News

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raided an 80-room hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, recovering illicit drugs valued at over one billion naira.

During the operation conducted between Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025, operatives combed through The Hook Hotel, also known as Caesar Hotel and Caesar Lounge, located at 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, off Elsie Femi Pearse Street, Victoria Island. 

The operatives also recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud — a potent strain of cannabis — weighing a total of 417.3 kilograms and valued at ₦1,042,500,000 in street price.

Three suspects — Eze Ayitu, Ofuokwu Samuel, and Emmanuel Ameh — were arrested during the operation, while two others, identified as Noble Philip and his partner Kenneth, are currently at large.

Items suspected to be proceeds from the drug trade, including five vehicles (Toyota Prado, Land Cruiser, Jeep, Toyota Sienna, Volkswagen Delivery Van, Kia Cerato, and a Grand Caravan Dodge), 74 new TV sets, 10 used TVs, and 13 refrigerators, were also recovered from the premises.

The chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the operatives for the successful operation and urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).

By Uzair Adam 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a full crackdown on unregistered hospitals and quack medical personnel operating within the territory.

The minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, following the death of a pregnant woman at a private facility in Durumi, Abuja, after undergoing a caesarean section.

According to the statement, Wike warned that anyone found operating an illegal health facility or working in an unregistered hospital would be arrested and prosecuted.

He described the incident as regrettable, especially given that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, are eligible for free registration under the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). 

He noted that despite this opportunity, many pregnant women were still patronising unlicensed and unsafe facilities.

“In the FCT, vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, enjoy free enrollment into the FHIS, granting them free access to services covered under the basic minimum health package through primary healthcare centres,” he said.

Olayinka added that, in support of the federal government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and the FCT Administration’s zero tolerance for maternal mortality, several hospitals—including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals—have been designated as comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care centres, offering free cesarean sections.

He urged pregnant women to utilise these government services instead of risking their lives by seeking care from quacks and unregistered facilities.

The statement also recalled that on Friday, 35-year-old Chekwube Chinagorom was brought dead to the Asokoro District Hospital after a caesarean section at the unregistered facility in Durumi. 

Although the baby survived and was referred for further care at the Asokoro hospital, the incident raised alarm over the activities of illegal operators.

The Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) investigated and confirmed that the hospital was unregistered. 

Only one staff member, Mr. Simon Godiya, a junior community health extension worker, was found on duty during an inspection.

Godiya informed officials that Murtala Jumma performed the surgery alongside another unidentified person. Efforts to reach Jumma have so far been unsuccessful.

The PHERMC team, accompanied by police officers from the Durumi Divisional Headquarters, subsequently handed over the case to the police for further investigation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Emir of Zazzau, His Highness Mallam Nuhu Bamali, has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its unwavering commitment to fighting corruption in Nigeria.

The monarch gave the commendation when the Acting Director of the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, led a delegation on a familiarisation visit to the Zazzau Emirate.

The Emir praised the EFCC for its consistent collaboration with the emirate, stating, “The EFCC has always carried the Zazzau Emirate Council along in its activities, and we are grateful. I urge my subjects to live law-abiding lives, as no one will be shielded if found guilty of wrongdoing.”

He also expressed confidence in the professionalism of the Commission.

In response, Kaltungo thanked the emirate for its longstanding support and appealed for continued cooperation to enhance the EFCC’s operations in the region.

The visit reinforced the existing partnership between the EFCC and traditional institutions in the fight against financial crimes.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of favouring the South-West region in federal appointments and warned that the trend undermines national unity and violates constitutional provisions.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, NEF cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable representation in government appointments.

The group condemned the recent composition of the National Census Committee as disproportionately skewed toward the South-West, calling it exclusionary and undemocratic.

NEF demanded an immediate review of the committee and a redistribution of appointments across all six geopolitical zones to ensure fairness.

It warned that continued marginalisation could deepen divisions and threaten national stability.

“Nigeria’s unity depends on leadership that upholds justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law,” the statement read.

The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 25-year-old man, Buhari Sule, who allegedly killed his younger brother’s wife, Ummi Saleh, with a pestle and injured another young woman during the same incident.

The police adde that the suspected might be mentally unstable when he carried out the act.

The suspect was apprehended after the violent attack that occurred in Gunka village, Jahun Local Government Area.

This was made known on Thursday by the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Shi’isu Adam.

The police stated that while attacking his brother’s wife, Sule also hit a neighbour’s daughter, Hauwa Alkassim, causing her serious injuries.

According to SP Adam, “Upon arrival, the victims were rushed to General Hospital, Jahun, for medical attention. Unfortunately, Ummi Saleh died while receiving treatment, while Hauwa Alkassim is still undergoing treatment.”

The police noted that the tragic incident took place on April 23 around 5:30 pm. Officers from the Jahun Division responded promptly after receiving the distress report.

Following medical efforts, the body of Ummi Saleh was released to her family for burial after the police concluded necessary procedures.

The statement added that initial information gathered points to possible mental health concerns.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect may be experiencing mental health issues,” SP Adam said.

He also disclosed plans for a detailed medical assessment.

“A thorough medical evaluation will be performed to determine the suspect’s mental state. This evaluation will help the police understand the extent of the suspect’s mental health issues and how it may have contributed to the incident.”

He further called for cooperation from the public, stressing that investigations remain active.

“The police investigation is ongoing, and the public is urged to cooperate with the police and provide any relevant information that may aid the investigation,” he stated.

