By Uzair Adam Imam

Three men, including a tailor, Tunde Adelakun (32), a herbalist, Saheed Oloyede (54), and Oluwasegun Akinlolu (23), have been accused of causing ‘indignity to a corpse’ by allegedly exhuming it and cutting off some flesh. 

The trio appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges related to their actions.

The defendants, residents of Omi-Adio and Bakatari along the Ibadan/Abeokuta Expressway, were charged with conspiracy and causing indignity to a corpse.

 Adelakun and Akinlolu were allegedly arrested with human flesh on their way to Omi-Adio, heading to the herbalist’s house at Bakatari after exhuming a dead body on January 10.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Magistrate Mrs M. M. Olagbenro granted them bail at N200,000 each with one surety. The case has been adjourned until February 29 for a hearing.

According to the prosecution counsel, Inspector Olalekan Adegbite, the defendants conspired to commit the offences and improperly tampered with the corpse. 

The alleged actions violate sections 242 (1)(b) and 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000. 

The defendants could face up to two years of imprisonment if found guilty.

By Sani Bello Hamza

Nigeria is a country naturally blessed with abundant resources, fine and reliable crude oil, thriving agriculture, resilient youth, and a hardworking population. Yet, its citizens are trapped in third-person-induced hardship and suffering. The citizens of the country are unable to cater for their needs and their immediate families.

The tragedy of Nigeria can be succinctly summed up in the cliche “Nigeria, so rich and so poor.” The country is prosperous, and yet its citizens are impoverished.

Someone may ask how that is possible. We know Poverty and abundance cannot be placed on the same table.

It is possible because the leaders are not driven by passion to lead but greed to accumulate wealth from public confers. Politics is now a get-rich-quick scheme and not an avenue to serve. The gap between the upper and lower classes is irreparable, and the middle class suddenly disappears.

Those in the upper class are living extravagantly because the country’s leaders have turned the country’s treasury into their account; they withdraw at will without recourse to explanation or auditing.

It is now a norm that politicians live outside their monthly or annual allocations. They rake public funds for personal and family usage.

This is happening in a country where over 20 million children are out of school, and 84 million are living in multidimensional poverty–out of its 200 million population.

While growing up as kids, we heard, and we are still listening, of the Abacha loot. And, recently, the Diezani saga and the Emefiele Brouhaha. The former CBN Governor is under investigation for whisking away with 89 trillion Naira stamp duty charges deducted from the accounts of Nigerians.

In 2022, when Hon. Gudaji Kazaure, a former member of the House of Representatives, was on air exposing the menaces and how the former CBN governor, his deputies, and other political appointees milked the Nation’s Treasury and walkway with a whooping sum of 89 Trillion Naira; we made a joke of him and thought it was a tale of the moonlight or a fictive movie.

The former lawmaker claimed that former president Buhari appointed him and others to investigate and recover Stamp Duty and other bank charges deducted from Nigerians’ accounts.

He said his committee uncovered 89 trillion Naira that was unaccounted for and unremitting to the federation account,courtesy of Emefiele and his deciphers.

The report generated mixed reactions among Nigerians; some of us believed the allegations were true, and others felt the lawmakers were trying to blackmail and tarnish the image of the CBN Governor. A renowned journalist argued it was impossible as Nigeria does not have such a huge amount in its Treasury. Others went ahead to question Hon. Kazaure’s mental health. Interesting!

After almost a year of Hon. Kazaure’s Brouhaha, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated a special presidential committee headed by special investigator Jim Obazee to probe the activities of CBN and other affiliated institutions.

The committee submitted a report to the president in which the chief investigator recommended prosecuting Emefiele and 13 others for gross financial misconduct and mismanagement.

According to the report, the committee found 593 bank accounts located in the UK, USA, and China that the former governor used to illegally keep Nigeria’s wealth. The committee also discovered 543.4 million pounds kept in UK Banks.

The most shocking revelation of the investigation is not the uncovered 593 bank accounts but the purported Naira redesign, which subjected innocent Nigerians to untold hardship and led to the winding up of many businesses. The committee found out the activity was neither the CBN board recommended nor the president approved it. Contrary to section 19 (1) of the CBN Act. Emefiele acted on the advice given to him by Tunde Sabiu, former President Bubari’s chief protocol officer. The redesign was purely intended to frustrate the political ambition of some politicians and prevent them from attaining their desired offices.

