The Northern Nigeria Youths Union has promised to garner over two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The chairman of the union, Abubakar Aliyu, discussed this on Wednesday shortly after the conclusion of a major meeting held in Jos, Plateau.

“We are speaking after the conclusion of a large gathering of young men and women who have committed themselves to contributing to the journey of Tinubu.

“This is after seeing how he is implementing a myriad of developmental projects across the country, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria,” Mr Aliyu said in a statement.

Mr Aliyu cited Mr Tinubu’s recent inauguration of the Abuja to Kaduna to Kano highway construction.

“The prices of various goods had also nosedived and even the price of fuel had reduced significantly,” the group’s leader stated. “We in our organisation, the Northern Nigeria Youth Union, assure the president that when the election comes, we will give him more than two million votes.”

Mr Aliyu stated that the union had registered members, Muslims and Christians, all volunteers in the 19 northern states.

He added, “It is not that we were given money from somewhere. We are just volunteers with patriotism. Considering our large membership, when the elections are held, we will also attract the attention of many people to cast their votes for Tinubu.

“Therefore, with a large membership of over 65,000 people, and the efforts we will make to get people with voter’s cards, will ensure that we generate the votes for Tinubu. This is a guarantee that this will indeed be done.”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has banned night grazing in all parts of the state following the spate of attacks and killings in some communities.

Mr Mutfwang issued the ban in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday in Jos over the prevailing security challenge in Plateau.

On April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in the Manguna district.

Similarly, gunmen on Sunday attacked the Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom of Bassa.

In both incidents, the attackers killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.

The governor also restricted the movement of cattle on vehicles in all parts of the state after 7:00 p.m.

He explained that the move aimed to curb the worsening security challenges.

“To restore calm and strengthen vigilance, I hereby announce that effective Wednesday, April 16, night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited.

“Also, transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 p.m. The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. across the state until further notice,” he said.

The governor, who assured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, promised to support the security agencies in the state.

Mr Mutfwang, who also insisted that the killings were not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment towards achieving lasting peace in Plateau.

He promised to constitute a fact-finding committee comprising respected independent voices to investigate the root causes of the violence and offer actionable recommendations.

The Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Wednesday ordered that a 27-year-old housewife, Rukayat Sodiq, be remanded in the Agodi corrections facility over the alleged murder of her husband.

The magistrate, T.G. Daodu, who did not take Ms Sodiq’s plea for want in the jurisdiction, ordered her remand, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

The magistrate adjourned the matter until May 22 for mention.

The prosecution counsel, Iyabo Oladoyin, alleged that Ms Sodiq, on March 27, at about 6:30 p.m. at Akinrinmisi area, Amuloko, Ibadan, caused the death of her husband, Abiodun Ibironke, 64.

Ms Oladoyin said the woman hit the victim on his head with a stick during an altercation.

This, the police said, led to Mr Ibironke’s death.

Street-hop sensation Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has issued a stern warning to social media users, declaring his intent to take legal action against anyone who defames or disrespects him online.

In a video shared via his Instagram story, the controversial singer lashed out at his critics, expressing frustration over negative comments and calling for a shift in the way his name is mentioned on social platforms.

Portable made it clear that he would no longer tolerate slander or online bullying. He urged those who don’t support or celebrate him to simply stop talking about him altogether.

“If you’re not praising me, don’t mention my name,” he warned.

He said: “Anybody don’t talk good about me now, talk good about me. Say good about me; they have been wicked to me, hence I can decide to also be wicked to anybody; federal government liability on my job enemy; henceforth, I am ready to go to any length to arrest anyone defaming me on this internet. No matter where you are, if you talk badly about me, I will make sure you get arrested. I’m no longer playing nice with anyone,” he said in a series of emotional outbursts.”

He expressed deep frustration over what he described as longstanding wickedness and negativity from people around him.

According to him, his recent stance is a response to persistent attacks and misrepresentations on the internet.

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has declared the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly illegal and unconstitutional.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro nullified the House’s proceedings and resolutions of January that led to Obasa’s ouster.

Obasa had filed a suit against the Lagos State House of Assembly and Mojisola Meranda, who was named the new Speaker, challenging the legality of the process that resulted in his removal.

