Crime
Vigilance Group Mops Up Illegal Arms In Anambra
A vigilance group is poised to embark on a mop-up of prohibited firearms from unlicensed individuals or groups in Anambra State.
Director, Media and Publicity of Anambra Vigilance Group, Chief Nweke Nweke, made the disclosure at a press conference on Sunday.
He explained that the move was informed by their discoveries that hoodlums and criminal elements operating in the state have acquired firearms illegally.
Nweke added that the move has the backing of the state police command and other security teams, and comes with the objective of identifying persons who have legally and illegally acquired firearms.
He expressed optimism that the effort would lead to controlling legitimate users, and recovering firearms from illegal holders and users.
He said, “The state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is not relenting on his campaign promises to make Anambra State liveable and prosperous. We are solidly behind the administration’s resolve to secure the environment for investors, residents, and others.
“We will wipe out all the hoodlums constituting security threats in the State. Only the AVG is allowed to bear firearms like pump actions in Anambra State.
“It is a prohibited device but you can see some unidentifiable individuals and groups using them.
“(The) AVG with other joint security teams will embark on mop-up action to identify people or groups using prohibited firearms and recover them from the public. Genuine users will be checkmated.
“It has been discovered that most of these hoodlums, who are causing security challenges in the state and all over Nigeria, acquired firearms illegally. We are calling on the public to assist security with relevant information.
“We are also calling on individuals or groups with genuine reasons to possess firearms to identify with relevant authorities.”
He maintained that firearms such as pump actions were prohibited from non-AVG members with the exception of private security guards either registered with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps or known to the state government.
He also enjoined the public to see the AVG as partners in progress, especially by making ways for them while in traffic, as delaying their convoys could affect their drives to apprehend criminals.
“We are committed to the protection of lives and properties in Anambra State as baby police. If you see us on the highway or streets, kindly give way for our convoys.
“Don’t stop us. Do not try to obstruct our movements or operations. Do not call us unprintable names as we try to serve you better. If you stop us, it can make us not meet up with our targets. You don’t know if there are criminals we are trying to catch up with,” he added.
The European Union has imposed a €200 million fine on Chinese-owned online retail platform Temu over the sale of illegal and unsafe products across its marketplace.
EU regulators announced the penalty on Thursday, accusing the e-commerce giant of failing to properly prevent dangerous items from reaching consumers within the bloc.
According to the European Commission, European shoppers were highly likely to encounter illegal products on Temu, including unsafe baby toys, defective chargers, and jewellery that failed safety standards.
SEE ALSO: European Union maintains its commitment to Mali
The EU said Temu failed to adequately assess the risks linked to illegal products being sold on its platform, adding that the company underestimated the level of harm such items could pose to consumers.
EU tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen said Temu’s rapid expansion in Europe made the issue more concerning, noting that millions of users could potentially be exposed to unsafe products.
Temu, however, disagreed with the decision and described the fine as “disproportionate.” The company stated that it had cooperated with regulators and already introduced additional measures to improve platform governance and user safety.
The sanction was issued under the European Union’s Digital Services Act, a major law aimed at holding large digital platforms accountable for illegal content and consumer risks online.
The platform, which entered the European market in 2023, has grown rapidly and now boasts about 130 million users within the EU.
Regulators also disclosed that investigations into other suspected breaches by Temu are still ongoing, including concerns over addictive app features and its recommendation systems.
Temu has been given until August 28 to submit a compliance plan outlining how it intends to address the violations or risk facing further penalties.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over his alleged involvement in a N33.8 billion fraud linked to power sector projects in Nigeria.
The arrest comes months after Mamman was convicted in absentia on multiple counts bordering on the alleged diversion of public funds meant for critical electricity infrastructure, including the Mambilla Power Project and other national power initiatives.
SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Court Remands Buhari’s Power Minister, Mamman In Kuje Prison
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that the former minister was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State following weeks of intelligence-led surveillance operations.
According to him, Mamman had evaded arrest since his conviction and sentencing, prompting a sustained nationwide search by EFCC operatives.
He said the arrest represents a major breakthrough in the commission’s efforts to ensure that all individuals found guilty of financial crimes are brought to justice, regardless of their status or influence.
Two suspects arrested for allegedly harbouring ex-minister
The EFCC also disclosed that two other individuals were arrested during the operation for allegedly assisting and providing shelter to the former minister while he was on the run.
Investigators are currently questioning the suspects to determine the extent of their involvement in aiding a convicted fugitive.
Properties and assets under investigation
The anti-graft agency further revealed that it has identified additional properties suspected to be linked to Mamman, adding that asset recovery processes are already underway.
EFCC boss Olukoyede noted that the case has exposed weaknesses in monitoring high-profile corruption trials, adding that reforms would be introduced to prevent similar lapses in future cases.
Prosecutor confirms enforcement of court order
The Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said the arrest marks the enforcement of a court judgment, stating that Mamman’s conviction and sentence are now being fully implemented following his capture.
He added that the next step would be the ex-minister’s transfer to a correctional facility in line with legal procedures.
Bizteller recalls that Saleh Mamman was convicted over allegations of diverting funds allocated for major power projects, including the Mambilla hydroelectric scheme, one of Nigeria’s largest and most strategic energy investments.
The EFCC says the arrest underscores its commitment to tackling corruption and recovering stolen public funds across the country.
Operatives of the Kebbi State Hisbah Board, an agency under the state Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested a man allegedly found hiding inside a “Ghana Must-Go” bag at the residence of a married woman in the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi.)
The Director of Sharia at the board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.
According to Kamba, residents of the community alerted the Hisbah Board around 12:15 a.m. on Monday, May 18, after noticing a man entering the woman’s residence under suspicious circumstances.
SEE ALSO: Gov Buni Hints On Establishing Hisbah Police In Yobe
He explained that the residents suspected the pair were involved in an illicit relationship considered contrary to Islamic teachings and therefore decided to formally notify the authorities.
“Upon receiving the report, the Kebbi Hisbah Board swiftly deployed officers to investigate the matter,” Kamba said.
He disclosed that when officers arrived at the residence and requested permission to search the premises, the married woman initially denied that anyone else was inside the house.
Kamba, however, noted that the woman later allowed the operatives to conduct a thorough search, which led to the discovery of the suspect allegedly concealed inside a large “Ghana Must-Go” bag.
Further investigations, according to the Hisbah official, revealed that the suspect allegedly had a romantic relationship with the married woman.
He added that both suspects allegedly admitted to the claims during interrogation and would be arraigned before a Sharia court to face legal proceedings under Islamic law.
The incident has since sparked reactions among residents, many expressing shock over the unusual manner in which the suspect was allegedly hidden inside the bag.
Meanwhile, the development comes days after the Kano State Hisbah Board arrested two women and a 35-year-old fish seller over an alleged attempt to engage in immoral acts in the state.
The Director of Public Enlightenment of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Auwalu Sheshe, had disclosed in a statement that operatives found the fish seller, identified as Ali Abubakar from the Kano Cooperative area, alongside his female companion, Fatima Abubakar, a 28-year-old woman from the Niger Republic, inside a room allegedly preparing to engage in immoral conduct.
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