By Sabiu Abdullahi

Concern over the circulation of fake and substandard products has intensified across Nigeria, with consumers, medical experts, lawyers and public affairs commentators demanding tougher action from regulatory authorities.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have faced renewed scrutiny after Nigerians used social media platforms to share reports of suspected counterfeit food, medicines, cosmetics and other household products.

Although some of the claims circulating online have not been independently verified, the reports have heightened fears about the safety of products available in Nigerian markets and raised questions about the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures.

Social media users on X, TikTok and Instagram have recently posted videos comparing suspected fake products with original ones. The posts have covered toothpaste, yoghurt, palm oil, drinks, medicines and other commonly used items.

Doctors, content creators and other members of the public have also shared tips on how consumers can identify suspected counterfeit goods.

One widely circulated case involved Oral-B toothpaste. A Nigerian doctor, Somto Okonkwo, posted a comparison of genuine and suspected counterfeit tubes, pointing to differences in packaging, seals, texture, transparency and taste.

Okonkwo said he visited between five and seven shops where counterfeit versions were available, with some sellers unaware that the products were fake.

He also explained that genuine toothpaste commonly uses safe glycerine, while some counterfeit products could contain diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical.

The video received further attention after it was shared by UK-based Nigerian physician, Dr Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya.

Similar concerns emerged over Hollandia yoghurt after videos circulated online that purportedly showed the product being packaged in unhygienic conditions.

Other social media users also compared genuine and suspected fake yoghurt by examining differences in thickness, creaminess and barcodes.

On September 4, Ogunsanya shared photographs of two paracetamol tablets allegedly produced by the same company but showing noticeable differences in colour.

He warned that consumers might only identify the difference when the tablets were placed side by side, stating that “one is fake, or both are fake”.

He also criticised NAFDAC, alleging that the agency “has killed thousands of people by failing to do their job.”

Other complaints circulating online have included allegations of dyed palm oil, painted apples, fake soy sauce and olive oil, substandard chicken and fish, fake water and soft drinks, counterfeit alcoholic beverages and suspected fake toothpaste.

An X user, Oluwole Olofintuyi, @OluOlofin1, described the reported scale of counterfeit products as disturbing.

“Wherever you go: fake milk, fake yoghurt, fake bread, fake palm oil, fake/plastic rice, fake medicines, fake toothpaste, fake baby formulas, fake beverages, fake toothbrushes, fake bottled and sachet water, fake vehicle parts, fake tyres,” he wrote.

Olofintuyi alleged that some regulatory officials, distributors and importers could be involved in the circulation of counterfeit goods. He also accused NAFDAC and SON of failing Nigerians.

Another X user, Chinedu Samuel, @Chimextech, questioned the effectiveness of NAFDAC.

“Where is NAFDAC in all of this? What they are concerned about is sachet alcohol, no focus. That’s the result of nepotistic appointments,” he wrote.

Uche Samuel said reports about counterfeit toothpaste had increased his concerns about the safety of ordinary consumer products.

Mac Araga also alleged that regulatory agencies were placing greater emphasis on revenue generation than their primary responsibilities.

Another contributor, Abou Opeyemi, called for cooperation among relevant government agencies.

“We blame only NAFDAC, what is SON doing? What about CPC? Let them collaborate, even with NDLEA and the police. They should declare a state of emergency on fake drugs,” Abou Opeyemi wrote.

NAFDAC’S RECENT SEIZURES

NAFDAC has carried out several operations against counterfeit and unregistered products.

In February 2026, the agency said it confiscated more than 10 million doses of fake malaria medicines and other pharmaceutical products at the Lagos Trade Fair Market.

The agency also discovered warehouses inside an uncompleted building in Apapa, Lagos, where banned, counterfeit and unregistered medicines valued at more than N3bn were stored.

Among the items reportedly discovered were prohibited injectable anti-malaria drugs, antibiotics, sachet medicines and blister-packed drugs, alongside perfumes, body oils and cooking oils.

NAFDAC had also stated in 2025 that about 30 per cent of medicines sold in open markets were fake or substandard.

In March 2025, the agency seized and destroyed confiscated medicines estimated at N1tn during operations in major drug markets, including Onitsha, Ogbo-Ogwu and Aba, Ekumi/Tenant Road.

