Year: 2025

 

Goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in either half were enough to secure three points for Newcastle, moving the Magpies within touching distance of Champions League football next season with a crucial victory against 10-man Chelsea at St James’ Park.

 

The victory put Newcastle three points clear of Chelsea and one point behind Arsenal.

 

The Magpies and Chelsea started the day locked on the same 63-point tally before Newcastle got the perfect start when Sandro Tonali’s close-range finish gave them the lead after just 112 seconds.

 

The visitors’ task was made even harder when striker Nicolas Jackson was rightly sent off for a needless forearm smash on Newcastle defender Sven Botman 10 minutes before the break.

 

Manager Enzo Maresca adjusted by using Cole Palmer as a false nine, inspiring a Chelsea revival after the break, with keeper Nick Pope twice saving well from Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez.

 

Reece James missed another big opportunity for Chelsea, but Newcastle survived to wrap up a priceless three points in stoppage time when Bruno Guimaraes’ strike took a deflection off Malo Gusto and looped over keeper Robert Sanchez.

 

The celebrations when the final whistle sounded illustrated the importance of this win as Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe stand on the brink of closing out a magnificent campaign.

They secured their first major domestic trophy since 1955 – their first success of any kind since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – when they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in March.

 

And now, after a hard-fought win against a Chelsea side rivalling them for a place in the Champions League, Newcastle are in a prime position to return to Europe’s elite competition next season.

 

They travel to Arsenal before hosting Everton in their final game of the season, with crucial momentum gathered after surviving a nervous second half to overcome Chelsea.

 

Tonali helped his side make their usual whirlwind start on Tyneside, but the emphasis of the game shifted following Jackson’s red card and those tactical adjustments from Maresca.

 

The anxiety among the Toon Army could be heard and felt as Chelsea established control, but Newcastle found heroes in keeper Pope, who came to the rescue when required, and giant hometown hero Dan Burn, who gave a towering defensive display.

 

There was huge relief when the win was finally secured after Guimaraes scored the clinching second goal.

 

Newcastle now just need to finish the job off, and they will feel they are now in the ideal position to do so.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Kyiv would meet with Moscow for talks in Istanbul on May 15, but that Russia must first commit to a 30-day ceasefire starting from Monday.

 

Zelensky, using rare language since Moscow invaded more than three years ago, described Russia’s proposal to convene direct peace talks as a “positive sign”.

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was “ready to host negotiations,” telling Russia’s Vladimir Putin in a phone call that a “window of opportunity” had opened for peace.

 

Moscow and Kyiv have not held direct talks since March 2022, shortly after the Kremlin launched its invasion in February of that year.

Those talks, which also took place in Istanbul, led to a now-aborted peace deal that would have seen Kyiv adopt a neutral status and renounce any NATO ambitions.

 

Russia’s invasion has since dragged on, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, the destruction of Ukrainian cities, and a total collapse in relations between Moscow and the West.

 

Moscow now occupies a fifth of the country and has claimed to have annexed four Ukrainian regions as its own, in addition to Crimea, which it seized in 2014.

 

“There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire — full, lasting and reliable — starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelensky said on social media.

 

“It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war,” the Ukrainian leader said in a break of tone.

 

“The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.”

 

– ‘First ceasefire’, then the rest –

 

Kyiv and its Western allies have said an unconditional ceasefire to pause the fighting is the only way to advance a diplomatic solution in the three-year-old conflict — Europe’s worst since the Second World War.

 

On a visit to Kyiv on Saturday the leaders of France, the UK, Germany and Poland pressured Russia — with US President Donald Trump’s support — to commit to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine starting from Monday.

 

Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said that Kyiv would only come to the table if Moscow agreed to the ceasefire from Monday.

“First, a 30-day ceasefire, then everything else,” he said on social media.

 

“A ceasefire is the first step towards ending the war, and it will confirm Russia’s readiness to end the killing.”

 

Russia has hit Ukraine with a string of deadly attacks this spring.

Talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in 2022 collapsed, and fighting has been raging ever since.

 

Communication channels have only been open for exchanges of prisoners of war and bodies.

