohibited and smuggled goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.24 billion and recovered N728.98 million in lost revenue.

The seizures were the result of intelligence-led operations, improved risk profiling, rigorous compliance checks and targeted enforcement actions against suspicious and fraudulent declarations.

The Unit said the seizures were of a wide variety of prohibited and controlled items including 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, equivalent to eight trailer loads; 12 foreign-used vehicles; 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis (Sativa) weighing 1,439.9kg; 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1kg; one parcel of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg; 13 parcels of granular cannabis weighing 1.35kg; 240,000 tablets of Tramadol and 12,000 tablets of Hypnox.

Other items intercepted included 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg; 964 25-litre jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, equivalent to 24,100 liters; 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil containing four five-liter units each; 686 cartons of foreign poultry products; 414 bales of used clothing; and 2,947 used tires, among others.

Reacting to the seizures and revenue recovery, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone A, said the development was a major accomplishment recorded by the Unit in its bid to protect government revenue and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.

He said the Unit will continue to detect and recover revenue lost thru under-declaration, false declaration, undervaluation and other forms of customs fraud.

The Comptroller advised importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to strictly adhere to the extant customs laws and regulations.

Read Also: Nigerian Stock Market Surpasses Historic N160 Trillion Mark Amid Sustained Investor Interest

“The Customs Service continues to be dedicated to facilitating legitimate trade and establishing a fair and predictable trading environment for compliant businesses,” he said.

Aliyu, however, warned that the Unit would continue its zero-tolerance policy toward smuggling, revenue evasion and other activities that threaten Nigeria’s economic interests.

Intercepting foreign parboiled rice, vegetable oil, poultry products, foreign-used vehicles, used clothing and other prohibited goods will help protect local industries, support domestic production, strengthen food security and protect legitimate government revenue, the Comptroller said.

The seizure of illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products is an important intervention in protecting public health by preventing the circulation of substances capable of harming citizens and undermining the wellbeing of young Nigerians, said Comptroller Aliyu.

“The recovery of elephant tusks highlights the Service’s role in combating illegal wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species,” he added.

The Comptroller attributed the successes recorded by the Unit to improved intelligence gathering, successful risk profiling, intelligence fusion, inter-agency collaboration and the cooperation of stakeholders and members of the public.

Nigerian Stock Market Surpasses Historic N160 Trillion Mark Amid Sustained Investor Interest

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Nigerian Stock Market Surpasses Historic N160 Trillion Mark Amid Sustained Investor Interest

The Nigerian stock kicked off the week on a positive note as renewed buying interest in Airtel Africa Plc, others pushed the market market capitalization above historic N160trillion mark.

The stock price of Airtel Africa went up by 8.59 per cent and the market capitalization value appreciated by N1.91 trillion or 1.2 per cent to close at N160.422 trillion compared with N158.513 trillion it opened for trading.

However, Airtel Africa’s single gain of 8.59 per cent saw its market capitalization at N23.7 trillion as of August 10, 2026 closing of trading activities on NGX, emerging as the most capitalized stock on NGX.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 2,956.15 basis points or 1.20 per cent to close at 248,529.75 basis points from 245,573.60 basis points recorded at the close of trading last week.

This brings the NGX ASI in its year-to-date (YTD) return improved to 59.71per cent, from 57.81per cent in the previous week.

The market was negative with 36 decliners and 23 advancers. Fortis Global Insurance gained 10 per cent to close at N2.86, per share. Chams Holding Company came next with a gain of 9.80 per cent to close at N4.48, while NAHCO increased by 9.29 per cent to close at N153.00, per share.

Airtel Africa gained 8.59 percent to close at N6,300.00, and Sovereign Trust Insurance rose 6.59 percent to close at N1.78, per share.

In the meantime, AVA Capital topped the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N9.90, per share. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) dropped 9.92 per cent to close at N64.95, while Caverton Offshore Support Group fell 9.09 per cent to close at N5.00, per share.

