Borno Sponsors 180 on Postgraduate Studies to Malaysia, India

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Government has sponsored 180 students for higher education in Malaysia and India.

Among the beneficiaries are 12 PhD and 53 master’s students who will study at Sharda University, India as well as another 12 PhD and 73 candidates for Integral University, India.

Twenty-nine other beneficiaries are masters and PhD candidates who will pursue advanced studies at different universities in Malaysia.

During a ceremonial send-forth event held at the Government House in Maiduguri on Thursday, Governor Babagana Zulum urged the beneficiaries to be dedicated to their studies.

He said: “We expect each of you to exhibit a strong dedication to your studies and, in the future, to any professional roles you assume. Your dedication is crucial to ensuring that the benefits of your education directly contribute to the development and progress of Borno State.

“We trust that you will honour this responsibility and use the knowledge and skills you gain to make a positive impact on our society.”

Zulum, while congratulating the beneficiaries, noted that an additional sum of about USD 150 had been approved monthly to cater for their upkeeps.

He said: “At this juncture, I wish to congratulate you on your success. However, I must also remind you that the government has invested significantly in your training. As mentioned earlier, nearly N2 billion will be spent annually on your tuition alone.

“Additionally, I have directed that a monthly allowance of 150 USD be provided for your upkeep. It is important to note that with great opportunities come great responsibilities.

Zulum also promised automatic employment for the beneficiaries of the scholarship after completing their studies.

The governor noted that on their return, some of the beneficiaries would be offered to teach at various tertiary institutions in Borno.

He said: “Those of you pursuing master’s degrees, where possible, try as much as possible to obtain your PhD. On this note, I want to direct the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to liaise with the tertiary institutions in the state and see the possibility of recruiting some of today’s beneficiaries so that they will immediately resume duty on their return.”

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, had explained that the 180 beneficiaries were to pursue courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in India and Malaysia.

He also said that while ₦1,988,670,230 was disbursed to cover the tuition fees for the 180 beneficiaries of foreign scholarships, another ₦338,500,000 was allocated for local scholarships, benefiting 303 students.

Borno Sponsors 180 on Postgraduate Studies to Malaysia, India

Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have taken into custody a wanted drug baron, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu (a.k.a Barryshine) two years after coming under the radar of the anti-narcotics agency.

Suleiman who is the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, according to a statement on Friday by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi came under the agency’s watchlist over his alleged role in four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos between 2022 and 2024.

Babafemi said the alleged drug baron, name first featured on November 13, 2022, when a female passenger on Qatar airlines flight to Saudi Arabia, Alhaja Ajisegiri Sidika was arrested at the MMIA in possession of 400 grammes of cocaine, which was concealed inside female footwears.

He said investigations later revealed that one Abdullahi Ramon, who is a brother to Suleiman hired the arrested drug courier, with further facts subsequently emerging that the flight tickets and other travel expenses of the suspect were sourced by Alhaji Suleiman Aremu.

Babafemi said a few days after the arrest of Ajisegiri Sidika, another drug mule, Lawal Oyenuga was arrested on November 24, 2022, with the same quantity of cocaine, 400 grammes, concealed in male footwears while going to the same destination, Saudi Arabia.

The suspect, Lawal Oyenuga on his arrest and interrogation, confessed that one Wasiu Gbolahan (a.k.a Teacher) who was later arrested and convicted by the court, hired him for Suleiman. Lawal further alleged that Wasiu Gbolahan linked him up with the baron through one Igbono, who was later unveiled through investigation as Oluwafemi Abidoye (a.k.a Igbono, Murphy, Femi Iwaya, Ade Iwaya, Baba Eje and Ejeoto)

Babafemi said, while investigation of the two cases subsisted and the manhunt for the baron was ongoing, two drug mules were arrested at the MMIA on June 21, 2024 on their way to Doha, Qatar. One of the suspects who was later identified as Aikhomoun Daniel (a.k.a Oladapo Olanrewaju) digested in observation custody a total of 90 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.022 kilogrammes, which he ingested, while the second suspect, Ayigoro Omobolaji excreted 60 wraps of cocaine with a total weight of 662 grammes.

