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The website created by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to accept job applications from Nigerians crashed on Friday due to unprecedented traffic.


The national oil company confirmed the outage in a statement on its social media platforms.


Daily Sun can report that this occurred hours after NNPCL announced it was accepting applications to fill existing vacancies in the organisation.


This newspaper further reports that the recruitment exercise became a trending topic on social media platforms, shortly after the announcement.


However, the NNPCL said, “Due to unprecedented traffic to the NNPC Ltd. career page from applicants applying for vacancies, the site is currently experiencing slow load times.”


“Our technicians are working diligently to rectify the problem as quickly as possible.


“Please be assured that the application process deadline remains August 20, 2024.”

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The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, announced on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu has approved a 20% pension increase for Armed Forces personnel.


This statement was made at the 2024 Accounts and Budget Seminar themed “Optimising Nigerian Navy Non-Public Fund Opportunities In A Dynamic Economic Environment: The Nigerian Navy Personnel In Focus.”


Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, Ogalla addressed the two-day event, held from July 25 to July 26 at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.


Ogalla praised President Tinubu for prioritizing the welfare of both serving and retired Armed Forces personnel. He mentioned that the pension increase took effect in January and is part of various initiatives to boost morale and efficiency.


“This seminar is timely as we explore strategies to generate funds independently from budgetary allocations to address welfare needs and enhance living standards for personnel,” Ogalla stated.


“Such initiatives are crucial for operational efficiency, as the human factor is key to the success of any organization, including the Nigerian Navy.”


He emphasized the importance of optimizing non-public funds to improve personnel welfare, which in turn helps retain skilled personnel and enhance operational effectiveness.


Ogalla highlighted several schemes the Nigerian Navy operates to support its personnel, including navy insurance, car refurbishing loans, and welfare loan schemes, managed by the Directorate of Non-Public Funds.



“These schemes are vital for protecting our maritime environment, essential for the nation’s economic prosperity, a responsibility entrusted to the Nigerian Navy,” Ogalla said. He stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and continuous evaluation in managing these schemes to meet personnel needs.


“I am pleased that this seminar includes lectures designed to elucidate these factors and develop innovations to utilize non-public funds for personnel welfare. Discussions on packages like mortgages could contribute to a more resilient and capable naval force,” he added.


Ogalla urged attendees to use the seminar to brainstorm on critical policy issues related to non-public fund opportunities to improve operational efficiency and personnel welfare.


He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his guidance and unwavering support to the service, particularly for enhancing welfare packages for the Armed Forces. “We remain committed to carrying out our statutory mandate for economic prosperity and poverty eradication in line with your renewed hope for Nigeria,” Ogalla concluded.

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LEAKED MEMO: Nigerian Police Chief, Egbetokun Directs Personnel To Work With Military, Others To Prevent All Forms Of Protest From August 1-10


The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has directed that no form of protest must be allowed between August 1 and 10, 2024.


This comes amid plans by Nigerians to hold nationwide #EndBadGovernnaceInNigeria protests during the period.


The Nigerian government through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has insisted that citizens have the right to protest but that it must be peaceful, as violent protests would be frowned upon.


This position is contrary to a memo from police commissioners to state criminal investigation departments and other police units, stating that no form of protest should be in states.


The leaked memo obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday noted that the directive came from the Inspector General of Police through the Department of Operations in Abuja.


It said that information received “reveals that some unidentified groups are mobilising for mass protest nationwide from 1st to 10th August 2024, find attached handbill for details of their movement,


“The INGENPOL (inspector general of police) directs that you be proactive X mobilise well kitted and equipped personnel yours X synergies with other sister agencies and the military X take over all strategic points in your AOR (Areas of Responsibility) x deploy undercover for intelligence gathering x disperse unlawful gathering x be in heart-to-heart conversation with community stakeholders x no form of protest must be allowed during the period.”

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FCT NOT AVAILABLE FOR PROTESTS – WIKE

…SAYS AUGUST 1ST IS FOR CELEBRATION OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS


Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has warned that any form of anti-government protest will not be allowed in the FCT.


The FCT Minister gave the warning in Abuja on Thursday, July 24, 2024, shortly after the FCT Security Council Meeting, which was attended by the Heads of the various Security Agencies and the six Area Council Chairmen of the FCT.


