The recent seizure of 844 guns at Onne Port in Rivers State has ignited a storm of controversies, with allegations of a cover-up and selective justice swirling around the Nigeria Customs Service.
The guns discovered within a shipment handled by Max Logistics, were recovered at the premises of the private terminal operator at the port, prompting questions about how such a significant cache of firearms could slip through customs clearance unnoticed.
Mr. Maxwell Orogodo, the manager of Max Logistics, finds himself at the center of this unfolding drama. His family alleges that he has been unfairly targeted while those higher-up evade accountability. According to a relative of Orogodo, who spoke to TVN on condition of anonymity, the sequence of events leading to Orogodo’s detention raises serious concerns about procedural integrity within the Customs Service.
“When the cargo arrived about three weeks ago, there was no indication of firearms during the initial inspection,” Orogodo’s relative stated. “Customs cleared the container, believing it contained iron doors and furniture. It was only later, during a subsequent inspection, that the guns were discovered at Max Logistics private terminal.”
The family contends that Orogodo cooperated fully with authorities once the firearms were found, facilitating inspections and providing access as required. However, instead of being treated as a cooperative party aiding the investigation, Orogodo was reported detained while his employer, Mr. Ajala Ojo Wahab, the CEO of Max Logistics, remained allegedly free.
“It’s clear there was a breakdown somewhere,” Orogodo’s nephew continued. “The guns didn’t magically appear at the private terminal. They passed through customs inspection at the port. The question is, who cleared the container? Who were the customs officers involved?”
The family alleges that Wahab’s influence shielded him from detention, despite his company’s central role in the incident. They claim the Customs even had the audacity to task Wahab with tracking down the importer of the firearms, a duty they argue falls outside his purview
“Mr. Wahab acts with impunity,” Orogodo’s nephew asserted. “He ignored pleas from my the family and his lawyer, refusing to engage with them while Orogodo languished in custody. This selective justice reeks of corruption and favoritism.”
Further complicating matters, the family revealed that Orogodo was abruptly transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) without notification to his lawyer or family. Attempts to visit him have been repeatedly denied, raising concerns about his welfare and legal rights.
READ ALSO:Suspected smuggler kills Customs officer in Jigawa
“We don’t even know if he’s eating or how he’s faring,” Orogodo’s relative lamented. “Meanwhile, those truly responsible seem to be evading justice.”
According to him, Wahab, facilitated the release of the two other employees of Max Logistics who were arrested alongside Orogodo because he did not want to incur the wrath of the local people.
He further revealed that the family learnt that one of the importers had been apprehended and moved to Abuja. He, however, alleged that a powerful individual from Anambra State is trying to secure his release.
The family’s frustration is palpable as they struggle to understand why Orogodo, a mere employee, faces prolonged detention while those in positions of power walk free. They question the motive behind keeping Orogodo isolated, and voice suspicions that a few customs officials may be protecting their own interests.
“We demand transparency,” Orogodo’s relative insisted. “If customs officers were involved in clearing the guns, they must be held accountable. Mr. Wahab cannot escape scrutiny simply because of his wealth and connections.”
As the investigation unfolds, with the suspects now reportedly transferred to Abuja, Orogodo’s family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice. They hope that shedding light on these alleged improprieties will lead to a fair resolution and accountability for all involved parties.
Calls to Mr Wahab’s known phone number went unanswered while WhatsApp messages sent to him were not responded to.
Efforts to also get reactions from the Nigeria Customs Service were unsuccessful.
The unfolding saga at Onne Port serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing regulatory oversight and judicial fairness in Nigeria, where the influence of wealth and power often casts a shadow over the pursuit of justice.
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Controversies trail Customs seizure of guns at Onne Port as suspect’s family alleges cover-up
Burna Boy, love of my life
British rapper and singer, Stephanie Allen, popularly known as Stefflon Don, has stated that award-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy, is the love of her life.
Stefflon Don made the claim in an interview with Fernando Halman on the Netherlands music platform, Real Talk, which was released on social media on Saturday.
When asked if Burna Boy still held a special place in her heart, the Jamaica-born singer responded with an unequivocal, “Yes!, with dreamy eyes and a voice softened by fond memories.
As the conversation continued, Stefflon Don didn’t shy away from revealing that she is currently in a relationship, but failed to reveal the identity of her current beau.
When asked if she is about to be married, Stefflon Don debunked any marriage rumours, making it clear that when she decides to walk down the aisle, the world will undoubtedly hear about it.
In 2022, Burna Boy released the breakout hit “Last Last” which is certified Platinum in the US. The song was rumoured to be about his relationship with Stefflon Don which ended in 2021.
When asked about a song written about her, Stefflon Don stated that Burna Boy admitted the song was about her.
“He has actually said that the song is about me,” she said.
Stefflon Don is just about the most celebrated girlfriend of the Nigerian singer and their love life was even more celebrated.
When the couple broke up three years ago, it was a rude shock to their fans as they appeared to be smitten by each other.
There were even rumours of the couple coming back together but it never panned out.
Police confirm eight female bodies recovered from Kenya dumpsite
A total of eight bodies, all of them female, have been recovered so far from a dumpsite in a Nairobi slum, Kenya’s acting police chief, Douglas Kanja, said on Sunday.
“They were severely dismembered in different states of decomposition and left in sacks,” Kanja told a press conference, adding that investigations into the gruesome find are ongoing.
Kanja said the first six corpses were found on Friday and body parts of another two women were found on Saturday.
“I would like to assure the public that we are committed to conducting transparent, thorough and swift investigations,” he added.
Kanja also called for public cooperation in the investigation “so that we bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to book”.
Kanja took up his post only this week after the resignation of national police chief Japhet Koome in the wake of public fury over the deaths of dozens of protesters during anti-government demonstrations last month.
AFP
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NDLEA intercepts cocaine, tramadol hidden in shoes, custard containers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has uncovered parcels of cocaine hidden in the soles of shoes bound for Europe.
In a separate discovery, tramadol pills were found concealed in custard containers.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, shared videos of the seized contraband on X com on Sunday.
The agency warned travelers to be cautious when accepting luggage or items from others to deliver, as they may be unaware of the contents.
Sharing the videos he wrote, “First video reveals moment #ndlea_nigeria officers discovered parcels of cocaine in soles of shoes going to Europe while the second one shows how tramo pills hidden in custard containers were uncovered.
“Another reason why you must be careful with any bag given to you to deliver.”
Watch Video Below
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Lagos police detain officer for raping 17-year-old
The Lagos State Police Command said it has detained one of its officers who allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl at the Area H Command in the Ogudu area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the detention to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, denied allegations that the police authority was shielding the suspected rapist.
Hundeyin explained that the officer in question had allegedly absconded after the incident but turned himself in on Saturday for questioning.
Hundeyin assured the public that the matter was not being swept under carpet, adding that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, had ordered the Gender Unit of the command to immediately investigate the case.
“The case is under full investigation. There is no plan to cover up the allegation,” he said.
According reported on Saturday that a 17-year-old girl had reported a case of rape against a senior officer attached to Area H Command Ogudu, Ojota area, to her parents.
The girl had sought help from the officer to recover her stolen phone, which led to the alleged sexual assault. The officer had offered to assist her after taking her statement, but instead, allegedly raped her.
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Driver, motor boy killed in Ogun fuel tanker accident
A fatal crash involving a petrol tanker has resulted in the deaths of at least three people, including the driver, Salau Semiu, and his assistant, known as Saheed, at Imope Village in Oru Ijebu along the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
Our correspondent learnt from the state police command on Saturday night that the accident occurred around 9:30am on Saturday when the driver of the tanker, with number plate T 623 LA X, lost control of the vehicle.
