Month: January 2025

NSCDC Special Mining Marshals crack down on Illegal Miners, secure mining sites nationwide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Illegal mining operations across Nigeria are facing unprecedented enforcement as the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Special Mining Marshals intensify their crackdown, dismantling illegal sites and restoring order in mineral-rich communities.   In a decisive operation over the weekend, the Special Mining Marshals, led by Commander ACC Attah John Onoja, stormed the Jagula/Okolom area of Yagba East Local Government in Kogi State, dislodging illegal miners and criminal elements who had plagued the region for over a decade. The area, under the mineral title of North South Extractive Company…

Niger Police arrests 4 over abduction of Six-Month-Old Baby, rescue victim

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has successfully rescued a six-month-old baby and arrested four suspects involved in a criminal conspiracy to abduct and sell the child in Suleja.   On January 25, 2025, operatives of Maje Division apprehended Joy Nuwa (20), Favour James (25), Ezekiel Emmanuel (30), and Patience Obana (23) following an intelligence-driven investigation. The incident occurred on January 24 when the baby’s mother left the child in the care of her cousin, Joy Nuwa, at their residence in Kwamba, Suleja. Upon her return, she discovered both Joy and…

House of Reps hails BudgIT on Tracka 2023/2024 Report, reaffirms commitment to Open Governance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has commended BudgIT Nigeria for the successful launch of the Tracka 2023/2024 Project Tracking Report, describing it as a vital initiative that promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.   Speaking at the event held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to fostering open governance and strengthening legislative oversight.   Rotimi lauded BudgIT and the Tracka team for their unwavering dedication…

Nigeria needs Thinkers, Builders, not Passive Observers – Speaker Abbas

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasized that Nigeria requires thinkers and builders, not passive observers, to drive the country’s growth and development. He also described the youth as invaluable assets with the potential to transform Nigeria through technological innovation.   Speaker Abbas made these remarks while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State, on Friday. The lecture, titled “From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigeria’s Transformation,” underscored the strategic role of technology in addressing…

Edo Security Corps Arrests Three Kidnappers in Uromi …Vows to Strengthen Security Across the State

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Security Corps has arrested three suspected kidnappers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, following multiple complaints from residents about the rising cases of abduction in the region.   Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin, stated that the suspects were apprehended after his team responded to a distress call from a woman who had been targeted for abduction.   According to Ibadin, the woman, identified as Mrs. Ufuha Rita, managed to hide…

Edo Govt, IOM strengthen collaboration against illegal migration, Gender-based violence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Edo State Government has received commendation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for its proactive initiatives in tackling illegal migration and gender-based violence (GBV). This recognition came during a courtesy visit by the Head of the IOM Sub-office in Benin City, Arshad Rashid Khan, and his team to the Edo State Government House in Benin City.   Speaking during the visit, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging its diplomatic and economic ties with the IOM…

PSC Orders Immediate Retirement of Senior Police Officers Above 60 Amid IGP Tenure Controversy

Emporium Reporters

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have exceeded 35 years in service or are above 60 years of age. This decision comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who recently turned 60. PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, noted that the decision was reached during the Commission’s first extraordinary meeting of the year. The meeting, presided over by the…

HURIWA condemns Benue Government’s closure of Joy FM, calls it an attack on Press Freedom

Emporium Reporters

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Benue State Government for the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, describing the action as a blatant assault on press freedom and democracy. The station was reportedly shut down on Thursday by armed policemen allegedly led by officials from the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. During the operation, staff members were allegedly assaulted, and a journalist was forced at gunpoint to halt the station’s 1…

Afenifere Youth Coalition, Concerned Citizens condemn Sowore’s attack on IGP, accuse him of political blackmail

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Two groups, Afenifere Youth Coalition and Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law, have strongly condemned activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore over his recent criticisms of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.   In separate statements issued on Friday, both groups accused Sowore of engaging in a pattern of defamation, cyberbullying, and political blackmail, alleging that his activism is driven by personal and financial interests rather than genuine concern for justice.   The Afenifere Youth Coalition stated that Sowore has built a career out of harassing and…

NCC’s 50% Telecom Tariff Hike: A Necessary Step for Industry Survival or a Burden on Nigerians? By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Emporium Reporters

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, a decision that has sparked debates across the country. While telecom operators argued that the hike is necessary for the industry’s survival amid rising costs, consumer rights groups and labor unions see it as an additional financial burden on Nigerians already struggling with inflation and economic instability. As the new tariff policy takes effect, stakeholders remain divided over its implications. This feature examines the reasons behind the increase, its impact on consumers and the economy, and possible…