Ikeja Hotel lost 8.41 per cent to close at N43.00, while FTN Cocoa Processors shed 8.37 per cent to close at N8.10, per share.

Read Also: UBA Partners Mikano Motors to Offer New Vehicles With 30% Down Payment

The total volume fell by 25.11 per cent to 1.137 billion units, valued at N27.017 billion, and exchanged in 59,185 deals. The activity chart was led by transactions in the shares of Consolidated Hallmark Holdings with 354.069 million shares worth N1.534 billion. Fortis Global Insurance followed with 307.343 million units worth N818.333 million, while Access Holdings traded 48.075 million units valued at N1.369 billion.

Chams Holding Company traded 37.371 million shares worth N163.296 million, while First Holdco traded 35.755 million shares worth N5.118 billion.

Going forward, the market is expected to continue its bullish trend as investors sentiment is turning positive, but residual profit-taking may slow down the pace of any recovery, Cowry Assets Management Limited said.

UBA Partners Mikano Motors to Offer New Vehicles With 30% Down Payment

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UBA Partners Mikano Motors to Offer New Vehicles With 30% Down Payment

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is collaborating with Mikano Motors to launch a new vehicle financing scheme that will enable Nigerians acquire brand new vehicles with an initial deposit of 30 percent, while the bank will finance the remaining 70 percent.

The initiative tagged, “Drive Your Dream Today” was unveiled on Monday at the Mikano Motors showroom, Victoria Island, Lagos as the two companies want to make vehicle ownership more accessible thru structured consumer credit.

Under the arrangement, eligible customers will pay 30 per cent of the cost of their vehicle of choice, while UBA will finance the balance. The loan is to be repaid over a period of 36 months at an interest rate of 23 per cent.

The scheme is targeted at both the salaried and self employed Nigerians. UBA also said individuals without a fixed monthly income can participate, on meeting the bank’s eligibility conditions.

The initiative is expected to provide an alternative for prospective vehicle buyers who might not be able to afford the entire cost of a new vehicle upfront, while allowing them to pay off the cost over a period of three years.

“The partnership was born out of the need to make vehicle ownership more accessible to hardworking Nigerians,” said UBA’s Group Executive Director-designate, Personal and Business Banking, Chidi Okpala.

“ Owning a car should be within the reach of hardworking Nigerians, and this partnership makes it far more achievable,” Okpala said.

Read Also: Indonesia Deploys Aircraft to Battle Worsening Forest Fires

Customers will only pay 30 per cent of the vehicle’s value, while UBA will finance the remaining 70 per cent to be repaid over three years, he said.

Okpala said the initiative was part of the bank’s broader effort to deepen access to credit and encourage Nigerians to embrace responsible borrowing as a way of solving major financial needs.

UBA’s Group Head, Consumer Lending, Frank Okoh explained that the financing process has been deliberately simplified for customers with varying income profiles.

“We have made entry simple and the terms clear whether you are on a salary or running your own business,” said Okoh.

He said prospective customers would first undergo an eligibility check which could be done at any UBA branch or thru email.

After the customer is approved, the applicant can obtain a proforma invoice from Mikano Motors for the vehicle of his choice and continue with the financing process.

The extension of the scheme to cater for self-employed customers and Nigerians without a regular monthly salary increases the potential reach of the scheme especially for Nigerians who have an income pattern that does not fit the conventional monthly salary structure that some of the lending arrangements require

Mikano Motors said the partnership with UBA is expected to improve access to the range of its vehicles and also enable customers to enjoy the company’s after-sales support.

“The goal of Mikano Motors is not to sell vehicles but to give our customers a complete ownership experience,” said Tarek Mostafa, general manager, Mikano Motors.

Mostafa said: “Mikano Motors was established to offer Nigerians a high-end ownership experience from the showroom to years down the road.

He said the company’s after sales services include providing genuine spare parts, maintenance and servicing support throughout the country.

