Security
Effium killings: Ebonyi group condemns attack on Ezza refugees’ camp

***Demands re-arrest, prosecution of 31 released detainees
The Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora (AESID) has expressed sadness over the recent attack of a community harbouring some victims of the massacre in Effium community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi state.
According to media reports, the recent bloodletting left many dead bodies on their trail, as the community was yet to recover from the unfortunate incident.
In a statement released to newsmen Tuesday in Abuja by the AESID President, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, urged Governor Dave Umahi-led government to bring the perpetrators of the latest killings to justice.
The diaspora group also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the remanded Catholic Priest by security agencies within 48 hours.
Oluchukwu said: “We sadly recall that the crisis in Effium, which started since January 2021 and between Effium and Ezza-Effium has claimed many lives and led to many Ezza-Effium people taking refuge in Ohaogelode community and other locations in the State.
“Although the Police was yet to make an official statement detailing an account of the unfortunate incident, we however reminsce that, a video of the said incident circulating online showed that at least two persons were killed and some houses razed.
“In the said video, a victim was burnt to death while a building was still on fire while another dead victim, a pregnant woman, could be seen in the video with matchete cut wounds all over her body.”
The statement claimed that “governor Umahi-led government on has continued to pretend that it is working for the peace of the troubled community whereas, it is in essence aiding and abetting the heinous activities of the Uffiom warlords.
“We have stated it severally in the media that Umahi has been using the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, one Clement Odaa- a native of Uffiom who has severally been accused and found to have used his official position to ferry arms and weapons and compromise the the peace and security moves by concerned parties and the government to continue the war while pretending to be waving an olive branch.
“This our position and fears is further heightened and validated by a press statement credited to the said Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Clement Odah which pretended to have condemned the attack.
Despite being the Chief Security Officer of the Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Odaa’s statement condemning the incident in strong terms as usual and reassuring of all that no stones will be left unturned to unravel the true circumstances that led to such avoidable loss of lives and properties has become his habitual, perennial and ironical way of celebrating anytime his people wantonly attacks and kills Ezza people.
“AESID wonders how Odaa who was reported by the State government to be in Police custody and undergoing investigations for his infamous and ignoble roles since the beginning of the over one year old crises could claim that “Council has initiated a spirited and discreet investigation to unveil the perpetrators of the act and ensure that justice is done.”
AESID, however, challenged the Umahi-led government in the state to tell the world the rational behind the release of “31 remanded Uffiom youths arrested with various guns and other weapons some months ago while they went to attack an Ezza settlement in Effium?
“How can a government claim through an entire Exco decision that the suspects were ‘brainwashed’ into carrying arms? Who brainwashed them and have those who procured these arms for them been brought to book? Were the suspects successfully disarmed and thorough investigations carried out by the security agencies?
“AESID continues to maintain that so long as the Umahi administration is not keen in altruistically answering and addressing some of these questions posed regarding the ongoing carnage in Effium, it cannot be exonerated by reasonable Ebonyians from having a hand, enabling and ennobling or at least being a fifth columnist in the crisis.
“Yet, the same Umahi government has continued to detain a Catholic priest, Rev. Timothy Ngwu for merely extending his corporal works of mercy to his stranded Parishioners in the troubled area.
“It is the wisdom of this apolitical, non-profit organization to immediately demand the re-arrest and full-scale, unbiased trial of the said Odaa and indeed all those who have a hand in the killings and particularly the release of the 31 Uffiom suspects.”
Security
CBN backpedals, Withdraws Circular On Cybersecurity Levy

The circular the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued to all commercial banks on May 6, 2024, directing them to implement a compulsory withdrawal of 0.05 per cent from every electronic transaction as cybersecurity levy has been withdrawn
The directive for collection of the levy led to a nationwide uproar when the central bank introduced the policy last week.
The Presidency however, heeded the warning from various quarters, succumbed and immediately suspended the implementation of the Cybersecurity Levy.
In a withdrawal circular that was issued by the CBN on Sunday night, it directed the banks not to go ahead with the initial directive, in line with the presidential directive. The apex bank authorities claimed it’s a sign that the present administration was a listening one that prioritises public good.
“Further to this, please be advised that the above referenced circular is hereby withdrawn,” CBN director in charge of payments system, Chibuzo Efobi, and the director, financial policy and regulation, Haruna Mustapha, said in the circular, adding that all banks should “Please be guided accordingly.”
Security
Kogi: Police Confirm Rescue Of 7 More CUSTECH Students

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Nigeria Police, Kogi State Command has announced the rescue of seven more students of Confluence University of Science Secondary Technology (CUSTECH) kidnapped by hoodlums on Thursday, May 9.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP William Ovye Aya, made the announcement in a press statement on Thursday in Lokoja.
He said that feat was achieved through the intervention of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun who ordered the deployment of the Air Component of Police Security Apparatus made up of a Helicopter Crew.
The deployment, he said was in furtherance of the ongoing Rescue Operation and to sustain the onslaught to rescue all the kidnapped students.
He said that the Air Component deployed to Kogi State on Tuesday 14th May, 2024 was made up of Helicopter Crew specially trained for Aerial Surveillance, Monitoring Team as well as Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU).
“The reinforcement is in response to IGP’s unwavering passion about protecting lives and property of all Nigerians especially the safety of our children in various schools in the country”, Aya said.
With the new development which Aya ascribed to the diligence and indomitable spirit of all the combined team, 27 students have so far been rescued from the kidnappers as a total of 20 students were earlier rescued.
“Be it noted that it is not over until it is over” so we should not rest on our Oars, instead all hands must be on deck to ensure all are safely rescued and perpetrators brought to deserved justice”, the PPRO declared.
He stated that Kogi State Government as well as the University Community were satisfied with the Rescue Operations so far.
“The State Government has commended the indubitable, unassailable level of cooperation, collaboration and synergy amongst the Security Agencies, Local Vigilantes and Hunters in the State”, he enthused.
According to Aya, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bethrand Onuoha has seized this occasion to thank and appreciate the Inspector-General of Police for the deployment of the Air Component.
The CP, he said, also commended the Security Personnel, and Vigilantes/Hunters for their “show of unprecedented and undiluted patriotism and altruism, and to the good people of Kogi State as well as the vibrant Press for their show of concern and empathy.”
“The CP will continue to solicit the cooperation, collaboration and solidarity of the good people of Confluence State with the Police and other Security Agencies.
“Together, we shall ensure adequate Security of life and property of law-abiding citizens in the State”, he assured. (Ends)
Security
Senate backs FG, CBN over controversial Cybersecurity levy

***Insists, it is NASS creation to safeguard economy, country against insecurity
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Umar Buba, has allay the fears being entertained by Nigerians over the proposed implementation of the Cybersecurity levy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
While giving tacit support to the Federal Government on the levy that has created bad blood among Nigerians against the Tinubu administration Senator Buba said th levy is provided for in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
He clarified that the levy is not punitive as it has numerous exemptions to protect and relieve ordinary citizens, particularly the poor.
According to him, the exemptions include salary payments, intra-account transfers, loan disbursements and repayments, and other financial transactions.
Senator Buba said the amendments to the Cybercrimes Act were collaborative effort with the National Assembly’s ICT and Cyber Security Committee. Explaining further he said committee also underwent a transparent public hearing process, receiving contributions from various stakeholders.
“Both chambers of the National Assembly unanimously passed it before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed it into law.
Senator Umar reiterated the fact that the provisions for the cybersecurity levy have been in place since 2015 but were delayed due to unclear interpretations and applications.
“The Cybercrimes Act of 2015 has provisions for imposing a cybersecurity levy since its enactment, but the vagueness of Section 44 led to different interpretations until the 2024 amendments. The levy is 0.5%, equivalent to half a per cent of the value of all electronic transactions by businesses specified in the Second Schedule to the Act.
“The amendments addressed crucial gaps in the Act and empowered the nation to implement the National Cybersecurity Programme effectively. They also seek to realign and empower the country to combat the inadequate funding and disruptive effects of cyber threats on national security and critical economic infrastructures,” he said.
Senator Umar underscored the criticality of the cybersecurity levy’s implementation, stating that its prudent utilisation will bolster the nation’s capacity to evaluate, execute, upgrade, and fortify the security of national critical economic infrastructure, thereby safeguarding the nation’s cyberspace.
The chairman commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for initiating the operationalising the cybersecurity levy, highlighting its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks.
He expressed appreciation to the leaders and representatives of MDAs at the federal and state levels, as well as to all stakeholders who contributed to this effort’s success.
While maintaining that the Committee’s mandate is to create laws that align with the aspirations of Nigerians, he appealed for public support, assuring that the policy will yield maximum benefits for citizens in the shortest possible time.
Following the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and under the provision of Section 44 (2)(a) of the Act, a levy of 0.5 per cent (0.005) equivalent to half per cent of all electronic transactions value by the business specified in the Second Schedule of the Act is to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund, which the Office of the National Security Adviser shall administer.
Though the announcement created controversy, the circular exempted some transactions from cybercrime levy.
The exemptions included loan disbursements and repayments, salary payments, intra-account transfers within the same bank or between different banks for the same customer, intra-bank transfers between customers of the same bank, and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) instructions to their correspondent banks.
The exemption also applies to interbank placements, banks’ transfers to CBN and vice versa, inter-branch transfers within a bank, cheque clearing and settlements, and Letters of Credit (LCs).
Others include banks’ recapitalisation-related funding only bulk funds movement from collection accounts; savings and deposits including transactions involving long-term investments such as treasury bills, bonds; and commercial papers; government social welfare programmes transactions, e.g. pension payments; non-profit and charitable transactions including donations to registered non-profit organisations or charities; educational institutions transactions, including tuition payments and other transaction involving schools, universities, or other academic institutions.
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