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Argungu Visits Site For Police Service Commission Institute In Kano, Says Oversight Of Police Gets New Momentum, impressed with facilities on ground

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, yesterday, Saturday, September 28th, 2024, paid a surprise visit to the site of a proposed Police Service Commission Institute located at the serene City of Kabo in Kano State.

The Institute, when passed into Law by the National Assembly and when signed by Mr. President, is expected to provide an international training platform for Staff of the Police Service Commission in its oversight responsibilities on the Police.

The Constitution currently empowers the Commission to oversight the Police in the areas of appointment, promotion, dismissal and disciplinary control and also grants the Commission the power to initiate and implement policies for the effective running of the Police as it relates to the functions covered in the law.

According to Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s spokesman, while Speaking at the site in Kabo, the PSC Chairman said the oversight responsibilities of the Commission is taking a new and positive momentum as the Staff of the Commission will now have the opportunity to receive world class training in the different areas of oversight in line with established corporate governance template.

The Institute, he said, will be free of corruption and will also be of international standard. ” It will also be open to receive foreign trainees from across the world where there are institutions established to oversight the Police.

DIG Argungu who expressed happiness at the level of facilities already at the Institute commended the facilitator of the Bill and the Senate Committe Chairman on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Mallam Madori (Jigawa East) for his innovative and progressive disposition, stressing that the Institute will be Nigeria’s gift to the world in the area of Police oversight.

He assured that the Commission will continue to support the efforts to see to the reality of the Institute, which he said will revolutionise Police oversight in this part of the world.

BREAKING:Akwa Ibom Governor Loses Wife

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In a devastating turn of events, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has passed away.

According to a statement released by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, she died peacefully at the hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by her family .

The family has requested prayers and support during this difficult time, and has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

I have made arrangement for my death – Soyinka

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Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has said he has made arrangement for his transition.

Soyinka, who turned 90 on 13 July 2024 and whose birthday was celebrated across the globe, made this statement in an exclusive interview Larry Madowo, host of the African Voices Changemakers and Playmakers series on CNN had with him

The interview was first broadcast on CNN on Saturday 21 September, 2024.

At the tail end of the interview, in which Soyinka spoke, among other things, about writing, activism, life in prison and the Nobel Prize in Literature which he won in 1986, Madowo asked him “Now that you have your own legal piece of earth here what is your new future?”

Soyinka, responding, said he didn’t want to be morbid but hinted that his transition was his future, adding that he had made arrangement for that within the estate.

Madowo, taken aback by the distinguished writer’s response, laughing, said: “That is the most morbid answer anybody has ever given me. ‘I have made arrangemenf for my death?”

Soyinka again responded: “Many people don’t like to hear it. As I said all the time. I won’t say it here. In fact, CNN, everybody knows what we are talking abbout. It is where we are all headed. It’s a future for everybody.”

Still, Madowo interjected, saying, “But before you die… ”

However, Soyinka later toned down his response and gave a more realistic and less morbid answer, saying that in terms of productivity the immediate thing is to go on a vacation.

“But in terms of productivity the immediate thing is to go on a vacation. Take a resolution which will be atttested judicially, not grant any more interviews, certainly not writing, but simply trying to resume certain activities which gave me pleasure, which I consciously and rigorously cut off to be able to pursue my vocation. Because I’m not going to sit on it.

“I would also get into a vehicle, somewhere, I don’t care, in the world and sit for a week or two weeks to be just a tourist. I’m looking forward to that, ” Soyinka maintained.

Osun Government Goes after Segilola over Tax Evasion, Environmental Pollutions, Shareholding, Others

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Osun State Government has raised serious concerns about the operations of the Segilola Gold Project, managed by subsidiaries of Thor Explorations Ltd, a UK-based company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

According to Prof. Lukman Jimoda, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and Mineral Resources, the state’s investigation revealed various unethical business practices, including alleged tax evasion, use of proxies, and failure to comply with environmental rules and regulations.

The companies involved—such as SINIC Engineering, ATF Consulting, Monurent Nigeria, and others—are reportedly engaged in outsourcing employment and operations to undisclosed third parties without proper documentation or environmental compliance.

Prof. Jimoda highlighted that the federal constitution places environmental oversight under the concurrent list, allowing the state to assess companies’ operations for economic and environmental impacts.

He emphasized that the Segilola project, despite its significant production since 2019, has resisted complying with extant laws like the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and the Company Income Tax Act (CITA) which govern tax levies.

He also expressed concerns over pollution, including particulate emissions and possible acid drains from waste rocks, which pose serious environmental risks to the state.

The state government is therefore demanding the payment of accrued taxes and environmental development levies, as well as proper documentation for all involved parties.

The Special Adviser stressed that Osun has not received its due revenue from the Segilola project for over three years, despite its bankable gold production since 2019.

“The government is prepared to take necessary actions to ensure compliance and safeguard the state’s environmental and economic interests”, the Special Adviser noted.

Also speaking, the Financial Consultant to the Office of Mining and Mineral Resources, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro while presenting his report said the allegations against Thor Explorations Ltd and its subsidiaries mark a significant moment for Osun State, as the government seeks to reclaim its financial rights and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Dr Bolorunduro highlighted the state’s concern over the company’s alleged tax evasion and failure to comply with legal requirements, which could have severe financial implications for Osun.

Dr. Bolorunduro’s detailed statement paints a picture of a company attempting to sidestep its fiscal responsibilities, with far-reaching consequences for the state’s revenue.

“The refusal to remit taxes from both direct employees and service providers, as well as the evasion of other financial obligations, highlights a deeper issue of corporate governance and transparency.

Particularly troubling is the claim that Osun State’s interests in Tropical Mines Ltd were strategically diminished without due financial compensation, raising questions about the fairness of the company’s practices in Nigeria versus its compliance with international standards in the UK and Canada, where it is publicly listed”. Dr. Bolorunduro stated.

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration has emphasized the need for due payments to be made, while also ensuring that business operations continue smoothly. This balanced approach underscores the state’s willingness to foster investment, but not at the expense of its fiscal health or integrity.

Responding to the allegations that the Adeleke Dynasty is involved in the management of the Segilola Gold Project, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi denied the report, noting that those holding a stake or the other in the gold firm areas shortchanged the Osun state government.

He therefore assured members of the public that the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke will not relent in efforts to ensure that the state gets its dues from all companies operating in Osun State.

The $200 billion club has only 3 members: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and…

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Of the nearly 8 billion people in the world, only 2,781 are billionaires. Among them, only three people are part of the exclusive $200 billion club: Tesla CEO and the richest person in the world Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and the recent joiner Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

According to Bloomberg billionaire’s index, Musk has a net worth of $270 billion, Bezos is worth $215 billion, and Zuckerberg stands at $202 billion, as of September 26. This puts the Facebook co-founder ahead of other major tech executives including Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison — who is also fighting for a spot in the club — and former Microsoft CEOs Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

Zuckerberg not only broke into the $200 billion club recently, but he has also been the biggest winner on the list having accumulated dozens of billions in wealth in 2024, Fortune reported. The 40-year-old’s wealth has ballooned by an incredible $71.8 billion this year, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The majority of his fortune is derived from a stake of about 13 percent in Meta Platforms which amounts to about 345.5 million shares, based on Meta’s April proxy statement quoted by Fortune.

The billionaire also famously takes $1 as his salary since he makes up for it in “other compensation” and his massive stake in Meta. He took home $24.4 million in “other compensation” this year, the publication reported.

When his wife Priscilla Chan gave birth to a baby girl in December 2015, the same day, he announced plans to give away 99 percent of his stock in Meta to advance philanthropic causes. Moreover, in September 2010, he donated $100 million of Facebook shares to the Newark, New Jersey, public school system. He has also donated 36 million shares to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Bloomberg reported. Zuckerberg and Chan are also spending $3 billion in an attempt to end, cure or manage all disease by the year 2100.

PSC Inaugurates Anti Corruption And Transparency Unit ..Argungu Charges Team

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Police Service Commission Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit was today, Tuesday, September 24th 2024, inaugurated. The inauguration was conducted by a team from the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, led by Olusegun Adigun, who represented the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN.Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, told the new team that they are now in the temple of justice and should eschew tribal and religious sentiments in the discharge of their duty.

DIG Argungu reminded them that it is Nigeria first and that they should feel free to blow the whistle on him if found guilty of Corrupt Practices. “Come and confront me if you hear that I have diverted money. Don’t waste time to hold me accountable for any financial infractions”, he declared.

He said they should operate above the yoke of tribalism, nepotism and religious sentiments and bring all bad elements in the Commission to book. You have to be upright, he further advised the new Members of the Unit.The Chairman of the ICPC, who spoke through Olusegun Adigun said the Anti Corruption Transparency Unit is an initiative of the ICPC approved by the Federal Government to serve as an in- house check mechanism for Corruption prevention within “MDAs, in line with global best practices of building strong institutions and entrenching Good governance in the fight against corruption “.He said ACTU complements the ICPC in building strong institutions and fostering principles of accountability and Transparency in Government MDAs.The ICPC Chairman said the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Commission will be a veritable tool in the achievement of PSC vision of becoming a highly motivated, professional, disciplined and accountable Police Service that upholds human rights ” if allowed to effectively discharge its functions “.According to the ICPC Chairman, ” it is hoped that with this inauguration, the Unit will be empowered to deliver on its mandate but noted “that ACTU is not envisioned as a parallel authority to the Management, rather it is expected to operate under the direct oversight of the Chairman so as to complement Management’s efforts in promoting Transparency and accountability within the Commission “DIG Taiwo Lakanu, Honourable Commissioner in the Commission pledged the support of the Commission in ensuring that the Unit succeeds in this onerous assignment.”

We will cooperate with the Chairman, work with him and propagate his lofty ideals to make the Commission Corrupt free.Spokesman of the Commission, Ikechukwuu Ani confirmed that the new Chairman of the PSC ACTU, Nasidi Yusuf in his acceptance speech after the inauguration pledged to uphold the principle of integrity, accountability and transparency, forster a culture of zero tolerance for corruption and ensure seamless collaboration with ICPC and other stakeholders.

Mr. Nasidi said the new team will promote education and awareness on anti’ Corruption best practices, address corruption related issues promptly and called on his other Members to join him to identify and mitigate Corruption risks, develop and implement effective anti Corruption strategies and monitor and evaluate progress.

NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with N4.6billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport

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We’ll continue to disrupt activities of drug cartels in Nigeria, says Marwa

By Ebinum Samuel

Barely 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the same Class A drug weighing 19.40 kilograms with an estimated street value of Four Billion Six Hundred and Fifty Six Million Naira (N4,656,000,000.00).
Ogbuji was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, on Wednesday 10th May 2023 upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986kg. He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on 13th July 2023. Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00), which he paid and was set free.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized 1.986 kilograms cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest.
Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 18th September 2024 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage. In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt.


As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a secondary search. It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect. A total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.40kg belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered.
During interview with the suspect, he stated that he initially left the backpack containing the drug at the carousel area as a strategy to beat NDLEA operatives, adding that he never knew there could be a secondary search since he had presented his bag for search previously and nothing incriminating was found. He claimed he had to procure a new international passport to continue his criminal trade.
Investigation reveals Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and others in the West African sub-region like
Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire.


In his reaction to the arrest of Ogbuji, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for an excellent job done, adding that the seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport is a milestone that will send a strong message to the international drug cartels trying to find footholds in Nigeria. He said the Agency will continue to work to disrupt the activities of drug cartels operating in the country.

AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade: Best CP Lagos Ever Had?

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Obviously, a professional policeman must possess discerning sense of judgement. He got to be polite, savvy and shrewd. He must also be combatant, good in operations, administration, intelligence and expert in public relations.


Not all the commissioners of police posted to Lagos state in this past 20 years had some of these stern qualities.
What makes AIG Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, the Immediate past Commissioner of police for Lagos, an exceptional, quintessential top cop? What are those uncommon qualities he’s gifted with that his predecessors lacked?
Details later…..

PCRC Delegation Visits PSC, Volunteers To Serve Nigeria As Police Constabulary For Free… commends the President for appointing DIG Argungu as Chairman

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By Ebinum Samuel

A full nation wide delegation of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan was in the Police Service Commission Corporate Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, today, Monday, September 23rd, 2024 where they commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni as the Chairman of the Commission.

Alhaji Olaniyan led a strong delegation that included Officers from both the National, Zonal and state leaders of the Committee.

The visiting delegation was received by the PSC Chairman and the Management of the Commission. The Commission Chairman noted that the Public are the Police stressing that without their support and cooperation the Police will not make a success of their duty to maintain law and order and ensure security across the nation.

DIG Argungu said it is the public that will give the Police information for their work, adding that without this information, it will be difficult for the Police to fight crime and criminality in the country. According to him it is the absence of crime that shows or confirms that the security Agencies are working and not the number of bandits arrested.

He said the Commission will continue to partner the Police Community Relations Committee and advised that they should not relent in assisting the Police from the Divisional level, through the State and national level. “You need to continue to assist the DPOs, Area Commanders, Commissioners of Police Zonal AIGs and the Inspector General of Police ” he noted.

ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, disclosed that .the PSC Chairman declared that the Committee has rendered sacrificial services to the nation and urged that they should not be discouraged.

The National Chairman of the Committee Alhaji Olaniyan had commended Mr. President for the appointment of DIG Argungu as Chairman of the Commission.

He informed the PSC Chairman that his members were ready to take up the assignment of the rested Constabulary without salary as their contribution to national security especially in these critical period of national development.

According to him “we have Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers etc and we are ready to give the Police one million volunteers for crowd control”. This he said will free the Police to handle some other challenging assignments.

The PCRC Chairman said the Committee is ready to support the Federal Government in this direction as Community Policing Officers.