The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut down the infamous Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, for the second time in two years.

The agency said it uncovered and confiscated fake and substandard food and beverages worth over ₦5 billion in its latest operation tagged Operation Clean Up Aba.

Described as a hub for Africa’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage cartel, Cemetery Market has been notorious for producing fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and food products.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement she signed on Tuesday, described the raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market.”

“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.

During the operation, over 240 makeshift factories were said to have been discovered, producing counterfeit products under unsanitary conditions.

Adeyeye revealed that these factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water and recycled bottles to manufacture fake versions of popular brands, including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk and Hollandia Yoghurt.

“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption. The adulteration of alcoholic beverages involves cheaper sugars and starches instead of fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.

She added that over 1,500 cartons of fake products were destroyed on-site, with the total street value of the seized and destroyed goods estimated at ₦5 billion.

She said the operation also led to the discovery of three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation on January 22.

NAFDAC commended the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the raid.

“The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee has been critical to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba,” the Director-General said.

The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“We are determined to safeguard the health of the nation and rid markets of fake and substandard products,” Adeyeye assured all.

The Kano State Government has withdrawn all criminal charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters, marking a significant victory for justice and civil liberties in Nigeria.

Vanguard learnt that the Attorney General of Kano State, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, ordered the discontinuation of the charges on 27 January 2025.

This decision addresses the controversial arrests made during the nationwide protests held between 1 and 10 August 2024.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Citizens’ Gavel, signed by Rachael Adio, Communications Associate, the organisation described this development as a landmark moment in upholding the constitutional freedoms of Nigerians.

She explained that the decision followed a petition submitted by Citizens’ Gavel on 5 November 2024, urging the Attorney General to exercise his powers under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution to dismiss the charges.

“Five months later, the withdrawal of these charges marks a significant victory for justice, reaffirming the rights of citizens to peacefully express their grievances without fear of persecution.

“Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement Applications were also filed in court, with Citizens’ Gavel providing free legal support and representation to the affected victims prior to this landmark decision.

“Citizens’ Gavel commends the Honourable Attorney General of Kano State for upholding the rule of law and respecting the constitutional freedoms of Nigerians.

“We remain committed to advocating for justice, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring accountability within the justice system.

“We believe that a Nigeria where the rights of the people to dissent and peacefully protest are safeguarded is possible,” the statement added.

The protesters had faced allegations of conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, which Citizens’ Gavel described as baseless.

Citizens’ Gavel provided free legal support and filed Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement Applications in court on behalf of the victims.

The United States government, under President Donald Trump’s directive, has halted HIV treatment funding for Nigeria and other developing nations.

This decision follows an executive order issued by Trump on his first day in office, which instructed government agencies managing foreign aid programs to stop the disbursement of funds.

As a result, the US State Department has ceased funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a key program that provides HIV treatment in Africa and other developing regions.

The suspension is expected to last for at least 90 days, with the possibility of an extension if the program does not receive an exemption in the coming weeks.

PEPFAR, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has been instrumental in providing HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people globally.

Since its inception, it has saved an estimated 26 million lives. However, in response to the suspension, the US State Department stated, “The United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people.”

Impact on Nigeria

Nigeria, which has one of the highest HIV burdens globally, is home to approximately two million people living with HIV.

Many of these individuals depend on PEPFAR for life-saving treatments and healthcare support.

According to Premium Times, over the years, the program has contributed more than $6 billion to Nigeria’s national HIV/AIDS efforts.

The suspension, or potential termination, of PEPFAR is expected to significantly hinder Nigeria’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, threatening both treatment access and healthcare infrastructure.

The Presidency has slammed former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, for his comments on democracy in the country.

Naija News reported that El-Rufai, on Monday, while speaking at a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed to live up to its promises to the citizens.

“I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show,” he said.

The former Kaduna governor said the gap between and the party was widening. He noted that the ruling party deviated from its founding mission and would not be able to deliver on its promises to the people.

He further said that the hardship in the country was a product of illiterates and semi-illiterates occupying positions of authority.

Reacting to the former Minister of Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) position, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, accused him of planning to unseat a government he helped to form.

