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2 teenage girls brutally killed in Kogi

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Shock and grief have gripped Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State after two teenage girls, identified as Ajuma Simon and Omojo Shuaibu, were gruesomely murdered while returning from a local market.

 

The tragic incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday as the victims walked along a bush path leading to their village.

 

Residents reported hearing screams for help during the attack but arrived too late.

 

“They only came to the scene to meet the victims already dismembered. As at the time we got to the scene, one of the victims was still breathing. She told us that the armed men came with the intention to rape or kidnap them,” a witness recounted.

According to locals, the girls attempted to escape but were chased for nearly 300 meters before being caught and brutally attacked.

 

“I know the girls; one of them, Omojo Shuaibu, was my ex-student at the UEC Secondary School Ogbogbo. Very brilliant and dedicated; she was the assistant head girl,” said Yahaya Edibo, a teacher in the community.

 

On Thursday, local vigilantes and youths evacuated the bodies to a morgue in Idah Local Government Area.

 

The Igalamela chapter of the Ukomu Igala socio-cultural organization expressed alarm over increasing attacks by armed men in the area, calling on the state government for urgent intervention.

Confirming the incident, Kogi Police Command’s spokesperson, SP William Aya, said police operatives have been deployed to the community to investigate the killings.

 

(DAILY TRUST)

8 Yahoo Boys sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to internet fraud

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A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has eight Nigerian youths to one year over their involvement in internet fraud.

A statement issued by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, said the convicted Internet fraudsters (Yahoo Boys) were arraigned on Tuesday, July 29,  before Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa of the Federal High Court Lafia, Nasarawa State.

They were arraigned on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretences.

” The suspects are Timileyin Jude, Kelvin Godwin, Benedict  Udoh and Israel Ugwu. Others are Friday Onigbe, Ismaila Jemilu, Salifu Mustapha Achema and Paul Attah.

“Godwin’s count reads, ‘That you Kelvin  Godwin sometime in the year 2025 at Karu, Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria fraudulently impersonated one Bad Ass Kylie from America by means of your iPhone 14 Pro mobile device via a fake Telegram social media account with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals, under the guise of which you benefitted the sum of $200 (Two Hundred States Dollars) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b)(i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)(iv) of the same Act”.

“Udoh’s count reads, ‘That you Benedict Simon Udoh sometime in the year 2025 at Karu Nasarawa state within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court fraudulently through your iPhone 14 Pro Max fraudulently impersonated black military man from the

United states of America using different social media site Neckter-recovery of Instagram, Wizzytechassit on email and anededepablo on Facebook with intent to obtain money and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)(iv) of the same Act,” the statement said.

According to the statement,  all the suspects pleaded guilty,  prompting prosecution counsel S.N. Robert to urge the court to convict and sentence them.

Police Defy Court Judgment, Harass Orlando CEO in Civil Dispute Turned Criminal – Victim Cries for Justice

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

…Says IGP-SIU Operatives Violated Court Order, Engaged in Unlawful Arrest and Intimidation

 

In a case that raises serious questions about disregard for judicial authority and abuse of police power, Mr. Henry Orlando, Chief Executive Officer of Orlando Global Concept Nigeria Ltd., has accused operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Investigation Unit (IGP-SIU) of infringing on a subsisting court judgment in a civil matter by orchestrating his unlawful arrest, harassment, and continued intimidation.

 

Mr. Orlando stated that the dispute arose from a 2023 transaction between himself and Barrister George Adeyemi Damilare, involving a 1,000-square-meter plot in Jikwoyi, Abuja, valued at ₦26.5 million. According to him, the deal was legally executed and verified by the seller, who acknowledged the terms of payment—₦15 million initially, with the balance paid off in August 2024.

 

Trouble began when Barrister George sought a refund through a civil lawsuit, claiming he had withdrawn interest in the property. The court ruled on the matter, and Orlando says he complied with the judgment by initiating a refund process through his lawyer.

 

Despite the legal resolution, Orlando alleges that the matter was unlawfully escalated into a criminal case by the IGP-SIU, acting on what he describes as a “baseless petition.” On July 21, 2025, IGP-SIU officers reportedly stormed his office with an arrest warrant, denied him access to legal counsel, and detained him without clearly stating his offense.