Mostafa stated that the partnership with UBA would give more Nigerians access to Mikano vehicles and the support services that accompany ownership.

“Partnering with UBA allows more customers to experience that, and we are proud to build deep relationships with a bank that shares our commitment to service,” he added.

The vehicle financing scheme is in line with UBA’s drive to expand consumer lending and develop financial products that enable people to meet big-ticket purchase needs without paying the full amount upfront, the bank said.

The deal comes amid rising interest in vehicle finance as consumers and companies look for ways to cope with the rising cost of new cars.

The Drive Your Dream Today scheme allows eligible customers to own a brand new Mikano Motors vehicle thru a structured repayment plan that combines a 30 percent down payment with bank financing for the remaining 70 percent.

According to the bank, interested customers can start the process by checking their eligibility with UBA, before selecting their desired vehicle and getting the required proforma invoice from Mikano Motors.

Indonesia Deploys Aircraft to Battle Worsening Forest Fires

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Indonesia Deploys Aircraft to Battle Worsening Forest Fires

Indonesia has stepped up efforts to put out forest and land fires in six priority provinces, sending aircraft to conduct cloud-seeding operations as authorities try to bring rain and limit haze blanketing the region.

El Niño is strengthening, bringing a longer and harsher dry season this year for the country, increasing the risk of drought, wildfires and worsening air pollution.

Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry data showed 107,465 hectares of land burned between January and June, a 110 per cent increase from the same period in 2023 when the last significant impact of El Niño was felt in the country.

“We are on alert because the weather conditions really make it possible for these fires to become larger,” Chief Security Minister Djamari Chaniago told reporters Monday.

Read Also: Davido Backs Adeleke, Fires Back at APC: ‘You Can’t Stop God’s Project’

“Indications pointed to the El Nino having reached its peak in Indonesia,” Djamari said.

The government has determined six priority provinces for fire control efforts, namely Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra on Sumatra Island, and West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan on Borneo.

There were also reports of fires in other parts of the country, including Java, Papua and Nusa Tenggara .

The city’s mayor said that in Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, classes for all students have been shifted online due to deteriorating air quality caused by haze.

Authorities had deployed 43 helicopters and 15 fixed-wing aircraft to combat the fires, Djamari said.

Cloud seeding operations have also been carried out using salt flares to induce rain. However, he noted that efforts had been hampered by a shortage of rain-bearing clouds.

We therefore watch the weather very closely, even the smallest changes in it. “When there’s a good chance of getting rain clouds, we do cloud-seeding operations right away,” he said.

And the haze’s effects have crossed Indonesia’s borders. Air quality readings of 11 locations in Malaysia’s Sarawak State, which shares Borneo island with Indonesia, were unhealthy on Tuesday, the country’s environmental department said.

The state education department of Sarawak told schools to stop outdoor activities when the temperature was too high or the air quality index was above 100.

A fire at Mount Bromo National Park in East Java Province that destroyed at least 899 hectares on Java Island had been mostly put out, local disaster mitigation agency Chief Gatot Soebroto said.

Some 150 personnel remained deployed on Tuesday to tackle the remaining blaze, which was still burning across at least two hectares.

Davido Backs Adeleke, Fires Back at APC: ‘You Can’t Stop God’s Project’

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Davido Backs Adeleke, Fires Back at APC: ‘You Can’t Stop God’s Project’

Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has blasted the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as attempts to frustrate development in Osun State.

Davido said this on Monday in reaction to the massive turnout at the inauguration of the Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife by his uncle, the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke.

The singer, who has been a vocal supporter of the governor and his administration, posted videos from the inauguration on his X account, along with comments praising the project and the crowd that attended the event.

Davido, reacting to a video showing the crowd that gathered for the event, wrote, “Jesus, see Ile-Ife crowd!! For @AAdeleke_01!!!! That’s a deal! “You can’t stop God’s project!”

In another post, the singer criticized the APC, asking why the party would allegedly oppose projects in the state.

