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In Lagos, Police Officer Sentenced to Prison After Allegedly Raping 17-Year-Old Girl

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In Lagos, Police Officer Sentenced to Prison After Allegedly Raping 17-Year-Old Girl

Owolabi Akinlolu, an officer in the Nigeria Police Force, has been placed under remand in custody due to rape charges.
The officer in his Lagos State office is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl.
Following the theft of her phone by “one chance” crooks, Akinlolu, an officer posted to the Ogudu Police Station in Lagos, reportedly promised to help his victim retrieve it.

Read Also: Political Tension: Wike Loyalists Oust Wabara for Aligning with Ude-Okoye

Reports state that after hearing the young girl tell her mother about her experience with phone theft at her workplace, Akintolu volunteered to help find the phone.
Reporters were told by the victim that on June 29, “Officer Owolabi called my mother on her phone and told her that he had arrested the person with my phone and that I should go to his police station.” I was told upon my arrival that there had been a tracking error and that the person who had been arrested did not actually possess my phone.

“I was called into the officer’s office by his personal assistant, who also gave me directions.” When I came inside his office, he answered my hello, and I got up to pocket the key and close the door. “Sir, why did you lock the door?” I let out a shout.

He started to undress me, and I screamed at him. He then produced a pistol, cocked it, and threatened to shoot me if I screamed. Then he began to harass me, and when I refused, he raped me and hit me with the gun on the back of my head.

The adolescent stated, “I noticed my mother’s phone ringing. But since I didn’t have a phone with me, he advised me to inform her that I didn’t make it to his office and that, from now on, I should expect to report there by 12 p.m. every day during school break or on my way home from school. After he had been observing me for two years, I simply fell into his trap.

In July 2024, Aramide Olupona, the victim’s mother, claimed that the police were trying to conceal the charge.

The suspect’s wife and other family members have visited my shop to plead with me that he would soon retire, but what about my daughter who was raped? She questioned, “Is it because I’m a poor woman?”

See Also: Source: PDP Crisis: Wike’s Supporters Suspend Wabara Due to Ude-Okoye Support

The prosecution’s lawyer, however, requested that the prisoner be remanded to Magistrate Court 11 on Tuesday.

In a document of seven paragraphs, the prosecution argued that the crime of defilement is a violation of Section 137 of the Lagos State 2015 Criminal Law.

Following the prosecution’s request, Magistrate O.O. Fagboun remanded the defendant to the Maximum Correctional Center in Kirikiri.

After upon, the trial and subsequent proceedings were postponed until March 11, 2025 by the magistrate.

Political Tension: Wike Loyalists Oust Wabara for Aligning with Ude-Okoye

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Political Tension: Wike Loyalists Oust Wabara for Aligning with Ude-Okoye

An insider in the PDP claims that Adolphus Wabara, the party’s chairman, was suspended in part because Sunday Ude-Okoye was approved by the Board of Trustees (BoT) to serve as the party’s secretary.
Wabara was suspended on Tuesday by opposition members who were allegedly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, according to sources.
However, Abia PDP chairman Abraham Amah announced on Tuesday that the BoT chairman had been suspended for reportedly endorsing Abia State Governor Alex Otti for the position.

The source questioned Punch about why Wabara hadn’t been sanctioned until 2023 if it was because of his alleged support for Otti’s reelection.

The source claims that Wabara took involved in anti-party activities in 2023 and backed Otti’s bid for governor in 2027. The insider insisted there was more to the story, though.

Read Also: Breaking: IGP Faces Senate Scrutiny Over Missing 3,907 Police Firearms

However, the insider asserted that there is more to the story. Why wait till now if it were the case?

I believe the real reason for Wabara’s suspension is that he is a justice champion, and his group, the BoT, declared Ude-Okoye to be the PDP’s genuine secretary. This is most likely being planned by Wike’s supporters of Anyanwu.

Timothy Osadolor, the PDP National Deputy Youth Leader and Anyanwu’s buddy, spoke in favor of suspending the BoT chair, saying that Wabara’s backing for Otti’s reelection was widely known.

Speaking to the media mentioned earlier, Osafolor claimed that “Wabara engaged in anti-party activities, which is known.” He declared that in the 2027 elections, he will back Otti, a member of the Labour Party. I think the Ikimi-led panel should hold him and others like him responsible for their anti-party actions.