 

– Putin mute on truce –

 

At a press conference close to 1:00 am (2200 GMT) in the Kremlin, Putin did not respond to the 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by Kyiv’s allies.

 

He instead suggested resuming the Istanbul talks scuppered in 2022.

 

“We propose to the Kyiv authorities to resume the talks that they broke off in 2022, and, I emphasise, without any preconditions,” he said.

 

“We propose to start (negotiations) without delay on Thursday, May 15 in Istanbul,” Putin said.

 

“We do not exclude that during these talks, we will be able to agree on some new ceasefire,” the Russian leader added.

 

But he also accused Ukraine’s Western backers of wanting to “continue war with Russia” and — without mentioning the specific proposal for a 30-day ceasefire — slammed European “ultimatums” and “anti-Russian rhetoric”.

 

Turkish President Erdogan told Putin in a phone call Sunday that Ankara was ready to host talks “aimed at achieving a lasting solution.”

 

Returning from Ukraine, French leader Emmanuel Macron said he expected Russia to commit to the ceasefire “without setting any condition.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Russia’s offer to negotiate directly was a “good sign” but “far from sufficient,” pressuring Moscow to agree to a truce.

 

But US President Donald Trump said it was a “potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine” and vowed to work with both sides to end the fighting.

 

Kyiv on Sunday accused Moscow of launching more than 100 drones on Ukraine after a Russian-announced 72-hour ceasefire had ended at midnight.

 

Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has denied involvement in the arrest of Ishe’u Ibrahim Jadda, a constituent alleged to have been detained over criticism of the Gashua Water Supply Project.

 

The senator representing Yobe North was reacting to an online newspaper report linking him to the incident.

 

In a statement released on Saturday by his media adviser, Dr Ezrel Tabiowo, the senator described the report as “malicious” and “false,” asserting that it was a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

 

The publication in question had connected Lawan to the arrest, claiming it stemmed from Jadda’s public disapproval of the newly commissioned water project in Gashua, a town within Lawan’s Yobe North Senatorial District.

 

Lawan, however, refuted the allegation, stressing his commitment to democratic values, free speech, and the rule of law.

 

He also cited his legislative record as evidence of his tolerance for dissent and respect for opposing views.

The statement partly read: “Senator Ahmad Lawan has never, and will never, use his office or influence to suppress dissent or intimidate critics.

 

“To suggest that a man of such pedigree would orchestrate the arrest of a constituent for exercising his constitutional right to free speech is not only absurd but an affront to his decades of principled service.”

 

Lawan also defended the Gashua Water Supply Project, noting that it was initiated in response to a severe health crisis in the area.

 

According to him, Gashua has one of the highest incidences of kidney disease in Yobe State — conditions reportedly linked to contaminated water sources.

 

“Rather than being threatened by criticism, Senator Lawan welcomes constructive feedback as a vital tool for improving public service delivery,” the statement added.

 

While challenging the online platform to provide evidence supporting its claims, the lawmaker assured that he remains focused on delivering “impactful representation” to his constituents in Yobe North.

 

The Ondo State Government has assured Akure residents that the 7.8km Oda Road project will be ready for inauguration in June 2025.

 

It stated that it is committed to improving infrastructural development across the 18 local government areas.

 

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Olawoye Abiola disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Akure.

 

Abiola said the total length of the road is 7.8km, with the 4km dual carriageway already completed, while only 1km remains out of the 3.8km single carriageway.

 

According to him, with favourable weather conditions, the road will be delivered by the set date.

 

He noted that there had been variations in the project due to current economic realities, especially as the road was awarded before the current administration.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Oda Road project was awarded during the first term of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

 

According to Abiola, the contractor is working round the clock to meet the target date.

“The single lane is about 11 metres wide, while the dual carriageway is approximately 9.3 metres wide on both sides.

 

“We have a walkway of 1.5 metres on both sides, and a hydraulics section measuring 900 by 900 with a 150mm thickness. There is also a 1.2-metre-wide median.

 

“The contractor has completed the dual carriageway segment and is currently working on the 3.8km single carriageway, with only about 1km left to complete the project as of today.

 

“I believe the road will be ready for use within one or two months,” the aide concluded.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria also reports that the hydraulic portion of the road refers to the design and engineering of structures and systems related to water management, specifically for stormwater runoff and its effects on road infrastructure.

 

The Senior Special Assistant emphasised that the completion of the project is a top priority of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

 

Two dispatch riders have lost their lives after a 20-feet container fell on them during a collision involving two fully loaded Mack trucks on Eko Bridge inward Alaka on Sunday.

 

The Lagos State Transport Management Agency disclosed this tragic incident in a statement signed and released by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, on Sunday. LASTMA stated that over-speeding was the primary cause of the accident.

 

According to Taofiq, the dispatch riders, with vehicle registration numbers T-10357 LA and KJA 107 XM were commuting on the axis when the accident happened.

 

“Preliminary findings suggest that the driver of one of the articulated trucks, reportedly driving at an excessive speed while allegedly dozing off, lost control of the vehicle.

 

“The truck then careened into another moving trucks ahead of it, triggering a violent impact.

 

“This collision led to the dislodgement of a 20-foot container from one of the trucks, which subsequently crushed two unsuspecting dispatch riders who were navigating the route at the time.

 

“Both victims were confirmed dead at the scene,” he said.

Taofiq stated that LASTMA officers, who were monitoring traffic under the Eko Bridge, quickly responded to the incident and rescued a severely injured truck driver.

 

He said the driver was rushed to a nearby hospital in a Lagos State Government ambulance for immediate medical care.

 

He noted that two truck drivers fled the scene, likely due to fear of consequences, and investigations are ongoing to track and apprehend them.

 

The spokesperson further said the affected area has been cordoned by LASTMA and has redirected traffic through Coastain Roundabout to prevent further incidents and ensure road safety.

 

In the statement, LASTMA’s General Manager, Bakare-Oki, condoled with the families affected by the tragic incident, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of lives.

 

He also emphasised the importance of responsible driving, especially for articulated vehicle operators, and urged all drivers to exercise caution, stay alert, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.

 

Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, on Sunday demanded a probe into what he described as the diversion of a $3.4 bn loan from the International Monetary Fund.

 

Falana made this known in a statement he signed and made available to our correspondent.

 

Last week, the International Monetary Fund confirmed that Nigeria had fully repaid the $3.4 billion in COVID-19 financial support it received under the Rapid Financing Instrument. Although Nigeria’s principal balance stands at zero, scheduled charges, including net charges, basic interest, and administrative fees, amount to SDR 125.99 million. At the current exchange rate, this translates to approximately N275.28 billion.

 

“It is pertinent to recall that in the wake of the COVID-19 in 2030, Nigeria requested emergency assistance of about US$3.4 billion — equivalent to 100 percent of its quota from the International Monetary Fund to shore up the country’s economy and help businesses weather the storm of a deadly pandemic that disrupted global markets and plunged the world into a recession,” Falana said.

 

At the meeting of the IMF Executive Board held on April 28, 2020, the financial support of $3.4 billion was approved to provide critical support to shore up Nigeria’s health care sector and shield jobs and businesses from the shock of the COVID-19 crisis. In particular, the loan was designed to help alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sharp fall in oil prices and also help limit the decline in international reserves.

 

Following the Executive Board’s discussion of Nigeria, Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, stated that, “The emergency financing under the RFI will provide much-needed liquidity support to respond to the urgent BOP needs. Additional assistance from development partners will be required to support the government’s efforts and close the large financing gap. The implementation of proper governance arrangements—including through the publication and independent audit of crisis-mitigating spending and procurement processes—is crucial to ensure emergency funds are used for their intended purposes.”(emphasis ours)

 

Characteristically, the IMF Management, which jointly manages the neocolonial economy of Nigeria with the Federal Government, failed to ensure emergency funds were used “for their intended purposes.”

