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FG, FRSC Join Forces to Crack Down on Fake Diplomatic Number Plates

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…move follows discovery of 1,000 vehicles using forged diplomatic, government identification documents

By Gloria Ikibah

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in a renewed effort to tackle the growing misuse of diplomatic number plates and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system.

The decision was reached during a meeting between the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, and senior officials of the FRSC at the Corps’ National Headquarters on Monday in Abuja.

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The discussions, which took place during a courtesy visit to the Corps Public Education Officer and spokesperson of the FRSC, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, as well as a meeting with Assistant Corps Marshal Operations, Olusegun Ogungbemide, focused on emerging security concerns linked to the proliferation of fake diplomatic number plates and other official vehicle identification documents.

During the engagement, Ebienfa disclosed that the ministry was already intensifying efforts to curb the unlawful use of ambassadorial titles and diplomatic credentials by individuals with no official status.

Mr Ebienfa informed that the Ministry is currently campaigning against the illegal use of Ambassadorial titles by unauthorized persons and some of such persons also use fake diplomatic passports and vehicle number plates.

The meeting also reviewed the outcome of recent enforcement operations conducted by the FRSC across several states aimed at identifying and confiscating illegally acquired diplomatic and government number plates.

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According to the Corps, the operations uncovered widespread abuse involving forged registration documents, fake diplomatic plates and unauthorised government vehicle identification.

“The operations, conducted in several states of the Federation, resulted in the interception of one thousand vehicles found to be using fake diplomatic plates, unauthorized government plates, cloned registration documents, and other forms of vehicle identification obtained through fraudulent means”, he said.

Officials of both institutions expressed concern that the abuse of diplomatic identification systems poses serious security risks and damages Nigeria’s international standing.

To address the worrisome development, the two institutions expressed concern that the misuse of diplomatic number plates not only undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic privileges and immunities regime but also constitutes a significant national security threat capable of facilitating criminal activities, identity concealment, and other unlawful acts.

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They also warned that the practice undermines globally accepted diplomatic protocols and could weaken confidence in Nigeria’s diplomatic framework.

Both agencies agreed that such practices tarnish Nigeria’s international image and undermine established diplomatic norms.

As part of the new collaboration, the Ministry and the FRSC agreed to enhance information sharing, strengthen verification procedures for diplomatic vehicles and accreditation records, and develop a more effective monitoring system for the issuance and use of diplomatic number plates.

The agencies are also exploring technology-driven solutions that would enable real-time verification of diplomatic vehicles through integration of accreditation records and vehicle registration databases.

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The two institutions also agreed to explore the establishment of improved verification mechanisms linking diplomatic accreditation records with vehicle registration databases to facilitate real-time authentication of diplomatic vehicles and prevent unauthorized use of diplomatic identities and privileges.

The Ministry commended the FRSC for its enforcement efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to working with security and law enforcement agencies to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions.

In the coming months, both organisations are expected to undertake additional consultations and public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders on the lawful use of diplomatic number plates and the consequences of offences such as forgery, impersonation and unlawful possession of diplomatic documents.

The Ministry reiterated that diplomatic number plates remain the exclusive preserve of accredited diplomatic missions, international organisations and recognised diplomatic personnel, stressing that diplomatic privileges and immunities must never be transferred, sold or exploited by unauthorised individuals.

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It also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of misuse of diplomatic number plates and diplomatic identification documents to the relevant authorities as part of efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility, national security and international reputation.

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Abbas Marks 61st Birthday by Sponsoring 120 Kuje Inmates For NECO, NABTEB

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By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has marked his 61st birthday by sponsoring 120 inmates at the Medium Security Correctional Centre, Kuje, Abuja, to sit for the National Examinations Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.

The initiative, which took place at the correctional centre on Thursday, formed part of activities marking the Speaker’s birthday and continued his support for educational opportunities for inmates.

Speaker Abbas who was represented by his Special Assistant on Humanitarian Affairs, David Igbe Okponya said the gesture was intended to ensure that incarceration did not become a barrier to education, personal development and the opportunity for inmates to rebuild their lives.

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Delivering the Speaker’s message to the inmates, he urged them to use their time in custody to prepare for life beyond the correctional centre.

