Tinubu Directs EFCC To Release Recovered Looted Funds To Finance Students’ Loans

https://ift.tt/UI1D6TB Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to release ₦50 billion of recovered looted funds to finance the students’ loans scheme. This was made known few minutes ago in a news statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC while reacting to public outcry that the ... Read More "Tinubu Directs EFCC To Release Recovered Looted Funds To Finance Students’ Loans" »

How Paul Is Trying To Make Fans Dislike Me, Jude Was Stealing Our Money – Peter P-square

https://ift.tt/olTXH6B Nigerian music and break dance star, Peter Okoye aka Mr P of the P-square group has accused his twin brother, Paul Okoye aka Rudeboy and their elder brother, Jude Okoye of working together to always humiliate him with the twin brother telling lies to make fans hate him as if he, Peter is always jealous ... Read More "How Paul Is Trying To Make Fans Dislike Me, Jude Was Stealing Our Money – Peter P-square" »

Police Goes After Auckland City Mission Over Sweets Given As Charity In New Zealand

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Police in New Zealand is currently calling on homeless and underserved people who received sweets as charity gifts from Auckland City Mission, a charity organisation to return the sweets or avoid eating the pineapple flavoured sugar food.

According to the Police authority, the pineapple sweets dished out by the New Zealand charity have tested positive for potentially lethal amounts of methamphetamine.

The police made this known on Wednesday morning which sparked an urgent race to remove them from the streets, as the contaminated sweets contain about 300 doses of meth which authority in the country said can lead to death.

It was gathered that the New Zealand charity, Auckland City Mission, accidentally gives out the sweets filled with lethal dose of methamphetamine – a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system, according to observers.

We learnt that it was the Anti-poverty charity, the Auckland City Mission that raised the alarm after discovering a batch of the sweets was contaminated with the highly addictive and illegal narcotics.

“Here’s what happened: The charity recently handed out what appeared to be pineapple-flavored boiled sweets to the community. Unfortunately, these “sweets” were actually small blocks of methamphetamine cleverly disguised to look like individually wrapped candies.

Authorities are now working diligently to recover these dangerous substances and ensure they don’t cause harm. The Auckland City Mission, which operates with a mission to support the vulnerable and underserved, has expressed deep concern and is cooperating fully with the police.

The meth was disguised as pineapple flavored boiled sweets. The Auckland City Mission distributed these items before realizing the mix-up. The police are actively involved in recovering the meth and ensuring public safety.

The situation is under investigation, and the priority is to address the issue swiftly to prevent any potential harm. If you or anyone you know has received these candies, please report it immediately to local authorities. Your safety and well-being are paramount”, a resident in New Zealand stated in a post.

The anti poverty charity said in a statement that up to 400 people may have received the sweets from Auckland City Mission as part of a food parcel.

Adding, the sweets were donated anonymously by a member of a public in a sealed retail package. At least three people, including a child, sought medical attention afterwards though none are currently in hospital.

“We did not know that the lollies contained methamphetamine when they were distributed,” the charity’s spokesperson said, according to BBC report.

New Zealand Drug Foundation said each individual sweet could have a street value of around NZ$1000, US$601.

Police said while the incident could be accidental rather than a targeted operation, they had not drawn any conclusions as it is a bit early to say. The charity alerted the authorities on Tuesday after being alerted by a recipient about the funny tasting sweets.

Helen Robinson, chief executive of Auckland City Mission, said that some of the charity’s staff members tried the sweets themselves and agreed with the complaints, and started to feel funny afterwards, according to BBC.

The BBC report added that they then sent sweets that were still on site to the New Zealand Drug Foundation for tests, which confirmed that potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine were contained in the samples. The foundation said they found about 3 grams of methamphetamine in a sweet that was sent for testing.

“A common dose to swallow is between 10-25mg, so this contaminated lolly contained up to 300 doses,” says its head Sarah Helm, adding that swallowing such amount of the drug is “extremely dangerous and could result in death”.

Methamphetamine can cause chest pain, racing heart, seizures, hyperthermia, delirium and loss of consciousness, according to the foundation.

Robinson said the mission distributes around 50,000 food parcels a year and only commercially manufactured food are included in these parcels.

Meanwhile, Police have asked people that have sweets wrapped in brand Rinda’s yellow pineapple flavour packaging to contact them immediately.

“It’s vital the public are aware of these lollies and the hazard that they present,” Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said in a press conference on Wednesday.

He said that such cases of food laced with meth had happened before and they would likely work with Interpol on the investigation, which may take some time.

Rinda, a Malaysian confectioner, had told BBC that it has come to their attention that their products may have been misused in connection with illegal substances and the company does not use or condone the use of any illegal drugs in their products.

“We will work closely with law enforcement and relevant authorities to address this issue and protect the integrity of our brand,” the firm said in a statement.

Steven Peh, the general manager of Rinda, reportedly told local news site, Stuff New Zealand that the contaminated candy he had seen in photos was white, whereas Rinda’s product is yellow.

The authorities are still trying to understand the scale of the spread. 16 packets have been recovered so far – police say each packet could possibly contain 20 – 30 sweets but they don’t know the exact number in the 16 packets. Up to 400 people have been contacted by the charity.

“Robinson said the sweets likely came into the charity’s possession in about mid-July, but that they are calling everyone as far back as 1 July to be safe.

Ben Birks Ang, deputy director of the New Zealand Drug Foundation, said the organisation believes the incident was unlikely to be intentional as “disclosing substances as something else to smuggle it into another area is common”. But there are still fears that other charities could be affected.

Robinson said she had contacted other charities to check for their sweets. “To say we are devastated is an absolute understatement,” she told the press, adding that one in five in New Zealand experience food insecurity, which makes the incident “deeply distressing”, according to BBC.