Breaking: IGP Faces Senate Scrutiny Over Missing 3,907 Police Firearms

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Breaking: IGP Faces Senate Scrutiny Over Missing 3,907 Police Firearms

In response to the Nigeria Police Force’s explanation of 3,907 assault rifles and pistols that were allegedly missing from its arsenal as of January 2020, the Senate chastised Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday, saying that the police needed to account for the weapons and ammunition.

When Egbetokun addressed the Auditor General for the Federation (AuGF) before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) on “loss of firearms and ammunition,” the Senate voiced its displeasure over the 3,907 assault rifles that had been lost across Nigerian police formations. The audit question could not be satisfactorily answered by Egbetokun.

According to AuGF representative Olu Samuel Godwin, “the review of arms movement register, monthly returns of arms and ammunition, and ammunition register at the armoury section revealed that the total number of lost firearms as reported as at December 2018 stood at 178,459 pieces,” read the 2019 audit report.
3,907 RAFFLES are missing from the police arsenal.

The question raised by the Federation’s auditor general in the 2019 Annual Audited Report was followed by the Senate’s decision.

As of December 2018, 178,459 firearms were reported missing, 88,078 of which were AK-47 rifles, according to the auditor general’s report.

According to the auditor general, records from Force Armament at Force headquarters showed that 21 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Abuja, did not disclose any lost firearms, while a schedule from the same police department showed 46 firearms missing between 2000 and 2019.

Read Also: Diplomatic Tension: Nigeria Responds to US Suspension of Drop Box Visa Renewal

In response, the police only accounted for lost weapons as far back as 1998 and could only offer plausible explanations for 15 of the 3,907 missing firearms listed in the auditor general’s report.

The Police then pleaded for a closed session, but the Senate Committee flatly refused.

The police then pleaded for more time to thoroughly investigate the matter and report back to them.

Details will be released shortly.

Diplomatic Tension: Nigeria Responds to US Suspension of Drop Box Visa Renewal

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Diplomatic Tension: Nigeria Responds to US Suspension of Drop Box Visa Renewal

The sudden shutdown of the drop box service was a painful surprise for thousands of Nigerians who wanted to renew their U.S. visas without any hassles.

Over the weekend, the drop box option—once a simple procedure that let qualified applicants renew visas without having to appear in person for an interview—was covertly eliminated, which alarmed and irritated tourists.
Currently, the Federal Government is taking over. Nigerians have been reassured by Oluwole Oke, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, that diplomatic measures will be done to resolve the issue.

Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Oke affirmed that he will personally speak with U.S. and Nigerian officials to get clarification on the situation.

While I’m in the United States, I’ll bring up this issue. I’ll go to Washington to talk with our chargé d’affaires and other pertinent parties after my talks in New York,” Oke said.
Although the suspension is viewed as a setback by many Nigerians, Oke played down the decision, highlighting the importance of reciprocity in diplomatic relations. He said that just as Nigeria sets its own visa regulations, the U.S. government has the authority to change its own.

“This is not an emergency. Nigerians are free to use the drop box system as they see fit, according to the United States. It’s interesting to note that Americans do not have the same opportunity when renewing their Nigerian visas in Nigeria.

Nigerians were given two-year visas to the United States for years, whereas Americans were only given one-year Nigerian visas. Oke pointed out that Nigeria did not change its policies to match the U.S. until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined office, enabling Americans to obtain five-year visas.

They made this decision, which is regrettable. The Minister of Foreign Affairs verified to me that no formal communication from the United States about the change had been received when I contacted him,” he continued.

Oke emphasized Nigeria’s importance on the international scene and voiced hope that the U.S. government will reevaluate some of the regulations impacting Nigerian tourists in spite of the setback.

Nigeria has a significant role in world affairs. We cannot afford to be ignored by any nation. I assure you that we are a great asset. People around the world are watching, and I think constructive diplomatic interactions will pay off.

Read Also: ‘You’re A Bad Father’ – Portable Lashes Out at Dad Over Police Case

Many people liked how easy it was to renew their visas using the drop box system, especially if they had recently traveled to the United States. Due to its suspension, all applicants—including those renewing their visas—will now have to appear in person for interviews, which may lengthen wait periods and make travel more difficult for many Nigerians.

