The manufacturer of the recalled batch of Deekins Amoxicillin 500mg capsule is in custody, says the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

NAFDAC boss Mojisola Adeyeye confirmed this on Tuesday at a news conference in Lagos.

On December 11, NAFDAC notified the public of the recall of one batch of Deekins Amoxicillin 500mg capsule.

The product was allegedly manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd. and marketed by DevineKings Pharmaceutical Ltd., with lot number 4C639001.

The drug batch was recalled following reports of serious adverse drug reactions received from a hospital that reported three cases from patients administered with the batch of Deekins Amoxicillin 500mg capsule.

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic indicated for treating bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract.

“The producer of the drug gave another company to contract the manufacturing for them and there’s nothing wrong with that but the contracted manufacturer was already in trouble.

“We’ve already shut the company down. Before you agree to do contract manufacturing for somebody, we must know. Before you go to a company to do contract manufacturing for you, you must tell us. Neither of them told us, so we shut them down,” stated Ms Adeyeye.

The NAFDAC director-general explained that Deekins Amoxicillin “has been tied to that contract manufacturer, so we invited them to our office where the contract manufacturer said they just manufactured samples for registration.”

She added, “Manufacturers are expected to show some samples before manufacturing but the spread of the product is more than a few packets that they claimed to have manufactured.

“The manufacturer is already in custody. The drugs are still being tested in the laboratory to know what is inside and to determine if there will be more charges against the person.”

A young Nigerian man has been sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun, says Governor Ademola Adeleke.

However, reprieve came the way for the convict as Mr Adeleke vowed to grant him pardon.

“I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun state for stealing a fowl.

“Consequently, I have directed the attorney general and commissioner for justice, Osun state, to commence full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man,” the Osun governor announced.

Mr Adeleke added, “Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.”

Veteran actor Yinka Quadri has been honoured with the Islamic chieftaincy title, Osupa Adini, a remarkable recognition of his contributions to the Islamic community.

This prestigious title is associated with Ma’had Thaqofat Arabic and Islamic Studies, and was bestowed upon him under the leadership of Chief Imam Fadeelat Sheikh Ibrahim Omodola of Araromi Central Mosque.

Quadri expressed his heartfelt gratitude for this honor, acknowledging the support of his spiritual father, Fadeelat Sheikh Ahmad Hanafy.

He also thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support, stating that they are the best anyone could ask for.

“Yesterday, I was bestowed with an islamic chieftaincy title of OSUPA ADINI , Ma’had Thaqofat Arabic and Islamic studies under the leadership of the chief host, Fadeelat Sheikh Ibrahim OMODOLA (Chief Imam of Araromi CENTRAL MOSQUE ) and the spiritual Father , FADEELAT SHEIKH AHMAD HANAFY.

‘I truly appreciate all of my friends and family for always standing by me, through thick and thin. You’re the best anyone could ask for,” he wrote on Instagram.

In a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Aisha Garba, a renowned international development specialist, as the new Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Garba, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, brings over 24 years of experience in advancing educational initiatives across Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Her extensive career has been marked by designing and managing impactful education programs, driving reforms, and fostering human and economic development.

With more than 15 years at the World Bank, Garba has demonstrated expertise in leading large-scale education reforms from inception to execution and impact evaluation.

She has also built a reputation for her work in fragile and conflict-prone environments, leveraging her skills and network to deliver sustainable education solutions.

Garba’s track record includes contributing to Nigeria’s achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in education.

She has also consulted for global organizations such as the Department for International Development (DFID), Regent Foundation, and Muslim Aid Organization, among others.

An alumna of Petra American University in Jordan, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Computer Studies, Garba went on to obtain a Master’s in International Development from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

In her new role, President Tinubu expects Garba to lead UBEC in delivering the government’s vision of providing quality education for Nigerian children and enhancing their competitiveness on the global stage.

The appointment underscores Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s basic education sector as part of his broader agenda to inspire “Renewed Hope” for the nation’s future.

Israel plans to maintain “security control” in the Gaza Strip even after a ceasefire, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday.

This means that after dismantling the military and administrative capabilities of the Palestinian militant Hamas organisation, Israel’s army would retain “full freedom of action,” akin to the situation in the West Bank, Mr Katz posted on social media platform X.

In the West Bank, Israeli troops regularly conduct raids in cities technically under the security control of the Palestinian authority.

“We will not tolerate any organisation of terror against Israeli communities and Israeli citizens from the Gaza Strip,” Mr Katz said. “We will not allow a return to the reality of before October 7.”

The massacre committed in Israel by Hamas and other militant groups from the coastal area on October 7 last year resulted in 1,200 deaths and more than 250 people abducted, triggering the Gaza war.

