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NNPC reshuffles executive team for strategic leadership

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NNPC reshuffles executive team for strategic leadership

To improve governance and efficiency, NNPC Limited has announced changes to its strategic leadership. Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye recently revealed a significant reorganization of NNPC Limited’s leadership staff in a statement released Wednesday evening. The announcement, “Leadership Appointments at NNPC Limited,” highlights the organization’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, corporate governance, and long-term success in Nigeria’s oil sector. The board stated that strengthening governance, leadership caliber, and operational effectiveness in Nigeria’s oil industry requires this leadership reorganization.

Read Also: Gunmen kill two soldiers at Abia army checkpoint

One of the most significant hires is Mr. Adedapo A. Segun, who was previously the Executive Vice President of Downstream Operations and has been promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer. The board emphasized the leadership qualities he provides to this crucial role and recognized his “significant contributions” to downstream initiatives. Now, Mr. Udobong Ntia has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream, while Isiyaku Abdullahi has assumed the position of EVP, Downstream. The board underlined that these adjustments are consistent with NNPC Limited’s objective of developing a cohesive and competent leadership team dedicated to advancing operational excellence and accomplishing the company’s strategic goals.

The board also acknowledged the significant contributions made by the departing leaders, Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan, and thanked them for their outstanding commitment to the business. The recent management appointments at NNPC Limited represent a major step forward in achieving the company’s goal, which is to focus on operational excellence, global competitiveness, and financial sustainability. The board assured Nigerians of its steadfast dedication to furthering the country’s petroleum-related interests.

Emeka Anyaoku: No leader can fix Nigeria with 1999 constitution

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Emeka Anyaoku: No leader can fix Nigeria with 1999 constitution

According to former Commonwealth secretary-general Emeka Anyaoku, Nigeria cannot prosper under the 1999 Constitution as modified.

Speaking at the book launch of “The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun,” which took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs on Victoria Island in Lagos, Anyaoku made this statement.

According to the elder statesman, Nigeria must abolish its current constitution and find a new one in order to go forward.

As many had anticipated, he stated that it would be challenging for any leader to restore the country to the former Constitution.

To those who believe that political leadership is the root of Nigeria’s current problems, he said, “I would say that as long as we have the 1999 Constitution as our foundation, not even leaders like Angel Gabriel or Malaikah Jibrin can successfully tackle the divisiveness, the underperforming economy with the resulting poverty, the insecurity, the enormous corruption, and the other major challenges currently facing Nigeria.”

Read Also: Gunmen kill two soldiers at Abia army checkpoint

According to Anyaoku, Nigeria is a pluralist nation, with groups of people with diverse histories, cultures, dialects, and faiths that have long lived in distinct geographic regions.

“The universal lesson is that pluralistic countries that tackled their pluralism, that is, their diversity, with true federal constitutions are those that have survived as single political entities in unity and progress,” he said. Switzerland, Canada, and India are a few examples of these nations.

Therefore, he remarked, “I think that our pluralistic Nigeria must have a truly federal constitution if it is to achieve true unity and political stability, as well as to successfully tackle the serious challenges that the country currently faces.”

Gunmen kill two soldiers at Abia army checkpoint

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Gunmen kill two soldiers at Abia army checkpoint

Two soldiers were killed early Wednesday morning when gunmen attacked an army checkpoint at the Imo/Abia boundary community of Ekenobizi in Umuopara in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

A military officer who spoke to According to Metro on condition of anonymity said the attack came at about 6.18 am from the gunmen who drove in a white Lexus (350/400) model, while the number of the assailants could not be established.

But Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu in a press release for the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, said, “At the early hours of today, November 13, 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State came under attack carried out by the irredentist group of the  Indigenous People of Biafara and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the attack forcing the irredentists to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep vehicles that were used for the attack. However, in the ensuing gun duel, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

He said the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA appealed to the “people of the South-East especially residents of Abia State with relevant, reliable and credible information that could help in apprehending the fleeing members of the irredentist group who committed this heinous crime and also help to annihilate the criminals in the region” not to hesitate in providing such.

He stressed that the military would continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practices as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.

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OAU considers waiver for extra-year students

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OAU considers waiver for extra-year students

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has disclosed its commitment to assist extra-year students struggling with their studies by considering a waiver for them.

The move is in response to a recent suicide attempt by a 200-level student who attempted suicide following academic struggles.