‘COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS CAN DAMAGE ORGANS’

The Director of Medical Services at the Medical Centre of the Federal College of Education, Akoka, Lagos, Dr Rotimi Adesanya, warned that fake medicines, food and drinks could contain harmful substances capable of damaging vital organs.

He said, “Some of the health hazards, such as liver failure, kidney failure, heart problems and even infertility and low sperm count, that are endemic in our society now are as a result of the usage of counterfeit products because of the chemicals in them.”

Adesanya attributed part of the problem to economic hardship, saying poverty could push consumers towards cheaper products.

He also explained the difference between an expiry date and a “best before” date.

“Most of them put ‘best before’ on the products, which is different from an expiry date. The expiry date means that once it is expired, it cannot fully perform the purpose for which it was produced. Whereas, best before means you get the best part of that product before the particular day.

“The reason for this is that some products disintegrate if they are left for some time. Some of them may lose moisture or the chemicals in them, depending on how they are stored.

“While expired drugs may not actually kill a person, they will not do the work they were intended to do because the potency of the drug will have reduced with time.”

He urged NAFDAC to increase surveillance and conduct regular checks on products displayed for sale.

“As a result of counterfeiting that is happening in the public, including local products like palm oil, the chemicals used for them are destroying organs. Some of them cause renal failure, which is shutting down the kidneys. They can shut down the liver, and that’s why NAFDAC has to be on top of its game.

“NAFDAC should do routine checks and analyses of these products, which they normally do in their industry. They must go on surveillance from time to time. They must check all the products on the shelves randomly. They must continue to see if they have expired or are still effective.

“Also, counterfeiting usually happens with expensive products because they are not affordable to people. The public should look for products from different brands,” Adesanya said.

A former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State, Dr Saheed Babajide, blamed weak enforcement for the continued circulation of fake medicines.

He said, “It is unfortunate that governments have allowed this issue to go on for a very long time. You will recall that NAFDAC recently went to Idumota in Lagos and Aba in Abia State to close some shops. Despite that, it still continues because there is no regulatory body whatsoever and the law enforcement agencies are not doing what they are supposed to do.”

Babajide said counterfeit medicines could result in renal damage, kidney and heart complications and mental health problems.

He added that ineffective medicines could worsen pressure on Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system because patients might not respond to treatment.

“The use of ineffective or partially effective antimalarial drugs, for instance, can prolong illness and increase the likelihood of hospital admission. This ultimately places an additional financial burden on patients, who may end up spending more on treatment than they would have if they had initially obtained effective medicines. The problem is largely driven by greed and the quest for financial gain by unscrupulous individuals,” Babajide added.

He urged lawmakers to introduce tougher measures against those involved in the distribution of counterfeit medicines.

“What the government should do is to ensure the relevant government agencies and regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and SON carry out their duties. There should be no bail and fine because anybody can be a victim of these counterfeit drugs. This should be treated as a matter of urgency,” he added.

CALLS FOR REFORM OF REGULATORY AGENCIES

A Lagos-based commentator, Segun Odunewu, called for a major reform of NAFDAC, alleging that the agency was no longer doing enough to protect consumers.

“We have not had it this bad until inefficiency crept into NAFDAC. The agency needs a complete overhaul for effectiveness. If not, we will all die of cancer and kidney disease.

“NAFDAC is not the NAFDAC of Dora Akunyili’s era. Her efforts are being wasted,” Odunewu said.

He also demanded greater accountability from the agency’s leadership.

“The NAFDAC Director-General should resign. NAFDAC is now becoming a money-generating agency while neglecting its primary responsibility,” Odunewu alleged.

However, public affairs analyst Adebayo Abubakar argued that abolishing NAFDAC or SON would not address the problem.

“We have NAFDAC to protect us from fake and dangerous food, drugs and other regulated products, and SON to enforce standards and protect consumers from substandard and counterfeit goods.

“These are not ornamental agencies; the law gives them precisely the powers required to police the marketplace,” Abubakar said.

He said counterfeit products remained widespread across Nigerian markets.

“Walk through Nigerian markets and the uncomfortable truth stares you in the face: counterfeit medicines, adulterated foods, fake electrical products, substandard building materials and imitation consumer goods are everywhere.

“NAFDAC itself has identified counterfeit and falsified products as a continuing problem, while the National Assembly has had to call on NAFDAC and SON to intensify surveillance and enforcement,” Abubakar said.