‘You’re A Bad Father’ – Portable Lashes Out at Dad Over Police Case

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‘You’re A Bad Father’ – Portable Lashes Out at Dad Over Police Case

Controversial The Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his stage name Portable, has accused his father of not stepping in to resolve the continuing conflict with the Ogun State Police.
According to reports, the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA) officers visited Portable’s Odogwu Bar and Restaurant to close the establishment since there were no approved licenses and not enough air space, which sparked the altercation with the police.
According to the singer, the authorities broke into his place, arrested more than 20 people—including artists and patrons—and confiscated cars, electronics, and personal property.

The arrest was made in accordance with legal process, according to Olatunji Odunlami, the Commissioner for Physical Planning in Ogun State, who rejected Portable’s allegations as “spurious and blatant falsehood.”

While Portable remains at large, nine people were charged with five counts after the altercation, including armed violence, felony, obstruction, assault, and intent to kill.

In a statement on his Instagram page on Tuesday, the “Zazu Zeh” singer asserted that his father had deserted him, emphasizing that he had helped manage the projects.

Read Also: CBN Introduces Revised Charges for ATM Withdrawals

According to the singer, the current situation resulted from his father’s inability to settle with the authorities.

He questioned why his father had not gone to the police to cover him and called him a bad father.

“But my papa is a bad father; why doesn’t he go to the police station to cover me?” he wrote. When I give him money to do all those houses, he takes my money. If I tell him not to settle with them, I won’t have any issues with them.

“What made my father decide to run for police? You say, “I’ll give you money and make you run,” and then… All of those homes are mine, the Badmus family.

CBN Introduces Revised Charges for ATM Withdrawals

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CBN Introduces Revised Charges for ATM Withdrawals

Since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented new fees for both “on-site” and “off-site” ATM withdrawals, Nigerians will be subject to higher fees when making cash withdrawals.

Bank-owned ATM withdrawals made at locations other than their branch offices are referred to as on-site withdrawals, whereas ATM withdrawals performed at shopping malls, airports, or independent cash stations are referred to as off-site withdrawals.

John Onojah, Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, unveiled the updated fees in a circular on Monday. They will go into effect on March 1.

The change is the regulator’s most recent attempt to strike a compromise between the requirement for banking sector efficiency and growing operating costs.
“Section 10.7 of the current CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020 (the Guide) outlines the ATM transaction fees that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed in response to growing costs and the need to increase the effectiveness of ATM services in the banking sector.

Read Also: ₦480 Million Scandal: Senators Allegedly Accept $1,000 ‘Gift’ for University Budgets

This evaluation is anticipated to expedite the rollout of automated teller machines (ATMs) and guarantee that financial institutions charge service users appropriately. It stated that banks and other financial institutions should implement the following fees starting on March 1, 2025.

A fee of N100 will now be applied for on-site ATM withdrawals, which are performed at a bank-owned machine outside of its branch location, under the revised structure.

There is a N100 cost for off-site ATM withdrawals, such as those made at malls, airports, or independent cash terminals, and a N500 surcharge for every N20,000 withdrawal, for a maximum potential charge of N600.

An account holder’s own bank’s ATM withdrawals are still free.

A cost-recovery methodology will be used by banks for international ATM transactions, charging customers the precise fees levied by the foreign acquirer.

The three free monthly withdrawals that were previously permitted for Remote-On-Us (clients of other banks or Not-On-Us) in Nigeria under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide will no longer be available, it was said.

As Nigerian banks struggle with growing operational costs, including as infrastructure upkeep and security, the action was taken.

Increased withdrawal fees may deter people from using ATMs and make them more dependent on cash transactions, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where most people still don’t use digital payments.

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₦480 Million Scandal: Senators Allegedly Accept $1,000 ‘Gift’ for University Budgets

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₦480 Million Scandal: Senators Allegedly Accept $1,000 ‘Gift’ for University Budgets

It has been stated that several senators from the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) disclosed the distribution of funds collected from colleges and universities in order to approve their 2025 budgets.
The National Assembly has denied extorting colleges, but other members told Premium Times that they received $1,000 in “appreciation money” and didn’t know where it came from until the newspaper revealed the scandal.
This article previously detailed how the House Committee on University Education and the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND sought ₦8 million from every federal university in the nation. According to the probe, politicians threatened to “deal” with opposing vice-chancellors after collecting ₦480 million from university leaders.
“The Senate gave $1,000 as “appreciation money” to some senators who were on the committee. According to one anonymous source, the majority of committee members were not aware of the plan and were unaware of its origin until they got the funds in envelopes.