Peter Obi Blame Leaders’ Rascality, Recklessness Over Nigeria Not Winning Any Medal At Paris Olympics 2024 After ₦12b Invest

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Former Governor of Anambra State and the presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP in the last concluded general elections in Nigeria, Peter Obi has blamed leadership rascality and recklessness for the failure of Nigerian sportsmen and women to secure a single medal at the 2024 Olympics held in  France that came to a close on Sunday.

Peter Obi made this known in a series of tweets on Sunday while the close ceremony of the two and a half weeks long sports competion was going on with fireworks erupting over the Stade de France at the end of the Paris Olympics.

As the closing ceremony took place on  Sunday at the Stade de France, scenes were showed from Los Angeles, which is scheduled to host the next Summer Games in 2028.

It was observed that, at the end of the ceremony in Paris, actor Tom Cruise jumped off the stadium roof and was lowered to the floor, where he took the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass and rode off on a motorcycle.

It was estimated that about 9,000 athletes flooded into the stadium to be entertained by 270 performers and artists in a ceremony described by some #news media and observers as a celebration of humanity and the unifying power of sport.

Peter Obi while reacting to the failure of Nigerian athletes at the just concluded Olympics, said, the government of Nigeria invested over ₦12 billion naira for the sporting game which saw the country not winning any medal.

Peter Obi tweets reads below in quote: “Now that the Paris Olympics 2024 has officially ended and our dear Team Nigeria, despite the huge financial investment made into the project, is returning without a single medal, let me unreservedly register my displeasure with the performance of our team and their handlers.

The rascality and recklessness that has continued to characterise leadership in our nation in nearly every department. The general impression that has come to stick is the one that portrays our country as a joke, even on the international stage.

How can one explain that a country like Jamaica spent less than 5% of what we spent on our contingents for the Paris Olympics 2024 and won as many as 6 medals. Yet with  our huge financial investments and large contingent, we could not win even a single medal?

At least nine African countries won gold but the giant with over 200 million people came home without even a bronze! We invested about ₦12 billion in this year’ s Olympics, which is almost twice the amount budgeted for the entire Ministry of Science and Technology for this year.

This is over ₦136 million (about $85,000) spent on each of the 88 Nigerian contingents to the Olympics, and no single medal was won while Jamaica, a nation which spent far less than we did, a total of about $2,300 on each contingent, won 6 medals; 1 Gold, 3 Silver and

2 Bronze at the Olympics. We must now interrogate the relationship between this huge investment and our dismal outcome.

Sad stories like this are our lot only because we have refused to embrace competence and capacity over routine and favouritism in Nigeria.

Let us consider the case of Favour Ofili, a Nigerian professional sprinter who trained for years for the 2024 Olympics, only for her name to be recklessly and wrongly removed from the list of athletes for the 100 metres race at the Olympics by Nigerian sporting authorities.

What explanation can anyone give about Annette Echikunwoke, a former Nigerian hammer thrower, who was frustrated by the same rascality of some Nigerian leaders, making her switch her allegiance to the United States, where she eventually won a medal in the just completed Olympics?

These same professional athletes were denied the opportunity to represent our nation in Tokyo 2020, for similar reasons of administrative recklessness. I have it on good authority that some injured athletes, not physically fit to represent the country and not competing in the ongoing Olympics, were there in Paris receiving estacodes from our national resources.

Some of the sports officials and others who have no reason to be at the Olympics were there too, living large and feeding fat on the estacodes while our nation was crashing out on every sporting event. One of our athletes, Ese Ukpeseraye, had to borrow a bicycle to compete at her sporting event!

How can one sensibly explain such recklessness and infamy? What a country! What a shame! When do we stop these rascalities that always rob our nation of golden opportunities to make a positive change?

I call on the government to investigate these gross misconducts and make sure that those responsible do not have the opportunity to do so again. We must build a nation of discipline and commitment to duty, where competence and capacity reign. That is the New Nigeria we preach, and it is Possible”.

Cause Of Plane Crash In Brazil To Be Made Known In 30 Days – Authority

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Authorities investigating the two black boxes obtained from the crashed site of Voepass plane that killed all 62 persons onboard have said that they have began analysis of the black boxes and the preliminary cause of the aircraft accident would be made known in 30 days.

The plane was carrying 58 passengers and four crew members on the nearly two-hour scheduled flight from Cascavel, Brazil, to São Paulo on Friday when it stalled and crashed in a gated community in the small city of Vinhedo, shortly before reaching its destination.

There was no one on the ground was injured or recorded as casualty.

Aircraft accident investigators in Brazil had on Saturday said that they had recovered the plane’s two black boxes with one containing flight data and the other recordings from the cockpit, adding, they were working to extract information from them.

“There is still no estimated completion date for this work,” Marcelo Moreno, Brazil’s chief crash investigator, said.  Adding, “We are prioritizing quality over speed.”

We learnt that the Brazilian investigators would try to understand why the passenger plane fell from 17,000 feet on Friday, in a crash that killed all 62 on board.

Some local media reported that out of the 62 persons killed, 8 cancer doctors who were believed to be working on a cure were among the dead in the plane crash including a lawyer said to be a specialist in lawsuits against airlines.

It was gathered that when the Brazilian authorities began the evacuation of bodies from the crashed site on Saturday, the authorities were using seat assignments, physical characteristics, documents and belongings such as cell phones to identify the victims, according firefighter, Maycon Cristo said at the crash site as reported by Reuters.

More than 40 families of victims of the Voepass airliner crash in Brazil gathered Sunday at a morgue and hotels in Sao Paulo as three French government investigators also arrived in the country to assist to unravel the cause which some aviation observants have blamed the cause on icing weather.

Investigators said a preliminary report on the cause of the aircraft accident is expected within 30 days.

Local media also reported that Captain Danilo Santos Romano, a pilot with a decade of experience, aged 35, was the first victim identified following the disaster in São Paulo state.

