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Abuja Policemen Harass Workers, Seal Quarry Without Court Order

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IGP USMAN ALKALI BABA ASSUMES DUTY AS THE NEW INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

3 days After New IGP Resumes, Abuja Policemen Harass Workers, Seal Quarry Without Court Order

 

 

 

THECONSCIENCEng Investigation has uncovered how in a commando-style and show of brute force policemen in Abuja on Saturday morning stormed the premises of Nic Equipment plus Quarry in the Bwari area of FCT in a Tundra truck, chased out the operator, Mr. Nick Okon and his over 100 workers without picking their personal effects, barred customers from taking out goods already paid for and sealed the facility without a valid court order.

 

 

 

When the policemen who stormed the quarry around 10am and blocked the entrance with a Tundra truck were confronted by the operator to produce a valid court order for the enforcement, there was none. The policemen who were identified as Sam Okon and Matthew Ocheni merely claimed that the place was under investigation.

 

 

 

This is as Nigerians are expecting so much in terms of professional policing, adherence to rule of law, zero cases of abuse of citizens’ rights, high handedness and abuse of state power from the new Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba who just assumed office and was only decorated by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday and had promised the nation a police force that operates under a motivational and credible leadership driven by professionalism and strategic planning, all directed at stabilizing internal security and modernizing police operations within the framework of citizens’ consent, trust, and the rule of law.

 

 

 

 

THECONSCIENCEng Investigation gathered that police officers from Force CID area command (the station opposite old CBN) on Tuesday had visited the quarry formerly known as F&P Quarry, in Bmuko village, and arrested the operator, Okon and some of his workers on the orders of the quarry landlord, Mr. Ogboro.

 

 

 

Our findings revealed that Ogboro had leased the quarry which was allegedly in comatose and non-operational to Okon on a 3-year lease effective September 2019 with the agreement to revive the quarry and run operations smoothly. Most of the equipments, our source, claimed was out of use.

 

 

 

Following the arrests, Okon had to bail himself and his workers on Tuesday but some workers were picked up again by police and were bailed again during the week. Okon was later rearrested on Thursday by police before securing his freedom again on Friday around 8pm after meeting the stringent bail conditions allegedly arranged in a bid to keep Okon throughout the weekend to enable the landlord take over the property despite a subsisting tenancy agreement.

 

 

 

What followed next was the storming of the quarry by the police in company of the landlord whom we gathered was very influential on Saturday to shut it down without any court papers but only a claim that the quarry was under investigation. The police also strangely chased the quarry security and replaced same with the landlord’s security personnel.

 

 

 

 

Okon, we gathered, has been besieged by customers who are calling for refunds of their money, distraught workers and business associates who now view the company as unstable and unworthy of business transactions, a situation that may lead to a total collapse of the business.

 

 

 

 

It was also gathered that Okon was allegedly accused of damaging some equipment which he debunked and described as consumables that had to be used, scrapped and replaced.

 

 

 

 

An eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent lamented the show of force, illegality, harassment and intimidation by the police. The family man with 5 dependents said life has been hard since police started harassing workers on the quarry site with persistent arrest, bail rigours, shut down of the operations thereby abruptly stopping the livelihood of over 100 Nigerian workers with their individual dependents.

 

 

 

 

He said, “We are appealing to the new Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba to look into this matter. We are also calling on Nigerians of good conscience. We are lawful citizens making a living and feeding our families from the quarry. The police in connivance with the land lord have ruined our lives. How do we survive? In a nation with high unemployment, economic problems and inflation, why are the police handling a civil case like this? Imagine, we were not even allowed to pick our personal effects, not even our foods from the kitchen. It was so bad. The landlord was barking orders at us while the police were enforcing it without any care for our human rights and dignity.”

 

 

 

 

He added: “This is a civil case and why are we treated like criminals. How can police shut and ground a business property feeding many mouths, replace company security with landlord security in a civil case despite the quarry operator producing a valid lease agreement document? This is exactly what the #Endsars campaign was about. The Police needs to do better.”

 

 

 

 

“Would the new IGP tenure bring a fresh lease of life for Nigerians in terms of modern policing with respect for citizens’ rights and strict adherence to the rule of law? He quipped.”

 

 

 

Calls repeatedly put through to the landlord, Mr. Ogboro did not connect as at press time.

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GAMJI GLOBAL MEDIA AND CONSULT PUBLISHERS OF GAMJI REPORTERS CONGRATULATE MAJOR GENERAL ABDU KHALIFA IBRAHIM OFR ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS COMMANDANT OF THE NIGERIA DEFENCE ACADEMY

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GAMJI GLOBAL MEDIA AND CONSULT PUBLISHERS OF GAMJI REPORTERS CONGRATULATE MAJOR GENERAL ABDU KHALIFA IBRAHIM OFR ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS COMMANDANT OF THE NIGERIA DEFENCE ACADEMY

Gamji Global Media and Consult, publishers of Gamji Reporters, extends heartfelt congratulations to Major General Abdu Khalifa Ibrahim OFR on his recent appointment as the Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy. This prestigious position is a testament to his exemplary service and dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

Prior to this significant appointment, Major General Ibrahim served as the 57th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army at Jaji, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. A distinguished graduate of the 39 Regular Course, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army on September 19, 1992. Major General Ibrahim holds a Bachelor of Science Honours (History) degree from the Nigeria Defense Academy and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Throughout his illustrious career, Major General Ibrahim has held several pivotal positions, including Acting Garrison Commander of 1 Division, Commander of the 14 Brigade, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division, and Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force in Ndjamena, Chad. His leadership in these roles has significantly contributed to enhancing national security and fostering regional stability.

