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Customs Announces Auction of Seized Petrol at ₦400 Per Litre

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  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to auction 15,325 litres of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at ₦400 per litre to help ease transportation challenges during the festive season. Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of the service’s Operation Whirlwind, made this announcement on Saturday during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos. Ejibunu revealed that the seized petrol, valued at ₦27.5 million, was confiscated during operations conducted in Lagos and Ogun states. He stated that Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, has authorized the auction, pricing the fuel at ₦10,000 per 25-litre container. The coordinator further explained that all legal and procedural requirements, including a court condemnation order, have been finalized by the office of the legal adviser to facilitate the auction process. “This operation, which began on May 27, 2024, has delivered positive results,” Ejibunu said. “The Comptroller-General has directed the operatives to sustain this momentum until the activities of economic saboteurs are completely eradicated in the country.” He added, “In line with this directive, the CGC has approved the auctioning of the seized petrol to the public at a rate of ₦10,000 per 25 litres. This measure aims to alleviate transportation difficulties during the festive period.”  

NCC Dismisses Telecom Tariff Hike Rumors, Assures Consumers

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  The Nigerian Communications Commission has dismissed claims of a telecommunications tariff hike allegedly set to take effect in January 2025. The Commission described the reports as false and unfounded, urging subscribers to disregard the misinformation. A senior NCC official, speaking to PUNCH on Sunday, emphasised that the regulatory body operates under a transparent framework guided by the Nigerian Communications Act. According to the official, this framework requires stakeholder consultations and strict adherence to due process before any tariff adjustments are approved. “These rumours are baseless and misleading. The NCC is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that any potential tariff changes are communicated clearly and transparently,” the official stated. “Subscribers can rest assured that no tariff increase has been approved,” he added. The NCC also appealed to journalists and industry stakeholders to verify information before publication, stressing the importance of accurate reporting to avoid unnecessary public panic. Reiterating its commitment to consumer interests and the stability of the telecommunications industry, the Commission assured Nigerians that updates on tariffs or related matters would always be communicated through official channels. The Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria also addressed the rumours. Speaking in Lagos, ATCIS National President, Mr Sina Bilesanmi, stated that the association sought clarification directly from the NCC on December 24, 2024. “The NCC confirmed there is no truth to claims of call charges increasing to N15.40 per minute from N11, SMS charges rising to N5.60, or 1GB of data costing N1,400 instead of N1,000. “Any changes in tariffs, if necessary, will follow due process and involve input from all stakeholders, including ATCIS. There is no cause for alarm,” Bilesanmi said. Both the NCC and ATCIS emphasised their commitment to consumer protection and urged subscribers to rely on verified information from credible sources. Punch

12,000 Supporters Of Ooni’s Ex- Queen Demand Justice After Video Reveals Government Awareness Of Funfair