Represented by his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, Obasa argued that the decision to remove him was taken by 36 lawmakers while the Assembly was on recess and he was out of the country.

He maintained that the session was invalid, as it was convened without his authority or a formal delegation of power, in violation of the House’s procedures.

The suit was based on nine grounds, referencing relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed multiple shops in Abuja’s Utako Market for allegedly rebagging locally produced rice as foreign brands.

Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the FCCPC’s Surveillance and Investigations Department, said the enforcement action carried out on Monday followed credible intelligence received by the commission.

According to a statement on the Commission’s X handle, the affected shops were found to be rebagging and marketing rice under popular brand names that have been out of circulation for nearly a decade.

The statement reads: “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed several shops in Utako Market, Abuja, after uncovering deceptive practices involving the rebagging of locally produced rice as foreign brands.

“The enforcement operation, which took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, was prompted by complaints from brand owners and concerned consumers.

“The affected shops were found to be rebagging and marketing rice under popular brand names that have been out of circulation for nearly a decade, including Royal Stallion and Mama Gold. The Commission confiscated the counterfeit products and sealed the stores involved in the illicit trade.

“Speaking to journalists during the operation, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigation at the FCCPC, revealed that the action followed verified reports from brand owners. “We received credible information indicating that certain rice brands, including Royal Stallion, are no longer available in the Nigerian market, she stated.

“Mrs. Adeyinka further explained that the persistent demand for foreign rice has created an avenue for unscrupulous traders to deceive consumers by rebagging local rice as imported varieties. “Because of the demand for foreign rice, some market cartels have resorted to rebagging local rice and passing it off as imported. This is a clear case of deception,” she said.

“The Commission’s intervention is part of its broader mandate to protect consumers from misleading and unfair trade practices and to ensure transparency in Nigeria’s markets. The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to sustaining surveillance and enforcement activities to safeguard consumer rights and uphold market integrity.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated it warned Nigerians against falling for Ponzi schemes, as outrage grows over the alleged N1.3 trillion fraud linked to the digital investment platform CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX).

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday said the Commission had actively educated the public on the risks of fraudulent investment schemes before the CBEX collapse.

“In March 2024, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, directed us to publish a list of 58 Ponzi scheme operators to warn the public. That shows we’ve been proactive,” Oyewale said.

“We had already been monitoring CBEX, and we’ve continuously advised Nigerians to stay away from such deceptive platforms.”

Oyewale clarified that CBEX is a Chinese-owned digital trading company operating solely online, with no verifiable physical presence in Nigeria, contrary to claims of offices in places like Ibadan. He stressed that the EFCC cannot be blamed for the situation, as the agency had done its part in raising awareness.

“We’ve empowered, enlightened, and informed the public. Nigerians must take responsibility for safeguarding their investments by verifying compliance with relevant laws,” he added.

He emphasised the importance of the newly enacted Investment and Securities Act 2025, which criminalises unlicensed digital trading. “Any business promising 100% returns in 30 days is unrealistic. With Nigeria’s interest rate at 27.5%, such offers are clear red flags,” he said.

Oyewale urged Nigerians to scrutinise investment schemes and ensure they comply with laws such as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Proceeds of Crime Act, and the Terrorism Financing Act.

“If these platforms are operating outside the bounds of these laws, it’s only a matter of time before things fall apart,” he concluded.–

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18 and Monday April 21 as public holidays for Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holidays on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on this joyous occasion.

The Minister in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.

He also called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.

He reassured citizens of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.

He encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity.

The Minister wished all Christians a blissful Easter celebration and extended warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.

A few weeks after a protest rally, workers of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos State, still carry out their official duties under trees.

The workers, under the aegis of the Joint Union Congress, had, on March 20, held a rally to protest alleged poor working conditions, including reporting for work under trees at the National Theatre Complex, Iganmu.

The congress comprises the Amalgamated Union of Public, Civil, Technical, Recreational Employees, and Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union.

The workers had called on the federal government to return them to their offices following the completion of the renovation of the edifice.

The Lagos State secretary of AUPCTRE -federal organ, Omotola Babatunde, told journalists on Tuesday in Lagos that all attempts by the workers to reach an agreement with the National Theatre management proved abortive.