The suspect remains in custody as authorities continue their inquiry.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law four landmark bills that establish new agencies designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and accelerate sustainable development across the state.

This was made known in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The new laws provide for the establishment of the Kano State Protection Agency, the Signage and Advertisement Agency, the Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.

According to the statement, these laws, which are now part of the Kano State legal framework, are expected to stimulate innovation, support small businesses, regulate signage and advertising, and enhance public protection and service delivery.

The governor described the signing as a significant step toward realising his administration’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kano.

He reiterated that the new agencies will play a vital role in job creation, investment attraction, and the efficient implementation of government initiatives.

“Our mission is to lay a solid foundation for a greater Kano. These laws go beyond policy — they are key instruments of transformation that will help drive our development agenda,” the governor stated.

The governor further warns that, violations of the provisions of these laws would attract strict penalties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance.

The establishment of these agencies reflects Yusuf’s continued efforts to reform public institutions, improve governance, and position Kano as a leading centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.

By Anas Abbas

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Kaduna State University (ASUU-KASU), has officially commenced an industrial action today, marking the beginning of a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike.

In a statement released by the Publicity Committee of ASUU-KASU, the union outlined a series of actions that must be observed during the strike. These include the suspension of all Senate, Faculty, and Department meetings, as well as the cessation of project supervision and both physical and online lectures.

Additionally, the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) will not be subject to project defences, field studies, or supervision. 

The union has also prohibited online meetings and mandated that no Continuous Assessment (C.A.) or examination scripts be marked. The processing and submission of results are also on hold, alongside any standing committee meetings.

ASUU-KASU has urged all members to adhere strictly to these directives. The union emphasised that any non-compliance or attempts to infringe upon the strike actions should be reported immediately to the Strike Monitoring Committee (SMC) at the ASUU-KASU Secretariat on the Main Campus.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has called on Hamas to release all remaining hostages and relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, in a rare and direct rebuke of the group.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Abbas said that Hamas’s actions had not only deepened the suffering of Palestinians but also provided Israel with “excuses to commit its crimes.”

“Hamas must take responsibility for its decisions and the consequences they have brought upon our people,” Abbas said. “They must release all hostages and step aside to allow for national unity and reconstruction.”

The statement comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and heightened international pressure to reach a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis. Abbas’s remarks reflect growing tensions between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007.

There was no immediate response from Hamas to the comments.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a moment of pride for the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun on Tuesday received Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement in China.

Sergeant Tanko, who is attached to the INTERPOL Section of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), recently completed a five-year law degree in the People’s Republic of China, emerging as the best graduating student at Jiangsu Police Institute. His journey began with a year-long Chinese language course at Nanjing Normal University.

As a result of his academic excellence, Tanko was selected to deliver the valedictory speech for all international students at the convocation ceremony held in June 2023.

The IGP commended Tanko’s dedication and discipline, describing his success as a testament to the potential within the Force. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting officers in the pursuit of education and professional development.

Egbetokun also urged police personnel across the country to emulate Sergeant Tanko’s example by embracing self-development, adding that intellectual growth is key to the Force’s overall success.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a revenue collection of ₦1.75 trillion for the first quarter of 2025, surpassing its target of ₦1.645 trillion by ₦106.5 billion.

This marks a performance rate of 106.47%.

Speaking in Abuja on the agency’s performance, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to achieving its annual revenue target of ₦6.58 trillion.

“Let me summarize where we stand after Q1: We’ve collected ₦1.75 trillion despite economic headwinds, intercepted ₦7.7 billion worth of smuggled goods, and rolled out practical solutions like the B’Odogwu platform. The numbers show we’re delivering,” he stated.

He noted that this revenue represents a 29.96% increase compared to the ₦1.34 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.

A month-by-month analysis revealed steady growth, with January generating ₦647.88 billion—18.12% above its target and a 65.77% rise year-on-year.

In February, revenue totaled ₦540.1 billion, exceeding projections by 1.3% and showing a 19.97% increase from the previous year.

March continued the upward trend with ₦563.52 billion, surpassing its target by 2.7% and reflecting an 11.22% growth over March 2024.

“The 29.96% annual increase and steady monthly collections confirm our strategy is working. We’ll maintain this momentum through rigorous enforcement and strengthened partnerships,” Adeniyi added.

On anti-smuggling efforts, he revealed that NCS recorded 298 seizures in the first quarter, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7.69 billion.

This represents a 78.41% increase from the ₦4.31 billion recorded in Q4 2024, though it remains 19.70% lower than Q1 2024’s ₦9.58 billion.

Adeniyi acknowledged exchange rate fluctuations as a major challenge during the quarter.

“During Q1 2025, we recorded 62 changes in the exchange rate, ranging from a minimum of ₦1,477.72 to a maximum of ₦1,569.53 per USD, with an average rate of ₦1,521.59,” he explained.

He expressed appreciation for the dedication of NCS officers, emphasizing their role in the agency’s success.

“Your commitment continues to drive our achievements and reinforces our position as a critical institution in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture.

“We also acknowledge the support of the Federal Government, particularly His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, for their guidance and enabling environment that have facilitated our operations.

“To our stakeholders – the trading community, partner government agencies, and international partners – we appreciate your cooperation and constructive engagement. We remain committed to fostering these relationships as we work together to advance Nigeria’s trade interests and economic development.”