There was also a payment of 6.23 million dollars from the CBN vault to unknown foreign election observers whose identity is still unknown, apart from the 1.3 billion Naira paid as legal fees on the Naira redesign and related cases.

This is just a part of the investigation, as the committee has not obtained the Stamp duty-related documents. I’m sure there will be more shocking revelations in the coming days/months.

Nigeria has suffered dramatically from recalcitrant public servants, and the country is too fragile to bear another burden. A thorough investigation should be carried out with expertise and dexterity. The president should make sure those involved in this inhumane act face the wrath of the law and are prosecuted accordingly.

Hon. Gudaji Kazaure has been vindicated, and it’s time to prosecute Emefiele!

Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He writes from Zaria and can be reached through his email: sanibellohamza@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Sixteen ex-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in Plateau State, ousted by the Court of Appeal in November 2023, plan to defy the court ruling and return to legislative duties.

Despite having their election nullified over party structure issues, they argue that the recent Supreme Court judgement, validating Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s election, supports their claim as authentic members. 

Led by Ishaku Maren, the former majority leader, they stress their commitment to democracy and assert their constituents’ unwavering support.

The lawmakers are set to resume today, raising concerns from the APC and warning against potential legislative and security implications in Plateau State.

This is coming as observers await developments and reactions to this audacious move by the former lawmakers.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kannywood movies are widely loved by Hausa-speaking communities across Nigeria and beyond. They are known for depicting Hausa culture and life.

The plots of Kannywood movies often feature drama, romance, and comedy, which many viewers find an escape from the harsh reality of everyday life. 

The songs and dances featured in the movies have become a signature of Kannywood cinema and are popular with audiences.

However, the songs and dances have ceased to be featured in the present Kannywood movies due to the new dimensions that the movies have taken.

In an interview with The Daily Reality, some Kannywood producers explained their reasons for taking the new direction.

Songs are incompatible with present movies – Lawan Ahmad

Lawan Ahmad, the producer of and a leading actor in the popular Hausa TV series Izzar So, said the songs have been removed to accommodate the kinds of films produced nowadays.

Ahmad said the songs still possess their enormously powerful impact in conveying messages but added that the nature of the movies nowadays does not accommodate songs. 

He said, “The songs were removed to suit the kinds of most produced movies in the Kannywood industry today. However, they are still useful in those movies.

“The songs were not removed because they are insignificant – their immense impact is still relevant.”

Hausa movies re-create folktales, history 

Another director and actor in the industry, Ali Rabi`u Ali, popularly known as Daddy, said Hausa films in those days were primarily traditional and required songs and dances. 

He stated, “Most of the Hausa films in those days were a replica of tales (tatsuniyoyi) and history that needed to be accompanied with songs and dances of dandali (a stage).” 

“These songs contribute(d) to the advertising and selling of the films. That is why the songs used to be released even before the production of the movies.

“This was to let people know about the film, just like the way Indian movies did,” Daddy explained.

He added that film series now do not require songs and dances because people are after the theme of the film, not songs.

“Besides, song and dance scenes are very costly and time-consuming, forcing us to cease using them in our films,” he stated.

Removal of songs: An opportunity for singers

Asked whether this was a threat to the Hausa singers, Ahmad said this was a wonderfully exciting opportunity for singers to be known for their intellectual production.

He stated, “This has helped the Hausa musicians to be known by the people for their talented works, as they make and act videos of their songs – and there is a lot of creativity in their businesses nowadays as singers resort to dramatic songs, with sole independent themes. 

“Now, instead of saying Ali Nuhu or Adam A. Zango should be featured in the video of their songs, the singers have seized the opportunity to sell their faces while taking a new dimension,” he added.

He added that the dramatic songs have now taken a new dimension, a development which attracts many people in Hausa communities.

Songs, dances mere imitations of Bollywood – don 

A Department of Mass Communication lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, Malama Ummi Hassan, opined that songs and dances in Hausa movies are simulacrums of Bollywood movies. 