Romano had been with Voepass since 2022 and had accumulated over 4,500 flight hours. Colleagues described him as “always smiling” and “willing to help, according to reports.

“Once all this evidence has been collected, we will remove the victims from the wreckage and place them in the vehicle to be transported to Sao Paulo,” Marcelo said.

Family members of the victims have been brought to Sao Paulo to provide DNA samples to aid in identification of the remains, according to state civil defense coordinator, Henguel Pereira.

The plane’s so-called “black box” containing voice recordings and flight data is undergoing analysis, said Marcelo Moreno, the head of Brazilian aviation accident investigation center Cenipa, at a press conference in Vinhedo over the weekend.

The plane, an ATR-72 turboprop, was bound for Sao Paulo from Cascavel, in the state of Parana, and crashed around 1:30 p.m. (1630 GMT) in Vinhedo, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) northwest of Sao Paulo.

All the bodies had been recovered on Sunday, according to the Sao Paulo state government official. The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot were identified, said Dario Pacheco, mayor of Vinhedo.

All the bodies are being moved to Sao Paulo’s police morgue. A Venezuelan man and Portuguese woman are among the dead, state civil defense official, Roberto Farina said, adding that the local consulates have already been contacted, as reported by Reuters International News Agency.

On Friday regional carrier Voepass said the plane was carrying 57 passengers and four crew, but on Saturday the firm confirmed another unaccounted-for passenger was on the flight, putting the number of casualties at 62.

We had reported that all 61 persons including 57 passengers and 4 crew members onboard Voepass airline plane that crashed into residential area in Brazil on Friday have been confirmed dead.

Video recordings posted online by eyewitnesses saw the plane lost the ability to continue to fly  and fell directly to the ground with thick smoke billowing immediately.

Voepass airline in a new statement few minutes ago said that 61 people have died.

The death toll was amended to 57 passengers and four crew members. 

Voepass had initially in a statement said the flight was carrying 58 passengers and four crew members at the time of the crash.

“The company regrets to inform that all 61 people on board flight 2283 died at the site.

“At this time, Voepass is prioritizing provision of unrestricted assistance to the victims’ families and effectively collaborating with authorities to determine the causes of the accident”, the airline, Voepass said.

The Brazilian Air Force team will investigate the cause of Friday’s deadly plane crash, the Vinhedo City Hall said in a statement.

Vinhedo City Hall said it has been on the site of the crash offering support to other emergency responders. It said in the statement that it is waiting for the Air Force team to arrive, which will be responsible for the investigation, according to CNN.

“The fire outbreaks and major risks have already been controlled; the main objective, from the beginning, was to guarantee the safety of everyone on site and care for possible victims, with Santa Casa de Vinhedo, Santa Casa de Valinhos and Hospital Galileo prepared to offer full support,” the statement added. 

Vinhedo City Hall said the bodies of the plane crash victims will be taken to the Legal Medical Institute in Campinas.

Vinhedo City Hall also declared a three-day mourning period in memory of the victims of the crash.

It was gathered that the Brazilian authorities have found the black box at the crash site in Brazil, according to the Security Secretary from São Paulo, Guilherme Derrite.

The Security Secretary said a medical team is onsite and working to identify the victims. Adding that many of the victims’ remains are too badly burned for visual identification. 

Officials are in the process of contacting family members of the passengers, according to Derrite. Authorities will release the names of the passengers soon, he said.

We learnt that the Voepass Airlines flight, en route from #Cascavel to São Paulo, went down shortly before reaching its destination.

Firefighters, military police and the civil defense authority have dispatched teams to the crash site in Vinhedo. Authorities have sealed off the entrance to the residential area where the plane went down, as journalists outside watched as official vehicles including ambulances drove in and waited for updates.

“I thought it was going to fall in our yard. It was scary, but thank God there were no victims among the locals. It seems that the 62 people inside the plane were the real victims, though”, a resident told reporters at the crash site.

Video obtained by The Associated Press from a bystander and verified shows at least two bodies strewn about flaming pieces of wreckage.

Brazilian television network GloboNews showed aerial footage of an area with smoke coming out of an obliterated plane fuselage. Additional footage on GloboNews earlier showed the plane drifting downward vertically, spiraling as it fell.

NDLEA, Sniffer Dogs Fish Out Multi-Billion Naira Illicit-Drugs Heading To USA, Canada, UK

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Nigeria anti illicit drugs enforcement operatives, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA have intercepted multi billion naira worth of cocaine and other illicit drugs concealed in automobile spare parts, Ghanaian fabric, Kente, among others at the International Airport in Lagos State, Nigeria.

According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the illicit drugs were billed to be shipped to United States of America, USA, United Kingdom, UK and Canada.

Femi Babafemi in a news statement on Sunday, said, the interception was based on intelligent information received by the operatives of the law enforcement agency.

“Multi-billion-naira worth of cocaine concealed in heavy duty automobile pivot shafts, and  Ghanaian fabric, Kente, among others have been recovered in a nationwide intelligence-led operation by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

While 2.32 kilograms of cocaine concealed in Ghanaian traditional kente materials going to the United Kingdom were intercepted at a courier firm in Lagos on Monday 5th August 2024, 10.494kg of same class A drug buried in heavy duty pivot shafts heading to the United States were recovered at the same logistics company after the NDLEA sniffer dogs fished out the automobile spare parts containing the illicit drug, bringing the total weight of cocaine seized in the two shipments to 12.814 kilograms.

In the same vein, five other consignments going to the US, UK and Canada were also intercepted at the courier firm in Lagos on Friday 9th August 2024.

They include 517 grams of cocaine in clothing materials; different quantities of pentazocine injection, promethazine injection and cocodamol pills, all heading to the UK as well as 297 pills of tramadol 225mg going to Canada.

