News

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has refunded N4.4 billion to Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Armed Forces, following service lapses during the 2023 Hajj.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NAHCON’s Head of Public Affairs, Malam Muhammad Musa, disclosed that the refund was specifically for electricity services that were inadequately provided during the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) by Saudi authorities.

Additionally, NAHCON has reimbursed N917.1 million to 192 accredited tour companies that participated in the pilgrimage, with instructions for the funds to be distributed to their respective pilgrims.

Further refunds to other participating tour operators will be made after necessary reconciliations.

“This refund demonstrates the Commission’s dedication to transparency and accountability under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman,” Musa stated.

He advised pilgrims who took part in the 2023 Hajj to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies or tour operators to claim their refunds, with each pilgrim entitled to receive N61,080.

Looking ahead to the 2025 Hajj, NAHCON urged intending pilgrims to deposit their Hajj fares promptly to facilitate early arrangements in line with Saudi guidelines.

To ensure the refund process is handled transparently, the Commission has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant agencies to monitor the disbursement closely.

“This collaboration will help ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries without discrepancies,” Musa added.

By Uzair Adam  

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced plans to resume the collection of a $300 landing fee from helicopter operators across the country.  

Speaking at the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association on Thursday in Kano State, the Director of Air Traffic Services, Tayo John, revealed the agency’s financial challenges and the need to implement the fee.  

Presenting a paper titled “Financial Constraints Affecting Nigeria’s Air Navigation Provision: Impact and Mitigation Strategies,” John explained that the Federal Government had previously directed the agency to suspend the fee, but NAMA is now determined to reintroduce it.  

“In the next few weeks, we will recommence the collection of the $300 landing fee from helicopter operators,” John stated.  

He added, “We started earlier, but the government directed us to halt it due to certain issues in the country. This time, however, there will be no further delays.”   

While the exact date for the fee enforcement was not disclosed, John noted that the measure is essential to alleviate NAMA’s financial constraints.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the Special Investigations Team (SIT) attached to the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos State have apprehended one Chinedu Ngwaka, accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme valued at ₦320 million.

Ngwaka, who presented himself as a licensed Bureau De Change operator, allegedly used a counterfeit presidency number plate on his 2024 Toyota Hilux and carried a forged identity card supposedly issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCID Annex in Lagos, Mayegun Aminat, through a post on her X handle, #mayegunAmina.

According to the statement, a petition was submitted on September 9, 2024, to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, by Chinedu Laz and Partners (Deo Gratia Chambers) on behalf of Mr. Tochukwu Unachukwu, the Managing Director of Casco Electronics Company Limited.

The petition accused Ngwaka and his wife, Janet Onyekachi Ngwaka, of defrauding Unachukwu of ₦320 million.

Following the petition, SIT detectives initiated an intelligence-led investigation.

Banking records were reviewed, and a warrant of arrest was secured, which later led to the detention of leading to Ngwaka.

Investigations revealed that between March and May 2024, Unachukwu transferred ₦320 million to Ngwaka’s companies, Edunaco Multiple Resources Limited and Bright Janes World, for the procurement of USD 200,000 to facilitate the supply of goods from China.

However, the Chinese suppliers confirmed they never received the funds, despite Ngwaka presenting fraudulent documents, including a telex confirmation from Zenith Bank, indicating the transactions were completed in two tranches of USD 100,000 each.

During the arrest, police recovered the black Toyota Hilux bearing a fake presidency number plate (02B679FG).

Further checks with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that Ngwaka had no affiliation with Phobia BDC Ltd., the company he claimed to represent, and that its license had been revoked earlier in the year.

The police also received additional petitions against Ngwaka, including claims from Mr. Moses Chizoba Enechukwu and Chinedu Nwaforcha, who alleged losses of ₦1 billion and ₦840 million, respectively.

Ngwaka and his accomplices will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activities to law enforcement agencies.

By Anwar Usman 

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, has handed over 21 exotic cars worth over N8.1 billion to the Canadian government. 

The exotic vehicles include Rolls Royce, Labomgini Horicane, Mercedes-AMG and Range Rover. 

The comptroller explained that members of the syndicate stole vehicles from foreign countries and subsequently imported them into Nigeria using forged documents, adding that with the aid of the recently established Operations Hot Wheel, officers had recovered about 21 exotic cars from the criminal gang. 

