- Obasanjo Library alleges politically motivated EFCC raid
- Tinubu orders review of deductions by revenue agencies
- Kwam-1, Comfort Emmason cleared of airport incident charges
- Benue tops human trafficking cases in Nigeria — NAPTIP
- Philippines seeks stronger labour, migration ties with Nigeria
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
Obasanjo Library alleges politically motivated EFCC raid
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of carrying out a politically driven attack on the institution and its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during a midnight raid on August 10.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, described the 1 a.m. operation as “uncoordinated and reckless,” alleging that shots were fired, over 100 guests were arrested, and many sustained serious injuries, with some still in hospital.
Ortese argued that the raid breached the EFCC’s own November 2023 directive banning night sting operations and described the agency’s conduct as unconstitutional and malicious. He said the library’s management will seek legal redress over the “unlawful invasion” and disruption of its activities.
Tinubu orders review of deductions by revenue agencies
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a review of deductions and revenue retention by major revenue-generating agencies to boost public savings and curb wasteful spending.
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the directive aims to free up funds for economic growth. Agencies affected include NNPCL, FIRS, NCS, NUPRC, and NIMASA.
Tinubu also called for a reassessment of the NNPCL’s 30% management fee and 30% frontier exploration deduction under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Kwam-1, Comfort Emmason cleared of airport incident charges
Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam-1, and Ms Comfort Emmason have been cleared of charges related to separate airport incidents. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced their reprieve yesterday.
The incidents had earlier led to sanctions, with Ms Emmason remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos. However, Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge after police said they would no longer pursue the case.
Keyamo added that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to collaborate with Kwam-1 as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols.
Benue tops human trafficking cases in Nigeria — NAPTIP
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has revealed that Benue State now records the highest number of human trafficking cases in the country, overtaking Edo State.
Director-General Binta Bello, represented by the Director of Intelligence, Josiah Emerole, disclosed this during a two-day workshop in Makurdi. She noted that the ranking is based on the number of rescued victims and arrested suspects linked to the state.
Bello explained that insecurity in Benue has worsened the situation, with children orphaned by violence being exploited. Many are reportedly sold, forced into labour in quarries, and deprived of their earnings by traffickers.
Philippines seeks stronger labour, migration ties with Nigeria
The Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria, particularly in labour and migration.
Secretary of Migrant Workers, Hans Cacdac, made this known on Wednesday during a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in Abuja. He noted that Nigeria has been a safe haven for Filipinos and stressed the need to deepen cooperation for mutual benefit.
Cacdac explained that the visit followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to boost bilateral labour relations with countries hosting large Filipino communities. He said about 4,000 to 6,000 Filipinos currently work in Nigeria, contributing to its economy while supporting families back home.