According to Metro exclusively obtained an internal memo on Wednesday, dated November 1, 2024, from the university’s Senate Division.

The memo revealed that a special Committee of Deans meeting was convened to address the case of the affected student and thereafter came up with compassionate measures.

The memo, signed by the Deputy Registrar, M.S. Oluwajoba, revealed that the student, whose name was not stated, had transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education, and reportedly attempted suicide on October 16.

The incident prompted the Dean of the Faculty to take up the matter to the higher authorities.

The memo seen by our correspondent was titled, “Decision Extract: Re: Special Meeting of Committee of Deans held on Wednesday,  October 16, 2024,” and directed to all deans.

It partly read, “The Dean, Faculty of Education reported a case of a suicide attempt by a Part II student who transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. After due deliberation on the matter, the Committee decided that: Members of staff should continue as usual to offer support to our students.

“The departmental and the Faculty Boards of Examiners are advised and encouraged to provide an enabling environment for students’ support.

“Staff and Part Advisers should kindly cooperate in this regard.

“The above information supersedes the earlier circulated decision extract.”

An earlier circular from the office, dated October 17, 2024, had said any student who had only one or two courses to pass to graduate, having attempted those courses in the previous semesters, “should be considered to graduate on compassionate grounds provided such assistance SHALL NOT change the candidate’s class of degree.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the decision of the institution, noting this was to prevent further suicide attempts.

In an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, the varsity spokesperson said, “We want to reduce to the barest minimum the commission of suicide due to academic stress or rigour especially by those in the final year who are repeating one or two courses and they are being delayed by that.

“So, the human face there is, given the situation and circumstance of the country, we should just let them go. It doesn’t cost the university anything, and so that it will not be that somebody commits suicide because of extra academic years.”

Our correspondent however gathered from a top official that the decision “is not official” but considered “in the wisdom of the university” given the sensitivity of the situation.

100 escape death as fire guts Abuja fitness centre

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100 escape death as fire guts Abuja fitness centre

No fewer than 100 gym users escaped death by the whisker when a massive fire gutted the Eco Fitness Hub, a popular fitness centre, located along 4th Avenue, opposite the H-Medix Pharmacy in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Wednesday morning.

According to Metro learnt from eyewitnesses and neighbours that the fire started in the upstairs lounge area at about 9:50 am before it spread to other parts of the gym.

A Point of Sale terminal operator, Emmanuel Eze, told our correspondent that about 100 gym users present at the gym at the time of the incident were unaware until the fire began to spread.

“The fire started from the lounge. The people inside didn’t even know that the fire had started, till the thing became that much, and then everybody had to run and leave the place. There were more than 80 to 100 people inside.

“The fire started around some minutes to 10 am. I made a video around 9:50 am. It took the fire service more than 30 minutes to get here. But when they came they did a very good job”, he said.

A fashion store owner, who only identified herself simply as Kate, told our correspondent that the fitness centre had a 24-hour service, adding that there was a sound of an explosion when the fire started.

“The fire was from the lounge upstairs like an explosion. People ran outside, and then the fire burnt the whole place. The fire started a few minutes before 10 am and the firefighters arrived at past 11 am, but by that time, the fire had already burnt the place.

“It’s a big fitness gym that has a lot of membership, and it runs 24 hours. On some days, you will see cars parked along the street. When I close my shop around 10 pm, people are still there. But I think the lounge is what makes it run 24 hours”, she said.

One of the security guards who declined to give his name said he was at his duty post when the fire started, adding that there might still be fire in the complex as of the time because there was smoke coming out of the razed facility.

“The incident started around 9 am. I was at my duty post at that time. People were inside when it started. The fire has not even quenched, you can see smoke everywhere. Where there is smoke, there is fire now”, he said.

Meanwhile, the facility manager who refused to disclose his name declined to make a statement when our correspondent approached him for comments.

However, while confirming the incident, the FCT Emergency Management Department, in a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, said the fire was brought under control by a combined team of the FCT Fire Services, the Federal Fire Services, the FCT Emergency Management Department, and the National Emergency Management Agency.

The statement further confirmed that the fire started in the lounge, and was put out “at about noon,” noting however that the cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained.

Isa also stated that the Search and Rescue Team of the FEMD confirmed that there were no casualties from the incident, adding that most of the fitness equipment was destroyed.