Operation Hot Wheel comprises officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Canadian government. 

Adeniyi revealed that all 21 vehicles were recovered with the aid of the Canadian government as well as the EFCC.Speaking at the official handing over of the stolen vehicles, the CGC stated the Nigeria Customs Service had doubled its operations against vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within the country’s borders. 

The CGC added that, “according to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a renown destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, which extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia.

This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria”. Adeniyi also highlighted that available data according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that between 2013-2015, only 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered, noting that it shows the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise. 

“Recent intelligence from international law enforcement agencies further confirms that our region has become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles, a trend that not only denigrate Nigeria’s international world view but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending” Adeniyi stated. 

“In order to combat these challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service came up with Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders. Launched as a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities, the operation focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interdiction. 

“The operation’s primary objectives included identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening international cooperation in tackling transnational vehicle theft. This multi agency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organization,” Adenyi stated. 

According to him, criminals are now using various tactics, including false declarations and the use of containerised shipments, attempting to circumvent customs detection systems. 

He said the operation exposed how stolen vehicles were being smuggled through the nation’s ports using legitimate cargo as cover.

By Uzair Adam

At the Federal High Court in Abuja, the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, took a new turn as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented evidence that N20 million earmarked for the Mambilla Hydro Power project was allegedly spent on personal accommodation.

The Daily Reality gathered that during Wednesday’s proceedings, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, retired Colonel Adebisi Adesanya, the third prosecution witness, revealed that Mamman used project funds to cover a year-long stay at Sami Court Resort Limited, a serviced apartment in Abuja.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed, Adesanya, who is also the resort’s Chief Security Officer and owner, testified that Mamman’s payments were made in installments deposited into the resort’s UBA account.

He identified “Exhibit PWC” as the invoice issued to Mamman after his N20 million payment, covering accommodation from August 30, 2021, to August 30, 2022, explaining that on September 6, 2021, N5 million was deposited by Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, followed by another N5 million from Mintedge Nigeria Limited on January 23, 2022. On March 9, 2022, Abdullahi Suleiman deposited N2.5 million, while the final installment of N7.5 million was made on May 10, 2022, by A.I.J Global Tools Limited.

According to Adesanya, the funds were used exclusively for a one-bedroom unit at the resort. Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to January 13, 2025, for further proceedings.

The EFCC is prosecuting Mamman on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering amounting to N33.8 billion.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama over an alleged N110 billion fraud.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, was arraigned alongside two former state officials, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are the second and third defendants in the case.

After they pleaded not guilty to the charges, Justice Maryann Anenih ordered the trio to be remanded in EFCC custody and set December 10 to rule on their bail applications.

The EFCC, represented by a team of lawyers led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed their bail, citing Bello’s repeated failure to appear in a separate trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Joseph Daudu, SAN, leading Bello’s legal defense, argued that his client is presumed innocent under the law and requested bail to prepare a proper defense.

He also noted that Bello appeared in court in compliance with a summons served on him late on November 26. Pinheiro countered, arguing that the bail application was premature since it was filed before the defendants were formally arraigned, rendering it “incompetent.”

The EFCC’s charges, marked CR/7781, include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

The Commission alleged that Bello misused state funds to acquire properties across Abuja, including: No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama (N950 million), no. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II (N100 million) and no. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro (N920 million).

Additional properties listed include locations in Wuse Zone 4 and a luxury apartment in Dubai. The EFCC also accused the defendants of transferring over $1.1 million to TD Bank in the United States and of possessing N677.8 million linked to Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

Meanwhile, Murtala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the last Kogi governorship election, expressed his willingness to provide evidence to the EFCC.

He applauded the agency’s actions and called for a comprehensive investigation into state finances during Bello’s tenure, from January 2016 to January 2024, to ensure justice and accountability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Boko Haram terrorists have, in the early hours of November 25, 2024, launched a surprise attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI in Kukawa Town, Borno State.

The attackers, mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, attempted to breach the camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis. 

However, the gallant troops responded with overwhelming firepower, supported by the Air Component and the Nigerian Army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command.

This resolute defense forced the terrorists into a disorganized retreat, leaving behind heavy casualties. During the confrontation, 12 terrorists were neutralized, while many others fled with gunshot wounds.

