In a recent operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) joined forces with the Nigerian Army’s 15 Field Engineering Regiment to dismantle an illegal alcohol manufacturing facility in Badagry.

NAFDAC Cracks Down on Illegal Alcohol Factory in Badagry

The target of the operation was Mr. Chinedu Okafor, who was operating the illicit factory from his residence on MTN Road.

The suspicious activities of Mr. Okafor came to light thanks to the vigilance of the Nigerian Army, resulting in his apprehension and subsequent transfer to NAFDAC officials at the Ports Inspection Directorate in Seme Border. Upon further investigation, all equipment and materials used in the production of illegal drinks were seized, effectively putting an end to the unlawful operation.

It was discovered that Mr. Okafor had been engaged in this illicit trade for a significant period, posing a serious threat to the quality of regulated alcohol beverages in the Badagry region.

NAFDAC stresses the importance of public awareness and encourages individuals to report any dubious activities to protect public health. Mr. Okafor is set to face legal action, and the confiscated products, valued at over fifty million naira, will be destroyed.

This successful operation highlights the commitment of NAFDAC and the Nigerian Army to combatting illegal practices that endanger public health and safety.

It serves as a reminder that collaboration and vigilance are essential in upholding regulatory standards and safeguarding communities from harmful substances.

Security Measures in Place Ahead of Biafra Heroes Day

Heightened Security Measures and Increased Purchasing Amid IPOB’s Biafra Heroes Day Commemoration in South East

Biafra Heroes Day, as declared by IPOB in the South-East, has led to the implementation of significant security measures.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has deployed additional police forces across schools to maintain order and safety.

The sit-at-home order issued by IPOB on 30th May to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Nigerian Civil War has resulted in business closures and travel restrictions in the South-Eastern states.

The Enugu State government has opposed the order, ensuring that security agencies remain on high alert.
IPOB has recommended that WASSCE and Nnamdi Azikiwe University reschedule events scheduled for 30th May to avoid potential disruptions.

There has been a noticeable increase in security presence around markets and educational institutions.
Students have been relocated closer to their exam centers to avoid being affected by travel restrictions.

Residents have been seen making last-minute purchases ahead of the sit-at-home order.

Financial institutions have experienced heightened activity as customers withdraw cash for essential purchases.

A resident, who was seen making quick purchases at Eke Awka Market, in Awka, Grace Acho, told Punch, “My brother, when I heard that markets would not open tomorrow, I took permission from the office to rush here to buy some foodstuffs and get ready for tomorrow.”

Statement by the National President of ALGON on the Inability of Local Councils to Afford the New Minimum Wage

Challenges Faced by Local Government Councils in Nigeria Regarding Proposed Minimum Wage Increase

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) stated that due to the limited funds received from the Federation Account, the proposed N62,000 new minimum wage is unaffordable for local councils.

Mr. Aminu Muazu-Maifata, the National President of ALGON, explained to reporters in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa state, on Monday, June 10, that the 774 Local Government Councils in the country only receive approximately 18% of their monthly allocation from the Federation Account, which is insufficient to cover the N62,000 minimum wage.

He said;

“Apart from payment of wages, we still have other responsibilities such as provision of affordable healthcare, education, security, traditional institution, rural roads as well as youths and women empowerment among others to contend with.”

Maifata, who noted that council chairmen supported a wage increment for civil servants, also requested an increase in the monthly allocations of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country to facilitate payment of the proposed minimum wage. He also called for:

Amendment of the constitution to standardize the tenure of office for LGA officials nationwide for smooth administration.
Pledged that the association would collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of area councils autonomy as stipulated in the country’s constitution.

The Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State said;

“The tenure of office of LGAs officials should be made four years to enable them deliver on their campaign promises to the electorate. The tenure is three years in some states and two years in some other states which is not good for the administration at the local councils.”

The average retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) increased by 223.21% year-on-year to N769.62 per litre in May 2024 from N238.11 per litre in May 2023.

NBS Report: Fuel Price Surges to N769.62 per Litre, Marking a 223.21% Increase

On a month-on-month basis, there was a 9.75% increase from N701.24 per litre in April 2024.

Jigawa State had the highest PMS price at N937.50 per litre, followed by Ondo and Benue States at N882.67 and N882.22 per litre, respectively.