He urged the inmates not to allow their present circumstances to define their future.

He said: “I leave you with three words: Believe. Learn. Rebuild. Believe that your future can be better. Learn everything that can make you a better person. And when the opportunity comes, rebuild your life and make a positive contribution to society.

“Let this occasion remind us that no human being should be defined only by his worst moment.

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“Whatever brought you here is part of your history, but it does not have to define the rest of your life.

“Use your time here wisely. Read, study, learn a trade, acquire a skill, and build your character. When the opportunity comes for you to return to your communities, return prepared to contribute positively to your families and to Nigeria.”

The event also featured testimonies from previous beneficiaries of Abbas’ educational sponsorship, as well as the cutting of the Speaker’s birthday cake with inmates.

An inmate identified simply as Adeolu, who benefited from the Speaker’s examination sponsorship last year, expressed appreciation for the support.

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“A big thank you” to the Speaker, he said, before adding, “The foundation builder—that is what we call him in here.”

Another former beneficiary, Chikwendu, recounted how the educational support helped him change his course of study from science to art before sitting for the NECO examination sponsored by the Speaker.

He said he eventually obtained seven distinctions.

“Last year, you were here to plant a seed. I want you to know that, that seed has germinated. We are indebted to our father, the Right Honourable Speaker,” Chikwendu said.

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Giving an overview of the educational programmes in the FCT Command, the Education Desk Officer, DSC Adikwu Owoicho, disclosed that more than 2,000 inmates had been registered for various educational programmes.

He said inmates registered in 2025 recorded encouraging performances in both NECO and NABTEB examinations.

“The Speaker is taking the lead in the number of NECO and NABTEB registration sponsorships nationwide. The NGOs are doing their best, but the Speaker is taking the lead,” Owoicho said.

Earlier, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, who represented the Comptroller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, commended the Speaker for supporting the Nigerian Correctional Service’s efforts to reform and empower inmates.

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The Comptroller General described education as a critical pillar of the Service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.

He also advocated employment opportunities for reformed inmates, saying those who had undergone rehabilitation were ready to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Representing the Deputy Controller General in charge of Inmates Training and Productivity, SC Igomu Augustine, also appreciated the organisers for supporting inmates and the Service’s efforts to make them productive and better prepared for reintegration into society.

He said the Speaker was taking the lead in sponsoring the registration of inmates for NECO examinations across custodial centres.

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The latest sponsorship formed part of his continued support for education and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at giving inmates opportunities to acquire qualifications, skills and the confidence needed to rebuild their lives after release.

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Entertainment

SAD! Another Nollywood star is dead

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Another Nollywood actor, Chijioke Nwokafor, popularly known as CJay Nwoks is dead.

He died on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at an undisclosed hospital in the Badore area of Lagos State.

The sad news was announced by actress Nkechi Blessing, who recently cast CJay as the lead actor in her new film.

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Speaking on why the film will no longer be released, Nkechi, who was seen crying in a video on her Instagram page, said, “it took me a lot to do this video because we won’t be dropping the movie again by 5pm.

Right now, I’m in the hospital in Badore. I just lost CJay. CJay is dead. I don’t even know where to start.”

The cause of his death is still very sketchy as at the time of filing this report.

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Independence: Nigeria Making Political, Economic Progress, Speaker Abbas Says

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future, declaring that Nigeria is making progress politically, socially and economically.

Abbas made the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians as the country marked its 61st anniversary of independence on Thursday.

The Speaker noted that Nigeria had continued to mature as a nation, stressing that democracy was taking root in Africa’s most populous country despite the challenges confronting it.

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He emphasised the importance of patriotism, peace and national unity, urging Nigerians to work collectively towards the country’s development, growth and prosperity.

Abbas also called on citizens to sustain their prayers and support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, while stressing that nation-building must transcend political affiliations, ethnic differences and religious beliefs.

According to him, the task of building a prosperous nation requires a renewed sense of patriotism and a collective commitment to the common good.

He urged Nigerians to embrace a new national consciousness, love their country and remain dedicated to its progress, insisting that the responsibility for national development rests on every citizen.

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The Speaker wished Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Independence Day celebration, expressing hope for a stronger and more prosperous nation.

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