Since then, Israel has been fighting Hamas in Gaza, where, according to Palestinian sources, more than 45,000 people have been killed so far.

Hamas demands a complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip and an end to the war as conditions for a ceasefire.

However, Israel aims at all costs to prevent a resurgence of the Islamist organisation after the war.

The Iranian embassy in Damascus will remain closed for the time being following the political upheaval in Syria, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Tehran on Tuesday.

“A reopening of the Iranian embassy in Syria is not imminent, as this initially requires political and security-related preparations,” Esmail Baghaei said, according to the news agency ISNA.

He added that Iran will take the necessary steps once these concerns are resolved.

In the upheaval following the overthrow of long-time Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, insurgents stormed the Iranian embassy in Damascus and, according to Iranian media reports, thoroughly devastated it.

For Tehran, al-Assad was a strategically important ally in its self-declared resistance front against arch-enemy Israel.

Syria also served as a corridor for Iranian arms shipments to the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

Iran had, therefore, also generously supported al-Assad financially and militarily – and branded the Syrian alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now in control in Damascus as terrorists.

The Rajnandgaon police have arrested a Nigerian national, simply identified as Johnson, in India over an alleged marriage scam, Etvbharat has reported.

The suspect, said to be around 40 years old, allegedly wooed a Chhattisgarh woman using a fake profile he uploaded on a matrimonial website and duped her of Rs 15,72,000 after promising to marry her.

The police stated that the suspect, who had been secretly living in Delhi after the validity of his visa and passport expired, lured the victim through her profile and lied to her about being a UK-based businessman planning to move his business to India.

According to the police, the suspect reached out to the victim through an associate, falsely claiming he was stopped at Delhi airport and needed money to exchange UK currency in his possession.

The Additional Superintendent of Police of Rajnandgaon police station, Rahul Dev Sharma, said the suspect blackmailed and cheated the victim with the help of his accomplice.

Mr Sharma said the victim’s attempts to call the suspect afterwards failed as his phone was switched off, prompting her to realise she had been cheated and to lodge a fraud case against him at Dongargarh Police Cyber Cell.

“We started an investigation on the complaint of the applicant. With the help of a cyber cell, it was found that the accused lives in Delhi. Our team raided his Delhi accommodation and arrested him. Accused Johnson is a resident of Nigeria. He has cheated many girls so far. We are trying to gather further information through interrogation,” said Mr Sharma.

A laptop and four mobile phones have been recovered from the suspect, and his bank account has also been frozen

A 22-year-old woman was on Tuesday, arraigned in an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, over alleged stealing of gallons of palm oil.

The defendant, Confidence Onyekachi, is standing trial before the Magistrate L.K.J Layeni, on a one-count charge of stealing.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, ASP Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on December 10, at Market St. in Ojo.

She was alleged to have stolen six gallons of palm oil belonging to a nominal complainant, Amaka Okonkwo.

The goods were valued at N594, 000.

Mr Uche said the offence contravened the provisions of section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case to January 27, 2025 for mention.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles forward, on winning the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year award.

Mr Tinubu also hailed Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons goalkeeper, for clinching the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

The president similarly commended the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year, according to a statement on Monday by his media aide Bayo Onanuga.

“The awards were announced Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

“The president joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating these athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage.

“The president believes that this recognition by Africa’s highest football authority will inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams,” said the statement.

Mr Tinubu affirmed that their determination, discipline and confidence underscored the administration’s resolve to build a better Nigeria for everyone to thrive and succeed.

‘‘These athletes embody the essential Nigerian spirit. They signpost the best in us as a nation. Let no one ever write us off. I am incredibly proud of them. Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying.

‘‘Thank you for winning medals for Nigeria both at home and abroad. You will win more in the future,’’ the president said.

President-elect Donald Trump will meet with the CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, as the Chinese company faces a nationwide ban in the U.S.

According to reports by CBS News, Mr Trump was expected to meet Mr Chew at his residence in Florida.

The meeting would be about the recent court order demanding that the social media giant be sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance before 19 January or stop its operations in the country.

However, in a press conference on Monday, Mr Trump said his administration would “take a look at TikTok”, acknowledging the social media company’s impact during the November U.S. presidential election.

“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points. There are those that say that TikTok has something to do with that. TikTok had an impact,” Mr Trump stated.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the social media company wrote to the Supreme Court requesting that the ban be delayed to give it room to review the development and allow Mr Trump’s administration to look into the matter.

In its filing, the company insisted TikTok is “one of the most significant speech platforms” in the U.S., adding the ban would do ”immediate irreparable harm” to the company and its teeming users.