The Minister who acknowledged that Nigerians in the FCT have the right to protest as enshrined by the law, however, said that the August 1st, 2024 date of the planned anti-government protest, coincides with the proposed date for the presentation of certificates of recognition to trad initional rulers in all the Area Councils of the FCT.






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Chinese leader President Xi Jinping has invited President Bola Tinubu to pay a state visit to China in September.


China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiaodong delivered the invitation to Tinubu at the Aso Villa on Thursday.


The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement issued via his social media handle on Friday.


According to the statement, Tinubu has accepted the invitation and hoped that it would strengthen Nigeria-China bilateral relations and the proposed currency swap agreement.


The statement added, “Chen, who came with a large entourage, said President Xi would also welcome First Lady Remi Tinubu during the visit.”

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President Bola Tinubu has allayed fears of manipulation by any interest group in the ongoing economic reforms, saying his campaign was self-sponsored, without strings, or indebtedness to any individual or institution.


According to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), he made the remark when he received a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.


President Tinubu said his victory at the polls was purely by divine intervention, careful planning, and diligence in getting support from Nigerians.


“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God.


“One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption.


“What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen,’’ the President stated.


President Tinubu said protests, fuelled by anger and hate, could degenerate into violence and set the country backwards.


“We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable.


“The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children. The consumer credit will support citizens to buy cars and houses, and they can repay gradually.


“We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent,’’ the President said.


President Tinubu said the sponsors of protests place their selfish ambitions above the national interest.


“The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports.


“They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually.


“We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger.


“The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger,’’ the President told the religious leaders.


In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Sheikh Bala Lau, assured the President of support with prayers and more sensitization.


“Peace is paramount for us in the country. The first thing Abraham asked God for was peace and guidance,’’ Sheikh Lau noted.

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The Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, says as a denomination, it would not be part of any protest against the government of President Bola Tinubu.


It warned its entire members in every part of the country not to partake in any protest against the government.


A statement issued by ECWA Public Relations Officer, Rev. Ibrahim Kassim, said, “ECWA as a denomination wishes to inform the general public that we are not part of the planned protest, and we are calling on our members to disregard the action in totality, and not to participate in any way.


“We are all aware that protests can take different dimensions as witnessed during the EndSARS protest when hoodlums infiltrated the protesters and wrecked serious havoc that led to the loss of many lives and properties.”


He noted that considering the volatile nature of protests in Nigeria that may be hijacked by miscreants and result in humongous damages, members of the denomination should stay clear from any protest in the country.


The statement assured members that ECWA leadership was doing everything possible in advising governments at the local, state and federal levels to take proactive measures in addressing the plight and suffering of citizens in the shortest possible time.

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The naira crossed the N1,600 mark against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Thursday.


FMDQ data on Thursday showed that the naira depreciated to N1,603.80 per dollar on Thursday from N1,586.71 traded on Wednesday, recording a N17 loss.


Similarly, at the black market, the naira further depreciated to N1,593 per dollar on Thursday from N1,585 exchanged on Wednesday.


The figures from both official and parallel foreign exchange markets showed that the naira declined further against the dollar and other FX.


DAILY POST reports that this is the fourth consecutive time the naira is depreciating against the dollar, despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention last week.


The development comes despite CBN’s sales of $106.5 million FX to authorised dealers last week Thursday and Friday amid a demand surge.


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Barack Obama has endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee, ending days of speculation over whether he would support her.


Former President Obama and ex-First Lady Michelle Obama said in a joint statement that they believe Ms Harris has the "vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands".Mr Obama was reportedly among more than 100 prominent Democrats Ms Harris spoke to after President Joe Biden announced last Sunday he was dropping out of the race.


In a statement at the time, Mr Obama praised Mr Biden's exit, but stopped short of endorsing Ms Harris.

The US vice-president has already secured the support of a majority of Democratic delegates, setting her on course to become the official nominee at the party convention in August.


The Obamas said in Friday's statement that they could not be "more thrilled to endorse" Ms Harris. They vowed to do "everything we can" to elect her.

"We agree with President Biden," said the couple's statement, "choosing Kamala was one of the best decisions he’s made. She has the resume to prove it."

They cited her record as California’s attorney general, a US senator and then vice-president.