Mr Babatunde said, “We are waiting for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to give the management a 14-day ultimatum.

“NLC meeting is still ongoing. We are waiting, expecting feedback.”

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi after showing up at his naturalisation interview appointment in Vermont on Monday.

According to the New York Times, Mr Mahdawi, who organised several pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University last year, had gone for what he thought was a routine appointment as part of the process of becoming a U.S. citizen when immigration officials detained him.

The whereabouts of Mr Mahdawi were unknown for several hours, prompting his mother, older sister and lawyers to start scrambling before he was later found at an immigration detention centre in Colchester, Vermont.

Mr Mahdawi’s lawyer, Luna Droub, immediately filed a temporary restraining order to prevent federal officials from transferring him to a more conservative jurisdiction to face removal proceedings.

Subsequently, a Vermont federal judge, William Sessions III, swiftly granted that request, ordering that Mr Mahdawi, an outspoken critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, not be removed from the U.S. or transferred out of Vermont until he orders otherwise.

Mr Mahdawi, a green card holder for more than 10 years, is the latest permanent resident to be caught by the Trump administration’s deportation web following the high profile case of another pro-Palestinian protests organiser at Columbia University, Mahmoud Khalil, whom an immigration judge in Louisiana ruled can be deported.

“This is their M.O.,” Ms Droub said. “They just continue to hide the individual to the point where their attorneys can’t quite understand or identify where to file. And so, you know, we’re operating blind, and they have all the information, and yet we’re tasked with attempting to file in the right jurisdiction.”

Rivers chief magistrate Ejike King George has resigned over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and imposition of a quasi-military administration.

Mr George disclosed this in a resignation letter dated April 11, 2025, addressed to the Rivers chief judge through the secretary of the Judicial Service Commission in the state.

Mr George said the president’s six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and the House of Assembly, and the subsequent appointment of a former naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the sole administrator of the oil-rich state, had made remaining in service unconducive.

“This present is intended to convey my decision to voluntarily retire my appointment as magistrate of the judiciary of Rivers State. This difficult and regrettable decision is informed largely by my discomfort with the recent appointment of a quasi-military administration to run the affairs of a modern state like ours,” Mr George said.

Describing the current system of governance in the state as “alien” and “antithetical to our hallowed profession as legal practitioners and adjudicators,” Mr George stated, “Having put in a whopping 16 out of my 22 years of legal practice into this judiciary as magistrate under successive democratic administrations, I find it difficult to work with the current setting, as doing so would amount to a tacit and naive acquiescence.”

Mr Tinubu had, in a nationwide broadcast in March, explained that his appointment of Mr Ibas as the sole administrator was over security concerns following the 14-month political impasse involving Mr Fubara, FCT minister Nyesom Wike and the Rivers assembly.

The federal government has officially gazetted and transmitted the ECOWAS schedule of tariff offers for trade in goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area to its secretariat.

This was disclosed in a statement by Jumoke Oduwole, the minister of industry, trade and investment, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ms Oduwole said that the move was ahead of the 16th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for trade, holding in Kinshasa, DRC, on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in regional trade integration.

According to her, this agreement establishes zero duties on 90 per cent of tariff lines for trade in goods, enhancing Nigeria’s market competitiveness and expanding trade opportunities across Africa.

“Nigerian goods are now competitively positioned in the African market, ensuring greater business access and profitability. President Bola Tinubu signed the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers, which reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to regional trade expansion.

“This step under the AfCFTA framework strengthens Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of intra-African trade and boosting export competitiveness.

“Furthermore, it enables the seamless shipment of goods to and from Nigeria, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, manufacturers, and exporters. Implications of Nigeria’s ECOWAS Tariff offer the gazetting of the schedule of tariff concessions is expected to yield significant benefits,” she said.

The minister said the benefits included boosting economic growth and job creation by reducing trade barriers and strengthening regional integration and trade relations through enhanced economic ties.
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She added that it would support Nigerian small and medium enterprises by lowering costs and encouraging market expansion.

“Furthermore, Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA implementation makes it an attractive destination for foreign and intra-African investment, reinforcing its role as a trade hub in West Africa.