Another public affairs analyst, Musa Aliyu, advocated a review of the National Policy on the Contamination of Drugs and Unwholesome Practices of Pharmaceuticals.

He said the issue was not limited to medicines and required cooperation among government institutions and communities.

“The National Policy on the Contamination of Drugs and Unwholesome Practices of Pharmaceuticals is quite overdue for review because the issue extends beyond that.

“What we need is partnership in ensuring that communities are aware of the effects of contamination of drugs and unwholesome practices, and that people take the issue of drugs seriously because it is a very big challenge in Nigeria,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu also called for greater decentralisation of NAFDAC’s operations to improve monitoring at the community level.

LAWYERS SEEK TOUGHER PENALTIES

A Lagos-based dispute resolution lawyer, Muhammed Adam, urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on counterfeit and substandard products.

He described the situation as an organised threat to the economy and public health.

“A group of greedy, organised criminals cannot keep poisoning this country while they smile to the bank. What is happening in our markets is not petty trading. It is organised economic and public-health sabotage.

“It should be treated with the seriousness we reserve for terrorism because the outcome is the same: Nigerians are being killed slowly, quietly and profitably,” Adam said.

He said counterfeiters were targeting products that Nigerians depend on for their health and daily needs.

“That means the things we put on our skin, put in our children’s mouths and swallow when we are sick are among the products being most heavily faked,” he said.

Adam referred to seizures by the Nigeria Customs Service involving expired medicines and products with allegedly fake NAFDAC labels. He also cited a reported N53.4bn seizure in the Apapa area and an interception of fake anti-malaria medicines worth N1.2bn.

“People die from malaria that the ‘treatment’ never treated, from antibiotics that never fought infection, from cosmetics loaded with mercury and steroids, and from electrical and auto parts that fail when lives depend on them,” he said.

He warned that the problem could undermine public confidence in essential goods.

“When citizens cannot trust medicine, food or water, the social contract itself is damaged,” he said.

Another lawyer, Ibrahim Adebayo, accused regulatory agencies of losing some of the momentum that characterised earlier campaigns against counterfeit products.

He recalled a period when NAFDAC conducted what he described as a “total war” against counterfeiters, with raids, seizures, arrests and prosecutions.

“What we have now is an alleged collusion between some NAFDAC officials and these criminals. They only issue directives, bark sometimes, and nothing is done afterwards,” Adebayo alleged.

He said Nigerians should see greater results from the public funds allocated to regulatory agencies.

“This is an agency that receives billions of naira yearly through the Federal budget. Nigerians deserve to see the impact of that funding in terms of enforcement, prosecution and the protection of public health,” he said.

Adebayo called for closer cooperation among NAFDAC, SON, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and security agencies.

He also urged the government to strengthen surveillance at ports, warehouses, markets and online platforms, while improving intelligence-sharing among agencies.

According to him, counterfeiters were exploiting gaps between regulatory institutions and increasingly using digital platforms to reach consumers.

NAFDAC, SON YET TO RESPOND

Efforts to obtain NAFDAC’s response to the allegations were unsuccessful.

The agency’s Head of Enforcement, Dr Martin Iluyomade, reportedly declined to comment. Calls to his mobile lines were not answered or returned, while WhatsApp messages seeking his reaction had not received a response as of press time.

Attempts to obtain a response from SON were also unsuccessful. A senior official of the organisation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, directed enquiries elsewhere.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian-born legal scholar, Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, has been appointed dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.

She will serve a five-year term that begins on October 1, 2026.

Odumosu-Ayanu currently serves as the college’s associate dean of research and graduate studies. She joined the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law in 2008.

The university announced her appointment on September 1 in a statement issued by Patti McDougall, interim provost and vice-president, academic, who also chaired the search committee for the new dean.

McDougall praised Odumosu-Ayanu’s academic record and leadership qualities.

“Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment as dean reflects a distinguished record of academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and dedication to advancing research and graduate education,” McDougall stated.

“Her work as dean will continue to build on the College of Law’s strong reputation for excellence in legal education and research, while strengthening its leadership in Indigenous legal scholarship and engagement with local and global communities.”

Odumosu-Ayanu will take over from Martin Phillipson, who served two five-year terms as dean before proceeding on administrative leave on July 1.

FROM LAGOS TO CANADA

Odumosu-Ayanu was raised in Lagos, where she developed an interest in reading and writing from an early age.

