Jimoh Abdulquadri, a resident of Ilorin, Kwara state capital, who was arrested and detained, has reportedly died in police custody.

Abdulquadri was reportedly arrested on Friday at his residence for allegedly owing a friend N220,000.

On Saturday, his family members were informed that he had died in police custody.

In a viral video taken at the deceased’s house, family members could be seen crying and mourning his death.

In the video, Aishat Biola, the older sister of Abdulquadri, narrated how his brother was deceived from the house and whisked away by some police officers.

“My younger brother is the one who was killed. We were all here making jokes when they came to pick him up,” she said.

“They sent people to deceive him away from here. Those who came to carry him away were on the road waiting.

“Police React”

In a statement on Sunday, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police spokesperson in Kwara, said the deceased was “invited” over “an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000”.

Ejire-Adeyemi said a “discreet investigation” has commenced to ascertain the cause of the death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri, which occurred on 20th Dec, 2024,” the statement reads.

“The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretense to the sum of 220,000 thousand Naira.

“Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause.

“Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

“IGP Visits Deceased’s Family”

On Sunday, Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), visited the family of the deceased in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.

Egbetokun assured the family that the circumstances that led to the death would be investigated.

The case of Abdulquadri appears to be a civil matter.

On numerous occasions, police officers have been warned against being involved in civil matters, including loan recovery, land, and marriage cases.

Despite the numerous warnings, police officers are still involved in civil cases.

Section 32 (2) under Part VI (Powers of Police Officers) of the Nigerian Police Act 2020 stipulates that the police should not be involved in issues of civil wrong or breach of contract.

After more than five years of security restriction, the Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state.

Making the announcement during a press briefing at the weekend, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake stated that the nation has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast gold, Lithium, and copper belts. He noted that the previous ban, which was good intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources. He emphasized that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.

It will be recalled that in 2019, the federal government imposed a total ban on mining activities in Zamfara State due to the escalating security concerns, particularly the links between banditry and illegal mining.

Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity. A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.

“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” Alake asserted.

The minister added that the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state. This will enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.

Commending members of the fourth estate of the realm for championing the propagation of reforms and initiatives of the ministry in 2024, Alake noted that the press have been key allies in efforts to sanitise the mining sector, and promote market reforms which have made the industry attractive to indigenous and foreign investors.

On the recent controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that the agreement does not imply Nigeria is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France. He emphasized that Nigeria’s military remains fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. We need all the assistance we can get in terms of capacity, technical, and financial support from abroad, and that wasn’t even the first we are signing. We’ve signed similar ones with Germany and Australia. Deliberate peddling of misinformation, despite facts to the contrary, is uncalled for, “the minister emphasised.

Dr. Alake also urged the media to continue to play its crucial role in educating the public about government policies in order to prevent ignorance, mischief, and the spread of misinformation.

Looking ahead to 2025, the minister hinted at upcoming policy initiatives aimed at revitalizing the mining sector. He revealed that the ministry plans to further consolidate reforms, enhance the enabling environment for investments, and continue efforts to reposition the sector for long-term, sustainable growth.

Segun Tomori, FSCA

Special Assistant on Media

to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the final forfeiture of a warehouse linked to Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to The Guardian, top sources revealed that Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos issued the forfeiture order on Thursday, December 19, 2024, with the property forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The warehouse, built on a 1.925-hectare piece of land located at Km 8 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Magboro, contained 54 general-purpose steel containers.

The containers were filled with various types of sewing machines.

Earlier, on November 28, the judge had ordered the interim forfeiture of the assets after the Commission filed an application for their forfeiture.

Following the court’s directive for the EFCC to publish the order in two national newspapers, allowing any interested party to show cause why the assets should not be finally forfeited, the Commission later returned to court to request the final forfeiture of the assets.

According to the source, the court also ordered the forfeiture of the land on which the warehouse is situated to the government.

“At the resumed hearing of the matter on Thursday, EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the EFCC had complied with the court’s directives to publish the assets in two national newspapers,” the source said.

“Citing Section 44(2)(B) of the constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, he prayed the court to grant the final forfeiture of the assets.

“Justice Dipeolu granted the order, making the forfeiture another milestone in the asset recovery drive of the EFCC.”