In a different logistics company in Lagos, NDLEA operatives recovered 21 parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 10kg coming from the US and meant for delivery in Abuja”, Femi Babafemi stated in the news statement.

Meanwhile, NDLEA has arrested a member of a cocaine trafficking network in Lagos State while in attempt to transport some quantity of illicit drugs to Anambra State.

Femi Babafemi said; “in another intelligence-led operation, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 7th August arrested a member of a cocaine trafficking network, Obiora Joseph Agudosi, at Alafia Orile, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos while attempting to move 9.00kg of cocaine to Onitsha, Anambra state.

Two members of another cocaine syndicate based in Nnewi and Oba town, Anambra state were also arrested on Thursday 8th August in a follow up operation following the seizure of their consignments in a GUO transport company bus at Benin, Edo state same day.

While the bus driver, Harrison  Mbachu, 44, was arrested at Benin tollgate with a total of 2.865kg cocaine, Izuchkwu Arinze, 40, was picked at Nnewi town while attempting to collect his own consignment of 1.748kg cocaine and 514 grams sodium bicarbonate, with Ameachi Okoro, 39, arrested while trying to pick his own 1.117kg cocaine at Oba town.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at Tincan seaport Lagos on Wednesday 7th August intercepted 532 parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 265.25kg in a black Toyota Sienna bus, which is one of the three vehicles in a container marked MSMU 6029570 coming from Montreal, Canada.

The seizure was made during 100 percent joint examination with men of Customs Service and other stakeholders.

The following day, Thursday 8th August, the operatives recorded yet another seizure of 75 parcels of same substance weighing 37.5kg in a container marked FSCU-9274613, that came from Canada.

In Adamawa state, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 8th August with the support of men of operation Farauta Sector 3, Mayo Belwa  arrested 49-year-old Joseph Peter with 425 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 291.200kg in his Toyota Camry car marked Lagos KSF 381 HM. He claimed he was bringing the consignment from Edo state to deliver in Yola, Adamawa State.

While two suspects: Adekunle Sunday Adebayo, 50, and Yahaya Mamuda, 35, were arrested at Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano on Tuesday 6th August with 29.5kg cannabis, NDLEA operatives in Lagos recovered 1,169 kilograms of the same psychoactive substance from a bus along Orchid road, Ajah on Sunday 4th August.

No less than 1,230.00kg cannabis was destroyed on three hectares of farmland at Ikeje forest, Edimogo village, Igalamela/ Odolu Local government area, Kogi state on Friday 9th August by NDLEA officers supported by men of the Nigerian Army while the owner, Danjuma Maji, 40, was arrested.

With the same drive, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for women at Fowewe Sofuwa Islamic Centre, Saki, Oyo state; WADA sensitisation lecture and inauguration of community drug control committee at Nnando community, Anambra state; WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Kwara state; and WADA sensitisation lecture to members of Ansaru-ud-deen Muslim Society of Nigeria in Ado Ekiti, among others.

While commending the officers and men of the Special Operations Unit, Tincan, Lagos, Edo, Kano, Kogi, and Adamawa Commands as well as those of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations, DOGI, for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired) urged them and their compatriots across the country to continue with their current balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts”.

61 Persons Confirmed Dead After Plane Crashes Into Residential Area In Brazil

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All 61 persons including 57 passengers and 4 crew members onboard Voepass airline plane that crashed into residential area in Brazil on Friday have been confirmed dead.

Video recordings posted online by eyewitnesses saw the plane lost the ability to continue to fly  and fell directly to the ground with thick smoke billowing immediately.

Voepass airline in a new statement few minutes ago said that 61 people have died.

The death toll was amended to 57 passengers and four crew members. 

Voepass had initially in a statement said the flight was carrying 58 passengers and four crew members at the time of the crash.

“The company regrets to inform that all 61 people on board flight 2283 died at the site.

“At this time, Voepass is prioritizing provision of unrestricted assistance to the victims’ families and effectively collaborating with authorities to determine the causes of the accident”, the airline, Voepass said.

The Brazilian Air Force team will investigate the cause of Friday’s deadly plane crash, the Vinhedo City Hall said in a statement.

Vinhedo City Hall said it has been on the site of the crash offering support to other emergency responders. It said in the statement that it is waiting for the Air Force team to arrive, which will be responsible for the investigation, according to CNN.

“The fire outbreaks and major risks have already been controlled; the main objective, from the beginning, was to guarantee the safety of everyone on site and care for possible victims, with Santa Casa de Vinhedo, Santa Casa de Valinhos and Hospital Galileo prepared to offer full support,” the statement added. 

Vinhedo City Hall said the bodies of the plane crash victims will be taken to the Legal Medical Institute in Campinas.

Vinhedo City Hall also declared a three-day mourning period in memory of the victims of the crash.

It was gathered that the Brazilian authorities have found the black box at the crash site in Brazil, according to the Security Secretary from São Paulo, Guilherme Derrite.

The Security Secretary said a medical team is onsite and working to identify the victims. Adding that many of the victims’ remains are too badly burned for visual identification. 

Officials are in the process of contacting family members of the passengers, according to Derrite. Authorities will release the names of the passengers soon, he said.

We learnt that the Voepass Airlines flight, en route from #Cascavel to São Paulo, went down shortly before reaching its destination.

Firefighters, military police and the civil defense authority have dispatched teams to the crash site in Vinhedo. Authorities have sealed off the entrance to the residential area where the plane went down, as journalists outside watched as official vehicles including ambulances drove in and waited for updates.

“I thought it was going to fall in our yard. It was scary, but thank God there were no victims among the locals. It seems that the 62 people inside the plane were the real victims, though”, a resident told reporters at the crash site.

Video obtained by The Associated Press from a bystander and verified shows at least two bodies strewn about flaming pieces of wreckage.

Brazilian television network GloboNews showed aerial footage of an area with smoke coming out of an obliterated plane fuselage. Additional footage on GloboNews earlier showed the plane drifting downward vertically, spiraling as it fell.