 

Recall that a 2020 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, released in January 2024, flagged several irregularities in the handling of the fund. The report stated that on April 30, 2020, $2.4 billion of the loan was transferred to the CBN’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, while the remaining balance went to the CBN’s account at the Bank of China, Shanghai. The report further stated that by June 1, the $2.4 billion had been moved to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) for short-term investments. The funds in China were similarly transferred to the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

“These transactions, according to the audit, were not supported by documentation or approvals from the Federal Government or the CBN’s Investment Committee, and the funds were subsequently reclassified as part of the CBN’s external reserves rather than the Federal Government’s holdings. This reclassification, the report noted, allowed interest to be earned on the funds, contrary to the emergency spending purpose for which they were approved,” Falana argued.

 

Speaking further, Falana noted that the report stated that on August 7, 2020, the Federal Ministry of Finance requested the monetisation of $700 million to support the 2020 federal budget. One week later, the CBN approved a debit of N265.65 billion, applying an exchange rate of N379.5/$, higher than the official N360.5/$ rate at the time. The funds were credited to three separate accounts: N252 billion to the COVID-19 Public Sector Account, N13.3 billion to the Forex Equalisation Account, and N350 million to the Exchange Commission Account.

 

“The audit noted that a 2% commission was deducted from the monetised amount, even though the funds were categorised as Federal Government property. At the end of 2020, an unmonetised balance of $2.7 billion — equivalent to approximately N1.02 trillion — remained unaccounted for, according to the Auditor-General’s report.

 

“The report recommended that the CBN Governor should explain the movement and classification of the funds without proper authorisation. It also requested bank statements to confirm the unmonetised balance and demanded the recovery of N13.3 billion and N350 million into the Federal Government’s account. It further called for the remittance of all interest earned from the investments and warned that sanctions under relevant financial regulations would be applied if there was no accountability.”

 

According to Falana, the Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted to the public treasury, and for the evidence of remittance to be forwarded to the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly. He also said the Auditor-General also recommended that anyone suspected to be involved should be ‘sanctioned and handed over to the EFCC and ICPC for investigation and prosecution, as provided for in paragraph 3112 of the Financial Regulations’.

 

“Even though the Auditor-General of the Federation submitted the 2020 Annual Report to to each House of the National Assembly, both Houses have failed to cause the report to be considered by the committees responsible for public accounts, to cover up the criminal diversion of the $3.4 IMF and several trillions of Naira set out in the Auditor-General’s report, in utter contravention of section 85(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

“Given the foregoing, the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond hereby calls on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the criminal diversion of the $3.4 billion loan obtained by Nigeria to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

“We also call on the IMF Board to probe the deliberate refusal of its management to ensure that the emergency funds were used for their intended purposes.” Meanwhile, the IMF should suspend the collection of the scheduled charges, including net charges, basic interest, and administrative fees, amounting to SDR 125.99 million (N275.28 billion) pending the conclusion of its investigation.”

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State chapter, has uncovered an illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

 

In a statement released on Sunday, the Head Media and Tactical

NSCDC, Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, said the operation was carried out in a joint coordinated operation with the Nigerian Army and the Navy.

 

Edwin said the team conducted the raid on Saturday following a credible intelligence of suspected illegal dealings in petroleum products within the area.

 

He added that a suspect was arrested while others fled the scene, with couple of petroleum products intercepted and seized.

 

The statement read, “In a joint coordinated operation, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy have uncovered a massive illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka ,Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

 

“The breakthrough was achieved following a credible intelligence of suspected illegal dealings in petroleum products within the area.

 

“Confirming the operations, the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Anambra State Command, Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the team conducted the raid on the locations on Saturday at about 1:45pm.

“They intercepted and arrested a suspect while others fled the scene.

 

“While receiving the suspect and the exhibits; 49 kegs of 25 litres, suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil, four drums of 200 litres each, suspected adulterated Premium Motor Spirit, and one pumping machine recovered from the scene and handed over to NSCDC for prosecution.”

 

According to him, the command remains committed to free its areas of operations from all forms of illegal dealings on petroleum products and other related activities and commended the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army that supported the operations.

 

He added that the state Commandant warned operators and perpetrators of illegal oil refineries and fake PROTEAN actors to steer clear of Anambra State, vowing they would be tracked down and made to face the full wrath of law.

