Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • NDLEA arrests 67-year-old for ingesting cocaine to fund new marriage

    NDLEA arrests 67-year-old for ingesting cocaine to fund new marriage

     

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    The NDLEA arrested a 67-year-old drug trafficker, Clement Chukwuemeka at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Oct. 3 for ingesting 100 wraps of cocaine.

    Chukwuemeka told NDLEA operatives that he engaged in the crime to raise enough money to marry a new wife and start life afresh after wasting 30 years of his life in Brazil, Ethiopia and Thailand.

    Director, Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that Chukwuemeka was arrested during an inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa.

    He was taken in for body scan which revealed multiple pellets in his stomach, he stated.

    “While under observation, he excreted 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 2.195kg in four excretions.

    “In his statement, he claimed to have spent 30 years in Brazil, Ethiopia and Thailand, while he was married, but lost his wife and had no child.

    “He added that that was why he decided to go into drug trafficking to raise enough money to marry a new wife and start life afresh,’’ Babafemi stated.

    He added that on the same Oct. 3, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 45-year-old woman, Bilkisu Bello, at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, while preparing to board a flight to Saudi Arabia.

    Bilikisu told the operatives that pellets of cocaine given to her to swallow before her flight were kept in a house in Farawa area of Kano, Babafemi stated.

    “When she led NDLEA officers to the house, 52 wraps of the illicit substance with a total weight of 767grams were recovered,’’ he added.

    NDLEA operatives, supported by troops of the Nigerian Army, Civil Defence Corps and Amotekun personnel stormed James Town, Ogunmakin in Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun, also on Oct. 3.

    They located and destroyed 10.38 tonnes of Indian hemp covering more than 4.152 hectares in the town, Babafemi stated.

    “On their return trip from the operation, the team intercepted a truck carrying a 40ft container loaded with logs of wood.

    “A search of the container led to the recovery of two bags of Indian hemp, weighing 20kg.

    “Six suspects in the truck, Ahmed Yusuf, Olaniyi Babatunde, Adedeji Babatunde, Richard John, Osolale Olamilekan and Abdulazeez Saied, were arrested,’’ he added.

    Babfemi stated also that on Oct. 1, NDLEA operatives raided Obi Camp in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo.

    Thirty sacks of skunk, weighing 300kgs and concealed in charcoal, were evacuated from an old dilapidated mud house in the camp, he stated.

    NDLEA also identified and destroyed two Indian hemp farms measuring 1.2 hectares at Igbanke Forest in Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo on Oct. 6.

    Babafemi stated that four suspects, Tersoo Zaria (28), Ifeanyi Osai (53), Moses David (19), and Daniel Gabriel (20), were arrested in connection with the farms.

    He added that a suspect, Auwal Bindow was arrested on Oct. 6 on Bauchi-Gombe Road with 50,000 capsules of tramadol.

    Babafemi stated also that NDLEA operatives nabbed one Anuoluwapo Iyanu (32) on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Oct. 4 with 52 blocks of compressed Indian hemp shaped like pawpaw.

    The hemp weighed 30kg, he also stated.

    NAN

  • Love Scam: How I lost £130, 000 to “Yahoo Boy” – German victim

    Love Scam: How I lost £130, 000 to “Yahoo Boy” – German victim

     

     By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on continued the trial of one Wilson Daphey(a.ka.a Jefrey Guiseppe) before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on nine -count charges bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering.

    Daphey allegedly manipulated and obtained the sum of £130,000( One Hundred and Thirty Thousand Euros) from one Ms Petra Goschenhofer, a German,  with the assistance of his accomplices:  Evans Nnamdi Aguh, Christopher Chinedu Ajufo, Ifeanyi Enuma and Ojinanaka Kingsley Chukwuma who are at large.

    This was disclosed in a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC Acting  Head, Media and Publicity, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews in Abuja

    At the resumption of the trial on Friday, Ms Petra Goschenhofer, a German,  narrated before the court, how she was “dealing with an alleged white man who later turned out to be a black man from Nigeria”.

