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NAFDAC seizes N5bn fake rice, seals factory in Nasarawa

NAFDAC seizes N5bn fake rice, seals factory in Nasarawa
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a factory and eight shops in Nasarawa State for packaging, selling, and distributing counterfeit rice.
Acting on an intelligence report, the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Taskforce uncovered an operation on Thursday on Thursday involving fake rice products worth an estimate.
The factory, Ninjur Ventures, located at 44 Abacha Road in Karu and hidden behind a residential property, was found to be packaging and distributing counterfeit rice under various popular brand names.
Products seized included fake bags of rice and empty sacks branded as Royal Stallion, Big Bull, Mama’s Choice, Optimum, and Ultimate Gold, in 25 kg and 50 kg sizes.
Relevant documents linked to the operation were also confiscated.
During the raid, NAFDAC apprehended a factory worker who denied involvement and claimed that the factory had ceased operations two days earlier.
She further alleged that the branded bags found in the warehouse did not belong to the facility, while the factory owner was absent at the time of the operation.
In addition to the factory, NAFDAC sealed eight shops on Old Karu Road, which were also implicated in packaging and selling counterfeit rice.
Two shop owners were arrested alongside Thomas.
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Speaking after the raid, the Director of NAFDAC in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kenneth Azikiwe, emphasised that the enforcement was part of a nationwide operation directed by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, aimed at eliminating counterfeit food products from circulation, particularly during the festive season.
“This exercise shows the extent of counterfeiting in food products. The packaging materials we discovered reveal how these criminal elements deceive unsuspecting Nigerians into believing they are purchasing genuine products.
“NAFDAC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for counterfeiting and ensures that only safe, high-quality food products reach consumers,” he said.
Azikiwe disclosed that complaints from manufacturers, combined with intelligence reports, led to the operation, saying, “These brands are being counterfeited, and we’ve received complaints from manufacturers.
“Through intelligence, we traced these activities to specific locations, such as the Karu factory where we found packaging materials for various brands being used to produce fake rice.”
He also revealed that approximately 1,600 bags of fake rice, mostly in 25 kg and 50 kg sizes, were confiscated from the factory and other locations, bringing the total street value of seized counterfeit products to about N5 billion.
Revealing that NAFDAC had already seized over 400 bags from Wuse Market in an earlier operation, Azikiwe said, “This is a nationwide operation, and it will continue because these criminal activities persist.
“The individuals involved will face the full force of the law in line with NAFDAC regulations.”
He, however, advised consumers to purchase food products only from reputable sources and to verify the authenticity of items by checking for proper registration, batch information, and quality.
“Nigerians should ensure that the food products they buy are registered by NAFDAC and purchased from trusted distributors or stores to avoid falling victim to counterfeit goods,” he added.
NAFDAC seizes N5bn fake rice, seals factory in Nasarawa
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Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister

Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has clarified that a sexual assault case involving Ebunoluwa Fatoyinbo is not connected to the family of President Bola Tinubu.
This clarification comes after widespread social media reports claimed Fatoyinbo is the sister of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son. According to the reports, Oscar Ilochi allegedly assaulted Fatoyinbo while she was exercising alone in a gym basement, prompting an investigation that includes reviewing the facility’s CCTV footage.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson, confirmed that the command has launched an investigation based on a formal complaint filed by Fatoyinbo. However, she emphasised that the police have not established any familial link between Fatoyinbo and the Tinubu family.
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“The FCT Police Command is aware of a circulating publication on social media alleging that the Command has commenced an investigation into a case of sexual assault involving Miss Ebunoluwa, purportedly referred to as the sister of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement read.
“The Command wishes to clarify that a formal complaint of sexual assault was indeed lodged by Miss Ebunoluwa Mitchell Fatoyinbo against one Oscar Ilochi, a resident of the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.”
Adeh urged the public, including media outlets and social media users, to verify information before publication and rely on official police channels for updates on ongoing investigations.
Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister
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Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash

Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has reversed his controversial directive ordering the arrest of individuals with dreadlocks, following widespread backlash from the public and civil rights advocates.
Bago had earlier instructed security agencies to arrest anyone seen with dreadlocks across the state, linking the hairstyle to rising cult-related activities and insecurity, particularly in Minna, the state capital.
“Rascality in Minna: anybody that you find with a dreadlock, arrest him and barb his hair. From this moment, it’s fire for fire. Any attempt to harass any security officer is an attempt to harass the government of Niger State,” Bago had declared during a public address.
In addition to the dreadlocks directive, Bago also announced a 12-hour daily restriction on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, banning their operations from 6pm to 6am, as part of efforts to end violent crimes.
He also threatened to demolish any house found to be housing criminals or drug dealers, emphasising that his administration will “apply maximum force to restore order.”
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The governor’s early statements, notably the one targeting people with dreadlocks, provoked widespread condemnation on social media and from members of the public, who accused him of encouraging discrimination and lacking a thorough understanding of effective crime-fighting techniques.
In response to the anger, Bago reaffirmed his position on Wednesday at a ceremony in Minna, declaring the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport as an alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“Yesterday, we read a riot act on hooliganism, and people misconstrued our words for people who have dreadlocks. We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks.
So, if you have dreadlocks and you have business, please come to Niger State,” Bago said.
The state governor went on to describe the backlash as “media propaganda” and reiterated that the enforcement efforts are targeted specifically at criminal groups.
He said, “We are only driving that cult that is becoming a menace in Niger State. Thank you.”
Bago insisted that law-abiding residents are not at risk, claiming that the crackdown is primarily directed at criminal elements who utilize “cult” insignia, such as dreadlocks, to conceal their operations and elude law enforcement.
Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash
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Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos

Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos
A 16-year-old kid named Mustapha was killed by a stray bullet during a suspected cult clash in the Oyingbo area of Ebute Metta, Lagos State, on Monday.
Chronicle NG gathered that the incident happened during a peace walk sponsored by several young people to address escalating cult-related violence in the town.
It was reported that the walk had hardly ended when an argument erupted between them.
A resident, who talked to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, claimed the fight escalated when a suspected cultist pulled out a pistol and shot indiscriminately, injuring Mustapha with a stray bullet.
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Another resident told reporters that the teenager was not affiliated with any cult group.
“Mustapha just came out to support the walk. He was not part of any gang. He is a calm and respectful boy. He was taken to the hospital after the bullet hit him, but he died on the way,” the source said.
The incident was said to have caused chaos in the community, while the event ended abruptly.
Meanwhile, our correspondent reported that one of the organisers, who was struck by a gunshot, is in critical condition.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin had yet to comment on the incident at the time of filing this report.
Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos
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