Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Uzodinma Accuses PGF, Ex-DG Of Working For PDP

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The governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma, has accused the immediate past Director General of Progressives Governors Forum, Salihu Lukman of being a mole while he lasted as the DG PGF.
Uzodinma’s Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, in a statement in Owerri, the state capital, on Tuesday, said that Lukman was being sponsored by Peoples Democratic Party to discredit the ruling party.
The statement read, “The former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Salihu Mohammed Lukman has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that he is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mole in the midst of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Lukman, who recently hurriedly resigned his appointment as DG of the PGF to avoid a pending sack over unbecoming demeanour has continued to run his mouth in ways that suggest that his sojourn in the midst of progressive politicians in APC was nothing but a design to spy on the Party in the interest of his co-conspirators in the opposition PDP.
“On Monday, February 21, Lukman was credited by a section of media to have accused some respected APC Leaders, including Governors, of holding the Party captive and working with Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) against the February 26 Convention that has been postponed to March 26.
“Ordinarily, we would have ignored Lukman if he did not have the misfortune of bringing the name of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State into the picture of his thoughtless and careless statement.
“Interestingly, perhaps except for His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, three of them – His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, His Excellency Yahaya Bello and His Excellency Hope Uzodimma – are all aspiring to become Presidential or Vice-Presidential candidates,” Lukman reportedly said.
“It is obvious that Lukman had been engaged by enemies of democracy to deliberately discredit respected APC Governors and Leaders like Uzodimma just because their selfish political permutations are not working out.
“Even when Governor Uzodimma, barely two weeks ago, came out to distance himself from any Presidential contest, Lukman would deliberately overlook that to make insinuaions that were borne out of hatred for Governor Uzodimma due to the latter’s rising profile in APC and the trust his colleagues have reposed on him because of his many years of experience in politics and sincerity of purpose.
“One would have thought that Lukman must have learnt his lesson by now given that he is still being haunted by the illogical spirit that led to his near sack in office recently. But how wrong can we possibly be!
“As an aide to the body of Governors, Lukman probably saw himself in the mould of His Excellencies and would not humble himself to take directives from his bosses in the interest of their States in particular and the Country at large.
“He was therefore, in good stead, issuing controversial statements that were not only antagonistic to the leadership of the Party he pretends to be part of but quite anti-thetical to the views of his bosses.
“Few weeks out of office, Lukman is behaving true to type – a mole planted amidst the APC top echelon to spy on them.
“Why would Lukman’s feeling about the postponement of the APC Convention be in sync with the feeling of the opposition politicians and the few APC members known for anti-party activities?
“Regardless of those Governors and CECPC Members Lukman was content discrediting, could it have been possible to move the date of the Convention without the buy-in of the leader of the Party, President Muhammadu Buhari?
“The point is that Lukman deserves our pity. He has lost touch with the current reality in politics and except he retraces his steps by committing whole-heartedly to the supremacy of the Party encapsulated in the power invested in the leadership, it would be difficult for him to deny he is not a mole in APC.”
Several calls put to Lukman was unanswered. He had yet to respond to a text message as of the time of filing this report

Police Launch Manhunt As New Tenants ‘Abduct’ Three Children In Ogun

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Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt on two new tenants who reportedly kidnapped three children at Ajuwon Area in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday night, said the command has launched a manhunt for the suspects.
Our correspondent gathered that the
suspects identified to be two women allegedly took the kids away from the compound at Itsekiri street in Ajuwon axis.
Sources said the event happened on Friday evening, barely four days after new tenants moved into the house.
But a report said the culprits carried out the act 24 hours after they moved into the apartment.
It was further gathered that the women claimed that they were students of an Ikeja school-based in Lagos, and would stay at the apartment for three weeks to allow them complete their examinations.
Reacting to the incident , Oyeyemi described the incident as a case of “child stealing.”
He said no arrest has been made in connection with the crime.
Oyeyemi said, “It is a case of child stealing. The perpetrators disguised themselves as new tenants. They rented an apartment, moved in and they have stayed there for about one week.
“As part of their tactics, they became friendly with the old tenants’ kids, but the parents didn’t sense any danger. Suddenly, they pounced on three kids and took them away.
“The incident happened on Friday. No arrest has been made. We are still investigating the matter.”

Source PUNCH.

Governor Udom Emmanuel Mourns Passage Of Pastor Ezekiel Atang, Described Him As Credible Pastor And A Dependable Friend

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Governor Udom Emmanuel, Tuesday night led members of the State Executive Council, including his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo on a condolence visit, to the family of Late Pastor Ezekiel Atang who died suddenly while on an evangelical mission to Onitsha over the weekend.

The governor while recalling memories with Pastor Ezekiel Atang, expressed grief over the passage of the clergy describing him as a dependable friend, brother and a credible pastor whose demise remains a colossal loss to the State and the Christian faith at large.

The State Chief Executive prayed God to comfort the wife Mrs. Dara Atang and children, stating that the family should take solace in the fact that he has gone to be with the Lord, although his demise has caused pain and grief.

“Honestly if I say I lack words, I got confused yesterday when I got the message during an official engagement in Abuja, my colleagues noticed what happened, I couldn’t recover at all but I summed up courage and strength.

‘’Pastor Ezekiel was one of the fewest credible pastors we have around here in all ramifications and it is just so painful, it is a difficult thing and if I feel this way only God knows what the wife and children will feel.

“There is nothing that happens that God does know the end from the beginning, we can’t question God, but I know he is in heaven, because he was such a credible Christian in all standard by all means, but our prayer is that God will not forsake his family, the wife, brothers, mother and his children

“On behalf of all of us, we came to say let God be the one to take over this matter, let God be the one to step in and strengthen this family and console you all.

“We his friends, will do our best to see how we can help but nothing can replace a father, nothing can replace a husband, nothing can replace a brother, nothing can replace a son.

“On behalf of all of us we say our sincere condolences to the family of Pastor Ezekiel Atang’’.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Pastor Emmanuel Atang an elder brother to late Pastor Ezekiel Atang, mourned the passage of his brother, describing him as a light that God raised to play the role of a father to them.

Pastor Emmanuel Atang appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel who led his Executive Council members to condole with Atang’s family and appealed for prayers and support to the family of the late cleric.

The Late Pastor Ezekiel Atang who until his dead, was the Senior Pastor at the God’s House of Refuge, is survived by his wife Dara, and three children.

Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo

Drama In Court As The Killer Of Uni-Jos Student Goes Dumb

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There was mild drama on Monday, February 21, as Moses Oko, the alleged k!ller of Jennifer Anthony, a 300-level student of the University of Jos, went dumb during his arraignment in court.

Recall that the 20-year-old suspect was arrested by the police in Plateau State after his girlfriend was found d#ad on January 1, 2022, with her eyes plucked out. He was said to have br#tally murdered her at an hotel in Jos, the state capital.

During his arraignment, DailyTrust reports he was led into the court while his counsel was already in. Drama, however, began as soon as his case file was called and he was asked to move into the witness box to take an oath

According to the report, Oko refused to walk on his own, pretending not to understand what was going on. However, he was helped to the witness box by the correctional officer that brought him to the court.

On reaching the witness box, the court clerk called his name several times to know if he understood the English language or Hausa language, so as to know how to administer the oath for him, but he did not respond and instead kept starring at the court without uttering a word.

Counsel to the defendant, Barr. Alex Muleng, then came up with an argument that the sanity of his client is unstable.

“It appears the weight of charges slammed on him is too heavy for him to bear and as a result has developed imbalanced mental conditions,” said Muleng.

© Information Nigeria

Morocco 2022: CAF Names Nigerien Referees For Ivory Coast, Nigeria Final Battle

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The Confederation of African Football has selected Nigerien official Zouwaira Souley as the referee for Wednesday’s 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying match between Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria in Abidjan.

Souley will work in company with compatriot Hawa Douno Moussa (assistant referee 1), Lamouni Latiifah Laura Pare from Burkina Faso (assistant referee 2) and another Nigerien, Nafissa Sani (fourth official).
Ayawa Mana Mawoufemo Dzodope from Togo will serve as match commissioner, with another Togolese, Latré-Kayi Edzona Lawson-Hogban as referee assessor.

The Super Falcons, holders of the trophy which they have won nine times, won the first leg at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja 2-0 on Friday, both goals coming off the boots of US –based forward Ifeoma Onumonu.

Nigeria’s contingent to the return leg landed in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan on Sunday evening, and trained at the Palais des Sports in the Treichville area of the city. The 23-woman Super Falcons squad includes Captain Onome Ebi, Onumomu, defender Ashleigh Plumptre, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne and Rita Chikwelu, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Gift Monday.
Wednesday’s encounter will take place at the Stade Robert Champroux, also in Abidjan, and will commence at 4pm Cote d’Ivoire time. The Falcons are expected to have a feel of the match venue on Tuesday evening.
The winner on aggregate will join hosts Morocco and Uganda who have already qualified for the 12 –team finals holding in Morocco 2nd -23rd July this year.
Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Burundi and Tunisia who scooped huge first-leg wins, as well as Botswana who won away from home, look good for spots in Morocco, and to some extent Nigeria and South Africa, with decent home wins.
Burundi will expectedly pick their ticket on Monday when they visit Djibouti, while the delicately –poised fixture between Namibia and Zambia, which first leg ended scoreless in Luanda, will be settled inside the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

All the other eight matches will hold on Wednesday.
SUPER FALCONS IN ABIDJAN:
Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Yewande Balogun
Defenders: Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre, Rofiat Imuran, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne
Midfielders: Rita Chikwelu, Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Regina Otu, Peace Efih, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene
Forwards: Uchenna Kanu, Francisca Ordega, Gift Monday, Christy Ucheibe, Mbadi Amanda, Ifeoma Onumonu, Esther Okoronkwo

Source PUNCH.

Ex-Minister Sarah Ochekpe, Two Others Sentenced To Three Months Imprisonment

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A Federal High Court sitting in Jos on Tuesday sentenced a former Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, to three months imprisonment.


Ochekpe, who served as Minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was sentenced alongside a former chairman of the People Democratic Party in Plateau state, Raymond Dabo, and the Plateau State Coordinator of Jonathan Campaign Organization, Leo-Sunday Jitong.
The three accused persons had been standing trial since 2018 in a case of money laundering and conspiracy brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission amounting to over N450 million.
Details later…

Source PUNCH.

Nigeria Broadcasting Commission Grants NYSC TV Broadcast Licence

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The National Broadcasting Commission has granted an operational television broadcast licence to the National Youth Service Corps.
With the license, the NYSC would commence Direct Satellite Broadcasting as well as Internet Protocol Television.

The NYSC Director-General, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim, received the broadcast licence from his NBC counterpart, Mallam Balarabe Ilela, in Abuja on Wednesday.

With the approval, Ilela said the Federal Government would give more voice to the scheme “to tell the NYSC story; especially its tremendous achievements to the whole world”.
He said that the NYSC, as one of the successful achievements of the Yakubu Gowon’s administration, has achieved its purpose of uniting the country in several ways, and also contributing immensely to national development.

Ilela said, “The commission normally gives licence in trust and we believe this will be used for the purpose it is given. We are very proud to be part of your progress. With somebody like you, we are sure our license is in safe hands.”
He, however, said the NYSC radio license was underway.
The NBC Director-General also used the forum to congratulate the NYSC Director-General on his recent promotion to the rank of Major General.
Ibrahim said that since his assumption of duty he has been passionate about the NYSC having its own radio and television stations, stating that it is quite fulfilling that the dream has come to fruition.

