Powerful Nigerians behind banditry associated with illegal mining – Minister – Newstrends
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Powerful Nigerians behind banditry associated with illegal mining – Minister

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4 months ago

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Powerful Nigerians behind banditry associated with illegal mining – Minister

Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has said the Federal Government is committed to ending illegal mining in the country’s mining sector.

The minister spoke when he led a Federal Government delegation to pay a condolence visit to the Oyo State Government over Tuesday’s explosion at Bodija estate in Ibadan.

He said powerful Nigerians were behind banditry associated with illegal mining in Nigeria.

He said a lot of banditry, terrorism and insecurity which were being associated with the mining sector were actually sponsored by illegal miners who are powerful people in the society.

“There are lots of connivance among the strata of the society —- both high, medium and low classes of the society —- in the nation’s mining sector.

“But the Federal Government is working together with the state and local governments, as well as the host communities, who have efficient knowledge of the local terrain to address the issue.

“Illegal mining is not exclusive to the high class alone, but cuts across the strata of our society. So, we are employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies and tactics to address the menace,” Alake said.

He disclosed that the Federal Government would await the final report of the forensic investigations into the causes, effects and possible remedy to the Bodija estate explosion.

Alake however said it was going to be after this that government would take critical decisions on the unfortunate incident.

“It would be presumptuous for the Federal Government to take any solid pronouncement or categorical announcement now.

“We will examine all the forensic analysis reports, and all the investigations from all the agencies and various intelligence arms of the security agencies.

“They are all working round the clock to provide an authentic and viable forensic report to the Federal Government.

“When the reports are ready, the Federal Government will be on a solid platform to make an informed judgment and a categorical statement.

 

“The final forensic report will also help the Federal Government in taking appropriate decisions concerning the victims of this ugly incident.

 

“Anything before then will be presumptuous and can be misleading at the end of the day,” he said.

 

The minister urged Nigerians to be conscious and always report suspicious movements and businesses in their environment, noting that failure to report early always lead to negative results.

 

“We need to be safety-conscious and develop the attitude of reporting atrocious  activities in our neighbourhood.

 

“For example, no one will expect that such deadly explosives could be stored in an elite estate like this without suspicion,” he said. (NAN)

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NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

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May 9, 2024

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NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully prosecuted Mr. Christopher Oluchukwu, a commandant within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for his involvement in an employment scam, according to a statement by the anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Thursday.

Oluchukwu was convicted by the Katsina State High Court 3 after being accused of receiving significant sums from individuals under the pretence of securing jobs for their children within the NSCDC. Despite failing to fulfil his promises, he refused to refund the money to the victims.

The court found Oluchukwu guilty on all nine counts and sentenced him to five years imprisonment without the option of a fine. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, and the judge directed that Oluchukwu’s sureties be arrested and detained for further investigation, as he had jumped bail.

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Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a probe into allegations of a N7.5 billion fraud involving ten senior officers of the NSCDC, including Commandant General Ahmed Audi. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, wrote to Audi, inviting the officers for questioning, with the investigation scheduled to commence from May 2, 2024.

The fraud, allegedly involving several contractors and money laundering through Bureau de Change operators, is under investigation by the EFCC.

This development underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government agencies and ensure accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public service sector.

NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

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Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

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May 9, 2024

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Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo

Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, as the co-chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

This is contained in a terse statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday.

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It reads: “In line with his avowed commitment to establish a more efficient, targeted, and consistent approval process for unique oil and gas projects in the country, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), as the Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

This is also to further ensure effective oversight of the gas aspect of the nation’s assets.

The President remains committed to unlocking Nigeria’s immense gas potential to stimulate industrial development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.”

Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

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Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

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May 9, 2024

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Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

The Senate on Thursday passed a bill that upgraded the maximum sentence of life imprisonment to the death penalty for drug traffickers in the country amidst controversy over the voice votes.

The death sentence as a penalty for drug traffickers passed through the third reading, the 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill.

The proposal was adopted when the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole for clause-by-clause consideration of a report of the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters and Drugs & Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Senator Tahir Munguno.

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In a review of the penalty provisions of the amendment bill towards strengthening the operations of the agency, a proposed amendment to award a death sentence to drug traffickers rather than just a life sentence was raised by the Senate Chief Whip and Sen. Peter Nwebonyi Under clause 11.

When the matter was put to a voice vote, it appeared the nays had it. However, when the question was put on a second vote, the Deputy Senate President ruled in favor of the i’s. A slight uproar ensued as some lawmakers were displeased.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed his displeasure over what he considered a hasty consideration and passage of the amended clause.

The Deputy Senate President rejected an objection by Senator Oshiomhole to reverse the ruling, insisting that it came late which is against the rules.

Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

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