Read Also: Speaker of Reps Appoints Fresh Deputy Chief Whip

“Members lack sufficient knowledge regarding the situation. “Appreciation money” is the term used to describe the meager sums that agencies provide them in envelopes,” the insider continued.

Another legislator echoed that statement, saying that although many lawmakers consider these payments to be routine, some reject them. There are two senators from Sokoto and Lagos who do not participate in the money-sharing, according to the source.

The magazine in question further asserted that 66 polytechnics and colleges of education have contributed ₦528 million to the National Assembly’s committees in order to approve their budgets.

Speaker of Reps Appoints Fresh Deputy Chief Whip

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Speaker of Reps Appoints Fresh Deputy Chief Whip

Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has appointed APC Representative Isiaka Ibrahim as the next Deputy Chief Whip.
According to reports, Abbas made headlines during Tuesday’s Abuja plenary.
Ibrahim reportedly succeeded the late Adewunmi Onanuga, who held the position until his passing on January 15, according to the Speaker.

After extensive talks with the APC South-West caucus and relevant stakeholders, Abbas said the appointment was made.

Ibrahim is expected to bring his legislative knowledge and expertise to his new role as the representative for the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in Ogun.

The flaws in Magaji’s PDP-to-APC
Legislator Hon. Amos Magaji, who represents the Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, has stated his desire to switch from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
As he read his letter of defection on the House floor, Magaji pointed out that internal PDP disputes were still continuing on at all levels, from the ward to the national.

Read Also: 2027 Election: El-Rufai Says He Wanted APC to Retain Power

As the chairman of the House Committee on Health Care Services and a two-term member of the House of Representatives, the congressman is also the leader of the Kaduna caucus.

He is the deputy chairman of the House Special Ad-hoc Committee on the Restructuring of Government Agencies and Commissions, which is looking at the provisions of the Stephen Oronsaye report.

In the House Committee on Constitution Review, he represented Kaduna state. He also served on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, rules and business, Christian pilgrimage, defense, reformation institutions, and police affairs committees.

2027 Election: El-Rufai Says He Wanted APC to Retain Power

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2027 Election: El-Rufai Says He Wanted APC to Retain Power

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, has voiced reservations about the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the current administration, which is headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On Tuesday, El-Rufai stated in a long post on his official X handle that it is too soon to begin
discussing the general elections in 2027 as the current administration starts its second year in office.
But according to the APC chieftain, he feels compelled to speak because of the current circumstances in the ruling camp, where he belonged.

Under two years into our first term, the former governor stated: “It is actually premature to be talking about 2027 elections, but what
Political events are compelling me to address them because, as they say, “a stitch in time saves nine.”
“I naturally want my party to gain re-election in 2027 as an APC member. But, being a realist, I have my reservations.

“I remember writing that if the party wasn’t careful, it may go the way of the PDP, which lost power after 16 years, during the 2019 party primaries after observing how our party was conducting the process.

Then, like the PDP, I projected that we might lose federal power by 2031 if we didn’t revert to our pledged progressive course and philosophy and instead continued to be fixated on winning elections at all costs.

It never occurred to me that Tinubu would put us in this predicament.
Regarding the events in the APC and the nation as a whole, El-Rufai went on to say that he never anticipated things to go that way.

“When I wrote that, we weren’t facing the current situation that we are facing,” he wrote. As President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in office, I did not anticipate that we would find ourselves in this predicament so quickly.

Please take note that I am not referring to the current state of the economy or anything equivalent. What I mean is the present and growing “ghaghagha” among members of the APC and those who support the PBAT administration, as well as within our party.

Interestingly, a lot of Nigerians have short memories. Please allow me to balance the recollections of some brief and naïve political novices.