He assured that the NYSC would utilise the opportunity of the broadcast station to promote its programmes, including government policies and programmes.

Source PUNCH.

Arrest Abba Kyari’s Brother Before He Escapes –Activist To Security Agencies

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Activist and Convener of the civil society organisation, Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, has called for the persecution of the younger brother of embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, to prevent him from fleeing the country.
The call came after police investigations revealed that members of a syndicate led by international scammer, Ramon Abass, popularly known as Hushpuppi, paid N235,120,000 into his brother’s account.
Investigations further revealed that the former commander Intelligence Response Team transferred N44 million to his brother’s bank account in multiple transactions.
Adeyanju said the proper thing was for the police to have arrested Kyari’s brother, to prevent him from tampering with evidence.
He said, “In a sane country, the brother should have been arrested by now. It has been in the public domain for quite some time now. His brother might be taking extra steps to escape justice. He may be taking extra steps to delete and erase traces and evidence.
“This is what the police should have done. Arrest and charge him alongside his elder brother.

I am calling on the police to quickly arrest him and prevent him from escaping from the country. This is the ideal thing to do.”
On the legality of denying Kyari bail, Adeyanju said bail is a right enjoyed by an accused or defendant but that it must be at the discretion of the court.
He said, “This is why bail application must be supported by facts and not just opinions. Bail is not an escape from justice if you look at our laws. Bail is something that an accused person or a defendant should naturally enjoy as a matter of right.

“There is nothing absurd about making a bail application. But bail is at the discretion of the court. It gives the accused ample time and facility to defend himself. So far, the federal government has not formally charged Abba Kyari.
Recall that on Monday, lawyer to the IRT Commander, Cynthia Ikena, filed a bail application on health grounds before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The lawyer claimed that Kyari is a diabetic and hypertensive patient.

The Judge refused the plea, noting that the suit contained weighty allegations against the Federal Government and that the court must allow the government to hear from it before taking any step.

“Upon studying the process of the Applicant and averments in support thereon, I am of the opinion that the respondent should be put on notice.” Justice Ekwo said.
Kyari was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on February 14, 2022, for alleged links in drug-related crimes.
He had earlier dragged the Federal Government to court, seeking his release from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency custody.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22, he prayed court to compel the NDLEA to grant him bail on health grounds, pending the hearing and determination of his fundamental right enforcement application.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application by the NDLEA to further detain Kyari and six others for 14 days.
The NDLEA told the court that the suspects are currently the subject of a drug trafficking investigation.

Source PUNCH.

Lady Lies To Fiance After Selling Their Child For N120,000 In Adamawa

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A Muslim man demanding to name a three-month-old child he fathered with a Christian lady, Justina Yakubu, according to Islamic rite, has reportedly filed a complaint to the police after he discovered the child had gone missing.
Suleiman Ibrahim said he fell in love with Justina Yakubu, a Christian lady, who promised to marry him.

She, however, later took in for him as the relationship progressed and gave birth to a baby boy.
He said after her delivery, he told Justina that he wanted to name his child as provided by Islamic injunction and also reminded her about their proposed marriage. His fiancee, however, responded saying that the baby had died.

The PUNCH learnt that Suleiman, who sensed something fishy about his estranged girlfriend’s account, reported the incidence to the police. Justina was arrested alongside one female nurse, Esther Romanus, who allegedly bought the child for the sum of N120, 000.

Justina had collected the sum of N20, 000, leaving an outstanding balance settlement of N100, 000 as alleged by the child’s father.
Both Justina and Esther have been arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court I in Yola, Adamawa State. But while Justina pleaded guilty to selling the child to Esther, the latter, however, denied committing the alleged offence.

Sergeant Sawe Nicholas, police prosecutor, had told the court during the arraignment of the two ladies that “it was the father of the child, Suleiman, of Mararaban Mubi, who reported the matter to the police on the 2nd February, 2022.”
He said, “Suleiman informed the police that his fiancee of the same address disappeared with their three-month-old, son, Jamilu, to an unknown destination, and later told him that the child had passed away.”
According to Sergeant Sawe, investigation by the police led to the discovery of the said missing child and another five-year-old boy named Vincent Wilberforce.
He told the court in the First Information Report that the kids were found in the custody of Esther Romanus of Jambutu, Yola North Local Government Area, who conspired with the mother to sell them out.
After the parties made their submissions, and prosecution requested adjournment of the case to enable the police complete their investigations, magistrate Abdullahi Digil, thereafter, adjourned the case to 25th February 2022 for ruling on the bail application and the jurisdiction of the court.

Source PUNCH.

Third Force: APC, PDP Have Failed Nigerians, Says Kwankwaso

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A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Tuesday, maintained that he remained a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, despite the formation of a Third Force, under the aegis of The National Movement.
He, however, said both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress have failed Nigerians.
The ex-governor stated this while featuring as a guest on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme monitored by The PUNCH.
Earlier in the day, Kwankwaso; former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung; popular Northern critic, Buba Galadima; and other prominent Nigerians inaugurated the group in Abuja.
According to them, the Third Force would take over power from the APC in 2023.
The TNM said it was conscious of its strong duties to save Nigeria from disintegration.
When asked on the television programme hours later whether he was still a member of the PDP, Kwankwaso said, “I’m a member of the PDP and in the group, you have many people who are from APC, others from APGA (All Progressives Grand Alliance), even other political parties and a lot of people have no party at all.
“We decided as Nigerians, especially those of us who are very much worried about what is happening in terms of governance, in terms of security, in terms of the polity, in terms of education and infrastructure.”
On whether the group would dovetail into a political party, he said, “I believe anything can happen”, adding that the leadership of the PDP has not done the right thing in the last one year.
The former Kano governor also said the Third Force planned “to achieve real democracy in this country”.
Asked whether he shared the view that both the PDP and the APC have failed Nigerians, he said, “Yes, there are some serious challenges. I was a member of PDP in 1998 during its formation and by 1999, I was the governor of Kano, then Minister of Defence, then I was in the NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission) representing North-West on the Board.
“We realised that there were issues and therefore was the need to correct those mistakes. That was why in 2015, we decided that there will be some political changes in this country. That was why my humble self and some other governors teamed up and formed the APC and we worked for the party succeeded believing that we would have positive change in the country but unfortunately, many people believed that PDP was even better.”

Source PUNCH.

Marrying Adesua Second Best Decision I Made After Salvation – Banky W

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Nollywood actor and singer, Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has revealed that marrying his actress wife, Adesua Etomi, was the second best decision he has made.
The singer said this on Tuesday while celebrating his wife’s birthday on his Instagram page.
Sharing a video of himself and his wife, the father-of-one noted that his best decision was giving his life to Christ while marrying Adesua was the second.
He wrote, “The second best decision I’ve ever made was to ask @adesuaetomi to be my wife (the best was giving my life to Christ).
“Happy birthday to my crown, my queen, my everything, my lover, my baby mama, my partner-in-purpose-and-destiny.
“You’re my inspiration and support system; my motivation and source of encouragement.
“Thank you for loving me and building with me. Thank you for looking out for me and praying with me.
“In Jesus’ name, this will be your best year yet, and the rest of your years will be the best of them. You will shine like the star He created you to be.
“You will never be held back by the limitations or expectations that others have of you.
“Your validation will only ever come from who God is, and who He created you to be. You will increase in wisdom, grace, strength and anointing.
“You will achieve your destiny and manifest your dreams. The peace of God will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus, and the purpose of God will guide your life’s journey.
“We will grow old together, and live to see our children’s children, in abundance, joy, peace, love and contentment.
“Shuga(sic), I will forever be your biggest fan and cheerleader. I’m so grateful for you, proud of you and thankful that I have the honor of being your husband.
“You are light. You are love. You are beauty. And you’re mine.
“I don’t need to win the lotto because with you, I’ve clearly won in life. Until the day we die, it’s gonna be you, me and the Most High.”
Banky W and Adesua Etomi tied the knot on November 19, 2017 in a star-studded ceremony.
They welcomed their first son, Hazaiah, in January 2021.

Source PUNCH.

Police Arrest Railway Track Vandals In Ibadan

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The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected vandals caught in the act of stealing clips used to fasten rail track.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko, said in a statement on Monday night that the two suspects were arrested at Omi-Adio area in Ibadan on Friday.
The CP said the suspects were caught in the act and some of the clips and other components already vandalised were recovered from them
The statement read, “In a sustained effort to rid Oyo State off criminal elements and as well secure its critical assets and infrastructure, the dragnet of the Oyo State Police Command on Friday 18/02/2022 caught up with suspected vandals specialised in the criminal trade of harvesting and selling  Pandrol (Railroad) clips.
“The suspects; Ibrahim Saidu ‘m’ age 20 years and his accomplice, Muritala Abdulahi ‘m’ age 30 years were arrested on Friday 18/02/2022 at about 18:30hrs in the act of vandalising rail infrastructure at Ile-Esho Area, Omi-Adio in Ido Local Government Area.
“This followed intelligence-driven surveillance by the command operatives attached to Omi-Adio Divisional Police Headquarters.
“Thirty-Four Pandrol Clips/railroad clips, one fish plate, one hacksaw and a damaged railpot were among the items recovered from the suspects.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime and are  cooperating with ongoing investigations tailored at apprehending their entire criminal network.”
The commissioner of police urged members of the public to be unrelenting in the provision of credible and timely information, capable of nipping crime in the bud at all times.
Trains traveling from Ibadan to Lagos and the one coming from Lagos to Ibadan were forced to stop in the bush around Papalanto on Saturday, February 12 after Nigerian Railway Corporation officials discovered that vandals had removed some clips used to fasten the rail track.
Passengers became afraid following the development and it took the NRC engineers about 30 minutes to replace the stolen components for the trains to continue with their journey.

Source PUNCH.

 

 

Impeachment: Zamfara Lawmakers Present Seven Witnesses Against Deputy Governor

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The Zamfara State House of Assembly on Monday expressed confidence in the witnesses presented at the investigative panel hearing for the impeachment process against the state’s deputy governor, Mahadi Aliyu-Gusau.

A counsel to the lawmakers/complainant and Director, Legal Matters of Zamfara of the Assembly, Nasiru Jangebe, stated this while speaking with newsmen after the maiden sitting of the impeachment panel which held at the State High Court 4, Gusau.

“You know, we have mentioned our case and led seven witnesses before the panel and the matter was adjourned to Tuesday for address.
“We are satisfied with all our submissions, we believe that the witnesses are credible and unchallengeable,” he said.

On the restraining order given by the Federal High Court Abuja, Jangebe said when that order was issued, there was no impeachment process against the deputy governor.

“You know by the provision of the Constitution, once the impeachment process starts, no court should interfere in the matter.
“Therefore, as far as I am concerned, that order will not affect this process,” he explained.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the deputy governor who is the defendant was absent at the sitting without a representation.