He said further investigation later revealed that the two arrested couriers, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Omobolaji were recruited by the same Igbono who works for the baron and featured in 2022 during the arrest of Ajesegiri Sidika and Lawal Oyenuga.

He added that financial investigation conducted by the agency also linked the baron Suleiman to the arrested suspects and two of his associates who recruit traffickers for him: Oluwafemi Abidoye and Olanrewaju Ramon, both currently at large.

The spokesman said as a result, the agency blocked the bank accounts linked to members of the cartel after which Suleiman was eventually taken into custody on August 26, 2024 for further investigation.

In his statements, Suleiman was said to have claimed he is into property development and hotel management while he lives in Lagos and Paris, France.

He also stated that he runs another business that deals in cloths with his wife at Balogun market, Lagos Island, adding that his regular visits to Saudi Arabia was to perform lesser hajj.

He said he holds the traditional title of Akeweje of Yaba (Youth Leader of Yaba Land). Already, some properties traced to Suleiman include: two houses at 63 and 72 Queens Street, Ebute-Meta and his Barryshine hotel at 95 Freeman street, Yaba, Lagos.

Meanwhile, Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos has granted an application by the NDLEA for the extension of the detention of the drug kingpin Suleiman for 30 days and to declare his two associates: Oluwafemi Abidoye and Olanrewaju Ramon, both currently at large, wanted.

Ruling on the motion ex-parte in suit number: FHC/L/MISC/555/24, Justice Dipeolu said: “an order is hereby made declaring one Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye a.ka ‘Igbono’, ‘Murphy’, ‘Femi Iwaya’, ‘Ade Iwaya’, ‘Baba Eje’, ‘Ejeoto’ wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Barryshine).”

The judge also ruled that “an order is hereby made declaring one Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulahi wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in the drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Baryshine) with respect to the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika who was arrested at MMIA Ikeja-Lagos during outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia with 400 grammes of cocaine concealed in foot wears.”

Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for the painstaking two years investigation that culminated in the conviction of three traffickers and the eventual arrest of the kingpin behind the cartel. He said this demonstrates that the long arm of the law will always get whoever is involved in the criminal trade no matter how long it takes.

Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested

Maiduguri Flood: IPCR Offers Condolences to Borno People, Urges Partners to Provide Assistance

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has expressed its deepest sympathy to all the people, governor and government of Borno state including the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima over the unfortunate flood disaster that ravaged Maiduguri and its environs.

While, extending it deepest condolences to
the people of Borno State, who have been severely affected by the flood disaster, the Director General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu in a statement on Friday, said: “Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods due to this devastating effect of the flood.”

He said: “The IPCR recognizes the immense challenges posed by the flood, which has not only caused widespread destruction but also exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis in the region.

“The IPCR acknowledges the resilience and strength of the Borno people, who have faced numerous challenges in recent years, including insurgency and displacement.

“In light of this disaster, the IPCR calls on its partners, stakeholders, and the international community to come to the aid of the Borno people.”

Ochogwu appealed for immediate assistance in providing relief materials, shelter, food, and medical care to those affected, adding that: “It is crucial that we act swiftly to address the urgent needs of the displaced and vulnerable populations.”

He further emphasized the need for long-term support to help the people of Borno rebuild their lives and communities. This includes investing in sustainable infrastructure, agricultural support, and economic empowerment programs to ensure that they can recover and thrive in the face of future challenges.”

He noted that: “As an institute dedicated to promoting peace and conflict resolution, we recognize that natural disasters like floods can exacerbate social tensions and conflict.

“Therefore, we stress the importance of inclusive and equitable response efforts that address the needs of all affected people, regardless of their background or identity.

“The IPCR stands in solidarity with the government and people of Borno and commits to supporting them and humanitarian agencies in their response efforts.

“We will continue to work towards promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region. We will also continue to ensure that all is well with the people of Borno state.

“Once again, we commiserate with the Governor of Borno state, Babagana Umara Zulum, the affected families, the family of those who lost love ones, the leaders and traditional rulers of the state over this unfortunate incident. Let us come together to support the Borno people in their time of need.”

Maiduguri Flood: IPCR Offers Condolences to Borno People, Urges Partners to Provide Assistance