 

“At the station, I was shown a petition from the same individual whose case had already been decided in court. I was forced to write a statement without a lawyer present and threatened with imprisonment if I failed to make immediate payment,” Orlando recounted.

 

Despite his explanation that the issue had been adjudicated and was being resolved legally, he claims the officers insisted on payment or jail time. Suffering from a serious illness at the time, he pleaded for time but was detained at Asokoro Police Division for three days without access to legal representation.

 

“I was only released after issuing a post-dated cheque under duress, with my sister standing as surety,” he said.

 

The harassment allegedly continued post-release. Orlando claims that same night, officers contacted his sister at midnight, demanding ₦2 million in bail-related payments. Before any response could be made, police allegedly stormed his office, forcibly removed four vehicles, and demanded a full declaration of his assets.

 

“They have turned a civil dispute into a full-blown campaign of intimidation. They trail me, call at odd hours, threaten me and my family, and have even sent defamatory letters to my sister’s workplace, damaging her professional reputation,” he lamented.

 

Orlando emphasized that his legal team has filed a fundamental rights enforcement action and a formal complaint with the Police Service Commission. However, he says the pressure and harassment have continued unabated.

 

He appealed directly to the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society to intervene.

 

“I do not believe the IGP—whom I hold in high regard—would endorse this misuse of power. His name is being used to justify actions that clearly violate the rule of law and the rights of citizens,” he said.

 

Orlando stressed that the issue is a civil matter that has been settled in court and urged authorities to rein in rogue officers turning a debt recovery issue into a criminal persecution.

 

“This is not just unlawful—it is in total contempt of court and a threat to the sanctity of justice. I’m calling on all relevant authorities and the Nigerian public to rise in defense of human rights and due process,” he concluded.

 

As public concern mounts, legal experts and human rights advocates are calling for an immediate, impartial investigation into the conduct of the IGP-SIU operatives and urging the Nigeria Police Force to uphold constitutional protections and judicial authority.

Access Bank Launches Clean Water Project in 10 Nigerian Communities

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As part of its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being, Access Bank has launched the Access Clean Water Project, a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in 10 communities across Nigeria.

 

 

 

Through the Access Clean Water Project, Access Bank has facilitated the installation of boreholes in 10 underserved communities, namely: Arogun, Omu Ishoko, Kemta, Ajibode, Aleku, Ogunrun, Oniwawa, Okeran, Abaren, and Afojupa, ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents.

 

 

 

The project, implemented in partnership with HACEY, a leading development organisation, directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

 

 

 

With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and access to pipe-borne water in urban households declining from 32% in 1990 to just 3% in 2015, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been more urgent. The Access Clean Water Project addresses this challenge by providing functional boreholes and WASH education to communities in Obafemi Owode and Otta Local Government Areas, benefiting over 500,000 residents.

 

 

 

This initiative aligns with Access Bank’s broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy and reinforces its position as a leading sustainability-focused financial institution. By supporting clean water access, the Bank is fostering community growth through improved health, education, and economic opportunities and demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development and long-term positive impact.

 

 

 

Access Bank is proud to support this vital initiative that not only improves lives but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access Holdings PLC. “Our commitment to community development is unwavering, and we believe access to clean water is a fundamental right that drives progress.”

 

 

 

In addition to infrastructure development, the Access Bank Clean Water Project includes comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education, equipping community members with essential knowledge on hygiene practices and the prevention of waterborne diseases.

 

 

 

The impact of this initiative is far-reaching. By improving access to clean water, the project is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne illnesses, enhance hygiene standards, and promote healthier living conditions. Ultimately, the project is expected to strengthen community resilience, drives sustainable development, and reaffirm Access Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and well-being across Nigeria.

Young man commits suicide in Abuja over gambling debts

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Tragedy struck in the Saburi 2 community of Abuja on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as a young man identified as Stephen Chidubem reportedly took his own life over mounting gambling debts.

 

 

The heartbreaking incident occurred at Chidubem’s residence on Abba Street, located behind the Anglican Church in Saburi 2. According to reports, the young man allegedly hanged himself using a rope tied to a ceiling fan.

