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Customs intercepts PMS, expired drugs worth N723.3m in Ogun, Oyo

Published

4 years ago

October 24, 2021

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 856 Jerrycan of PMS at 25 litres each and contraband products worth over N723.3 million between September and October 2021.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, the acting customs area controller, Zone A, ag. Compt. Hussein Ejibunu, said the contraband was intercepted at Igbo-Ora, Oyo State.

He said, ” I welcome to you all to the Headquarters of FOU ‘A’, Ikeja, for another round of my Press briefing today, Friday 22nd October, 2021, barely a month after the maiden edition on assumption of office.

According to Ejibunu, “the mandate of FOU ‘A’ as a critical enforcement arm of the Service, particularly in the South West Zone, cannot be overemphasized.

“Besides stemming the tide of smuggling in the Zone, the Unit stands as a Police providing the much needed security to other Customs Area Commands across the Zone, there is also the implementation of Government Fiscal Policies, Facilitation of Legitimate Trade and inter Agency function.

Ejibunu further revealed that the aforementioned seizures were effected at different flash points in the Zone prominent among them being Ado-Odo, Idogo, Sokoto-Ijoun, Ohunbe, Ilaro, Atan, Abeokuta/Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Iseyin, Igboora, Igbeti in Oyo State, Gbaji, Agbara in Ogun State and of course the creeks.

“Here is the list of 28 seizures made in the last three weeks which include 8,000 bags of smuggled rice of 50kg, 1,419 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 1,301 bales and 128 sacks of secondhand clothing, 233 bundles of wrapper, 621 cartons of expired medicaments, 635 cartons of wine, and 1,046 pieces of used tyres.

“Others are 21 cartons of cutlasses at 60 pieces each, 531 pieces of used compressor, 986 cartons of chocolate biscuit , 229 wraps (114.5kg) of Cannabis sativa (indian hemp) 8561errycan of PMS at 25 litres each, 1,516 cartons of frozen poultry products, 751 pieces of AAA cartridges (70MM) of live ammunition 18 units of motorcycles and inclusive of 80 means of conveyance. All with a duty paid value (DPV) of N 723,288,244.75,” he added.

His words, there is a disturbing new trend of smuggling deployed by smugglers and that has to do with massive use of motorcycles to smuggle parboiled rice at 50kg each using bush paths not accessible to vehicles.

“Another challenge that has remained unabated is the issue of ambush attacks of officers unprovoked. Just on Saturday 16th October, 2021, my patrol team ran into a convoy of more than 24 vehicles laden with smuggled rice and they were able to intercept 12 along Abeokuta/Sagamu Interchange.

As the officers made their way to Lagos, over 300 smugglers and hoodlums had mobilized and attacked the officers with pump-action rifles as well as cutlasses, pebbles and bottles.

In the process, the patrol vehicle was riddled with bullets wounds while the windscreen was shattered. The aftermath of the attack was the forceful retrieval of 8 of the 12 intercepted vehicles and injuring of 2 officers. You can now see what we face every other day.

One thing is very certain; we remain undaunted in the pursuit of our mandate no matter the level of attacks on my operations in the field.

He added that “Let me sound a note of warning to smugglers. No man has the monopoly of violence. We have the backing of the law to bear arms; and to that extent, we will not hesitate to deploy the Rules of Engagement in such dangerous circumstances. Parents should warn their wards on the dangers of smuggling.

‘Within the period under review, we had a total of 37 suspects arrested for various offences. Six of the suspects are already charged to Court, 12 on Administrative Bail while 19 are still in our custody either waiting to be charged to Court or be released through Bail.

“The activities of the Unit are not restricted to the borders alone, searchlight is equally beamed on the seaports in a bid to stamp out or minimize certain sharp practices credited to certain unscrupulous elements at the ports.

On the 7th of October, 2021, the Unit intercepted 1x40ft container no. TGBU 6748844 along Amuwo Odofin in Ojo LGA of Lagos State being transloaded into two trucks with Reg. nos. FKJ621XA and Scania FST331YD. As at the time of interception, 248 bales of secondhand clothing had been transloaded into DAF truck no. FKJ621XA, 240 bales into Scania truck no. FST331YD while 216 bales were still remaining in the container.

Both the container and the two trucks were brought to FOU ‘A’ and converted to seizure. Investigation which is ongoing has so far revealed that the container left APMT Apapa on Transire to Fano Bonded Terminal.

It was further revealed that the containers were 3 in number on one single declaration. We are on the trail of the remaining 2 and of course those behind the dastardly act will not be spared as some people are already in the Cell helping in our investigation.

Newsdirect

Related Topics:Customs expired drugs Ogun oyo PMS

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Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp for lack of courtesy – Alia

Published

48 minutes ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp for lack of courtesy – Alia

Peter Obi and Governor Hyacinth Alia has given a reason for his blocking major opposition figure Peter Obi from visiting the IDP camp in Benue.

Mr Alia accused the Labour Party leader of violating standard protocols by failing to inform the governor ahead of his visit as courtesy demands.

Mr Alia, in an interview with TVC on Thursday, said Mr Obi was blocked from visiting the Benue IDP camp because his “intention” was unknown, and he violated protocols by not informing him in advance.

“A very respected Peter Obi was a governor. If you are coming into someone’s state, there are protocols. Very high personality; you are coming into someone’s state, and your party does not even know you are coming.