(NAN)

Iranian Fighter Jet Crashes Into School, Kills Three

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An Iranian F-5 fighter jet crashed into a school compound in the northwestern city of Tabriz on Monday, killing two crew and a passerby, authorities said.
“Luckily the school was closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic,” local official Mohammad-Bagher Honarvar told state television.
The aircraft was on a training mission when it went down around 9:00 am (0530 GMT) in the city’s central district of Monajem, said Honavar, who heads a crisis management unit in East Azerbaijan province.
The head of the local Red Crescent organisation said the plane crashed into an external wall, and that one of the dead was a nearby resident.
A blaze broke out at the crash site and firefighters were seen battling the flames as a crowd looked on, in video footage by the official news agency IRNA.
The charred remains of the warplane could be seen amid the rubble of the school’s blackened facade.
The plane had been stationed at the Shahid Fakouri airbase in Tabriz, base commander General Reza Youssefi told the broadcaster, adding that it was heading back from the training mission when it encountered a technical problem that prevented it from landing.
– Ageing fleet –
Iran’s airforce has some 300 warplanes, mostly Russian MiG-29 and Sukhoi-25 fighters that date back to the Soviet era, as well as Chinese F-7s, and French Mirage F1s.
The fleet also includes some American F-4 and F-5 jets that date back to the regime of the Western-backed shah, who was ousted in the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Experts say that only some of these aircraft are operational.
In August 2006, Iran announced it had developed a new warplane named “Azarakhsh” (Lightning) which it described as similar to the F-5.
A year later it unveiled another home-grown jet calling it “Saegheh” (Thunder), saying it was similar to the American F-18.
But some Western military experts have said the Saegheh is a derivative of the F-5.
Monday’s fighter jet crash was the first accident involving a military plane reported by Iran since December 2019.
Back then, a MiG-29 warplane went down near a dormant volcano in the country’s northwest during a test flight, according to official media.
Three days later the military confirmed the death of the pilot.
In January 2019, a military cargo plane overshot a runway, crashed and caught fire during a botched landing near the capital Tehran.
At the time the army said 15 people were killed in the accident.
A combat jet also crashed in Tabriz during military exercises in September 2011, local media reported.
Iran has been subject to severe US sanctions since 2018 when the US withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal struck three years earlier between Tehran and world powers.
Talks are underway in Vienna to revive the deal and Iran is calling for sanctions to be lifted.
AFP

Abba Kyari Sues FG,Seeks Freedom

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Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has dragged the Federal Government to court to seek release from the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The PUNCH has learnt.
Kyari, in his suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22, is praying the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the NDLEA to grant him bail on health grounds, pending the hearing and determination of his fundamental right enforcement application.
Kyari through his lawyer, Cynthia Ikena, claimed to be suffering from diabetes and hypertension and asked the court to order the NDLEA to release him.
But Justice Inyang Ekwo noted that the suit contained some averments that would require the response of the Federal Government.
“Upon studying the process of the Applicant and averments in support thereon, I am of the opinion that the respondent should be put on notice,” the judge held.
Justice Ekwo ordered that all the relevant processes should be served on FG which was cited as the sole respondent and adjourned the case till February 24 for hearing.
The anti-narcotics agency had on February 14, 2022, indicted Kyari, ex-head of the police Intelligence Response Team, in alleged drug trafficking and related offences.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, subsequently handed over Kyari to the anti-narcotics agency for prosecution over alleged links in drug trafficking after the NDLEA released damning photo and video evidence to nail Kyari.
The NDLEA said Kyari, the suspended IRT head, belonged to a drug cartel that operates the Brazil-Ethiopia-Nigeria illicit drug pipeline.
The anti-narcotics agency also said Kyari contacted one of its officers in Abuja and struck a deal to secure the release of a total of 25kg seized cocaine and offered $61,400 bribe to NDLEA officers who played along until his arrest.
The IGP in a statement had corroborated the NDLEA’s findings, saying incontrovertible evidence indicted Kyari in the drug crimes.
The NDLEA had also said it would charge the cop and four others to court.
The police commission had suspended Kyari on July 31, 2021, after the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States indicted the “super cop” for his alleged role in a $1m scam allegedly perpetrated by alleged international Internet fraudster Ramon Abbas, aka, Hushpuppi and five others.
The FBI had said Hushpuppi paid Kyari N8m or $20,600 for the arrest and detention of a “co-conspirator,” Chibuzo Vincent.
The United States Attorney’s Office at the Central District of California had declared Kyari wanted but the Nigerian government has yet to extradite him to face prosecution in the US before the cop’s NDLEA ordeal.

© PUNCH. Except the headline

Death Of UNIZIK Students: Anambara Commissioner Of Police Orders Full Scale Investigation

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Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of two students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The decomposing bodies (male and female) of the victims were found in a room at their hostel after security agents, in collaboration with the parents of one of the victims, forcefully broke the door on Sunday.
The probable cause of their death was hinged on generator fumes which was reportedly found on the corridor.
However, Echeng in a statement on Monday, advised the general public on the dangers of carbon monoxide.
He said, “It is a dangerous substance that is very toxic to health. This substance when inhaled can cause serious damage to the body and can lead to death. The substances mostly emanate from generators, water heaters, coal burning appliances or any gasoline powered engine.
“The command has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the discovery of two lifeless bodies (male and female) on 20-02-2022, in a room at a student lodge in Awka.
“Preliminary investigation reveals fumes from the generator was strongly perceived from the room when the door was forcefully opened by police officers that responded to the distress call.
“Meanwhile the recovered bodies were deposited at the morgue and no mark of violence was found on the bodies.”
The CP urged the general public, most especially the generator users to keep them away at safe distance from the window or any place the fumes can penetrate to avoid such poisonous fumes like Carbon monoxide affecting the ventilation of the house.

© PUNCH.

Two Feared Dead As Two Vehicles Collide At Nawfia Axis Of The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway

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Two people are feared dead as two vehicles collided at Nawfia axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.

The vehicles involved in the accident are a Toyota Highlander with registration number ACA 688 PX and Mercedes 911 with registration number AH 367 UWN.

Eyewitnesses around the accident scene, including Mr Amos Nwovu attributed it to loss of concentration perhaps arising from use of mobile phone while driving.

Driver of the ill-fated 911, Mr Sunny Balogun from Ogun State, who explained that he and his two colleagues, now trapped by their vehicle conveying banana from Cross River State, said occupants of the Toyota vehicle absconded the scene on notice the damages caused.

Meanwhile, FRSC officials have arrived the scene at the time of this report, trying to lift the vehicle and free those trapped.

©ABS NEWS

Wickedness: Chief Gab Ofoma Ojemba Enwe Ilo Killed

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ARUUUU! Nnewi Iroko Gunned Down.

After visiting his home in Nnewi and was on his way back to his base in Port Harcourt, Chief Gab Ofoma (Ojemba Enwe Ilo Nnewi) Chairman/CEO of Ofoma Associates Ltd., was gunned down in cold blood on Sunday by those who kill for no reason.

He was murdered on the Ukpor- Lilu- Orsumoghu- Azia- Mbosi Road (which connects Anambra State to Imo State), as his driver made a detour from the Onitsha-Owerri Highway en route to Port Harcourt, due to the traffic jam on the highway.

His crime probably was that he was riding in an SUV and looked like a “big man.”

Many people have been murdered on that Ukpor- Lilu- Orsumoghu- Azia- Mbosi Road by these people who kill anybody that is in a big car and looks like a big man. It has become a crime to ride a big car in the Southeast, except you have a battalion of security operatives guarding you. During the Christmas/New Year mass return, the killers seemed to have gone on holiday and resumed afterwards.

Chief Ofoma was a senior estate surveyor and valuer. He had a big estate surveying firm with offices in Port Harcourt (headquarters), Nnewi, Abuja and Lagos, employing over 150 people.

He was a soft-spoken gentleman whose chieftaincy title Ojemba Enwe Ilo means “a traveller or sojourner does not create enemies.”

He was an illustrious son of Umunnealam, Umudim, Nnewi.

May his soul rest in peace.

When will these senseless and directionless killings stop? What will these killings achieve?

© Maria Use page

Abba Kyari Blaming IPOB And ESN for Everything Including His Domestic Quarrel With His Wife

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. 🤷🏾‍♂️

Abba Kyari blaming IPOB AND ESN for everything including his domestic quarrel with his wife is part of the prevailibg mindset which is another indication of delusion and dennial greater part of this country has descended so low. The invocation of IPOB or any other agitator has become the password for the criminal elements within the law enforcement community to commit heinous crimes and despicable acts.

And why not; when we have people that have made IPOB, SIT AT HOME and all that their full time calling and pre occupation. So why won’t anyone point towards Southeast for whatever is going wrong for individuals or the entire Nigeria. Very soon Asiwaju will blame same people for his great unraveling and dwindling polititcl fortunes. He will not blame it on his greed and deluded mindset of attempting to usurp the turn of Ndigbo to produce the next President.

So it is with the Igbo politicians that have failed their people and have lost their loyalty and confidence. They blame those reacting to their dereliction of duty and being willing accomplices to the near destruction of very resilient and promising people.

The same Abba Kyari I called a Dirty Cop few weeks ago on one of our group chats and some apologist there that frequently points at his father’s house with left the fingers jumped on my throat in defense of a killer cop that has sent so many innocent souls to their early Graves.

The issue of ABBA KYARI has its international dimmesion to it, especially the indictment from the US. It is only God of justice that made that to be the case. For it is just a mere local content only, if it is domiciled here alone, Abba Kyari would’ve been the front runner for the next president, and his campaign will be spearheaded by the Arewa Northern Youths that have refused to grow up. Joining them will be few misguided youths in the South that survived his wave of mass murder. They will uphold as someone who dealt with the agitators a champion and true Nigerian. Yes these are acts and attributes that make people here true Citizens.

Continue

Late Mrs Priscilla Ukwu, Nee Johnson Ugbaja, An Extraordinary Human Being

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By Chris O. Maduka

ON A SAD NOTE😭😭😭

With the deepest sense of loss and sadness I wish to announce to this family the lost of one of our best sisters, ADA IKPAKWU, one of the greatest humanbeings God put on this planet earth. An Angel in human-form;

OME NWA NNE.! NWANYI OBIOMA!. EZIMMADU!
NNE OHA!
OMEPULU ONYE O’NA ARA’AHU!

I can go on and on, because there are endless names and ways to characterize this late icon. There are so many ways to express our opinion of this woman of character and virtue we just lost, as death is the least common denominator in the land of the living.

Mrs Priscilla Ukwu Nee Johnson Ugbaja, was an extraordinary humanbeing. This woman has no part two. God perhaps created only one Priscilla and gave her to Amazu Ikpakwu.

She was Married to late Mazi Dennis Ukwu of Ikpaeze a career School teacher and mentor. Yes, she went on the pilgrimage of marriage but our late Auntie and sister never left Ikpakwu and Ndiamazu by extension in her mind and soul.

She was so emotionally attached to this village it is beyond imagination. Every year with very young pupil arriving National to start their secondary school education, Mrs Ukwu will quietly investigate and take inventory of those young boys from her beloved village, from there she will continue to assist and encourage everyone that reached to her for the duration of that crucial five years.

In all my life, and am not the only one bearing this witness or giving this testimony, others who passed through National High School Arondizuogu where she was stationed with her late Husbamd, who are from Ikpakwu, generation after generation can collaborate and confirm my testimony.