“The fire incident at the Eco Fitness Hub located at 4th Avenue in Gwarinpa  District in the FCT has been contained. The fire, which started in the lounge of the fitness centre and quickly spread was brought under control by a combined team of the FCT Fire Services, Federal Fire Services, FCT Emergency Management Department, and the National Emergency Management Agency. The FCT Police Command and the Nigeria Red Cross were also at the incident site.

“According to the FEMD, Search and Rescue Team, the fire incident started at about 10 am today and was contained at about noon. There were no casualties from the incident. Most of the fitness equipment at the gym was, however, destroyed by the fire. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained”, the statement read.

According to the statement, the acting Director of the FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, appealed to residents to exercise caution as the dry season set in.

“Abdulrahman advised that electrical appliances must be switched when not in use. He also cautioned against indiscriminate bush burning. The FEMD boss urged residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of an emergency”, the statement added.

Mob attacks hotel after man’s death on premises

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Mob attacks hotel after man’s death on premises

Unidentified individuals allegedly attacked and injured the manager of Osas Hotel (name withheld) in the Wadoye community of Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, following the death of a 30-year-old man, Olamide Akinolu, on the hotel premises.

The state police command pledged on Wednesday to track down those responsible for the violence that took place on Tuesday around 12:40 p.m., resulting in the death of Akinolu.

Akinolu had reportedly visited the hotel to meet with a man to whom he had paid N50,000 to rent musical instruments when he was allegedly attacked by unknown individuals.

While the Ogun State Police Command did not disclose the motive behind the assault, an eyewitness informed According to Metro that Akinolu began vomiting blood after the alleged attack.

Following the victim’s condition after the assault, our correspondent learnt that witnesses rushed Akinolu to a nearby hospital, where a doctor on duty pronounced him dead.

Akinolu’s death reportedly angered locals, who gathered to attack the hotel, injuring the manager and causing property damage.

The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Wednesday morning stating that efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible.

She said, “The victim’s father reported the incident to the Ajuwon Division. His son had gone to the hotel to meet a man to whom he had paid N50,000 to rent some musical instruments.

“As a result, he sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital, where the doctor pronounced him dead. This prompted a group of people to organise an attack on the hotel.

“The hotel manager was injured, and several instruments were damaged during the violence. Our officers were dispatched to the scene to restore order. Meanwhile, the body has been taken to a mortuary in Olambe for examination and autopsy.”

This incident occurred just weeks after the police command reported that a 32-year-old man, Lanre Ogungbe, was found dead in a hotel room in Soyoye, Abeokuta.

The man was found dead on October 10, 2024. The police investigative team reported that a bottle of an alcoholic drink and a bottle of pesticide were discovered beside him in the hotel room.

Okowa’s detention sparks calls for probe of ex-governors

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Okowa’s detention sparks calls for probe of ex-governors

The controversy trailing the arrest of former Governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa has been on the front burner in the state, sparking calls from the ruling party and others for investigation of former state governors, MATTHEW OCHEI writes

The arrest of Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission still baffles the state’s residents, especially the political folks, who feel he should have been left off the hook by the anti-graft agency considering his achievements during his eight-year reign.

Operatives of the commission penultimate Monday arrested Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3tn.

The N1.3tn reportedly represents the 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was subsequently detained by officials.

One of the sources told The According immediately after the ex-governor’s arrest, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3tn 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40bn in one of the country’s major banks, representing an eight per cent equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

“Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State.”

These days, discussions are often centred on the arrest and release of the politician at places such as bars, ministries, government agencies, and other gatherings in the state capital, Asaba.

Following work resumption on Monday, it was the lead topic as workers sought to know the whereabouts of their former governor and what had happened over the weekend.

The questions begging for answers were many: “Is Okowa still under EFCC? Has Okowa out from EFCC custody?”, “Who are the people behind his detention?” among others.

When the news of Okowa’s arrest broke, key state government officials, especially those who served under him, went into hiding as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori broke the silence.

Oborevwori, who spoke through one of his aides, Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Latimore Oghenesivbe, said Okowa was innocent until proven guilty.

He said, “On behalf of the government, I urge Deltans to pray for Okowa at this trying time. Okowa is innocent until proven guilty. The arrest of former governor Okowa by EFCC does not in any way fracture his enviable reputation.