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  No fewer than 12,000 supporters of Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have demanded justice for her, describing her arrest, arraignment and remand in a custodial facility as unfair. Naomi was arrested alongside the Chief Executive Officer of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, after the stampede at a funfair they organised in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, turned tragic, claiming the lives of 35 children on December 18, 2024. The prophetess, Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, where the event was held, Fasasi Abdullahi, are currently remanded at the Agodi Custodial Centre by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of Magistrate’s Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan. The defendants were arraigned on four counts bordering on conspiracy, causing death by negligence, endangering public safety, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event. Naomi, Hamzat, and Abdullahi pleaded not guilty to the charges. The ex-queen had planned to host 5,000 children, aged 0-13, across Ibadan for free under the aegis of the Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation with the funfair. The programme was scheduled to start at 10 am, while police were expected to be at the venue by 8 am. Reports indicated that the event was initially planned for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 children showed up. Sunday PUNCH gathered that the stampede occurred as children and their parents attempted to break through the main gate and scale the school fence to enter the venue at all costs. Naomi and Hamzat have been in custody since the incident turned disastrous. However, the ex-queen’s supporters continue to call for her release, arguing that she was carrying out a charitable programme to bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged children. Thousands of Naomi’s supporters signed an online petition to demand fairness in the judicial process concerning her matter. The petition, which started on Thursday, had gathered 12,000 signatures as of the time of filing this report on Saturday. The originator of the petition, Yetunde Ola, stated that Naomi’s actions were driven by an earnest intention to alleviate the suffering of hungry children, but she found herself “unfairly entangled in a web of legal accusations that were both disheartening and misplaced.” “We, the supporters of Queen Naomi, are seeking justice. It is paramount that her court cases are addressed with utmost impartiality and integrity. We must hold our judicial systems accountable for their actions and ensure that they remain transparent, fair and unbiased in their proceedings. “Our plea is, thus, simple: Give Queen Silekunola Naomi a fair trial, unaffected by bias and calumny. We present this petition to highlight the necessity for a just legal process that respects the evidence and operates in compliance with the principles of justice. “We reinforce our commitment to stand by Queen Naomi, championing justice, fairness, and truth,” she said. This was as her mother, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, called on President Bola Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in her daughter’s legal troubles. In an emotional video that has gone viral, Ogunseyi claimed that her daughter’s predicament was orchestrated by “powerful persons.” “They say her ordeal is an ‘order from above.’ Please, I beg those in power to release her. She is not a killer; she came to help. Naomi is fragile and sick. President Tinubu, I beg you, come to our aid,” she implored. The sentiments shared by Naomi’s supporters and her mother re-echoed insinuations that the ex-queen was being persecuted with her arrest and remand. However, the Oyo State Government stated that there was no reason to persecute the prophetess. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said those spreading such insinuations would be unfair if they expected the government to interfere with the judicial process. He also denied that the government knew about the programme. He said, “It is a laughable insinuation. What is the motive for victimising the lady? We barely know her name. The government does not know anything about her apart from the normal stuff on social media. We have no relationship with her in any manner. There is no altar of political conflict or anything that looks like it between the Oyo State Government and the woman. “The government did not officially know anything about her enterprise, what she does, or what she planned to do in Oyo State. We were not formally notified because there is no documentation to show that the government was given notification of what she wanted to do through the normal time-tested processes. So, she remained an unknown quantity and faceless to this administration. “Are they asking us to meddle with the judiciary? A case was taken to court. Even a government official, the principal of a secondary school, was equally arraigned and detained because 35 of our children died. “And there are no draconian issues extraneous to a normal course of justice on the ground. “So, we will advise, therefore, that those who are engaged in such meddlesomeness allow the course of justice to prevail. That is the beauty of democracy. No matter whose ox is gored, for democracy to survive and thrive, justice must take its course.” However, a video of a meeting between the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Toyin Balogun, and Naomi has surfaced online. The meeting was held a day before the programme. In the video, Balogun is seen and heard asking the ex-queen about the programme. After Naomi explained, the commissioner promised to attend the event. Balogun said, “It is a fantastic intervention, I must say. It’s laudable to have an aspiration to put smiles on the faces of children, particularly the ones I call the special children. You are probably going to have to do this again next year; you are probably going to have to come back. “On behalf of the Oyo State Government, on behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs, we will be looking forward to doing something collaborative for both the women and the children in … Read more

Blackout In Abuja, As TCN Begins Maintenance

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  The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has informed residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, about looming blackouts in some areas. In her statement on Saturday, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN, disclosed that TCN engineers would conduct planned maintenance exercises at two transmission substations on Saturday and Sunday. She said, “Maintenance will be carried out on a 60MVA power transformer and its associated switch gears at the Gwagwalada 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation.” According to TCN, during the maintenance period, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (Abuja DisCo) “will not be able to supply electricity to customers in Gwagwalada and environs for four hours only. “Today, Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 9 am to 1 pm. Maintenance will be carried out on a 60MVA power transformer and its associated switch gears at the Gwagwalada 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation. “During this period, Abuja DisCo will not be able to supply electricity to customers in Gwagwalada and its environs for four hours only.” She said that from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, “maintenance work will be carried out on one of the 60MVA power transformers at the Kukwaba 132/33kV Transmission Substation.” “This will result in power interruption in Wuye, EFCC, Federal Medical Centre, Coca-Cola, Idu Railway Station, Citec, and Life Camp. “TCN apologizes for the inconvenience this may cause, especially during the end-of-year and yuletide season. “However, it is important that maintenance is carried out as scheduled for the optimal performance of power equipment.”  