She initially considered a career in communications. However, encouragement from her teachers and support from her parents influenced her decision to study law.

She subsequently enrolled at the University of Lagos, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree.

Her academic career later took her to Canada, where she pursued a master’s degree at the University of Calgary. Her choice was influenced by the university’s research strengths in natural resources, energy and environmental law.

“Since I started law school, I always knew that I wanted to do a master’s and to do one abroad. But I always thought I would go to England.”

Odumosu-Ayanu initially intended to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree and practise as a lawyer. However, she continued her education with a PhD programme at the University of British Columbia.

She said a doctorate was not part of her original plan.

After obtaining her PhD, she began to consider a career in academia and applied for academic positions.

Her academic journey eventually took her to Saskatchewan in 2008, where she joined the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law.

Before her move, a mentor at the University of British Columbia, who was raised in Saskatoon, had advised her to prepare for the harsh Canadian winter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has defended the establishment of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State, after an X user questioned his efforts to address the Almajiri crisis in northern Nigeria.

Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said the university was established as part of his efforts to promote education and development in the northern region.

The exchange followed a post by Atiku in which he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the economic hardship facing Nigerian youths.

An X user, @Oluwabunmi63697, responded to the post with a photograph of Almajiri children carrying plates and asked Atiku about his record on the issue.

“Have you ever addressed this, sir? You were VP for 8 years, these innocent children are in your region and you couldn’t do anything to stop this calamity,” the user wrote.

In his response, Atiku acknowledged the concern and said the condition of children who beg on the streets should worry Nigerians.

“The sight of children begging on our streets should trouble every Nigerian,” he said.

The former vice-president explained that his decision to establish AUN in Yola was driven by his desire to expand access to quality education and create opportunities for people in the region.

“I established the American University of Nigeria as a practical investment in education and the development of the North,” Atiku wrote.

“If profit had been my primary motivation, I could easily have located the university in Abuja or Lagos, where the commercial advantages would have been greater.

“I chose Yola because I wanted to invest in my people, create opportunities, and bring world-class education closer to a region that had long needed greater access and development.”

Atiku also disclosed that AUN was no longer under his personal ownership. He said he had transferred the institution to its host community.

He said he had “signed a deed of gift transferring the ownership to the university host community”.

AUN’S SUPPORT FOR ALMAJIRI CHILDREN

Atiku also cited some programmes associated with AUN as part of his response to the concerns about Almajiri children.

According to him, the university runs a “feed and read programme” for vulnerable Almajiri children. The initiative provides them with daily meals while helping them acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills.

He further said AUN had used educational radio programmes to reach displaced children affected by conflict in the North-East.

“ AUN has helped more than 20,000 internally displaced children learn to read through educational radio programmes,” he said.

Atiku also recalled the support the university provided to young women who escaped from Boko Haram captivity after the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014.

He said the institution offered scholarships to some of the girls to enable them to continue their education and rebuild their lives.

The former vice-president maintained that children should be in schools rather than on the streets.

“Whether in government or outside it, I have always sought to turn that conviction into practical action,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asked Nigerians to scrutinise his past and publicly disclose any wrongdoing they believe he has committed.

Obi made the call on Thursday at a town hall meeting with voters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he answered questions on the 2027 general election.

The former Anambra State governor spoke amid renewed public scrutiny of the records of politicians seeking to contest the 2027 presidential election, including President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

There has also been public discussion about the educational records of some leading presidential contenders after they left out their primary and secondary school certificates from the personal particulars submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in July.

Obi said he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had made information about their backgrounds available for public verification.

“I want to give every Nigerian the opportunity to know who I am,” he said.

“Both of us have presented our backgrounds, from our dates of birth to our schools, education and all, to the people. You can go and verify our backgrounds worldwide, anywhere.”

The former governor also referred indirectly to his legal dispute with Kenneth Okonkwo, who served as his spokesperson during the 2023 presidential campaign.

Obi had instituted a court case against the Nollywood actor over alleged defamatory statements concerning their previous dealings. He said the action followed Okonkwo’s claim that he possessed information about Obi’s past that could shock the public.

“We have sued somebody in court. He said he knows something he can say and the people will be shocked. I said I want you to say what people will be shocked about,” Obi said.

