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World leaders condemn Russian concert hall attack

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Moscow concert hall attack death toll hits 93

World leaders have denounced a deadly attack by gunmen on a Moscow concert hall that killed more than 90 people and wounded at least another 100.

Attackers dressed in camouflage uniforms entered the Crocus City venue before the start of a rock concert on Friday, opened fire on the audience and threw flammable liquid, according to a journalist for the RIA Novosti news agency at the scene.

The assault was claimed by the Islamic State group.

Below are the condemnations, offers of condolences and expressions of solidarity from governments around the world.

Russia

President Vladimir Putin wished a speedy recovery to the wounded victims and conveyed his thanks to doctors, Russia’s deputy prime minister Tatyana Golikova was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies on Saturday after meeting with him.

Putin has yet to comment publicly on the attack.

Ukraine

Ukraine, which has been facing a Russian military offensive for the past two years, had “nothing to do” with the attack, presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said on Telegram.

The main intelligence directorate of the Ukrainian defence ministry said, “The terrorist attack in Moscow was a planned and deliberate provocation by the Russian special services on Putin’s orders,” alleging that the aim was to “further escalate and expand the war” with Ukraine.

The UN

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday condemned the attack “in the strongest possible terms,” spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement.

Guterres “conveys his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the people and the Government of the Russian Federation,” he added, referring to Russia by its official name.

The UN Security Council also offered its condolences and urged all states “to cooperate actively” with the Russian government and other authorities to hold perpetrators and backers of “these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice”.

The United States

The White House sent its condolences to the victims of the “terrible” attack, saying it was trying to get more information.

“Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible shooting attack,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. “the images are just horrible and just hard to watch.”

The White House also said that the United States had warned Russian authorities earlier this month about a “planned terrorist attack” possibly targeting “large gatherings” in Moscow.

China

President Xi Jinping “strongly condemned” the attack and sent his condolences to Putin, state media reported.

Xi “stressed that China opposes all forms of terrorism, strongly condemns the terrorist attack and firmly supports the Russian government’s efforts to safeguard its national security and stability,” Xinhua news agency said.

The EU

The European Union said it was “shocked and appalled” by the Moscow attack.

“The EU condemns any attacks against civilians. Our thoughts are with all those Russian citizens affected,” said an EU spokesman.

The United Kingdom

Britain’s foreign minister David Cameron said that the UK condemned “in the strongest terms the deadly terrorist attack”.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences and express our deepest sympathy to the families of the many victims,” he added.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron said he “strongly condemns the terrorist attack claimed by the Islamic State,” according to the Elysee Palace.

“France expresses its solidarity with the victims, their loved ones and all the Russian people,” the palace said.

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned “the terrible terrorist attack against innocent spectators” in a post on X and said, “Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and all those wounded”.

Germany’s foreign office called the images of the attack “horrific” in a post on X.

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the attack an “odious act of terrorism”.

“The horror of the massacre of innocent civilians in Moscow is unacceptable,” Meloni said in a statement, expressing her “full solidarity with the affected people and the victims’ families”.

Spain

Spain said it was “shocked” by the attack, saying it “condemns any form of violence”.

“Our solidarity with the victims, their families and the Russian people,” the Spanish foreign ministry wrote on X.

Sweden

The Swedish foreign affairs ministry said on X that it was “appalled by the attack” and condemns “any attacks against civilians”.

Denmark

The Danish foreign ministry condemned “the terrible attack in Moscow” and sent “condolences to the victims and their loved ones,” in a post on X.

Israel

“Saddened by tonight’s tragic events in Moscow. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and to all those affected,” Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz posted on X.

Palestinian Authority

The presidency of the Palestinian Authority condemned the attack and “affirmed its solidarity and support for the Russian leadership and the friendly people of Russia, emphasising its keenness on stability in the friendly Russian Federation,” according to the official Wafa news agency.

Syria

In a letter to Putin, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the attack was linked to the “painful defeats of neo-Nazism” in Moscow’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.

He said, “we condemn this brutal act and all the bloodshed committed by terrorists around the world” and pledged to support Putin “in our joint war against terrorism and cross-border extremism”.

Iran

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in a message to Putin, expressed his condolences, according to the presidency website.

