News

NAPTIP Denies Blocking Soyombo from Visiting Rescued Baby

Published

2 months ago

December 3, 2024

By Cynthia Abah

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Tuesday denied allegations from investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo that the agency had prevented him from visiting a baby he had rescued from an orphanage suspected of trafficking.

In a statement on Arise News’s flagship program, The Morning Show, NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Commander, Mrs. Comfort Agboko, clarified that the agency had not “shut him out,” but instead requested that Soyombo submit a formal written request to facilitate the visit.

Soyombo had earlier claimed that NAPTIP had failed to act on his 2023 report concerning illicit baby sales.

He expressed frustration over being kept in the dark about the child’s whereabouts, suggesting that the agency was obstructing his efforts to track the baby’s progress.

He also called for an explanation from NAPTIP’s former Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi.

Recalling his 2023 undercover investigation into the orphanage, Soyombo detailed how he purchased a baby for N2 million and later handed the child over to NAPTIP.

However, after months of monitoring, he claimed that NAPTIP had barred him from seeing the baby, undermining his trust in the agency.

In response, Agboko explained that NAPTIP operates a closed shelter and collaborates with the Lagos Ministry of Youth and Social Development to care for rescued children.

She confirmed that the baby spent eight months in NAPTIP’s shelter before being transferred to the Ministry on April 11, 2024.

Agboko also provided an update on the investigation, noting that the owner of the orphanage had been arrested in October 2023.

The case was subsequently charged in May 2024 at the Federal High Court, with the trial set to resume on February 8, 2025.

She also confirmed that the orphanage had been sealed by the Lagos State Government.

While Agboko assured that the baby was being properly cared for, she could not provide a health update, stressing that accredited orphanage homes are regularly monitored by government officials to ensure appropriate care.

Soyombo’s investigation into Arrows of God Orphanage revealed a network of illegal baby sales, involving law enforcement and judicial complicity.

His exposé led to the arrest of the orphanage’s owner, D.C. Ogo, who was arraigned in June 2024.

Ogo, aged 83, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The trial is now scheduled for February 2025.

Abuja Reports

Tinubu Orders More Road Projects Across FCT Area Councils –Wike

Published

23 minutes ago

January 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the expansion of road infrastructure across all area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike revealed on Saturday.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Saburi Road in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Wike announced the reconstruction of the Dei-Dei Market Road to Life Camp.

The project, set to begin in February, will include streetlights to restore the market’s international status.

Wike commended AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu for delivering impactful projects, saying, “Your chairman has shown exceptional capacity and deserves recognition.”

He also disclosed plans to include the Zaudna to Kagini Road in the 2025 budget, ensuring every council benefits from development projects.

The Minister highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to equitable governance, promising upgrades to schools and urging residents to remain patient as challenges are addressed.

Maikalangu, who described Wike as a “God-sent leader,” praised the timely completion of the Saburi Road, which has boosted economic activities in Gwagwa Ward.

He appealed for additional interventions, including roads and bridges in neglected communities like Zaudna and Kaba.

Residents expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts and pledged their support for ongoing initiatives.

Entertainment

Qing Madi Named Spotify EQUAL Africa Artist for January 2025

Published

33 minutes ago

January 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

Rising Nigerian singer Qing Madi has been honored as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist for January 2025.

This recognition follows her earlier feature on Spotify’s EQUAL playlist and her distinction as one of Nigeria’s most-streamed female artists in 2024.

Passionate about using her music to impact lives, Qing Madi stands out in the male-dominated industry with her unique artistry.

She incorporates metaphors and layered meanings into her lyrics, evoking deeper emotions and perspectives in her listeners.

Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “As a female artist, I’ve learned to work a hundred times harder than my male counterparts to have my voice heard.

My unique perspective shapes my writing and music, allowing listeners to explore profound emotions through my songs,” she said.

Entertainment

Nigerian Idol Season 10 Auditions Open

Published

42 minutes ago

January 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

MultiChoice Nigeria has commenced auditions for the 10th season of Nigerian Idol, themed “Your Voice, Your Victory.”

The auditions, which began on Friday, January 17, 2025, will close on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Young Nigerians aged 16 to 30 are encouraged to showcase their singing talent.

To participate, aspiring contestants must upload a 30-second video of themselves singing a song of their choice on the Africa Magic website.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels West Africa at MultiChoice, highlighted the show’s impact, stating, “Nigerian Idol is more than a talent show; it’s a platform to inspire, transform lives, and celebrate the power of music.”

Nigerian Idol has consistently discovered talent, built careers, and entertained audiences across Africa over the past decade.