 

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who confirmed the incident via social media, said the deceased had been battling emotional and financial distress as a result of his gambling habits.

 

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and evacuated the body to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed d3ad by a medical doctor.

The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy.

 

A suicide note recovered at the scene pointed to gambling addiction as the cause of the tragic act.

 

In the note, Chidubem apologized to those he owed and to those he believed were affected by his financial troubles.

 

The note read in part: “Sorry to everyone who cared, I can’t continue putting people in trouble because of my gambling addiction. Please forgive me Elvis, Paul, and all I’m owing. And you, Bishop Andy Ero, give the balance of N507,500 to Elvis or Paul.”

 

It was gathered that the deceased had been struggling with a severe gambling addiction that plunged him into debt and emotional distress.

Nigerian gov drags FG to Supreme Court over 13% derivation

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The Niger State Government has filed a legal action at the Supreme Court against the Federal Government over its exclusion from the 13% derivation fund, challenging what it described as a constitutional oversight.

 

In the suit, filed through a legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani, the state is asking the apex court to determine whether it qualifies as a resource-producing state and is, therefore, entitled to benefit from the 13% derivation as stipulated in Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

 

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice was named as the sole defendant in the case.

Niger State is insisting that it contributes significantly to the nation’s natural resource pool, particularly through solid minerals and hydroelectric power infrastructure, and should not be excluded from the derivation benefits extended to other resource-producing states.

 

It further prayed the court to interpret and apply section 232 (1) & (2) of the Constitution to compel its inclusion by FG, in line with the Enactment of Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 2004.

 

The state alleged a failure to include remittances from proceeds of fiscal revenue generated and accrued through Hydroelectric Power dams within its territory, which it argued formed part of resources it contributes to the overall electricity generation to the national grid since 1968.

According to the plaintiff, it hosts four major hydroelectricity dams: Kainji Dam, Jebba Dam, Shiroro Dam and Zungeru Dam, which serve as a power house for electricity supply to various states in the country.

 

It argued that through these power stations, FG extended electricity supply to the Republics of Benin, Togo and Niger.

 

The state said its decision to list the AGF as the sole defendant in the matter was because he statutorily offers oversight legal advice function and represents the Federal Government, including the Accountant-General of the Federation.

 

It noted that the Accountant-General has the constitutional role of preparing the nation’s financial statements arising from collection and receipts of income, fees, rentals and taxes, as well as payments from the federation account.

That the attorney general at all times is charged with legally advising and representing the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission that oversees revenue accruing to, and disbursement of such funds from the Federation Account,” it argued.

 

It accused the defendant of failing to properly advise the President, especially on how to ensure equitable distribution of resources in conformity with current realities, particularly with the enormous fiscal revenue generated by Niger State.

 

The plaintiff stressed that it is a purely agrarian state as its inhabitants are subsistence farmers whose produce are enjoyed across the state and beyond.

It contended that as a result of the large expanse of the land occupied by the dams, a large population of its citizens and residents are denied the opportunity of engaging in agricultural activities.

 

Niger state maintained that it has continued to host the dams that were established since 1968, decrying that despite its contributions in terms of revenue, it has been a victim of incessant and continuous flooding.

 

“This has resulted in wanton loss of human lives and livestock as well as destruction of properties, leading unavoidably to displacement of many residents from their homes,” it averred.

 

More so, the plaintiff claimed that Physicochemical/Microbiological Impact Assessment Report it conducted showed a high level of degradation in the affected areas.

This represents an impending danger that looms large in the horizon for the state over the coming years if urgent stringent environment protection measures are not taken.

 

“To the chagrin, detriment, continuous exploitation and utter impoverishment of the people of Niger State, the defendant continuously and continually whisked off profits from the state.

 

“The federal government should not be only concerned about benefiting from the dams located in the territory of the state without a care for its people,” the plaintiff added.

 

More so, the plaintiff said it was unfortunate that the office of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, had no information on the volume of electricity by megawatts, generated by the dams since 1968 and 2019, except for those of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

It

said the NBS computation of the volume of electricity by megawatts generated into the national grid from 2020 – 2023, was: “The sum total megawatt generated in 2020 is equal to 2,232,706.27, 2021 equal to 2,632,348.00, 2022 equal to 2,830,002.96 and in 2023 equal to 2,658,612.96.”