Major General Ibrahim’s commendable service has not gone unnoticed, as he has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) award from Nigeria and the National Order of Chad (NOOC) for his outstanding contributions to peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.

As he embarks on this new chapter as Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy, we are confident that Major General Ibrahim will continue to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and patriotism. His extensive experience and commitment to the advancement of military education and training will undoubtedly shape the future leaders of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

We wish Major General Abdu Khalifa Ibrahim OFR every success in his new role and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his leadership at the Nigeria Defence Academy.

Signed,

Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu
Managing Director, Gamji Global Media and Consult
Editor-in-Chief, Gamji Reporters

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SWISSDARL FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LIMITED: REDEFINING AFRICA’S FREIGHT FORWARDING LANDSCAPE

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SWISSDARL FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LIMITED: REDEFINING AFRICA'S FREIGHT FORWARDING LANDSCAPE BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

SWISSDARL FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LIMITED: REDEFINING AFRICA’S FREIGHT FORWARDING LANDSCAPE

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

The global freight forwarding industry has witnessed a remarkable evolution, growing steadily with an estimated market size of USD 207 billion in 2023 and projected to hit USD 250 billion by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4%. This growth has been largely driven by increasing trade agreements between countries, the rise of automation, real-time data usage, artificial intelligence, and the expanding demand for ocean and air freight. While Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, South America, and Africa all play significant roles in this industry, Africa remains a region with enormous untapped potential – a gap SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited is expertly positioning itself to fill.

Africa’s freight and logistics market is rapidly emerging as a key frontier, with an expected CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2028. Despite accounting for only 3% of global trade and with merely 17% of that trade occurring within the continent, Africa presents a massive growth opportunity for logistics providers. The African Development Bank’s investment of over USD 44 billion in infrastructure over the past six years, coupled with the potential impact of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – predicted to boost intra-African freight demand by 28% by 2030 – positions the continent for transformative change. SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited is uniquely positioned to harness these growth drivers to deliver world-class freight solutions across Africa.

As a leading African-owned freight forwarding company, SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited is at the heart of this exciting revolution. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, data-driven operations, and strategic partnerships, SWISSDARL provides seamless, reliable, and efficient freight and logistics solutions. The company specializes in international ocean and air freight forwarding, warehousing, customs brokerage, haulage, and supply chain management — ensuring that goods move swiftly and securely across borders and continents. SWISSDARL’s operations are backed by automation and real-time data integration, which enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and guarantee accuracy in delivery timelines.

SWISSDARL FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LIMITED: REDEFINING AFRICA'S FREIGHT FORWARDING LANDSCAPE
BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

More than just a logistics company, SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited is a growth partner for businesses looking to navigate Africa’s complex trade environment. With the rising demand for over 2 million trucks, 100 vessels, and 250 aircraft by 2030 across Africa, SWISSDARL’s robust network, experienced personnel, and client-centric approach ensure they stay ahead of the curve. Their expertise in navigating diverse regulatory landscapes, coupled with a commitment to operational excellence, makes them the trusted choice for businesses involved in intra-African and international trade.

In a world where speed, precision, and trust define successful freight forwarding, SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited stands out as an African success story shaping the future of logistics on the continent. As the African market expands, fueled by trade liberalization, infrastructure development, and technological advancements, SWISSDARL remains committed to powering Africa’s trade dreams — delivering not just goods, but also prosperity, connectivity, and growth across borders.

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EFCC RAID ON STUDENT HOSTELS IN BIDA: NAPS CONDEMNS UNLAWFUL INVASION, DEMANDS JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

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NAPS National Convention: Polytechnic Students Call for Reforms, Elect New Leaders

EFCC RAID ON STUDENT HOSTELS IN BIDA: NAPS CONDEMNS UNLAWFUL INVASION, DEMANDS JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

 

The leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) strongly condemns the recent unjustified raid carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on student hostels surrounding the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.

While NAPS remains unequivocally opposed to all forms of criminal activity, we firmly state that the fight against crime must never come at the expense of the rights, dignity, and safety of innocent Nigerian students.

According to verified reports reaching our secretariat, EFCC operatives stormed various student lodges without search warrants—harassing occupants, destroying personal property, and unlawfully arresting numerous students, many of whom have no known link to any alleged crime.

This blatant abuse of power is not only intolerable but constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights. Students are not criminals by default, and indiscriminate raids on academic environments erode trust, compromise mental well-being, and jeopardize academic pursuits.

We demand the following actions without delay:

Immediate and unconditional release of all unlawfully detained students.

Public apology and compensation for affected students whose rights were violated.

A transparent and thorough investigation into the misconduct of the EFCC operatives involved.

Structured dialogue between EFCC leadership and student representatives to set clear operational boundaries within academic institutions.

Strict adherence to constitutional rights and due process in all future enforcement activities.

NAPS reaffirms its commitment to supporting sincere efforts to combat crime and corruption in Nigeria. However, we will not remain silent while the nation’s future—its students—are unjustly profiled, harassed, or treated as criminals under the guise of anti-corruption enforcement.

We urge the EFCC, the Federal Government, and relevant human rights bodies to take immediate action to address this gross misconduct and prevent future occurrences.

An injury to one polytechnic student is an injury to all.

In unwavering solidarity,
Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, FCAI, GCNPS
National President,
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

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