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Nigerian girls rescued from sex trafficking in Ghana

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Three Nigerian teenagers — Divine, Favour, and Bright, aged between 17 and 19 — have been rescued from a sex trafficking ring in Ghana and safely returned to Nigeria, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed.

The young victims, originally from Bayelsa and Ebonyi states, were lured to Ghana under the pretense of lucrative job offers by women they referred to as their “aunties”.

Instead, they found themselves trapped in a network of forced sex work, according to a statement released on Friday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NiDCOM.

They were officially received at NiDCOM’s Lagos office on Thursday, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further profiling, counseling, and reintegration.

Speaking on the development, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reiterated the Commission’s resolve to tackle human trafficking and called for greater accountability in Nigerian communities.

“Human trafficking will persist if traffickers and their agents are not exposed and shamed,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “It’s a global issue, and until we stop covering up for those responsible, it won’t end.”

She also commended Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the NIDO Ghana Board of Trustees, for his consistent efforts in rescuing trafficked Nigerians. The Nigerian Embassy in Ghana was also acknowledged for its role in the successful operation.

In addition, she extended appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, for facilitating the teenagers’ transportation back home.

According to NiDCOM, over 169 Nigerians have been rescued and repatriated from Ghana in recent months following similar trafficking and exploitation schemes.

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Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

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The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

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Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

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11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

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The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

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