According to the police, the truck was carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, and was travelling from a depot in Lagos to Oyo State when it veered off the road and overturned, resulting in an explosion.
The explosion resulting from the accident, According Online learnt, claimed the lives of three individuals: the driver, his assistant, and an unidentified female passenger.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said, “The truck was carrying 45,000 litres of petrol loaded from Pinnacle Petrol Depot in Lagos and was travelling from Ijebu Ode towards Ibadan, Oyo State.
“We initiated an investigation into the accident, with the scene being visited by the Divisional Police Officer, Oru Division who mobilised traffic personnel to halt vehicular movement as well as the Ogun State Fire Service, who responded swiftly and the inferno was surmounted.
“Documentary photographs were taken, while the bodies of Salau Semiu and Saheed have been deposited in the State General Hospital mortuary. Emergency services, the Federal Road Safety Corps, OGS TRACE, and other security stakeholders were mobilised to manage the situation and clear the roadway.”
According Online reports that a similar accident was averted when a tanker carrying 33,000 litres of PMS fell at Odo-Sede in the Akeja area along Osi-Ikola in Ota.
The tanker, also travelling from Lagos, rolled back while ascending a hill and toppled onto its side on Akeja Road.
Ooni, SMEDAN unveil N1bn endowment fund for female entrepreneur
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, on Saturday, unveiled a N1billion endowment fund meant to support female entrepreneurs in the country.
The initiative, named the Alhaja Habibatu Mogaji Tinubu Endowment Fund, in honour of President Bola Tinubu’s mother, was part of the activities for this year’s edition of the Royal African Young Leadership Forum, where 100 youths drawn across the continent received awards.
Among the awardees were the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and Dr. John Aggrey, among others.
The royal father, who was joined by the SMEDAN Director General, Charles Odii, to unveil the fund at the event held in Oduduwa Hall of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, said young female entrepreneurs would draw from the fund to grow their businesses.
He said, “For this fund, we know one person so prolific in Nigeria due to what she did as an entrepreneur. She did so well in this country. Even after her demise, we still remember all she did in this world before she left.
“So, we are naming this fund after Iyaloja Abibatu Mogaji Tinubu. It is a N1 billion endowment fund to help young people establish their own businesses.”
Commenting on the fourth edition of the Royal African Young Leadership Forum, Oba Ogunwusi said this year’s awardees represent the hidden treasures and immense potential of the continent, adding that by showcasing their stories, other people would be inspired to push forward and excel in various fields.
Court orders Lai Mohammed to disclose details of FG, X agreement
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State has ordered a former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the Ministry of Information to disclose the details of the agreement between the Federal Government and X, formerly Twitter, to assess whether the agreement complies with the exercise of Nigerians’ human rights online.
According to a statement issued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, the judgment was delivered in May 2024 by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba following a Freedom of Information suit number: FHC/L/CS/238/2022, filed by the organisation.
The Certified True Copy of the judgment was said to have been obtained last Friday.
In his judgment, Justice Dimgba held that, “The former minister and the Ministry of Information are directed and compelled to provide a copy of the agreement between the Nigerian government and Twitter to SERAP solely to ascertain its impact on the protection of fundamental human rights of Nigerians.”
Justice Dimgba added that, “Disclosing the details of the agreement between the Nigerian government and Twitter is in the public interest and does not affect Twitter’s business interest as a third party. It is also not prejudicial to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.”
The judge also stated that, “The agreement between the Nigerian government and Twitter must still be disclosed irrespective of the harm to Twitter if it would be in the public interest to make sure disclosure.”
The judge dismissed the objections raised by the minister’s counsel and upheld SERAP’s arguments. Consequently, the court entered judgment in favour of SERAP against the minister.
Justice Dimgba further said, “The minister has failed to prove that the President has followed the due process of law to designate Twitter as a Critical National Information Infrastructure upon the National Security Adviser’s recommendation and issued an order in the Federal Gazette in that regard.”