“These dams have generated fiscal revenue which has been controlled by the federal government and have been indisputably redistributed equally amongst the constituent states without considering the host (Niger State) since 1968 till date,” Ndarani, SAN, added.

He said the plaintiff, its citizens and residents suffered continuous exploitation, neglect and ravaging flood due to the power generating activities of FG and its agencies.

Consequently, the plaintiff prayed the apex court to intervene and order its inclusion in the 13 percent derivation.

 

Meantime, no date has been fixed for the matter to be heard.

 

 

 

(Vanguard)

PSC Disown Application For Admission Into The 12TH Regular Course Degree Programmes Of The Nigeria Police Academy.. insists there must be stakeholders input

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The attention of the Police Service Commission has been drawn to an advertisement tagged “APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO THE 12TH REGULAR COURSE DEGREE PROGRAMMES OF THE NIGERIA POLICE ACADEMY, WUDIL, KANO STATE” informing the general public that the online application for admission into the 12th Regular Course of its degree programmes will open from 28th July 2025 to 8th September 2025.

 

This advertorial which was placed in flagrant violation of the required procedure was an undisguised attempt to undermine the Commission which has the Constitutional Mandate to recruit including through the Academy.

 

The Commission has the sole authority to appoint persons holding or aspiring to hold offices into the Nigeria Police Force as clearly stated in the Court of Appeal’s judgement on the 30th day of September 2020 in Police Service Commission v. Inspector-General of Police & 3 ors CA/A/84/2020 pg 80 and this was affirmed by the Supreme Court in NPF v. Police Service Commission SC/CV/773/2020.

 

As a law abiding institution of government, the Police Service Commission will continue to resist and condemn any action by any person, body or authority that is in contravention of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The publication obviously undermines the rule of law and infringes upon the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens as has been interpreted by the Apex Court in the land. No individual or institution including the Police Service Commission or the Nigeria Police Force is above the rule of law.

 

The issue of Recruitment/Employment is not solely a Police Service Commission assignment but extends to all key stakeholders in order to avoid the issue of spoils system, cronyism, nepotism, corruption and other related vices.

 

The Commission, through the spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, hereby notifies the general public to disregard the said advertisement as it is not aware and necessary stakeholders input was not sought or received. These stakeholders include the Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission and the Nigeria Police Force who were not consulted before the said release of the advertisement by the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil.

 

Furthermore, the process and procedures that the Management of Police Academy introduced in the recent past is completely chaotic, confusing and unpredictable, deliberately designed to breed and create room for corruption. Worse still, charging application fees of N6,000 in an exercise designed to be absolutely free is absurd.

 

In addition, inviting all the prospective applicants to appear in the premises of the Police Academy instead of decentralizing the process and procedures in the 36 states and Abuja where the applicants reside is an invitation to avoidable anarchy that will continue to create unnecessary stress, economic wastage, risk of journey, accommodation problem for the applicants and their families and most especially complaints of parents of a coordinated practice of corrupt tendencies in the chaotic situation.

 

The present Commission’s leadership, in collaboration with the key stakeholders, Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission and Nigeria Police Force is set to bring policies in line with Global best practices of governance, transparency, accountability, equity and fairness in tune with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

This statement serves as a disclaimer that any unlawful or unconstitutional action occasioned by the advertisement is meant to mislead the public and does not reflect a legitimate exercise of constitutional responsibility. Hence, the Police Service Commission would not be held responsible.

 

Consequently, the advertisement is hereby declared null and void.

Feedback: What the people want retooled in our democracy (2)

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

Quote:

 

“Nearly all the elected and appointed leaders at various levels prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the citizens, thereby perpetuating widespread corruption and selfishness.”

 

-Abiola Ayankunbi ( Head Consultant at AningMO3 Marketing Management )

 

 

The importance of the political leaders listening to the opinions and views of members of the led majority of the people, to shape their policies, programs and projects should not be undermined under a democratic dispensation. Governance is not all about satisfying the wishes, whims and caprices of the family members, friends, political acolytes and praise-singers of the local government council chairmen, state governors, lawmakers, commissioners, ministers and Mister President. Such a wierd political paradigm, as it has unfortunately been playing out right before our eyes since 1999 dovetails towards dictatorship.