The law banning the social media platform in the U.S. was inspired by the alleged connections between ByteDance and the Chinese government, which the U.S. considers a significant threat to its national security.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has landed at the Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the lesser hajj.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced the Vice President’s journey.

On arrival, Shettima was received by the Deputy Governor of Madina Region, Abdulmohsen Bin Nayef Bin Hamed, along with Nigerian diplomatic officials, including the Consulate General of Jeddah, Ambassador Mu’azzam Nayaya.

The Vice President will stay in Medina for a visit to the Holy Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other holy sites before proceeding to Mecca where he will perform the Lesser Hajj (Umrah).

He is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah on December 20.

Discussions at the meeting are expected to centre on co-financing arrangements for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ Phase II) as well as enhancing coordination of IsDB projects in Nigeria to support the country’s agricultural and economic development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed eight permanent secretaries to fill existing and impending vacancies in the federal civil service.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointments, which aim to address administrative gaps while ensuring balanced representation across the country.

The newly appointed permanent secretaries are: Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu (Abia State), Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip (Bayelsa), Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia (Ebonyi), Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam (Enugu), Kalba Danjuma Usman (Gombe), Usman Salihu Aminu (Kebbi), Oyekunle Patience Nwakuso (Rivers), and Nadungu Gagare (Kaduna).

The appointments followed a thorough selection process supervised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The process identified candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute to the effective administration of the civil service.

This marks the second set of permanent secretaries appointed by President Tinubu since his administration began.

In June, eight permanent secretaries were appointed from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara, parts of the Southeast, and the Southsouth.

President Tinubu urged the newly appointed officials to continue to demonstrate diligence, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in their roles.

He emphasised the importance of their positions in ensuring efficient governance and driving the country’s development.

A former minister of sports and youth development Bolaji Abdullahi, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abdullahi announced his intention to resign in a letter dated December 16 and addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Ubadawaki, Kwara state.

The ex-minister also said he is yet to decide which political platform to pitch tent with.

“The decision of what to do and where to go will be taken in the future that’s left to God,” he said.

In the resignation letter, Abdullahi said he reached the “difficult” decision after days of reflection and introspection.

“I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” the letter reads.

“I have had ample time to reflect, and I have come to the difficult conclusion that this is the only tenable option for me at this time.

“Mr. Chairman, please permit me to express, through you, my gratitude to the leadership of the party for the opportunities that I have had to serve the state and the country on its platform, and for the great moments we have shared.”

Abdullahi was the PDP candidate for the Kwara central senatorial district election in 2023. He lost the race to Salihu Mustapha of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A Jos Magistrates’ Court on Monday, sentenced a 20-year old tailor, Ahmad Garba to three months imprisonment for stealing six shirts and six trousers.

The Magistrate, Shawomi Bokkos, summarily tried and sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Bokkos in his judgment, ordered the convict to pay an option of N10, 000 fine or spend three months in prison.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Inspector Ijuptil Thiawur, told the court that the case was reported on November 17, at the “C” Division Police station by Usman Mohammed.

Thiawur said that the convict trespassed into the complainant’s house and stole six shirts and trousers and he was caught.

The police said that the offence contravened the Plateau Penal Code Law, NAN reports.

The US police on Sunday arrested a 16-year-old boy in New Mexico after an alleged quadruple homicide of his family members.

New Mexico State Police, in a statement said the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 emergency call before dawn on Saturday from a male minor who told the dispatcher he had killed his family.

It was gathered that when deputies arrived at the home, located in the city of Belen, the 16-year-old walked out of the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated.

“Deputies entered the residence to find Leonardo Leyva, 42, Adriana Bencomo, 35, Adrian Leyva, 16, and Alexander Leyva, 14, all deceased from suspected gunshot wounds. A handgun was located on the kitchen table,” state police added.

A Belen official said that the victims are the suspect’s parents and two brothers.

The police said that the teen suspect has been charged on suspicion of four counts of first-degree murder.

A combined team of security operatives made up of the Nigeria Police force, Armed forces, Department of State Security Service, DSS and Nigeria Civil Defense have dismantled criminal hideouts responsible for incessant civil unrest in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli LGA Imo State.

In a press statement made available to Journalists by the State Police Command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said the operation led to the killing of four suspects, the arrest of five, recovery of various firearms and other items linked to the suspects.

Okoye informed that the operation was made successful by the combined security outfits in their renewed effort to improve security and combat insurgency.

He pointed out that the various security agencies, under the auspices of “Operation Udoka”, have strengthened their operations to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

The release revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Aboki Danjuma and other service commanders conducted an assessment of the ongoing operation in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community aimed at targeting criminal hideouts responsible for violent attacks and kidnappings in the region.