Four Lagos Drug Lords Jailed 28 Years, Forfeit VGC Houses

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  Four drug kingpins involved in the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms at an Ikorodu residential estate in 2022 have been sentenced by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The convicts —Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican— were arrested by the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency operatives in various locations across Lagos between Sunday night, September 18, and Monday morning, September 19, 2022. The arrests followed a raid at No 6 Olukuola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, where over 2.1 tons of cocaine were seized. This recovery remains the largest single cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s history. The convicts were charged with six counts under charge number FHC/L/607C/2022 in October and December 2022. The trial of a fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, who was arraigned alongside them, is still ongoing. In a statement on Thursday, the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Justice Yellim Bogoro sentenced the convicts to a combined 28 years of imprisonment with hard labour. The statement partly read, “The trial judge handed the Jamaican, Kelvin Christopher Smith, four years imprisonment with hard labour; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu received a total of 16 years; Soji Jubril Oke was sentenced to five years with hard labour, and Wasiu Akinade got three years with hard labour. The trial judge, however, gave the convicts varying options of fines, except for one who must serve the full jail term without an option of fine. They were also ordered to forfeit a grey Toyota Tacoma SUV (registration number AAA-734HT) registered in the name of Emmanuel Chukwu, $50,000 belonging to Chukwu, ₦55,099,509.50 also belonging to Chukwu, ₦9,003,168.06 belonging to Wasiu Akinade, and ₦3,052,295.20 also belonging to Akinade.” In another development, the NDLEA secured the final forfeiture of two properties linked to the drug cartel in a suit marked FHC/L/MISC/672/2024 and filed before Justice Bogoro on December 9, 2024. Babafemi quoted the court as saying, “An order of final forfeiture and confiscation is granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Landed Property/House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos State, used for the storage and concealment of 2,139.55kg of cocaine, an illicit substance. “An order of final forfeiture and confiscation is also granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Landed Property/House Number J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City Estate, Lagos State, reasonably believed to have been purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking. “An order is granted directing the sale or disposal of the forfeited properties by any lawful means, with the proceeds paid to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

Customer Abducts Seven-Year-Old Daughter Of Ogun PoS Operator

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  The family of a seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande, has raised the alarm over her disappearance in the Sango Ota area of Ogun State. PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that the incident happened on Monday close to where the girl’s mother operated a Point of Sale terminal in the community. It was gathered that a yet-to-be-identified male adult said to be the mother’s regular customer visited the shop, bought food for the seven-year-old girl, and later sent her on an errand to buy a sachet of water. On her return, the customer left the spot and approached her midway in an attempt to collect the water sachet. The nephew of the victim who identified himself simply as Jude told our correspondent on Thursday that the mother sighted both of them at that moment but was distracted by the attention of other customers. Jude said by the time she turned towards the daughter’s direction to check what was happening, both of them were nowhere to be found. He said, “The man had been visiting her store regularly to withdraw money and buy recharge cards. He had become friendly with the girl and would often buy her food and give her money. He doesn’t stay in the area. On Monday morning, which was December 23, the man visited the stall again and bought food for himself and the girl. “While the mother was busy attending to other customers, the man sent the girl to buy pure water. On her way back, he approached her halfway to get the sachet water from her. The mum saw this and wasn’t comfortable with it but was distracted by the attention of other customers. By the time she turned towards the daughter’s direction to check what was happening, the guy and her daughter were nowhere to be found.” Jude said the mother immediately launched a search for her daughter but did not find her. He added that repeated calls made to the man’s phone were not responded to while his line was no longer reachable. The girl’s cousin had through his X handle, Miyakee, disclosed that the incident was reported at the nearest police station in the community. He stated that the mother was asked to pay N10,000 to report the case and also told to bring N30,000 to track the man’s phone number. “We have reported to a police station in Sango and the struggling mom has been asked to pay a total of 10k to report the case (she has done that). And to bring N30,000 for the guy’s phone number to be tracked. She’ll be going back there tomorrow to pay. “As it is now. Work has not even started. She only paid N8000 to write her statement at the station and a total of N2000 to print out pictures of the missing girl. Then to track the phone number, she has to pay the sum of N30,000 and get a court affidavit to take to MTN office,” he wrote. He however lamented that efforts to get a court affidavit were not successful due to the holiday. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, did not respond to calls made to her phone. She had yet to reply to a WhatsApp message sent to her as of the time this report was filed.