Justice Dimgba’s judgment, dated May 28, 2024, read in part: “Therefore, I hold that the disclosure of the Twitter agreement is not prejudicial to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security or protected by the Official Secrets Act, as the minister has failed to prove the same.
“The first question that needs to be answered is how the need to disclose the agreement is outweighed by the importance of protecting the commercial interests of the third party, Twitter.
“The former minister has unequivocally argued that the disclosure could harm Twitter’s business interests in other jurisdictions, potentially with Twitter’s contractual negotiations.
“However, this defence is hypothetical and does not point to the specific business or contractual interests of Twitter that could be affected.”
He said the details of the agreement as requested by SERAP will not interfere with the commercial interests and trade secrets of Twitter or lead to financial losses to it even as the former minister has failed to prove the same.
“Besides, Section 15(4) of the Freedom of Information Act envisages only real and not hypothetical financial loss or gain to or prejudice to, the competitive position of or interference with contractual or other negotiation of a third party like Twitter which could be affected by the disclosure.
“No evidence was placed before this court pointing to the fact that Twitter has an agreement with another country as a precondition for its operation in such jurisdiction as obtainable in Nigeria.
“I am of the view that SERAP has a legitimate reason to wish to be availed of the agreement, which is to understand how the agreement affects them and other Nigerians as far as the protection of the human rights of Nigerians are concerned,” he added.
Justice Dimgba pointed out that another controversy is whether the need to disclose the agreement for public interest is subject to the need to protect national sovereignty, as argued by the minister.
“National sovereignty depending on context is synonymous with national security.
“In most cases, the need for national security outweighs public interest, including protection of fundamental human rights. In this case, however, I am of the view that the reason for the refusal by the minister to disclose the agreement does not come within the need to protect national security and sovereignty.
“The minister’s defence is predicated on the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention Act) 2015 but has failed to prove how the Act relates to the Twitter agreement other than mentioning the same,” he added.
He noted that more than merely linking SERAP’s request for the agreement to ‘critical national information infrastructure’ in Section 3 of the Cybercrime (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, nothing more is said about its relevance and how it supports non-disclosure of the Twitter agreement.
“As such, the Cybercrime Act cannot apply to this case, and the protection that would have availed the minister is exempted. The minister also failed to prove how SERAP’s request for the agreement between the Nigerian Government and Twitter came within the protection of the Official Secrets Act.
“SERAP’s lawsuit falls within the framework of Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act.
“The minister is directed and compelled to provide a copy of the agreement requested to SERAP to enable the organization to study the same and come to an assessment of whether the agreement incorporates the provisions of Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] on fundamental human rights and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations,” the judge held.
He averred that it is clear that Twitter was from the beginning ostensibly suspended from operating in Nigeria’s cyberspace solely to protect the country’s corporate existence, stressing that the same ban was lifted after Twitter reached agreement with the Nigerian Government on some terms and conditions for its operation in Nigeria’s cyberspace, noting that the former minister has not denied the existence of such an agreement.
He added, “SERAP’s request does not involve disclosing personal information but relates to an agreement between the government and an international company that plays in the social media and public data space.
“By paragraph 13 of SERAP’s affidavit evidence, the organization requested a copy of the agreement to know whether it complies with Nigeria’s domestic fundamental human rights laws and international treaties to which the country is a state party.
“SERAP’s request seeks clarification on the scope and enforcement of the agreement to ensure it complies with fundamental human rights laws. For emphasis, matters of human rights enforcement fall within the ambit of public interest, as can be gleaned from a holistic understanding of Section 15(4) of the Freedom of Information Act.”
He further stated that a public institution may grant a request for information on human rights protection grounds within Section 15(4) of the FOI Act, provided that the importance of granting the same outweighs the commercial interests of the third party.