“However, stronger engagement is required from African Trade Minsters to address other types of barriers, including non-tariff barriers that could hinder market access. Additionally, improving productive capacity and ensuring compliance with international standards remain imperative to maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA.

“Nigeria is open for business. The gazetting and transmission of the ECOWAS schedule of tariffs to the AfCFTA Secretariat signals Nigeria’s readiness for trade under the agreement,” the minister explained.

Ms Oduwole said the milestone would enable Nigerian exporters to leverage preferential tariff access across African markets, positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global trade.

She added that the development would also underscore Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging Africa’s single market for economic transformation.

After initiating its first shipment under AfCFTA in July 2024, Nigeria “has solidified its leadership” in regional trade and integration with the formal gazetting of the schedule of tariffs for trade in goods, according to the minister.

A Jos magistrates’ court on Tuesday sentenced a 30-year-old mechanic, Richard Ukoka, to one year in prison for assaulting a man and causing hurt.

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

However, the magistrate gave the convict an option of a fine of N20,000 or six months in prison. The magistrate also ordered him to pay a compensation of N135,000 or another six months in default.

The prosecutor, Ibrahim Gokwat, told the court that the case was reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station on February 28 by Jessy Ayuba, the complainant.

Mr Gokwat said the convict saw the man and started beating him with a stick, then picked up a stone and hit him on the leg.

During a police investigation, the convict said he acted under the influence of alcohol.

An attempt by a suspected cable thief at a critical power facility in one of the Lagos Housing schemes has ended in tragedy, as the suspect was shocked by the electricity facility.

The suspect, Sadiq Danjuma, who said he lives in Igando, came with an accomplice named Yahoo to steal cable at the Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) Gardens, Igando.

The duo scaled the estate’s fence beside the LASU-Iba Expressway into the compound around 2am. After cutting some underground cables, Danjuma went inside the Injection Sub-Station (ISS) to steal some electrical equipment.

There, he met his nemesis as he got injured in the process around 2:30am. His body was riddled with electrical burns.

Sensing danger, Danjuma’s friend, Yahoo, ran away.

Begging for an urgent treatment, Danjuma promised the security officials comprised Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers and Mountain Troops personnel, to confess after his treatment.

Writhing in pains, Danjuma said he and Yahoo, conspired to steal and sell the cables to a local scrap dealer named Seriki.

He said: “I came from Igando and Yahoo came from Oko Filling. Our boss gave me N5,000 for the operation and promised to pay the balance of N5,000 after the work.”

He further admitted that the team had previously targeted the same facility, stealing cables which they sold to another buyer known as Akanji at N10,000 per kilogramme.

Meanwhile, residents of LKJ Gardens, yesterday chided the poor handling of the matter by the NSCDC Lagos State Command.

The residents accused the command of shirking its responsibility.

According to the Chairman of Estate, Olajide Andu, NSCDC Lagos State Command insisted that the suspects be treated before handing him over to them.

Andu said: “After treating him, we took him from Igando to corps State Command at Alausa, but we were surprised by their action. We were told to take him to hospital to get a medical report. This infuriated many residents, who lamented that it should be the duty of the NSCDC. We have arrested a cable thief and treated him as demanded. We were surprised the State Command of the NSCDC is asking us to take back to hospital again for a medical report around 5pm. Our men moved from there to a clinic inside the Alausa secretariat, but we were referred to General Hospital, Igando and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. As of 8pm, we are still with the suspect driving back to Igando from Alausa. What if his gang members had regrouped and attack us on the way? We are highly disappointed in the manner the NSCDC went about their duty. Their action didn’t encourage victims of these evil guys to want to hand over whoever arrested to them. It seems they are encouraging jungle justice with their behaviour.”

The LKJ residents called on the national body of the NSCDC to probe the actions of the Lagos State Command.

They equally urged the Federal Government to look into the actions of the NSCDC.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says it has rescued two persons from a building under construction that collapsed in Agarawu Street, Aroloya Central Mosque in Idumota, Lagos Island.

The agency’s permanent secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the incident happened on Monday at about 2:00 p.m.

Mr Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency received a distress call through its 767 and 112 Emergency Toll-Free lines at 2:16 p.m., and its response team from the Lekki Base rushed to the scene.