    She said the love story started in 2008 when a man contacted her on Instagram, identified as Jeffrey Guiseppe, who claimed to be a  bitcoin trader, and offered to be her business partner, a proposition she reportedly declined.

    However, they continued having conversations regarding his career  and family.  Guiseppe claimed to be a Building Engineer based in the United States of America, U.S.A but with his roots in Rome, Italy.  He told her that he grew up  in America where he studied and had  a certificate in Building Engineering and “his building projects spread all over the world including Dubai”.  He further claimed to be  a single dad with two kids.  “Before long, our conversation gradually shifted from business to talks about families”.

    “After a while,  he told me he was in love with me and I told him I was married with kids, that a relationship was not possible between us but after a while,  I noticed he was very nice to me and at that time, I was in a bad situation, my marriage was in crisis and I was depressed, and my son was in a bad condition.  I gradually fell in love with him, and before long, he started asking me for money. He claimed his building equipment was  held in Dubai and he needed money to clear it.  He actually promised to pay me back in a matter of time and sent me pictures, fake passports and work permits which bore a photograph of an American named Jeffery Guiseppe, and with date of birth 10/11/197. We later entered into a written agreement that he sent. I made payments through Western Union which he promised he will refund in a couple of days”, she said.

     

    Continuing, “’after some time, I asked for my money, but said he had not been able to clear the equipment because his bank account was frozen and pleaded with me to help him pay the next fee and I paid, with all payments made totaling  £13000.

    In another instance, he told me that he was ill and in a coma in the hospital.  I was at this time speaking with one Mr Bah who called me on WhatsApp.  He told me Guiseppe may die,  that he needed to undergo a surgery and I financed it.  After a while, I decided to investigate his identity  because I didn’t believe him anymore, especially as he had refused to pay me the money I loaned him.    I eventually told my husband who handed the matter to the police for investigations and the police found out that the phone number he gave me was on a server in Singapore and the address and passport were all fake. The police further said  it would be very difficult to investigate the case as the German law restricts investigations outside Europe”.

    She further narrated that in order to seek help, she joined some women on Instagram who  have similar stories and they decided to find ways to help one another.   During the Covid 19 era, Goschenhofer said she had an opportunity to video call Guiseppe  and  realized he was not an American and “at this point he apologized and claimed he is from Kenya”. She said she further called and sent videos of their conversations and other documents to an officer in the German embassy in Kenya to find out who Guiseppe was and was told that his dialect showed that he is a Nigerian.

    She conducted further checks and found out his real identity on Facebook and Instagram. She also found out in one of their video chats that Guiseppe was driving a car with a Nigerian number plate.

    “So, I decided to print and send all the evidence of pictures and documents to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution”, she said.

    All evidence of pictures, passports, work permits and receipts were tendered and admitted in evidence.

    Justice Olajuwon adjourned the matter to Tuesday, 10 October, 2023  for cross examination. (Flowerbudnews)

  • NDLEA debunks police’s claim over inquiry on arrest and detention of Mohbad

    NDLEA debunks police’s claim over inquiry on arrest and detention of Mohbad

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    NDLEA on Saturday debunked the claim by the police that it had not responded to an enquiry sent to it on deceased singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.

    Police in Lagos State had told a news conference on Friday that the NDLEA had yet to confirm social media posts that it arrested and detained Mohbad on Feb. 24, 2022.

    The media posts also claimed that Mohbad was given a substance to drink while in NDLEA detention.

    Dismissing police claim in Abuja, Director, Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi stated that the anti-drug agency responded to police enquiry since Sept. 28.

    He stated that “to show the seriousness the NDLEA attached to the police enquiry, its formal response dated Thursday, Sept. 28 was sent to Lagos by air; delivered and received by the police same day.

    “The summary of our response was that we also heard the unsubstantiated allegation on social media that the NDLEA arrested and detained Mohbad on Feb. 24, 2022 and he was given a substance to drink.

    “In response to the allegation, we state categorically that Mohbad was neither arrested nor ever detained in the custody of the NDLEA on the said date or any other date before or after.

    “The foregoing being the case, the issue of giving him any substance to drink does not arise.’’

