Day: November 5, 2025

NDLEA smashes syndicate packaging illicit drugs as ‘medicinal cannabis’ …. Marwa warns Nigerians against deadly fake products flooding market

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarm over the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being deceptively packaged and marketed as medicinal cannabis across parts of the country. The warning followed a major operation that led to the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin, Afeez Salisu, popularly known as Malu, at his hideout located at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos. NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided the site on Saturday, November 1, 2025, uncovering and seizing 16.4 kilograms of dangerous synthetic cannabis…

WEARING TURBAN, HIJAB AND NIQAB IN NIGERIAN COURTS: RIGHTS, RESPECT AND REALITY By Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

Emporium Reporters

In Nigeria, no existing law forbids citizens from wearing religious head coverings. Whether turban, hijab, or niqab in courtrooms. Yet, public misunderstanding continues to blur the line between cultural etiquette and constitutional rights. Many Nigerians assume that religious head coverings are “not allowed” in court. This belief, however, has no legal backing. It traces its roots to colonial-era courtroom traditions influenced by Judeo-Christian culture, where removing hats indoors was considered a sign of respect. While such etiquette may be seen as polite, it carries no legal consequence under Nigerian law.…

Dantsoho urges African Ports to unite for Blue Economy growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has called on African port authorities to strengthen collaboration and harness the continent’s maritime potential to drive inclusive growth through the blue economy. Speaking at the 45th Annual Council Meeting of PMAWCA in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, Dantsoho said Africa’s shared maritime heritage and natural resources should unite the region toward sustainable development and economic integration. Represented by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara,…

Nigeria, Ghana Customs deepen partnership to tackle illicit trade, boost regional integration

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in combating illicit trade, promoting seamless trade facilitation, and advancing regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Adeniyi made this known during a high-level visit to the Commissioner-General of the GRA Customs Division, Brigadier General Glover Annan, at the Authority’s headquarters in Accra. During the meeting, both agencies underscored the importance of intelligence sharing, harmonised border procedures, and joint…

Zambia set to adopt Nigeria’s National Values Charter — Seeks collaboration with NOA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Zambian Government has expressed interest in adopting and adapting Nigeria’s National Values Charter, a key component of the proposed Nigerian Identity Project recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). This followed a high-level meeting between officials of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) led by its Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and a delegation from the Zambian High Commission in Nigeria led by Mrs. Jenipher Mutembo, the Deputy High Commissioner. The engagement, held at the NOA headquarters in Abuja, marked the second round of consultations between both countries on…

Foreign Affairs Ministry briefs Diplomatic Corps on Tinubu’s reform agenda, Economic progress

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, on Wednesday, briefed members of the Diplomatic Corps at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, on the far-reaching reforms and developmental strides of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Ambassador Ahmed expressed appreciation to the envoys for their continued partnership and sustained diplomatic engagements with Nigeria. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations for mutual growth and global stability. He noted that…

FCT Police Commissioner CP Miller Dantawaye, visits DSS ….. Seeks stronger security synergy in Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a renewed effort to deepen inter-agency collaboration and strengthen security operations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, has paid a familiarization visit to the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), FCT Command. The high-level engagement focused on enhancing intelligence sharing, improving coordinated joint operations, and reinforcing rapid response mechanisms to ensure the continued safety of residents and critical infrastructure within the Territory. Speaking during the visit, CP Dantawaye commended the DSS for its professionalism and steadfast dedication…

DSS tightens noose on Terror leaders, fast-tracks trials of top extremists across Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Department of State Services (DSS) has intensified its crackdown on terrorism, announcing significant progress in the prosecution of several top terror suspects linked to some of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks. The agency said the move underscores its determination to ensure justice and safeguard national security through the rule of law.   Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, will on November 19 continue the trial of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (alias Isah Adam/Mahmud Al-Nigeri) two internationally wanted terror leaders believed to be top…

ICEGOV 2025: Nigeria champions Africa’s digital future, reaffirms drive for Innovation ,Good Governance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has renewed its strong commitment to digital transformation, innovation, and transparent governance as engines for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Speaking at the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025), held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, declared the nation’s readiness to lead Africa’s digital future.   The conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation,…

Nigeria leads Africa’s digital future as NITDA DG Inuwa declares open ICEGOV 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has reaffirmed its resolve to spearhead Africa’s digital transformation, with a focus on innovation, research, and collaboration as the cornerstones of inclusive national development. The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, made this declaration while formally opening the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) 2025, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The conference, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion,” marks the first time the globally renowned ICEGOV event…