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Continuous training key to successful fight against drug cartels – Marwa

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As 23 NDLEA officers graduate from intensive training by Germans

By Ebinum Samuel

The importance of training in tackling the scourge of drug trafficking has been emphasised by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) at the closing ceremony of a two-week training for NDLEA officers on combating international drug trafficking, sponsored by the German government. The ceremony, held at the Agency’s national headquarters, Jahi, Abuja, on Friday, 29th November 2024, was attended by the top management of the Agency and a team of German instructors led by a representative of the German embassy in Nigeria. Speaking at the occasion, Marwa said: “To tackle the drug challenge, the number one priority, obviously, is the professionalism of the human resources, which you can only achieve through training. Unless personnel are properly equipped with training, they cannot do their job.

That is the more reason we are emphasizing the training of our personnel.” The two-week training organised by the German Federal Criminal Police Office, otherwise known as Bundeskriminalamnt (BKA) covered core areas including principles of crime scene investigations and training in West Africa Police Investigation System (WAPIS). The 23 participants, drawn from various departments of the Agency, were engaged in classroom work, presentations and practical exercises for the duration of the programme. The representative of the German embassy, Ms. Uduak Abasi Akpabio said: “The federal foreign office funding of this programme is part of the German government’s greater engagement in police reforms and security sector reform more generally.

Our support reflects the German government’s commitment to fostering stability, especially as it pertains to addressing the menace of international drug trafficking.” She further appreciated the work of the NDLEA which she described as “a critical pillar in safeguarding Nigeria’s stability, security and wellbeing of its citizens”, adding that “By investing in the capacity of these officers, you have strengthened not only Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking but also the global framework for combating this menace.” While appreciating the German government’s gesture, Marwa said: “We appreciate deeply the gesture of supporting the NDLEA with the right training for combating international drug trafficking. It’s a collaborative effort now. Because the drug terrain is international.” He noted that the canine unit supplied and funded by the Germans has been very effective in critical cases such as the discovery of the Captagon shipment in Lagos Port in 2021. “To those who have been trained today, congratulations. You are quite lucky to receive this calibre of training from the BKA, one of the world’s most efficient institutions on criminal policing. You have to remember that German training in any respect is at its peak globally. Count yourselves lucky that you are beneficiaries of training from BKA and you have to take full advantage of it and let’s see it on the ground. We also, in time, take full advantage of this training to also train others in the skills that you have acquired.” The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the participants. The BKA liaison officer in Nigeria, Dominik Muller presented a donation of kits and resources for substance test to the agency, while the NDLEA also presented plaques and mementos to the trainers in appreciation of their efforts.

Four suspected traffic armed robbers arrested by Taskforce

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The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP. Adetayo Akerele, says its operatives have apprehended four suspected traffic robbers who specialise in robbing motorists of their belongings during traffic gridlocks at rush hour.Akerele confirmed this in a statement signed by the agency’s Director, Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, on Thursday in Lagos.He identified the suspects to include Ismail Akinlade, 26; Rasak Abiodun, 25; Adefabi Gbolahan, 25; and Rilwan Olaloye, 20.He said that the suspects were apprehended in the Mushin area of the state after a series of investigations led officers to their hideout.

The agency boss said that the Taskforce had been monitoring miscreants who operate in specific areas of the state to perpetrate their crimes.“These individuals reportedly target distracted motorists, stealing phones, bags, and other valuables from vehicles while distracting the occupants,” he said.According to him, one of the suspects, Akinlade confesses that they usually give the phones to their Number One (now at large), who handles selling the loot, after which they return for the cash proceeds, which they spend on drugs and gambling.

