Olubunmi Kuku, managing director (MD) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has issued a stern warning to security agencies to stop extorting passengers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Speaking to heads of security agencies on Tuesday, Kuku emphasized that the penalties for such actions would be severe.

“Investors are complaining, Lagos Airport, that’s the first thing they see. You get off a plane, this is welcome to Nigeria. The number of messages that I received from passengers, from the Honorable Minister, and from the President is insane, especially from Lagos airport,” she said.

“But I want to focus on aviation security (AVSEC). You represent an agency and an organisation.”

The MD instructed the AVSEC officers to interact with passengers in a professional manner and refrain from asking for money, revealing that she had video evidence of such extortions.

“I have another individual who sent and I forwarded that to you. These were Chinese passengers that were flying through the terminal, and they said somebody gave their necklace as a gift,” she said.

“I’ve also gotten feedback from AVSEC officers and customs saying that they are not collecting pensions so this is the way for them to generate or earn their pension.”

“This has to stop, and I have a very clear directive. It goes for the team leads, HODs, and it goes for the heads of the organisations at the airport.”

Kuku stated that if any organization is found guilty, it reflects the failure of the leader, “and it means that I have failed.”

“And this better stop. I also hear that agencies are giving returns to their bosses. So let’s have frank conversations here,” she said.

“The airport is no longer a place to come and make money. So if anybody in your organisation is asking you to give returns — AVSEC, I’m saying the same to you and to all of the other agencies here — better tell them you do not want to come here, because the penalties are going to be stiff.”

In August, FAAN announced plans to establish magistrate courts within airport premises nationwide to prosecute violators of rules and anti-touting regulations.

Human rights activist Dele Farotimi has been incarcerated following his arrest in Lagos yesterday.

Farotimi was apprehended and quickly transferred to Ekiti State over allegations of defamation, based on a petition filed by Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.

Babalola accused Farotimi of defaming him in a video that criticized corruption within the judiciary.

Omoyele Sowore later provided an update on Twitter, confirming that Farotimi had been swiftly prosecuted and imprisoned after being denied bail by a judge in Ado Ekiti, who was allegedly pre-arranged to handle the case in this manner.

Sowore expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, “The Nigerian justice system is whack, as expected @DeleFarotimi has been hurriedly prosecuted and sent to prison after being denied bail by a judge in Ado Ekiti pre-arranged to do the same.”

He further criticized the coordinated effort, claiming, “The Nigerian Police, Chief Afe Babalola SAN, and the judicial officers had it all planned out even before they sent the goons from Ekiti state command RRS (formerly SARS) to abduct him.” The case is now adjourned until December 10, 2024. Sowore concluded by emphasizing his frustration, calling for significant change: “#RevolutionNow, I mean it. Nigeria is overdue for a REVOLUTION!”

More to come…

Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have confiscated fake alcoholic drinks worth over ₦180 million in Lagos.

The agency made this known in a statement on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday.

It revealed that the products were intercepted following a raid on a makeshift factory in Oke Arin market, Lagos Island.

According to NAFDAC, the operation was carried out after a complaint about the illegal production of alcoholic beverages.

NAFDAC has raided a makeshift factory in Oke Arin market, Lagos Island, following a complaint about the illegal production of alcoholic beverages.

Three men were apprehended and various counterfeit alcoholic drinks, empty bottles, and packaging materials were seized. pic.twitter.com/278mDeNFxR

— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) December 3, 2024

According to the statement, three men were arrested in the process, with several fake drinks seized also.

“The products, valued at over ₦180 million, included fake versions of popular brands. The main suspect, Mr. Tochukwu Henry, confessed to refilling bottles labelled as Rémy Martin with ST-Rémy contents and employing two others to assist in the illicit operation,” the agency said.

“NAFDAC has raided a makeshift factory in Oke Arin market, Lagos Island, following a complaint about the illegal production of alcoholic beverages.

“Three men were apprehended and various counterfeit alcoholic drinks, empty bottles, and packaging materials were seized.”

It stated that “all suspects are currently in custody for further investigation,” calling on the “public to remain vigilant, especially during the festive season, and to report suspicious activities and products to the nearest NAFDAC office.”