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NAPTIP Denies Blocking Soyombo from Visiting Rescued Baby

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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.

 

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Cross River Lawmakers Endorse Gov. Otu for 2027 Re-Election

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By Njoku Chijioke 

The Southern caucus of the 10th Cross River House of Assembly has endorsed Governor Bassey Otu for re-election in 2027, citing his achievements in boosting internally generated revenue and governance reforms.

Led by Francis Asuquo (Odukpani constituency), the lawmakers urged residents to support Otu’s second term bid and called on other aspirants to step aside for the governor.

However, Richard Inoyo, a civil society leader, dismissed the endorsement, arguing that the caucus does not represent the people’s will.

Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong may challenge Otu in 2027, with his expanding free transport scheme seen as a strategic move.

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Kaduna Refinery Hits 60% Completion – NNPCL

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By Adenike Lawal 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has announced that the Kaduna Refinery has reached over 60% mechanical completion, with operations expected to begin before the end of 2025.

NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, Isiyaku Abdullahi, disclosed this during an engagement with Kannywood artists in Abuja, emphasizing the company’s commitment to completing the refinery and its pipelines using internal resources.

Abdullahi also highlighted ongoing progress at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, urging Nigerians to prepare for an upcoming NNPCL Initial Public Offering (IPO), as part of investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

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UNIZIK Probes Female Student’s Alleged Assault on Lecturer

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By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), has launched an investigation into a physical altercation between a female student and a lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, at the Faculty of Arts.

The incident, which went viral on social media, reportedly started after the lecturer interrupted the student’s video recording, leading to a heated argument.

The student allegedly bit the lecturer multiple times and tore his clothes during the confrontation.

UNIZIK’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, assured the public of a fair and transparent probe, emphasizing the university’s commitment to discipline and decorum.

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