 

 

It is in the light of this position that yours truly got in touch with some enlightened individuals, concerned about how government has been run and is still evolving ever since the return of democracy in 1999. So, what exactly should be restructured to make our own variant of democracy swing back in favour of the masses ? The responses that follow should serve as food-for-thought for those who pilot our affairs virtually on daily basis.

 

 

Writing from the University of Port Harcourt, a doctoral candidate, Abiola Ayankunbi, Head Consultant at AningMO3 Marketing Management

has this to say:

 

.

*”Challenges of Nigeria’s Leadership Structure*- *”Absence of Strategic Planning*: The present governance system is reactive instead of being proactive. The policies are without depth and promises made without substance. Lack of comprehensive planning and accountability leads to a cycle of trial and error that sacrifices national stability and progress.

 

 

– *”Corruption and Selfishness*: Nearly all the elected and appointed leaders at various levels prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the citizens thereby perpetuating widespread corruption and selfishness. This greatly constitutes a disconnect between the government and the governed.

 

 

– *”Poor Leadershipi Accountability*: In Nigeria, previous year is always better than the present one. This has been the case since the time immemorial. Political office holders use to blame their predecessors for their shortcomings instead of taking responsibility for their actions. This blame game has become a common phenomenon irrespective of the political party they belong to.

 

 

– *”Inadequate Board Composition*: Most of the boards’ members consist of loyalists, girlfriends, or family members with limited independence or professional leverage, leading to poor decision-making and weakened governance.

 

 

– *”Weak Regulatory Frameworks*: We have laws but they are meant for the poor; those in authority do not respect or obey those laws. Regulatory bodies need to be fortified so that they can strengthen, monitor, and enforce necessary mechanisms to prevent governance breaches and ensure compliance with established codes.

 

 

– *”Lack of Transparency and Accountability*: The absence of transparent communication and accountability mechanisms erodes citizens’ trust and confidence in leadership at both governments and corporate organizations level.

 

 

– *”Absence of Separation of Power*: On paper, the three arms of government (legislature, executive, and judiciary) are separated but in practice, executive dominates and dictates to the remaining two. This anomaly discourages open debate, suppresses robust discourse thereby leading to the executive dominance.

 

 

On his part, seasoned journalist, Charles Okoh of

Independent newspapers clearly states his candid opinion on the critical matter:

 

‘”As long as the system that continues to throw these crops of politicians as our leaders remains there is nothing we can do! The problem of our electoral process has little to do with the Constitution or Electoral Acts but more to do with the rogue electoral process as supervised by INEC.

 

 

“We do not have a say as to who our leaders should be therefore we cannot also send them out of office.”

 

 

Coming up strong to express the areas of his dissatisfaction with the current polity, Hassan Amos Bello, a renowned author writing from Jos, Plateau state has this to state:

 

 

“We have lost our values; at family level, the church and the society. ⁠A tree is known by its fruits. You can’t plant mango and harvest pawpaw.

The family, the church or mosque and the society are giving birth to their kind. We don’t have leaders currently in the country. The crop of people we have at the corridors of power are selfish and only interested in themselves

 

 

“Politicians once they come to power are not interested in the wellbeing of the people that appointed them; but to prepare for the next election. The nation celebrates thieves today, our traditional rulers give them chieftaincy titles even when they know the source of their wealth.

 

⁠”So the ripple effects of all these are systemic failures, corruption etc. What are the solutions?

 

 

“The nation should be restructured into regions or we should have a United States of Nigeria. Let each region manage their resources and contribute to the center. The current constitution should be thrown into the dustbin. That is where it belongs.”

 

 

In its distilled essence, according to experts on political re-engineering and communication feedback plays a critical role in strengthening democracy by fostering accountability, promoting responsiveness, and enhancing citizen engagement.

 

 

In fact, effective feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, public forums, and open communication channels, would allow the citizens to voice their opinions, influence policy decisions, and hold elected officials accountable.