10 Killed In Sokoto Bombing: Military Denies Blame As Residents Voice Outrage

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  An airstrike in two Sokoto communities, Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa, has left 10 civilians dead, sparking conflicting accounts between local authorities and the military. The incident, which occurred at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, saw bombs dropped by military jets reportedly pursuing bandits in Silame Local Government Area. The council chairman, Hon. Abubakar Gitta Rana, disclosed that the airstrike also killed livestock, describing it as an “erroneous” attack on innocent villagers. In contrast, the Joint Task Force (JTF) North West, Operation Fasan Yamma, insisted the operation targeted Lakurawa terrorists and denied hitting civilian structures. A statement by Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar emphasized that the airstrike was justified, cautioning against misinformation spread by terrorist groups and collaborators. Governor Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by state APC leader Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Labour Minister Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, visited the affected communities to condole with victims’ families. He participated in funeral prayers for the deceased and described the incident as a tragic mistake. “The jets were on a mission to eliminate criminal groups but mistakenly bombed innocent civilians. This is unfortunate, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent future occurrences,” Aliyu stated. The state government announced a donation of ₦20 million and 100 bags of foodstuffs to assist the bereaved families. It also pledged to cover the medical expenses of those injured in the airstrike. The tragedy highlights the challenges of precision in military operations and raises questions about accountability in counterterrorism efforts.

Ibadan Stampede: Naomi’s Mother Decries Ex-Queen’s Detention, Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention

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  Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunseyi, the mother of Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has called on President Bola Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in her daughter’s legal troubles. Silekunola is among three individuals taken before the Iyaganku Magistrate Court in Ibadan in connection with a tragic funfair stampede that resulted in the death of 35 children last week. The court has since ordered the remand of the accused in prison on charges bordering on conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event. In an emotional video that has gone viral, Mrs. Ogunseyi pleaded for mercy, asserting that her daughter’s intentions were purely humanitarian. According to her, Naomi had organised numerous outreach programmes over the past decade to assist the needy, elderly, children, and pregnant women across Nigeria. She lamented that her daughter’s goodwill had inadvertently led to the stampede and subsequent deaths. “Have mercy on me. Mothers have mercy. Come to my rescue. Don’t let my life be destroyed. My child only came to Ibadan to help the needy; this was not her first time. We have travelled across the country helping children and the vulnerable. I sympathise with the families who lost their children; it was never our intention. Please, don’t let Naomi be imprisoned—she is innocent. She only came to show compassion,” Ogunseyi said tearfully. She recounted the events leading to the tragedy, noting that crowds had gathered hours before the programme’s scheduled start time of 10 a.m. According to her, the stampede began around 6:30 a.m., long before Naomi arrived at the venue. Mrs. Ogunseyi further revealed that Naomi, who was reportedly unwell, fainted during police interrogation and remains in custody despite her fragile health. “The programme was meant to begin at 10 a.m., but people started arriving the day before. By 6:30 a.m., the crowd became uncontrollable. Naomi wasn’t even there yet. I received a call about the chaos while still asleep. My phone number was on the event flyer, so I was the one contacted. Naomi, her elder brother, and I immediately went to the police station to report the incident, but she was detained and later charged with murder,” Ogunseyi narrated. Breaking down in tears, Ogunseyi appealed to President Tinubu and other influential Nigerians to intervene. She claimed that her daughter’s predicament was orchestrated by “powerful persons.” “They have taken my child to prison. The court was full of policemen. I don’t know where else to turn. They say her ordeal is an ‘order from above.’ Please, I beg those in power to release her. She is not a killer; she came to help. Naomi is fragile and sick. President Tinubu, I beg you, come to our aid,” she implored. Mrs. Ogunseyi also expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased children, emphasising that the tragedy was unintended.