Lagos, Niger, and Kwara States had the lowest PMS prices at N636.80, N642.16, and N645.15 per litre.

The North-West Zone had the highest average PMS price at N845.26, while the North Central Zone had the lowest at N695.04 per litre.

The average retail price of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) rose by 66.29% to N1403.96 per litre in May 2024 from N844.28 per litre in May 2023.

On a month-on-month basis, there was a 0.78% decrease from N1415.06 per litre in April 2024.

The report indicated that in May 2024:

The top three states with the highest average price of the product were Adamawa State (N1709.00), Sokoto State (N1675.00), and Bauchi State (N1657.92).

The top three states with the lowest prices were Niger State (N1140.20), Kano State (N1153.33), and Oyo State (N1236.92).

The North-East Zone had the highest average diesel price at N1605.91, while the South West Zone had the lowest at N1303.60 compared to other zones.

The average retail price per liter of Household Kerosene (HHK) in May 2024 was N1,450.35, reflecting a 0.74% increase from N1,439.64 in April 2024.

The River State Police Command has detained Felix Nwaobakata, the Commander of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) vigilante group in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area, for failing to comply with police summons.

Police Arrest Vigilante Leader Found with Human Body Parts in Rivers State

Nwaobakata was allegedly found with human remains during his arrest at his hideout in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

He is a principal suspect in the murder of two brothers, Collins Ugorji (32) and Newman Ugorji (39), from Idu Community in the LGA.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, mentioned that three other members of a vigilante group were arrested for their involvement in an attack on Omoku Police Station.

The Rivers State Police Command has initiated a crackdown on the activities of vigilante groups in response to public complaints.

“This follows numerous complaints about the operations of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC) in different parts of the State, predominantly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), as well as clashes with other security agencies by this vigilante group.

“On May 9th, 2024, Alhaji Usman Seleh, the Chairman of the Hausa Indigenous Group in ONELGA, reported that OSPAC had abducted a member of his group. He proceeded to report the matter to the Police. Consequently, the Police invited the ONELGA OSPAC Commander, Felix Nwaobakata, who refused to honour several invitations.

“Instead, the OSPAC outfit coordinated an attack on the Police Division in Omoku but the attack was thwarted as the Police repelled them.

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“Following this development, Tactical Units of the Command stormed the ONELGA OSPAC Camp at Omoku and arrested Cheta Benjamin, Joshua Ekwosa, Innocent Ahiakwu, and four others.

“The ONELGA OSPAC Commander, Felix Nwaobakata, was subsequently arrested in his hideout in Omoku on June 17th, 2023, where two human skulls and human bones were found in his possession.

“The arrested OSPAC Commander, Felix Nwaobakata, is also a principal suspect in the murder of two brothers, Collins Ugorji (32) and Newman Ugorji (39), of the Idu Community in ONELGA. The brothers were killed on May 1st, 2024, by the OSPAC on the allegation that they were kidnappers.

“Their motorcycles were confiscated, and their bodies were taken to the OSPAC Secretariat in Omoku and received by Felix Nwaobakata after residents lamented their criminal actions. The bodies of the brothers were not seen, and the investigation is ongoing.”

In a separate incident, the police reported that on May 31, 2024, the youth of Egbeda Community in Emuoha LGA organized a peaceful protest at Egbeda against Lubrik Construction Company (LCC).

After being addressed by the police, the youths dispersed, only to be ambushed by a group of OSPAC members led by Egbeda OSPAC Commander, Friday Ogbuji. Tragically, the Youth Leader, Innocent Didia, was shot and killed during the ambush.

“The Rivers State Police Command has made further arrests and will continue to investigate these cases and other related ones, which will then be charged to a Court of competent Jurisdiction.”

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, recommends that any resident with complaints of assault, extortion, or illegal detention should report them to the nearest police station.

“The Rivers State Command is committed to carrying out its duty of protecting lives and property. It will not tolerate any act of illegality, excessive use of force, torture, fraudulent conversion of properties, and other varying forms of criminality by the OSPAC or any other vigilante outfits,”

While acknowledging the significance of vigilante groups in the Community Policing System for tasks like information collection and visibility, the Command emphasized ongoing collaboration with these groups to clarify their roles and boundaries.

It stressed the importance of upholding the rights outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended.

The Rivers State Command affirmed its commitment to operating within legal boundaries and cautioned against any actions that violate the law.