The lecturer, who has taught film over the years, stated that “Songs and dances in Kannywood movies are mere facsimiles of Bollywood movies. And now that Bollywood has stopped using them in their movies, particularly series, Kannywood also stops.

“Bollywood now uses only some musical interludes as background sounds in their series movies to establish settings or set moods, to mention a few. Sometimes, they use the songs of the already-produced films, say Kalhonaho.” 

She added that a movie can achieve a desired theme without songs and dances.

She stated, “You must not show an actor or actress dancing before your film sells.” 

Some songs out of context

The university lecturer argued that the songs and dances in most Kannywood movies are sometimes out of context but were used to meet the tradition of Kannywood movies.

She said, “It is like the Kannywood has made it a tradition to put songs in their movies. The songs, however, are sometimes out of context.”

Ummi, who sees films and songs as two different things, advocates that the duo remain independent, with each conveying different meanings.

She added that although songs and dances have ceased to be used, the Hausa movies have witnessed a steep increment in their viewership. 

“I personally see this as a new development. Films and music are two different things. Songs can be used in the background to set the mood,” she added.

Our business at risk – singer

A singer, Hafeez Umar Maikano, who spoke to the Daily Reality, said their business is at risk following the removal of songs in the Kannywood movies.

According to Maikano, although songs have preceded films, singers now rely on filmmakers to survive.

He added, “I see this as challenging for the Hausa singers. The removal of songs from movies has discouraged not only professional but also upcoming singers.

“Before, filmmakers contracted singers to sing for a particular movie, giving them all the required information, including the theme of the movie.

“However, there is no denying that the removal has become a stepping stone to many of the singers,” Maikano added.

By Al-Janat Firdous Mohammed

In the dynamic world of media and entertainment, the definition of an ideal physique has continuously developed, creating and redefining societal beauty standards. 

Like many other countries, Nigeria has seen an increase in body trends among celebrities, which significantly impact their audience, particularly impressionable youth. 

From Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) to facelifts and Botox treatments, the pursuit of a specific look has become a dominant influence. The early 2000s saw a boom in the global fad of becoming ultra-skinny, with many celebrities striving for a waif-like appearance. 

However, in recent years, a paradigm shift has happened, with curvier silhouettes becoming the new ideal of beauty. BBLs have become highly fashionable, with celebrities publicly discussing and even getting these procedures to improve their curves.

Facelifts and Botox treatments have also become popular as people seek to combat the natural ageing process. The media’s portrayal of faultless celebrities frequently adds to false beauty goals, which may lead fans and adolescents to explore comparable operations.

Celebrities play an important role in moulding society’s norms, and their physical modifications can significantly impact their fan base, particularly the youth. The pressure to conform to these ideals can have a harmful influence on self-esteem and physical appearance. 

Many young people may feel compelled to change their bodies to fit in or meet the perceived standards of their idols. For example, the rise of social media has led to celebrities displaying their nearly ideal bodies, creating the illusion that these standards are attainable and desired. 

This can exacerbate fans’ vulnerabilities, creating a culture in which bodily changes are viewed as a way to earn acceptance and validation. How can we prevent our youths from succumbing to ‘fake’ beauty standards?

One, promoting body positivity and acceptance is critical for demolishing false beauty standards. Celebrities who advocate for accepting one’s natural body, warts and all, can be strong role models.

Second, educating young people about the manipulative nature of media images and the frequency of picture editing can help them develop a critical mindset. Understanding that the images portrayed may not reflect reality can help mitigate the media effect.

Equally, creating an environment where mental health discussions are normalised is critical. Young people who are dealing with their body image should have access to support networks, such as counselling services or community groups.

Several Nigerian celebrities have spoken out against unrealistic body ideals, serving as constructive role models for the kids. Actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington, for example, promotes self-love and frequently uploads unfiltered photographs to demonstrate sincerity. 

Similarly, media star Tolu Oniru-Demuren, commonly known as Toolz, has been outspoken about embracing her curves, challenging the concept that only certain body types are attractive. As body trends in Nigerian media emerge, it is critical to recognise the potential harm they might cause to the impressionable minds of young people. 

By developing a culture of body positivity, increasing media literacy, and offering mental health care, we can help young people resist the temptations of conforming to unattainable beauty standards. Positive role models in the celebrity world can significantly influence cultural attitudes regarding body image, fostering a healthier and more accepting mindset for future generations.

