Two Truck Drivers Jailed for Illegal Possession of Minerals in Ilorin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, May 15, 2025 convicted and sentenced two truck drivers, Abdulkareem Hussaini and Aliyu Ladan to one-year imprisonment each for unlawful possession of solid minerals.

They were arraigned on one-count separate charges by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The charge against Hussaini reads:

“That you, Abdulkareem Hussaini on or about the 11th day of June 2024, at Ballah Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, comes into possession of minerals to wit: Thirty-Five Tonnes of mineral, conveyed in a Layland DAF Truck, with registration number KTG 54 XB and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1984”

Similarly, Ladan’s charge reads:

“That you, ALIYU LADAN, on or about the 13th day of September, 2024 at Ballah, Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, comes into possession of minerals to wit: 30 tons of mineral, conveyed in a SINO truck, with registration number: FTA 981 XB and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offices Act, 1984”

The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them.

Following their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Sesan Ola, reviewed the facts of the case, tendered evidence and thereafter prayed the court to convict the defendants accordingly.

In his judgment, Justice Awogboro sentenced Hussaini and Ladan to 12 months in prison with an option of fine of N1 million each. The judge also ordered that the solid minerals recovered from the convicts at the time of arrest be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The convicts started their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were found in possession of large quantities of minerals without valid authorization, an act that violates Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1984.

They were charged to court, pleaded guilty to their charges and convicted.

Adjudication Kicks Off for The Nigeria Prize for Science

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Momentum is building and adjudication is set to commence for the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science, with 112 entries handed over today to the Prize’s Advisory Board for onward transmission to the judges.

Caption: (L-R): Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (NLNG); Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG); and members of The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board – Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (Member), and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar (Member) during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos…on Tuesday.
The Nigeria Prize for Science, arguably Africa’s richest and most prestigious science award, is worth $100,000.

The 2025 edition features the theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technologies for Development,” seeking solutions to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy.

Sponsored by NLNG, the Prize attracts entries from scientists worldwide (Nigerians and Non-Nigerians) and aims to identify and reward groundbreaking innovations that advance industry and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

At a press conference in Lagos, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, formally handed over the 112 entries to the Advisory Board, chaired by renowned scientist Professor Barth Nnaji.

The handover marks the start of a rigorous evaluation process, during which a panel of distinguished judges will assess entries based on merit, originality, and potential impact on national development.

The competition is expected to be intense, reflecting rising global interest and innovation in AI and digital technology.

In her remarks, Horsfall highlighted that this year’s theme reflects the global shift toward technological transformation.

She stated: “This year’s Prize seeks to spotlight pioneering research and bold solutions that harness technologies to empower industries, uplift societies, and transform Nigeria’s development trajectory.”

She further added: “These technologies hold immense transformative potential for Nigeria.

As Africa’s largest economy and a nation blessed with a vibrant pool of young talent, we have a unique opportunity to harness digital innovation to develop scalable, globally relevant solutions that will drive sustainable socio-economic development.”

Professor Barth Nnaji, while receiving the entries, expressed his appreciation for the number of submissions. “The Board is greatly encouraged by the volume of entries.

The 2025 competition is shaping up to be intensely competitive, and we are confident it will showcase outstanding innovation,” he said.

He emphasised the transformative power of AI and digital technologies across sectors: “AI is rapidly reshaping nearly every aspect of modern life, driving innovation, improving efficiency, and unlocking new possibilities across industries.”

He added; “ In healthcare, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and speed through advanced imaging and predictive tools. In education, it personalises learning experiences, helping teachers address challenges early using intelligent tutors and automated assessments.

In agriculture, AI enables precision farming by analysing sensor and satellite data to improve crop management and forecast yields.

These sector-wide transformations underscore AI’s growing role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable progress.”
Other members of the Board are Chief Dr. Nike Akande, a two-time former Minister of Industry, and Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, a professor of quantitative genetics and animal breeding.

The Prize continues to champion innovation, creativity, and scientific excellence as key drivers of Nigeria’s development, while fostering a culture of research that positions the country at the forefront of global innovation.

The winning entry for the 2025 Prize will be unveiled at a world press conference scheduled for September.

Caption: (L-R): Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (NLNG); Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG); and members of The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board – Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (Member), and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar (Member) during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos…on Tuesday.

NASENI Applauds President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy”

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a bold step toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended the policy’s prioritization of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement. He said the directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.

“With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Mr. Halilu said. “Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”

Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Mr. Halilu noted that NASENI has long championed local content through its own initiatives. He highlighted products developed by the agency, ranging from Nigerian-assembled vehicles and energy systems to smart irrigation tools and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.

He further referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held across the country, aimed at driving awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes toward local products. These forums bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.

“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr. Halilu stated. “But this is also a call to action for local producers. It is not enough to enjoy policy support, quality and standards must never be compromised. We must deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.”

NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.

President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

Mr. Halilu concluded by affirming NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers. They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”