"But Kamala has more than a resume," the statement continued. "She has the vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands.

"There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people.


"At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope."

The statement was accompanied by a video of Ms Harris taking a phone call from the Obamas in which they pledge their support.


"Oh my goodness," says the vice-president in the clip. "Michelle, Barack, this means so much to me."

Ms Harris has held a number of campaign events across the US in the days since Mr Biden withdrew from the race.


On Thursday, she addressed the American Federation of Teachers union in Houston.


While the event was billed as part of her vice-presidential duties, it had the air of a campaign rally, with loud applause and cheers from the audience.

Echoing language used in campaign events on Tuesday and Wednesday, Ms Harris took aim at what she termed "extremist" Republicans and "failed" policies.

“We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books,” she said.


On Thursday, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump continued to pivot to assail his new rival.

"Lyin' Kamala Harris is a radical left Marxist, and worse!" he said in a partially all-capital-letters post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump also refused to commit to a televised debate with Ms Harris until she is officially confirmed as the party's nominee.


He suggested Democrats were "still holding out for someone 'better'".

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Organisers of the planned nationwide #DaysOfRage and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest have written the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, requesting the release of Eagle Square between August 1 and 10, 2024, for the peaceful demonstration.

In a letter signed by Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement (TIB) in Abuja, the protesters demanded unrestricted access to the venue 24/7 throughout the duration of the protest, and possibly even after it concludes.


The letter read, “I write you as the Director of Mobilization, Take it Back Movement (TIB) to your office to grant us access to the Eagles Square between August 1st and 10th, 2024, for our #DaysOfRage, #EndBadGovernance protest.


“This request entails using this national asset-day and night-for the duration of the historic protest.


“Also, note that the protest may be prolonged beyond ten days as we embark on the protracted crisis occasioned by the ruling party.


“Further, your office must also ensure the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who will be camped out at Eagle Square.


“In short, we ask that the protesters are accorded the courtesy accorded to foreign and local official dignitaries who have frequently used the space.


“In addition, we request that the outer wire mesh barrier facing the Aso Rock Villa be removed in the meantime, as protesters may decide to visit the Presidential Villa during the protest.


“It is our sincere hope that this request will be granted expeditiously.”


Wike had asked residents of the FCT not to protest on August 1 but rather troop out for celebration.


The minister while briefing journalists after the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday, said this in reference to the planned #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.


He said that rather than the scheduled protest, traditional rulers in the territory would receive their certificate of recognition from the Area Council on August 1.


Wike therefore said FCT would not be available for protesters on August 1 as the date had been set aside for the Chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.



 

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On 24th July, 2024, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) convened a crucial meeting with its National Executive, 36 State Chairmen, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on the state of the nation and the looming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.

The meeting was held via Zoom and lasted for several hours, addressing the urgent concerns of Nigerian youths and the overall socio-economic and political climate of the country.

NYCN leaders acknowledged that the current socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, including rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and the general hardship experienced by citizens, particularly the youth, have reached alarming levels.

These issues have sparked widespread agitation and calls for a nationwide protest. The NYCN, as the umbrella body representing over 100 youth organizations across the country, recognizes the urgency of these matters and the need for a coordinated response.

Top of the discussion was economic hardship. The economic situation in Nigeria has deteriorated, with inflation making it difficult for many citizens to afford basic necessities, including food.

Also of great concern to the youth leaders is unemployment, particularly among young graduates, which has reached critical levels, contributing to frustration and restlessness among the youth.

After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted:


Wide Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

- The NYCN commits to, in the next 4 days, consult widely with various stakeholders, including government officials, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues.


Press Conference

- A world press conference will be held on Wednesday, 31st July, 2024, where the NYCN leadership will address the nation on the current state of affairs and state its position on the planned protest. 

- NYCN leaders advise their millions of members, 774 local government branches, wards, state and zonal chapters, NYCN in diaspora, Man O' War, Boy Scouts, Royal Rangers, Islamic Youth League, and 100 other affiliated youth organizations to be on standby and await further direction.

- The press conference will serve as an opportunity to present the collective position of Nigerian youths and to outline our next line of action.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to representing the interests of Nigerian youths and to advocating for positive change in the nation.

