Author: Adewale A.

To combat immigration fraud and mitigate its impact on Nigeria’s reputation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has established an Immigration Fraud Section across several of its national commands. EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, announced this development on Tuesday, 30th July 2024, during a meeting with a delegation from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), led by Superintendent Rabhi Abdallah, Director General of the RCMP, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Olukoyede revealed that the Immigration Fraud Section was inaugurated two weeks ago, prompted by the rising incidence of fraud in immigration processes. The new section aims to protect…

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has assured the youth across Nigeria that the Commission is working diligently to safeguard their future from fraudsters intent on damaging the country’s reputation and jeopardising the prospects of future generations. Olukoyede provided this assurance in Abuja on Thursday, 25th July 2024, during a visit by Citi Polytechnic, Abuja’s Engineering and Computer Science students to the Commission’s corporate headquarters. Speaking through the Head of the Creative Communications Unit (CCU), Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Chris Oluka, Olukoyede emphasised that the anti-corruption stance of today’s youth is crucial…

Civic Hive, a CivicTech organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement and participatory governance through innovative technology and programs that support the development of CivicTech initiatives is thrilled to announce the call for the 2024 Civic Tech Fellowship, an initiative designed to spotlight and incubate innovative solutions for social issues through technology. This year, the fellowship focuses on thematic areas such as Artificial Intelligence for Good, Climate Advocacy, and Technology for Health, Civic Education, and Justice. In a bid to nurture grassroots talent and innovators, the fellowship will kick off with a series of regional hackathons in September 2024, targeting tech-driven…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the Abuja Zonal Directorate have arrested nine individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud. The suspects were detained on Monday, 29th July 2024, in the Wuye area of Abuja, following credible intelligence regarding their alleged involvement in cybercrime activities. During the operation, the EFCC recovered several items, including 19 mobile phones, a car, four laptops, and an iPad. The suspects will face court charges once investigations are finalised.

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended eleven individuals suspected of internet fraud in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The suspects, comprising nine men and two women, were intercepted and arrested along Ikpa Road. Their detention followed credible intelligence regarding their alleged involvement in internet fraud, lavish lifestyles, and naira spraying at events in the Uyo metropolis. Vehicles seized during the operation include a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with registration number ABC 553 LD (Abuja), a Toyota Camry LE with registration number KKN 48 AE (Akwa Ibom), two Honda Accord cars with…

In a decisive move to address the global challenge of money laundering, particularly in Africa, the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has unveiled a new initiative named ‘Silver Notices’. This announcement was made in Abuja on Monday, 29th July 2024, by INTERPOL Vice President for Africa, Garba Baba Umar, during the inauguration of a four-day training workshop for Nigerian law enforcement agencies at the EFCC Academy. Umar highlighted the escalating threat of money laundering worldwide, particularly in Africa, and emphasised that Silver Notices have been designed to counter this menace. He explained, “Evidence has shown that every hour, hundreds of thousands…

In a testament to its commitment to international law enforcement collaboration, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will host the first-ever INTERPOL/Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Workshop at its Academy in Karu, Abuja. This significant event will commence on Monday, 29th July 2024. Jointly organised by INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFACC) and JICA, the workshop aims to bolster the capabilities of Nigerian law enforcement agencies in tackling financial crimes. The event will run from Monday, 29th July to Thursday, 1st August 2024. The workshop will welcome participants from both international and local law enforcement bodies, including officers…

Reflecting on the planned protests and drawing parallels to the EndSARS movement, Dr Bode ‘Gbore highlights the contrasting reactions across regions, particularly the Northern Elders’ firm stance against protests in their area to protect the President, viewed as their son. He questions if the South, especially the South West, will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been in office for just a year, amidst calls for accountability spanning decades. George underscores the futility and historical negative outcomes of protests, stressing the consistent economic challenges that have plagued Nigeria, from Boko Haram to global recessions. He calls for unity, emphasising…

Despite ongoing efforts to resolve tensions and stabilize Sudan, longstanding divisive issues remain largely unresolved, and civil war persists. Achieving a sustainable and lasting peace remains challenging. It is crucial to quickly reduce the rising tensions to prevent further dangerous escalation and put an end to this 14-month conflict. Why has it been so challenging to alleviate tensions? At its core, the root cause of social violence is the buildup of collective social stress. Addressing this human issue demands a human-centred solution. (See: “Peace through health: traditional medicine meditation in the prevention of collective stress, violence, and war” published in…

Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director General of the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) convened a meeting with representatives from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to deliberate on the progress of the Bodo City Remediation project. The gathering aimed to ensure the project’s adherence to international best practices, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability. During the meeting, the SPDC team presented a comprehensive status update, outlining the accomplishments of the remediation efforts, including the removal of free-phase hydrocarbons, contaminated soil excavation, and habitat restoration. The team also elaborated on the future plans, encompassing the implementation of advanced remediation technologies…