They too can testify to what manner of woman this woman was.Mazi Imirikiti Okey Ozim, Mazi Uche Benson Ugbaja, and so many that came after we’ve left National can also testify. Infact, anyone that ever encountered her can so easily testify to the goodness of this woman an Angel in humanform.

Perhaps, she realized that the greatest investment in this world is the one we make on our fellow humanbeings and so she did through out her life time.

So, we’ve lost a great Soul, but we should all be comforted because this woman lived her life more as a transcendentalist. She did not live for the sake of living. She lived her life in a way that showed others the simplicity and humility of serving God and living right.

Her life and interaction with others is the sum total of our journey here on earth; which is just to live as the Children of the most high God and in the end we shall hear that well done from God Almighty as the world is terrifying.

And for all these we are grateful to God for PRISCILLA. We shall continue to express our gratitude to God for the Gift of this woman to humanity. After all that’s what it means to live forever after.

Now she has once again transformed back to the heavenly Angel she has always been, may her soul Rest in perfect peace..Amen

Ezimkpuru ✍🏾

Rt Hon. Jones Onyereri Mourns Late Sir (DR) Godsom Nwosu Iheaku Of Osina In Ideato North

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OMENKEAHURUNYA GOES HOME.

Last weekend the frontline and life touching leading Humanitarian Organization in Imo West (Orlu Zone) was in Osina in Ideato North LGA, Imo State.

The Jones foundation was in Osina to bid farewell to Late Sir/Dr Godson Nwosu Iheaku Omenkeahuruanya 1 of Osina, who joined his ancestors at 85.

The Stockfish mogul and the father of Hon. Chineme Iheaku (A.K.A. Okosisi Ideato) who is like a twin brother to Mmiri Na Anwu.

Dr. Jones Onyereri, who was largely accompanied to Ideato Nation with his foundation members, in his tribute, described the Stockfish Mogul as a man with heart of Gold.

In his words “Elder Nze Sir (Dr.) G. N. Iheaku , The Omenkeahuruanya of Osina, was an epitome of humility in all ramifications. Though he slept in the Lord at a ripe age , we would have wished he stayed more years in continuation of his service to God and Humanity”.

While alive, our Daddy, Elder Nze G. N. Iheaku lived a life filled with love and charity, characterized by his leadership style of humility and doggedness. A community leader and builder who played his part tutored and groomed so many business tycoons in Ideato North LGA and beyond.

He was a dedicated Christian faithful, an astute philanthropist and a known leader of note in Imo and Nigeria at large.

“His death, no doubt, is a huge blow to the entire Iheaku’s family as the vaccum is irreplaceable”.

Other personalities that were in attendance Chief Tony Ezenna, Ijele 1 of Akokwa (Chairman, Orange Drugs Ltd) and his Amiable Wife Lady Elizabeth Ezenna, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi ; His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Sir Martins Ejiogu, Dr. ThankGod Ezeani, Hon. Barr Magnus Obido, Barr. Golden Nwosu, Barr. Obidi Ume; Pharmacist Tony Ejieji, Barr. Chijioke Nzekwe, Mr. Kingsley Echendu, Engr. Chinedu Chinakwe, Osisioma Isu, Chief Chuma Nnaji, Dr. Vin Udokwu, Chief Mike Okafor, DG JONES ONYERERI FOUNDATION, Dr Nnamdi Nsorom, Secretary Jones Foundation, Members of Jones Onyereri Strategic Core Team, Over 500 Members of Jones Foundation from the 12 LGAs of Orlu Zone, PDP faithfuls and host of others.

+2348110708268

Email: gisthubmedia24@gmail.com

Four Feared Dead, Seven Others Injured In Bauchi Auto Crash

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Four people have been confirmed dead in a fatal crash that occurred on Sunday afternoon close to Giwo Science Academy, along Bauchi-Kano road, about 10 kilometers away from Bauchi metropolis.
Seven other people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash which involved two commercial vehicles and was caused by over-speeding and dangerous driving.
He said, “Yes, there was a crash close to Giwo Science Academy, along Bauchi-Kano road. When we were called, our men rushed there within 10 minutes for rescue operation.
“The crash which was caused by speed violation and dangerous driving, involved two vehicles, a Sharon bus with registration number: TRR391YX and an Opel Vectra Salon also with registration number: AA268 SHR.
“A total of 17 people comprising nine male adults, four female adults and one female child, were involved.
“Our men rushed them to the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi for medical treatment and confirmation where a medical doctor confirmed four persons, three male adults and one female adult dead.
“Those who sustained various degrees of injuries are five male adults and two female adults.
“The corpses were deposited at the same hospital where they would be released to their relatives for burial.”
Copyright PUNCH.

Pregnant Woman, Eight Others Burnt To Death In Kwara Auto Crash

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A pregnant woman and eight others have been burnt to death in a road accident in Ilorin, Kwara state.

The accident occurred along the Ilorin International Airport road at about 8:00 am on Sunday, February 20.

It was gathered that one of the vehicles involved in the crash was carrying petrol-filled jerrycans.

According to the Sector Commander, FRSC Kwara sector command, Corps Commander Jonathan Owoade, the crash involved a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number AFN 06 YL and a Toyota Corolla saloon car marked LRN 787 FE.

Eyewitnesses noted that the Toyota saloon car was driving out of the airport while the Lagos-bound Hiace Bus was on top speed along the expressway before they rammed into each other and the bus went up in flames.

The nine deceased persons were said to have been burnt beyond recognition and their bodies have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, while five men sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Ilorin General Hospital.

Three other men inside the saloon car, however, escaped uninjured.
The Sector Commander lamented that the crash was avoidable and therefore, warned members of the public against reckless driving.

Owoade also warned motorists to avoid keeping petrol inside jerricans in their vehicles while driving.

He commiserated with the families of the victims and assured the public that the corps will continue to strive hard towards ensuring that such unfortunate incidents are curtailed on the roads

The First Female National Assembly Member, Chief Mrs Wuraora Adepeju Esan

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NIGERIA’S 1ST FEMALE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBER

Chief Wuraola Adepeju Esan (1909–1985) was a Nigerian politician, feminist, and teacher. By serving as the 10th Iyalode of Ibadan, she combined her political ambitions with those of a traditional noblewoman.

  • Wuraola Adepeju Esan was born in Calabar in 1909 and attended Baptist Girls College in Idi Aba, Abeokuta, before transferring to United Missionary College to pursue a diploma in teacher training.

In 1934, she married Victor Esan and they lived in Lagos for a short time. She returned to her hometown of Ibadan a few years later.

Although educational opportunities for women were limited during the colonial era, Esan founded the Ibadan People’s Girls Grammar School in Molete in 1944 to educate women in a variety of subjects, including domestic science.

In the 1950s, she became involved in partisan politics as a member of the Action Group’s women’s wing. Despite the fact that women were important tools for gaining votes, few were given official power and party-wide responsibility.

Esan, on the other hand, rose through the ranks to become the first female member of the Nigerian National Assembly in 1960, as a senator from Ibadan West. She was a founding member of the National Council of Women Societies as well.

In 1975, she became the 10th Iyalode of Ibadan – a high-rank traditional office that was first occupied by Iyalode Subuola around the year 1850.

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The History Of Bonny Kingdom In Rivers State Nigeria

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History of Bonny Kingdom

The Kingdom of Bonny is a traditional state in the town of Bonny in Rivers State, Nigeria. Founded before or about 1,000AD. The Kingdom became an important slave trading port, later trading palm oil products. During the 19th century the British became increasingly involved in the internal affairs of the kingdom, in 1886 assuming control under a protectorate treaty. Today the King of Bonny has a largely ceremonial role.

The kingdom was a sovereign state in the South Atlantic Coast. The Kingdom, comprising virgin lands and territorial areas, was founded before or about 1,000 AD. The modern name “Bonny” is a distortion of the original name.According to tradition the island on which the town of Bonny is sited was full of curlews, and the leaders of the founding group of the kingdom therefore called it Okoloma, meaning curlew town. This name is still used locally.

The founding group of the Kingdom, from the Ebeni-toru area, precisely from Isedani Lineage of Kolokuma, in the present-day Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State (in Ancestral Ijawland in the Central Niger Delta), was led by three direct blood descendants of Ebeni. These are Opuamakuba, Alagbariye and Asimini. From these leaders and the entire founding generation of the Kingdom evolved the lineage/ward/house system of governance, as a result of which the welfarist institution of traditional rulership of the Kingdom came into place, with the exalted position of “Amanyanabo”, Monarch/King, meaning “owner of the land”; and the position of “Amadapu”, meaning component/subordinate traditional rulers of the Kingdom. The High-Priest of the Kingdom ruled the Kingdom with the “Amanyanabo”, and “Amadapu”.

The first four Monarchs of the Kingdom were Founding Fathers of the Kingdom. These are namely Kings Ndoli, Opuamakuba, Alagbariya (Founder of Bonny: ‘Okoloamakoromabo’) and Asimini. After these initial Four Kings, their direct-blood descendants ruled the Kingdom as Kings until the era of King Awusa (Halliday). It was after King Halliday-Awusa, the Twelfth King of Bonny Kingdom, that King Perekule succeeded King Halliday-Awusa. Hence, King Perekule’s descendants on the exalted throne of Kingship of the Kingdom are successors of the throne of Kingship established by the founding generation of Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom. The continuing hereditary position, King/Monarch, who bears the title “Amanyanabo”, originated from the Founding Fathers and Premier Kings of the Ancient Kingdom.

Bonny kingdom became important in the 15th century with the arrival of the Portuguese and the growth of the Atlantic slave trade. At its height of power, Bonny was one of the main entrepôts on the Slave Coast. Later the Dutch and then the British took control of the slave trade in the region, with the British renaming the port “Bonny”. When the British passed an act to abolish the slave trade in 1807, the port turned to export of palm oil products, ivory and Guinea pepper.

ADDENDUM:

Bonny Island Kingdom has Five Duawaris (Chieftaincy Houses of the Ancestors, Founding and Aboriginal Royal Houses), representing the Founding Generation (i.e., Ancient Landmarks) of the Kingdom. These are namely (i) Bristol-Alagbarigha Royal House (Founder of Grand Bonny [“Okoloamakoromabo”] & Founding House of Grand Bonny Kingdom), (ii) King Halliday-Awusa Royal House (Founding House of Grand Bonny Kingdom), (iii) Dublin Green House (Lala, Ebie, Prince Asimini-Oruakpa Lineage – Founding House of Grand Bonny Kingdom), (iv) Prince Oruasawo Tolofari Royal House (Kumaluya-Ndende Omuigbem Lineage – Founding House of Grand Bonny Kingdom), and (v) Buoye-Omuso (Brown) Major House (Kongo Lineage – Founder of Ikpakpayo/Finima & Founding House of Grand Bonny Kingdom.)

Bonny Island was the melting point of economic activities right from the 15th century, with the arrival of the Portuguese on the Island, at which time the Island Kingdom established good relations with the Portuguese such that it sent its first Ambassador (Aboriginal Prince Abagy) to Portugal, about 1450AD. In the 19th Century AD, Bonny Island also served as Christianity’s first port of call in West Africa. It was also home to many illustrious sons and daughters of Nigeria. With a thriving traditional system and robust cultural heritage it stands out as one of the foremost local communities in Nigeria. Her traditional institution is headed by Edward William-Dappa Pepple who serves as natural ruler and Amanyanabo-in-Council

The community is subdivided into two main segments – the mainland and the hinterland. The mainland comprises Bonny Island and its segments, namely the Main Island (Township), Sandfield, Iwoama, Orosikiri, Aganya, Ayambo, Akiama, Workers Camp, and some outlying fishing settlements lying along the Bonny River’s coastline. Finima is an aboriginal community situated along Bonny Island. The hinterland includes the village communities that serve as home to natives of Bonny kingdom.