 

“Our sights are set on individuals and groups using unwholesome covers for oil-related wrongdoings, and those brazenly committing crimes and criminalities in oil, gas and energy sectors of the economy; if they fail to change, the command is resolute and will take more decisive actions against you in Anambra State” he said.

 

“The Commandant assured the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army and members of the public of thorough investigations and prosecution of the suspect, and his accomplices at large in court.

 

“This collaboration with sister security agencies showcases our united fronts against crime in Anambra State. NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure, and checkmating illegal dealings in petroleum products and untowards profiteering, is warning economic saboteurs to stay clear of Anambra state, our operational mechanisms are in place to smoke them out,” he added.

 

The Chief Imam of Maiduguri International Airport, Muhammad Ibrahim Adam, has commended the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, for the recent ban on the sale of alcohol, while urging the state to consider establishing Hisbah to enforce the ban.

 

In a statement released on Sunday, the State Directorate of Information, Ministry of Information and Internal Security, said the cleric described the decision as timely and commendable in preserving the spiritual and moral fabric of society.

 

“The Imam called on the government to consider the establishment of Hisbah, a moral enforcement body in the state, to help enforce Islamic principles and curb immoral practices,” the statement read.

 

It was stated that the Imam concluded with prayers for continued peace, unity, and development in Borno State and across Nigeria.

“The consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants is an act prohibited by all religions, as they open doors to all sorts of immoral and criminal behaviours in society,” it added.

 

PUNCH Online had reported that Zulum made the alcohol ban announcement on Tuesday at the inauguration of a reconstituted committee on “revocation of illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and criminal hideouts and curbing the menace of antisocial vices” at the council chambers of the Government House in Maiduguri, the state capital.

 

The governor, during the meeting, said the ban on the sale and consumption of liquor and alcoholic content stems from the rising cases of clashes among rival groups, cultism, prostitution, drug abuse, thuggery, and theft, which have led to the loss of lives and valuables.

 

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to immediately disclose whether it has commenced the direct disbursement of allocations to the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, following the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment nullifying state governors’ control over LGA funds.

 

In a letter dated 10 May 2025 obtained by our correspondent, addressed to the CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group also demanded that the bank “widely publish the amounts, if any, so far sent directly to each of the local governments” and provide a detailed explanation of any payments already made—particularly to LGAs in Rivers State.

 

The group stated: “We are writing to request you to use your good offices and leadership position to immediately disclose whether the CBN has commenced the direct disbursement of allocations to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria from the Federation Accounts with the CBN, and to widely publish the amounts, if any, so far sent to each of the local governments.”

 

This request follows a Supreme Court judgment declaring the practice by governors and the FCT Minister of retaining and disbursing LGA allocations unconstitutional and unlawful.

The court ruled that no governor or agency has the authority to interfere with allocations meant for LGAs from the Federation Account.

 

Citing this judgment, SERAP argued: “Local government councils are entitled to a direct payment from the Federation Account of the amount standing to their credit in the said Federation Account. States should not be collecting, receiving, spending or tampering with the local government council funds from the Federation Account meant for the benefit of the councils.”

 

The advocacy group expressed concern that despite the ruling, many state governors have continued to “starve local governments of funds and put them in peril,” thereby undermining their autonomy and capacity to function as the third tier of government.

 

In the letter, the group warned that if the CBN fails to act within seven days, it would take legal action.

 

“If we have not heard from you by then, the Incorporated Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter stated.

SERAP referenced a past revelation by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who in December 2022 described how governors allegedly short-changed LGA chairmen.

 

“If the money from the Federation Account to the state is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the chairman, but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with,” Buhari had said.

 

The organisation argued that the CBN has a constitutional and statutory obligation to protect the financial interests of all tiers of government.

 

“The CBN ought to act in the public interest to protect the allocations in the Federation Account and the public funds disbursed from that Account directly to each of the constitutionally recognised three tiers of government,” it said.

