Category: cover

Anambra arrests, prosecutes illegal revenue collectors

 

 

The Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, in collaboration with the State Anti-Touting Agency, has arrested and prosecuted some illegal revenue collectors as part of efforts to rid the state of criminal elements posing as revenue collectors.

 

The Chairman of AIRS, Greg Ezeilo, revealed this in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the agency has intensified its enforcement operations against illegal levy collection and related criminal activities across the state.

 

Ezeilo said that in a series of well-coordinated raids on identified black spots, operatives apprehended individuals involved in illegal revenue collection, adding that the state government will continue its clampdown on activities disrupting public order and economic stability.

 

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to law enforcement and the elimination of touting, drug-related offences, and unauthorised revenue collection.

 

He said, “We urge the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities as the state intensified its enforcement operations against illegal levy collection and related criminal activities.

“These operations send a strong message that illegal practices will no longer be tolerated in Anambra State.

 

“We call on citizens to support these efforts by being vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

“More raids are planned in the coming weeks, as part of the administration’s broader objective to sanitise the revenue system and restore public trust in government processes.”

 

PUNCH Online gathered that some of the suspects were arrested at UNIZIK Junction for unlawfully extorting motorists, contravening established state revenue laws, while some others were apprehended at Regina Junction, Awka, where they were reportedly collecting levies from tricycle operators under false pretences.

 

In a related development, one was caught in possession of Indian hemp, highlighting the ongoing issue of drug abuse and trafficking in the region.

 

“The arrested suspects were transferred to the Anambra Internal Revenue for further investigation and subsequently arraigned in court.

 

“They were convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for their offences.

 

“The swift and strategic actions by the agency have drawn commendation from residents and business owners in affected areas, who expressed relief at the removal of notorious elements that have long disrupted peace and hindered lawful commerce,” the statement added.

Opposition will collapse in Edo before 2027, says Okpebholo

 

 

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday, said there will be a total collapse of the opposition in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

He stated this during the flag-off of the campaign for the August 16th Senatorial by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District in Uromi.

 

He urged the candidates of the opposition parties to decamp to the ruling All Progressive Congress and join him in developing the State.

 

The governor was accompanied by the chairman of APC, Jarrett Tenebe, to receive decampees at the event. He expressed happiness that members of all other political parties are joining APC to ensure that development continues.

 

The decampees from PDP include Alhaji Esiwele Musa, Abraham Osazuwa, Sunny Ejie, and Robert Okoneme, amongst other PDP leaders across the 51 wards.

 

He said, “This is a test for 2027. I can tell you that 2027 is sure. Before 2027, there will be no opposition in Edo State anymore as all will join the APC because of the developmental achievements in the state.

“Hon. Joseph Ikpea will take over from me in the Senate. In this election, we will win five local governments out of five. We must win the entire 51 wards in the five local governments that make up the Senatorial District.

 

“I understand that it is only the candidates in the other parties that have not decamped to our party, the APC. I advise them not to waste their money but to join our party. If they give you money, take it and vote for the APC. The money is our money.

 

“We promised to give the President 2.5 million votes, and we are ready to deliver on our promises. We will not talk much because the election is a done deal. This is the first test for us as we do not have any opposition in the State anymore,” he said.

 

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dennis Idahosa, urged Esan people to support Okpebholo as he has brought development to the state due to his relationship with President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that the election is the first step to appreciate the president.

 

He said, “The President sees our Governor as his son, and the State enjoys the dividends of democracy. This is the first step to appreciate the governor and the president. We would not accept anything less than 90 per cent victory in the election.”

 

The APC party Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who presented the party’s flag to the party’s candidate in the Senatorial by-election, Hon. Joseph Ikpe,a encouraged him to ensure he continues from where the Governor stopped in the Senate.

 

He noted that the governor, as a Senator, brought development to the Senatorial District.

Presenting the party’s symbol, which is the broom, to decampees at the event, Jarrett Tenebe thanked the governor for duly informing the Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area about the flag off of the day, saying that it was the right thing to do.

 

He urged the decampees to join and support the party, and the Governor to ensure the developmental strides continue in Edo State.

 

The Director General of the Edo Senatorial by-election and former Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Victor Edoror, commended the people for coming out en masse. He urged them to make sure they keep the spirit of the door-to-door campaign for the candidate of party and the election to ensure victory.