As the 2023 presidential election drew near, many will remember my fervent warning that we must exercise prudence and refrain from playing with the North due to the actions of certain individuals. Common reason got the better of us somehow, and we were unquestionably successful with the incalculable assistance of the North (the
records of the election outcomes attest to this.

We are seeing how, less than two years into his term, the North-President Bola Tinubu relationship—or rather, his administration—is rapidly deteriorating due to the words and actions of, regrettably, many members of the president’s tribe and geopolitical zone. Be honest.

“I’ve heard and read the haughty bluster and conceit of some individuals, whom I call political rabble-rousers, but I’m growing increasingly concerned every day as it continues to resemble a previously seen film.”

“I would like to remind some people that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration’s performance—or lack thereof—was second only to his and his supporters’ attitude toward the North, which ultimately brought him down and, consequently, the PDP, which had declared it would rule Nigeria for 60 years.

Despite General Muhammadu Buhari Rtd’s popularity and the assembly of political heavyweights under the then-newly formed APC, one major factor that contributed to the defeat of former President Jonathan and the PDP in the 2015 presidential election was the underestimation of the North and the insults and disrespects directed towards it. This was especially the case under the then-first lady and was emphasized by elements from the South South geopolitical zone, especially his Ijaw kinsmen, many of whom had little to no political clout and were living full-time in the NICON and Sheraton hotels in Abuja at the time (with newly discovered free money).

Read Also: 1,000 PDP Groups Throw Weight Behind Senator Anyanwu As National Secretary

Ironically, many of these people had little to no influence over Jonathan’s win in 2011.

In his post titled “SOUTH WEST, TINUBU’S SUPPORTERS PLAYING WITH FIRE,” El-Rufai added, “Many of them actually forgot that it was the agitation by groups like the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), led by people like Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Mr. Yinka Odumakin (RIP), and co. that ultimately led to then-VP Goodluck Jonathan becoming the acting President in the first place after the incapacitation of former President Shehu Musa Yaradua (God rest his soul).”

1,000 PDP Groups Throw Weight Behind Senator Anyanwu As National Secretary

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1,000 PDP Groups Throw Weight Behind Senator Anyanwu As National Secretary

***Warn Against Influence of Desperate Power Mongers

Over 1,000 groups within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reaffirming their support for him as the National Secretary of the party. This move comes amidst the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.

The PDP Youth Frontiers Network, representing progressive-minded youth groups within the party, made this known at a press briefing in Abuja to address the crisis.

They emphasised that Senator Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary, and any attempt to remove him and replace him with Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Deputy National Secretary, is unacceptable.

In his address, national coordinator Hon. Henry Owolabi said PDP Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) have overstepped their bounds by advising the National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary.

This decision, Owolabi argue, is at variance with the party’s constitution and ignores the fact that Senator Anyanwu was elected at a convention.

The group also pointed out that Senator Anyanwu has appealed the judgment at the Supreme Court, and therefore, the status quo should be maintained pending the determination of the substantive application.

They warned against the influence of desperate power mongers, stating that the actions of the Governors’ Forum and the BoT are “illegal, deliberately mischievous, and uncomplimentary” to the party.

The group also threatened to mobilize their members and supporters to block judicial premises and take civil actions if the warning is ignored.

Owolabi added: “We consider it an imperative and dire need of the hour that, as a Party we must begin by building consensus and form once more a united, formidable and strong Party, striving to preserve the PDP as a veritable platform for good governance in Nigeria and not continue in the path of self-interest, self-distraught, myopic divisiveness and pristine bickering which has not helped us but has become viable and fertile ground for the opposition to hatch inroads and poach into us destroying our very fabrics.

“We, therefore, join our voices and affirm unequivocal, unflinching and unwavering support and loyalty of our organization and that of all party supporters to the ideals of the party and by extension to the office of the National Secretary.

“That Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary and the attempt to remove him and replace him with a judiciary-imposed secretary, without any Congress or legitimate procedural ratification of any organ of the party is hereby totally rejected.

“We warn all detractors and perpetrators and indeed the Judiciary to steer clear of the internal workings of our great party and henceforth refrain from issuing illegal, baseless, porous, judgments that lack legal foundation and are immoral.

“We are poised to mobilize all our members and teeming supporters to block all judicial premises and ensure civil actions that will lead to compliance with this warning if it is flaunted.”

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