Al-Janat Firdous Mohammed is an NYSC member serving with PRNigeria.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The graduate role played by a well-known Kannywood actress, Momy Gombe, has raised serious social media concerns.

This is coming as Momy Gombe was cast in a full NYSC khaki in a new movie, Darasi. 

As soon as the pictures went viral, the actress came under attack, with some university graduates condemning the role. 

The graduates and other critics say they are disappointed in the actress since she cannot speak English. 

Others claimed that Momy Gombe did not complete her secondary school education, saying she has no moral right to wear NYSC khaki. 

One of those who condemned her for wearing the khaki, Aliyu Danladi, said, “The issue is that Momy Gombe wore this NYSC khaki at the wrong time when corp members had just passed out, and the struggles were fresh in their minds. 

“I sincerely feel sad, especially when I remember waking up early for morning meditations, SAED lectures, and the evening parade,” he added. 

Another one by the name of Bello Ahmad Rufa’i said, “I am pleading with the Nigerian government to introduce a law that will ban people from wearing this khaki anyhow because nowadays people just wear it and act (as graduates) in movies.” 

According to Sulaiman Rabi’u Ishaq, “This is terribly pathetic! We suffered a lot, and this woman just came from nowhere and wore the khaki. 

Musa Miraj Rumah said, “Whoever says or thinks that she is right (to wear the khaki) mustn’t have worn it before.” 

Expressing his worry, Manir Sani Wakil stated, “What worries me the most was the fact that she has not even completed her secondary school, let alone going to any tertiary institution.” 

However, film experts have posited that the arguments were unnecessary and baseless, as films are imitations of reality. 

They also said that even if Gombe was wrong, the blame should go to the crew, not the actress, who simply followed instructions. 

Films are meant to mimic reality—experts 

Dr Ashir T. Inuwa, a senior lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, said films are mere imitations of reality and, therefore, must not be real. 

Inuwa stated that Gombe must not be a graduate before she was cast as a university graduate, let alone any other role. 

He said, “Film is a replication of reality, real events, vividly through characterisation, sceneries and actors or actresses.” 

“It is a film so she can act as a graduate, professor, police or any other role, just as we see in the Bollywood movies and the rest.  

“You may find someone who has never become a local government chairman acting as a president in a movie, and it is cool because it is not real.”   

A film critic, Dr Muhsin Ibrahim, who is also a university lecturer at the University of Cologne, Germany, said that casting the actress as a graduate was not wrong.

“When did casting become an issue for us? How many times do non-Muslim actors act as Muslims and vice-versa? Or Hausa as non-Hausa, etc.? Please, we don’t have to criticise everything related to Kannywood,” he stated. 

Crew to blame for Gombe’s blunder  

Dr Ibrahim opined, “If the scriptwriter, script supervisor, and director do their job well, she should be able to deliver her lines flawlessly.” 

He added that the crew should be held responsible for any grammatical errors Gombe made while acting in the movie.  

He was quoted as saying, “In other words, if she commits grammatical errors or mispronounces words, the crew are more to blame. For instance, I once acted as an Indian sage and spoke some Hindi on the stage in India! I believe I did well.  

“Yes, I want to see Kannywood actors correctly delivering their lines (in Hausa, English, or any language).” 

Dr Inuwa also associated the flaw with the director’s inability to do his job well, reiterating that the actress must not be blamed. 

He stated, “The director of the film should be held responsible for Gombe’s grammatical errors and failure to pronounce words correctly.  

“Because it is his duty to take care of all that, giving her good training to be able to deliver her lines flawlessly.” 

I don’t care what people say about me—Mommy Gombe 

In an interview with The Daily Reality, the well-loved actress, who has recently suffered torrents of criticism, said she was not bothered by the criticism. 

Gombe says she just does her work and always tries to do everything she is instructed to the best of her ability. 

She was quoted as saying, “I don’t care what people are saying about me because I am just doing my job. Besides, I try to ensure that I do everything related to my work to the best of my ability. 

“Also, I try to ensure that I do anything I am instructed to do. That is why I don’t bother myself about this at all.”

She further called on her fans not to be distracted but to continue to support her for more interesting scenes.  

Bitter truth: A reality Gombe’s critics must know 

Despite the fact that English is the official language in Nigeria, many graduates in the country cannot speak the language fluently, a bitter reality that Gomber’s critics must know. 

Dr Ibrahim associated the menace with the emphasis students place on written exams rather than trying to demystify the mystery of the language through practice before their graduation. 

He said, “Truth be told, countless graduates (in Nigeria) cannot speak English fluently. My wife was shocked when I told her some of them studied English.  

“How is this possible? Simple: one can graduate without speaking for a minute before the class. Our emphasis is mainly on the written exams. For that, one can memorise pages and write them during exams, and that is it.”

By Aminu Mohammed

The inspiration for this article came from a short Facebook post by Bashir Abubakar Gazaki, who advised young people to invest their money in shares of good companies to attain financial independence. His followers’ lack of financial awareness caught my attention, as evidenced by the comments below the post, where many people asked him to explain the stock market. 

It is not surprising that personal finance is not taught in universities. I learned about stock investments through books such as “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George Samuel Clason, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, and “Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest In That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not.” I read these books shortly after graduating from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 

The books gave me insight into why some people, despite working for many years, still struggle in life. The inspiration from these books led me to purchase my first share during my service year in Adamawa state. Similarly, a fellow corps member from the southwest who knew the stock market advised me to invest in good companies.

Invest money in assets Instead of liabilities 

Investing your time actively and your money passively is an excellent way to secure your financial future. Passive income refers to the money you earn from your assets, such as property, shares, mutual funds, Treasury bills, etc., while you sleep. Unlike your job, assets generate income for you, whether you work or not. So, it’s crucial to avoid wasting your money on liabilities and start investing in assets.

If you earn a salary or own a business, it is best to save at least 10 per cent of your income and invest it wisely. Investing in shares doesn’t require a large sum of money. Suppose you know about stock trading. In that case, you can invest in the United States stocks or the Nigerian stock market, even if you start small with a low amount.

However, it is understandable that many individuals are scared of investing their money in the stock exchange, given the capital market crisis in 2008, where several people lost a significant portion of their funds. I have experienced losses in the stock market myself, particularly with the shares I bought in the defunct Oceanic Bank and Bank PHB. But I have also gained from stocks like Dangote Sugar, GTBank, and Zenith Bank. Life is all about risk; sometimes, we win, while other times, we lose due to unforeseen circumstances. But that shouldn’t stop us from exploring new investment opportunities, no matter how little.

Investigate companies before Investing

Investing in the stock market is a business that requires a long-term strategy and patience rather than a quick way to get rich. Having a good understanding of the companies you invest in is crucial. According to Warren Buffet, the Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the most successful investors in the world, the best way to achieve greater rewards is to think long-term. Buffet recommends holding stocks for at least five to 10 years to accumulate wealth. However, some traders still profit by trying to beat the market daily.

If you are hesitant about investing directly in stocks, you can consider mutual funds, designed for people who want to minimise risk but have lower returns. You can contact your local banks, such as First Bank, GTBank, UBA, Stanbic IBTC, and others that offer asset management services. These companies manage various types of mutual funds under the guidance of experts.

As a salaried worker, unforeseen circumstances such as job loss or a downturn in business can be devastating. Therefore, it is important to have a safety net in the form of investments to help you recover in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Consult a stock broker before buying any Shares

It is important to conduct thorough research and seek expert advice before investing in shares. Look for stocks with strong fundamentals and invest in them wisely. Diversifying your investment across different sectors and companies is recommended to maximise your returns.

It is crucial to emphasise that individuals with little knowledge about the stock market should educate themselves on basic financial concepts before investing in shares. The companies mentioned in this article are for illustration purposes only and to encourage young people to take control of their financial future through smart investments. Investing in shares is not a quick way to get rich, and seeking professional advice before investing is highly recommended.

I wish you the best as you strive towards financial independence and personal growth.

Aminu Mohammed wrote this article from Ingolstadt, Germany. He can be reached at gravity23n@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The British Council in Nigeria has thrown test-takers for a loop, announcing a 29% increase in the fees for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, effective February 1, 2024. 