We recognize the challenges faced by our country and the need for urgent action to address these issues. As we prepare to address the nation, we call on all stakeholders to support our efforts and to work together towards a better Nigeria.


Signed:

President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo

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President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians who relocated abroad to always remember that there is no place like home.


He recalled that he once lived and worked abroad but returned home to contribute his quota to build the country.


The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, spoke at the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations in Abuja on Thursday.


Tinubu said he expected those abroad to bring back their experiences to support his development agenda.


He said, “As someone who once lived and worked abroad, I can attest that migration can be transformative and serious. In the 1970s, I went to the United States, where I studied and worked, before returning to Nigeria to contribute to nation-building.


“I, therefore, urge our citizens who relocate abroad to remember that there is no place like home. We expect them to bring back their experiences to support our development agenda.


Tinubu said the government would not hold anything against Nigerians who travelled abroad to seek better opportunities.


The President, however, urged them not to forget their country.


Tinubu said, “As we celebrate our diaspora community, we must acknowledge the implication of this phenomenon for our collective growth. We cannot begrudge our citizens who are seeking better opportunities abroad, but we must urge them not to forget their homeland.”


Tinubu disclosed that a total of $646m was raked in as diaspora remittances between January and May 2024.


He said, “The CBN has recently introduced some reforms in the sector. In January, remittances totalled $138.56m. We recorded $39m in February, $104m in March, $193m in April, and $365m in May 2024.


“The progression reflects the level of trust, and the positives that the mandatory reforms that the Central Bank has achieved.”


Tinubu disclosed that a recent estimate from the Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, suggests that around 200,000 to 250,000 Nigerians live in Canada.


Tinubu added, “Other estimates indicate that between 10 million and 114 million Nigerians are in diaspora, most living in other African countries.


“The Nigerian Immigration Service’s recent data showed that Nigeria recorded a significant increase in immigration, with 3.7 million citizens leaving the country between 2022 and September 2023. However, Nigeria also received 1.3 million immigrants during the same period, making us the 46th country with the most immigrants globally.”

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Kamala Harris Fundraiser Breaks Zoom Record With 100k supporters Raising Over $1.8 Million.

Kamala Harris supporters — including singer Pink and actress Connie Britton — broke a Zoom attendance record on Thursday night and raised more than $1.8 million for the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate.


They also kind of broke Zoom as the call dropped in and out, with the donation link quickly maxing out before its traffic capacity was raised.


“Friday Night Lights” star Britton said, “When Biden stepped down from his run for president and endorsed Kamala Harris, the world blew up. Did you feel it? It was seismic, cosmic, even. It was, for sure, bigger than we are.”


Pink signed on moments after ending a concert in Stockholm, Sweden, where it was 3 a.m. local time. She was fired up about Harris’ unprecedented wave of support just days after President Biden stepped down on Sunday.


“We are in this … and I’m just really grateful that us women are going to have a voice, and we’ve always made our voices heard, and now it’s time to just get extra loud. Let’s go. Let’s get loud,” the singer said.


Comedian, writer and KCET board member Carol Leif, wearing a Hillary 2016 T-shirt, got the fundraiser ball rolling by pledging $500,000 that was quickly matched.


Also among Thursday’s speakers was anti-gun activist Shannon Watts, who said, “Vote like your safety and your freedom depends on it.”


This was the third massive Zoom call for Harris, following Sunday night’s, which saw a then-record 44,000 Black women dial in. On Monday night, 50,000 Black men, including Georgia senator Raphael Warnock, then raised $1.3 million for her campaign.


The demo of Thursday night’s record-breaking call was white women. An additional planned Zoom for this Sunday will be open to all, organizer and host Elizabeth Minnella noted.


OpenSecrets reported earlier on Thursday that Harris had already raised $100 million in the first 36 hours of her campaign.


The post Kamala Harris Fundraiser Breaks Zoom Record With 100,000 Supporters Raising Over $1.8 Million appeared first on TheWrap.

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Operatives Of The Tafawa Balewa Divisional Police Headquarters (C) of the Bauchi State Command have arrested a 30-year-old man, Aminu Mohammed, for allegedly impersonating personnel of the Nigerian Army for two years.


The Arrest occurred on July 22, 2024, following a complaint that Mohammed had collected N210,000 from an individual under the false pretense of securing a job for him with the Nigerian Army.