He said that Akinlade also revealed that they exploit bad portions of roads to carry out their attacks, preying on motorists who are forced to slow down due to poor road conditions, ” he said.The chairman stated that following a series of manhunts and intelligence gathering, officers of the agency traced a stolen phone to the Idi-Oro axis in Mushin, where the suspects were apprehended.“They have all been interrogated and will be charged to court immediately,” he said.He warned others still engaging in such crimes in traffic to desist immediately or risk the same fate as the detailed four suspects. (NAN)

ARGUNGU SAYS JOURNALISTS PEN, BEST INSTRUMENT TO UNITE NIGERIA FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, DEMANDS END TO GORILLA JOURNALISM

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, has called for a new Journalism orientation that uses the power of the pen as an instrument to mould and unite the Nigerian nation for rapid development. DIG Argungu noted that the era of gorilla journalism should give way for Developmental journalism adding “it should no more be a profession for fishing out negative energies but one in partnership with both the Government and the people in building an egalitarian and prosperous nation”In his goodwill message at the 8th Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, TRIENNIAL National Delegates conference in Owerri today, November, 27th 2024, the PSC Chairman said the Journalists as the watchdogs of the society should be in the forefront of providing the checks and balances “in our democratic space.

“You are required to enjoy the freedom to exercise all this important National assignment and like Ceaser”s wife should rise above suspicion”DIG Argungu’s goodwill message was presented on his behalf by Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission. He said it is the duty of the Journalists to support the Government at all levels to succeed as “this success will bring the required dividends of our growing democracy”.The PSC Chairman said the Commission holds the Nigerian Journalists in high esteem and will always support all efforts that will sustain it’s independence. “I also know that this Government in its respect for freedom of association and expression has allowed the Journalists to operate without hindrance”He however declared that the Journalists on their own “should reciprocate Government’s good gesture by playing to the rules and regulations guiding their conduct”.

He congratulated the outgoing President of the National body, Dr. Chris Isiguzo for the visibility and direction he has given the Union and prayed that the Conference will produce new leaders who will not only sustain this success but improve on it”.DIG Argungu assured that the Commission will continue to hold the Union and its Members in high esteem and will also continue to partner with them in the overall interest of the nation.

LASTMA Averts Disaster Following Diesel Spill On Charity Axis

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has once again exemplified its unwavering commitment to public safety and seamless traffic management by swiftly neutralizing a potentially calamitous situation at the Charity axis, inward Oshodi Oke/Anthony area of Lagos.

Earlier today, a fully laden diesel tanker experienced a spillage along the main carriageway of the expressway, posing an imminent threat to commuters, residents, and surrounding infrastructure.

Demonstrating exemplary coordination and urgency, LASTMA officers, in synergy with other emergency response agencies, including the Lagos State Fire Service, promptly converged at the scene. Their rapid intervention facilitated the effective containment and mitigation of the hazardous situation, averting what could have been a major disaster.

The affected zone was immediately cordoned off to protect lives and property, while LASTMA officials meticulously managed traffic flow to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of all road users. This coordinated response successfully neutralized the risk of fire outbreaks and environmental degradation.

In response to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, lauded the emergency teams for their swift and professional handling of the situation.

“This incident highlights the indispensable need for strict adherence to traffic regulations and safety protocols by all tanker operators,” Hon. Giwa remarked.

“We implore all transport stakeholders to prioritize the safety of both lives and property. The Lagos State Government remains steadfast in its resolve to enforce compliance with all traffic laws to prevent avoidable mishaps.”

LASTMA urges the general public to remain calm and exercise patience as efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the affected area. Residents and motorists are encouraged to adhere to directives from traffic management officers and utilize alternative routes where necessary.

For prompt response to any traffic or emergency related matters on roads across the State, kindly call LASTMA Toll Free hotline 080000527862.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has once again exemplified its unwavering commitment to public safety and seamless traffic management by swiftly neutralizing a potentially calamitous situation at the Charity axis, inward Oshodi Oke/Anthony area of Lagos.Earlier today, a fully laden diesel tanker experienced a spillage along the main carriageway of the expressway, posing an imminent threat to commuters, residents, and surrounding infrastructure.Demonstrating exemplary coordination and urgency, LASTMA officers, in synergy with other emergency response agencies, including the Lagos State Fire Service, promptly converged at the scene. Their rapid intervention facilitated the effective containment and mitigation of the hazardous situation, averting what could have been a major disaster.The affected zone was immediately cordoned off to protect lives and property, while LASTMA officials meticulously managed traffic flow to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of all road users. This coordinated response successfully neutralized the risk of fire outbreaks and environmental degradation.In response to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, lauded the emergency teams for their swift and professional handling of the situation.“This incident highlights the indispensable need for strict adherence to traffic regulations and safety protocols by all tanker operators,” Hon. Giwa remarked.”We implore all transport stakeholders to prioritize the safety of both lives and property.

