EFCC warns POS operators against aiding fraudsters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Point of Sale (POS) operators across the country against aiding fraudsters and money launderers in perpetrating financial crimes.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning when the leadership of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), led by its National President, Oti Obioha, paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters.

Olukoyede, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, said POS operators were increasingly being linked to transactions involving money laundering, terrorist financing and ransom payments.

He urged AMMBAN to strengthen its regulatory structure and establish a comprehensive framework for monitoring its members.

The EFCC chairman also raised concerns about the level of oversight, training and record-keeping among POS operators, noting that some operators allegedly participate directly in fraudulent activities.

According to him, inadequate transaction records often make it difficult for investigators to trace funds transferred through POS outlets.

Olukoyede therefore urged AMMBAN to ensure that its members maintain proper financial records for every transaction and keep accurate records of operators across the country.

He also assured the association of the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate on training, public awareness and information sharing as part of efforts to curb financial crimes.

Oyo school abduction: Suspects plead not guilty to amended charges

The Department of State Services, DSS, on Thursday re-arraigned five suspected members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru, over the alleged abduction of about 46 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The defendants, Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, aka Isah Adam/Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, aka Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, aka Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, aka Abu Itisar, were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a seven-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026.

The Federal Government, through the DSS, accused the defendants of several terrorism-related offences, including conspiracy to kidnap about 46 people, aiding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, concealing information about an imminent terrorist attack and causing the deaths of two victims.

The two victims named in the charge were Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye.

In the first count, the prosecution alleged that Muhammad and Abbas ordered the other three defendants, whom it described as their “foot soldiers” in Ansaru, to kidnap and kill innocent Nigerians in different parts of the country if they were arrested by the Nigerian government.

According to the prosecution, the alleged directive was intended to compel the government to meet the group’s demands.

The charge further alleged that the order resulted in the abduction of about 46 pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In another count, the Federal Government accused the defendants of committing an act of terrorism by allegedly causing the death of Deacon John Olaleye through decapitation.

The prosecution said the alleged offence was contrary to Section 2(3)(g) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 24(2) of the same law.

The defendants were also accused of withholding information concerning an imminent terrorist act and the planned abduction of the victims from law enforcement and security agencies.

In count five, the Federal Government alleged that the defendants conspired with three other suspects — Muhammed Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab — as well as others still at large, to abduct about 46 people, including schoolchildren and teachers, in Oriire.

Umar, Musa and Sani were separately accused of aiding the alleged abduction, while Muhammad and Abbas were accused in count seven of knowingly concealing information about a planned terrorist attack.

The prosecution alleged that the concealed information was connected to the May 15, 2026 abduction and the deaths of Oyedokun and Olaleye.

The charges were brought under various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the seven counts after the charges were read to them by the registrar of the court.

Following their pleas, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who led the DSS legal team, applied for the immediate commencement of the trial in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Oyedepo also urged the court to protect the identities of the prosecution witnesses by allowing them to testify while wearing masks.

He said the request was necessary to ensure the safety and protection of the witnesses during the proceedings.

Counsel to the defendants, Bala Dakum, did not oppose the prosecution’s application.

Justice Salim Ibrahim subsequently granted the request, paving the way for the prosecution to proceed with the trial under the approved protective measures.

The court thereafter commenced arrangements for the full-scale trial of the five defendants.

The case was adjourned until Friday, September 18, for continuation of hearing.

Tinubu unveils four-year action plan to end child labour

President Bola Tinubu has declared the elimination of child labour a national development priority, stressing that the menace poses serious challenges to education, poverty reduction, economic growth, food security, human capital development and national security.

Tinubu made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja at the National Dialogue on Advancing the Implementation of Nigeria’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan 2026–2030.

The event also featured the launch of the 2024 National Child Labour Survey Report.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, said his administration would intensify efforts to address the root causes of child labour and protect children from exploitation.

According to a statement by Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu said the Federal Government would strengthen labour administration and inspection systems as part of measures to curb child labour across the country.

He added that the government would also reinforce child protection mechanisms and implement interventions aimed at tackling poverty, unemployment, inadequate access to quality education and social exclusion, which he identified as some of the factors driving child labour.

The President identified education as one of the strongest safeguards against child labour, noting that children who have access to quality education are better protected from exploitative work and other vulnerabilities.

He said the administration was implementing reforms targeted at reducing the number of out-of-school children, improving education data, strengthening teacher development and expanding skills acquisition opportunities.

Tinubu further highlighted the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme as another intervention aimed at encouraging school attendance and supporting vulnerable children.

According to him, the programme would help address hunger and nutritional challenges among children from vulnerable households while creating an environment that encourages them to remain in school.

The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan 2026 to 2030 as part of broader efforts to protect children and promote sustainable national development…///

CELEBRATING A QUINTESSENTIAL CLINICIAN AT 60:Dr. Rafiu Adebisi Kadir Adedoyin – Diamond Jubilee

Today we celebrate a man who needs no introduction in the Nigerian Poultry industry. Dr. Rafiu A. Kadir is not an unknown name; his work, his integrity and his clinical depth speak loudly across the sector.

A proud son of Oke-Onigbin , a community in the heart of Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, predominantly inhabited by the Igbomina people. Dr. Kadir carries the Omoluabi values of honesty, diligence and honour everywhere he goes.

But for the sake of our new farmers, young veterinarians and those just coming into the industry who may not have had the privilege of knowing him, permit me to briefly introduce the man we are celebrating.

Dr. Kadir was the Pioneer General Manager and Resident Doctor of Profundis Farms Nigeria Limited . He pioneered the take-off of the farm from scratch. Today, Profundis stands as one of the leading indigenously owned integrated poultry farms in Nigeria in both broiler and egg production and that foundation is largely his handiwork.

A distinguished Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria (FCVSN), Dr. Kadir continued his professional journey after his meritorious service at Profundis with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, where he presently serves, imparting knowledge and mentoring the next generation of veterinarians.

He is also the Founder and Principal Consultant of Royal Veterinary, Feeds and Farms, through which he offers top-notch private veterinary consultancy and clinical services.

What set Dr. Kadir apart was not just professionalism, but uncommon commitment and integrity:

1. TOTAL COMMITMENT: Though a seasoned Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) trained Veterinarian, Dr. Kadir refused to commercialise his private services to surrounding farms while serving as Resident Doctor. He was totally committed to the growth of Profundis. Even when he offered technical support to other farms around, he would not collect a penny. It was selfless service.

2. UNCOMPROMISING INTEGRITY: As General Manager, he never took tips or kickbacks from input suppliers. Even when suppliers insisted and asked for his account number, he would decline. That high level of integrity became the culture. His personal example curtailed sharp practices among subordinate staff, and it is a major reason for the stability and growth the farm enjoys today.

3. CLINICAL EXCELLENCE: As a clinician, his tentative diagnosis was 9 over 10, even before laboratory confirmation. You could take his word to the bank. Top-notch!

And beyond all these, he is a very jovial, very nice and approachable leader, a complete gentleman.

At 60, Dr. Kadir deserves this tribute not because he asked for it, but because his life is an epitome of integrity, loyalty and professional excellence. He is worthy of emulation and capable of inspiring the new generation of Vet Doctors, Farm Managers and Poultry practitioners that loyalty pays, steadfastness pays, dignity in labour is real, and you don’t have to cut corners to make it.

Happy Diamond Jubilee, Sir! Ilaal-amaam, bi’iznillah.

We celebrate you, the quintessential clinician, Oke-Onigbin’s proud ambassador.

Celebrate him and share in his joy:
09033379662, 08034789399

Tribute by:
Gbenro Rowaiye (Ph.D, MBA), who served as Assistant Farm Manager at Profundis Farms Nigeria Limited under Dr Kadir’s tutelage.