“APC is just backwards,” he wrote. Why would they do anything to stop progress?” Thot y’all were progressives??

Read Also: Rivers Cult Clash: Gunshots Reported at Ignatius Ajuru University

He also appeared to poke fun at the influencers and supporters at the event, writing, “Belt to ass this weekend!!!! Nah. Pay 100,000 influencers if you want. Dem come for free hotel and food.”
The posts followed the inauguration of the Lagere Flyover and the dualization of the Mayfair Roundabout–Palace Junction Road in Ile-Ife by Adeleke.

One of the major infrastructure projects of the Adeleke administration in the ancient city is the Lagere Flyover, located at the busy Lagere Junction.

Adeleke flagged off the project in May 2024 to ease traffic congestion around the Lagere area, a major commercial and transport hub linking several parts of Ile-Ife.

The project, which involves the flyover and associated road expansion and dualization works, has been quoted to cost about N14.9bn.

The road corridor connects the Lagere area toward Iremo Road and the axis leading to the Ooni of Ife’s Palace. The wider project is expected to ease traffic flow and connectivity within the city.

A large crowd of residents, supporters and other stakeholders graced the inauguration, with clips of the event widely shared on social media.

Davido’s comments come just days before the Osun State governorship election on August 15, in which Adeleke is seeking re-election.

Rivers Cult Clash: Gunshots Reported at Ignatius Ajuru University

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Rivers Cult Clash: Gunshots Reported at Ignatius Ajuru University

Suspected rival cultists went on rampage at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, exchanging gunfire on Monday.

It was gathered that the clash was between two rival cult groups identified as Vikings and Clansmen confraternities in a battle for supremacy.

While the immediate cause of the clash could not be ascertained, it was gathered that the violence between the rival groups erupted during the ongoing Students’ Union Government Week of the university.

No casualty was recorded but a viral video of the incident making rounds on social media showed students scampering for safety as gunshots rented the air.

Academic activities were suspended thereafter and most students left campus or stayed in classrooms and hostels to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

A Port Harcourt-based rights activist, Charles Jaja, who commented on the incident, said the clash showed that the management of the institution had lost control of the campus of the state-owned institution.

Jaja, who said such development was unacceptable, especially in a university, called on the university authorities to brace up to the challenge of rampaging cultists in the school.

“The gunshot yesterday at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education is a sad reminder of what a university ought not to be and I think the school management has lost control of its campus,” he said.

“There must be a conscious effort on their (management’s) part to do things differently. And I think they should understudy what was done at the Rivers State University (sister institution) under the watch of Prof. Barineme Fakae as Vise Chancellor then.

His model was simple. All that was needed to push cultism to the barest minimum was just enforcement of rules and intelligence driven security and swift sanctions and that gave birth to the peace on the campus.

“This is what I am advocating because at a time a university which is supposed to be a place for character building, research and learning has now become a theater for cultism and violence. This is not okay.”

Also speaking to our correspondent on Tuesday morning, another rights activist and National Coordinator, Center for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, expressed concern over repeated cult clashes in the school.

The latest clash, Wiro said, was an embarrassment to the institution and the state government.

There have been some incidents of cult clashes reported in and around the university in the last one year before the latest incident on Monday.

Read Also: Industrial Action: NCAA Urges Aviation Unions to Suspend Strike Threat

“Such repeated incidents suggest that the security arrangements in the institution may not be adequate. It will also erode confidence of parents on the security architecture of the University and many parents may not wish their children to be admitted in the University.

“I use this medium to call on the Rivers State Governor who is the visitor to the institution to invite the leadership of the University with a view to discussing ways of enhancing security in and out of the institution,” he said.

Spokesman for the state police vommand, Blessing Agabe, told Tuesday morning that it was a clash between rival gangs in the campus.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Agabe dismissed claims that the gunshots heard during the clash were not fired by operatives, insisting that men of the command promptly responded to a distress call and arrived at the scene, restoring calm.