 

 

Eventually, it solidifies the relationship between the citizens and their political helmsmen, leading to more effective and representative governance.

 

 

And if the leaders listen to and implement the opinions of the people it would guarantee policy Improvement and responsiveness

 

Informing policy decisions:

Feedback from citizens can provide valuable insights and inform the development of more effective and relevant policies. It would also serve in promoting a more inclusive and representative democracy to build and sustain the key elements of trust, confidence and collaboration with the leaders

 

 

By giving all citizens a voice, feedback mechanisms can help ensure that democracy is inclusive and representative of all segments of society.

 

 

All angles considered therefore , feedback is a powerful tool in a democracy. By fostering accountability, promoting citizen engagement, and enhancing policy responsiveness, feedback strengthens democratic institutions and builds a more just and equitable society.

 

Such an inclusive system of government is what Nigeria needs now more than ever before. With it all the undue focus on who wins what come 2027 would reduce. Instead of chasing such nebulous shadows of the greed for power focus should be on delivering the dividends of democracy to the long-suffering Nigerians.

Police Recruitment: Argungu Seeks Cooperation Of Federal Character Commission.. Reads Riot Act on any Form of Racketeering

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Police Service Commission has warned that it will deal decisively with anybody who intends to involve himself in any form of racketeering or fraud in the recruitment of qualified Nigerians into the Nigeria Police Force. The Commission will soon begin the processes for this year’s exercise which will include Cadet ASPs and Inspectors.

 

The Chairman of the Commission DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu rtd, mni gave the warning when he paid a courtesy call on the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele Esq and its Management team today, Wednesday 30th of July, 2025.

 

DIG Argungu who led a PSC team that included Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission, warned that any unacceptable behaviour, sharp practices or untoward acts during the recruitment processes will be resisisted and deviants sanctioned.

He maintained that though the date for another recruitment of qualified Nigerians into the NPF has not been fixed, there can’t be a better time to seek the partnership and cooperation of the Federal Character Commission as one of the reliable and pivotal stakeholders in the Police recruitment process.

 

The Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani disclosed that the PSC Chairman assured that there must be transparency, accountability and equity in the recruitment process. The issue of discretion, waiver, or replacement, he said negates the principle of fairness and equity, and so must be totally avoided.

 

Welcoming his guests, Hon. Kayode Oladele, Esq, the Federal Character Commission boss saw the courtesy call as not only a demonstration of inter -agency cooperation but also a testament to a shared commitment to the ideals of fairness, justice, equity and national chesion as enshrined in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

He further noted that “by working together to ensure fairness and balanced representation in law enforcement institutions, we are laying the foundation for a stronger sense of belonging, trust in public institutions, and sustainable peace across the country”.

 

The FCC Chairman also reiterated that “a diverse and inclusive Police Force is better positioned to build public confidence, deter insecurity, and serve all citizens without bias thereby reinforcing the pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

 

He finally reaffirmed the FCC’s readiness to work closely with the PSC in monitoring and ensuring Federal character compliance in the Nigeria Police Force and also confident that the partnership will go a long way in serving the best interests of Nigeria and Nigerians in general.

NDLEA, FME agree on drug education in school curriculum, test for varsity students, others

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

As Marwa meets Alausa for collaboration on war against substance abuse

 

Compulsory drug integrity test for students of tertiary institutions and the review of current secondary school curriculum to include drug education are part of agreements reached between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Ministry of Education when the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) led a delegation of his management team to a meeting with the Hon Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa in Abuja on Wednesday 30th July 2025.

Marwa had during the meeting commended the minister for his proactive approach to his job while highlighting the devastating effect of substance abuse on the country’s youthful population. He noted that the fight against illicit drugs is a fight for the souls of the Nigerian youth.

“The purpose of this visit is to seek collaboration with this esteemed ministry in our collective efforts towards drug control in Nigeria. Our focus basically will be on schools and educational institutions. There are millions of our children that are under the supervision of this ministry, and it’s very critical. The drug scourge, as we all know, is very high in Nigeria

So, we’re actually fighting for the souls of our children. Now, we also know that the drug use is exacerbating criminal activities. That is, the Boko Haram, the terrorism, banditry, and so on.