Raisi also called for serious action by the international community to punish the plotters and perpetrators.

Turkey

Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned “this heinous terrorist attack on innocent civilians” and sent condolences to the Russian people and government.

African Union

Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairman of the African Union Commission, wrote on X that he was “shocked to learn of the horrific terror attack in Moscow”.

He expressed solidarity with the Russian people and government “following this heinous attack”.

Venezuela

“We express our support for President Vladimir Putin and raise our voice to categorically reject any act of violence,” said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on X.

Mexico

Mexico’s foreign affairs ministry said it “rejects any act of violence against civilian lives”.

India

“India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X, denouncing the “heinous terrorist attack”.

Japan

Japan condemned the attack, extended its condolences to the bereaved and expressed “its heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured”, according to a statement from foreign ministry press secretary Kobayashi Maki.

AFP

Varsity students seek probe of illegal mining in OAU

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Varsity students seek probe of illegal mining in OAU

The National Association of University Students has condemned reports of illegal mining activities within the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Vice Chairman of NAUS in Osun State, Akinyemi Hammed, Deputy National President, Babalola Daniel and National Security Director of NAUS, Eruobami Ayobami on Saturday.

This is coming a few hours after the institution’s management refuted the report, saying it has not entered into any form of lease and agreement with illegal miners.

The student union, however, sympathised with the university community members who are being directly affected by these illegal operations.

The statement read in part, “The safety, health, and well-being of thousands of students, faculty, and staff members are seriously threatened by the recent revelations regarding illegal mining activities near the university’s staff quarters and essential water sources.

“The sacredness of academia is violated when mining operations encroach on university property, endangering the quest for knowledge and enlightenment that academic institutions are designed to promote.”

NAUS called on concerned stakeholders to swiftly resolve the situation at the institution, saying Investigative measures are needed.

“All pertinent parties must give the OAU crisis their immediate attention and take prompt action. We demand that the administration of the institution put the security and welfare of the student body first by acting quickly to put an end to these unlawful acts and hold those involved accountable.

“Furthermore, we implore the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals, and other relevant organisations to initiate a thorough inquiry into the issue and guarantee that those responsible be held accountable.

“Additionally, we make a call to international organisations to provide their knowledge and assistance in resolving this urgent matter, which poses a threat not only to the neighbourhood but also to the environment and public health.

“Working together is essential to ensuring that our universities remain bulwarks of knowledge and advancement, free from the scourge of illicit mining and other harmful operations.

“NAUS is steadfast in its commitment to fighting for the welfare and rights of Nigerian students, and it will keep a careful eye on events at OAU,” the statement continued.

Gunmen abduct 10 travellers in Benue

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Gunmen kill farmer in Edo

Ten people were reportedly kidnapped at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the driver of the ill-fated vehicle who escaped being kidnapped narrated the attack.

The source stated that the driver of the Sharon bus explained that he picked up the passengers at Takum junction in Wukari, Taraba State and that they were 10 in number.

He said, “He was to drop them (passengers) in Gboko where they ought to connect the vehicle to Akure.

“They took his phone. He had to use somebody’s phone to call me as soon as the incident happened. He is somebody I know very well.

“The incident happened around noon on Friday. That is what he told me. He picked them up from Takum, and the incident happened just 2 km from there in Jootar, Ukum LGA.”

The driver was said to have reported the case at the Jootar police station.

When contacted, the lawmaker who represents Ukum State Constituency in the State Assembly, Ezra Nyiyongo, said he received such a report.

He said, “I was told that a vehicle was intercepted. According to what I heard since I am not the one who spoke with the driver, he said he picked those people from Wukari, Taraba State, and not in any school and was conveying them to Gboko.

“From Gboko, according to him, they were going to Akure for menial jobs. I am not quite sure. I am just reporting from the driver’s words. They were intercepted in Jootar in Ukum LGA.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the LG, Victor Iorzaa, said he could not confirm the incident, stating that both the council Divisional Police Officer nor the Chief Security Officer of the local government claimed not to have the report.

Also, the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said the command was not aware of the incident.

NDDC to enhance aquaculture training in Bayelsa

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NDDC to enhance aquaculture training in Bayelsa

The Niger Delta Development Commission, says it will collaborate with the Bayelsa State Government and a private firm to train youths in aquaculture at the multi-million-naira Bayelsa Aquaculture Village in Yenegwe, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Victor Antai, stated this when he visited the Bayelsa State-owned aquaculture farm, currently operated by Aquaseas Company Limited, accompanied by the NDDC Director Agric and Fisheries, Mrs Winifred Madume; the Director, Procurement, Dr Week Doodei and other directors of the Commission.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, on Saturday.

Incidentally, Doodei was the state Commissioner for Agriculture when the facility was built.

Antai said: “We decided to take a look at this facility and see how best we can incorporate it into the NDDC Holistic Opportunities, Projects and Engagement, HOPE, programme, which has agriculture as its key component.

“The Project HOPE initiative seeks to engage youths of the region by creating employment opportunities for them. We have collated the data of the youth in the region and many of them are interested in agriculture.

“The NDDC is resolute in the quest to provide food security in the Niger Delta region and we need to engage the youth in agriculture to achieve this goal.”

The NDDC Executive Director, Projects said he was impressed with the facilities at the Aquaculture Village, noting that the farm boasts of a hatchery, earth ponds, and feed mill, as well as fish processing and packaging units.

He added, “We have discussed the possibility of bringing our youths from the nine states of the Niger Delta to train in the farm. After the training, ponds will be allocated to each of the trainees so they can put what they learnt into practice and start their business here first, before moving back to their various states.”

Antai said that the NDDC would go into a tripartite partnership with the necessary stakeholders, saying, “We will interface with the Bayelsa State Government and also discuss with the company. Then the three parties will sit down to discuss how to explore the best partnership that will favour the youths of the Niger Delta region.”

Antai recalled that the NDDC recently entered into a partnership with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN, as part of its efforts to ensure food security in the Niger Delta region.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Aquaseas Company Limited,. Steve Okeleji, said the aquaculture village, sited on a 127-hectare land, had 500 fish ponds, 60 of which were currently stocked with catfish and tilapia.

He regretted that the farm was underutilised.

He stated, “The arrangement we have with the state government, is to have a social enterprise model, where the government will bring in the beneficiaries to be trained and also support them with inputs, while we provide the requisite knowledge and expertise to ensure that the project succeeds.
“We want NDDC to collaborate with us in the area of capacity building, especially for the youths in the Niger Delta region.”

Giving more insights, the Aquaseas Programmes and Project Lead, Mr. Olalekan Adeleke, stated that the Bayelsa Aquaculture Village was a fully integrated facility, with a hatchery, a dry chain processing unit, a feed mill and a testing laboratory.

He added, “We have trained about 2,000 youths sponsored by the Bayelsa State Government. We have also collaborated with the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta, LIFE-ND, funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development, the Federal Government and the NDDC in training 900 youths.

How fake news threatened my 40-year-old marriage -Lai Mohammed

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How fake news threatened my 40-year-old marriage -Lai Mohammed

A former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has recounted how fake news circulated on social media nearly destroyed his 40-year-old marriage.

The ex-minister shared his story during an event in Lagos commemorating Prof. Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday, where he discussed “The Media in the Age of Disinformation.” The text of Mohammed’s presentation was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

Mohammed, also serving as the Managing Partner of Bruit Costard, a lobbyist and public relations firm, reflected on one of the significant challenges he encountered during his tenure as minister: the rampant spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

Mohammed emphasized that fake news, disinformation, and misinformation nearly destroyed his marriage, highlighting their extensive consequences.

He said, “Permit me to share publicly with you today for the first time, how social media threatened the foundation of my 40-year-old marriage.

“It was sometimes in 2018 when I came to Lagos from Abuja for an official assignment.
“As usual, I retire to bed about midnight, but about 3 am., my wife gently roused me from my slumber.

“At first, I panicked, fearing that there had been a security breach, but my wife’s mien belied that possibility, for she was calm and composed.”

He continued: “Solemnly, my wife asked me if I was fully awake as there were some serious issues to discuss.

“I could not fathom what was that urgent or serious to warrant being woken up at this time of the night.

“My mind immediately did a kaleidoscope of my rascalities and escapades in the last few months”.

Mohammed said the accusation from his wife was “a bombshell” and was narrated to him in Yoruba language.

He presented the narration as follows:
“Daddy, death can come knocking at any moment, please let me also, as your wife, be a signatory to your overseas account in Ali Financial which contains 1.3 billion dollars.”

The ex-minister expressed disbelief that his wife fully believed the false story circulating about government officials, including himself, supposedly having large sums of money in overseas accounts during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“I spent the next two hours or so, sweating to convince my wife that there is no iota of truth in the allegation.

“I had to fetch a calculator and reproduce the Federal Appropriation Act for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 in the middle of the night and explain to her why it is simply p
reposterous for me to have 1.3 billion dollars in a foreign account.

“I explained to her that there is no year my capital budget exceeded N5 billion, which then, at about N400 to a dollar, was just 12.5 million dollars.

“I explained that, even if I managed to divert every kobo of it to my personal account, it will take at least, 104 years to save the sum of 1.3 billion dollars being peddled that I stole,” he said.

Mohammed added: “My wife insisted that the whole world believed the story and that her friends had, as a result, besieged her with all kinds of requests.

“She said every effort on her part to deny the existence of this foreign account only succeeded in depicting her in the minds of her friends as a selfish, greedy and uncaring friend.

“Is my wife truly convinced of my innocence? The answer is in the wind!. “
Mohammed reiterated that social media remained the platforms of choice for the purveyors of fake news, anti-state groups, anarchists, secessionists, terrorists and bandits.

During his time in government, Mohammed remembered that his ministry uncovered 476 online publications solely dedicated to disseminating fake news against the previous administration of President Buhari.

Mohammed specifically remembered the fake news claiming that the former president had passed away while undergoing treatment in a London hospital and had been replaced by a clone named “Jubril from Sudan.”

According to Mohammed, the problem of fake news persisted through the campaigns leading up to the 2023 general elections, during which President Bola Tinubu became a target. Videos and speeches attributed to him were manipulated and distorted to spread false information.

He mentioned that those spreading fake news were persistent in their attempts to undermine the commendable policies and programs of Tinubu’s administration.

Mohammed highlighted how fake news had grown drastically due to the use of Artificial Intelligence and deep learning techniques, enabling the creation of highly realistic fake or manipulated videos, audio recordings, or images.

“The consequences of disinformation and misinformation are far-reaching.

“They undermine democratic processes, sow discord within communities, and pose significant threats to public health and safety.

“Today, even the media is at risk of losing its credibility because of the proliferation of fake news on Social Media

“Therefore, the media, as custodians of the public trust, must take decisive action to combat the scourge of disinformation and misinformation,” he said

Mohammed asserted that social media platforms and other intermediaries, accountable for amplifying disinformation and misinformation, should bear responsibility. He advocated for the implementation of robust regulatory frameworks to monitor and curb the spread of false information while preserving freedom of expression.

He urged social media platforms to prioritize the integrity of information above profit motives. Mohammed emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to detect and remove harmful content from their platforms.

Betting Tips and Odds for the Women’s Super League Match

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Betting Tips and Odds for the Women’s Super League Match

Liverpool Women travel to face Everton Women in the Merseyside derby scheduled for Sunday. Unlike the hosts, Liverpool are in great form and hope to get another win against their city rivals.

This prediction article has predictions and tips across GG, a goal market, and more.

Everton Women vs Liverpool Women Predictions & Tips

  • Liverpool Women to win & under 3.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja
  • Liverpool Women to score under 2.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja
  • First half under 1.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja
  • Liverpool Women to win & GG @ n/a with Bet9ja
  • Liverpool Women win or under 2.5 @ n/a with BetKing
  • Liverpool Women clean sheet – NO @ n/a BetKing
  • GG @ n/a with Bet9ja

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Despite being in great form, Liverpool Women usually find it difficult to beat Everton Women. However, they might do it this time, potentially clinching a 2-1 win.

A narrow win for Liverpool

Everton Women have lost their past three games in all competitions. Meanwhile, Liverpool Women have won four of their past five games in all competitions.

Despite Liverpool’s impressive form, Everton have not lost in any home Women’s Super League game against the Reds since 2017.

However, Liverpool Women won the League Cup here in 2023. They are banking on their strong form at the moment to secure a rare win away from home.

Therefore, our betting expert is backing the visitors in this Everton Women vs Liverpool Women predictions piece.

Bet 1: Liverpool Women to win & under 3.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja

A combo market in favour of Liverpool Women

Based on form, Liverpool have the edge and they claimed the win in the last meeting in the League Cup. Moreover, they sit pretty high on the log compared to their rivals.

Despite this, Liverpool Women are not the overwhelming favourite in the head-to-head. Still, one of the chosen markets here might just land in this tough game.

The combo has been statistically backed in this Everton Women vs Liverpool Women predictions piece.

Bet 2: Liverpool Women win or under 2.5 @ n/a with BetKing

A low scoring first half affair in Merseyside

Derby games like this one are usually tight and difficult to predict. They usually result in a close contest and our expert expects the game to go in a similar direction.

Although Liverpool’s point tally is twice that of Everton, a tough contest is still expected by Everton’s strong record in the head-to-head.

There have been more than two goals scored within 90 minutes in only one of their last five encounters. That is why we have decided to settle for this selection in this Everton Women vs Liverpool Women predictions piece.

Bet 3: First half under 1.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja

Everton Women to find the back of the net

Liverpool Women have not kept a clean sheet against Everton Women in the past nine meetings.

Everton might be winless in their past three games. However, they have a hold on Liverpool regarding this fixture.

Hence, backing the home side to score is a smart decision in this Everton Women vs Liverpool Women predictions piece.

Bet 4: Liverpool Women clean sheet – NO @ n/a BetKing

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Betting Tips and Odds for the Women’s Super League Match

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Betting Tips and Odds for the Women’s Super League Match

Arsenal Women travel to face Aston Villa Women at Villa Park with hopes of getting back to winning ways after a disappointing loss to Chelsea in the previous match week. The Gunners are slowly falling behind in the title race, while the hosts are firmly in the mid-table.

This prediction article has predictions and tips across GG, a goal market, and more.

Aston Villa Women vs Arsenal Women Predictions & Tips

  • Arsenal Women to win & under 3.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja
  • Arsenal Women to score over 2.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja
  • First half over 1.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja
  • Arsenal Women to win & GG @ n/a with Bet9ja
  • Arsenal Women win or over 2.5 @ n/a with BetKing
  • Arsenal Women clean sheet – NO @ n/a BetKing
  • GG @ n/a with Bet9ja

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Although Arsenal Women might not be in great form, they should be able to beat Aston Villa Women. We are backing a 2-1 win in favour of the Gunners at full-time.

The Gunners should nick the crucial win

Arsenal Women have won four of their past five games in all competitions.

Aston Villa Women faced their Arsenal counterparts in the League Cup just some days ago. They suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat in that fixture.

The Villans are pretty stable in mid-table. Still, they need a result against the Gunners to improve their standings on the log.

The Gunners have a lot to lose if they fail to beat the side they have beaten in three of the past four meetings. Therefore, it is just reasonable to back the visitors in this Aston Villa Women vs Arsenal Women predictions piece.

Bet 1: Arsenal Women to win & under 3.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja

A combo market in favour of Arsenal Women

Arsenal Women have a great record against Aston Villa. They are set to claim all three points to keep up with the teams at the top of the log.

Six of their past seven meetings in the head-to-head have produced over 2.5 goals.

The combo has been statistically backed in this Aston Villa Women vs Arsenal Women predictions piece. Hence, if everything goes accordingly, it should land easily.

Bet 2: Arsenal Women win or over 2.5 @ n/a with BetKing

A first half of goals at Villa Park

With 34 goals, Arsenal Women are the third-highest scoring side in the Women’s Super League after Chelsea and Manchester City. Meanwhile, Villa have conceded 32 goals, which is the fourth poorest defence in the league.

It looks like a game between a solid attack and a poor defence. If we take a look at the history between the two teams, a first-half of goals could happen.

Our betting expert is tilting towards this goal direction in this Aston Villa Women vs Arsenal Women predictions piece.

Bet 3: First half over 1.5 @ n/a with Bet9ja

Both teams to find their shooting boots

Two of the past three meetings between the Gunners and the Villains in the Women’s Super League have produced GG.

Aston Villa Women have not kept a clean sheet in their past seven games. However, they have a decent record that can help them in this match.