“EFCC usually invites suspects based on criminal allegations, which may be true or false, and the law recognises the innocence of all accused persons until proven otherwise

“The news of former governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s arrest by EFCC is trending based on reports by a section of the traditional media.

“There is no cause for alarm. It is an established procedure in criminal matters to have a suspect arrested based on allegations in form of a petition to the commission.

“Arrest is not a proof of guilt, and not a judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. The allegations shall be tested in court or courts as the need arises. It’s important for us to keep our fingers crossed.”

Our correspondent gathered that Okowa was released Friday night after spending five days in the custody of EFCC.

Expectedly, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress lauded the arrest and detention of Okowa, saying “it is a positive step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption.”

The party further stated that Okowa’s arrest signified the administration’s dedication to tackling financial mismanagement and corruption at both state and federal levels.

The APC state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, commended the Federal Government for its decisive action, urging the EFCC to continue its investigation into the financial dealings of other former governors and public officials.

The Delta APC emphasised that Okowa’s arrest reflected a broader agenda “to curb corruption, promote transparency and ensure that public funds benefit the citizens rather than serving personal interests.”

The statement further read, “We in the APC wholeheartedly welcome the arrest of former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who oversaw one of the most concerning cases of financial mismanagement during his eight-year tenure.

“His administration allegedly funnelled significant state resources into personal ventures, including establishing a bank, financing a failed presidential ambition, and supporting the controversial imposition of a successor.

“The arrest serves as a caution to all public officeholders, the era of impunity is over and that no one, irrespective of position or political affiliation, is above the law.”

It added, “The fight against corruption must be thorough and unwavering, and we commend the administration’s efforts in this regard.

“The legacy of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration is a high debt profile resulting from a reckless borrowing spree, which earned him the notorious nickname of ‘Borrow Borrow Governor.’

“During his eight years in office, Delta State has little to show for the vast federal allocations received. The few substandard roads he constructed, often hailed as the ‘road master,’ have deteriorated rapidly.”

But Chief Press Secretary to Okowa from 2019 to 2023, Olisa Ifeajika, stated that the EFCC did not establish any case against Okowa.

Ifeajika, the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), in a statement on Wednesday, said the former governor was only invited to answer questions relating to petitions filed against him.

“The fact of the matter, the first point that needs to be made is that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa. As is customary with the anti-graft agency, the former governor was invited to answer questions relating to some petitions that were filed against him by some disgruntled elements.

“Upon his return from vacation, and as a man with a clear conscience, Dr Okowa proceeded to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt as requested. The substance of the petition was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire 80 per cent stake in Premium Trust Bank. He was also alleged to have diverted state resources to build housing estates in Asaba and Abuja and two hotels in Asaba for himself.

“Governor Okowa cleared himself of those allegations as the estate in Abuja is owned by a public figure. The ex-governor lives in his own private house in an estate in Asaba that is occupied by other residents, who are homeowners,” Ifeajika stated.

“Similarly, the owners of the hotels in Asaba are persons known to the public and the EFCC, while Okowa has zero financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These are facts that are easily verifiable from the Corporate Affairs Commission and by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act.

“The allegation that the former governor allegedly diverted N1.3tn oil derivation funds is as ludicrous as it is outlandish. This is just a rehash of the same spurious allegations that some malicious, myopic, vindictive, and prejudiced persons concocted while Okowa was still in office.”

Nevertheless, a rights activist in Delta State, Anthony Asakitikpi, commended EFCC for its swift arrest of the former governor.

Asakitikpi, who is the South South zonal acting Chairman of Huride, told The According that all looters of Delta State treasury must be brought to book.

“I sincerely appreciate and commend EFCC for its swift arrest of the former Governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa. All enemies of Delta people must be brought to book. Okowa is another case study.

“It may also interest you to know that the said Okowa plunged Delta State into huge amount of debts trying to please Atiku during his presidential campaign.

“No tangible evidence of all the money borrowed in the name of Delta state. As it stands, Delta state is still paying for the sins they didn’t commit.

“A situation where public funds are being diverted for personal interest is becoming too alarming. Based on these facts, I hereby call on the EFCC to prosecute Okowa to account for all the borrowed money in the name of Delta State, and to refund same back to Delta State coffers and be made to face the full wrath of the law. We say no to treasury looters.”

Also, another human rights activist, Jude Ojiugo-Onochie, who described Okowa’s arrest as selective, urged EFCC to extend the investigation to other past governors.

“I’m not against the arrest of Okowa, but they should stop selective arrests.  Information we are getting is that he was released on Friday. It’s against human rights for EFCC to hold him for five days.”

As has been the case recently, Delta people are watching how Okowa will dance to the anti- corruption music played by the EFCC.

A political and social analyst, Peter Legacy, said, “That Okowa is passing through the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, shouldn’t be an emotional situation in Delta state polity

“I believe in institutions and rule of law. Misappropriation is the bone of contention. The law that established DESOPADEC was specific about financing, remittance and funding.

“By admittance of Dr Okowa’s government, there was obvious misappropriation of funds for expedient reasons. But that doesn’t make up for the principle of misappropriation. If N1m was supposed to go to DESOPADEC by law, the N1m that was supposed to go to DESOPADEC shouldn’t go to Capital Territory Development Agency.

“We have to imbibe the culture of respect for laws and institutions. Let the investigation run its course, if the ex-governor is innocent, we will find out eventually,” he said.

Also, two human rights organisations, Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum and International Human Rights Commission, faulted the detention of Okowa by the EFCC, describing him as a victim of politics.

The chairman of Anti-corruption and Integrity Forum and Board member of IHRC, Prince Kpokpogri, at a press conference in Abuja, queried the mode of operation of the EFCC.

According to him, Okowa ought to be commended for exhibiting maturity unlike a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has defied the EFCC and resisted every attempt to be arrested and arraigned.

He said, “On Monday, October 4, 2024 the news space went agog over the alleged arrest and detention of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly embezzling a whopping N1.3tn of Delta state’s funds.

“Since the news went viral, I have waited patiently for an official statement from the EFCC on the detention of the former governor. It is a given that the anti-graft agency usually makes public such high-profile arrest and detention to show that nobody is above the law.

“However, it is surprising that the EFCC has resorted to using “sources” over such a sensitive matter. As an anti-corruption crusader, I find it a little troubling that the agency is shying away from making its position known when former Governor Okowa honourably presented himself to the Office of the anti-graft agency in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“Dr. Okowa ought to be commended for being unlike a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has defied the EFCC, resisted every attempt to be arrested and arraigned. This trial by the media using proxies is untenable, vexatious and unfortunate.”

94 squatters nabbed on Lagos rail tracks

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94 squatters nabbed on Lagos rail tracks

No fewer than 94 persons taking shelter along some rail tracks in Lagos State were arrested by operatives of the state task force on Wednesday.

The spokesperson for the task force, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the arrest was part of efforts aimed at ensuring the security of residents in the areas.

He said the operation followed repeated complaints received about the activities of some criminal elements in Fagba, Agege, Pen Cinema and its environs.

According to him, makeshifts and illegal shanties that served as hideouts to miscreants were also cleared.

“The Lagos State Task Force has continued its mission to maintain the safety and security of residents and ensure Lagosians live in a habitable environment by clearing illegal shanties and makeshift buildings along Pen Cinema to Fagba railway corridor and its environs, covering a distance of about 25 kilometres.

“The sting operation, which commenced in the early hours of the day, was supervised by the chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who took illegal occupants and squatters in the corridor by surprise.

“Some of the recalcitrant squatters attempted to resist the agency’s actions. However, 94 of them were arrested and will be charged in court promptly.”

Continuing, Akerele who spoke through Abdulraheem, noted that the agency would continue the operation to ensure that recalcitrant individuals did not return to the rail tracks.

He added that the agency would not hesitate to prosecute whoever might violate the ban on activities along the tracks.

Abdulraheem continued, “Akerele assured residents in Fagba, Agege, Pen Cinema, and environs, and train passengers that adequate patrols and regular surveillance will be carried out along the corridor to ensure no squatters return to erect any shanty in the future.

“He pledged to arrest and prosecute any individual or group attempting to return to the site.

“The rail tracks are not meant for habitation or the sale of narcotics. Anyone caught converting this place into a den of criminals or an area of residence will face severe consequences according to the law.”

Accordingly, Abdulraheem stressed that “substances suspected to be hard drugs like Indian hemp, Colorado, other harmful and dangerous drugs and weapons were confiscated during the raid.”

According to Metro reported on October 15 that the task force vowed to arrest traders who might be plying their trade along the rail tracks.

The warning came following incidents of a train crushing about two persons to death in the Ikeja and Oshodi areas of the state.

