IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.  

This assurance was given on February 5, 2025, when UNODC’s new Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.  

Toure acknowledged NDLEA’s leadership role in drug enforcement across Africa and emphasized the need to extend its successes to the state level, given the link between drug abuse and security challenges. He also called for enhanced collaboration to strengthen NDLEA’s capacity and share best practices across West Africa.  

In response, Marwa expressed appreciation for UNODC’s ongoing support and highlighted key areas where additional assistance is needed, including:  

- Alternative Development Programme – Providing cannabis farmers with alternative livelihoods.  

- Drug Use Survey – Updating the 2018 report to assess current drug prevalence and trends.  

- National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) – Developing a new framework beyond the 2021–2025 plan.  

- Capacity Building & Training – Expanding personnel training to enhance effectiveness.  

- Field Test Kits – Equipping NDLEA with portable tools for on-the-spot drug testing.  

Marwa expressed confidence that under Toure’s leadership, UNODC’s partnership with NDLEA would reach new heights in the fight against drug-related crimes. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has recognised Ude Okoye as the party’s authentic National Secretary. They urged the party’s national working committee to immediately swear him in as the substantive national secretary of the party.

The decision was taken during an emergency meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja on Wednesday over the party’s lingering crisis. The meeting has in attendance the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; Secretary of the BoT, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

Others included former governors Achike Udenwa, Sam Egwu, Babangida Aliyu, and Senator Ben Obi among others.

At the gathering the BoT received report from the former Minister of Special Duties, Tamini Turaki, who was mandated to study the çourt’s documents submitted by both the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Nayanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye who has been contesting the legality of his office. 

In his opening remarks, the BoT Chairman commended the PDP governors for asking that the National Working Committee of the party holds its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in March. The BoT Chairman also cited the violence that occurred last week, as the reason why they will not hold their meetings at the Wadata Plaza until security is restored in the secretariat.

Both Okoye and Senator Samuel Anyanwu are laying claim to the PDP Secretary’s office, a development that is now pitching members of the party against one another. 

The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has defended the proposed increase in telecom tariffs, stating that it is necessary to sustain and improve the nation’s digital infrastructure.

ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, acknowledged public concerns over the tariff hike but emphasized its long-term benefits.

He noted that telecom operators have been under financial strain due to foreign exchange volatility, high energy costs, multiple taxation, and rising infrastructure expenses. Without tariff adjustments, Nigeria’s digital infrastructure risks stagnation, making it harder to compete globally.

Tariff Hike as an Investment in Digital Growth

Emoekpere stressed that the adjustment is aimed at expanding 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in underserved areas, and improving network reliability.

“This increase will enhance broadband speeds to support businesses, education, fintech, telemedicine, and other critical digital services,” he said.

He assured that consumers should expect faster internet speeds, fewer dropped calls, and wider network coverage, leading to Nigeria’s desired digital transformation.

Call for Government Support

Emoekpere urged the government to address other pressing challenges, including:

Simplifying Right of Way permits to accelerate fiber deployment.

Enforcing protections against vandalism of telecom assets.

Reducing multiple taxation on telecom operators at all levels.

Providing incentives for rural broadband expansion to promote digital inclusion.

Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that ongoing government efforts will drive improvements in telecom services while ensuring fair pricing for consumers. 

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has officially handed over the Kampe Game Reserve to the Federal Government for its upgrade to a National Park. He also inaugurated a steering committee to oversee the transition process.

The move follows a presidential declaration in 2020 and approval by the National Assembly. Speaking at the inauguration, the governor emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and positioning Kwara as a hub for biodiversity and sustainability.

The Federal Government welcomed the transfer, noting that the upgrade aligns with global conservation goals and enhances national security efforts. Local stakeholders, including the Emir of Patigi, praised the initiative, highlighting its potential benefits for eco-tourism and biodiversity preservation. 

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has adjourned proceedings to February 6 following the absence of five witnesses scheduled to testify on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC, which was set to begin its defense on February 5, informed the tribunal that its witnesses were delayed while traveling from Benin City. In response, INEC’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu, opted to tender three documents to make partial progress in the hearing.

The documents submitted included:

Certified True Copies of State-level collation results (Form EC8D)

Declaration of results

2022 election regulations and guidelines

INEC assured the tribunal that it required just one more day to conclude its defense and requested a short adjournment. However, Tribunal Chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, criticized the electoral body for wasting an entire day due to its unpreparedness.

Adetunji Oyeyipo, counsel for PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, did not object to the documents, stating they were already submitted as evidence to challenge the election outcome.

Further proceedings are now scheduled for February 6. 

The Imo State Police Command has arrested three individuals for allegedly being in possession of a human skull in Ogii, Okigwe Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, in a statement on Tuesday, identified the suspects as Patrick Okoere (29), Ifeanyichukwu Anyaemeka (28), and Chukwuemeka Onyekachi (20). They were apprehended on February 3 along the Okigwe-Umuahia Express Road with the assistance of local residents.

Suspicious Items and Confession

Apart from the human skull, the suspects were also found with a native hen and white garments, items often linked to ritual practices.

During interrogation, Okoere allegedly claimed that his uncle, Osunta Oko, instructed him to acquire a human skull. He further stated that he found it near a riverbank along the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway, a known crime-prone area.

Ongoing Investigation

The Imo State Police Command is currently searching for Osunta Oko and other potential accomplices. A DNA analysis is also underway to determine the identity of the skull’s owner.

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has assured residents that the police remain committed to ensuring justice and security in the state.