Arsenal Women’s past two away games have seen GG produced. Therefore, this should provide some encouragement for the home side as they come up against the London side in this Aston Villa Women vs Arsenal Women predictions piece.

Bet 4: GG @ n/a with Bet9ja

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Beware of scammers posing as officers, NDLEA warns Nigerians

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Beware of scammers posing as officers, NDLEA warns Nigerians

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has warned the public, particularly those with relatives abroad, about a new fraudulent scheme being orchestrated by impersonators posing as NDLEA officers.

This was made known in a statement by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, shared on the agency’s website on Saturday.

The statement said, “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency wishes to alert members of the public especially those who have loved ones abroad to a new scheme by scammers who impersonate NDLEA officers and call unsuspecting citizens to inform them of the arrest of their relatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja Lagos or any other international airport in Nigeria with illicit drugs upon arrival in the country.

“After throwing the family members into panic, the scammers then make a demand of millions of naira to facilitate the release of such persons from NDLEA custody. We have thwarted a number of such bids in the past when the family members called the agency’s official contacts for help or clarification.

“At the moment, there is one such scenario the agency has just investigated. In this case, the picture of a Nigerian man based in the US is being circulated with audio of a purported NDLEA officer negotiating the payment of N5 million with a female relative for the release of the US-based Nigerian man purportedly arrested at the Lagos airport on Friday 22nd March upon his arrival with a ‘contraband’

“Just like in previous instances, our investigation has also shown that the current incident is the work of scammers. No NDLEA officer is involved in the audio conversation and the person whose photo is attached to the audio recording being circulated is not in our custody at MMIA or any of our commands either as at yesterday or any other day.

“The family members involved in this case are advised not to part with their hard-earned money to scammers. Nigerians with loved ones abroad are also urged to keep discussions on travel plans of their relatives to themselves to avoid the hijack of such by criminal elements for devious schemes.

”For those who may have a similar challenge, please feel free to seek help or clarification through any of our contact lines”

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Naira bounces back, terrorism financiers unveiled, Delta bloodbath: Weekly news roundup

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Naira and Dollar

As the week comes to a close, According Online presents the nation’s top news stories.

Naira staged a comeback as the Federal Government decided to disclose the list of individuals involved in financing terrorism in the country.

Following the killing of soldiers in Okuama, Delta State, there have been debates and speculations surrounding a potential retaliatory attack.

Access Bank acquired the National Bank of Kenya, a significant development in the business sector that has been met with positive reception.

Here are highlights from the week’s biggest news stories, from March 17 to March 23, 2024.

Naira recovers

Naira and Dollar
Naira and Dollar

Naira showed resilience on Thursday, appreciating by N18 to close at 1,382/$ in the official market. This followed a significant gain at both the official and parallel markets the previous day, with the naira closing at N1,400/$ on Wednesday. The intraday high on Thursday reached N1,598/$, while the intraday low strengthened to N1,300/$. Increased dollar supply at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market contributed to the naira’s 1.3 percent appreciation. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s successful resolution of foreign exchange backlogs, totalling $7 billion, further boosted confidence in the FX market.

Additionally, Nigeria’s external reserves grew to $34.37 billion as of March 12, 2024, and Diaspora remittances surged by 433 per cent to $1.3 billion in February. Speculators were urged to sell off their dollar holdings, as the naira is expected to appreciate further amidst CBN interventions and clampdowns on illegal currency activities.

Terror financiers unveiled

The Nigerian Sanctions Committee, in compliance with a directive from the Federal Government, disclosed the identities of entities on Monday, March 18, allegedly linked to terrorism financing. Among the nine individuals sanctioned, Kaduna-based publisher Tukur Mamu, accused of aiding terrorists in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, was prominently listed.

Also identified were individuals suspected of terrorist activities such as attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. Six Bureau De Change firms, including West and East Africa General Trading Company Limited and Desert Exchange Ventures Limited, were implicated. The sanctions follow revelations from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, urging immediate asset freezing and reporting obligations on designated persons and entities as per the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Access Bank expands footprint

Access Bank announced its acquisition of the National Bank of Kenya Limited from the KCB Group Plc, as part of its expansion strategy into key African markets.