Abdulraheem had stressed that though some of the traders were dislodged, some had remained recalcitrant to repeated warnings banning their activities.

Missing man found dead near Ogun stream

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Missing man found dead near Ogun stream

A 35-year-old man, Felix Vhimga, has been found dead in a mysterious circumstance in the Ojowo area of Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State.

According to Metro learnt that the deceased had gone missing after visiting his brother, Sunday Robert, in the community on Monday.

On the completion of his visit, Vhimga was however said to have bid his brother goodbye at about 9 pm.

Robert who raised the alarm about his whereabouts, said he could not reach home the next day since he left his house.

A police source who spoke to our correspondent as he was not permitted to speak on the matter said Robert later launched a search for him.

The source said after efforts to locate his whereabouts proved abortive, Roberts rushed to the police station to make a report.

He said, “Sunday Terkuma Robert, brother of the deceased, reported to the police that Felix visited him on November 11 and left around 9 pm. However, when Felix couldn’t be heard from the next day, Robert searched for him. It was after he could not locate him that he came to the station.”

The police source however revealed that the corpse of the deceased was later found near a stream in the community.

The body, according to the source, was discovered at about 7 am with a wound on the forehead close to the left eye.

“The body was discovered around 7 am on November 13 with a wound on the forehead, close to the left eye. A team of policemen inspected the scene, evacuated the corpse, and deposited it at Alayangbe Private Morgue for autopsy.”

The case was said to have been transferred to the State CriminaI Investigation Department, Ijebu Igbo.

“Investigation is ongoing into the incident,” the source added.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, could not be reached as calls made to her telephone were not responded to. A text message sent to her had yet to be replied as of the time this report was filed.

According to Metro reported that a three-man armed gang shot two people dead in the early hours of Monday, while two others sustained bullet injuries in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Odutola, in a statement released on Monday, explained that the incident occurred at about 12:30 am in the parking lot of Diamond Dumplings, GRA, Abeokuta.

She stated that three armed men in an unregistered black Toyota Hilux confronted the occupants of a black Mercedes Benz GLE 350 with a DLA licence plate, demanding the car keys.

Delta woman bags five years jail for attempted murder

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Delta woman bags five years jail for attempted murder

A High Court sitting in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Tuesday, sentenced a woman, Ifeoma Nlemuba, to five years for attempted murder after a plea bargain application.

The court, presided over by Justice Diai Dumebi, sentenced Nlemuba to five years imprisonment in a charge No DTHC/ASB/(CR) 2024: Delta State versus Ifeoma Nlemuba for attempted murder.

The defendant was arraigned before High Court 6, in the Asaba Judicial Division on a count of attempted murder where she had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against her.

In the judgment, Justice Dumebi upheld the proposed plea bargain agreement and consequently convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years imprisonment inclusive of the period already spent in custody.

“The court upheld the plea bargain agreement and therefore sentences the defendant, Ifeoma Nlemuba, to five years imprisonment inclusive of the period already spent in custody.”

The court also ordered that the defendant be given necessary medical attention while in custody.

The prosecution counsel, A.P. Popo, who applauded the judgement, affirmed that this development would lead to speedy dispensation of justice in the state as it would reduce the workload, and save time for all those involved in litigation.

She said, “On the 23rd day of July 23, 2024, the defence counsel wrote a (plea bargain ) application letter to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to enter into plea bargain negotiations with the prosecution in line with Guideline 15(1) (2) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for prosecution in Delta State 2024 which was approved by the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

“The defendant, Ifeoma Nlemuba, in accordance with Guideline 20 (3) (a) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for prosecutors in Delta State,2024, later pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of attempt to murder on November 5, 2024.

“Pursuant to Guidelines 23(a) of the Plea Bargain Guidelines for prosecutors in Delta State 2024, the prosecution led by A.P. Popo, filed the signed Plea Bargain Agreement which proposed a five-year sentence inclusive of the period already spent in custody by the defendant.”

She encouraged lawyers in the state to key into the Plea Bargain Agreement in line with Section 21 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law in the state, saying by this judgement, the Ministry of Justice Delta State reached a significant milestone in the timely administration of justice by concluding a criminal case within six months of it’s filing.

She noted that the plea bargain judgement was the first in Delta State which, according to Section 219 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, would reduce the number of cases and time spent in prosecution.

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