He then challenged Nigerians and people around the world to produce evidence of any wrongdoing against him or Kwankwaso.

“And I’m challenging every Nigerian. If there is anything that you know I have done that is wrong, say it out now.

“I’m challenging the world over: if you know anything that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has done that is wrong, say it out now.”

Obi also argued that candidates for senior political positions should be judged by the credibility of the processes through which they attain office.

“You cannot continue to answer his excellency when the process that got you there is not excellent,” he said.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The United Nations has overwhelmingly backed a resolution titled “Correct the Map”: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting…, in a vote held on September 4, 2026.

The proposal received 164 votes in favour, while one country, the United States, voted against it. Six countries, including Georgia, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine, abstained.

The strong vote in favour indicates broad international support for efforts to address concerns over the way global cartographic representation is structured and to promote a more balanced portrayal of the world.

The vote highlights continuing debates within the international community over representation, geography and the ways in which maps shape perceptions of global power and identity.

By Khalid Imam

On Tuesday, 2nd September 2026, Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope, led by Alhaji Dauda Adamu Abdullahi Kahutu Rarara, organised a grand Maulidin Nabiyi (SAW) at the Aminu Dantata Trade Fair Complex, Kano.

The event was chaired by Alhaji Aminu Alfandaj, Head of the LOC, and commenced with a recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, followed by a welcome address by Tijjani Asase, the PRO of Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope.

The gathering featured inspiring religious lectures, devotional songs and poetic praises celebrating the noble life, virtues and exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The atmosphere was set by a fascinating and thrilling succession of cantatas, devotional songs and poetic praises celebrating the extraordinary and stellar personality of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The performances, delivered by some of the finest Islamic song-artists, beautifully captured their profound love, reverence and admiration for the Messenger of Allah (SAW).

Malam Nafi’u Adam Sha’iri set the floor ablaze at exactly 11:58 a.m., opening what became a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting session of devotional songs. He was followed by Sayyada Faiza Amatullah, Sayyadi Sojan Ma’aiki, Sayyadi Malam Kabiru Kiya Ambato, Malam Mustapha Zakariya and Malam Ahmad Gwangwazo, among many others.

The likes of popular composers of Soul-Stirring Cantata in Praise of the Prophet (SAW), led by Sheikh Hafiz Abdalla and Malam Bashir Ɗandago, added their melodious voices with heartfelt verses and evocative performances; the artists celebrated the noble character, unparalleled virtues, mercy, compassion and exemplary life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Their renditions created a unique atmosphere of spiritual reflection and renewed love for the Messenger of Allah (SAW).

At exactly 12:27 p.m., Malam Bazallahi Sheikh Nasiru Kabara was invited to speak on Mu’amalatu Maʿaiki wa Ṣaḥabatihi—the uncommon relationship and interactions of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with his reverential Companions. 

He described the bond between the Noble Prophet (SAW) and his Companions as one founded upon profound love, mutual respect, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. Their relationship was not merely that of a leader and his followers; it was a remarkable bond built on faith, loyalty, compassion, trust and a shared commitment to the cause of Islam.

He also stressed that the Companions loved the Prophet (SAW) deeply, honoured his guidance, stood by him through hardship and were prepared to make tremendous sacrifices for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, citing the Battle of Uhud as one of the true tests of sacrifice that the Prophet and the Sahaba went through together. In turn, the Prophet (SAW) treated them with exceptional kindness, dignity, compassion and understanding, nurturing them into a community bound together by faith and brotherhood.

He further highlighted that the Prophet’s interactions with them therefore provided a timeless model of leadership characterised by compassion, dignified fellowship, and loyalty founded on faith. The relationship between the Prophet (SAW) and his Companions remains an enduring example of how love, respect, sacrifice and devotion can transform individuals into a united and purposeful community.

As the special Maulidin Nabiyyi session drew to a delightful close in the evening hours, several scholars took to the podium to deliver educational admonishments to members of Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope and dozens of enthusiastic guests in attendance, urging them to emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and to use their influence in Kannywood to promote unity, discipline, and moral values in society, while prayers and commendations marked the end of the spiritually uplifting gathering.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over reports that some young Nigerians are resorting to kidney sales because of worsening economic difficulties.

Atiku made the remarks in a post on X on Thursday, where he linked the reported development to the rising cost of living under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The former Vice President said he had received what he described as “disturbing stories” about young Nigerians who were considering the sale of parts of their bodies as a means of raising money.

