News
Border Commanders at Lagos–Seme Suspended Over Alleged Extortion
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, has temporarily relieved the commanding officers of the affected commands along the Lagos-Seme border corridor of their duties following online reports alleging extortion by personnel of the service. Nandap also ordered an immediate investigation into the incidents.
The service, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday, said Nandap “unequivocally condemns the actions depicted in these reports, as such conduct is unacceptable and stands in direct violation of the core values, ethics, and operational standards of the Service.”
The statement did not specify the number of officers suspended or identify the commands affected, but said the investigation was directed at identifying “all officers involved” to ensure “appropriate disciplinary measures are applied with immediate effect.”
The Lagos-Seme corridor, which links Nigeria to the Republic of Benin at the Seme land border in Lagos State, is one of the busiest and most strategically significant entry and exit points in West Africa.
The route handles heavy volumes of commercial goods, cross-border traders, and travellers, and has long been a pressure point for complaints of harassment and extortion by border officials.
The Buhari-led government shut the border between 2019 and 2020 as part of a crackdown on smuggling and unauthorised cross-border movement, a closure that drew significant economic criticism before it was eventually lifted.
Allegations of extortion along the corridor resurfaced recently through online videos and reports that drew public attention to the conduct of immigration personnel stationed there.
Nandap, who assumed office as Comptroller-General in January 2024, had earlier said her tenure would be marked by discipline and public accountability.
At the decoration of newly promoted comptrollers earlier this year, she charged officers to uphold the integrity of the service.
In Friday’s statement, the service said it is committed to “professional, transparent, and efficient services at all points of entry and exit,” adding that it “will not condone any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the integrity of the Service.”
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its mission to serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism while facilitating lawful migration,” the statement added.
It urged members of the public to report misconduct through the service’s official social media channels on X, Instagram, and Facebook, all under the handle @nigimmigration, or via its 24-hour contact centre lines: 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has no plans to extend the sales of expression of interest and nomination forms to aspirants in the 2027 general elections.
The National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, made this known while briefing journalists in Abuja.
Yilwatda said that the party was working in line with the schedule of the sales activities and time.
“The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will decide at its meeting if there will be any room for extension.
“There is a timeline for activities and if there will be any extension we will follow due process.
“There is presently no extension for the sales of the forms,” he said.
He applauded the smooth sale process, noting that it indicated a seamless primary election and victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.
“The APC remains one of the most democratic political parties in the country which provides level playing ground to all its members.
“Someone has even picked a form to contest the presidency and this shows the level of democracy we have in Nigeria.
“The number of people coming to contest in our party tells us that it is the most acceptable in Nigeria.
“There is currently no challenge in the sale of forms as the banks had been doing the needful with party staff overseeing the clearance.
“The department in charge of receipts is up to its duties and are monitoring the social media to ascertain if people are complaining,” he said.
Recall that the party fixed the sales of forms from April 25 to May 2.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new five-year contract until 2031.
The 21-year-old’s previous deal at Old Trafford, signed in 2023 when he was still 17, was due to expire in the summer of 2027.
Mainoo has featured in 26 matches in all competitions so far this season, 24 in the Premier League, with this contract extension understood to underpin his importance in the team since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as United manager in January.
Mainoo said: “Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family.
“I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
“From The Cliff, to Littleton Road, to Carrington and ultimately Old Trafford, the journey so far has been incredible.
“I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six.
“We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.”
AC Milan will consider three Manchester United players as part of a swap deal for Rafael Leao, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The outlet claim that United have already made contact with agents over a potential deal for Leao this summer, but their first choice target is Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
However, Leao could be an easier deal to do, with Milan now ready to listen to offers for the winger. The Italian side are reportedly asking for around €50 million (£43.3m) but their interest in three United players could possibly lead to a swap deal.
Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford are all mentioned. All three players are expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Zirkzee has struggled to make an impact since his move from Bologna, while Rashford has spent the season on loan with Barcelona. The Spanish side have the option to make the move permanent for £26 million but they are looking less and less likely to trigger it.
United could therefore be looking for sale in the summer. Using him as part of a swap for Leao could be seen as a solution.
United have forfeited a financial boost from a friendly against RB Leipzig. Sky Germany report that as part of the agreement between the two sides over striker Benjamin Sesko, a friendly match must be played.
But instead of United financially benefitting from the game, Leipzig will instead receive all of the revenue. It’s reported that the game must be played within the ‘next few years’.
United completed a deal for Sesko last summer, paying a fee of around £66.3million. However, Sky Germany report that it is now set to rise to £74 million with add-ons.
It’s claimed that there will be around £3.5 million in bonuses for things such as appearances, goals and Champions League qualification.
In his first season with the club, Sesko has scored 11 times, in 31 appearances in all competitions. He scored what turned out to be the winning goal in Monday night’s win over Brentford.
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