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Extortion Claims Rock Customs As Investigation Takes Shape

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The Kano-Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated an investigation into allegations of extortion involving traders at Abubakar Rimi Market, also known as Sabon Gari.

This probe comes in response to complaints from local businessmen who have accused certain customs officials of extorting them.

Nazifi Auwalu, Public Relations Officer for the Sabon Gari Shop Owners and Online Marketers Association, stated that the extortion has severely impacted their businesses, creating significant challenges in transporting goods into Kano State.

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He described the situation as dire, with customs officials allegedly pursuing them aggressively and seizing their goods despite the fact that they do not import from abroad but primarily source their products locally, especially from Lagos.

He added “Recently, our vehicle load of perfume was arrested by some customs officials who accused us of conveying contraband. The vehicle was moved to the customs office and was ransacked and nothing was gotten from it.

“One Officer in charge, FOU, told us that we have to pay the sum of N1 million or else the vehicle will not be allowed to go out of the building. You can’t even go into his office until you are searched and you have to drop your phone. That’s how we were extorted that amount which was received by the Officer.”

Another businessman, Nura Abdullahi, recounted his experience of being extorted for N3 million, ultimately paying N2 million at the Kaduna customs office.

Abdullahi’s vehicle was seized at the Kano-Kaduna toll gate while en route from Lagos and taken to Kaduna for inspection.

He said, “For me, my vehicle was arrested at Kano-Kaduna toll gate on its way from Lagos and was taken back to Kaduna. It was searched and there was nothing. At first, they told us that if they found anything they will seize the vehicle and the goods and we agreed.

“We asked them to allow the vehicle to go since there is nothing but they refused. We first paid N150,000 for uploading and taking back the goods and we paid. At last we have to pay that N2 million cash.”

In response to the allegations, Nura Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer for the Kano-Jigawa command of the Customs Service, stated that an investigation is underway.

He assured that those involved will be held accountable, with a team already in the process of arresting officials implicated in the extortion.

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Crime

Osun Govt Decries Attempted Murder Of Park Mgt  Chairman By Polic

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The Osun State Government has raised alarm over the shooting to near death in police custody of the Chairman of the Osun Transport Management System, Comrade Iyanda Alowonle over a domestic matter.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday in Osogbo, which has it that Alowonle is presently on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital after a gunshot wound in the abdomen while in the custody of the police at Osogbo.

It was gathered that video clips of Alowonle in handcuffs and under interrogation circulating in the media space dispelled any excuse that the park chairman was trying to escape.

The Osun State Government asserted that “The fact that he was shot in the abdomen as video from his hospital bed confirmed proved that he was shot at close range with intent to eliminate him.”

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It added that “Interactions between the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the State Governor, Mr Samuel Ojo and the Head of Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Moses Lohor provided direct proof that the incident was premeditated to murder Mr Alowonle.

“We also note that the issue that generated the purported arrest was a civil matter, not criminally related to have warranted the involvement of Mr Moses Lohor, the head of the Anti-Kidnapping squad except for the repeat of a recent pattern of police harassment of officials of the state government on partisan motivation.

“The programmed attempted murder of Mr Alowonle is just one in the series of shootings and attacks on officials of the state by the head of anti-kidnapping squad who regularly acted with impunity and who has not hidden his vow to eliminate supporters of the state government.

“As we summoned several meetings to calm frayed nerves today, we struggled hard to stop reprisal attacks against police establishments across the state due to what the public now see as police partisan conduct in breach of the law.

“As we regret a situation in which law enforcers are becoming threat to peace and stability of the state, the state government therefore demands the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to take judicious note of the increasing breach of state peace by the hostile conduct of some police officers who now shot at innocent civilians and suspects at will.

“We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr Moses Lohor, the Head of the Anti- Kidnapping Squad for his wilful act of attempted murder.

“We demand police impartiality and commitment to rule of law without fixation on partisan considerations;

“We also call the attention of the National Security Adviser to the increasing threat to peace in Osun state amidst threat to unleash violence ahead of 2026 election

“We call on the Inspector General of Police to rise to the occasion and abandon any signal that may portray him as acting against Osun peace and stability”, the statement concluded.

 

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Crime

NYFPA Condemns Omokri’s Remarks on Pastor Becky Enenche, Demands Apology

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The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates (NYFPA) has strongly criticized social media activist Reno Omokri over controversial comments he made about Pastor Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.

