The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 13 persons for alleged illegal mining in Abuja.
The commission said in a statement posted on its X handle on Friday, the suspects were arrested in the Asokoro area of Abuja on Wednesday.
The operation, according to the EFCC, followed credible intelligence on the suspects’ activities.
READ ALSO: EFCC arrests 40 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja
The statement read: “The suspects were intercepted and arrested following credible intelligence linking them with the transportation of tons of coal and kaolin in five trucks from Nasarawa State to a site in Kaduna State.
“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
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EFCC arrests 13 suspected illegal miners in Abuja
August 1: Delta CSO demands meeting with Gov Oborevwori’s over planned protest
The Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement, ISRCAAKA, also known as the “No Justice, No Peace” group has called for a town hall meeting between the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Civil Society Organisations, CSOs and Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs.
The group warned that the town hall meeting should be arranged on or before the proposed date of the nationwide protest, saying the meeting will not only help to cushion the effects of the protest but also bridge the gaps between civil society organizations, the state government and the people.
ISRCA National Coordinator, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen made the call in an open letter to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Society Organisations, CSO and Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO Victor Ojei.
The open letter read, “An Urgent Call to Save Time, Requesting For a Town-Hall Meeting With the Executive Governor of Delta State; RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori
“It becomes pertinent that I publicly call your attention to issues regarding the Civil Society Organisations, CSO And Non-Governmental Organisations, NGO which are supposed to be under your control.”
“As bodies, saddled first, with the protection of human rights, with the responsibility of being the voice to the vulnerable people in society; it saddens me to see how disorganized we’ve been which of course, underscores our performances and proactiveness.
“We are supposed to be channels through which the government can be responsive to the plights of the people but sadly, this is not the reality. Instead, we’ve brought personal profits and issues, at the expense of the people we are to represent.
“So much hate, bitterness, envy and jealousy are thriving among us, as it has been more of competing than collaborations. This is saddening.
“Sir, the disagreements among comrades in the human rights community, on whether to engage in an unorganized protest #Endbadgovernance or not, has exposed a lot about our differences and why we haven’t achieved any meaningful success as registered bodies with good brains.
“Meanwhile, you cannot also deny the fact that there is hunger and the people are faced with untold hardship, as poor families can no longer afford their basic needs.
“Sir, to all extents, if we’ve had a working state that is organized and productive, no well-meaning Deltans would consider engaging in a protest in a time such as this, that it could either lead to serious riots or civil unrest.
“Delta State is not just rich in mineral resources but also in human resources but the absence of these industries and other establishments have stood as an impediment to the people of Delta State, as we do not even have any welfare benefits.
“Sir, in a moment when Nigerians are agonised over repressive, depressing and distressing socio-economic situations; a sane government is expected to negotiate, heart to heart with the people, devising several means to alleviate their sufferings.
“It will be so unwise for us to project and engage a protest with a government we cannot interface with, which in the end, would thwart our efforts and achievements of an intended goal.
“On the other hand, it would be wise if you could create a moment for civil society organizations, the non-governmental organizations as well as stakeholders in the State, to engage the Delta State Government in a town hall meeting, where we can bring issues directly confronting the people and also get immediate feedback responses.
“Distinguished comrade sir, I understand the physical and psychological strains which accompany your office and the persecution that follows too but you cannot exempt yourself from this great call, as it concerns humanity, which is of utmost importance.”
August 1: Delta CSO demands meeting with Gov Oborevwori’s over planned protest
125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers convicted in mass trial in Kainji, Niger State
No fewer than 125 Boko Haram terrorists and financiers have been convicted in the resumed mass trial of suspected terrorists held over two days in Kainji, Niger State.
They were convicted on charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support and cases relating to International Criminal Court (ICC) criminality.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, is supervising the trial in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The trials held under Giwa Project Kanji Phase Five, between Tuesday and Wednesday, were before five Federal High Court judges led by Justice Binta Nyako.
Others are Justices Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu and Mobolaji Olajuwon.
The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar while the defence team was led by Mr Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aids Council.
Others in attendance as observers are the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, UNODC, among others.
The courts convicted 85 persons for terrorism financing, 22 for ICC-related crimes while others were convicted for terrorism. They were sentenced to various jail terms.
About 400 defendants who have completed their sentence have also been moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalisation and subsequent reintegration.
