Investigations
Public Officials Received N721bn Bribe In 2023 – NBS Report
A staggering N721 billion was received in bribes by public officials in Nigeria in 2023, according to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The report, which was released on [date], paints a damning picture of corruption in the country’s public sector.
The NBS report, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” is based on a survey of 33,000 households across the country. It found that bribery is widespread in Nigeria, with many citizens paying bribes to access basic services such as healthcare, education, and electricity.
According to the report, the total value of bribes paid to public officials in 2023 was N721 billion, equivalent to about 1.5% of the country’s GDP. This represents a significant increase from the N634 billion reported in 2022.
The report also found that the majority of bribes were paid in cash, with 62% of respondents reporting that they paid bribes in cash. The remaining 38% paid bribes in kind, such as food, clothing, or other gifts.
The NBS report identified the police and judiciary as the most corrupt institutions in the country, with 46% of respondents reporting that they had paid bribes to police officers and 36% reporting that they had paid bribes to judicial officials.
Other institutions where bribery is prevalent include the power sector, where 34% of respondents reported paying bribes to access electricity; the health sector, where 32% reported paying bribes to access healthcare; and the education sector, where 29% reported paying bribes to access education.
The report also found that bribery is more prevalent in urban areas than in rural areas, with 55% of respondents in urban areas reporting that they had paid bribes compared to 41% in rural areas.
The NBS report is a major embarrassment to the Nigerian government, which has repeatedly promised to tackle corruption. The report’s findings are a stark reminder of the scale of the problem and the need for urgent action to address it.
Reacting to the report, the Federal Government promised to take action to address the issue. “We are committed to tackling corruption in all its forms,” said a spokesperson for the Presidency. “We will study the report and take appropriate action to address the issues raised.”
Civil society organizations in Nigeria have also reacted to the report, calling for greater action to tackle corruption. “This report is a wake-up call for the government to take corruption seriously,” said a spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Society Coalition. “We need to see concrete action to address this problem, not just rhetoric.”
The NBS report is a major blow to Nigeria’s efforts to tackle corruption. The country has been struggling to address the issue for years, with little progress made. The report’s findings are a stark reminder of the scale of the problem and the need for urgent action to address it
In a series of coordinated enforcement actions across the country, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested multiple noncitizens with serious criminal convictions, including violent and sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and crimes against children.
The agency says the individuals arrested had previously been convicted of crimes such as rape, manslaughter, sexual assault of minors, aggravated robbery, and weapons violations, and were residing in the U.S. without legal status.
“ICE remains committed to targeting and removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety,” an agency spokesperson said. “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect American communities.”
Among those arrested:
Andrew Da Silva, 30, a citizen of Brazil, was taken into custody in Boston. He is a registered sex offender with convictions for second-degree child molestation and sexual assault in Providence, Rhode Island.
Gerber R. Rosil-Galdamez, 41, from Guatemala, was arrested in Buffalo. He has a rape conviction in Suffolk County, New York.
Aurelio Lopez-Vasquez, 44, a Mexican national, also arrested in Buffalo, has a conviction for sexual conduct against a child in Kings County, New York.
Jesus Flores, 49, of Mexico, was taken into custody in Buffalo. He has a manslaughter conviction from the Bronx.
Juan Humberto Perez, 56, of Mexico, was arrested in Chicago. He has been convicted of aggravated sexual battery and aggravated indecent liberties with a child in Kansas.
Glenda Iraheta, 29, from El Salvador, was arrested in Washington. She has a lengthy criminal record including 21 arrests and multiple convictions for theft, drug possession, and other offenses in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Sergio Soadri Morales, 36, a Mexican national, was arrested in Houston. He has a conviction for indecency with a child in Texas.
Jonathan Omar Calderon, 38, from Guatemala, was taken into custody in Los Angeles with a conviction for lewd acts with a child under 14.
Verner Arnoldo Perez-Ixcoy, 31, a Guatemalan citizen arrested in San Francisco, has ten criminal convictions including for sexual assault and assault with a deadly weapon.
Juan Manuel Parra-Reyes, 29, of Mexico, was arrested in Salt Lake City. He has a conviction for child sexual abuse.
Hai Tuan Pham, 51, from Vietnam, was arrested in Dallas. He has convictions for aggravated robbery and kidnapping with intent to commit sexual assault.