“We know that without drugs, they wouldn’t be able to do what they are doing, because they wouldn’t do all these criminal activities in their right senses. So, in our own way, we are contributing to the fight against insecurity in the country. Now, through law enforcement action, we have continued to deal mortal blows to the drug cartels. We know that through the seizures, arrests, convictions, and assets forfeiture, we’re doing our best.

“Supported by President Bola Tinubu, within the last two years, we have made arrest of 40,887 criminal elements, gotten 8,682 convicted and seized 5,507 metric tons of illicit drugs. In fact, from January last year to the present, opioids, that’s tramadol mostly, that we have seized, are in excess of one billion pills, which is worth more than N1 trillion.”

While stating that the President is also supporting the Agency to build seven rehabilitation centres in addition to the existing 30 centres in NDLEA commands nationwide, Marwa noted that President Tinubu has also approved the construction of one model rehab centre in each of the geo-political zone in the country.

He listed three key areas he will want the Ministry and NDLEA to collaborate to effectively check the menace of substance abuse among Nigerian youths. According to him, “the first suggestion we have is for a review of the drug education curriculum in secondary schools. Even though we’re told of the existence of this in the past but because of the complexity of drugs, the dynamism of it, and the new psychoactive substances that have come to play, we feel that it is time to consider a review of this drug education curriculum.

“Another area we were thinking of suggesting is to introduce stand-alone drug abuse prevention programmes in schools, secondary schools. Not the curriculum this time, but programmes that stand on their own, lectures, competitions, and involving the parents, and so on. And then the third area we were thinking is to adopt a drug testing policy in tertiary institutions, because we want a policy to keep our campuses clean. Several vice chancellors have come on their own to seek both our guidance and participation in conducting drug test for their students. So, what we are suggesting now is drug tests for new students, for students returning from vacations, and random tests. This will make the children to avoid taking drugs, knowing fully well that if they do and they are found out, there will be consequences. And the consequences do not necessarily mean rustication.”

In his response, the Minister commended Marwa for his steadfastness and commitment to the service of Nigeria. “Thank you for your service to Lagos. And beyond that, General Buba Marwa, has committed his life to serve this country. Since I know him 30 years ago, he’s still serving the country. And you could see the passion in the way that he laid out the problems in the country and what he wanted us to do. And as he was talking, I made note and it was as if I had seen his prepared comments. Thank you so much for making this visit.”

He noted that the drug scourge is a huge problem that must be tackled headlong.

“When the youths get into drugs, they won’t go to school and even when they go to school, they are not getting functional education. And at the end of the day, what happens? Their level of critical thinking is lower. Their ability to make informed decisions in the later part of their life becomes significantly reduced. So, they become unemployable. And what happens? You now have that vicious cycle. They’re not functional. They’re not useful to themselves. All they do is resort to criminality. Once you use drugs, you’re likely to have a dysfunctional family. So, it’s a huge menace that we need to tackle, and tackle very quickly.”

Talking about the areas of collaboration, the Minister said “I would suggest we form a technical working group, inter-ministerial working group between our ministry and NDLEA.

As a result, I will also like to create a Substance Use Prevention Unit in the ministry

“We’re reviewing the curriculum now for secondary school. And that’s why I’ve asked the director of Senior Secondary School to come, to be here and then we find a way to cascade it down to primary school. But we need to get both primary school and secondary school and add this to their curriculum. But the one for secondary school, we can definitely do that now. We’re just developing their new curriculum now.

“Also, on the stand-alone school programmes, I agree with you fully. We should also design ongoing programmes in our schools. That we can roll out, and cascade down. You also said something very important about the drug test policy in tertiary institutions. We will do it.

We have to do it. We do not have a choice. At least, we’ll start with tertiary institutions, for their fresh and returning students as well as random testing.”

The Minister also assured on getting two agencies under the Ministry, UBEC and TETFUND to partner with the NDLEA Academy in Jos as part of efforts to deepen drug education in basic, secondary and tertiary institutions across the country.

Following the Minister’s directive, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Abel Oluwamuyiwa Enitan announced the take off of the new Substance Use Prevention Unit while giving the vote of thanks.