Access Bank to acquire National Bank of Kenya

The acquisition of NBK, a well-established bank in Kenya with a substantial balance sheet, presents a significant opportunity for Access Bank to strengthen its presence in the East African market. Upon completion of the transaction, NBK will merge with Access Bank Kenya Plc, creating an enlarged franchise. This acquisition aligns with Access Bank’s broader objective of becoming a leading player in the Kenyan and East African markets.

Nasarawa State University stampede

Tragedy struck at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, as two female students lost their lives in a stampede during a palliative distribution event at the university’s convocation square. The state government had organised the distribution of bags of rice to alleviate students’ suffering, but chaos ensued as students stormed the venue, resulting in injuries to at least 10 others.

Nasarawa State University
Nasarawa State University

The National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Baduku, confirmed the incident, stating that many students were rushed to hospitals for medical attention.

Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed shock over the incident and ordered a thorough investigation to identify those responsible. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Suleiman Bala, also lamented the loss of lives and announced plans for investigations by both the university management and the state government.

This is the second stampede in a month. The Nigeria Customs Service had in February said it was selling seized food items at N10,000 per 25kg to alleviate the people’s suffering. A pregnant woman and six others died in the stampede at the Yaba Customs office compound, Lagos.

 

Labour rift: Union vs. Party

The Nigerian Labour Congress and the Labour Party have been involved in a dispute that has many Nigerians questioning the reason for the union and the opposition party’s disagreement. A former President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, asserted that the Labour Party was established by the NLC to serve as a platform for members to advocate for their rights.

Former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba
Former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba

The NLC instructed its state councils and political commissions to picket LP secretariats nationwide following a virtual meeting. The NLC also protested at the LP’s national secretariat, demanding the removal of the National Chairman, Julius Abure, and opposing the LP’s planned national convention.

Wabba clarified that the LP was formed by the NLC and accused the party of not honouring a consent agreement signed in June 2022, leading to the dispute and picketing actions by the NLC.

This is still a developing story.

 

Army denies reprisals amid tension in Delta

The Nigerian Army has denied engaging in reprisal attacks in the Okuama community of Delta State, where 17 military personnel were killed during a communal clash. The Army accused the community of spreading propaganda and stressed its commitment to apprehending the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, tension remains high in Okuama as military personnel continue to maintain a presence, with residents fleeing and houses reportedly being set ablaze. The Defence Headquarters released the names of the slain personnel and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice while respecting human rights laws.

Meanwhile, soldiers reportedly invaded the Igbomotoru community in Bayelsa State, causing panic and destruction. Although it could not be ascertained if the soldiers’ mission was in connection with the killing of military personnel in neighbouring Delta State, a community source told According Online that they stormed Igbomotoru in five gunboats.

Suspected hoodlums attack Customs office in Kebbi

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Suspected hoodlums attack Customs office in Kebbi

Suspects believed to be hoodlums have reportedly attacked a Customs office in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State. 

The hoodlums were said to have injured an officer, while property was also damaged in the process.

This was according to a statement made available to newsmen by the spokesman for the command, Mohammed Salisu, on Saturday.

He said the incident occurred on Thursday after the officers intercepted some smuggled items in the area.

The statement read, “During the late hours of Thursday, March 21, 2024, at about 2310 hours, the combined team of Yauri outstation and surveillance were informed of a suspected smuggling activity at Yauri Waterside. Upon arriving at the scene, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, secured, and taken to the outstation.

“Afterwards, a mob attack was launched by the aggrieved smugglers by way of mobilising hoodlums to attack the outpost.

“Upon sighting the mob, the management contacted the command and other sister agencies for reinforcement, which helped in containing the situation.

“Amid the attack, the OIC sustained a hand injury; 1 AK-47 rifle was carted away but retrieved shortly; and 29 out of 41 bags of the seized rice were taken away by the attackers.

“The mob went further to vandalise the OIC personal vehicle, the outstation Air Conditioner, chairs, tables, windows, doors, and other essentials put in place to support the operations of the outstation.”

He, however, assured that to subside and lower tension, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris,  hosted the Customs Area Controller on the way forward, and normalcy has since been restored.

“The Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ojike, has been in touch with the Commissioner of Police, and so far, some arrests have been made and an investigation was launched in view of arresting and prosecuting the criminals,” he added

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