“Particularly, Order 1 Rule 2 of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009 provides that public interest ‘includes the interest of Nigerian society or any segment of it in promoting human rights and advancing human rights law.
“Paragraph 3(1)(3)(d) of the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act Revised recognizes the following factor as constituting public interest ‘allowing individuals and companies to understand decisions made by authorities affecting their lives, and in some cases, assisting individuals in challenging those,” he added.
Reacting to the judgment as quoted by SERAP, Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, said, “We commend Justice Dimgba for this landmark judgment. This is a judicial confirmation of Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression, and access to information online. We call on the government of President Bola Tinubu to immediately implement the judgment.”
SERAP Deputy Director, Oluwadare, said, “This ground-breaking judgment is a victory for freedom of expression and privacy online, which is central to achieving individual freedom and to developing democracy.
“The onus is now on President Bola Tinubu to immediately comply with the court’s orders. We commend Justice Dimgba for his courage and wisdom. SERAP will do everything within its power to secure the full and effective enforcement of this important judgment.”
In the letter dated July 13, 2024 sent to President Bola Tinubu on the judgment, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Oluwadare, the organisation said, “We urge you to demonstrate your expressed commitment to the rule of law by immediately obeying and respecting the judgment of the Court.”
SERAP’s letter, read in part: “We urge you to direct the Ministry of Information and Culture and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately disclose the details of the Twitter agreement, as ordered by the court.
“The immediate enforcement and implementation of the judgment by your government will be a victory for the rule of law, freedom of expression including digital and data rights in Nigeria.
“SERAP trusts that you will see compliance with this judgment as a central aspect of the rule of law; an essential stepping stone to constructing a basic institutional framework for legality and constitutionality. We therefore look forward to your positive response and action on the judgment.”
The suit was filed against the former minister.
The suit followed the Nigerian Government’s statement on January 13, 2022 after lifting the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria, to the effect that, “Twitter has agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history.”
The Nigerian government suspended Twitter on June 4, 2021 after it removed a post from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The former president was joined in the suit as co-respondent but the court gave the orders against the minister.
Nigerian govt falsely imprisoned Nnamdi Kanu, detention unacceptable – Ejimakor
Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said the agitator is a victim of false imprisonment by the Nigerian government.
Ejimakor said it’s unacceptable for the Nigerian government to imprison Kanu over his ideas and thoughts.
Posting on X, Ejimakor wrote: “In human relations, don’t seek unnecessary attention & validation. Just do what you believe to be right. If you get a toxic reaction in return, be mature enough not to take it personally. Be less reactive & hold onto your integrity & dignity. Above all, pat yourself on the back.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a victim of false imprisonment by the Nigerian State. Period.
“It’s unacceptable to imprison a man not for any real offense but for his thoughts and ideas that the state is seeking to suppress by means of false imprisonment.
“The best way of fighting for such a man is to never stop fighting for him. Let him know every day that he is remembered.”
Kanu has been detained since June 2021, when he was rearrested and repatriated from Kenya to Nigeria.
The Nigerian government had refused to release the IPOB leader despite courts granting him bail.
Kanu was picked up and charged over his agitation for the actualization of Biafra.
Nigerian govt falsely imprisoned Nnamdi Kanu, detention unacceptable – Ejimakor
‘No place for violence in our democracy’ – Obama condemns assassination attempt on Trump
Former President of the United States, US, Barack Obama, has condemned the shooting at the Republican Party candidate, Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
TVN reports that two people have died after gunshots were fired at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania – with the injured former president rushed off stage by armed security, according to the Associated Press.
Reacting via his X handle on Sunday, Obama said there was no place for political violence in American democracy.
Obama, who is a Democrat, said although details of the incident were still scanty, Americans should be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t “seriously hurt.”
He urged Americans should use the incident to recommit themselves to civility and respect in their politics.
He wished Trump a quick recovery.
Obama wrote, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
‘No place for violence in our democracy’ – Obama condemns assassination attempt on Trump