This marks the second price hike in just five months. In September 2023, the fee jumped from N80,000–N90,000 to N107,500.

Now, applicants will have to shell out a whopping N139,000 for the Computer Academic and General Training Modules. 

The Council attributes the latest increase to “increased costs of the delivery of our exams,” claiming it will enable them to “continue to offer a wide range of services and comprehensive support.”

However, this explanation has met with widespread skepticism and frustration among potential test-takers in Nigeria. 

Many Nigerians rely on the IELTS exam for studying abroad, immigration purposes, and professional opportunities.

This repeated hike makes the test increasingly inaccessible to a large portion of the population, especially considering the current economic climate. 

The news has sparked heated debates online and offline, with concerns that the price surge could create unnecessary barriers and hinder educational and professional mobility for Nigerians.

Some are calling for “greater transparency from the British Council” regarding the specific cost factors driving the increases, while others are urging the body to “consider alternative solutions” to ensure affordability without compromising quality. 

With no word on potential future increases, the rising IELTS fee adds yet another layer of anxiety for Nigerians aiming to pursue international opportunities.

It remains to be seen whether the British Council will address the concerns of its Nigerian clientele or face continued backlash for its pricing decisions.

By Abbas Datti

Following the Apex court’s ruling in favour of Eng Abba Kabir Yusuf as the legitimate elected governor of Kano State, there arises the compelling debates with regards to balkanization of Kano emirate, and potential return of Sunusi II to Gidan Dabo, as well as possible removal of the present emir, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero.

Sunusi’s potential return to the throne is not without its challenges and complexities. Understanding the possibilities of post-Sunusi II and assessing the current political climate before making such a decision is paramount.

Considering Sunusi’s wide popularity and global influence, he may not necessarily obey Abba Kabir Yusuf as governor of Kano State. Sunusi’s tacit approval for women to confront their maltreating husbands in their matrimonial homes comes into play. Therefore, there’s a need for both Kwankwaso and Abba Kabir to ensure a delicate balance between addressing the fears that may arise from Sunusi’s reinstatement and charting a justifiable reason towards the dismounting of Ado Bayero’s biological son from the throne.

Supporters of Sunusi II passionately advocate for his reinstatement, citing his worldwide recognition and his radical approach to some social problems. Also, for opponents of the immediate past governor of Kano State, Sunusi’s enthronement is seen as a stab in the back to Eng Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the restoration of Kano’s kingdom dignity.

However, the broader implications of such a move require diligent, careful considerations. Both supporters of Aminu Ado Bayero and Sunusi are closely watching the unfolding events, with questions threatening the respect, dignity, and reverence enjoyed by the Kano emirate.

Balancing the expectations of various factions, addressing the concerns of opposing voices, and fostering an inclusive dialogue will be key to a successful solution to the emerging calls about removing Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero.

The possibility of enthroning back Sunusi is a multifaceted scenario with far-reaching possibilities. As the political stage sets for Sunusi’s potential return, the world observes with keen interest, eager to witness the unfolding of a narrative that could reshape the destiny of Kano State and redefine the dynamics of the leadership of Kano emirate.

Abbas Datti writes from Kano via abbasdatti448@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Taraba Command apprehended two suspects at the Jalingo Main Motor Park attempting to traffic 16 children to Benin in Edo.  

The suspects, identified as Daniel Madin and Federation Markus, were apprehended on Thursday. 

The children, aged between 10 and 16, included five girls and 11 boys, originating from the Zing and Bali Local Government areas of Taraba. 

Adamu Salihu, the State NSCDC Commandant, disclosed that preliminary investigations unveiled the suspects as part of a larger syndicate specialising in trafficking underage children, promising them a brighter future in Edo. 

However, these children often end up in dehumanizing jobs, and the earnings from such work are seized by their handlers. 

Salihu expressed concern about the alarming rate at which parents relinquish their responsibility for raising their children, handing them over to strangers for a meagre sum. 

He condemned the acts of forcing children into labour, prostitution, baby factories, organ harvesting, and money rituals. 

The commandant stated the urgency of halting this trend and called on relevant stakeholders in the state to take decisive measures against the rising scourge of human trafficking.  

The suspects and the 16 children have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation and prosecution.