President Bola Tinubu faces a straightforward yet significant challenge: insufficient funds to address the extensive needs of Nigeria’s 200 million citizens. The resolution, however, is clear and achievable. To address this financial shortfall, President Tinubu should take a page from President Olusegun Obasanjo’s approach to economic management. Obasanjo effectively tackled similar issues by first addressing corruption and curbing waste, under the vigilant oversight of Nuhu Ribadu, whose reputation was a powerful deterrent against malfeasance. More crucially, Obasanjo understood the importance of public sector borrowing requirements and the strategic role of revenue generation. Central to his strategy was the maximisation of…

Being the theme of the Opening Remark by ENGR. Chukwuemeka Woke, FNSE, the Director General/Chief Executive of the National Oil Spill Detection And Response Agency at the Third National Extractives Dialogue 2024 (Ned2024) Held At Bon Hotel Elvis, 2 Monrovia St, Wuse 2, Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, On July 24-25, 2024. PROTOCOLS It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all to the National Extractives Dialogue 2024. As we gather here today under the critical theme of “Gas Flare Reduction: Catalyst for Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Net-Zero Emissions and Sustainable Development,” I am reminded of the profound responsibility…

Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding showcased their latest collaboration, “Free,” with a live performance at Ushuaia in Ibiza. The highly anticipated track has been released today via Columbia Records, and fans can catch a glimpse of the performance online. This new single marks another chapter in Harris and Goulding’s successful partnership in the studio. “Free” follows the massive success of their Platinum-selling and GRAMMY-nominated hit “Miracle,” which has achieved double Platinum status in the UK. “Miracle” reigned at the top of the charts for eight weeks, spent 16 weeks in the OCC Top 3, and amassed over 4.25 million global…

The General manager of Radio Lagos/Eko FM, Olajide Lawal has stated that its flagship Station, Radio Lagos remains committed to spreading joy and entertainment to the grassroots through its annual Amititi Day celebration which comes up on Sunday, 28th July, 2024. Lawal, who made this known in his Alausa office, explained that the Amitit Day celebration is a spectacular musical concert which boasts a wide array of the biggest stars in the traditional musical genre. The General Manager disclosed that this annual celebration is the Station’s way of giving back to the community while showcasing its commitment to corporate social…

The Lagos Indigenous Youth Network (LIYN), a coalition of concerned Lagosians, has firmly opposed destructive protests in Lagos State. The group, echoing its slogan “Never Again in Lagos,” reflected on the aftermath of the October 2020 EndSARS protests, which led to significant destruction of public and private property. The group further advises those willing to protest against bad governance to mobilise to build rather than destroy. The impact of the protests is vividly illustrated by the numerous examples of damage caused in Lagos, underscoring the group’s call for peaceful and constructive demonstrations. The October 2020 EndSARS Protests: A Reflection on…

President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that he financed his presidential campaign independently, stating he owes no favours to any cabal or sponsors. Emphasising his dedication to democracy and the right to peaceful protest, Tinubu voiced concerns about potential violence and property destruction during demonstrations. The President underscored his commitment to educating Nigerian youths about responsible citizenship and his ongoing efforts to steer the nation through its challenges. Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued warnings regarding planned nationwide protests, urging sponsors to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful. Tinubu’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about his leadership, economic reforms, and…

An intense online discussion in Nigeria surrounds the upcoming #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, scheduled for 1 August 2024. This demonstration seeks to address pervasive issues of corruption, economic hardship, and political mismanagement. Supporters of the protest assert their right to peaceful demonstration, while others express concerns about potential violence and the government’s response. Various groups and individuals, including youth associations, religious organisations, and political figures, have voiced their positions, either backing or distancing themselves from the protest. The prevailing sentiment is one of frustration with the current state of governance and a call for significant change. “Nigerians are gradually getting there.. the evil…

Dr Charles Omole, a lawyer, good government advocate, and security sector reform expert has advised Nigerians on the planned nationwide protest. Read him out below: I believe the government is giving excessive attention to the planned protests from the 1st to the 10th of August. While the right of Nigerians to protest peacefully is undeniable, it’s equally important to emphasise the right of all citizens to go about their daily lives without disruption. Protesters who conduct themselves peacefully, carrying placards and gathering without obstructing public roads or interfering with others’ activities, should be fully protected by law and must not…

I wish to join the voices of all well-meaning Nigerians, including our revered traditional rulers, in calling for the postponement of the proposed hardship protest scheduled for August 1, 2024. There is indeed hunger and hardship in the country. However, it must be pointed out that hunger and hardship did not start today. President Tinubu is working diligently to revitalise the economy with carefully planned policies and programmes aimed at addressing economic and security issues, which are the root causes of many problems in the country. I am aware of Mr. President’s efforts to get things right in the country,…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have detained 13 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities in the Asokoro area of Abuja. The arrests were made during an operation on Wednesday, 24th July 2024. The suspects were apprehended based on reliable intelligence that connected them to the transportation of tons of coal and kaolin in five trucks from Nassarawa State to a site in Kaduna State. The detainees are currently being interrogated and will face charges in court upon the completion of the investigation.