IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) launched an enforcement operation on Monday at the popular Ogbo-Ogu Market in Bridge Head, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Led by the Director of NAFDAC’s South-East Zone, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the operation resulted in the seizure of various adulterated, substandard, and expired drugs found in multiple shops.

Speaking to journalists, Iluyomade emphasized that the exercise aligns with NAFDAC’s mission to eliminate fake and banned products from circulation, protecting unsuspecting consumers. He revealed that intelligence gathering had uncovered large-scale repackaging of counterfeit drugs in the market.

“This enforcement aims to rid the market of falsified, substandard, and harmful medicinal products, as well as other unsafe regulated items,” he stated, adding that similar operations were being conducted simultaneously across South-East states.

Among the confiscated items were counterfeit antibiotics, antihypertensives, antimalarials, herbal remedies, and psychoactive drugs, along with banned substances like tramadol (above 100mg), codeine, and certain vaccines. Fake alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, chemicals, and food products were also discovered.

Iluyomade urged the public to purchase medicines only from licensed and registered outlets, assuring that NAFDAC, alongside security agencies and market stakeholders, would continue monitoring compliance. 

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, questioned the jurisdiction of his alleged terrorism case when he re-appeared before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court for the resumed hearing of his protracted case.

Despite Kanu’s insistence that Justice Nyako has no jurisdiction over his case, the judge adjourned the matter indefinitely. Kanu was brought into Nigeria in June 2021 and has since been detained and tried for alleged terrorism. His trial was stalled after Justice Nyako recused herself from the case following an oral application by the defendant on September 24, 2024.

The IPOB leader had directly told the judge that he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial. However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, reverted the file to Nyako on the ground that Kanu’s application must be brought formally before the court through a motion on notice.

Consequently, in a letter dated December 5, 2024, addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar, Adegboyega Awomolo, the prosecution counsel, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of the trial. 

Moro Ojomo, a Nigerian-born defensive lineman, played a key role in the Philadelphia Eagles' 40-22 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, securing the team’s fifth NFL title.

Born in Lagos, Ojomo moved to the U.S. at age seven and later excelled in football at Katy High School and the University of Texas. Despite being drafted in the seventh round by the Eagles in 2023, he worked his way into a crucial defensive role.

In the Super Bowl, Ojomo's defensive contributions helped neutralize Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. His journey from Nigeria to the NFL highlights the rising impact of Nigerian athletes in American football, inspiring young players worldwide. 

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Livingstone Urutugu, disclosed on Monday that the perpetrators behind the gruesome murder of three siblings found inside a refrigerator in Nnewi are residents of the same neighborhood.

During his visit to the grieving family, Urutugu vowed to uncover those responsible and ensure justice is served.

Just hours after assuming office at the state police headquarters in Awka, he traveled to Nnewi, reaffirming his commitment to tackling crime in the state.

“We are here for an on-the-spot assessment of this tragic incident and to console the bereaved family,” Urutugu stated. “Unlike cases of kidnapping or sudden disappearances, this crime is particularly unsettling. We will ensure the culprits are apprehended and brought to justice.”

He praised police officers for their efforts in combating crime and assured them of continued support. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Anambra residents and the state government through Operation Udo ga Achi in maintaining security.

Urutugu outlined new strategies for crime prevention, emphasizing intelligence gathering, collaboration with security agencies, and strengthening community policing.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and law-abiding, warning criminals to abandon their ways, as the police would not tolerate any form of lawlessness. 

The Court of Appeal in Akure has reinstated the elected local government chairmen and councillors in Osun State who were previously removed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In its ruling on Tuesday, the appellate court ordered the immediate reinstatement of the affected officials, all of whom are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has challenged the ruling, filing an appeal against the judgment. The state government has also submitted an application for a stay of execution pending the appeal hearing.

Upon assuming office in November 2022, Governor Adeleke dismissed the local government officials after a High Court had earlier nullified their election, which was conducted by OSSIEC.

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties had approached the High Court, arguing that the election was invalid since only APC candidates contested the positions, and voters were given only a "YES" or "NO" option. 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has registered a total of 420,674 candidates for the 2025/2026 examination as of Monday afternoon.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this in Ilorin during an inspection of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers. He also revealed that 32,435 candidates had registered that same day, while 124,632 candidates had enrolled for the mock exams.

JAMB aims to register up to two million candidates for the exams. However, Oloyede raised concerns about the increasing number of underage candidates, stating that 4,997 applicants under the age of 16 had registered so far. He criticized parents for pushing their children into early education to boost their own status.

“Previously, the number of underage candidates was around 300. Now, just five days into the registration process, we already have nearly 5,000. By the end of today, the figure will surpass that,” Oloyede stated.

He explained that underage candidates are required to sign an indemnity form, ensuring they can meet academic expectations or face sanctions if they fail to perform as claimed.

Additionally, JAMB has permanently blacklisted six individuals involved in exam malpractice, including a senior university official currently facing prosecution. The registrar also disclosed that 10 institutions were caught illegally registering candidates at night.

Following his monitoring visits to CBT centers, Oloyede expressed satisfaction with the ongoing registration process, commending JAMB staff, security agencies, and stakeholders for maintaining high standards.