General
Customs Stops Trucks Loaded With Smuggled Rice, Cannabis

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C Owerri has intercepted trucks loaded with smuggled foreign rice, adulterated petroleum products, cannabis among other prohibited items.
Confirming the development at a media briefing, the Customs Area Controller, Mr Mohammed Uba Garba said a trailer truck with registration number GBB 85 XA suspected to be carrying adulterated diesel petroleum product was intercepted by the Nigeria Customs along Aba-Owerri road.
He said, “The exhibit was discovered to have been hidden in a specially constructed tank for illegal bunkering and also concealed with 256 sacks of expired animal feeds to evade arrest.
“The seized adulterated petroleum product causes blockages of heavy duty machines and generators, which equally emit hazardous carbon monoxide, that are detrimental to the health.”
Comptroller Mohammed said that a suspect who gave his name as Chibuzor Njoku was arrested in connection with the crime and would be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil defense corps for prosecution.
Comptroller Mohammed also disclosed that a 1 X 40” container with marks numbers MRKU 254564 loaded with 1,017 sacks of 50kg cannabis (Indian hemp) estimated at over #16,000,000 was intercepted on the Benin-Shagamu road.
According to him, the only suspect – James idoko who claimed to be a student upon interrogation attempted to deceive the Customs men by fraudulently presenting copies of suspected fake customs processed document on importation which was contrary to what was contained in the container.
The controller added that “the suspect offered a bribe of #350,000.00 in an attempt to avoid arrest. He is currently in custody with the bribe money which now serves as an exhibit along with the container load of cannabis awaiting the estimated value from the relevant agency – NDLEA.”
“The increasing tempo of criminality, violence and juvenile delinquency among the youth is traceable to the rampant consumption of hard drugs such as marijuana hence the clamp down on those involved in the illicit business.
“Consumption of cannabis also affects family relationship and we must fight it to the last so as to have a better society,” he stated.
The Customs Controller who subsequently handed over the seized items and the suspect to the Principal Staff Officer (Operation and Intelligence) of the NDLEA Edo State Command Timothy Adewole for further investigation assured that the NCS would continue to collaborate and work in synergy with sister organizations such as NDLEA, NSCDC, NAFDAC to smoothen its operations.
Furthermore, Comptroller Mohammed said that a MAN diesel truck with registration number KRV 238 XB carrying 725 different brand of 50 kg foreign rice with Duty Paid Value of #24,650,000. 00 suspected to have been smuggled into the country through the numerous creeks in Calabar/Cameroun border was similarly intercepted by his men this month.
He said that a suspect who gave his name as Mr Fredrick Eze and claimed to be a representative of the owners of the exhibit was arrested.
The Customs Area Controller regretted that the penchant for foreign products by some Nigerians has continued to deal a devastating blow to the nation and her economy while many families have been thrown into agony as a result of the ceaseless unpatriotic activities of smugglers.
He noted that while the nation has continued to lose huge revenue, many lives have been lost consequent upon the unabated practice of smuggling.
He therefore advised Nigerians to imbibe a greater sense of patriotism in line with “the change begins with me” mantra recently launched by Mr. President by eschewing all acts and conducts inimical to the nation.
General
Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
General
Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
General
Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.
The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.
Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.
According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.
“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.
He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.
Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.
He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.
“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.
On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.
“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.
Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.
He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.
“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn












