Home Blog Page 376

NDLEA arraigns man for involvement in illicit hemp trade

coic
-
0
NDLEA arraigns man for involvement in illicit hemp trade

Adesokan Olalekan, 56, has been charged with drug trafficking by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and brought before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The defendant faces a single count of illegally dealing in cannabis sativa, commonly referred to as hemp, and is currently on trial before Justice Ayokunle Faji.

He entered a guilty plea to the revised accusation.

Following his plea, Mr. Peter Ereche, an NDLEA agent, testified for the prosecutor, Mr. Aondofa Korinjo, who went over the case’s facts.

The witness told the court how a group of NDLEA agents brought the defendant in while hiding packaged cannabis sativa in a black nylon bag.

He informed the judge that once samples were extracted from the drug, an analysis revealed that it contained cannabis sativa.

The prosecutor then used the witness to present some evidence, including the drug analysis report, a request for scientific assistance form, and the certificate of test analysis.

The bulk of the material, the substance package form, the defendant’s confessional statement dated September 28, and the remaining material that was analyzed were among the additional pieces of evidence that were presented.

Mrs. Vivian Ekwegh, the defense attorney, raised no objections to the evidence being presented.

As a result, the court acknowledged them and noted them as exhibits.

Considering the defendant’s plea and the facts presented to the court, the prosecution then urged the court to convict him appropriately.

As a result, Justice Faji found the defendant guilty of the charges.

Defense attorney Ekwegh pleaded with the court to give the convicted person pity in order to temper justice.

According to her, the convicted individual was a first-time offender who promptly entered a guilty plea to the charge, saving the court’s time.

She claimed that the 56-year-old defendant had five dependent children and that the convicted felon was now regretting his actions after realizing his mistake.

Read Also: Be Cautious of Wike: Ihunwo Warns Tinubu About 2027 Presidential Ambitions

The court postponed sentencing until November 18 after hearing the allocutus.

The offender was remanded to the detention facility for sentencing, the court ordered.

The accusation states that the act was committed on September 28 at the Ajara axis of Badagry, Lagos State.

He allegedly dealt in 120g of cannabis without the required legal license.

Be Cautious of Wike: Ihunwo Warns Tinubu About 2027 Presidential Ambitions

coic
-
0
Be Cautious of Wike: Ihunwo Warns Tinubu About 2027 Presidential Ambitions

Chijioke Ihunwo, the chairman of Rivers State’s Obio/Akpo local government area, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu when dealing with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Chijioke Ihunwo, the former Rivers State governor intends to run against President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Ihunwo claimed that Wike would trick the President by promising to stay in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for his benefit in a video that he uploaded on his X handle on Thursday.

He further claimed that Wike would treat President Tinubu the same way he treated former Governor Rotimi Amechi, who introduced him to politics.

Read Also: Atiku responds to Wike on 2027 PDP presidential ticket

Wike intends to run for president in 2027, I like to inform Nigerians. Thus, Mr. President ought to be cautious about Wike.

He will say to the president, “I want to stay in the PDP. Let me hold the structure for you,” according to his strategy. Following up on how to succeed Mr. President is what he is doing now. He can do it to anyone because it is his way of life. He did it to Amechi.

“Therefore, I would like to urge Mr. President to exercise extreme caution with regard to Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister,” Ihunwo stated.

Atiku responds to Wike on 2027 PDP presidential ticket

coic
-
0
Atiku responds to Wike on 2027 PDP presidential ticket

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s remarks regarding the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Wike had previously stated that Atiku would not be allowed to run for president of the PDP in 2027, it was remembered.

“He is lobbying for another chance, but the chance will not be there,” the minister had stated. Which party is it? How can we depend on a single individual for so long?

The former vice president has no chance of succeeding in 2027, Wike said during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

The FCT Minister also claimed that Atiku is looking for another chance to run as the party’s candidate, but that opportunity will not come.

Atiku quickly responded by reminding Wike of how he “schooled him and his protégé” during the 2019 election through Phrank Shaibu, his Special Assistant on Public Communication.

According to Atiku, if Wike had the power, he would have taken the party’s presidential ticket for himself.

Read Also: Amotekun arrests gambler who staged kidnapping to avoid debt

“He would have kept a presidential ticket for himself if he had the authority to give them out like party favors. After all, Atiku handily defeated him in the 2023 Abuja primary after thoroughly educating him and his selected protégé in his backyard prior to the 2019 election.

But here he is, fixated on who would be the PDP’s candidate, even though he has publicly declared that Tinubu will win in 2027.

That’s rather early in the day, isn’t it? The actual problems—the deteriorating living conditions of Nigerians—should be our main concern.

“We should be addressing this hunger, not 2027 political ploys, because it is becoming intolerable,” Shaibu stated.

Amotekun arrests gambler who staged kidnapping to avoid debt

coic
-
0
Amotekun arrests gambler who staged kidnapping to avoid debt

The Ogun Amotekun Corps has detained a 41-year-old man named Enitan Awoyemi on suspicion of planning his kidnapping as a way to avoid paying off his debt.

On Wednesday, the suspect—a resident of Irolu-Remo in Ogun State’s Ikenne Local Government Area—was taken into custody.

This was stated in a communiqué that was acquired in Abeokuta and signed by Corps Commander Alade Adedigba.

According to Adedigba, Mrs. Tope Awoyemi, Awoyemi’s wife, revealed that the suspect was allegedly abducted on November 10 at the Amotekun Irolu outpost.

According to the complainant, who was cited by Adedigba, her husband had contacted her and claimed to have been abducted the day before by unknown men who demanded a ransom of N5 million to free him.

Read Also: Ondo Polls: IGP announces movement control, VIP escort ban

After receiving the report, the Amotekun Intelligence team launched an investigation. The inquiry’s conclusions showed that Enitan Awoyemi had accrued a whopping one million naira in debt from playing in a lottery game.

Awoyemi, a frequent participant of the game, previously earned 6 million naira from it. He used some of his winnings to buy a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle and a Toyota Corolla Sport automobile for business use. When he was unable to pay back his obligations, he allegedly turned to making up a kidnapping story, he said.

According to the commander, the suspect was located in Ijagba town and then Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area thanks to the cooperation of the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria, VGN, and other community partners.

“He was eventually taken into custody at Irolu Okada Park in the early hours of November 13, 2024, while the Amotekun officers were conducting routine patrol operations,” he stated.

Adedigba claimed that Amotekun agents noticed a “strong smell of insecticide from him after his arrest, raising concerns about an attempted suicide.”

He claimed that the suspect received prompt medical assistance after being taken to Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu.

The Amotekun chief stated, “The Amotekun Corps is dedicated to taking the required action, and once Enitan Awoyemi is released from the hospital, he will be turned over to the police in Ilisan for further proceedings.”

He reiterated the Amotekun Corps’ commitment to upholding law and order, exposing corrupt practices, and safeguarding the citizens of Ogun State.

Ondo Polls: IGP announces movement control, VIP escort ban

coic
-
0
Ondo Polls: IGP announces movement control, VIP escort ban

The forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections are set for Saturday, November 16, 2024, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has pledged extensive security preparations to guarantee a legitimate, transparent, and peaceful voting process.

DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi has been assigned by the IGP to serve as the election’s coordinating DIG, and his job is to supervise the execution of police security plans in order to keep the peace during the voting period.

Additionally deployed as AIG and CP, respectively, were AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu.

On Election Day, all vehicle movements on highways, rivers, and other modes of transportation will be restricted as part of the security framework from 6 am to 6 pm, with the exception of those employed by vital services including fire departments, ambulances, media representatives, and other authorized media.

In addition, it is prohibited for security personnel and escorts who accompany VIPs to polling places and collation centers in order to avoid any disturbances.

Read Also: Emeka Anyaoku: No leader can fix Nigeria with 1999 constitution

“During the election, there will be a strict prohibition on unauthorized vehicles using sirens, and unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be allowed to operate.”

In order to maintain polling stations’ accessibility, special consideration will also be given to those with impairments, expectant mothers, nursing mothers, and those who have mobility issues, according to a statement released by Police spokesman ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

To guarantee that the elections are held in a fair and peaceful manner, he stressed, the Police would collaborate with the military and other federal security services.

NNPC reshuffles executive team for strategic leadership

coic
-
0
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

coic
-
0
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

admin
-
0
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.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According to.

Contact: [email protected]

OAU considers waiver for extra-year students

admin
-
0
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

admin
-
0
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.

1...375376377...2,807Page 376 of 2,807
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv