State in limbo: Niger Governor, deputy, speaker travel for Hajj

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State; his deputy, Yakubu Garba; and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, have all travelled to Saudi Arabia for hajj, according to reports.

Also, many commissioners and some lawmakers in the state have also travelled for hajj, a development condemned by some residents and pundits, who said they felt abandoned, considering the recent happenings in the state that left many people dead.

It is not clear if the governor officially transmitted power to someone else before embarking on the trip.

The journey by the governor and other key leaders in the state happened in the wake of an accident at a mining pit that buried many people, even as rescue operation moves in a snail speed, over a week after the incident.

Sources in Minna said the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, has been performing official government functions since Monday.

But the media has not been availed with official communication to this effect.

Section 190 (1) of the 1999 Constitution states that: “Whenever the governor transmits to the speaker of the house of assembly, a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to the speaker of the house of assembly a written declaration to the contrary, such functions shall be discharged by the deputy governor as acting governor.”

It was gathered from multiple sources that the governor left the state on Monday with more than half of cabinet members as well as the speaker, among others, in a chartered plane.

On the other hand, the deputy governor travelled from Abuja with his team after attending a function.

The trip came at a time when the fate of over 50 labourers trapped after the collapse of a mining pit at a mining site in Galkogo Community in Shiroro Local Government of the state, is still unknown.

Labourers working at the mining pit, owned by African Minerals and Logistics Limited, were on June 3, trapped inside the 400-metre-deep pit as it caved in while they were underground following a heavy rain the previous day.

Our correspondent reported that initial efforts to rescue the trapped victims, who included the site manager, Alhaji Ishaku Ibrahim, stalled due to lack of appropriate equipment.

While the authorities have kept sealed lips after failed efforts to rescue the victims, relations of affected persons have continued to grieve, appealing to authorities to at least recover the bodies of their brothers for proper burial.

Similarly, while government agencies, including the police, had put the number of trapped victims at 20 and said that six were rescued, families and residents held a contrary position, insisting that the number of people still trapped in the pit was more than 50, adding that the six people were not rescued from the pit but were lucky to have escaped when it was caving in.

Some staff of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that aside the six survivors, no one had been rescued since then.

Meanwhile, condemnations have trailed the absence of the governor, his deputy governor and the speaker.

A stalwart and former senatorial candidate for Niger East on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Umar Danladi Abdulhamid, described the governor’s trip as “political disaster, abuse of tenets of democracy and lack of empathy”, adding that: “It is wrong for key state officers to abandon the state without transmitting power in line with the Constitution.”

According to him, “It portends danger for democracy.”

Abdulhamid said the governor and his deputy ought not to have travelled the same time when some parts of the state were battling with incessant attacks and kidnappings on a daily basis.

Also speaking, the Niger North Zonal Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Yahaya Ability, said the governor’s action was “a betrayal of the trust the citizens bestowed on him”.

He lamented that the governor travelled out of the state on the day terrorists launched a daring attack in Tegina in Rafi Local Government Area, adding that Rafi, Shiroro, Munya and Mariga, were under attacks on daily basis.

The Chairman, Campaign for Democracy, Human Right Advocacy Civil Society of Nigeria, North Central Zone, Dr Mohammed Abdullahi Jabi, said it was unfortunate for the key elected officials to leave the state at the same time.

Speaking on the issue, a former Head of Political Science Department, University of Ilorin, Dr Mohammed Alada, faulted the action of the officials, saying that it represented a slap on the Constitution and the people.

According to him, “With such development, governance will be at a standstill because the Constitution envisages where any of the three of them will take charge if such a situation comes up.

“The essence of that is to ensure continuity of governance and avoid a vacuum. There is a limit to the extent the deputy speaker can go. In fact, the Constitution did not make any provision for that office; they cannot be ruling from wherever they are, someone must be fully in charge,” he said.

Alada said: “When former President Yar’Adua died, Jonathan, who was formally acting, was sworn in as the substantive president. That is the kind of situation envisaged by the Constitution.

“God forbid, in a situation where the three of them did not return to the state, what will happen? It means it will be drifting without any definite direction”,

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US releases identities of 24 Nigerians arrested for alleged fraud, money laundering

Published

13 hours ago

October 11, 2026

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The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 24 Nigerians arrested by immigration authorities in relation to alleged criminal offences, as the country continues its deportation operations.

According to the DHS, the suspects were arrested in different parts of the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The alleged offences listed against them include wire and mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery and cruelty towards a child.

In a statement announcing the arrests, the DHS said the publication was intended to show non-US citizens with criminal records who had been arrested by immigration enforcement officers.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement reads.

“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.”

The list released by DHS identifies the Nigerian nationals, the alleged offences associated with their arrests and the locations where they were apprehended.

The list published by the department identifies the Nigerian nationals, the offences associated with their cases and the locations where they were arrested.

Emmanuel Omowaiye was arrested for mail fraud in Richmond, Texas.

Laurene Onwuka arrested for fraud and impersonation in Chantilly, Virginia.

Olusegun Shonekan arrested for wire fraud in Newark, New Jersey.

Olusegun Olaseni was arrested for amphetamine sale in Greencastle, Indiana.

Peter Ude was arrested for wire fraud; in Atlanta, Georgia.

Newton Jemide was arrested for wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud in Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Shedrack Umukoro was arrested for money laundering, Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Olasoji Akinbode was arrested for fraud and impersonation in Kearny, New Jersey.

Oluwatosin Afolabi was arrested for fraud, Conroe, Texas.

Alameen Adetunji Tokosi was arrested for drug possession in Chicago, Illinois.

Joshua Ipoade was arrested for wire fraud in Atlanta, Georgia.

Michael Orji was arrested for weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering in Oxford, Wisconsin.

Ahmadu Apooyin was arrested for drug-related offence in Baltimore, Maryland.

Teslim Kiriji was arrested for money laundering in Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Onomen Uduebor was arrested for identity theft in Seattle, Washington.

Charles Ochi was arrested for money laundering in white Deer, Pennsylvania.

Daniel Eta was arrested for wire fraud in White Deer, Pennsylvania.

Ifeanyi Ibennah was arrested for cruelty towards a child in Tampa, Florida.

Kazeem Runsewe was arrested for wire fraud in Thomson, Illinois.

Fatiu Lawal was arrested for wire fraud in Lompoc, California.

Justin Akubueze was arrested for money laundering in Orem, Utah.

Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo was arrested for larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property in Orlando,
Florida.

Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi was arrested for assault in Alden, New York.

Bright Eigbedion was arrested for money laundering in Lompoc, California.

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Ogun 2027: Adebutu faults INEC over exclusion from governorship candidates list, tells supporters to remain calm

Published

18 hours ago

October 11, 2026

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Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has faulted the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to leave out his name from the list of governorship candidates.

Adebutu, in a statement addressing the development, said he remained a registered member of the PDP and had completed the necessary registration and documentation within the stipulated period.

“I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering,” he said.

According to him, the governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate was conducted with INEC officials present as observers, adding that relevant documents were submitted for verification, certification and confirmation.

The PDP candidate said the circumstances surrounding the exclusion raised concerns, particularly as other party candidates contesting for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate had appeared on INEC’s published lists.

Adebutu said the Ogun State PDP had expressed concern over what it described as undue pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on INEC, adding that the party would pursue the matter through appropriate channels.

“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process is respected,” he said.

He also alleged that the party had faced attempts to frustrate its campaign, including restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of members.

According to him, such challenges would not deter the party from participating in the democratic process or seeking the support of voters across the state.

“No amount of intimidation should prevent the people of Ogun State from having a fair opportunity to choose leaders of choice,” Adebutu said.

He urged PDP members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm while the party takes the necessary steps to address the omission.

“The party has spoken, and the necessary steps are being taken to address this matter. I remain confident that it will be resolved, and I assure you that I will not abandon the struggle to bring the leadership and relief our people deserve,” he said.

Adebutu described the party’s ambition as a broader effort to improve the welfare and development of Ogun State, rather than a struggle centred on an individual.

“Our cause is bigger than any individual. It is about the dignity of our people, the progress of our state and the right of Ogun people to determine our own future,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to the party’s campaign message, Adebutu said, “OGUN FOR OGUN is more than a slogan. It is a call for leadership rooted in our people, responsive to our needs and committed to our welfare.”

He concluded by urging supporters to remain focused and resolute, declaring: “The journey to a better Ogun continues.”

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NDLEA arrests South African woman with drug shipments, seizes large consignment of drugs at Lagos airport

Published

19 hours ago

October 11, 2026

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have arrested a South African, Gebashe Sithandiwe Jessie, with 30 parcels of Thai Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 32.74 kilogrammes, at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the drugs were concealed in two travelling bags.