The Suspect, a resident of Magaji Quarters in Bauchi Local Government Area, had allegedly directed the victim to meet an accomplice (currently at large) to facilitate entry into a military training school in Zaria.


However, after spending eight days in Zaria, the victim was unable to locate the individual who was supposed to assist him.


A Statement issued by the spokesman of the Command, SP Ahmed Wakili, on Thursday, revealed that after preliminary investigations, it was discovered that Mohammed had never served in the military, thereby violating sections 110(1) and 251 of the criminal code.


He had, however, obtained a pair of camouflage trousers from a friend who is a serving military personnel.


According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, has ordered a thorough investigation by the state criminal investigation department to uncover more facts that will aid in the suspect’s prosecution.

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja emphasized the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions, noting that protests are an integral part of democracy but that no government will condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.


The President spoke at the Presidential Villa when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr.


”Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.


”We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.


”During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.


”We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.


”In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” the President stated.


Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, President Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.


”Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides.


”We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow,” the President said.


Ambassador Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.


”Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.


”I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” Ambassador Mills said.

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A Nigerian was sentenced on Monday to 85 months in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme. With today’s sentencing, each of the six defendants connected with this matter has been sentenced.


According to court documents, Amos Prince Okey Ezemma, 50, was a member of a group of fraudsters that sent personalized letters to elderly victims in the United States, falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who had died years before in Portugal.


Victims were told that before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees and taxes and were instructed to make other payments.


The victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims. The defendant and his co-conspirators also convinced former victims to receive money from new victims and then forward the fraud proceeds to others.


“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will continue to pursue, prosecute and bring to justice transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.


“This case is testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime. I want to thank the members of the Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Spanish National Police, National Crime Agency and Portuguese Judicial Police for their outstanding contributions to this case.”


“This investigation is a great example of the results the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners strive to achieve,” said Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the USPIS Miami Division.


“We will continue to identify and dismantle transnational groups targeting American citizens and using the mail to further their schemes to defraud. Justice has no borders.”


“Targeting the elderly for pure financial gain is beyond shameful, it’s morally reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Fransisco B. Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona.


“Protecting such a vulnerable population is not just the responsibility of family members but also law enforcement agencies like HSI and our partners. Together, we are a force multiplier committed to apprehending those who scam our seniors. Let these lengthy sentences serve as reminders that HSI will not tolerate criminals who are motivated by greed.”


Each of Ezemma’s five co-defendants has been sentenced to prison for their roles in the scheme. On June 21, 2023, the Honorable Kathleen M. Williams sentenced Emmanuel Samuel to 82 months in prison. On July 25, 2023, Judge Williams sentenced Jerry Chucks Ozor to 87 months in prison.


On Aug. 29, 2023, Judge Williams sentenced Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham to 90 months in prison. On Oct. 20, 2023, Judge Williams sentenced Kennedy Ikponmwosa to 87 months in prison. And on Nov. 2, 2023, Judge Williams sentenced Peter Ezennia Neboh to 128 months in prison. Judge Williams also ordered Ezemma and his co-defendants to pay more than $6 million in restitution to their over 400 victims.


The Consumer Protection Branch, USPIS and HSI investigated the case.


Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case.


The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and Europol all provided critical assistance.


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A 30-Year-Old Man, Hussaini Salihu, has been nabbed by the police in Adamawa State for allegedly defiling a minor.


The Adamawa State Police Command said in a statement on Thursday evening that its operatives arrested the suspect on Wednesday, July 24, for sexually assaulting the 12-year-old girl, whose name could not be disclosed because she is a minor.


The statement, signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the suspect lured the victim into his house, had carnal knowledge of her, and then gave her N2,000.


The statement said the suspect ran away when he sensed that he would not be allowed to get away with his act.


“He was later trailed and apprehended by the police following a report from the victim’s mother,” the statement said.


It added that the suspect had voluntarily made a statement confessing to doing what he was accused of, and he will be charged in court.

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‘Nil from 2017-2022, $2bn in 2023’ — the sudden surge in Nigeria’s petroleum imports from Malta

Nigeria’s petroleum importation from Malta surged significantly to $2.8 billion in 2023.