The police spokesperson hinted that the operation leading to the dismantling of the suspect’s hideouts was followed by a protracted gunfight with the terrorists disclosing that eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to the suspects were recovered.

“The assessment, involved key security figures, including the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, Brigadier General U.A. Lawal, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Air Commodore David Bello, Commander NAF 211 Quick Response Group, Owerri, Naval Commander Oguta, Commodore MB Salisu, the DSS Commander, the NSCDC Commander, and the SSA to the Governor on Security Affairs, Brig. Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd.). They commended the professionalism of the joint security operatives and stressed the importance of public cooperation in aiding the fight against crime by providing valuable intelligence,” he stated.

Okoye remarked that the operation followed an earlier ransacking of a similar criminal hideout in Aku within the month.

He further stated that the State Police Commissioner used the moment to reassure the people of the state that the security agencies were working in unison to protect the state.

“The CP. called on all citizens to work in partnership with law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure environment throughout the holiday season.”Okoye further stated

A mayor in Mexico’s central San Luis Potosi state, who was a member of the ruling Morena party, was shot dead on Sunday along with three other people, local authorities said.

Jesus Eduardo Franco, mayor of Tancanhuitz municipality, and the three other victims were all found dead inside a vehicle, according to the state prosecutor’s office.”We deeply regret the death of our colleague Eduardo Franco, municipal president of Tancanhuitz,” Morena party president Rita Rodriguez wrote on X.

“We ask authorities to reach the ultimate consequences and find those responsible,” she added.

Dozens of local officials have been targeted in organised crime-related violence that has plagued Mexico in recent years.

Local media reported last month that Alejandro Arcos, a mayor in southern Guerrero state, was decapitated less than a week after taking office and his head placed on top of a pickup truck.

More than 450,000 people have been murdered and thousands have gone missing since the Mexican government deployed the army to combat drug trafficking in 2006, according to official figures.

The Benue State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has rescued 11 persons and recovered 20 bodies from a boat accident in Agatu Local Government Area.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police Sewuese Anene, told the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the incident took place late in the evening of the previous day.

Anene said the rescue was still ongoing.

Chairman, Agatu LGA, Mr Melvin James, said the victims were from Nasarawa State.

“It’s true that there was a boat mishap yesterday, and the people came to Ocholonya market in Agatu,’’ he added.

“What I learnt is that when they were returning to their base in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma in Nasarawa State, the boat they were travelling in capsized.

“I am trying to get my colleague from Nasarawa State to see how we can go there to visit the families and console them,” he said.

James said he had contacted the commander of the Nigerian Navy in the LGA to help in the rescue.

An accident involving two containerised trucks one loaded and the other empty occurred yesterday at Powerline by Cele Bus Stop, Ita-Oluwo, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that three individuals were killed in the incident, while two others were rescued from the wreckage with injuries and taken to the General Hospital, Ikorodu, for treatment.

According to reports, the truck had a brake failure while allegedly trying to evade a revenue collector in pursuit.The mechanical failure led to a chain reaction, causing the truck to collide with other vehicles and damaging nearby structures.

Emergency services, including LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Fire Service, and personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 174 Battalion, responded promptly to the scene.

LASTMA officials secured the area with caution tape to facilitate rescue operations and prevent further harm to bystanders.

Its General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condoled with families of the deceased.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recovered 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N4.4 billion in street value at Port-Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers.

This is contained in a statement issued by agency spokesman Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Babafemi said that the drugs were intercepted in shipments from India on December 9, 11 and 13.

He said the seizures were made during a joint examination of four containers by NDLEA officers, men of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies at the port.

This, he said, was made possible following processed credible intelligence on the shipments by the NDLEA operatives.

“At the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers state, no fewer than 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N4.4billion in street value were intercepted in shipments from India,” he said.

Meanwhile, with the same vigour, Commands and formations of the agencies across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities, among others, in the past week.

Mr Babafemi named the places as WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of City Comprehensive College, Ogidi, Anambra, Government Secondary School, Toungo, Adamawa, Bonny Camp Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos, and Government Junior Secondary School, Yarganji, Kano.

He added that the Oyo State command of NDLEA delivered a WADA enlightenment lecture to leaders, elders, youths and residents of Tapa, among others.

This, he said, was a continuous process by the agency to reduce, to the barest minimum, the dangers of illicit drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country.

Mr Babafemi said NDLEA top boss Buba Marwa commended the officers and men of the Onne area of the agency for the arrests and seizures.

Marwa said that the operational successes should show the drug barons and cartels that the agency had the capacity and intelligence network to track their movements and their consignments even before getting to Nigeria.

He said the agency would continue to lose heavily if it failed to back down on the criminal trade.