Presently, the Island Kingdom of Bonny has thirty five chieftaincy houses. These are fourteen major chieftaincy houses (five among which are Duawaris); twenty minor chieftaincy houses; and then the George Pepple’s lineage of the Perekule royal house that has recently been producing Kings of the Kingdom. The ancestry of the Perekule royal house may be traced to the Duawaris as founding groups of the Ancient Kingdom.

It is the founding generation of the Ancient Kingdom of Grand Bonny that established the Kingdom’s civilisation and Commonwealth from which all the chieftaincy houses and people of the Kingdom are inheriting.

Growing British influence

William Dappa Pepple I ascended the throne in 1830. He became increasingly incompetent, particularly following a stroke in 1852, and stirred up opposition to his rule. In 1854 the British deported the king King.

Dapu Fubara II Pepple (“Dappo”) was appointed in his place, but died on 13 Aug 1855. The acting British Consul in the Bight of Biafra, J.W.B. Lynslager, signed a document on 11 September 1855 appointing the chiefs Annie Pepple, Ada Allison, Captain Hart and Manilla Pepple as a regency, required to consult with Banigo and Oko Jumbo, “two gentlemen of the river”.

Oko Jumbo, who became leader of the Manilla Pepple house and effective ruler of the kingdom, became engaged in a struggle with the Annie Pepple house, which was led by a chief named Jubo Jubogha, known as Ja-Ja to the British.(AKA Jaja of Opobo).

In an attempt to stabilize the situation, the British restored King William Dappa Pepple I in 1861, and for the next five years until his death on 30 September 1866 the kingdom was relatively peaceful.

King William Dappa was succeeded by his son George Oruigbiji Pepple (born 1849), who had been educated in England. George Pepple was a Christian, and on 21 April 1867, supported by Oko Jumbo and other chiefs, he declared the iguana was no longer the sacred deity of the kingdom. The tension between the Manilla Pepple and Annie Pepple houses revived. In 1869 a major battle between the two factions led to Ja-Ja founding a new state at Opobo, further inland, taking some of the palm oil trade away from Bonny.

Bonny had previously been on reasonably good terms with the Kalabari Kingdom, a trading state on the New Calabar and Imo rivers. With the loss of trade to Opobo, Bonny began pushing up rivers traditionally controlled by Kalabari, causing a series of armed clashes.

Bonny was at times assisted by the Nembe Kingdom to the west and Okrika further inland, while Opobo allied with Kalabari. In 1873, and again in 1882 the British consul had to intervene and force the feuding parties to agree to treaties.

Protectorate and later history

The unstable balance of power within Bonny deteriorated. On 14 December 1883 King George was deposed.

The next year Oko Jumbo fell out with the other chiefs in Bonny. There were rumors that he wanted to place one of his sons on the throne, although a planned coup attempt in January 1885 came to nothing. Another son, Herbert Jumbo, who had been educated in England, quarreled with his father and placed himself under the protection of the British consul.

In February 1886 a protectorate treaty was concluded between Bonny and Britain. A ruling council was established, and King George Pepple was restored to his throne. Oko Jumbo was publicly degraded, his bans on Christianity were repealed and afterwards he was a spent force in Bonny politics.

King George died in October 1888, and was succeeded by a series of regents, kings and at one time a Chiefs Council before Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III (Perekule XI) took the throne in 1996.

Rulers when Bonny was an Independent state
Following were the later independent rulers of Okoloma (now Bonny Island).

Start End Ruler

1759 1760 Awusa “King Halliday”
1760 Perekule I “Captain Pepple”
1792 Fubara I Agbaa Pepple
1792 1828 Opubo Fubara Pepple
1828 1830 Bereibibo Bristol-Alagbariya (Pepple IV)
1830 1854 Dappa Perekule (1st time) (installed Jan 1837)
1854 1855 Dapu Fubara II Pepple “King Dappo” (d. 1855)
1855 1861 Regency
1861 1866 William Dappa Pepple I (Dappa Perekule) (2nd time)
1866 1883 George Oruigbiji Pepple I

Rulers when Bonny was a Protectorate and Southern Nigerian Federation

Start End Ruler
22 Jan 1887 – 31 Oct 1888 George Oruigbiji Pepple I (2nd time)
31 Oct 1888 – 28 Feb 1892 Waribo (Regent)
1892 -1923 Ate (Regent) into the AMALGAMATION OF NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PROTECTORATE AND BEYOND…

[Note: The Niger Coast Protectorate was a British protectorate in the Oil Rivers area of present-day Nigeria, originally established as the Oil Rivers Protectorate in 1884 and confirmed at the Berlin Conference the following year, renamed on 12 May 1893, and merged with the chartered territories of the Royal Niger Company on 1 January 1900 to form the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.]

AS ONE WHOLE NIGERIA

1932 -14 Feb 1932 Claude Sodienye (Regent, d. 1952)
14 Feb 1932 -1937 Secondus George Pepple II (d. 1939)
1937 – 1952 Claude Sodienye -Regent (2nd time)
1952 – 27 Dec 1957 Francis D. Banigo (Regent)
27 Dec 1957 1970 Eugene William Dappa Pepple II
1970 1978 Regency
1978 1993 Opuada Pepple
1993 1996 Chiefs Council
1996 Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III (Perekule XI)

References

Cliff Pereira & Simon McKeon. “BLACK AND ASIAN PEOPLE IN VICTORIAN BEXLEY. GEORGE PEPPLE”. Bexley Council. Retrieved 2010-10-15.

Kenneth Onwuka Dike (1959). Trade and politics in the Niger Delta, 1830–1885: an introduction to the economic and political history of Nigeria. Clarendon Press. p. 24.

“Traditional States of Nigeria”. World Statesmen. Retrieved 2010-09-05.

Great Britain. Foreign Office (1866). British and foreign state papers, Volume 47. H.M.S.O. p. 548. Retrieved 2010-10-14.

S.J.S Cookey (2005). King Jaja of the Niger Delta: His Life and Times 1821 – 1891. UGR publishing. p. 117ff. ISBN 0-9549138-0-9. Retrieved 2010-10-14.

G. O. M. Tasie (1978). Christian missionary enterprise in the Niger Delta 1864–1918. BRILL. p. 108. ISBN 90-04-05243-7. Retrieved 2010-10-14.

G. I. Jones (2001). The trading states of the oil rivers: a study of political development in Eastern Nigeria. James Currey Publishers. p. 15ff. ISBN 0-85255-918-6.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bonny

I WAS IN BONNY BETWEEN 1997 AND 2003 FOR THE NLNG CONSTRUCTION…

Some of my Bonny pals are Charles Kalada Dan Jumbo WariAlabo Elliott K Jim-Halliday Joshua Hart Larry Pepple Tamuno Dan Jumbo Abel Attoni Theophilus Banigo Fubara Sam- Banigo Catherine Allison Banigo George Allison Kenneth Ibikari Dublin-Green Ere Green Bobo Pepple Fubara D John-Jumbo Abbey Omuso Miebam Allwell-Brown Furo Brown Amonia Rita Stewart and scores of others

#ESAN

Reno Omokri To Aregbesola, Now Is The Time For You To Expose Your Godfather, Tinubu

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Reno Omokri mocks Aregbesola over Godfather.

Dear Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,

See how you have been disgraced by Tinubu and Oyetola in Osun. Now is the time for you to expose your godfather, Tinubu. Tell the world his real name, his genuine age, and the secret behind his stupendous wealth. You know those secrets. Now, spill the beans! Because if you remain silent now, Oyetola and Tinubu will only grow politically stronger.

And when Buhari goes in 2023, you will be naked with nobody to protect you. Imagine how miserable your life will be with Tinubu in Aso Rock and Oyetola in Osogbo. They both know many secrets (remember the Opon Imo contracts and the allegations against your son, Kabiru). They will have the Police, the EFCC, and the ICPC at their beck and call. Even if you run to London, you may receive the Ibori treatment.

You see what I am doing to Buhari as #BuhariTormentor? Multiply that by a factor of ten. That is what they will do to you. So, better talk now, or be silenced after 2023.

#TableShaker

Parade Abba Kyari Like The Criminal He Is – Reno Omokri

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Almost a week after Abba Kyari was exposed as a drug baron, he has not been paraded by NDLEA, EFCC, or the Police. Meanwhile, the NDLEA immediately paraded a young boy caught with marijuana.

Marijuana! You have someone involved in importing billions worth of hard drugs, and it is the marijuana teenager that you are arresting? If we test General Buhari’s urine, do you know what substances we will find?

Even in crime, Nigeria still applies quotas system to favour certain people! A freedom fighter, Nnamdi Kanu, was paraded like a common criminal on the same day he was illegally kidnapped from Kenya and brought to Nigeria. Where is Abba Kyari? Let us see him paraded like the criminal he is!

#TableShaker

Kenya Confirms Death Of Ambassador To Nigeria

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya has confirmed the death of the High Commissioner of Kenya to Nigeria, Ambassador Wilfred Machage.

According to a statement on the Ministry’s website, Machage collapsed at his Abuja residence on Saturday and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed on at 12.30 p.m.
“Machage was appointed High Commissioner of Kenya to Nigeria by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2018 and accredited to 12 other countries within Central and Western Africa.
“He collapsed at home and was pronounced dead at the hospital after this unfortunate incident.
“The country has lost a dedicated compatriot,” the ministry said in the statement.
(NAN)

HURIWA Knocks Buhari Over Refusal To Sign Electoral Bill

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Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, on Sunday, flayed the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), over his reluctance in signing the reworked Electoral Act Amendment Bill, saying his intentions are not nationalistic and patriotic but self-servin g.
HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the intransigence and refusal of the President to sign the Electoral Act is as bad as the military coups in Guinea Bissau, Mali and other West African countries.
The group, while condemning the President for globetrotting when a critical task lay at his table, said Buhari’s refusal to sign the Electoral Act is a calculated attempt to undermine and sabotage the transparent conduct of the 2023 general election.
Buhari had in December 2021 asked the National Assembly to remove the clause that has to do with direct primaries from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The President, who stated this in his letter to the Senate, asked the National Assembly to remove the controversial clause on direct primaries from the bill and return the proposed law to him for assent.
On January 31 2022, the National Assembly transmitted the reworked bill to the President for assent.
Buhari consequently forwarded it to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), for legal advice.
Malami had hinted that he might advise the President to withhold assent if he (Malami) found the reworked bill to contain proposals hinged on personal interests.
The President has not shown any significant sign of signing the reworked bill 20 days after it was transmitted to him by the National Assembly.
By law, the President is expected to respond to the National Assembly’s proposal not more than 30 days after receiving it.
The bill was transmitted to him on January 31, 2022, meaning he has barely 10 days left to act on it. The President has in the last five years rejected electoral amendment bills five times.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, had said last month that the commission would quickly release the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections based on the new law once the bill is signed by the President.