Nigeria is one of Africa’s biggest oil-producing nations — but it lacks local refining capacity.

Speaking at an event in May, Vice-President Kashim Shettima had said over $25 billion is expended on the importation of refined petroleum products yearly.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is the sole importer of petroleum products in the country.

According to data from Trademap, a database on international trade statistics, between 2017 and 2022, there were no imports of the commodity from Malta — an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea.

However, the value of imported petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals was $13.32 million in 2016.

This represents a 20,921 percent increase compared to the amount ($2.8 billion) recorded in 2023, according to TheCable Index analysis.

Further checks showed that the importation of petroleum products from Malta gulped $47.5 million in 2013. The amount increased to $59.98 million and $117.01 million in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Similar import figures were also shared on social media by StatiSense, a data company.

On July 22, Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, said some personnel of the NNPC Limited, oil traders and terminals have opened a blending plant in Malta.

“Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people and some traders have opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta,” the billionaire had said.

“We all know these areas. We know what they are doing.”

In response to Dangote’s allegation, Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the NNPC, said he does not own a blending plant in Malta.

An oil blending plant is a facility which has no refining capability but is either capable of producing finished motor gasoline through mechanical blending or blends oxygenates with motor gasoline.

Source:- Thecableng

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The Arewa Pastors Forum for Peace (APFFP) has taken a principled stand against the attempts by forces of evil to plunge Nigeria into confusion and anarchy. 

As the first Nigerian Christian clerical concourse from the North to publicly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we remain committed to our confidence and bridge-building efforts, both intra and inter-faith, across the nation.

We observe that the current challenges facing Nigeria are cumulative, stemming from issues such as Boko Haram insurgency, Fulani herdsmen driving farmers from their lands, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity. These problems have prevented people from engaging in farming and other economic activities, leading to widespread hardship.

However, we believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel, given the thorough reengineering of the polity that President Tinubu has embarked on. Instead of protesting, we call for a National Day of Prayers, seeking God's added strength and grace for the President to continue his good work.

We appeal to our members, denominations, and parochial church councils to stay away from the planned protest by the enemies of the Nigerian state. Our support for the President Tinubu administration is unwavering, as he has mainstreamed the Church and governance, deserving commendation and suggestions, not condemnation.

Good one.
We need to commend these administration for granting autonomy to Local government council.


Membership will observe a
National Day of Prayers:

1. Date: 27 July 2024
2. Time: 10:00am
3. Venue: THE ARK PLACE PAVILION KURUDU BY DUNAMIS SIGNBOARD NYANYA-KARSHI
4. Objective: To seek God's added strength and grace for President Tinubu to continue his good work.
5. All states chairmen and local government coordinators are to join the prayers in their respective venues.

Let us unite in prayer for the support of our nation, rather than allowing forces of evil to divide us.
1Timothy 2 praying 🙏 for those in authority

 Bishop Mbayor Japheth Ndarchang. National president.
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The protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media, has been scheduled to be held across all states in August.


As the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for August draws close, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday entered an emergency closed-door meeting with top traditional rulers, security top brass in his government and governors of his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The high-delegation meeting was held at the State House in Abuja, the nation’s capital.


The APC governors were led to the meeting by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.


Some first-class traditional rulers were spotted at the meeting with the President. They include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III; and other traditional leaders across the country.


The meeting was also attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; as well as ministers and other members of the President’s cabinet.


A delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas) later joined the high-powered meeting with the President.


Last-Minute Efforts

Tinubu, former Lagos governor, who was sworn in as President in May 2023, has appealed to displeased youths to shelve the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for next month.


As part of moves to placate aggrieved citizens, the President sent a bill to raise the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 to the National Assembly this week. Both chambers of the legislature speedily passed the bill on Tuesday, awaiting the President’s assent.


On Thursday, the military authorities warned that unscrupulous elements plan to hijack the protest and use it to stage anarchy like what was recently witnessed in East African country Kenya.

The police had also warned against bloody demonstrations come next month just as Uzodimma surmised that the protest could be hijacked and turn violent like the EndSARS nationwide protest against police brutality back in October 2020.


The protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media, has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The organisers of the protest have been faceless.


Prices of food and basic commodities have gone through the roof in the last months, as Nigerians battle one of the country’s worst inflation rates and economic crises sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.

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