“On arrival at the scene, it was discovered that a storey building under construction self-collapsed at the aforementioned location.

“So far, two adult males, rescued from the rubble of the building, had been given first aid treatment by the LRU Pre-Hospital Care Unit,” he said.

According to him, no other casualties has been recorded as of the time of filing this report.

He said law enforcement agencies had cordoned off the scene.

Mr Oke-Osanyintolu also said the immediate cause of the incident was yet to be ascertained, adding that further investigations would be conducted.

He added that the agency’s search and rescue operations had been concluded.

President Bola Tinubu declared a national emergency on food security on Monday, urging expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management nationwide.

Mr Tinubu made the declaration while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja. The secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, represented him.

He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies to address the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.

The president described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward,” he said.

Mr Tinubu stated that the country had more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the government had completed several landmark initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

He announced that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address outstanding gaps while optimising the economic value of water resources to support food security.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin the implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.

“This initiative will consolidate the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Mr Utsev said.

According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.

It also supported ongoing interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.

He also noted that the project established Water Users Associations (WUAs) and farmer management centres and supported market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato.

The minister revealed that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) had developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.

He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at minimising flood-related impacts on agriculture.

The head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.

Former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Godknows Igali, underscored the urgency of strategic planning, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing population.

He stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, adding that sub-national governments must play an active role in water governance and food systems.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.

“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.

“Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few; we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Mr Zulum said.

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Marco Arcieri, described the conference as both timely and essential.

“We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Mr Arcieri stated.

Ibrahim Musa, who leads the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would lead to innovative approaches and actionable outcomes in addressing Africa’s unique irrigation development needs.

The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.

The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS), Ondo/ Ekiti Command, has handed over 140 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa weighing 1,400 kilogrammes to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The substance, estimated to have a market value of N112 million, was handed over to the NDLEA on Monday in Akure.

The NCS comptroller in charge of the command, Morenikeji Bewaji, said the substance was intercepted while being conveyed by two suspects in Ado Ekiti before being clamped down by the NSC patrol team on December 7, 2024.

Ms Bewaji explained that the suspects absconded after being granted bail by the command on health grounds.

According to her, the surety for the two suspects, Ale Victor Ayodeji, has been arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.

She berated the rapid increase in the trade of illicit drugs, particularly cannabis sativa, which she said posed a grave threat to society.

Ms Bewaji added that drug abuse had fuelled criminal activities and insecurity and undermined the socio-economic stability of the nation.

”In our fight against this threat of illicit drugs in our country, inter-agency collaboration remains a cornerstone for success.

”The partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the NDLEA is a shining example of effective synergy.

”Together, the two agencies have achieved significant milestones, and we are committed to further strengthening this collaboration to reduce if not totally eliminate, illicit drugs,” Ms Bewaji said.

Ms Bewaji urged members of the public to join hands with the NSC by providing timely and credible information, saying that the battle against drug trafficking and other forms of criminality required a collective effort.

The NCS comptroller commended the NDLEA for its outstanding dedication and contributions to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

Responding, the state commander of NDLEA, Nanzing Sallah, applauded the NSC for the seizure of the drug substance.

Mr Sallah, represented by Adaramola Olumuyiwa, the deputy commander of narcotics in the state, said the synergy would continue in the fight against criminalities.

Two persons, Emmanuel Jedege, 26, and Folajomi Ibrahim, 28, were on Monday brought before the Ota Magistrates Court in Ogun for allegedly breaking into a shop to steal 25 pieces of iPhones and other items worth N7.7 million.

The defendants, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a three-count charge of stealing, burglary and conspiracy.

The prosecutor, Insp. E.O Adaraloye told the court that the defendants, and others still at large, committed the offences on February 18, at about 12:00 a.m. at Iyana-Iyesi, Ota.

He alleged that the defendants and their accomplices conspired to break into a shop and stole 25 pieces of iPhones, five laptops and other items worth N7.7 million belonging to the complainant, Idris Fatogun.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 390, 414 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, O.O Fadairo, granted each defendant N700,000 with one surety in like sum.

Mr Fadairo said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to the Ogun Government.

The case was adjourned until April 28 for a further hearing.