“I, the sitting governor, did not know you were coming. Then you are going into where I’m protecting even the most, the IDP camp. It’s my duty to protect them. They’ve been displaced. I need to protect them even some more. I don’t know the intent you have,” Mr Alia explained.

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He added, “Is it not courteous enough for me to know as a sitting governor and even to provide more security to you and prepare the minds of the IDPs that a guest is coming to visit them?”

The governor denied claims that he was unreachable when the former Anambra called to inform him of his visit.

“No, that’s not the right narrative. I can never politicise that. I’m the one bearing the brunt, pain and sorrows of the IDPs in my state,” Mr Alia stated. “No. That’s not the true story. If he (Mr Obi) couldn’t reach me, I have a chief of staff, I have an SSG, (and) I have a PPS. That’s not true.”

Last week, Mr Alia said he could not guarantee the safety of any individual or group visiting Benue without his knowledge or clearance, barring Mr Obi from visiting the state.

However, Mr Obi expressed displeasure at how Mr Alia’s government allegedly politicised his planned visit to the troubled Benue.

Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp for lack of courtesy – Alia

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Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack in Wulgo

Published

1 hour ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack in Wulgo

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has expressed his deepest condolences to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) following the recent Boko Haram assault in Wulgo, a border town with Cameroon.

Governor Zulum made the visit on Thursday to Cameroonian troops under Sector 1 of the MNJTF, where he also extended sympathies to both the government and citizens of Cameroon over the devastating attack.

In Wulgo, located roughly 15 kilometers from Gamboru Ngala, the Governor was welcomed by Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, the Force Commander of the MNJTF.

“I am here to commiserate with you, and with the government and people of the Republic of Cameroon, over the recent unfortunate incident. I wish to salute your bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the region,” stated Governor Zulum.

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The Governor also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the MNJTF and Cameroon in their fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad region.

“The Government of Nigeria will explore all possible avenues to complement the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the government of Cameroon to bring lasting stability to the Lake Chad basin,” he assured.

Alongside the Federal Government’s support, Governor Zulum pledged additional assistance from Borno State to the troops operating in the region.

The Governor was accompanied by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan of Borno Central, Special Advisers Hon. Idrissa Jidda and Hon. Mustapha Dalatu, Hon. Yuguda Saleh Vungas, Chairman of the Borno State Social Investment Programme, the Chairman of Ngala Local Government Area, and his Principal Private Secretary.

Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack in Wulgo

metro

Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp

Published

1 hour ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday delivered its judgment in the appeal filed by Meta Platforms Incorporated (Facebook) and WhatsApp LLC against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), affirming the Commission’s authority and actions in nearly all the contested issues.

A statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs of FCCPC, said the Tribunal specifically determined that the Commission complied with prevailing laws, discharged its mandate, and exercised its powers within the confines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It ruled that the multiple actions by WhatsApp and Meta, for which the Commission made findings of violations, were correctly identified, and that the Commission did not err in making those findings.

“In addition to upholding the major aspects of the FCCPC’s Final Order, the Tribunal awarded the sum of $220 million against Meta Platforms Incorporated and WhatsApp LLC as an administrative penalty, and further awarded $35,000 to the FCCPC as cost of investigation.

“The tribunal’s three-member panel was led by Honorable Thomas Okosun,” the statement said.

WhatsApp and Meta’s legal team was led by Professor Gbolahan Elias (SAN) while the FCCPC’s legal team was led by Mr. Babatunde Irukera. Both teams had made their final arguments on behalf of their respective clients on January 28, 2025.

PlatinumPost reports that FCCPC had on on July 19, 2024, issued a Final Order imposing a $220 million administrative penalty after concluding that the companies engaged in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers.

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The case arose from a 38-month joint investigation initiated by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into the conduct, privacy practices, and consumer data policies of Meta Platforms and WhatsApp.

Dissatisfied with the Order last year, Meta and WhatsApp appealed to the Tribunal, challenging both the legal basis and the findings of the Commission.

While ruling on Meta’s appeal, the Tribunal also validated the Commission’s investigative procedures and processes.

The Tribunal resolved Issues 1 to 7 largely in favour of the FCCPC, dismissing the appellants’ objections to the Commission’s findings, orders, and legal competence.

One of the central issues (Issue 3) which alleged a breach of fair hearing, was decided in favour of the Commission, with the Tribunal affirming that the FCCPC fully discharged its quasi-judicial responsibilities by affording the appellants ample opportunity to respond.

The Tribunal found no violation of constitutional due process.

On Issue 4, which questioned the Commission’s powers in matters of data protection and privacy, the Tribunal held that the FCCPC acted within its statutory mandate, reaffirming its authority under Section 104 of the FCCPA to regulate competition and consumer protection even in regulated industries.

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On Issue 5, which challenged the Commission’s findings regarding Meta’s privacy policies, the tribunal also resolved in the FCCPC’s favour. The Tribunal found no error in the Commission’s conclusions and held that the privacy policy in question did, in fact, offend Nigerian law.

While Issue 7 was largely resolved in favour of the Commission, the Tribunal set aside Order 7 of the Commission’s Final Order, stating that it lacked sufficient legal basis.

While expressing delight at the landmark judgement, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, thanked the Commission’s legal team for their exceptional diligence and forensic skills in assembling evidence and marshalling their argument.

He restated FCCPC’s unwavering commitment to not only championing the rights of Nigerian consumers but also ensuring fair business practices in the country in accordance with FCCPA (2018) and consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.