The troops also recovered several items, including five AK-47 rifles, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, two Anti-Aircraft guns, one QJC gun, one NSV heavy machine gun, 40 motorcycles, and 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition.

Additionally, four out of seven VBIEDs deployed by the terrorists were destroyed. Unfortunately, three brave soldiers lost their lives during the attack.

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen OO Oluyede, commended the troops for their courage and urged them to sustain their momentum with ongoing clearance operations and fighting patrols.

Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to eliminating the remnants of terrorism in the Northeast.

By Anwar Usman

The Chairman of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, Kano State Council, Yahya Ibrahim, on Wednesday, lamented over the negative impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the livelihoods of the association’s members.

Ibrahim, noted this during a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Rano Local Government Area, he explains that the severe poverty being faced by mechanics was as a result of the puel subsidy removal.

The Zonal Information officer, Rabiu Kura, in a press statementsaid “40 per cent of mechanics in Kano are out of business due to the fuel subsidy removal, a situation that rapidly led to the decline of patronage of motorists.”

He explained that low patronage from motorists, who are struggling with the ongoing economic challenges, has led to a significant decline in business.

He called on the Kano State Government to intervene and provide support to help mechanics stay afloat.

The visit coincides with preparations for the NATA’s upcoming local government council election.

Earlier, the association’s Secretary, Sani Umar, praised Governor Abba Yusuf for his readiness to establishing a mechanical village in Kano.

In his remarks, the council Chairman, Muhammad Yau, thanked them for the visit and prayed for a successful election.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf, has accused his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of promoting corruption and nepotism in the management of urban planning and land allocations during his tenure.

Governor Yusuf vowed to expose and correct the mistakes made by Ganduje, who is currently the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Comrade Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf criticized Ganduje’s administration for alleged corruption, mismanagement, and urban planning failures.

He vowed to restore order through reforms, emphasizing accountability, innovation, and sustainable development.

Governor Yusuf also launched the recertification of Certificate-of-Occupancy (C-of-O) for efficient and transparent land management system in the sate.

Governor Yusuf described the development as a milestone for creating an efficient and transparent land management system.

He flagged off a comprehensive recertification of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) to ensure accurate, secure land records, protect investments, and resolve disputes, urging landowners to comply promptly.

According to the Statement, central to the reforms is a state-of-the-art Geographic Information System (GIS) to modernize land management, improve urban planning, enhance taxation, and eliminate revenue leakages.

Measures also include banning inappropriate land allocations and setting up a State Task Force on Development Control to address urban development challenges and protect Kano’s cultural heritage.

Governor Yusuf highlighted the complete renovation of KANGIS and the Ministry’s facilities, now equipped with modern ICT infrastructure to enhance service delivery, reflecting the administration’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and development.

By Uzair Adam

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured that the country’s Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) remain resilient amid ongoing internal and external economic challenges.

CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting the communiqué from the 298th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

Cardoso stated that the MPC commended the sustained stability of the banking system despite various economic headwinds.

“Key financial soundness indicators, such as the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Non-Performing Loan ratio (NPL), and Liquidity Ratio (LR), continue to reflect the strength of the sector,” he said, adding that the CBN will maintain close monitoring to ensure banks adhere to regulatory thresholds and remain healthy.

The MPC also highlighted the CBN’s ongoing efforts to deepen financial inclusion, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission.

Addressing inflation, Cardoso noted that data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed a rise in headline inflation to 33.88% in October, up from 32.70% in September.

On a month-on-month basis, inflation increased to 2.64% in October from 2.52% in the previous month.

Food inflation climbed to 39.16% in October from 37.77% in September, while core inflation rose to 28.37%, compared to 27.43% in the preceding month.

Despite the inflationary trend, the MPC observed a slight moderation in the prices of farm produce and commended the Federal Government’s efforts to boost productivity in the agricultural sector.

On economic growth, Cardoso disclosed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.46% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, driven by both the oil and non-oil sectors.

The non-oil sector expanded by 3.37%, while the oil sector recorded a 5.17% growth.

Additionally, Nigeria’s external reserves increased to $40.88 billion as of November 21, up from $40.06 billion at the end of October, providing enough to finance 17 months of imports.