    Babafemi attached an acknowledged copy of NDLEA’s response to his press statement, showing that the police received it in Lagos on Sept 28.

    Mohbad (27) died in controversial circumstances on Sept.12 and was buried on Sept. 13, but his corpse was exhumed on Sept 21 for autopsy.

    Many fans and celebrities in some states took to the streets in protests following the singer’s death.

    They demanded that justice be done as they suspected that there was more to Mohbad’s death than met the eye.

    Police have since arrested Mohbad’s music promoter, Balogun Eletu, aka ‘Sam Larry’ and Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley; over multiple face-offs they had with Mohbad before the deceased parted ways with Marlian Records.

    Marlian Records is owned by musician, songwriter and music promoter, Naira Marley.

    Also in police detention over Mohbad’s death is his close associate, Owodunni Ibrahim popularly known as “Primeboy’’.

    NAN

  • Gov. Mbah lauds President Tinubu for ensuring safety, stability on roads

    Gov. Mbah lauds President Tinubu for ensuring safety, stability on roads

     

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has lauded President Bola Tinubu for ensuring safety and stability in all road within the country before now bedeviled by criminal activities.

    Mbah, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr Obi Ozo, said this at the Passing-Out Parade of the 2023 Cadet Officers Basic Course at Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Academy, Udi on Friday.

     

    The governor, who was the Reviewing Officer of the Cadet parade, passed out 264 cadet officers after six months of intensive course that included: drills, class work, moral instruction and daily physical fitness trek.

    Mbah said that most people entertain some form of apprehension on safety of lives and property in recent time due to security breaches in parts of the state and the country in general.

    He said: “I am happy to note that perhaps not for his (President Tinubu) intervention; the atmosphere of this event may not have been created.

     

    “The President’s Matching Order probably halted the negative incident from drifting and interfering with activities at this end. We are grateful”.

    Mbah noted that in demonstrating the level of seriousness the current administration attached to the road transportation sector, road reconstruction and repairs had since commenced within the state.

    The governor said: “We are looking at further avenues of partnership with the Corps in order to deepen impact.

     

    “As has been the case, government is confident such collaboration would enhance growth in security and other relevant sectors as most activities and occurrences have a road component to them.”

    For the cadets, Mbah appreciated them for completing the course, while urging them to ensure they “do not constitute to be hazard on the road but ensure professional conduct on the roads and other duty post.

     

    Earlier, the Commandant of the Academy, FRSC Assistant Corps Marshal, Mr Anthony Oko, commended the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu and FRSC management for funding and supporting the training of the cadet as well as kitting them.

    “I will charge you to be good ambassadors of this academy and FRSC, even as you are well-prepared to face the rigours of the task ahead,” he said.

    In another brief ceremony, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu, represented by Deputy Corps Marshal, Mr Peter Osawe, officially declared the cadets commissioned officers of the FRSC; even as he directed for an oath of allegiance to be administered on them.

    Biu also decorated the cadet officers with their new first ranks of Assistant Route Commander (ARC) and issued them with certificates. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Police seek closer working relationship with NAF in Enugu

    Police seek closer working relationship with NAF in Enugu

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Enugu: The Police Command in Enugu State, on Wednesday, sought the strengthening of the existing mutually beneficial working relationship between it and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the state.

     

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, said this when he, alongside his management team members, paid a courtesy visit to the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Ground Training Command (GTC) of the NAF, Enugu, AVM Usman Abdullahi.

    “We are here to extend our warn facilitation to your Command and see how we will strengthen our existing good and cordial working relations built over years,” Uzuegbu said.

    Responding, the AOC commended the CP and the state Police Command for the hitherto cordial and fruitful working relationship.

     

    He, however, assured the police command of the strengthening of the existing collaboration.

    “Our relationship will be made to become even more mutually productive,” he assured.

     

    In another development, the commissioner of police received the leadership of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) in Enugu State, led by its Chairperson, Mrs Joy Uzuegbu, who paid him a courtesy visit in office in Enugu.

    The commissioner commended the women for their fervent motherly roles and enjoined them to continue to support and pray for the officers and men of the Command, as they daily perform the arduous policing tasks.