Demir Keco, 37, of Bosnia, was arrested in Boston. His record includes convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and illegal firearm possession.
Selbourne Larkin, 40, a Jamaican citizen, was arrested in Atlanta. He has 12 convictions, including for vehicular homicide and firearm possession by a felon.
Ulises Mendoza-Hernandez, 26, from Mexico, was arrested in Houston and convicted of continuous family violence.
Francisco Noyola-Luna, 37, also from Mexico, was arrested in Denver. He was convicted of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute.
Efrain Rojo-Chavez, 38, a Mexican citizen, was arrested in Houston for assault of a family member.
Jose Torres-Ordonez, 41, of Mexico, was arrested in San Antonio. He has a conviction for assault causing bodily injury in Texas.
Alvaro Gonzalez-Morales, 48, of Mexico, was taken into custody in Philadelphia. He was convicted of resisting arrest in Tennessee.
Navor Juan Cayetano, 37, of Mexico, arrested in San Diego, has convictions for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Alejandro Cruz-Velasquez, 30, from Cuba, was arrested in San Antonio with a conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
ICE stated that all of the individuals arrested are subject to removal proceedings and will remain in custody pending further legal action.
….
Investigations
Elon Musk’s $1 Million Giveaway Under DOJ Investigation for Potential Legal Violations
Elon Musk’s recent $1 million giveaway has drawn attention from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is reportedly scrutinizing the legality of the contest. This giveaway, widely promoted on social media, promised substantial cash prizes to select followers but has now raised concerns about compliance with federal sweepstakes laws. The DOJ’s focus is on whether the giveaway followed proper disclosures and legal requirements, including fair entry rules and transparency. This legal scrutiny adds a new layer of complexity to Musk’s ventures, as he continues to attract both media and regulatory attention with high-profile initiatives. The case underscores the importance of adhering to regulations, even in promotional activities led by influential public figures. The outcome could impact future online giveaways hosted by prominent personalities.
Dive into this richly packed edition of Diaspora Watch, where every page brings you closer to the heart of the African diaspora. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay informed and inspired—join us as we navigate this transformative era together!
FREE Digital View:
https://www.flipsnack.com/excelglobalmedia/diaspora-watch-vol-22-oct-28-nov-03-2024/full-view.html
Print on Demand: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2931046?__r=1069759
SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE BELOW LINK !!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/
Cybersecurity and data protection are critical priorities as Africa advances in digital connectivity and innovation. With rapid growth in internet use and digital transformation across sectors, African countries are increasingly addressing cybersecurity challenges to protect citizens, businesses, and governments from cyber threats. Key initiatives focus on strengthening data protection laws, building cybersecurity infrastructure, and fostering a skilled workforce capable of responding to emerging threats. From securing personal data to safeguarding national infrastructures, African nations are taking proactive steps to ensure a safer, more resilient digital future. Join the conversation on how Africa is advancing in cybersecurity and protecting valuable data assets.
Dive into this richly packed edition of Diaspora Watch, where every page brings you closer to the heart of the African diaspora. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay informed and inspired—join us as we navigate this transformative era together!
FREE Digital View:
https://www.flipsnack.com/excelglobalmedia/diaspora-watch-vol-22-oct-28-nov-03-2024/full-view.html
Print on Demand: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2931046?__r=1069759
SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE BELOW LINK !!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/
Russia Calls for Calm as Deadly Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Clashes Escalate
U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Third Week as Partisan Divide Worsens
Trump-Xi Meeting to Hold Despite Rising Trade Wars
Pastor Jerry Eze Defends Miracles At UK Conference Amidst Criticism And Controversy
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Tanzanian Man Reportedly Dies And Returns To Life Six Times
-
Business6 days agoExplore Hutu Exclusive by Mshel Homes
-
Features21 hours agoZION IN FOCUS: The Fire, The Faith, and The Future of a Spiritual Revolution
-
Opinion2 days agoASUU Strikes: The Endless Loop Nigeria Must Break
-
Politics22 hours agoTrump, Putin, Zelensky in Diplomatic Crossfire
-
Business21 hours agoTrump-Xi Meeting to Hold Despite Rising Trade Wars
-
Opinion21 hours agoWhen Mercy Betrays Justice, by Boniface Ihiasota