“I have heard disturbing stories about the extent to which young Nigerians are being driven simply to survive. Perhaps the most horrifying are the growing reports of young people selling parts of their bodies: kidneys in particular, in desperate attempts to raise money,” Atiku wrote.

He maintained that young Nigerians should have opportunities to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions instead of considering the sale of their organs.

According to him, they should be “selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs,” and described the reported situation as something that should “offend the conscience of every Nigerian.”

Atiku further alleged that some young Nigerians were being pushed to sell their kidneys for as little as ₦1.7m. However, the figure was not linked to a specific report or government agency.

The reported amount could not be independently verified.

Atiku attributed the alleged trend to the pressure caused by the increasing prices of basic necessities, including food, transportation, accommodation, education, healthcare and electricity.

He said, “In Tinubu’s Nigeria, almost everything required to live with dignity is becoming more expensive by the day: food, transport, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity.

“Yet young Nigerians are reportedly being driven to sell their kidneys for as little as ₦1.7 million.

“That should break the heart of a nation.

“Young Nigerians should be building careers, starting businesses, raising families and pursuing their dreams, not calculating how much parts of their bodies can fetch simply to stay alive.

“When young Nigerians begin to see their kidneys as emergency savings, we are no longer talking about ordinary economic hardship. We are talking about desperation at its most frightening.”

The ADC presidential candidate acknowledged that Nigerian laws prohibit the commercial sale of human organs and organ trafficking.

He, however, argued that “laws alone cannot cure the poverty and desperation that make vulnerable young people easy prey for criminal networks.”

Atiku called for economic measures that would address the difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians. He listed affordable food, lower transportation costs, accessible healthcare, decent employment opportunities and “renewed hope for the next generation” among the measures he said were needed.

He concluded with a criticism of the President, saying, “Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again.”

His comments came amid recent reports of alleged organ trafficking activities in some parts of Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force recently paraded four suspects, including two nephrologists, over an alleged organ-trafficking operation.

The police alleged that one of the suspects, Emmanuel Ode, admitted to recruiting victims. Investigators also alleged that a 22-year-old man was taken to a hospital in Abuja in April, where his kidney was allegedly removed for $1,250, said to be about ₦1.7m.

According to investigators, the suspected syndicate targeted vulnerable young people facing financial difficulties in Nasarawa and surrounding areas.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the death of six people in a road accident along the Yola-Girei Road on Friday.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the preliminary report, six victims were involved in the fatal crash and were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

“The victims were rushed to a hospital where they were confirmed dead.

“Police operatives from Girei Divisional Headquarters, Federal Housing and the Central Motor Traffic Division were immediately mobilised to the scene to evacuate the victims and restore the normal flow of traffic.”

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kabir Hassan, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of their souls.

Hassan also urged motorists to remain calm and exercise caution on the road. He advised drivers to obey traffic regulations and avoid excessive speed to reduce the risk of further accidents.

The latest crash has raised concerns over the safety of the Yola-Girei Road. Four accidents have reportedly occurred on the route within less than a month, with more than 10 people killed in the incidents.

By Uzair Adam

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has urged state governors and lawmakers to stop distributing motorcycles as palliatives, warning that some of the motorcycles eventually find their way into the hands of terrorists and bandits.

Musa gave the warning on Thursday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and other security challenges confronting the country.

According to him, motorcycles provided to vulnerable Nigerians sometimes end up being used by terrorists to facilitate their movements and carry out attacks.

“We try to appeal to even governors to stop giving motorcycles out as palliatives. Because these motorcycles are the same ones that still end up with these terrorists,” he said.

The minister advised that where motorcycles must be distributed, authorities should consider smaller-capacity models that would be less useful to terrorists operating in difficult terrains.

“Even if you have to give, don’t give them the big capacity motorcycles; give them the small capacity ones that they won’t be able to use to run around, because that gives them leverage. They can easily enter and then disappear,” Musa said.

He also warned that motorcycles distributed by lawmakers under constituency projects and other intervention programmes could eventually be diverted to bandits and terrorists.

“Those bikes… before you know it, they’re already back to the bandits, and that’s what they’re using. So we must stop that,” he added.

Musa further disclosed that security agencies had identified illegal markets and motor parks as major channels through which terrorists transport arms and ammunition to their areas of operation.