Commenting on the development, HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the body language of the President on the assent of the Electoral Act betrays his many rhetoric that he will leave a legacy of democratic values and tenets in Nigeria when he leaves office in 2023.
Onwubiko described the President’s delayed assent as “an attempt to distabilise democracy because constitutional democracy runs seamlessly in an atmosphere of certainty and legality.”
He added, “But what President Muhammadu Buhari has done with his blatant failure to sign the Electoral Act is to put democracy in jeopardy and make it seem that the country isn’t ripe for free and fair polls just as his refusal offends the heart of the constitutional independence of the legislature and endangers the principles of checks and balances enshrined in the constitution.
“Already, no fewer than 26 civil society organisations have resolved to embark on a protest on Tuesday if the President fails to assent to the bill in two days. The President must sign the Electoral Act immediately or Nigerians should consider civil disobedience actions like street protests to compel the President not to jeopardize next year’s election.”

 

My ‘Daughter’ Has My Blessings To Marry Man She Met On TikTok —Mr Ibu

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Actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has said he has no problem with his ‘daughter’, Jasmine, getting married to a man she met on social media platform, TikTok.

He told Sunday Scoop, “She is not my biological daughter but I trained her.

She calls me daddy and I call her daughter. I am okay with it (her getting married). I have been praying for them and I will keep on doing that.
“Man and woman got to know each other one day.

It is a gradual process. However, I don’t want to see tears.”
Speaking on his experience in the early days of his career, the comedy actor said, “My experience in the industry has been nice but in the course building my career, I encountered a lot of bad people.

I was beaten publicly several times because of the roles I have played. I have also received slaps for free but those incidents did not get me angry.”
Asked if he agrees with those who say entertainers should stop campaigning for politicians if they cannot tell them the truth about the plight of the masses when it matters, Mr Ibu said, “(I am) completely okay (with it). I have rejected many invitations to be part of the campaigns of politicians.

Any politician that does not have the interest of the people at heart should not be voted for.
“Many of them (politicians) will use every language they know to get on the good side of the public and get their votes. But, when they get into office, they would not give the public what they promised. That is why it is hard for me to go for campaigns. I walked into (Bola) Tinubu’s own.

I was told he called us for a meeting. I walked in and saw a campaign going on.”
Insisting that he does not want any of his children to bear a resemblance to him, he said, “God forbid that my children look like me. There must be something wrong with any of my children who decides to resemble me.”

© PUNCH.

I’m Used To Heartbreaks – Evia Simon

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Actress, Evia Simon, says heartbreaks have become a part of her life.
She told Sunday Scoop, “I am used to heartbreaks. It has become a part of me. It is not as if I don’t take it seriously but my heart is very weak, although I look strong. If I see someone I like, I (would) go in (for the person). If I don’t like him, I move on. If the relationship is becoming toxic, I would step backwards.”
Contrary to what many may think, the actress also maintained that her curvy body did not pave the way for her in the movie industry. She said, “My curvy body did not pave a way for me in the industry; my talent did. The industry has cliques and because of that, one has to belong to a clique. However, one has to be a good actor and be around the right set of people who make things happen in the industry.
“My journey in the industry has not been easy. To become a superstar is not a day’s job. I am still on the journey.”
Simon also stated that she would never have sex with anyone in exchange for roles. She said, “I once rejected a sex-for-role offer and my position remains the same. My craft and the grace of God have kept in the industry. There is time for everything. There are some people who have been in the industry for 10 years and are practically everywhere. For some people, a year is all they need to hug the limelight. I feel it is the grace of God because I have been in the industry for years but I am not where I want to be. I am still working, praying and hoping to get to where I am supposed to be in my career.”
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Women Should Marry Men That’d Support Their Careers – Ayo Adesanya

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Actress, Ayo Adesanya, has encouraged women to only get married to men that would support their careers.

She told Sunday Scoop, “For biological reasons, career-driven young women should endeavour to get married on time, so they can have kids early and continue pursuing their careers. Men, on the other hand, are fortunate because they can have kids at any time.

They can also have kids while working since they don’t get pregnant. They just have to provide for their wife and kids. Although career is very important, marriage and family should be given more priority because no matter how successful one gets, their family is all they would have at the end of the day. After working for so long, one would have to rely on family at old age.

Having a great career is good for everyone because one would always have to bring something to the table. However, while chasing a career, it is expedient not to get carried away because the biological clock is ticking, and time is not always on a woman’s side as regards procreation. Women should endeavour to strike a balance between their career and family.

They should also make sure they get married to kind and loving men who would support their careers while both raising their kids.”
Adesanya also stated that no one should be pressured into getting married as that may lead them into choosing the wrong partner.

© PUNCH.

I Died In 1998, And Woke Up After 3 Days In Mortuary — Jerry Amilo, Nollywood Actor

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Jerry Amilo has narrated how he ‘died and resurrected’ after three days in the mortuary following a fatal road accident in 1998.

The film maker shared details of his fatal accident during an interview with BBC Igbo.

According to him, he was returning to Lagos from Ibadan alongside his lawyer, late Dịlo, when the front tire of his vehicle suddenly spun off its wheel.

The actor said the police confirmed everyone in the vehicle dead and he was told that his body had suddenly started twitching after three days in the morgue, causing panic.

Femi, Yeni Kuti Remember Invasion Of Kalakuta 45 Years After

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February 18, 1977, will forever remain indelible in the minds of members of afrobeat originator, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s family. It was on that day that about 1000 soldiers invaded the residence of the family at 14A, Agege Motor Road, Idi-Oro, Mushin. Leaving ‘sorrow, tears and blood’, the soldiers assaulted and arrested many of those at the ‘Kalakuta Republic’ on that fateful day.
A commission of enquiry was later set up to investigate the incident, but it was declared that the soldiers who invaded Fela’s home were ‘unknown soldiers’.
During the invasion, Fela’s mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, an activist, was thrown downstairs from the first floor of the building, and she broke her leg in the process. She eventually died about a year later, an event that triggered the late Fela to lead a protest to Dodan Barracks, which was the seat of power at the time, and dropped a coffin at the gate after the army refused him entry. Weeks after the incident, he released two songs, Coffin for Head of State, and Unknown Soldier, which addressed the incident.
In memory of the invasion, Fela’s eldest son, Femi Kuti, took to his official Facebook page on Friday, 18th of February, to demand justice for the Kuti family and all those who were affected in the raid. ‘Tagging’ his sister, Yeni; brother, Seun; and son, Made, he wrote, “Government burnt Fela’s house. We shall never forget. Fela’s mother, our grandma, was thrown out of the window from the first floor on that day. She later died from the injuries she sustained and never recovered…”

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Anambra Accident: Police React As Truck Drivers Block Onitsha-Owerri Road

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The Anambra State Police Command on Saturday reacted to the fatal accident which occurred at a police checkpoint on the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Ihiala Local Government of the state.

The accident occurred when a truck with number plate UWZ556XA, rammed into six other vehicles around Ken Maduako Oil and Gas Filling Station along the Ihialla-Onitsha road area of the state, killing two persons and injuring nine others on Friday.

Pix for illustration

It was gathered that the truck driver, who was on a top speed, while approaching the police checkpoint at Ihiala, lost control and rammed into the vehicles on the queue at the checkpoint and crashed.
No fewer than 63 persons were involved in the crash as it also involved commercial vehicles. Some motorists escaped unhurt.
It was gathered that the accident created some pandemonium around the scene as members of the truck drivers union blocked the busy Onitsha-Owerri Road, on noticing that the accident was a result of the police checkpoint in the area.
The truck drivers mobilised heavy trucks around the scene of the accident and blocked the ever busy highway on both sides, an action, which caused heavy gridlock on that road.
The real reason for their actions was not provided, but eyewitnesses said they were protesting the havoc the police checkpoint is causing motorists on that road, as a similar event had occurred a few months ago on that axis.
The eyewitness lamented that motorists are always being asked to come down from their vehicles to trek past the police checkpoint, an action that has become a burden to the motoring public.
However, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng, had commiserated with the families of the two persons who died and the nine others, who sustained injuries in the accident.
In a statement on Saturday, the police spokesman, DCP Ikenga Tochukwu, identified the driver of the truck as one of the victims that died in the crash while attributing the fatal crash to overspeeding and brake failure by the trailer driver.
The police said the truck drivers were misinformed about the cause of the accident, which led to their protest while appealing to them to have a rethink.
The statement read in part, “While the Police indeed have a ‘Stop and Search Point’ close to the scene of the accident, it is wrong to blame the police for the unfortunate incident.
“The fact that only six vehicles were on the queue on a dual carriageway as busy as that expressway is evidence that the Police has been responsible and sensitive to the plight of the motoring public by ensuring minimal delay as it conduct its stop and search operations aimed at protecting not only Police facilities in the area from insurgents’ attacks, but also the general public, who are mostly at the receiving end of escapades by criminal elements.”
The police boss, however, commended the officers of the Federal  Road Safety Corps for promptly rising to the occasion and partnering with them in getting the injured to the hospital and clearing the wreckage from the road to allow for free flow of traffic.
“It is unfortunate that drivers of container bearing trailers, under the umbrella of their union, who were misinformed about the cause of the accident mobilised heavy trucks to the scene at about 1630 hours on the day of the accident and blocked the ever busy highway on both sides.
“All entreaties made to them to consider the plight of the motoring public fell on deaf ears. Innocent motorists were at the receiving end of this ill-advised blockade.
“The Nigeria Police wish to appeal to the unionists to have a rethink in the interest of their fellow citizens and consider the plight of stranded travellers to remove the blockade from the highway. The Police will continue to explore peaceful means of resolving the imbroglio to prevent further loss of precious human lives,” the statement added.
It also added that the CP, while thanking the good public for their robust support, assured them that the Police would continue to raise the bar of service delivery in the interest and safety of the law-abiding public.
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EFCC: No Official Stole N10.9bn From Recovered NIA Funds

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has denied that N10.9 billion belonging to the National Intelligence Agency was stolen by its official.
EFCC had discovered about $43.5 million, £27,800 and N23.2 million inside Apartment 7B, Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos in April 2017.
Later, there reports that a Brigadier General, Jafaru Mohammed, allegedly stole a chunk of the money to purchase properties.
But in a statement, EFCC Head of Media, Wilson Uwujaren said Mohammed was not its staff, adding that the claim was intended to mislead the public.
He said, “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a report by an online news medium alleging that a certain Jafaru Mohammed whom it claimed stole N10.9billion from the NIA Ikoyi loot is an accountant of the EFCC.
“The claim is false and intended to mislead the public. For the avoidance of doubt, the EFCC has no accountant by name, Jafaru Mohammed and could not have appointed him to serve in another agency.
“It is infantile to suggest that the Commission would appoint an accountant for the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, which is not a department of the EFCC.
“The public is enjoined to discountenance the report which is dripping with mischief for which Peoples Gazette has become notorious. Visit our website: www.efccnigeria.org for more stories.”
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Junior Wife Stabs Senior Wife To Death In Ondo Over Sex Turn With Their Husband

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A 25-year-old woman Rebecca Nicodemus has stabbed her senior rival to death few minutes after sleeping with their husband.

Rebecca was said to have been jealous that her husband left her in bed during an ongoing s3x session to make love to the senior wife identified as Precious.

It was gathered that both women lived in a room and a parlour apartment with their husband.