Omokri, in a social media post, described Pastor Enenche as a “Yahoo girl on the altar,” sparking widespread outrage among the Christian community.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Samuel Geofrey, the NYFPA described Omokri’s remarks as “inflammatory, baseless, and deeply irresponsible,” noting that such language is unbecoming of someone who portrays himself as a political activist and public commentator.

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The group expressed concern over Omokri’s choice of words, calling it a direct attack on Christianity and the values of mutual respect in a civilized society.

“Reno Omokri’s statements are an affront to millions of Nigerians who revere their faith and spiritual leaders.

“His choice of words reflects a profound lack of respect for Christianity and the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding in a civilized society,” the statement read.

Criticism of Omokri’s Public Record

The NYFPA went further to question Omokri’s credibility, pointing to alleged inconsistencies in his career and personal life.

The group highlighted several controversies tied to the activist, including accusations of exploiting societal divisions for personal gain.

“Despite his claims of being a man of God, details of Mr. Omokri’s life are riddled with contradictions. The lack of clarity about his early education, career trajectory, and personal affiliations suggests a deliberate effort to obscure the truth.

“How can one who thrives on ambiguity in his personal life claim to be a voice of clarity on spiritual and national matters?” the statement queried.

The NYFPA also took issue with Omokri’s self-identification as a pastor, describing his establishment of a church as more of a branding effort than a genuine spiritual mission.

“His self-styled title as a ‘pastor’ has raised many eyebrows. He established a church with no visible congregation or impact, a move many perceive as a branding strategy rather than a genuine spiritual calling.

“Even the name of his supposed church was allegedly appropriated from an established ministry in Tennessee, further undermining his credibility.”

Past Scandals Highlighted

The group referenced past controversies involving Omokri, including the “Wendell Simlin” scandal, where he was accused of fabricating links between public figures and Boko Haram.

“His infamous ‘Wendell Simlin’ scandal, where he allegedly fabricated links between prominent figures and Boko Haram, epitomizes his readiness to use falsehoods for political ends. Over the years, Mr. Omokri has demonstrated a concerning tendency to align himself with political figures for personal benefit,” the statement added.

The NYFPA also criticized Omokri’s personal life, alleging that his actions contradict the values he claims to uphold.

“While often vocal about morality and relationships, Mr. Omokri’s personal life tells a different story. Reports of abandoning his wife and children in the United States, followed by his involvement with another woman, starkly contradict the values he preaches. His actions not only expose hypocrisy but also call into question his moral authority to criticize others.”

Demands for Apology

The NYFPA has called on Omokri to issue an immediate and unconditional apology to Pastor Becky Enenche and her family, warning that his failure to do so could further damage his public image.

“Omokri’s most recent attack on Pastor Becky Enenche crosses a red line, exposing his lack of restraint and disregard for constructive discourse.

“We demand an immediate and unequivocal apology to Pastor Becky Enenche and her family. Failure to do so will only further erode his already fragile credibility and expose him as a divisive figure unworthy of the respect he seeks.”

Additionally, the group urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and instead focus on fostering unity and national development.

“Instead of spreading misinformation and engaging in character assassination, Mr. Omokri should focus on using his platform to foster unity, constructive dialogue, and national development.

“The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates remain resolute in our mission to uphold truth, justice, and peace. We urge all Nigerians to reject voices of division and focus on building a nation where respect and understanding prevail over baseless accusations and personal vendettas,” the statement added”

 

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Crime

EFCC Fires Two Staff For Corruption, Vows Prosecution

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed two of its staff members over allegations of corruption, with the agency also preparing to prosecute them.

Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, announced the development on Monday at the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organized by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.

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Olukoyede disclosed that the two officials were dismissed two weeks ago and stressed that their prosecution would follow, as part of efforts to ensure accountability within the anti-graft agency.

“You can’t be fighting corruption and have your hands dirty. He who comes to equity must have clean hands,” Olukoyede stated.

“I will not only be dismissing them, but I will also be prosecuting them because that is what we prosecute others for.”

The EFCC Chairman revealed that case files are being prepared for some of the dismissed officials, noting that integrity is non-negotiable for staff members of the Commission.

“I was once investigated for two years when I served as EFCC Secretary. Integrity is needed to survive in this line of work,” he said, addressing participants at the conference.

Olukoyede also highlighted ongoing reforms within the EFCC, including new measures to streamline prosecutions.

He disclosed a directive that limits charges in corruption cases to a maximum of 15 counts.

The dismissal of the two staff members underscores the EFCC’s resolve to lead by example in the fight against corruption, amid efforts to restore public trust in the agency.

 

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