“It was a fight between two cult groups,” she said. Police responded quickly and arrived on the scene in good time and managed to bring the situation under control, saying investigation is ongoing.

“Police did not fire any shots, as the officers only took necessary proactive steps to contain and arrest the situation. No one was killed. “But members of the groups fled the scene, and investigation is underway to identify and arrest those involved.”

Industrial Action: NCAA Urges Aviation Unions to Suspend Strike Threat

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Industrial Action: NCAA Urges Aviation Unions to Suspend Strike Threat

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on aviation unions to suspend their current industrial action and embrace dialog, adding that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, is working to resolve the issues.

The NCAA said it was aware of the action by the unions and its impact on passengers and other stakeholders in a statement on Tuesday by its Director General Capt. Chris Najomo.

Earlier reports had it that the crux of the dispute which led to the industrial action was the failure by some airlines to remit the 5 per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC).

Airlines are mandated by law to collect the statutory levy on each passenger ticket and remit it to the NCAA, which then shares the revenue among regulatory and safety agencies including NCAA, NAMA and NiMet. ebeb

Union leaders under the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employes (NUATE) say several indigenous carriers have amassed billions of naira in unremitted TSC deductions which they say has robbed aviation agencies of operational liquidity.

The unions issued a final seven-day ultimatum on July 28, after a 14-day notice period expired, warning of ground disruptions and service stoppages if the debts were not cleared.

This newspaper also reported that NUATE and ATSSSAN grounded the operations of Air Peace in Abuja and Lagos in the early hours of Tuesday over allegations of preventing workers from unionizing and non-remittance of ticket sales charges owed to the NCAA.

The unions, led by the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), said they were forced to picket the airline after a warning issued on August 4, when the unions announced a notice of picketing and said they were ready to strike “at any time without further notice.”

NCAA, in its statement, said the matter would have been discussed at a meeting convened by the Aviation minister last week but the meeting could not hold as the airline operators did not turn up for the meeting.

The NCAA urged the unions “to put their swords away and exercise restraint until the return” of the minister, who they said has been actively working to resolve the issues.

The NCAA told travelers flight safety has not been compromised and the authority still carries out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.

We urge all sides to engage in dialog and cooperation. “We are confident the issue will be resolved shortly and that normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable,” the statement continues.

The NCAA also expressed regret over the inconvenience to passengers and thanked them for their patience and understanding.

Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had kicked against any disruption of service, noting that airlines have no direct transactional relationship with the unions on TSC and that the action is based on misinformation.

AON added that soaring aviation fuel costs and various levies have put local carriers under severe financial pressure.

Yusuf Challenges Jingir Over ‘Infidel’ Comment, Asks What Remi Tinubu and Seyi Would Think

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Yusuf Challenges Jingir Over ‘Infidel’ Comment, Asks What Remi Tinubu and Seyi Would Think

Political strategist, Baba Yusuf has wondered how First Lady, Remi Tinubu and her son Seyi would react to the recent remarks made against Christians by an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Jingir.

It was reported that Jingir, while addressing a political gathering attended by about three governors and prominent individuals, had asked those against the Muslim-Muslim ticket to leave Nigeria and labelled Christians as ‘infidels.’

Reacting during an appearance on Arise News, Yusuf noted that while the cleric attempted to promote the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s diverse society, he overlooked the fact that both the First Lady and the president’s first son, Seyi, are Christians.

Yusuf, a Muslim, asserted that Jingir’s comments regarding the Muslim-Muslim ticket were solely his own, driven by personal interests, and emphasized that such statements reflected religious intolerance.

He argued that a leader of Jingir’s experience, given his long tenure as an Islamic cleric, should recognize that his words carried significant weight and could potentially harm Nigeria, asserting that such rhetoric was unacceptable.

Read Also: Peter Obi Denies Urging Soldiers to Reject Salary Increase

He said, “As a Muslim, I firmly reject religious extremism. I oppose the hateful narratives propagated by leaders, particularly those in religious positions.

