Connect with us

News

After CAF verdict: Libya police embark on mass arrest of Nigerians

Published

on

After the Confederation of African Football (CAF) verdict on the Nigerian Football Federation’s complaint regarding the Super Eagles’ treatment in Libya, reports from Libya indicate an uptick in arrests and fines targeting Nigerians.

Upon arrival in Libya for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were detained at Al-Abraq Airport for over 20 hours, despite being initially scheduled to land in Benghazi and travel to Benina, where the game was set to take place. The change in flight destination, ordered by Libyan authorities less than an hour before landing, forced the Nigerian team to withdraw from the match, prompting an official complaint to CAF.

On October 26, CAF’s disciplinary body awarded Nigeria three points and goals for the canceled match, citing Libya’s breach of AFCON regulations. In addition, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) was fined $50,000, a decision the LFF president criticized as “unjust and malicious,” alleging undue influence by the NFF.

In reaction to the CAF decision, social media posts by popular Libyan blogs have called for Nigerian workers in Libya to bear the financial penalty through arrests and fines. “All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest the Nigerian workers who are working here in Libya without legal papers. They have to pay $500 plus taxes,” one blog post stated.

Advertisement

Reports from Nigerians in Libya indicate that these arrests began shortly after CAF’s verdict was publicized. “They have already started,” said Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian resident in Tripoli. “In some places, people were arrested on Sunday morning and afternoon.”

Peter Omoregbie, head of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed the arrests, stating, “They are arresting innocent people. They don’t even care whether you have passports or residence permits.”

A former Nigerian ambassador has urged the government to document these incidents and consider a formal complaint to the African Union, saying, “If Nigerians collate evidence of the maltreatment, the Federal Government can protest directly to the Libyan government.”

Libyan rights organizations have also warned against retaliatory acts, highlighting that hostility towards foreign workers could have both domestic and international legal repercussions.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Hunger: Protest In Abuja Over Fuel Crisis, Inflation

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday, launching a large-scale protest over escalating fuel costs, chronic fuel shortages, and mounting economic hardship.

Led by Abdullahi Bilal of the (Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal) and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), the demonstrators demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.

Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.

Advertisement

The demonstrators condemned the current fuel subsidy regime, claiming it has only served to enrich a select few while leaving the majority struggling with high prices.

They called for full deregulation in the oil sector to ensure transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing.

Protesters also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.

They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.

Advertisement

Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.

They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.

Highlighting the impact of the fuel crisis on the economy, protesters cited inflation surpassing 24% and a 200% rise in fuel prices, factors they say are deepening poverty across the country.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens’ needs first. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.

Advertisement

Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal stated, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.

Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.

“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.

Advertisement

We also demand an end to the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria. This harmful practice must stop immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable for the damage caused to our vehicles, businesses, and livelihoods.

Nigerians have suffered long enough, wasting hours and days queuing for fuel. We demand a sustainable solution to the fuel scarcity crisis—no more excuses, no more delays. We deserve better.

“We also want to highlight the failure of the much-anticipated refinery. Nigerians were promised that this would solve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.

“This mismanagement has led to inflation reaching a shocking 24.5% as of November 2024. Fuel prices have increased by over 200%, plunging millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty.

Advertisement

To the government, we say: enough is enough. Nigerians will not stand by while the oil cabal continues to thrive at the expense of our nation’s welfare. We demand accountability, and we demand it now.”

On their part, Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac, insisted: “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Just in: EFCC’ reportedly detains ex-gov of Delta, Okowa

Published

on

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has taken a former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, into custody in Port Harcourt, Rivers State over alleged misappropriation/embezzlement of billions of naira belonging to the state during his tenure.

A source familiar with the matter made the disclosure asking to not be identified.

Details shortly…

Continue Reading

News

Ikwechegh may experience double tragedy for assaulting Bolt driver -Minority Leader Chinda cautions

Published

on

House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, has cautioned that his colleague, Alex Ikwechegh, might suffer a “double tragedy” due to his alleged assault on e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja last month.

Chinda explained: “Presently, he is being prosecuted. He is at the Magistrate Court. The House has also sent him to the disciplinary committee on the same issue,” Chinda stated during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV.

“Perhaps, he might suffer double jeopardy if he is undergoing prosecution and discipline in the House,” he added.

Chinda noted that Ikwechegh had expressed remorse and issued an apology to Nigerians but emphasised that “that is a standard for parliamentarians. Public office holders are like pastors and Imams, and people should look up to you in character and conduct.”

Advertisement

The controversy began in late October when Ikwechegh allegedly assaulted Abuwatseya, who had been delivering snails on behalf of a vendor.

Tension rose when the driver requested payment upon arrival at Ikwechegh’s residence.

The lawmaker, who represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency, was reportedly heard telling the vendor, “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.”

Following the altercation, which was widely condemned, police arrested Ikwechegh, who subsequently issued a public apology.

Advertisement

On Wednesday, he was granted bail of N500,000 by a Kuje Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life.

The case was thereafter adjourned to 8 November.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News