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Zulum threatens to revoke lands of banks hoarding new naira notes

Published

2 years ago

February 5, 2023

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum

Following the alleged hoarding of the naira notes by the banks, the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has directed banks in the state to dispense the new notes via Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and banking halls or risk losing their lands to the state government.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has also arrested bank officials in Dei Dei, Abuja, for hoarding cash.
Also, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation of Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, an actress and cosmetologist, for allegedly tampering with the redesigned naira notes, an offence contrary to Section 21 (5) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.

This is coming as the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has alleged that the scarcity of the naira could de-market the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the issue before it snowballs into crisis.
Zulum gave the warning yesterday after visiting branches of banks in Maiduguri, the state capital, to assess problems being faced by residents trying to access new naira notes.

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“Any bank in Borno State unwilling to ensure their ATMs are fully dispensing new naira notes cash to ease the suffering of our people, we will withdraw their land title immediately. We will only spare Banks with verifiable constraints,” Zulum said.
He added that he was unhappy seeing hundreds of people queuing at a bank branch, with only one out of 10 ATMs dispensing cash.
“As you can see here, only the less-privileged people are queued up. I didn’t see rich people here. Many people are said to be here since 3:00 am; some could not even eat anything. The new naira note and even the old ones are not available, which is adversely affecting commercial activities in the state, and people are suffering,” the governor said.

He said further: “We just released salaries of about N5 billion, and the banks don’t have money; some of the ATMs are not working. We don’t have any problem with the CBN policy or the withdrawal limit, they said individuals could only withdraw N20,000, but why can’t everyone have access to that N20,000?” he queried.
“Yesterday, I was in Gubio with over 70,000 people, but it was impossible to source N100,000 in the entire local government, neither of the new or old notes. A ram worth N100,000 is now being sold for N35,000 because people are desperate for cash, and some wicked rich people are going to rural areas to exploit poor people,” Zulum explained.
The governor urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure the availability of new notes at commercial banks for people to access their money.
“Right now in Borno State, I have visited more than 10 ATMs, and there’s no cash,” Zulum said.

Thisday

Related Topics:Babagana Zulum bank Borno Featured

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Three people found with human parts arrested in Ogun

Published

4 minutes ago

April 26, 2025

Trends Admin

Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola

Three people found with human parts arrested in Ogun

The Ogun State Police command said it has arrested three persons over unlawful possession of human parts in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The command image maker, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Friday. The statement said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday following a credible intelligence report.

According to Odutola, the suspects included 36-year-old Sunday Akintobi, Oladimeji Olaniran, and 40-year-old and 38-year-old Isaiah Tijani.

The statement reads, “On April 22, 2025, at about 0800hrs, operatives of the Ogun State Police Command, through its SWAT unit, acted on credible intelligence and apprehended one Sunday Akintobi (male, 36 years), a resident of Itoku area in Abeokuta, suspected of trading in human body parts.”

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“Further investigation led to the arrest of two additional individuals: Oladimeji Olaniran (male, 40 years) and Isaiah Tijani (male, 38 years). A search of their residences led to recovery of body parts believed to be human remains.”

“Cerebral bones were also recovered from a location disguised as a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Kobape town and along Abiola Way in Abeokuta.”

Odutola added that the Commissioner of Police in the State, Lanre Ogunlowo, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a discreet investigation into the case to establish the suspects’ full involvement in the heinous crime.

“As a friendly force, the Ogun State Police Command, urges the public to refrain from shielding criminal elements and to provide timely and credible information to security agencies. Such cooperation is crucial in curbing ritual killings and other violent crimes in the state.”

Three people found with human parts arrested in Ogun

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Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp – Alia

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp – Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has given the major reason for blocking major opposition figure Peter Obi from visiting the IDP camp in the state.

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

Alia, in an interview with TVC on Thursday, said 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,” Governor Alia said.

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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 for 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 governor 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,” Alia stated.

He added, “If he (Obi) couldn’t reach me, I have a chief of staff, I have an SSG, (and) I have a PPS.”

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

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

Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp – Alia

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Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack

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

Governor Zulum paid a 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 kilometres 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.