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January 9, 2025 HMPV: NCDC Assures Nigerians of No Immediate Threat

HMPV: NCDC Assures Nigerians of No Immediate Threat

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that the country is not under any immediate threat from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Addressing concerns about the virus, which has caused outbreaks in some parts of the world, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris explained that the situation in Nigeria remains stable.

“Let me emphasize, there’s no serious threat for now,” Idris said on Thursday. “HMPV is not a new virus. It’s just less known, but it has been associated with respiratory infections, particularly in children and the elderly, over the years.”

The NCDC chief likened HMPV to other common respiratory viruses like influenza and reassured the public that the virus is not an immediate danger in Nigeria.

“We are actively monitoring the situation. So far, there have been no reported cases in Nigeria, and we are in a preparedness phase,” he said. “We take directives from the World Health Organization (WHO), which ensures countries report potential threats to prepare globally. That’s precisely what we’re doing here.”

Dr. Idris highlighted that the country’s public health infrastructure, strengthened by previous responses to Ebola and COVID-19, is well-positioned to address any potential outbreak.

To reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including HMPV, the NCDC recommended avoiding crowded spaces, frequent handwashing, and maintaining good personal hygiene.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged citizens to remain vigilant but not alarmed.

January 9, 2025 Emefiele Fails in Bid to Block $4.5bn, N2.8bn Fraud Case

Emefiele Fails in Bid to Block $4.5bn, N2.8bn Fraud Case

The Lagos State Special Offences Court on Wednesday rejected a motion by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking to challenge the court’s authority over the $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In his ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi affirmed that the court had jurisdiction to handle the case involving Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile. However, the judge dismissed four out of the 26 charges filed by the EFCC, citing lack of jurisdiction.

“The objection regarding the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 is dismissed. The prosecution has shown adequate territorial nexus in this matter,” the court stated.

The case was adjourned to February 24, 2025, for further proceedings.

Emefiele faces 26 charges related to abuse of office and the illegal allocation of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. At the previous hearing on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s legal team, led by Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had argued that the Lagos court had no jurisdiction over the case.

Emefiele, who was suspended as CBN governor on June 14, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to face legal battles.

January 9, 2025 Southwest at Risk as Bandits Move into Oyo – Governor Makinde Raises Alarm

Southwest at Risk as Bandits Move into Oyo – Governor Makinde Raises Alarm

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has raised concerns about the increasing migration of bandits from Nigeria’s Northwest into his state, following intensified military operations in the region.

Makinde made this statement during the 2025 inter-faith church service for workers in Ibadan, revealing that security reports indicated that criminal elements were moving into Oyo.

He shared an example from his recent birthday retreat, where bandits were reportedly camped less than two kilometers from his location. “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that bad elements from the Northwest are relocating here due to military pressure in their regions,” he said.

The governor assured residents that his administration would take decisive action to address the threat, working closely with security agencies and traditional leaders to ensure the safety of the state.

“For us in Oyo, bandits will have no place. I will not rest until every part of this state is safe,” he vowed.

Makinde acknowledged the challenges the state faced in the past year but reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all residents. He urged citizens to collaborate with security forces and stay vigilant in helping rid the state of criminal elements.

“Together, we can make Oyo safe and secure for everyone,” he emphasized.

The governor’s comments have heightened awareness of the shifting dynamics of insecurity across Nigeria as the battle against banditry intensifies nationwide.

January 9, 2025 EFCC Detains 10 Officers Over Alleged Misconduct

EFCC Detains 10 Officers Over Alleged Misconduct

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained 10 officers from its Lagos Zonal Command over allegations of theft involving missing operational items.

The commission's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed this development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oyewale explained that the detentions are part of ongoing efforts by EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, to eliminate corrupt practices within the agency.

“The affected officers were arrested last week following directives from the EFCC chairman. They are currently being questioned regarding the theft of operational items they failed to account for. Investigators are making good progress, and those found culpable will face internal disciplinary measures,” he said.

This comes shortly after the EFCC announced the dismissal of 27 officers on Monday as part of its intensified efforts to uphold integrity and combat fraud within its ranks.

According to Oyewale, the dismissed officers were involved in fraudulent activities and professional misconduct in 2024. Their termination was approved by the EFCC chairman based on recommendations from the commission's staff disciplinary committee.

Chairman Olukoyede reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, emphasizing that no officer, regardless of rank, would be exempt from disciplinary action for wrongdoing.

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