Crime
WHO Seeks Ban On Flavoured Tobacco Products
WHO Seeks Ban On Flavoured Tobacco Products
WHO seeks ban on flavoured tobacco products. The WHO official said no fewer than 146,000 people die from tobacco-related causes in the African Region each year.
Chikwe Ihekweazu, acting WHO regional director for Africa, has called for a ban on flavours and product designs that appeal to young users.
Mr Ihekweazu made the call in a statement on Saturday on his message on World No Tobacco Day, with the theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
“More must be done to stay ahead of evolving tactics that target young people. We must ban flavours and product designs that appeal to young users. Regulate digital advertising and sponsorship on youth platforms.
“We must ensure product packaging does not imitate snacks or toys. They drew attention to a growing concern across the African continent: the increasing use of tobacco and nicotine products among our children and adolescents.
“This year’s theme calls for urgent action to protect young people from harmful industry tactics that threaten their health and future,” he said.
According to him, despite decades of progress in tobacco control, the industry continues to reinvent its approach, using flavoured products, sleek packaging and targeted digital marketing to attract new users.
“These strategies mask the dangers of tobacco, presenting it as modern or glamorous, making it easier to start and harder to stop,” Mr Ihekweazu said.
He said the consequences were serious. According to him, no fewer than 146,000 people die from tobacco-related causes in the African region each year.
“Today, more than 61 million people in the region use tobacco. Especially concerning is the increasing prevalence of use among adolescents aged 13 to 15.
“More than six per cent in this age group are already using tobacco products, many drawn in by misleading designs and messages,” he said.
Mr Ihekweazu said adolescents were particularly vulnerable and that the developing brain was more susceptible to nicotine addiction and its long-term effects, including impaired cognitive development.
WHO Seeks Ban On Flavoured Tobacco
“Early use increases the risk of chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions and cancer. And for many, quitting becomes an uphill battle,” Mr Ihekweazu said.
According to him, protecting the next generation is both a public health priority and a moral imperative.
“On this World No Tobacco Day, let us recommit to creating a tobacco-free future where every young person in Africa can grow up safe, healthy and empowered,” he said.
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
Kano NSCDC Nabs 11 Suspected Hoodlums With Dangerous Weapons
Kano NSCDC nabs 11 suspected hoodlums with dangerous weapons. According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State command, says it has arrested a gang of 11 suspected hoodlums found in possession of dangerous weapons in Mariri, Kumbotso Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Kano by the command’s public relations officer, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi.
He listed the suspects as Idris Muhammad,20, Abubakar Shuaibu,24, Sagiru Hassan Yusuf, 25, Idris Muhammad Morata, 25, and Anas Rabiu, 23.
Others were Yahaya Muhammad, 29, Khalid Idris, 28, Muhammad Adamu, 19, Muktar Auwal Muktar ,22, Salim Muktar, 18, and Saifullahi Nuhu,18.
According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, operatives of the command apprehended the suspects on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m, armed with dangerous local weapons.
NSCDC
“The gang was on a rampage after attending a local traditional festival in Mariri area and were attacking residents and dispossessing them of their belongings.
“The gang also stormed a nearby NSCDC outpost in Mariri, attacked and left a staff fractured in the office” he said
Idris-Abdullahi listed the items recovered to include six cutlasses, swords and a pair of scissors.
He added that the command’s intelligence and investigation department had concluded investigations and the suspects would be charged to court.
Idris-Abdullahi quoted the state commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, as reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding public peace in Kano State.
Lagos Police Nab 26 Over Counterfeit Currency, Adulterated Diesel
Lagos Police nab 26 over counterfeit currency, adulterated diesel. The police said N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The police command in Lagos has apprehended 26 suspects over counterfeit currency and adulterated diesel in the Eti-Osa and Lekki areas. The command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
She said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a joint operation conducted by police officers and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline.
According to her, a total of N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The spokesperson said investigations revealed that four of the suspects were directly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated diesel and engine oil, locally known as ‘rice and beans’.
“The illicit product was sold to unsuspecting motorists across the area. Two other suspects were identified as suppliers of the adulterated petroleum products,” she said.
Police Arrests
Ms Adebisi said that police commissioner Olohundare Jimoh warned all criminally minded individuals to desist from their nefarious activities.
“CP Jimoh cautioned that anyone involved in acts that threaten public peace or economic stability will face the full weight of the law,” she said.
She assured residents that Lagos remains safe, reiterating that the command is in control of the security situation and has prioritised the safety and well-being of all residents.
She urged the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist the police in apprehending criminals and preventing crime.
“Public cooperation remains essential to sustaining the peace and security for which Lagos state is known,” she said.
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