On his X handle, in reaction to El-Rufai’s words, Bwala questioned if he (El-Rufai) could make the statements he made if he were in the cabinet of the current government.

“My Senior brother, if you were to be in the government and cabinet, would you have held and expressed the same position? History is replete with examples. It is a government you participated in its formation, that you now want to unseat,” he wrote.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday, declared that imported cargoes or vehicles that stay beyond 90 days in various seaports across Nigeria will be declared as overtime cargoes and consequently auctioned.

In a press statement by the NCS national public relations officer, Abdulahi Maiwada, titled ‘NCS Issues Guidelines on Dwell Time For Import and Export Consignments At Port Terminals,’ the Service said the new measure will address port congestion, streamline clearance processes and reduce disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo.

According to Assistant Controller Maiwada, all imported and exported consignments shall enjoy 30 days from the date of arrival at the port, free of overtime clearance encumbrances.

“The NCS will commence implementation of new guidelines regulating the dwell time for import and export consignments at port terminals, reflecting its commitment to trade facilitation in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

“The new measures aim to address port congestion, streamline clearance processes and reduce disputes arising from the disposal of overtime cargo. Under the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the Service is reinforcing the provisions that mandate imported consignments to be cleared within 30 days after the completion of discharge of the importing carrier or within a timeframe prescribed by the Service, as provided in Section 30(1).

“In addition, Section 149(1) empowers the Service to establish time limits for cargoes to leave customs territory. These guidelines will ensure compliance, prevent undue delays, and maintain order at port terminals while allowing importers and exporters ample time for cargo clearance,” he stated.

NCS, however, urged stakeholders to comply with the regulations to facilitate smooth trade operations.

He stated further that where a consignment remains undeclared within 60 days, clearance shall require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator upon application.

“To enhance efficiency in cargo clearance, all consignments shall enjoy 30 days from the date of arrival at the port, free of overtime clearance encumbrances. Cargo exceeding 30 days shall be deemed ‘overtime’ but may still be cleared within an additional 30 days upon application and approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller (CAC).

“Where a consignment remains undeclared within 60 days, clearance shall require approval from the Assistant Comptroller General/Zonal Coordinator upon application. This clearance opportunity is valid within 90 days from arrival. Any consignment uncleared beyond 90 days shall be due for the commencement of the disposal process.

“It is important to note that without prejudice to the guidelines above, the Service reserves the right to initiate the disposal process, if necessary, following the initial 30-day grace period stipulated by the NCSA 2023.

“The Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi remains committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient cargo clearance process that prevents undue port congestion, mitigates legal disputes associated with overtime cargo, and enhances overall trade facilitation.

“Stakeholders are encouraged to comply with these regulations to facilitate smooth trade operations,” the Customs spokesman added.

Operatives of Okpuje Division of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a 33-year-old Sunday Echege, a resident of Ibagwa-Agu Farm Settlement in Ibagwa-Ani community of Nsukka local government area for severing the left wrist of his wife, Chinonso Echege over suspected infidelity.

A statement by the spokesman of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe disclosed that the arrest was made possible with the assistance of law-abiding members of the community, adding that the machete used in committing the crime has been recovered from the suspect.

Ndukwe stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect claimed to have acted out of suspicion that his wife was involved in extramarital affairs.

He added that the suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to ensure thorough and timely investigation on the incident.

CP Uzuegbu, according to the statement, further urged couples to resolve their differences through love, understanding, and legal means, rather than resorting to violent criminal acts.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State government has moved the wife to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital for medical care.

The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development in the state, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, disclosed this on Tuesday.

“This is yet another sad development, which we are following up with to ensure that justice is done.

“The information we have that the man in question aimed for the wife’s head during a disagreement, but ended up chopping off the left hand with which she tried to fend off the machete. She also sustained injury on the right hand.

“So, we swung into action immediately we got the information and had him arrested immediately. So, he is now in police custody.

“But the most urgent matter now is to save the victim’s life. So, we have moved her to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, where she is currently receiving full medical attention.”

