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Nigeria Customs Arraigns Three Over Alleged Wildlife Trafficking in Kano

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Nigeria Customs

Nigeria Customs Arraigns Three Over Alleged Wildlife Trafficking in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, arraigned three men before the Federal High Court sitting in Kano over alleged conspiracy and possession of endangered wildlife species intercepted along the Kano-Daura Road.
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The defendants, identified in court as Nasib Ahmed, Abba Abdullahi and Surajo Abdullahi, were brought before Justice Muhammad Shuaibu following their arrest by operatives of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command during an intelligence-led operation on 25 August 2026, which resulted in the interception of a consignment laden with caracal wild cats, chimpanzees, baby gorillas, red-coloured patas monkeys, galagos, a honey badger, albino alligators, rock fowls, a civet cat and greater bustard birds.

Prosecution counsel, Smart Akande esq who is the Legal Adviser and Director of Legal Services to the NCS, told the court that the Service had substituted the earlier charges with a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and possession of endangered wildlife, adding, “Their offences contravened relevant provisions of the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, 2016, as well as regulations governing the protection of endangered species in domestic and international trade.”

The three defendants pleaded not guilty to the two counts charge when they were read to them, and Mr Akande subsequently urged the court to give the matter an expedited hearing, stressing the need to safeguard the lives of the animals, some of which were reportedly taken from their mothers at a tender age and required urgent care in a conservation facility.

Meanwhile, Counsel to the defendants, Adamu Muhammad esq, did not oppose the prosecution’s request for an early hearing but applied for bail on behalf of his clients, arguing that they had already spent time in custody.

Nigeria Customs

Nigeria Customs

After hearing both sides, Justice Shuaibu ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre pending determination of the bail application and hearing of the substantive case.

The court consequently adjourned the matter until 7 October 2026 for hearing of the bail application and the substantive case. The defendants therefore remain in custody pending the court’s consideration of their application.
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Akwa Ibom

Governor Eno Assures Seplat Energy of Sustained Partnership, Investment Protection

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New Youth Development Centre

Governor Eno Assures Seplat Energy of Sustained Partnership, Investment Protection

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured investors of his administration’s continued support and partnership, stressing that the state remains committed to protecting investments and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
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Governor Eno gave the assurance when he received the management of Seplat Energy, led by its Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Uyo.
The Governor congratulated the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Effiong Okon, on his appointment and assumption of office, noting that his new position carries responsibilities beyond the interests of Seplat Energy to also contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom State.

He commended Seplat Energy for its sense of responsibility and collaboration with the state government, particularly its engagement with host communities.

Governor Eno urged the company to sustain its efforts and develop more initiatives capable of improving the welfare of its host communities and contributing to the overall development of the state.

He attributed the peaceful atmosphere in Akwa Ibom to deliberate collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents, assuring Seplat Energy that his administration would continue to work with the company to sustain peace and create an enabling environment for investment.
The Governor also commended Senator Udoma, whom he described as one of the great sons of Akwa Ibom, while expressing confidence in the new management of Seplat Energy to achieve its objectives and make a greater impact across its host communities.

Earlier, Senator Udoma commended Governor Eno for what he described as visionary and impactful leadership in the state.
He explained that the delegation was at the Government House to formally introduce the company’s new CEO, Engr. Effiong Okon, to the Governor and strengthen the relationship between Seplat Energy and the state government.

In his remarks, Engr. Okon expressed delight at returning home to contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom while also discharging his responsibilities to Seplat Energy.

New Youth Development Centre

Umo Eno

Other members of the Seplat Energy delegation included the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe; Managing Director, Offshore Operations, Ikponwonsa Ogunwonyi; Vice President, Human Resources, Emo Udobong-Ntia; and Vice President, Joint Venture Operations, John Itsueli.
Members of the Governor’s team at the meeting included the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
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Crime

UniCal Suspends Nine Students for One Academic Session Over Examination Misconduct

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Tinubu Inaugurates 6 Projects At UNICAL

UniCal Suspends Nine Students for One Academic Session Over Examination Misconduct

The Senate of the University of Calabar has suspended nine students for one academic session over their involvement in examination misconduct.
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According to a statement by the university’s Public Relations Unit, made available to newsmen in Calabar on Monday, the suspension was conveyed to the affected students in letters signed by the Registrar, Dr Chukwuka Icha.

The action, the university said, followed the approval of the Senate based on recommendations by its Examination Misconduct Committee.

“The affected students have been suspended for the 2026/2027 academic session and are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.

Tinubu Inaugurates 6 Projects At UNICAL

UniCal

“Five of the affected students are from the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Faculty of Arts.

The university directed the Acting Chief Security Officer, deans, heads of departments and other relevant units to take note of the suspension and ensure full compliance with the directive.
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Crime

Nigerian Police Arrest Suspect Over ₦3m Kidnap-and-kill Threat in Oyo

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Nigerian Police Arrest Suspect Over ₦3m Kidnap-and-kill Threat in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a kidnap-and-kill threat made against a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family.
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The Command said the arrest followed a report received by the police and a subsequent intelligence-led intervention.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, and issued on Monday.

According to the statement, the case was brought to the attention of the police on September 19, 2026, at about 6:20pm when the complainant, Metu Jilani, reported that he had received threatening telephone calls from unknown persons on September 13.

“According to him, the callers claimed that they had been contracted to kidnap and kill him and his family, while warning that any attempt to flee would result in the abduction of his younger brother,” the statement said.

The police said that after establishing the nature of the threat, the callers proceeded to make a financial demand.

“To facilitate the payment, they provided him with an account belonging to a Point-of-Sale operator, one Muhydeen Salihu of Gwasoro Village, via Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, and directed him to pay the sum of ₦3 million into the account,” the statement said.

According to the Command, the complainant transferred ₦100,000 into the designated account instead of the full amount demanded.

“The transaction subsequently provided an investigative lead, as attention was focused on the persons who would attempt to access the money and their possible connection to the threats,” it said.

“While attempting to collect the funds, Abdullahi was apprehended, whereas Liman escaped from the scene,” the statement said.

The Command said that following the arrest, the suspect was attacked by an angry mob before police operatives intervened.

“Following the arrest, the suspect was attacked by an angry mob before Police operatives intervened and took him to the Hospital, for medical attention,” the statement said.

“He is currently on admission, while concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice and determine the full circumstances surrounding the threat, including the identities and roles of other persons who may be connected with the case,” it added.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has directed a thorough investigation into the matter and ordered sustained efforts to apprehend all persons found to be connected with the offence, according to the statement.

Police

Police

The Command further urged members of the public to promptly report threats, suspicious movements and other actionable information to the police.

“Timely reporting remains critical to enabling effective intervention and preventing criminal activities,” the statement concluded.
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