“I must emphasize that Sheikh Jingir’s remarks are his own and stem from self-interest, as this is not the conduct we expect from political leaders, even within political circles; such statements are demagogic.

“They are steeped in religious bigotry, and a leader of his stature, considering his age, societal standing, and extensive experience as an Islamic cleric, should understand that his words can have dire consequences for our nation.

“Thus, I find these remarks entirely unacceptable. I assert, and welcome correction, that the majority of Muslims do not support such irresponsible statements from this Islamic cleric.

“What struck me as most dissonant was my observation of the reactions from the governors, other political figures, and community leaders present. Their facial expressions and overall demeanor conveyed a sense of dismay that, to me, was even more troubling than Jingir’s statement.

“It is particularly disheartening that, even after hours, days, and counting, there has been no response from political leaders to alleviate the concerns of our Muslim brothers and sisters, and indeed, those of all faiths, especially regarding the derogatory term ‘infidel.’

“Furthermore, I find myself questioning the thoughts of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a Christian, as well as the president, whose eldest son is also a Christian.

“Given that the president leads a diverse household and government, I wonder how he reconciles his position with the remarks made by an individual labeling others as infidels in an attempt to promote a Muslim-Muslim ticket. This, for me, is the crux of the matter.

“If we genuinely aspire for a united Nigeria, we must transcend these divisions. I had not realized the extent of the political decay until I witnessed this situation. I had anticipated a counter-position to be articulated in response to this issue.”

Peter Obi Denies Urging Soldiers to Reject Salary Increase

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Peter Obi Denies Urging Soldiers to Reject Salary Increase

The 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described as false the report that he asked Nigerian soldiers to reject the salary increase approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Obi said this in a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, calling on Nigerians and the Armed Forces to disregard the report.

“I wish to address a recent report that falsely attributes a statement to me, suggesting that Nigerian soldiers should refuse any salary increments until after the elections. This assertion is entirely untrue,” he said.

It was recalled that President Tinubu had approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the armed forces, effective September 1, 2026.

The pay package, which is expected to benefit about 250,000 personnel, will raise the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660bn to N924bn, according to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In response, the former Anambra state governor said his respect for members of the security forces remained unwavering, adding that he had consistently advocated adequate equipment, motivation and protection for security personnel.

He equally recalled an incident in which soldiers were killed by insurgents, saying it prompted him to question the protection provided to troops, stressing that the welfare and safety of security personnel would be a priority if he were elected president.

The presidential candidate also pledged that troops would not be left unprotected in dangerous situations under his leadership.

Oyo School Abduction: DSS Releases Carpenter, Pays N3m Compensation

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Oyo School Abduction: DSS Releases Carpenter, Pays N3m Compensation

The Department of State Services has released a carpenter arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after investigators found no evidence linking him to the attack.

The carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, was released on the orders of the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, following an investigation into allegations that he was involved in the incident.

A security source familiar with the case said the DSS investigation established that the Katsina-born artisan was neither a member of a terrorist organisation nor operationally connected to Ansaru.

“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source said.

The source added that Ajayi subsequently ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved an initial ₦3 million compensation to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.

“Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him following his discharge from custody,” the source said.

The carpenter reportedly expressed appreciation to the DSS director-general for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.

Forgive, who received Marwana after his release, also commended Ajayi for his role in establishing his client’s innocence and approving the compensation.

The source said the payment was part of measures being adopted by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.

“Since his appointment as DSS DG, Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of over N300m as compensation,” the source said.

“There are many more instances where DSS investigations have established innocence and have been followed by efforts to facilitate reintegration. These are the kind of measures through which the Service is strengthening public confidence and building trust,” the source added.

The source also recalled previous cases in which compensation was paid to individuals cleared after security operations or investigations.

The development follows the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire, where suspected Ansaru terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Two of the victims were killed before the remaining captives regained their freedom on July 10 following a military operation.

Several suspects have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the attack. Three have been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while other suspects, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are standing trial.

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