A fracas was said to have ensued between them when late Precious stepped out of the room where she slept with their husband.

The incident occurred on February 4 around 5.00am at Idogun Camp via Ode-Irele in Ondo State.

Rebecca was subsequently arrested and arraigned on a one count charge of murder before an Akure Magistrates’ Court.

In a Police First Information Report where the suspect narrated what transpired, she said it was not her intention to kill the senior wife.

According to her: “I came to Ondo State in January, 2022 and we were leaving in the same house. I am a farmer and we have been relating together in harmony alongside the deceased.

“On that fateful day, my husband was earlier with me in the living room but had to excuse himself on a pretext that we were not free to continue with our love making.

“I was waiting for my husband when I discovered he was making love to the senior wife inside the bedroom.

“I also heard them making derogatory remarks about me. So, I waited in the sitting room for my rival to come out from the room and when she came out , I challenged her over her unkind words.

“Rather than the deceased to be apologetic, she suddenly grabbed my clothes which made me angry

“So, I took a knife on the table in our sitting room and stabbed her at the back with the knife.

“It was not my intention to kill her, I over reacted in anger”.

Police Prosecutor, Obadasa Ajiboye, informed the court that the defendant stabbed her with a knife at her left back side which resulted to her death.

He said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

Plea of the defendant was not taken but the prosecution made an oral application to remand the defendant in prison custody pending the outcome of advice from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, ordered the remand Rebecca to police custody and adjourned the case to February 22, 2022 for ruling on the remand application.

Ex-US Cop Who Shot Black Man Bags Two-Year Imprisonment

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A former US police officer who shot dead a young African-American man after mistaking her gun for her Taser was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday after an emotional court hearing.
Kim Potter, 49, was convicted in December of first- and second-degree manslaughter for shooting Daunte Wright in the chest during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, a Minneapolis suburb, in April 2021.
Judge Regina Chu rejected the prosecution’s request that Potter be given seven years in prison and sentenced her to two years, of which the former officer will have to serve at least 16 months.
“This is one of the saddest cases I’ve had in my 20 years on the bench,” Chu said. “On the one hand, a young man was killed and on the other a respected 26-year veteran police officer made a tragic error by pulling her handgun instead of her Taser.”
“I recognize there will be those who disagree with the sentence,” the judge said. “There is no question that Ms. Potter is extremely remorseful.
“Officer Potter made a mistake that ended tragically. She never intended to hurt anyone. Her conduct cries out for a sentence significantly below the guidelines,” Chu said, wiping away tears.
Chu’s sentencing came after Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, other members of the Wright family, and Potter herself addressed the court.
“I’ll never be able to forgive you for what you’ve stolen from us,” Katie Wright said. “She took our baby boy with a single gunshot through the heart. She shattered mine.
“He had so much life ahead of him,” she added of her son, who was 20 years old when he died and the father of a baby boy. “You took his future, what he could have been.”
A sobbing Potter told the Wright family she was sorry.
“I understand a mother’s love and I am sorry I broke your heart,” she told Daunte Wright’s mother. “I am so sorry that I hurt you so badly.”
The shooting of Wright, whose father was Black and mother is white, came during the trial of Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man.
Chauvin, who kneeled on the neck of a handcuffed Floyd for nearly 10 minutes until he passed out and died, is serving 22 years in prison for the murder.
Floyd’s death was filmed by a bystander and sparked months of protests in the United States against racial injustice and police brutality. Wright’s death triggered several nights of protests and unrest in Brooklyn Center before Potter’s arrest calmed tensions.

Uzodinma Issues Staff Of Office To 51 New Imo Monarchs

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Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has issued Staff of Office to 51 newly elected traditional rulers in Imo State with a charge on them to be guided by the tradition and culture of their people.

Also, the Governor advised them to always stand on the side of truth and justice in the discharge of their duties and to be traditional rulers over everybody in their communities.

Earlier, Uzodimma met with the families of the three traditional rulers from Njaba and Okigwe Councils who were killed by bandits last year.

The deceased monarchs were Eze Sampson Osunwa, Eze Edwin Azike and Eze A.E. Duru Eburuo all from Njaba Council while the fourth monarch from Ihitte Ihube in Okigwe was Eze Paul Ogbu.

Uzodimma regretted the circumstances the monarchs were killed, describing their death as a big loss to their families, communities and government.

He used the occasion to call on politicians to desist from using bandits to terrorise Imo people and said government must show concern about the monarchs who were killed because they were among the best in the State.

Uzodimma later handed over Cheques he called “palliatives”to the widows of the slain monarchs as well as to other traditional rulers who survived the bandits attacks but with harrowing experience.

Performing the Staff of Office ceremony at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Chamber Government House, Owerri, Friday, Governor Uzodimma reminded the new monarchs that they are not just the custodians of their communities culture and tradition but represent the people and government of the State before the outside world.

He said apart from ensuring that unity and peace reign in their areas, the security of lives of their people should be part of their primary responsibility.

Uzodimma therefore enjoined them to help fish out the bad eggs in their communities whether operating as bandits or unknown gunmen and ensure that they report the activities of the bad people in their domain to government for appropriate action.

He warned that he will not hesitate to dethrone any monarch who chooses to rule over his people from outside his community or makes himself a “visiting Eze.”

The Governor reasoned that the traditional rulers cannot be effective in carrying out their duties, be it tradition, culture, security, peace and unity when they operate from outside, “because security starts with the love of the people.”

“When one is not close to his people there is no way he will know their problems and how best to tackle them.”

On the side of Government, Governor Uzodimma said his administration has taken every necessary measures to improve the security situation in Imo State and that what happened in the past has taught everybody a lesson on how to be proactive in order to nip every identified security breach in the bud.

To that effect, he urged all the traditional rulers, both the old and new ones, to always identify any security breach and inform government promptly.

He also advised them not to be scared or abandon their people that elected them as their Eze “because of security concerns.”

On politics, Governor Uzodimma reminded the monarchs in Imo State that ‘’whereas the Nigerian Constitution guarantees everyone freedom of association, that of the traditional rulers have been bridged.’’

He therefore appealed to them not to allow desperate politicians to contaminate them with their sweet tongue.

On infrastructural development in their domains, the Governor charged them to be involved in the various projects located in their communities as initiated by government.

He advised them to learn how to work in synergy with the leadership of their Town Unions so as to develop and protect their communities, reminding them that they are both the custodians of their people, their investments and facilities in their communities.

He reminded them of his government’s decision to approve N1billion for the renovation of health centres in the 305 INEC Wards in Imo State and charged the monarchs to take ownership of the facilities and ensure the projects succeed.

In the same vein, the Governor reiterated the decision of his government to reconstitute Development Centres, where Town Union Presidents will be made automatic members.

“You are ambassadors of your people and the government of Imo State,” he said and prayed for God’s guidance in the monarchs operations, asking them to, above all, “have the fear of God in whatever they do.”

In a vote of thanks by the traditional ruler of Umuhu Omuma in Oru East LGA, HRH Eze Dr. Clement Ikechukwu Okonkwo on behalf of the others, he thanked God who using the Governor to make the day a success.

Eze Okonkwo pledged their loyalty to the Government of Imo State and their readiness to ensure there is peace and development in their various communities.

He also expressed their gratitude to their people who trusted them enough to preside over their affairs as their traditional rulers by electing them.

The event was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku, the Acting Chief Judge of Imo, Justice Theresa Chikeka, other key government functionaries, the leadership of the traditional and religious institutions in Imo as well as the kits and kin of the newly honoured monarchs.
Photograph:This is His Royal Highness, Eze Chima Obiadada Nwemeh, ODU 11,of Osuowere, who just received his staff of office yesterday. Eze Chima Nwemeh is the traditional ruler, who replaced his late father, late Eze Ebere Nwemeh, ODU 1,of Osuowere autonomous community.

© Nigerian Horn

OCDA Seals Umuguma Erosion Control Site Over Illegal Acquisition

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Following a report of encroachment into State Government property, operatives of Owerri Capital Development Authority,OCDA, in a swift action sealed up an erosion control site at Ogba Osisi Umuguma community in Owerri West LGA of Imo State.

The Special Adviser/General Manager of the agency Engr. Francis Chukwu who led the operation for the sealing up of the ongoing structures at the site said it violates the master plan of the metropolis, stressing that the valley is used as a channel for flooding to manage erosion menace.

Disclosing Governor Uzodimma’s desire to manage flood crisis in the metropolis with the introduction of Balloon Technology, he stated that structures which will affect drainage system will not be approved.

The Traditional ruler of Umuguma ancient kingdom HRM Eze George Ugorji, expressed surprise at the structures being erected at the site, as he denied knowledge of it and hinted that he once ordered the contractor to stop work.

An indigene of Umuguma Dennis Onuawuchi, said that the erosion site has been in existence for over 10 years, wondered why the buyer will erect such structures blocking the drainage system of the community.

© The Horn

Oxford University Inducts First Igbo Language Lecturer

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The University of Oxford, England, has inducted Emmanuel Ikechukwu Umeonyirioha as its first Igbo Language lecturer.
Umeonyirioha made the announcement on his Twitter handle on Thursday night, as he noted that it was the first time that the language would be taught in the university.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, the lecturer vowed to make the language and culture “known to the world.”
He tweeted, “It is official that I am the first official Igbo Language lecturer at the number one university in the world, the University of Oxford.
“Our induction happened today by Marion Sadoux, Head of Modern Language Programmes, University of Oxford Language Centre.
“This became possible in account of the James Currey Society. This is the first time Igbo language will be taught at the university. History has been made.
“I am so happy and grateful for this opportunity. I promise to make the Igbo language and culture known to the world.”
Announcing his first class for the subject, the lecturer added, “First class starts next week Thursday, 3-4pm, on 12 Woodstock Road.”

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Osun 2022: APC, PDP, Five Other Political Parties Sign Peace Pact

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Seven political parties in Osun State on Thursday signed a peace pact with the police in the state and promised to ensure that peace reigns during the period leading to the governorship election, just as the police declared zero tolerance for violence.
At a meeting held with the leadership of Osun Police Command in Osogbo, the parties whose representatives signed the pact include All Progressives Congress, represented by its Secretary, Kamoru Alao, and the Peoples Democratic Party, also represented by its secretary, Bola Ajao.
Other parties present at the meeting were Young Progressives Party, Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, and Action Democratic Party.
Addressing party representatives at the meeting, Osun police Commissioner, Wale Olokode, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner, Valentine Kanayo, warned that the command would not tolerate rallies and procession without permission and blocking of roads during political events, as well as, assault on security men or people, among others.
He said, “It very important to state that political activities, party primaries, consultation visits, campaigns, and others are legal so far they are within the confine of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I want to urge the youth not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs or as destructive agents. I equally advise the so-call political thugs too, in their interest, to vacate the state immediately the command will not condone any act of indiscipline or anybody to truncate the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“Osun Police command has zero tolerance for violence by any political party or group, so anybody caught trouble would be decisively dealt with as the command condone any act of indiscipline and lawlessness.”