Cross Dresser, Area Mama Found Dead In Abuja

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Reports from Abuja, Nigeria capital city indicated that a cross dresser known as Abuja Area Mama may have been beaten to death.

Nigeria Police Force in a statement said a dead body of a man who dressed like a woman was found dead on Thursday morning after members of the public called the attention of the police to the incident.

Some of the eyewitnesses who saw the lifeless body of the cross dresser said he could have been beaten to death.

The cross dresser, Abuja Area Mama in a recent media interview, said, he does prostitution at night and alot of men patronize his business.

He said he does not sleep with a man till day break, saying, he was always want to go home and rest till next day. Adding that, he always do short time.

There are suggestions that he was killed after he went out at night to for his prostitution business.

Police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benneth Igweh, has ordered an immediate investigation into the death of the cross dresser, the police described as an unidentified person.

It was gathered that the cross dresser’s corpse was found along Katampe-Mabushi Expressway, Abuja in the early hours of Thursday.

The FCT police Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said, “A distress call was received by the Command Control Room on August 8, 2024, at about 07:40am, that an unidentified lady was seen lying motionless along Katampe-Mabushi Expressway, and a team of Detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene.”

The statement added that preliminary investigations revealed that the individual was a man fully dressed in female clothing with no means of identification on him.

“He was immediately taken to Maitama District Hospital where Doctors on duty confirmed him dead.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth Igweh has promptly ordered a thorough and discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.”

Nigerian Born Chidinma Quits Miss SA Pageant After Mother Identity Theft Allegation

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Chidinma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, born by a Nigerian father and a Mozambique mother who was a strong contender in the Miss SouthAfrica beauty pageant, slated to be held on Saturday at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, has withdrawn from the competition after the country police, the Home Affairs Department issued a statement that her mother allegedly committed identity theft in 2001 after series of South Africa citizens took to  social media platforms to question the true nationality of the beauty pageant contestant.

The 23-year-old had emerged as a central figure of discussion on national identity issue after advancing to the Top 30 and becoming a finalist in the Miss South Africa  competition.

She gave in on Thursday morning, weeks after South Africans called for her disqualification over issues related to her nationality and the business integrity of her Nigerian father.

Home Affairs Department in a voice recorded news release said that its investigations revealed that Chidinma citizenship may have involved fraud and identity theft.

Some residents in South Africa had called for her disqualification from the Miss South Africa pageant, alleging she was not a legitimate South African citizen.

The Home Affairs Deptament said the pageant organizers formally requested the Department to verify Adetshina’s citizenship, accompanied by written consent from both Adetshina and her mother.

Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest potential fraud and identity theft linked to the individual recorded as Adetshina’s mother in Home Affairs records, according to the South Africa Home Affairs police.

However, the Department noted that Adetshina, being a minor at the time of the alleged actions in 2001, was not involved in the fraudulent activities.

Adding that, the investigation further uncovered that a South African woman, whose identity may have been stolen in the process, has suffered significant consequences, including the inability to register her own child.

The Department said it had broadened its investigation to identify and pursue any officials implicated in the scheme and is currently seeking legal advice on the ramifications for Adetshina’s citizenship status. Saying, criminal charges are anticipated upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Home Affairs said and in quote: ‘‘Information we have uncovered thus far, the Department of Home Affairs can indicate that prima facie reasons exist to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in Home Affairs records as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother,’’

The department, which commenced investigations on Tuesday, alleged that Ms Adetshina’s mother stole a South African woman’s identity to register her birth 23 years ago.

Chidinma in a statement on Thursday morning said: “I would like to start by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m grateful for all the love and support I have been shown. Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and me.

‘‘With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience. I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”

Reno Omokri, former presidential spokesperson in Nigeria while reacting to her withdrawal, said: “Even if her mother committed offences when Chidinma was born in South Africa, as alleged by some in South Africa’s governmental agencies, South African authorities should have tackled the mother, not the daughter.

Why did they suddenly remember this when Chidinma contested for the Miss South Africa crown? This looks like victimisation.

Nigerians spend $10 million daily on South African companies, like MTN, DSTV, and other firms. How come none of them could speak up for Chidinma?

MTN has never spoken up for Nigeria, whether it is during the xenophobic attacks or the DSTV shutdown of Nigeria’s penalties during AFCON2023 when we played South Africa, and now this. What is their purpose in Nigeria other than to suck money from our economy and repatriate it to South Africa?

Chidinma has never known any other home other than South Africa. What the South African authorities have done to her is to use state apostates to terrorise and traumatise her into submission. She can’t help it if she is beautiful.

Would the South African authorities like it if the United States singled out Trevor Noah for victimisation in future if he decides to maybe contest an election there?

I really hope the South African government has given enough thought to how this action could harm pan-African relationships in this day and age of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

If we, as Sub-Saharan Black Africans, would do this to each other, then what moral authority do we have to fight against racism?

I hope the South African authorities revisit this incident and remove the pressure that made Chidinma withdraw from the pageant.

Perhaps President Cyril Ramaphosa can intervene. Mr Ramaphosa is much beloved in Nigeria. Maybe he can also show love to Chidinma”.

President Tinubu Did Not Fly Russia Flag During His Nationwide Broadcast – Reno Omokri

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EndBadGovernance protest ongoing in Nigeria took a new twist on Monday after President Bola Tinubu had on Sunday addressed the protesters in a nationwide broadcast that appeared to have infuriated a larger numbers of the protesters.

Some of the protesters mostly the ones in the northern part of the country could be seen hoisting Russian flags and calling on President Vladimir Putin of Russia to come to their aid.

The Nigeria Chief of Defence Staff issued a statement shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Monday and said the president warned against flying foreign flags in Nigeria, adding, those who have hoisted foreign flags in Nigeria have committed treason.