Christmas: Purified Entertainment Boss, Agboola Babawale Preaches Love, Peace, Unity •••Lauds Journalists, OAPs, Others For Support

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  The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Purified Entertainment Company Limited, Mr Agboola Babawale Segun Popularly known as “Handy” has congratulated Christian faithful across the world on the occasion of Christmas and New Year celebrations. Agboola Babawale Segun an Ibadan-born showbiz entrepreneur who also doubles as the Director General of the Purified Entertainment Record Label urged the good people of Oyo state and Nigerians in general to embrace love, peace and unity as they commemorate the birth of Christ, describing the virtues as the real essences of Christmas. Mr Babawale in a Christmas message made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State on Tuesday to Christian faithful emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence in nation building. He acknowledged the socio-economic challenges faced by the country at the moment and encouraged Oyo state residents and Nigerians at large to extend a hand of love and kindness to one another, especially to those in need, assuring that government policies would eventually deliver the much needed succour and economic restoration. “I pray that the joy of Christmas be a source of comfort for those who grieve and an eternal flame that lights our path as a nation,” he stated. Babawale through the Christmas message also appreciated members of the fourth estate of the realm, especially the entertainment journalists in the state, the On Air Personalities (OAPs), Continuity Announcers, as well as all other critical stakeholders in entertainment sector for the massive support received in the current year which has led to numerous successes recorded so far at company. Babawale stated, “I’m using this festive season to acknowledge the efforts of all our stakeholders in the entertainment industry, this year has been a very engaging and productive one, this is made possible through the commitment and support we received from members of the fourth estate of the realm, this includes our dedicated entertainment reporters, Bloggers, v-bloggers, our On Air Personalities, the Continuity Announcers, the hype men, event planners, the DJs, our bouncers, and other stakeholders. “All our achievements recorded in this year so far would have not been made possible if not for your support and understanding, you all keyed into our vision and we regards to you all as critical stakeholders in our brand. “As we look forward into more positive energies from you all in the coming year 2025, on behalf of me, and the entire crew of Purified Entertainment Company Limited, we are wishing you a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year.” “The message of Christmas is one that speaks to the exigency of every moment. It enjoins us to show love and empathy to all. As Christians across the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may the message of joy inherent in Christmas radiate in our lives and in our dear nation. “When we imbibe the true message of Christmas, which is love, peace, and unity, we will see no divisions, but a common thread of humanity. Being an end-of-year festivity, Christmas is often an auspicious time to re-dedicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, patriotism and love. He wished Nigerians a happy and hitch-free Christmas celebration.

Hon. Olayinka Segelu Hails Governor Makinde At 57 … Describes Him As A Transformational Leader And Performing Governor

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  A Germany-based chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman/CEO of YSEG Hotels and Suites Ibadan, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has applauded the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his unalloyed commitment and dedication towards the growth and development of the Pace Setter State. Hon Olayinka, an ICT consultant, philanthropist and politician of high repute, gave the applause while congratulating the governor on the occasion of his 57th birthday. In a congratulatory message to Makinde, the PDP stalwart hoping to occupy the Oyo governorship seat in 2027, said: “Today, we gather to celebrate an extraordinary leader, a visionary, and a man of the people—His Excellency, Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde—as he marks his 57th birthday. “On behalf of myself, my family, the Segelu Dynasty, and the entire members of Igbega Apapo Oyo State (IAOS), I extend my warmest wishes to you, sir. “Your unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Oyo State continues to inspire us all. Your transformational leadership, humility, and deep commitment to the welfare of the people have set you apart as a beacon of hope and a true servant of the masses. “As you celebrate this special day, we pray that God continues to grant you wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Oyo State towards greater heights. May your life always be filled with joy, fulfillment, and the love of the people whose lives you have positively impacted. “Happy 57th birthday, Your Excellency! May your new year be as remarkable and impactful as the legacy you are building. “I am deeply committed to taking over the mantle of leadership from you and continuing the remarkable work you started at the end of your second term as allowed by the 1999 constitution. Thank you for standing by your word and making it clear that you are paving the way for the younger generation. I have positioned myself to be of service, driven by your commitment to empower the youth. As a strong supporter of your political vision, I have contributed my resources without seeking anything in return, motivated solely by the desire to see Oyo State thrive. “I pray that God continues to endow you with the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that you have graciously shared. I wish you long life and prosperity, sir.”

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