    In her remarks, Mrs Uzuegbu assured the CP of the officers’ wives continued support and prayers for God’s guidance, preservation, and success as the Command’s officers and men daily discharge their duties.

     

    She further promised to ensure that POWA in the state becomes even more cohesive and resourceful. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Troops conduct clearance operation in Imo, recover rocket propeller, others

    Troops conduct clearance operation in Imo, recover rocket propeller, others

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu:  The troops of Joint Task Force South-East Operation, code-named ‘Operation UDO KA II’, has conducted clearance operations in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) affiliates hideouts in two council areas in Imo.

    The clearance operations, which took place simultaneously on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, was conducted along Ihioma-Ihittenansa communities in Orsu Local Government Area and Okigwe-Umulolo communities in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State respectively.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Enugu by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division of Nigerian Army, for the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II.

    Unuakhalu said that the clearance operations were aimed at identifying and destroying possible camps of the fleeing IPOB/ESN terrorists, who are killing and maiming as well as extorting innocent citizens of the South-East in the name of agitation.

    According to him, during the simultaneous clearance operations, at Umulolo, one of the troops’ vehicles was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), however, no causality was recorded.

     

    He said: “Troops also came in contact with the terrorists who fled into the nearby bushes with gunshot wounds due to superior fire power.

    “Two suspects were arrested and items recovered at Umulolo included; two locally-made guns, ammunition, one PKT machine gun barrel, one big locally made Rocket Propelled Launcher (Ogbunigwe) and IED making materials.

    “Others included, three CCTV cameras, two laptops and a charger, eight mobile phones, three boots, camouflage shorts, two motorcycles and a beret. Furthermore, three shrines used by the terrorists for fortification were destroyed.”

    The army spokesman said that in the clearance operations/fighting patrols along Road Ihioma -Ihittenansa in Orsu LGA; the troops also encountered IEDs, made close contact and engaged in gun duels with some IPOB/ESN terrorists around Eketutu Market.

    “The terrorists fled into the adjourning forests of Lilu and Mother Valleys with gunshot wounds on motorcycles.

    “Troops also recovered 2 X CCTV cameras carefully concealed at the highest point in the area and some IED making materials.

    “Troops successfully cleared the terrorists from the Eketutu market,” he said.

    The army spokesman noted that Operation UDO KA II would continue combating ritual killings, cannibalism, kidnapping for ransom and extortion of hardworking and law-abiding citizens in the South-East.

    “These terrorists, mostly the condemned criminals that escaped from Owerri Jail Breaks, are low lives that are being used by a criminal abroad to unleash mayhem on all of us.

     

    “All Ndigbos (Igbo people) should join hands to ensure these terrorists do not determine how we live our lives.

    “Law abiding and good citizens of the South-East are enjoined to provide timely, credible and reliable information to end the insecurity in the region (Alaigbo),” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Marwa seeks global commitment in tackling illicit drug trade, societal menace

    Marwa seeks global commitment in tackling illicit drug trade, societal menace

    By Flowerbud News

    Oct. 6, 2023

    Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has said that the task of keeping modern societies safe from the scourge of illicit drugs demands global commitment.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday in Abuja, by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi.

    Marwa said this while delivering a lecture to academics, students, mental health professionals and Nigerians in diaspora at the Jayhawk Welcome Centre, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, US.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the lecture part of the 2023 edition of the Marwa Africana Lecture Series established and organised annually since 2003 by the Department of African and African-American Studies of the university.

    The lecture had as its theme “War against Substance Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking: The Nigerian Story”.

    Marwa while relieving the Nigerian experience in the fight against the global drug scourge said that the NDLEA had been able to keep huge cache of drugs from getting into the streets.

    He explained that this was achieve by seizing them at the border or before distribution, adding that intelligence sharing with counterparts in source countries or along the transnational routes played huge role in the success story.

    The chairman said that for some 33 months now, Nigeria had run an unflagging anti-illicit drug campaign based on global best practices for drug law enforcement, and guided by UNODC’s Whole-of-Society approach to the drug conundrum.

    According to him, while we have achieved remarkable mileage, the Nigerian anti-drug campaign is nonetheless a work in progress.