 

The APC candidate in the Senatorial by-election, Joseph Ikpea, thanked the party for the trust and promised to continue with the developmental strides the Governor brought to the Senatorial District as a Senator.

 

The APC Edo Central Senatorial leader, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd); APC Edo South leader, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh; and other leaders, urged the people to all come out en masse to vote for the APC candidate in the by-election.

FRSC arrests over 15,000 Ondo traffic violators in seven months

 

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, has arrested no fewer than 15,145 traffic offenders from January to July in the state.

 

The Ondo FRSC Sector Commander, Samuel Ibitoye, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Akure.

 

Ibitoye explained that the offenders were booked for 15,536 offences during the period under review.

 

He said that the offences include seat belt violation, riding motorcycle without crash helmet, number plate violation, speed limit violation, overloading and use of phone while driving.

 

Ibitoye, who stated that the personnel of the FRSC were always on road from Monday to Sunday to enforce traffic rules and regulations, said that the idea was to reduce road traffic crashes.

 

“We don’t always go to road to book people; we also go to the road to play advisory role as safety check.

 

“We also go on advocacy, because there is need for attitudinal change by people,” Ibitoye said.

He called on motorists who had not fixed speed limit device on their vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, to do so, saying the benefits were numerous.

 

According to him, the speed limit device will not only regulate the speed, it also saves the life span of vehicle, reduces fuel consumption and enhance safety of the people on the road.

 

“The major cause of death and crashes in Nigeria today is speeding by the drivers.

 

“The major concern is for every motorists and Nigerians to take ownership of the road safety matters, if not, they are endangering their lives and lives of others road users.

 

“So, value your life and preserve it, and do not expose your life unnecessarily because when you lose it you can not regain it,” Ibitoye said.

VIDEO: NDLEA intercepts drugs concealed in vehicle side mirrors

 

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted illicit drugs hidden inside vehicle side mirrors.

 

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a post shared via his X handle on Sunday.

 

He wrote, “They’ve found another use for our vehicles side mirrors as discovered by #ndlea_nigeria officers in one of our latest seizures. Let’s be more careful #NDLEA”

 

The latest seizure adds to a growing list of unconventional concealment methods employed by drug traffickers in recent times, including stuffing drugs in lipstick tubes, prayer beads, clothes hangers and dress seams.

 

The agency has intensified its surveillance and profiling efforts at all entry and exit points across the country, warning traffickers that it remains steps ahead of their desperate tactics.

 

Watch the video below:

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐀 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted illicit drugs hidden inside vehicle side mirrors.

 

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi… pic.twitter.com/fIkvbPfTZB

 

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) August 3, 2025

NSCDC intercepts vandals of railway sleepers in Bauchi

 

The Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested two suspects and recovered a vehicle loaded with vandalised railway sleepers in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.

 

The corps’ spokesman, Saminu Yusuf, confirmed the incident in a statement in Bauchi on Sunday.

 

Yusuf said the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, following credible intelligence reports.

 

He said the NSCDC operatives intercepted a white Peugeot J5 bus with registration number KTG 40 XF, loaded with 80 pieces of vandalised railway sleepers and four bags of charcoal.

According to him, the State Commandant, Oloyede Oyerinde, commended the operatives for their swift response.

 

He reiterated the Corps’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and warned those engaged in vandalism of the full wrath of the law.

 

He urged the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information to curb acts of sabotage.

LAUTECH teaching hospital doctors begin indefinite strike

 

 

The Association of Resident Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have embarked on an indefinite strike.

 

The doctors cited the failure of the hospital management and the state government to address their long-standing demands as the reason for the industrial action.

 

On April 8, the doctors suspended a month-long strike to give the hospital management and the state government time to meet their demands.

 

Three months after suspending their strike, the doctors sent a letter to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, issuing a three-week ultimatum for the management to meet their outstanding demands.

 

The letter, dated July 8, and titled “Re: Notice of industrial action,” said Congress agreed to grant a grace period of three weeks, during which formal notifications will be sent to relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government and the hospital management, to encourage prompt action on the unresolved issues.

The letter obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, partly read, “The congress acknowledges and appreciates the management’s efforts in addressing parts of its demands, particularly the payment of upgrade arrears and the refund of examination/update course fees. However, it regrets to note the continued non-implementation of critical outstanding demands.

 

“These include the payment of the new minimum wage along with accrued arrears from January 2025; disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund; payment of accoutrement allowance; recruitment of resident doctors across all departments; and renovation of call rooms.

 

“After thorough deliberations and by majority resolution, the congress has agreed to grant a grace period of three weeks, during which formal notifications will be sent to relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government and Hospital Management, a bid to encourage prompt action on these unresolved issues.

 

“Kindly note that failure to meet the outlined demands by the 29th of July, 2025 will result in the commencement of total and indefinite industrial action. We trust in your responsiveness and look forward to swift, positive outcomes.”

On July 28, the doctors sent a follow-up letter signed by the association’s President, Dr. Stephen Adedokun, and General Secretary, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, notifying the CMD that they would commence an indefinite strike the following day, July 29, due to the failure of the management and the state government to meet their demands.

 

The major demands of the doctors are the implementation of minimum wage for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff, despite implementation for other healthcare workers in the state, leading to significant pay parity and resultant resignation and inability to attract more hands, hence, more burden on the remaining personnel; non-implementation of Medical Residency Training Act/Fund; and non-payment of accoutrement allowance; among others.

 

The letter titled, “Notice of indefinite industrial action effective 12:00am, 29th July, 2025,” stated that, “Despite an ample window of engagement granted over the past three months and three weeks, it is with deep concern that we hereby declare a total and indefinite industrial action commencing from 12:00am, Tuesday 29th July 2025.

 

“This decision comes after extensive internal consultations and exhausting all peaceful means of resolution. The lack of meaningful response and commitment from the management leaves us with no viable alternative but to activate this action in defence of the welfare and professional dignity of our members.

“We urge the hospital management to treat this notice with the seriousness it deserves and to respond promptly to avert prolonged disruption of services. We remain committed to dialogue and resolution, but will not resume duty until tangible and acceptable steps have been taken to address our demands.”

Speaking with our correspondent, Dr. Adedokun explained that the doctors resumed their suspended industrial action on July 29 after the government failed to fulfil the promises made at the time of the previous strike suspension.

 

Last month, the doctors warned of the imminent collapse of the hospital, citing massive staff exodus, poor remuneration, and lack of government support as major threats to its continued operation.

 

In an open letter dated July 4, 2025, and addressed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the doctors described the situation at the hospital as alarming, revealing that the number of resident doctors has plummeted from nearly 270 to fewer than 65.

Nigerien rescued alive as three-storey building collapses in Abuja

 

 

A 27-year-old man, Aliyu Salisu, was pulled out alive after a three-storey building collapsed on Saturday evening in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.

 

The victim, identified as a citizen of Niger Republic, remained trapped under the rubble for nearly 10 hours before he was rescued in the early hours of Sunday.

 

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, noting that rescue efforts began shortly after a distress call was received around 6:15pm on August 2.

 

According to Adeh, the Divisional Police Officer of Lifecamp promptly led a multi-agency team to the scene, where the area was cordoned off and emergency response operations began in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency, officials of the FCT Administration’s Development Control Department, Zeberced Construction Company, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

“At about 4am on 3rd August 2025, the rescue teams successfully extricated one Aliyu Salisu, a 27-year-old male and citizen of Niger Republic, who had been trapped in the rubble for close to 10 hours.

“He was immediately rushed to Cedar Crest Hospital, Gudu, for medical evaluation and treatment. He is currently responding well,” she said.

 

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, who was at the site to supervise rescue operations, commended the swift response of the various agencies and volunteers.

 

The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report emergencies or suspicious activities, adding that the command’s control room lines, 0803 200 3913 and 0806 158 193, remain active round-the-clock.

 

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the collapse had not been officially disclosed.

Dutse emirate offers N10m to 300 needy persons

 

 

The Emir of Dutse in Jigawa State, Dr. Hameem Nuhu, has flagged off the distribution of over N10 million in cash Zakat to 300 needy individuals in the Yayari district of Buji Local Government Area.

 

He called on the faithful to continue giving Allah’s due to enjoy prosperity in this world and the hereafter.

 

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of the 1446 AH Zakat in Yayari on Saturday, the Emir expressed satisfaction with the district’s achievements in collecting Zakat within his domain.

 

During the event, the Emir honoured the District Head of Yayari, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, the Village Head, and the Ward Head of Yayari town for their efforts in mobilising the community to pay Zakat.

He urged residents of the emirate to continue fulfilling their Zakat obligations, noting that doing so would further enhance the socio-economic development of the less privileged.

 

The Emir also appealed to other wealthy individuals to emulate the gesture, adding, “The disbursement of the funds to the needy is expected to improve their living standards and promote economic development.”

In his remarks, the Sa’in Dutse, Mahmud Yunusa, disclosed that Yayari district ranked first in cash Zakat collection, followed by Gantsa and Fagam districts.

 

He revealed that over N10 million was gathered and is being distributed to 300 beneficiaries, with individual recipients receiving between N20,000 and N35,000 each in the Yayari district.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of Buji Local Government Council, Hon. Najibullah Gantsa, commended the Emir for his commitment to promoting Zakat in communities under the emirate.

 

He pledged the council’s continued collaboration with the district and other chiefdoms to maintain leadership in Zakat collection, stating, “The Emir’s call for people to continue giving Allah’s right is a reminder of the importance of Zakat in Islam.”

 

“This event is a clear demonstration of the emirate’s commitment to supporting the needy and promoting Islamic values,” the chairman added.

 

He further noted that “The success of the Zakat collection efforts in Yayari district reflects the community’s dedication to Islamic principles.”

One dies in Jigawa motorcycle accident

 

 

A motorcycle accident has claimed one life and left four others injured in Jigawa State.

 

The accident occurred on Friday along the Kafin Hausa-Auno, Sabon Gari Ruba Road in the Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of the state.

 

Confirming the incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Dutse, the state capital, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Jigawa Command’s Public Relations Officer, Badruddeen Tijjani, the accident happened at about 14:20 hours.

 

The motorcycle, which was carrying six young individuals returning from the farm, reportedly caught fire immediately after the crash, resulting in severe burns to five of the riders.

“The victims were identified as Iliya Ashura Makera, 15 years; Babanan Musa, 22 years; Mubarak Ibrahim Tahir, 14 years; Abdullmumuni Garba, 12 years; and Abdulsalam Garba, 14 years,” the statement said.

 

Accordingly, Tijjani revealed in the statement that the NSCDC operatives at Kafin Hausa Divisional Office, led by CSC Nehemiah John Gata, responded promptly, rescuing the victims and conveying them to the General Hospital, Kafin Hausa, for medical attention.

 

Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries, Abdullmumuni Garba, one of the victims, was referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for specialised treatment, but passed away en route to the facility.

“The victims of the accident are currently receiving medical attention, and the NSCDC is providing support to the families of the victims.

 

“The command is also investigating the cause of the accident to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Tijjani disclosed.

 

However, the statement reads further that the State Commandant, Bala Bodinga, and the entire officers and men of the NSCDC extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

 

The commandant reiterated the importance of safe riding practices, especially among youths, and urged parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to continue sensitising young people on road safety.

 

Bodinga, therefore, urged motorcyclists to always follow traffic rules and regulations and to avoid overloading their motorcycles.

 

He also appealed to parents and guardians to educate their children on the importance of road safety.

 

“It is essential for parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to educate young people on road safety and the risks associated with reckless behaviour,” he emphasised.

Soldiers, DSS operatives rescue kidnapped Taraba varsity lecturer

 

 

Troops of the Nigerian Army, and operatives of the Department of State Services have rescued a lecturer at Taraba State University, Joshua Saleh.

 

The lecturer was abducted on July 31 along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

 

The rescue followed a joint operation based on actionable intelligence across several locations including Kente, Sondi, Yaku, and Warawa.

 

A statement on Sunday by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said during the operation, troops engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, forcing them to abandon the victim.

He said Saleh was recovered unhurt.

 

The statement read, “In a daring and well-coordinated operation, troops of 6 Brigade, NA/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, have successfully rescued Engineer Joshua Saleh, a lecturer at Taraba State University.

 

“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, the troops, alongside DSS operatives, launched a targeted search and rescue operation across key locations, including Kente, Sondi 1 and 2, Yaku, and the Warawa general area. During the operation, troops encountered the kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and pressure, the criminals fled the scene, abandoning the victim. Engineer Saleh was found unharmed and promptly rescued.”

 

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their swift response and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.

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