The statement added that the suspect travelled from Thailand through Doha aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1431.

“She confessed to having previously trafficked through other African countries, and was expanding her route to Port Harcourt when she was caught.”

Similarly, NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted a shipment of 354,000 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg weighing 307.20kg from Pakistan.

Babafemi said the consignment arrived aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight on September 29 and was placed under surveillance before a joint examination on Tuesday, October 6, uncovered the drugs in nine cartons.

In a separate operation at the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers intercepted 70 parcels of Colorado, a synthetic cannabinoid, weighing 75.90kg in six Ghana-Must-Go bags contained in a consolidated cargo from the United Kingdom.

The statement said the shipment was monitored after arriving on September 29.

A clearing agent, John Edrah, 54, was arrested on September 30, while an Uber driver, Taofiq Ajibola, 54, was apprehended while collecting one of the bags at a logistics company in Mafoluku, Oshodi.

The agency said Adetunji Adebayo and Kazeem Damola Dosunmu, 48, a clothing trader, were subsequently arrested when they came to collect the remaining five bags.

According to Babafemi, Ajibola said the drugs were sent by a UK-based associate, Lukman Sa’idu, while Dosunmu claimed his consignment came from another UK-based man identified as Yusuf.

In Cross River State, NDLEA operatives arrested 46-year-old Adama Inuwa at Iyala Nkun village, Ikom Local Government Area, on Sunday, October 4, following surveillance.

Babafemi said the operation led to the recovery of 181 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 1,100kg and 17.15kg of cannabis seeds.

In Edo State, officers intercepted a black Toyota Camry conveying 1,049 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 702.83kg at Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, on Monday, October 5.

The agency said Monday Orji, 52; Monday Lawal, 40; and Precious Uduegele, 20, were arrested in connection with the seizure.

In a separate raid at Asoro, off Sakponba Road, Benin City, operatives arrested 26-year-old Ojugo Mercy with 989 grammes of Loud, 13 grammes of Colorado and 83 grammes of methamphetamine.

In Ondo State, a 21-year-old suspect, Happy Endurance, was arrested at her hideout in the Shasha area of Akure on October 5, with 29 bags of cannabis weighing 290kg.

The statement added that a separate raid on an apartment at Oba-Ile, Akure, on the same day led to the arrest of 42-year-old Tunde Adebayo, with 35 bags of cannabis weighing 351kg.

In Taraba State, NDLEA operatives, supported by soldiers, arrested Abdulrasheed Mohamed, 31, and Abubakar Saidu, 37, at Chanchanji village, Wukari Local Government Area, on Friday, October 9.

Babafemi said the suspects were found with 166,200 tablets of tramadol 225mg weighing 107kg.

In Kano State, a stop-and-search operation along the Kano-Maiduguri Road on October 9 led to the arrest of 32-year-old Yahaya Musa with 24,990 capsules of tramadol, 50,000 tablets of diazepam and 22,000 tablets of Exol-5.

In Kaduna State, operatives on patrol along the Zaria-Kaduna Expressway arrested 29-year-old Mohammed Musa with 31 jumbo bags and 775 blocks of skunk weighing a combined 1,027kg.

The agency also arrested Musbau Balogun Adekunle in Orile, Lagos, on Tuesday, October 6, with 32.51kg of skunk and 52.65kg of cannabis seeds, bringing the total seizure to 85.16kg.

In Plateau State, NDLEA operatives raided the residence of 45-year-old Christian Chukwudi Uju at Rukuba Road, Jos, on Thursday, October 8, recovering methamphetamine, firearms and ammunition.

According to the statement, the items seized included 47 grammes of methamphetamine, two pump-action rifles, one locally made gun, 199 live cartridges, five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one round of 9mm ammunition.

The agency said its War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaign also continued across the country, with lectures delivered to students and staff of schools in Oyo, Ebonyi, Niger, Kano, Lagos and Ogun states.

Among the institutions reached were Progressive Grammar School, Tede, Oyo State; Eghugo Technical College, Afikpo, Ebonyi State; Baptist High School, Lambata, Niger State; and Ipara Senior and Junior Community Secondary School, Badagry, Lagos State.

Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised personnel of the Lagos, MMIA, PHIA, Taraba, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Cross River, Ondo and Plateau Commands.

Babafemi said Marwa commended the officers “for their professionalism and intelligence-driven approach to the various successful operations” and urged them “to continue with the current balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.”