“What we realise from experience is they establish illegal markets or illicit motor parks. They go to those motor parks; that’s where they move arms and ammunition into those areas,” he said.

The defence minister also called for greater involvement of local governments in the fight against insecurity, arguing that local authorities are better positioned to identify criminal activities within their communities.

“We must allow our local governments to work. Failure of local government is what is aggravating what we’re dealing with, and if we want a better solution, a quick fix, our local governments must work,” he said.

According to Musa, local government chairmen should regularly convene security meetings and monitor developments within their respective areas.

He also urged state and local authorities to strengthen surveillance around markets, motor parks and other locations that could be exploited to transport drugs, weapons and ammunition.

“If we’re able to make sure that we man all the markets, all the motor parks, all these areas where drugs, weapons, ammunition move, it will make it difficult for them,” the minister added.

Ministan Tsaro, Christopher Musa, ya zargi tsohon Gwamnan Jihar Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai, da shirya kisan wasu daga cikin mutanen Kudancin Kaduna a lokacin da yake kan mulki.

Musa ya bayyana hakan ne yayin wata hira da gidan talabijin na Channels a shirin Politics Today ranar Alhamis.

Ministan ya ce gwamnatin El-Rufai ta haifar da rarrabuwar kawuna a Kaduna, inda mazauna Kudancin Kaduna suka samu matsala wajen rayuwa a arewacin jihar, haka kuma wasu daga arewacin jihar suka koma kudanci.

Ya ce gwamnatin Gwamna Uba Sani ta yi kokari wajen dawo da haɗin kai da amincewa tsakanin al’ummar jihar.

“Mun san yadda lamarin yake lokacin El-Rufai; abin ya kasance mai guba,” in ji Musa.»

Ya ƙara da cewa, “El-Rufai ya aikata munanan abubuwa da dama a Jihar Kaduna. Ya raba jihar gida biyu. Ta yadda idan kai ɗan kudu ne, ba za ka iya zuwa arewa ka zauna ba. Waɗanda suke daga arewa kuma suna komawa kudu.”

Musa ya ce ko da yake har yanzu ba a kai ga samun cikakken haɗin kai ba, gwamnatin Uba Sani tana yin ƙoƙari wajen haɗa kan al’ummar jihar.

Da yake magana kan yadda mutanen Kudancin Kaduna ke kallon tsohon gwamnan, ministan ya ce har yanzu mutane na fama da radadin kisan da aka samu a yankin a lokacin mulkinsa.

Ya zargi El-Rufai da gangan ya shirya kashe mutanen yankin.

“To, ban san ko rashin farin ciki shi ne kalmar da ta dace ba. Ina ganin idan akwai wani abu da ya fi rashin farin ciki, ba za mu taɓa farin ciki da mutumin da ya shirya kashe mutanenmu da gangan ba,” in ji shi.»

Musa ya kuma yi zargin cewa El-Rufai ya taɓa bayyana a jawabansa cewa ya biya ‘yan bindiga, yana mai cewa tsohon gwamnan bai ɓoye irin waɗannan matakan ba.

Ya ce mutanen Kudancin Kaduna har yanzu suna cikin raɗaɗin tunanin kisan da aka yi a yankin, duk da cewa yanayin tsaro ya samu sauƙi a yanzu.

Ministan ya kuma zargi tsohon gwamnan da tauye wa wasu mazauna Kaduna damar samun abubuwa daban-daban a lokacin mulkinsa, ciki har da mutanen daga yankin da El-Rufai ya fito.

A ƙarshe, Musa ya yi kira ga ‘yan Najeriya da su ƙi goyon bayan ‘yan siyasar da ke amfani da addini, ƙabila ko wasu bambance-bambance wajen raba al’umma.

“Ya kamata mu samu ‘yan siyasar da suke son haɗa kan Najeriya. A wurina, duk mutumin da yake amfani da addini, ƙabila, akida ko wani abu wajen raba jihar, ba zai taɓa zama aboki ba; ba zai taɓa zama mutumin da za mu ɗaga wa kai ba,” in ji Musa.»

Ya ƙara da cewa, “Bai kamata irin waɗannan mutane su kasance cikin gwamnati ba. Duk wanda yake amfani da addini ko ƙabila ko wani abu wajen raba Najeriya, makiyin ƙasa ne.”