She maintained that the state government is taking the case very seriously, saying the wife of the governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah is personally on the gruesome matter and has vowed that justice must be served.

The Commissioner warned Enugu residents to refrain from all manner of domestic and gender-based violence as well as child abuse, vowing that the administration would never treat such with levity.

The Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a former Permanent Secretary of the Department of Banking and Finance and current Permanent Secretary of the State’s Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Muheeb Ibrahim Bamidele, and five others.

A terse statement signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Jamilu M. Abdulsalam, on Tuesday, said the arrest of the six suspects was connected to the alleged misappropriation of N136,126,970 from the Department’s account.

“The Commission is investigating the matter to uncover the full details and ensure accountability,” it stated.

The anti-graft Commission added that more updates will follow as the investigation progresses

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman will miss his Atalanta side’s Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday after he suffered a knee injury during a training session.

The Serie A club, in a short statement on their website, said the 27-year-old forward hurt the lateral joint in his right knee in training Tuesday morning and would not travel to Spain where on Wednesday the club will seek to secure direct qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Atalanta did not say how long the Nigerian winger would be out of action, but Italian media reported he could be sidelined for up to a month.

Lookman will be a huge loss for Atalanta as he has scored 14 goals and set up six more this season.

He also scored a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final triumph over German champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Atalanta have punched well above their weight both in Italy and abroad in recent seasons, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side still hanging on in the Serie A title race and riding high in Europe’s elite club competition.

The Bergamo-based outfit sit seventh in the 36-club league phase of the Champions League, but with a host of clubs within a point of them anything but a win at already-qualified Barca will likely mean a play-off spot.

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has said the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) deviated from its founding mission.

Naija News reports that El-Rufai said he no longer recognizes his party. He stated that APC was created to solve a problem but that would not be possible again.

Speaking at a national conference in Abuja on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, on Monday, he said, “I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.”

The former Minister of the Federal Captial Territory (FCT) urged Nigerians to resist incapable leaders and illiterates ascending to leadership positions.

“You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders. This is why we end up with the poor leadership we have today,” he stated.

While not proclaiming his departure from the ruling party, El-Rufai said the distance between him and APC was widening.

“The problems that led to the creation of the APC remain unresolved, but I no longer believe the APC is interested in addressing them. The distance between me and the party is widening,” he clarified.

Speaking on the challenges of the opposition parties, the former Kaduna State governor said the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) was engineered by outsiders.

According to him, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, told him he was worried by the crisis in LP.

“There are internal mercenaries in the PDP, hired and motivated to destroy the party. The Labour Party is also facing similar issues. Peter Obi himself told me, ‘I don’t know what’s happening in the party I contested with’,” he added.

The APC chieftain said there “seems to be a deliberate project to destroy opposition parties“.

He further warned against undermining democracy, stating that the nation would not want to experience military rule.

Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala has claimed that the marriage breakup between Nigerian singer, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, and his wife, Annie Idibia Macauley, was long overdue.

Naija News reports that Doris, in a post via her Instagram story on Tuesday, claimed that Annie engaged in ‘juju’ to keep her marriage with 2face.

The movie star claimed that Annie was not victimized as many assumed, stressing that 2Baba is the real victim in their troubled marriage.

Doris Ogala expressed confidence that 2Baba and Annie would reunite and called on the singer’s family to save their brother.

The thespian also said the women supporting Annie are witches, adding that 2Baba has been bottled for so long, hence the reason his musical career crumbled.

She said, “This thing is a projection on their marriage. It’s long overdue. Though Annie isn’t innocent. But trust me, whatever she did was because she didn’t want to lose 2face. This thing na juju tuzzle. But the other one upgraded because she has a witch on her side. The victim here is 2baba.

“These women are evil. Annie isn’t a child. These people just want to frustrate 2face. Annie clung to 2face for a long time. You’ve suffocated this guy for a long time. They will get back together. I bet you. I will advise 2face’s family to save their brother oo. This woman hmmm.

“I’m still grieving. I got a lot to expose. All these ladies are witches and Stella is their blogger. 2face has been bottled for so long. My guy’s musical career finished, and they want to play the victim card. All of you should wait for me. Evil people.”