The Lagos State Government remains steadfast in its resolve to enforce compliance with all traffic laws to prevent avoidable mishaps.”LASTMA urges the general public to remain calm and exercise patience as efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the affected area. Residents and motorists are encouraged to adhere to directives from traffic management officers and utilize alternative routes where necessary.For prompt response to any traffic or emergency related matters on roads across the State, kindly call LASTMA Toll Free hotline 080000527862.

NDLEA relocates to new headquarters building in Abuja . As Marwa charges personnel to remain focused, unrelenting in battle against drug cartels

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By Ebinum Samuel

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has relocated its headquarters to its new facility, which is being developed in phases in Jahi area of Abuja. The facility, which is the first phase of the national headquarters project expected to be completed with the 2025 budgetary provisions, was officially unveiled during an interdenominational service within the complex on Wednesday 26th November 2024. Speaking during the brief ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the development represents a phase in the transformation and recalibration of NDLEA into a modern and result-oriented anti-narcotic Agency, a process that began in January 2021.

“I’m glad we have finally moved in to occupy this facility after initial budgetary constraints. Even though this is the first phase of the new headquarters project, we are hopeful that we will be able to complete the process with next year budget. This is not 100% completed but it is sufficiently functional for us to move in because I was determined to move in before the end of 2024 because with the expansion of the Agency the headquarters also expanded, and in our old location we could not accommodate everyone. I have had to post out scores of officers due to lack of space for them to work.

“It was for this reason that the management took a unanimous decision that since it is not 100% ready and we need it, we should make it a low-key inauguration ceremony. This will enable us relocate some of our directorates still operating outside Abuja into one facility to consolidate our operations for efficiency, effectiveness and seamless coordination”, Marwa stated. While stating that the old head office in Gimbiya, Garki area of the FCT will continue to serve as the headquarters annex, the NDLEA boss expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and encouragement to the Agency to be in a position to achieve its mandate of curbing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

“The support we are getting from our international partners and local stakeholders especially President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary and the citizenry, is not just to appreciate our efforts but to encourage us to do more and I believe this new work environment will motivate you to surpass past feats”, Marwa told a crowd of excited management staff, officers and men of the Agency at the ceremony. He commended his predecessor for starting the process of getting a befitting headquarters for the Agency. In his welcome remark, Secretary to the Agency, Shadrach Haruna, commended Marwa for providing inspiring leadership that has in three years transformed NDLEA into the same class with its counterparts across the world in terms of professionalism, capability and capacity.

“The commissioning of our headquarters today is part of the incremental but well-laid agenda for the repositioning of the Agency by the chairman. We have witnessed some monumental achievements since 2021, including increasing the staff strength of the Agency from 5,000 to 15,000. Promotion of officers, opening up of vacancies, payment of accumulated allowances to staff and widows of our fallen officers, the recent amendment of the Agency’s enabling law by the National Assembly, and many more. Christian and Islamic prayers were offered for President Tinubu and Nigeria while a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the event.

FCT Police Reinvigorates Security Measures Against ‘One Chance’ And Car Theft

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By Ebinum Samuel

The FCT Police Command, according to SP Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson, is deploying additional personnel and equipment for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance throughout the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative, Adeg disclosed, aims to combat rising incidents of ‘one chance’ and car theft crimes.

“We will be impounding vehicles without registration numbers, with only one plate, or using defaced plates. Regulations regarding covered number plates and tinted glasses will also be enforced.’

“While these operations may cause some inconvenience, they reflect our commitment to the safety of all FCT residents and to deterring criminal activities targeting motorists and passengers”

‘Since launching these measures, we have successfully recovered stolen vehicles and apprehended ‘one chance’ robbers. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during these operations, and we advise vehicle owners to ensure compliance with all regulations”

She disclosed that the FCT Police Command is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment, that residents should report suspicious activities and cooperate with our officers.

For inquiries or emergencies, Adeh gave the following numbers to the public: FCT Police Command at 08032003913 or 08028940883. To report police misconduct, call the Public Complaint Bureau at 09022222352 or the Complaint Response Unit at 08107314192.