 

Highlighting the March 2025 revenue distribution by the Federation Account Allocation Committee, SERAP noted that a total of N1.578 trillion was shared among the three tiers of government. It queried whether the LGAs had received their fair share directly, as mandated by the court ruling.

“Ensuring that all restrictions against direct disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the 774 councils are lifted will comply with the orders by the Supreme Court and stop states and the FCT from tampering with the allocations ahead of the 2027 general elections,” SERAP warned.

 

The group further argued that Nigerians have a legal and moral right to know how their money is being managed, referencing several legal frameworks, including the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

 

“The public interest in publishing the information sought outweighs any considerations to withhold the information. Nigerians are entitled to the right to receive information without any interference or distortion, and the enjoyment of this right should be based on the principle of maximum disclosure,” SERAP stated.

 

The group also reminded the CBN that “the Freedom of Information Act is applicable and applies to public records in the Federation, including those kept by the CBN.”

 

No fewer than 78 Nigerians rescued from human traffickers in Cote D’Ivoire have arrived in Lagos.

The victims, comprising 73 females, two males, and three babies, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 11:00 pm on Saturday.

 

Binta Bello, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, received them at the airport.

Bello, in her speech, said that the return of the victims reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the fight against human trafficking.

 

“This is a momentous occasion a day that marks not only the safe return of our beloved daughters but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the fight against human trafficking.

 

“To the young women and girls who have just returned, we say welcome home.

 

“You were taken far from the safety and dignity you deserve, but today, you are back on Nigerian soil, and you are not alone. You are home, and this country stands with you.

 

“Your courage, your survival, and your return symbolise hope for thousands of others who may still be in the shadows.

 

“And to those who have perpetuated this evil, let today be a reminder that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice,” she said.

 

The NAPTIP boss said that some of those responsible for the heinous trade had been apprehended and would face the full force of the law.

 

According to her, the agency will profile and chat with the survivors for necessary measures in line with its mandate, which included counseling and skill acquisition training.

 

“We thank the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its constant support and political will in the fight against trafficking in persons, the support has been instrumental in enabling NAPTIP to carry out this noble mandate.

 

“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Air Peace Airlines for their generous and patriotic assistance in facilitating the safe return of these victims free of charge.

“Your partnership is a shining example of how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to national efforts.

 

“To all our local and international partners, thank you. Your collaboration continues to empower us, and today’s success is one we share with all of you,” she said.

 

Bello urged the public to raise awareness, report suspicious activities, and stand together against the grave violation of human dignity.

 

Narrating her ordeal, a 24-year-old pregnant victim said that a friend lured her into prostitution.

“One of my friends told me that she is running a supermarket, that she would love me to come and work and earn like N300,000 a month.

 

“She said that I should not worry about the transport that she is going to pay for me, which she did.

 

The victim said that the moment she got there, she discovered that there was no supermarket.

 

“She said that she paid N3 million for my transport and that I must sleep with men for me to pay her back.

 

“I told her I cannot, but she threatened to either kill or cut my hair and take it to a herbalist to make me run mad.

 

“For fear of the unknown, I started sleeping with different men,” she said.

 

According to her, she is four months pregnant and needs help to take care of herself and her unborn baby.

 

“When I discovered I was pregnant, she asked me to abort, I told her I cannot because the baby is already big.

 

“She started mistreating me, hitting me with sticks on my tummy. Sometimes, she sends some men to kick me in my stomach in order to lose the pregnancy.

 

“When I could no longer bear the torture, I went to report to the police,” she said.

In the same vein, another victim, a 17-year-old said that she met a lady who compelled her into a commercial sex act.

 

“A lady approached me, she said she would like to take me to Cote d’Ivoire to work in a restaurant and I will be paid 1.5million cfa monthly.

 

“I and six other girls accepted, she told us not to tell our parents.

 

“When we got there, she and her gang dumped us in a forest where men came to pick us up for sex,” she said.

 

The victim said that after undergoing a series of abortions, the lady did a five-year family planning for her.

 

According to her, some of her colleagues died in the process.

 

“Some of my colleagues who were picked up for sex never returned. Some were killed and dumped on the road,” she said.