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RRS Arrests Seven Suspected Traffic Robbers In Lagos

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Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad on Thursday arrested seven suspected traffic robbers in Lagos based on complaints on their illicit activities.
Three of the suspects identified as Anifowoshe Kolawole (20), Patrick Ameke (21) and John Britto (27) were arrested at Ikeja City Mall.
Four others, Segun Peters (22), Kabiru Odeh (25), Nurudeen Suraj (22) and Dennis Ikuvbogie (24), were arrested at Mile 2 Park with the help of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the RRS and made available to newsmen.
The statement read in part, “The Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, had on a tip off on the activities of traffic robbers in Mile 2 this afternoon deployed plain cloth police men in the area to monitor and arrest the suspects.
“The NURTW members had hounded down the four suspects before the officers got there. The suspects were thereafter handed over to the police team for investigation and prosecution.
“One of the suspects, Nurudeen Suraj, was a week ago arrested and detained at Agboju Police Station. He explained that he was released from prison two months ago.
“Those arrested in Ikeja were selectively picked up after a petition initiated by the management of Ikeja City Mall on reported incidences of traffic robbery in the area.
“The suspects, who were placed under close monitoring before their arrest this afternoon, on most occasion pretend to be beggars and nose mask vendors. They used the ploy to rob motorists and pedestrians visiting the complex.
“One of the suspects, Anifowsoshe Kolawole, who had been warned on many occasions by policemen pleaded for leniency.”
The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, commended the civilians who provided the intelligence to the police as well as those who assisted the police in arresting the suspects, stressing that, “our communities would become safer if people co-operated with the police.”

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Wife Kills Husband With Hot Water In Ogun

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A woman identified as Ramota Soliu has reportedly killed her husband, Bello Soliu, at a Fulani settlement located at Iyana Ilewo, Abeokuta-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Ramota, a mother of two kids, was reported to have poured hot water on her husband which eventually led to his death.
Our correspondent gathered that the suspect was said to have fled her house at the Fulani settlement after the incident.
It was further gathered that Bello had on Friday invited some relatives to talk to his wife, who he had complained was fond of starving him and an Arabic student living with them.
The fleeing woman allegedly woke up on Saturday morning, boiled enough water, and bathed her husband with the scalding liquid.
Usman Saliu, a brother to the deceased, said, “My brother has always been complaining about Ramota. She had a habit of starving him and the Arabic student living with them. Sometimes, she would not cook for my brother.
“For peace to reign, my brother invited us to talk to his wife. People waded in on Friday, talked to her, but she didn’t say anything in response.
“Very early on Saturday morning, she woke up and started boiling water. People thought she wanted to make Amala or pap. The water was on fire for like one hour. All of a sudden, we heard a loud noise from her husband’s quarters where he was sleeping.
“We rushed down to see what was happening, and we discovered that that woman had bathed our brother with the water she boiled. His body was already peeling.
“We rushed him to a hospital at Rounder in Abeokuta, but he was rejected. We took him somewhere else. But he eventually died on Tuesday evening.
Another brother of the deceased, Aliu Soliu, disclosed that Bello had been buried on Wednesday according to Islamic rites.
Aliu stated that the family is searching for the woman, saying “we will get her photo so that people can help us locate her.”
When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed knowledge of the incident.
Oyeyemi said he heard of the incident on a radio programme, claiming that he was not sure the case had been reported to the police.
He said “I heard the information on a radio programme. I am not sure if the case was reported to the police,” Oyeyemi replied.
He, however, said the police would investigate the matter without delay.

© PUNCH.

How Ahmed Musa Contacted Me, Donated N2m -Obiekwu

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admin
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Kingsley Obiekwu, ex Nigerian International has sent words of appreciation to the Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, and the generality of Nigerians for their genuine concern towards him following reports of economic plight.
Obiekwu had said that he went into the commercial transport business to complement his earnings from his coaching job.
The story elicited reactions from the public including Musa who made a cash donation of N2 million to the Atlantic ’96 Dream Team defender to cushion his financial crunch.
Speaking to NAN on Thursday, Obiekwu said though the story came as an embarrassment to members of his family, there was nothing to regret for telling the world what he was passing through.
He said that when he wanted to go into the transport business years ago, his wife discouraged him on the grounds that it would be debasing for a man of his class in fame and fortune.
“I want to thank God for everything. Some members of my family have been calling me to express embarrassment over the story but I told them not to worry because I played the game and I know what I feel.
“The story is making impact with a lot of reactions, being a popular person, I cannot hide; Nigerians will be interested to know how their ex heroes are fairing, but I have told my family not to worry, that I will handle it.
“So yesterday, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles who works in a radio station called me to inform me that somebody wanted to speak with me and I said he should give him my number.
“Musa called me and said he had heard my story and that he and his teammates will do something but meanwhile, I should give him my account number and in about an hour’s time, I got an alert of N2 million, I appreciate that a lot,” he said.
Obiekwu, who said he was forced to retire at 30 in 2004 due to health reasons, said a number of ex-internationals were passing through hard times, urging them not to be ashamed to speak out instead of dying in silence.
He advised active sportsmen and women to save and invest their earnings to avoid running into hitches when they retired.
According to him, If you don’t come out to tell Nigerians your story, they won’t know how to help you, So I encourage my colleagues to do what they can to keep body and soul together. there is nothing to be shameful for.
“As an ex-player, I want to advise the younger ones to save and invest because football and sports are something that you do within a period in life. If you retire, you begin to struggle if you don’t save enough.
“In my case, I did not waste my money, at least I have a house. Imagine the landlord throwing your property out because you can’t pay rent, it would have been worse.
“Our club managers and administrators should also complement the effort of state governments by making sure they pay players and coaches.
“I have players in my former clubs whose marriages have crashed because they can’t provide for their families, you can’t develop football without developing those making it happen,” he said.
(NAN)

EFCC Arrests 29 Internet Fraud Suspects In Kwara

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admin
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Ilorin Zonal Office, on Thursday, arrested 29 persons alleged to be involved in Internet and other related fraud activities in Kwara State.
A statement signed by Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said that the suspects were arrested at different locations in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of the state.
The statement said that the arrest followed credible intelligence received by the Command on the activities of the suspects.
The arrested suspects, according to the statement, included: Sikiru Mustapha, Abdulmartin Olawale, Gbolahan Abdulamin, Abdulfawaz Olakanmi, Tunde Saheed, David Komolafe, Adebayo Ridwan, Oluwatobi Akinbo, Fatimehin Kayode, Ibrahim Zakariya, Olajide Moshood, Ikudaisi Adesoji, Habeeb Adeyemi and Hassan Akorede.
Others were Ahmed Quadri, Olanipekun Ibrahim, Olabisi Ololade, Ahmed Akorede, Wasiu Adesina, Damilola Samsudeen, Olaloye Damilare, Nathaniel Laoshe, Adeniyi Opeyemi, Adebayo Shahajudeen, Segun Ajila, Kehinde Olaniyi and Ibitowa Toyeeb.
It said that items recovered from the suspects included mobile phones, laptops and cars.
Uwujaren said that some of the suspects had confessed to the crime and they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigation.

© PUNCH.

Lagos Motorist Kills Dispatch Rider, Injures Another, Mob Burns Vehicle

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admin
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A yet-be-identified motorist has disappeared after crushing a dispatch rider to death around Charly Boy Bus Stop, Gbagada Expressway, Lagos State.
Another dispatch rider, Emmanuel Odoh, however, escaped death by a whisker as the driver rammed him alongside the dead victim.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the victims were on their way to a destination in the state on Wednesday when the fleeing driver, who was at top speued, knocked them down.
Odoh said the driver, on realising what he did, fled the scene, adding that an angry mob set his vehicle ablaze.
He said, “The accident happened around 1pm on Wednesday. I work with an online store, Jumia. I picked an order and went to deliver it at Mende, Maryland. While on my way back, I saw as the driver of a Hilux vehicle drove towards my directing at top speed.
“I quickly rode towards the side of the road and in the process, overtook a dispatch rider at my front. But as I looked at my mirror to know what was going on behind me, the Hilux crushed both of us.
“I managed to jump on a Toyota Camry. When the driver saw me, he slowed down and that was how I managed to escape. But the other dispatch rider was not lucky; the impact of the collision threw him up. His helmet removed and he used his forehead to hit the ground. He died shortly afterwards.
“The motorist and the person with him quickly got down and pretended as if they were calling for help, but ran away. People would have apprehended them, but they thought the other guy was not dead. So, out of annoyance, area boys burnt the vehicle.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said he would get back to our correspondent after being briefed.
He had yet to do so as of the time this report was filed.
Copyright PUNCH

Protesting Lagos Driver Set Ablaze By Govt Agents, Say Family, Colleague

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admin
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A family member and a colleague of a bus driver, identified as Ayobami, aka Ero, have denied that he set himself ablaze after his vehicle was impounded around 7 and 8 Bus Stop, Airport Road, Lagos State.
The aggrieved family and colleague, who spoke to our correspondent during a visit to the area on Wednesday, alleged that some government agents set Ayobami ablaze.
A colleague, who identified himself as Adeola, said he was conveying passengers to a destination when the incident happened, adding that he saw the state officials impounding vehicles at the bus stop.
During the enforcement, Adeola explained that one of the area boys working with the task force dragged the steering with Ayobami, who refused to release his vehicle.
In a desperate attempt to impound the vehicle, the eyewitness said the area boy reached for petrol, poured it on Ayobami and used a lighter to set the father of two ablaze.
He said, “He did not set himself ablaze; how can somebody who is normal set himself ablaze? It was the area boys working with the task force that poured patrol on him and used a lighter to set him on fire.
“It was done to make him get down from the bus. At first, they threatened him with the petrol, but he refused to get down, so they poured it on him and threatened to burn him, but he refused again.
“It was when the area boys were switching on and off the lighter that the fuel attracted the fire and his body started burning. Even the area boy who was dragging with him at the front seat quickly jumped down and fled alongside the task force officers.”
PUNCH Metro gathered that the victim, who sustained serious burns in the face, chest, stomach, back and arms, was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
A relative, who identified himself as Baba Roqeeb, confirmed Adeola’s account of the incident, adding that doctors were battling to save Ayobami’s life.
He said, “Immediately he got burnt, his conductor, Rotimi, called me. But when I rushed to the scene of the incident, I was told that they already rushed him to Makinde Police Station.
“I quickly rushed down there but was told they already left for the task force office at Bolade, Oshodi. When I got there, the policemen detained me in a cell when they knew I was there because of Ayobami.
“I asked why they detained me, but they said they heard we were trying to burn the office like it happened during #EndSARS. They released me when they needed a family member to accompany him to a hospital.”
Our correspondent saw Ayobami’s vehicle parked close to his house around Aji Camp, Ajao Estate.
Black patches were seen on the roof of the driver’s side, indicating that the front seat was burnt.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (task force), CSP Shola Jejeloye, in a statement on Wednesday, distanced officials of the agency from the incident.
Jejeloye said at the time of the incident, his men were still at their base, adding that some imposters were using the name of the agency to perpetrate crimes.
He said, “Investigations and accounts of persons who were present at the scene of the incident have categorically revealed that the driver, one Mr Ayo aka Eru, poured petrol on himself to scare security operatives from enforcing the traffic law which he violated. After the operatives left, luck ran out on him and some of the hoodlums present mistook him for one of the security operatives and set him ablaze.
“Let me emphasize here that for us as an agency of government, we believe that it is better for us to allow an offender to go unharmed than to cause an injury.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the state Commissioner of Police had ordered an investigation into the incident.
Copyright PUNCH.

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