Verydarkman Under Fire Over Spurious, Unfounded Allegations Against Access Bank

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I really think this person who calls himself very dark man had better just verily calm down.

His recent push towards national recognition on the back of his wahala with the notorious Bobrisky seems to have given him an elevated ego.

His ego seems to have gone over the roof pushing him towards issues that he really does not have the capacity to engage talkless of playing the self acclaimed ombudsman that he has positioned himself to play.

This latest storm which he has generated is his claim of a mising N500m from an account domiciled in well respected Access Bank

Usually, I really mostly ignore this person, since he showed to the world that he didnt understand the very simple meaning of defamation.

Securing a private recording of a conversation illegally , rushing to the media with it and screaming- I cannot believe that the great Femi Falana……showed me that this was a person not to be taken too seriously

So when I stumbled on this his latest gambit, I made to scroll pass until I noticed 3 banks being mentioned

GTB, Keystone and Access, these made me tarry to listen to him.

He didnt make a lot of sense as expected. He was technically out of his depth and looked quite ridiculous pontificating very boldly about processes he didn’t have a clue on.

Apparently, in his position as the average Joe’s ombudsman, he was handed down a case of a man who had died interstate.

The man according to him, on his dead bed had told his sister that he had cash in these banks.

He listed the three banks and dropped the Bomb shell that he had N500m in Access Bank

Firstly, an experienced adult not prone to social media hype would first raise an eyebrow as to the possibility of someone with that kind of amount dying Interstate.

From experience, as a wealth advisor, I would say that possibility was not to say the least random.

Upon his passing, the sister dutifully obtained a letter of administration which empowered her to be the beneficiary of her late brother’s estate.

According to this very dark person, the sister got lucky with GTB and Keystone where she was able to claim the funds.

But when it got to Access, there was trouble.

He claimed in his widely viewed rants that at first Access Bank denied existence of the account and it was not until the woman went into fisticuffs with the branch manager before they accepted that a tiny sum was in that account

Wait, the sister was initially said to have written to CBN who durifully assisted her in securing the brothers BVN which enabled her trace the funds to these three banks.

Now according to him, when it got to the account with the purported N500m, Access like the power grid broke down again.

Then another round of hara kiri and a statement was released with a healthy balance of N1 or so.

Very Dark Person like those empty headed TV Judges now sat to judgement

According to him, some years in the statement were misisng and as such Access Bank must tell him what happened to those transactions in those years.

It didnt cross his little mind that just may be this person didnt transact in those years especially when his balance was showing a robust N1 as a clear balance.

With that ‘piece of evidence’ he went to town on Access Bank asking Nigerians to be careful of the Bank and basically just pushing for a run on the Bank.

I have seen a statement issued by Access Bank confirming that first and foremost, the said acct – 2229502270 is what is known as a Yellow Tier account, meaning that it cannot hold more than N300, 000 at a time and as such, the N500m claim to his sister could have been caused most likely by the hallucinating effects of the drugs he was going thru at the time before his passing.

The statement went ahead to explain how they had cooperated with authorities on the matter since 2022 including complying with a High Court decsion on the matter.

Despite all of these, this very dark person still climbed on his high horse to attempt a shake down on the Bank

Or whatelse can we call it. An account that cant hold more than N300k, a bank balance of N1 confirming the dynamics of the account and its posible non use in those years that he could not see in the released statement of account.

Immediately, I saw the Access Bank report, I rushed back to VDMs post to see the viewing numbers it had reached and possibly read some commentries from the public

As at the time, I am writing, about 184,000 people had viewed with 18,000 comments representing about 10% of the views showing huge interest in the matter by this sample size and 11,000 people sharing it.

By VDMs standards these are paltry figures showing either a lack of interest by his public or a growing irritation at his penchant of jumping at every issue no matter what.

But my major concern is the huge 10% who viewed and commented.

Majority of the commentary where hapless and hairbrained.

At first glance you will want to shrug and move on but then you realise that Access Bank has a strong retail foundation you begin to see these things differently and you begin to understand why the Bank moved in very decisively and effectively to put a wet blanket on this fire.

Its statement on the matter has been carried, I noticed by a slew of very influential online platforms including Nairaland with its massive followership.

In all of these, I didnt see where he tried to reach out to Access Bank to hear their own side and just like he did with the Falana’s jumped into the fray on the strength of one side of the story.

Two things, I would say at this juncture-

Our society needs many Very Dark men. People who are bold enough to tackle the system and its powerful people but in doing this, they must be intelligently armed with technical capacity, a fair sense of balance and be guided with a good understanding of social justice

This was a banal play to the gallery in an immature show of youthful exuberance oblivious of its possible impact on his target.

The second thing I would like to say is the sensitive nature of the banking system-my first constituency.

The Financial system trades on trust and confidence. Anything that goes at that base would weaken the system and we all would be the worse for it.

For a Very Dark Man with his newly minted image and huge followership should be very deliberate in his approach to his work and be a little bit more circumspect in his engagements.

Thankfully, this has been resolved and lessons have been hopefully learnt by all parties cos this was a very silly dark thing to attempt.

Thanks

Duke of Shomolu

Refusal of N174M Bribe By Police Officers Is Dividend Of Argungu Zero Tolerance For Corruption — PSC

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By Ebinum Samuel

The war against official corruption in the police, the battle cry of DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, Chairman, Police Service Commission is spreading like wild fire with the dividends already trickling down.DIG Argungu had declared at his assumption of office that he would not tolerate corruption at both the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force and had quickly launched whistle blowing Policy in the Commission. He had also presented himself for official scrutiny and declared that the whistle should be blown on him if found wanting in the line of duty.The Commission has recently noted some positive signals from Nigeria Police Officers who have stood against corruption in the face of tempting offers.

The PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, in reaction to the pleasant developments said it is a battle that must be won in the interest of the Nigerian nation.The Commission notes the recent rejection of the whopping sum of N174million by detectives of the Raider team from Zone 2 Command Lagos and the swift recovery of N10million from some Police men from Zone 16 Command Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State as refreshing signposts of the deepening of his zero tolerance for Corruption in the service.CSP Ngozi Braide had led her team from Zone 2 Lagos, to arrest a suspected Internet fraudster Patrick Akpoguma in Lagos and courageously played along, collecting a huge sum of 100 000 dollars an equivalent of N174million in bribe which she subsequently registered as evidence and arrested the fraudster for investigation. Ikechukwuu Ani, the spokesman of the Commission said DIG Argungu wishes to commend the Inspector General of Police for the current positive dispositions of the Officers and Men against the lure of corruption.

He assured that Police Officers who distinguish themselves and take the war against corruption to the next level would in no time be recognised by the Commission and appropriate benefits extended to them.The PSC Chairman said although the Commission will not engage in special promotions, it has the powers to give accelerated promotion based on merit and performance.

He tasked Police Officers to continue to do their best to advance the nation’s security architecture. DIG Argungu noted that Nigeria must be freed of insurgency and terror.

Lawyer Urges AIG Fayoade To Wade Into A Matter Of False Allegation Against His Client

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By Ebinum Samuel

A Badagry based lawyer in Lagos state , Prince Abayomi Bamidele has urged the Assistant Inspector-general of Police, AIG, in charge of zone 2, Mr Adegoke Fayoade to wade into a case of false allegation against his client, Mr Isa Siroma.
According to Bamidele of A. Bamidele Associates, Siroma was arrested last month by detectives from “D” 2 section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Abeokuta, Ogun state over false allegations by “some wicked and dangerous persons” led by Mr Yinusa that he ( Siroma) stole four cows in Aketu village, Illogbo – Eremi, along Badgary — Agbara expressway.


The lawyer disclosed that his client asked for the case to be transfered to the zone 2 police because of the unprofessional and uncooperative manners detectives from “D” 2 were handling the matter at Abeokuta.
In appealing to AIG Fayoade to thoroughly looked into the matter which has since been transfered to zone 2, Bamidele said he earnestly anticipate his prompt and quick intervention in the matter because of the AIG professional manners of handling cases.
It would be recalled that in a similar petition sent to the Ogun state commissioner of police last month, the lawyer alleged the kidnapping of a minor son, Mamuda of his client by people suspected to be those who alleged his client’s of theft of four cows.