Shortly after issuing the statement, some persons claimed the President himself used Russia flag during the Nationwide broadcast, describing the second flag beside President Bola Tinubu during the broadcast as Russia flag.

Former Presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri in a statement on Tuesday, said, the second flag beside the president was Nigeria Armed Forces flag and it was never Russia flag.

Nigeria Police Force few hours ago issued a stern warning  against any protester displaying foreign flags in the country. Adding, over 90 persons have been arrested in connection with the display of foreign flags in Nigeria including the tailors and their sponsors.

Reno Omokri in his words said: “for the avoidance of doubt, President Tinubu did not fly a Russian flag yesterday during his broadcast to the nation. The flag you see to his left, which enemies of the country purport to be a Russian flag, actually represents the combined colours of the Nigerian armed forces.

The colours Red, Navy Blue and light Sky Blue represent the different forces: the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

The Russian flag is similar to our armed forces flag. However, it is almost the reverse of our flag in that whereas our Armed Forces Flag is Red, Navy Blue and light Sky Blue, the flag of the Russian Federation begins with a White colour, then a Blue and ends with a Red.

Another difference between the Nigerian Armed Forces flag and the Russian flag is that whereas the third colour of the Nigerian Armed Forces flag is light sky blue, the first colour on the Russian Federation flag is white.

Please note the difference, and do not let anyone gaslight you into hoisting and waving Russian flags on the mistaken belief that it is the same flag flown by our President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces during his speech yesterday”.

Nigeria Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Mustapha had on Monday declared that individuals flying Russian flags in Nigeria have committed a treasonable offence.

The Defense Chief made the declaration while speaking to newsmen after an emergency security meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock.

He vowed that the law would catch up with such persons.

Mustapha said the actions of those calling for a coup, adding that the military has embraced democracy and would never allow regime change.

He said, “We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started all the security agencies you can see all of us together. Initially, when the riot started they said it was a peaceful one but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.

“And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.

“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.

“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation, all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive. We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what will continue to defend”.

The Nigeria Police Force in a statement issued by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokesperson few hours ago, said, the Force has issued “a stern warning against the display of foreign flags during protests and calls for a military takeover, categorizing such actions as treasonable felonies under Nigerian law. This follows a wave of violent protests, particularly in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States, where protesters brandished foreign flags.

Ongoing investigations reveal that protest organizers in the states mentioned above are luring innocent children into participating in these unpatriotic and criminal acts.

Over ninety suspects have been arrested, including tailors who sewed the flags and their sponsors. Efforts are underway to apprehend others who sponsored the production of the flags and fuelled these treasonable acts.

The display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover constitutes a clear treasonable offense, revealing the motives of protest organizers to destabilize Nigeria’s democratic government. This aligns with actionable intelligence on the tactics of fifth columnists and non-state actors exploiting economic hardship protests to further their nefarious goals.

Tensions from the ongoing protests have eased following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address on August 4, 2024.

However, some groups persist in subversive campaigns in the form of violent and unlawful protests, characterized by the destruction of public infrastructure and private property, looting, display of foreign flags, and calls for a military takeover. These individuals and groups will be treated as subversive agents and charged accordingly.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Deputy Inspectors General of Police for the Northwest and Northeast zones, DIGs Bala Ciroma, and Bello Makwashi, to take charge of operations in the states within the two geo-political zones where subversive campaigns are ongoing under the guise of protests. They are tasked with stabilizing the situation and preventing further violence in the affected states.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the use of foreign flags during protests and openly calling for a military takeover of the government is a capital offense under Nigerian law.

The Police cautions Nigerian youths to be wary of individuals and groups turning protests into business ventures, funded by local or foreign sponsors aiming to destabilize the country.

Evidence shows that these sponsors have paid significant sums to exploit the hardship protests, brainwashing and misleading innocent children into aiding this campaign against the government.

The Nigeria Police Force salutes Nigerians who have refused to participate in and indeed spoke out against the ill-timed protest out of sheer patriotism and belief in the government’s genuine efforts to put the country on the path of economic recovery and growth.

We also acknowledge the patriotism of those who peacefully participated in the protests but withdrew when they turned violent, and those who heeded the President’s call to embrace dialogue by withdrawing from the protests.

The NPF remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting the nation’s heritage, and working with the public to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria”.

NDLEA Arrests Suspects Behind Illicit Drugs Conceal In Baby Food Onward To USA, UK

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Nigeria anti illicit drugs police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has arrested two suspects in connection with illicit drugs concealed in baby food with the intention to export the illicit drugs to the United States of America, USA and United Kingdom, UK.

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson in a news statement on Sunday, said the principal suspect was arrested at her Ibadan home in Oyo State after the freight agent who presented the goods for export to UK and USA had been detained.

Details of the report reads in quote below: “Multiple consignments of illicit drugs concealed in tins of Cerelac baby food and cloths going to the United States and United Kingdom have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, and a courier firm in Lagos.

No less than 36 parcels of a strong strain of cannabis concealed in six cartons of tins of branded Nestle Cerelac baby food, with six containers in each package were recovered at the SAHCOL export shed of Lagos airport on Wednesday 31st July 2024. The psychotropic substance has a total weight of 18.50 kilograms.

A freight agent, Salaudeen Suliat Abiola who presented the consignment for export to the UK was promptly arrested while a follow up operation to Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday 3rd August led to the arrest of the sender of the cargo, Bello Motunrayo Folu at her Number 20 Mofoluwasho Estate, Elewuro, Akobo area of the Oyo state capital.

The Cerelac tins were all factory-sealed at the top while they tampered with the bottom through which they put the substances covered with loose quantities of the infant cereal meal to prevent discovery, an effort that ended in futility as vigilant NDLEA officers were able to foil the attempt.