125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers convicted in mass trial in Kainji, Niger State
Iraqi Judoka, Sehen, fails doping test
An Iraqi judoka has tested positive for banned anabolic steroids at the Paris Olympics, the International Testing Agency announced on Friday – the first positive doping test at the Games.
The ITA said a sample collected from Sajjad Sehen had “returned an adverse analytical finding for the non-specified prohibited substances methandienone and boldenone”.
Both drugs are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The sample was collected by the ITA during an out-of-competition anti-doping control on Tuesday in Paris, with the result reported by the WADA-accredited laboratory of Paris on Thursday.
The 28-year-old first-time Olympian had been due to compete next week in the men’s 81-kilogram class.
The ITA statement said the athlete had been provisionally suspended until the resolution of the matter.
“This means that the athlete is prevented from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any activity during the Olympic Games Paris 2024,” it said.
The manager of Iraq’s delegation, Herda Raouf, told AFP that Sehen and his coach would be questioned by doping chiefs on Saturday.
“It is worth noting that the player had previously undergone a surgical operation, which may have caused him to take some type of medication,” Raouf said.
The ITA said Sehen had the right to challenge his provisional suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and can also request an analysis of the B sample.
The ITA manages an independent anti-doping programme for the Olympics in Paris on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.
AFP
Niger NANS distances self from planned August 1st to 10th nationwide protest
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, in Niger State has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protest slated for the 1st to 10th of August, 2024
The state chairman of NANS, Malam Salihu Yusuf, at a press conference in Minna on Thursday said the association will not be deceived into joining the protest.
He alleged that there are plans by hoodlums to use the opportunity of the protest to loot and destroy property of the people and therefore, students in the state will not participate.
Yusuf maintained, ” We categorically and unequivocally distance ourselves and the entire student community in Niger State from the planned protest but we believe in engaging other better ways of resolving issues through dialogue.”
“We will not give in to the antics of hoodlums that may be lurking to loot and vandalize people’s property ”
” Please, let’s all remain calm, law-abiding and focused on our primary assignment which is to acquire knowledge and certifications “
Niger NANS distances self from planned August 1st to 10th nationwide protest
Remain calm, don’t take part in protest, Kebbi NLC tells workers
The Nigeria Labour Congress chapter in Kebbi State said on Friday that it will not participate in the planned August protest organised by some youth in the country.
Chairman of the union in the state, Murtala Usman, in a statement made available to newsmen, said that the union and her affiliates would not be part of the destruction of their members’ property, houses, shops, and families, which usually happens during protests.
The statement added, “The union would continue to peacefully pursue the demands of their members without undue stress and protest that will add to Nigeria’s economic issues in the country.
“Let the Federal Government hasten the alleviation of pains being faced by workers; at least 20 more trucks of rice should be distributed to civil servants alongside other measures aimed at relieving the workers of burdens.”
He called on the state government to follow the footprints of the federal government by adding more trucks of rice to complement what the Federal Government did.
“We urge our members and the general public to remain calm and not to take part in the planned protest as we pursue their demands through dialogue and engagement with the government,” the statement added.
While consoling workers and the general public on the hardships they are facing, he said his commitment to the welfare of workers in the state is unshaken.
According Online reported that the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria has sparked diverse reactions across the country.
The government has appealed for calm, urging citizens to refrain from actions that could disrupt national peace and stability.
In line with this, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, issued a directive requiring protesters to identify themselves to their respective State Commissioners of Police to ensure community peace and safety.
Various quarters and civil society groups have also appealed to the organisers to reconsider their plans, emphasising dialogue over demonstration.
Consequently, several groups have decided to pull out of the protest, citing concerns over potential violence and instability.
Despite these appeals, a few determined factions remain steadfast in their resolve, announcing their intention to proceed with the protest as planned beginning August 1, underscoring the urgency of their grievances and the demand for immediate action.
Hardship: Shettima calls for constructive action over protest
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Friday emphasised the need for constructive action instead of protest.
Shettima stated this during a high-level meeting with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, NSN at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He announced the participation of the Federal Government in the Grand Challenges Nigeria, GCNg Project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria.
NAN reports that the project, in collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, is set to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in addressing public health and food system challenges.
Shettima acknowledged the hardship being faced by Nigerians due to recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies.
”This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world.
”But when you can start the agitation, and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy.
“We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years.
” Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man. I wish to call on you to advocate for diplomacy, engagement, and patience.”
Hardship: Shettima calls for constructive action over protest
N’Assembly moves to strengthen NIMC, protect data
Nigeria’s National Assembly has begun the process of repealing and re-enacting the NIMC Act No. 23 to strengthen the regulatory function of the National Identity Management Commission.
This development was revealed in a statement signed by the NIMC’s Head of Communications, Kayode Adegoke, on Friday.
The proposed NIMC Bill aims to enhance the efficacy and inclusivity of the National Identity Management System by expanding the scope of registrable persons.
The overhaul is expected to yield benefits including enhanced national security, efficient service delivery, and promoted financial inclusion.
“The amendments seek to fortify the foundational framework of the NIMC and its operations by expanding the scope of registrable persons.
“The benefit to the country is a more comprehensive and inclusive identification system, which enhances national security, facilitates efficient service delivery, and promotes financial inclusion,” the statement read.
According to NIMC, the bill will streamline the sharing of personal data, incorporating robust data protection measures to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ personal data and foster trust among citizens in the handling of their information.
The proposed law is expected to enhance its administrative enforcement power to ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.
The NIMC repeal and enactment bill, when passed into law, will lead to a more streamlined registration process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing the reliability of the Nigeria ID System.
Despite the milestone of enrolling about 107 million Nigerians for the National Identity Number, the Commission faces allegations of privacy violations as the custodian of the country’s database.
NIMC has denied any data breaches and insisted that the national identity registry under its custody has not been compromised.
However, digital rights advocates argue that NIMC has failed to secure the data entrusted to it by Nigerians.
They believe NIMC needs to take responsibility, acknowledge the data leaks, and ensure they do not happen again.
Meanwhile, the World Bank is sponsoring Nigeria’s NIN project through the Digital Identification for Development project.
The Development Finance Institution initially set a target for Nigeria to enroll 148 million Nigerians for NIN by June 2024. However, Nigeria missed this deadline.
Consequently, the World Bank has restructured the $430m ID4D project to avoid truncation, extending the project closure date beyond the initial June 30, 2024 deadline by two years
One injured in Yobe market explosion
One person was injured when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at the popular Buni Yadi market in Gujba local government area of Yobe State on Friday.
Eyewitnesses told journalists that the bomb exploded at about 1:00 p.m., and sent forced the traders to scamper to safety.
The spokesman of the Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammad Shehu also confirmed the incident.
He said another IED planted in the market was discovered and successfully detonated by the army.
The spokesman also dismissed claims that the incident was a suicide bombing.
He said the injured girl is currently receiving treatment at a health facility in Buni Yadi.
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Another court ruling restrains PDP from conducting congresses in Rivers
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued a restraining order against the Peoples Democratically Party, PDP, its National Chairman, Iliya Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The order prohibits the party and its representatives from holding Wards, Local Government Areas and State congresses in Rivers State pending the hearing and determination of a suit filed by bona fide party members from various wards in the 23 local government areas of the state.
Justice Charles Wali, who issued the restraining order, directed the Inspector General of Police, IGP, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to enforce this order.
The case has been adjourned to August 1, 2024, for further hearing.
TVN recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, directed the PDP in Rivers State to proceed with the conduct of its ward, local government, and state congresses.
In his ruling, Justice Peter Lifu barred the DSS, the Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and seven others from stopping the congresses.
Recall that the congresses are scheduled to elect new officers to run the affairs of the PDP at various levels in Rivers State.
Justice Lifu ordered the PDP to adhere strictly to the provisions of the guidelines and adjusted the timetable and schedule of activities, pending the determination of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction filed alongside the motion ex parte.
He further restrained the PDP and three national officers from allowing any person who did not obtain a nomination form or ad hoc form within the stipulated time in the guidelines from running for any elective office or ad hoc or national delegate positions, pending the determination of the motion on notice already filed.
The judge adjourned the case to August 15 for all parties to appear before him for their respective defences.
Prior to this ruling by the Federal High Court, a Rivers State High Court had restrained the PDP, its national chairman, national financial secretary, and national organizing secretary from holding the congress scheduled for July 27, 2024, in Rivers State.
This order was issued by Justice Sobere Hambo in an ex parte application brought by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, David Omereji, and 10 others against the defendants.
Another court ruling restrains PDP from conducting congresses in Rivers