    “Be that as it may, our achievements of the past 30 months, relative to the past 30 years, have bolstered our hope of greater accomplishments going forward.

    “The support from our international partners; governments of friendly countries; the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Nigerian people have strengthened our conviction that the objective we pursue is not unrealistic.

    “Now we have before us an open vista where the objective of a drug-free society is a possibility.

    “The task of keeping modern society safe from the scourge of illicit drugs requires a global commitment, and in NDLEA and Nigeria, we are doing everything possible to fulfil our end of the bargain.”

    The NDLEA boss also said that the choice of words for the campaign against illicit drugs in Nigeria was a metaphor that was reflective of the need for drastic steps against a brewing illicit drug apocalypse.

    He added that the war on drugs within the Nigerian context connoted the severity of the situation as an existentialist threat to the Nigerian nation and the urgency and intensity of action required to bring the situation under control.

    He further said that the campaign, was however, being conducted in accordance with global best practice.

    Marwa also told the gathering some of the strategic steps taken to get positive results by NDLEA.

    “In every facet of our activities, we endeavour to adopt innovation. We upgraded our standard operating procedures. We innovated our methodologies, adopted sophisticated tools and systems, and embraced revolutionary paradigms in treatment.

    “For instance, to break the jinx of barriers to treatment, NDLEA commissioned a drug abuse tele-therapy centre.

    “This toll-free call centre has a round-the-clock helpdesk to which drug users, their families, and associates can call for assistance, and receive prompt attention from a team of counsellors and mental health professionals.

    “The UN conventions encouraged law enforcement agencies in different countries to work in collaboration.

    “We explore the opportunities maximally by renewing and strengthening our ties with our international partners, such as INL and DEA here in the United States.

    “Also with Narcotics Control Bureau of India, the UK Border Force, and NCA, Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt, and the French Police, among others, “he said.

    NAN further reports that the lecture followed an interactive session during which Marwa answered questions asked by members of the audience especially Nigerians who expressed happiness on efforts being made by the Nigerian government to curtail drug scourge.

    Some Academics who spoke at the event include Dr Shawn Leigh, Professor and Chair, Department of African and African-American Studies, Dr Peter Ukpokodu, a Professor of African and African-American Studies.

    Others were Dr Dorthy Pennington, also a Professor of African and African-American Studies, Dr Amal El Haimeur, Assistant Professor of African and African-American Studies, all of University of Kansas.

    “They commended the NDLEA chairman for his leadership skills and commitment to Nigeria and humanity.

    NAN

  • No ransom paid for release of Benue kidnapped commissioner – Alia

    No ransom paid for release of Benue kidnapped commissioner – Alia

     

     

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi,: Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue said no ransom or any monetary exchanges were involved in securing the release of his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo.

    This was contained in a statement on Thursday signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

    The governor stated that no ransom or monetary exchanges were involved in securing his safe release.

    “We can confirm that the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, has regained freedom. He has since reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area where he was abducted.

    “His release was as a result of intense pressure on the criminals from the gallant security operatives who were acting on the directives of Gov. Hyacinth Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr. Abo’s release,” he said.

    The statement further disclosed that the kidnappers were still holding the former Chairman, Ukum LGA, Mr Washima Erukaa and his cousin who discreetly went to negotiate with them for the release of Mr Erukaa but were also kidnapped.

    The former chairman was kidnapped at a different location and date.

    Gov Alia, who welcomed back the commissioner, further warned criminals operating within the state to leave for good, insisting that they would not be tolerated in any form.

    The governor commended the security operatives for ensuring the safe release of the commissioner and tasked them to ensure the safe release of the remaining captives.

    He charged the security operatives to be ruthless on criminals and ensure that they have no room to operate in the state.

    NAN reports that Mr Abo, who was kidnapped on Sept. 24, spent 10 days in captivity before regaining his freedom.

    Gunmen came on four motorcycles about 8:00 p.m., ordered everyone in the house, including the commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down and took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles. (NAN) www.nannews.ng Flowerbudnews

  • Tinubu Commends EFCC on Anti-Graft Efforts, Unfolds More Robust Agenda

    Tinubu Commends EFCC on Anti-Graft Efforts, Unfolds More Robust Agenda

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for making impressive gains in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

    The President, however, charged the Commission to intensify a more vigorous and robust efforts in tackling the monster of corruption, a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC Ag. Head,  Media & Publicity disclosed.

    President Tinubu gave the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday while declaring open the 5th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC- National Judicial Institute, NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges.

    According to him, there were profound gains already made in the fight against corruption and the EFCC played remarkable roles in achieving them.

    “For instance, available records show that EFCC has continued to achieve significant milestones in securing convictions and asset recovery running into billions of naira.

    There have also been significant improvements in the policy and legal frameworks for combating corruption with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Plan and new legislations against money laundering, illicit financial flow and terrorism financing”, he said.

    President Tinubu noted the devastating effects of corruption against the growth of the nation and called for multi-sectoral and multifaceted approaches in tackling them, placing emphasis on synergy and inter-agency collaboration as potent weapons of attack against the monster.

    “Corruption and related financial crimes have become a menace in our national life and have in consequence attracted poor perception index rating for Nigeria globally. It requires concerted collaborative efforts to effectively combat it”, he said.

    The President, while commending the efforts of “successive leadership of the EFCC and NJI” for sustaining the anti-graft war, charged judicial officers to be more passionate and courageous in carrying out their assignments to rid the nation of corrupt practices.

    “Without competent and courageous judges who are passionate about their country, progress in fighting corruption is impossible”, he said.

    The President, who spoke through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN,  applauded the theme of the Workshop: “Consolidating on the Gains in the Fight against Economic and Financial Crimes”.

    He assured that his administration was determined and resolute in bringing corruption to its knees.

    “My administration is determined to ensure that these gains are not reversed and that Nigeria achieves her dream of reducing corruption to the barest minimum.

    He assured that his agenda of fighting corruption is “not just a mantra but a call to duty by all agencies involved in combating the malaise”.

    The President specifically called for proper inter-agency synergy and collaboration while promising the “provision of adequate resources for the achievement of this noble objective and will therefore not accept any excuse for failure”.

    The President expressed commitment to improve the efficiency of the administration of criminal justice system and make “comprehensive investments across the entire justice system in Nigeria to improve human resource capacity and create enabling working environment in view of rising backlogs of and attendant congestion of correctional centres.

    He charged the NJI to take decisive steps in ensuring drastic improvement in the rating and perception of the nation’s judiciary.

    He also tasked the judiciary to be more proactive in the trial of awaiting inmates, arguing that “victims of all manner of crimes and their family must also be able to get justice within a reasonable time”.

    In his Goodwill Message, Chief Justice of Nigeria,  Justice  Olukayode Ariwoola noted that the judiciary as an arbiter between parties,  has continued to live up to expectations and called on judges to be more proactive in resolving lingering cases of corruption  across the courts.

    He particularly called for more focus in dispensing justice without allowing legal technicalities to strand in the way of right adjudication of cases. “Judges must be proactive by not allowing technicalities to stand against substantive justice’’, he said.

    He commended the theme of the Workshop, saying that it is appropriate as “it resonates deeply with the current state of our nation and the challenges of resolving lingering cases in our courts”.

    Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, emphasized the collaborative efforts of the EFCC with the NJI stressing that, “to effectively fight the menace of corruption and economic and financial crimes, the symbiotic relationship between the EFCC and the judiciary must be enhanced and encouraged.

    He noted that, though the challenges of fighting economic and financial crimes are daunting,  “our dynamism and pro-activeness as a law enforcement agency has given us the advantage to be a step ahead of these criminals and continue to develop strategies to deal with them accordingly.

       He expressed confidence in the prospects of the Workshop to deliver optimal benefits to every stakeholder, assuring that “this workshop will yield its desired purpose and communicate implementable solutions that will guide the EFCC in executing its new agenda in the fight against corruption and economic crimes”.

     Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the  three-day workshop include Chief Judges of many states, Justices of the Court of Appeal,  senior legal luminaries,  among others.  (Flowerbudnews)