In the same vein, five different shipments of opioids and other psychoactive substances, such as promethazine, pentazocine, diazepam, tramadol, and morphine concealed in cloths and other items meant for export to the US and UK were equally interrupted by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.

While one of the shipments containing 820 grams of promethazine and pentazocine injections was going to the United States, the remaining four parcels consisting of over two kilograms of opioids such as tramadol 225mg, molly and NPS were heading to the United Kingdom. They were all intercepted on Monday 29th July at a logistics company in Lagos.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Tincan port in Lagos on Friday 2nd August recovered 77 packages of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis from the body compartments of four vehicles: Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Sienna imported from Canada during a joint examination of some containers with men of the Customs Service and other stakeholders.

The seized consignments have a total weight of 38.5 kilograms while two suspects: Salami Abiodun Sunday, 34 and Lekan Atoyebi, 33, assigned to clear the shipments have been taken into custody.

While Isiagu Sunday was arrested in Mushin Ojuoye, Lagos on Thursday 1st August with 1,740 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 174 litres and 1,070 tablets of Molly weighing 600 grams, no less than 50 bags of cannabis with a gross weight of 520kg were recovered in the bush at Isuada, Owo council area of Ondo state just as five suspects were arrested at Itaogbolu forest, Akure North Local Government area of the state.

The suspects nabbed in connection with the seizure of 42kg of same psychoactive substance include: Jimoh Omotosho, 63; Donald Obi, 62; Emmanuel Patrick, 21; Kayode Oluwaseun, 39; and John Nsikan, 34.

In Edo state, twenty-two and a half bags of cannabis weighing 220kg were recovered from Egbeta community, Ovia North East area of Edo state on Tuesday 30th July while a suspect, Osayede Aghoma was arrested.

Another suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar, 55, was on Wednesday 31st July nabbed with 40 blocks of same substance weighing 19.200kg along Okene-Lokoja highway in a commercial bus coming from Lagos enroute Kano.

With the same drive, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students and staff of Khuddam College of Health Technology, Kofar Kaura, Katsina state; staff of Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta state; youths of St Gabriel Catholic Church, Okpuno Awka, Anambra state and WADA advocacy visit to the Lisa of Ifon and community leaders, Ondo state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Tincan, Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired) noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the zeal and tempo”.

Unconfirmed Reports Indicate 15 Protesters Killed In Kano As Police Shoot At Low Level…Atiku Reacts

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Yet to be confirmed reports from Kano State today indicated that not less than 15 protesters including children were killed when men of the Nigeria Police Force allegedly shot into the crowd of protesters at a very low level on the Day 3 of the EndBadGovernance protest in the country.

Nigeria Police Force is yet to issue statement over the incident as Videos recorded by eyewitnesses showed some policemen lying down to shoot at a direction believed the protesters gathered.

Some residents said 15 people were allegedly killed while 47 others got serious injuries on Saturday at Kurna area of Kano state.

One of the videos posted online by the residents showed the crowd of protesters singing and moving towards anti-riot police officers who were seen moving backward until a police armored vehicle started firing at the crowd and thereafter, alot of policemen were seen in the video chasing and beaten the protesters with objects that looked like sticks and other harmful weapons.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00am, according to the Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

“Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

“The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day”, Ajuri Ngelale said.

In a swift reaction, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar condemned the act of policemen using live bullets to shoot at protesters in Kano State and Abuja.

Atiku who was the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the last general elections in Nigeria, said and in quote thus: “I vehemently condemn the heinous act of using live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance, as witnessed today in Kano and Abuja. This is utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.

It is crucial to remind the government and security agencies of their paramount duty to ensure a safe and secure environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear.

When security forces open fire on innocent protesters, they do nothing but exacerbate tensions, transforming peaceful demonstrations into chaos. I refuse to believe that inciting violence is the intention of our authorities.

I urge the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to closely monitor the situation in Nigeria and hold its leadership and security apparatus accountable.

I reaffirm my counsel to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and reject any form of violence.

Those engaging in looting and the destruction of public and private property must be isolated and prosecuted according to the law. By indulging in such acts, they undermine the legitimate protests and play into the hands of those who oppose their right to protest.

President Tinubu must demonstrate true leadership by immediately addressing and implementing the demands of the Nigerian people. -AA”

Police Refutes Amnesty Int’l Protesters Death Claims, Says Policeman Killed Miraculously Woke Up, Mum On Killings In Kano, Kaduna, Niger

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Nigeria Police Force has disagreed with Amnesty International on the claim of 13 protesters killed in the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria, only attributing the killing of protesters to accident and Iswap terrorists attack which it put the total death figure at 7 as at Day 2 of the Nationwide protest while keeping mum on the reported killings of protesters in Kano State, Kaduna State and Niger State.

Nigeria Police Force in a press statement issued few minutes ago, indicated that the policeman that was allegedly murdered by protesters as earlier reported by the Inspector General of Police, IGP during press briefing on Thursday had miraculously woken up but in a critical condition at the hospital.

The Nigeria Police Force in the statement issued on Saturday indicated that two protesters were killed by hit and run driver. The statement therefore indicated that the total deaths that may have occurred since the EndBadGovernance protest began in Nigeria on Thursday is now 21 as at Friday, the Day 2 of the protest, with the exclusion of the policeman which the police said had woken up. All 21 persons are civilians.

The statement stated further that the total arrests as at Friday, the Day 2 of the EndBadGovernance in Nigeria is 681 persons, saying, some suspects were arrested alongside with AK-47 rifles.

The statement as signed and made available by the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reads below in quotes:

“The Nigeria Police Force finds it necessary to refute a recent report publicized by Amnesty International, which claims that thirteen (13) individuals have lost their lives due to the protests in Nigeria that began on 1st August 2024.

Amnesty International further alleges that security personnel deliberately employed tactics designed to kill while managing gatherings and used firearms as a tactical tool for protest management.

