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 NDLEA smashes int’l drug syndicate, seizes Loud consignments, arrests 5 members . Intercepts 4,752kg cannabis concealed in gas tanker in Abuja, nabs ex-convict with assorted illicit drugs in Osun Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have smashed an international drug syndicate with networks in parts of Nigeria, South Africa and Thailand. No fewer than five members of the cartel were arrested in a two-weeks intelligence led operations in Lagos, Abia and Anambra states following the seizure of their illicit drug consignments at the NAHCO import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos. The unravelling of the drug cartel started on Sunday 20th April when their cargo of four big suitcases arrived the NAHCO shed on an Airpeace airline flight from Johannesburg, South Africa. After days of close monitoring and investigation, the first suspect, Umeh Chisom Peter was arrested on Wednesday 24th April after he showed up to pick two of th...

 To Boost Power Availability in Nigeria, NERC Directs System Operator to Limit Supply to Benin, Niger, Togo *Caps supply to cross-border customers at 6% of total output  *FG, NSIA to inject N1tn to close seven million electricity metering gap The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered the System Operator (SO), a department in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to commence the capping of power supply to cross-border customers in Benin Republic, Niger and Togo, in a bid to increase power availability to Nigerians.This is coming as the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has disclosed that the federal government and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will make capital injections of N750 billion and N250 billion annual debt financing, respectively, to bride the huge electricity metering gap in the country that currently stands at about seven million. In a document tagged: ‘Interim Order on Transmission System Dispatch Operations, ...

 Police: FIJ journalist was arrested by cybercrime centre — petition was filed against him The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested by the national cybercrime centre in Abuja. The NPF national cybercrime centre is the police unit established to combat cybercrimes in the country. Ojukwu has been in custody since May 1 after he was “abducted” by police officers in Lagos. The family of the journalist and FIJ management were initially not aware of his whereabouts until 48 hours after he was declared missing. The journalist was not allowed to communicate with his family members and friends as his mobile gadgets were seized. On Saturday, Ridwan Oke, a human rights lawyer, said Ojukwu requires medical attention. Giving an update to journalists on Sunday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Ojukwu has a case to answer. Adejobi said a petition was filed against the journalist, addi...

 Minimum Wage: Labour fires back at governors, says ‘Don’t cause trouble with your utterances’ •‘We are generous with N615, 000 demand’ Organised Labour, at the weekend, fires back at state governors, warning them against inflammatory utterances that could set the nation’s industrial space on fire over the new national minimum wage, NNMW. It faulted the statement credited to the governors through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, that they were working on what individual states could sustainably pay. Labour contended that the governors must work within the 37-member committee saddled with the responsibility of fashioning out a new national minimum wage for the country. According to the Organised Labour, it is being magnanimous with N615,000 new minimum wage’ demand because, based on the socioeconomic indices on the ground, it would have demanded much higher which the governors “are more than able to pay”. Recall that in a statement, last Thursday, by the NGF Chairman and Governor...

 Former Nigerian Minister, Kenneth Gbagi is dead A former Nigerian Minister of Education and 2023 governorship candidate, Kenneth Gbagi has died at 62. He was reported to have died on Saturday. This was confirmed in a statement by his eldest son, Emuoboh Gbagi. “It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother. “Orogun Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, former Minister of Education, departed this life on May 4 2024, at 62. “We take comfort in the fond memories of his life, achievements, and the impact he made on countless individuals and communities. “We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this challenging time of loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he wrote. Gbagi was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the last election in Delta State. Recall that Gbagi lost to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the 2023 governorsh...

 List of Ex- Govs Under Investigation for Alleged Corruption Not From EFCC The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, feels obliged to dissociate itself from a phantom report circulating in sections of the media claiming it has released a full list of ex- governors being investigated for alleged corruption. The report headlined:  " EFCC Releases  Full List of 58 Ex- Governors that Embezzled N2 .187 Trillion", in one of the news outlets, is false and mischievous as the Commission neither issued the said list nor entertained discussions on investigation of ex-governors with any news medium. This invariably means that the so-called list is a disingenuous fabrication designed to achieve motives known only to the authors. The public is enjoined to ignore the report as it is false and misleading. The media is advised to endeavour to crosscheck facts pertaining to matters under investigation with the Commission to avoid misleading the public with false and inaccur...

 Impeachment: I predicted the outcome, prepared myself – Philip Shaibu …says Obaseki breached oath of office multiple times Former deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, in a recent interview opened up about his impeachment experiences and future plans. He discussed his initial reluctance to accept the deputy governor position, predicting potential issues with Governor Godwin Obaseki. Despite his concerns, Shaibu accepted the role out of respect for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Shaibu expressed his strong alliance with the Legacy Group and hinted at possibly joining another party if the PDP fails to address his concerns. He emphasized his commitment to activism and fighting for the people, even if it means leaving the PDP. Shaibu also mentioned that he has forgiven Obaseki for his role in his impeachment and is open to reuniting with Oshiomhole, whom he considers a mentor and father figure. When asked about activists entering politics and abandoning their principles, Sha...