The Nigeria Police Force wishes to provide an accurate account of incidents from the first two (2) days of the nationwide protests.

In Borno State, four (4) individuals lost their lives and thirty-four (34) were severely injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/Iswap elements who infiltrated the crowd of protesters and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Additionally, an incident occurred involving an unregistered Honda Prelude car that ran into the protesters, resulting in the deaths of two (2) civilians. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Although the vehicle was vandalized after the incident, it has been recovered and is currently in police custody. Efforts are ongoing to trace the driver and bring him to justice.

There was another incident reported in Yauri, in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State where a group of individuals mobilized to loot a shop. In the process, a local vigilante man shot and killed one of the looters. The Commissioner of Police in charge of Kebbi State is currently investigating the incident. This brings the total number of deaths recorded during the protests to seven (7).

It is important to state that there were no other recorded fatalities during the protests apart from those mentioned above.

However, incidences of armed robbery, arson, mischief, looting of public institutions and private businesses, destructions of both public and private property were recorded during the protest. Arrests were made with respect to these criminal incidences and a number of recoveries made from the suspects while the protest was going on.

The Nigeria Police personnel deployed to manage the protests have acted professionally, refraining from using lethal weapons. In instances where protesters became riotous, the police employed teargas to disperse them. Even when our officers on lawful duty were attacked and injured, the police effected arrests using only teargas, demonstrating utmost restraint.

In an effort to combat the trend of crimes and criminality, the police have arrested a total of six hundred and eighty-one (681) individuals who committed various criminal offenses such as armed robbery, arson, mischief, and destructions of both public and private property.

Dangerous weapons, including two (2) AK-47 rifles and assorted live ammunition, were recovered from the so-called protesters. Additionally, stolen items such as furniture, electronics, phones, other various shop items, and vital infrastructures worth billions of naira were recovered from the arrested persons.

Contrary to circulating news, organizers of the protest or protesters were not arrested. Those in police custody are under investigation for clear connections to criminal activities.

Furthermore, nine (9) police officers sustained various degrees of injuries during attacks by protesters. One of them who initially was reported dead, miraculously survived but remains in critical condition.

The ongoing protest has obviously turned violent. We therefore advise law abiding citizens taking part in the protest across the country to immediately withdraw from it. This advice becomes necessary in view of the violence that has characterized the protest in the last 2 days. It is reasonably expected that Peaceful protesters would have withdrawn from the protest that has turned violent.

The Nigeria Police Force is committed to providing accurate information and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during these challenging times.

It is essential to recognize that the strategic deployment by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, and the decisive clampdown on criminal elements exploiting the protests for unlawful activities, has been highly effective in quelling tension and curbing the violence and anarchy witnessed on the first day of the protests.

During this challenging period, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to performing its lawful duties with professionalism, maintaining law and order, and preventing anarchy throughout the country.

The Nigeria Police urges all citizens and residents to disregard unfounded and psychologically manipulative reports circulating about incidents during these protests”.

We had earlier reported on Friday that over 20 persons including 19 protesters and one policeman were on Thursday killed in some states as the Nationwide EndBadGovernance Protest began in Nigeria.

Most of the dead victims were killed by security operatives as more than 200 protesters were arrested across the country with billion of naira worth of goods and properties destroyed by the aggrieved Nigerians who took to the street following what many called Hunger in the land due to the high cost living biting more hard in the country since President Bola Tinubu came into power on May 29, 2023.

Since Tinubu came into power, prices of foodstuffs have continued to be on the increased side apparently due to some political decisions the President took to address the economic situation in the country right from the day he was sworn into power.

Videos and official statements from various states in the country on Thursday indicated that, three protesters were killed in Kano State, six killed in Niger State, three killed in Kaduna State, one killed in Abuja, two killed in Jigawa state and four protesters were killed allegedly by bomb explosion in Borno State.

Some Nigerians on social media believed the four persons in Borno state were killed by security operatives but the Inspector General of Police, IGP at a press briefing on Thursday evening, said the protesters were killed by bomb explosion.

The four protesters were killed at Bolori Junction along Baga Road in Borno State.

The IGP said one police officer was murdered with several others injured by some protesters he described as Hoodlums.

It was gathered that no fewer than 50 persons in Katsina State suspected to be responsible for the hijack of the protest in the state which led to violence have been arrested by the state police command.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, told journalists on Thursday that the state is relatively calm as the protest has been contained.

Nigeria Police Force confirms it had arrested over 157 persons in Kano State.

Amnesty International has condemned the killing of protesters allegedly by security personnel across Nigeria, describing the incident as “unjustified and unacceptable”.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun during the press briefing said in quote thus: “It is with grave sense of responsibility that I address you this evening.

You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing our youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country.

While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest.

On the basis of these intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.

This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest. This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.

While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.

Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged. Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same.

Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it.

Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property.

The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.

In spite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.

In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.

We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED).

Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.

We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.

In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order. We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.

Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.

The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.

We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period. Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country. Thank you”, the IGP stated.

The Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said the protest would continue until President Bola Tinubu acceded to their demands.

The protesters said they are demanding the reversal of petrol pump price to ₦100 per litre, an end to insecurity, the closing of IDP camps and electoral reform, among other things.

Adenola said, “The various orders of court restricting protesters to particular locations are an aberration. Our presence here today is an announcement that we have been oppressed for too long. Today, we have risen.

“We are saying that unless President Bola Tinubu acceded to our demands, we will remain on the streets. We want to see the President on the streets. During the protest, he was on the streets.”

One of the organisers of the protest, Michael Lenin, said it would continue on Friday (today) regardless of the intimidation by the security agencies.

He told reporters that, “The protest will continue. We are not intimidated by what the security agencies do. This government does not appear like one ready to listen to the citizens with the way protesters were attacked today. We are resolute; until he meets our demands, we will remain on the streets”.