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AIG orders probe into alleged N2.3m extortion in Abuja

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AIG orders probe into alleged N2.3m extortion in Abuja

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Benneth Igweh, has ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Zone 7 Police Command in Abuja.

According to Harrison Gwamnishu, an X user with the handle #HarrisonBbi18, on Friday, the officers allegedly extorted N2.3 million from Nwosu Ndubuisi and forced him to sell his laptop at Banex Plaza in Abuja to pay for his bail.

In response to the tweet on Monday, the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir, confirmed that the Zone 7 Command had launched an investigation and promised to keep the public updated on the progress.

The statement said: “The attention of Zone 7 Police Command Headquarters, Abuja, has been drawn to news circulating on social media, particularly on X, by Harrison Gwamnishu, with the handle #HarrisonBbi18, claiming that officers from Zone 7 Headquarters allegedly extorted the sum of Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,300,000) from Mr. Nwosu Ndubuisi. He further alleged that the officers took him to Banex Plaza in Abuja to sell his laptop to secure his bail.

“The Assistant Inspector General of Police in Charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, has ordered a full investigation into this allegation, and the public will be updated on the progress accordingly.

“While the investigation is ongoing, the Zone assures the general public that the AIG is a disciplinarian with zero tolerance for corruption and will never allow such behaviour from the policemen under his supervision.

“The Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, under the leadership of AIG Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, will never tolerate any act of extortion, corruption, indiscipline, or human rights abuse.”

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Adeleke, South West PDP take campaign to markets, palaces

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Adeleke, South West PDP take campaign to markets, palaces

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West have intensified campaigns for the election of the party’s candidate in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, ahead of next week’s governorship poll.

PDP South-West Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, stated, “Governor Adeleke and the PDP in the region are strengthening Agboola Ajayi’s campaign in markets, palaces, and various communities to gain more supporters for the party candidate.”

In a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Atofarati added, “Some of the areas we have visited in the Ondo PDP governorship campaign include Bolorunduro, Ondo, and Owo. We also visited the palace of the Osemawe and canvassed votes inside the markets for candidate Agboola Ajayi.”

“We were at the Labour House in Akure, where we met with retired permanent secretaries and directors in the state.”

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; the people of the state are resolute, and they are prepared. They are determined to vote for the PDP candidate in the election.”

“A PDP victory is achievable because our government, in the past, implemented tangible projects that have stood the test of time. It is clear that the people of Ondo State are dissatisfied with the way the All Progressives Congress has mismanaged the state in the last eight years. Nothing significant has been accomplished by the sitting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

“This is not just about political parties; it’s about the people’s welfare. The state has been neglected. There is no way the people of Ondo State will continue like this. They are suffering, which is why they are determined to change the government and elect the PDP.”

“From our interactions and the feedback from our campaigns, visits to communities, palaces, markets, and groups, it is clear that the people of Ondo State recognise that the lasting projects in the state were implemented by the PDP government. Without what the PDP government accomplished, nothing would be left,” Atofarati said.

However, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, said that Adeleke and the South-West PDP were only in Ondo State for a “jamboree,” adding, “They will return to their bases empty-handed after being defeated in the election.”

Akinlosotu remarked, “It is evident that the people of Ondo State are behind Aiyedatiwa of the APC in this election. His projects and programmes resonate with the people, which is why they will vote for him next week to continue in office and deliver even more life-transforming projects for the state.”

“PDP is in decline in Ondo State. All the major stakeholders in the party have joined the APC. This is a clear indication of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s widespread acceptance and purposeful leadership,” the commissioner added.

Trial of Lagos drug baron stalled over ill health

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Trial of Lagos drug baron stalled over ill health

The trial of the alleged drug dealer, Jimoh Sulaimon Olowoidigede, alias Temo, before the Federal High Court in Lagos, was stalled on Monday, due to his ill health.

Temo, who is also known as Godfather and 001, is standing trial for alleged drug trafficking before Justice Deinde Dipeolu.

He is facing six counts bordering on conspiracy, trafficking 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa (Ghana Loud), running a drug trafficking organisation, and money laundering, preferred against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

He was first arraigned before the court on September 25, 2024.

According to the NDLEA, the offences contravened Sections 20(1)(g); 14(b); 18(a); 20(i); 11(b) and 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The prosecution has so far called 11 witnesses in the matter.

On the last adjourned date, on November 1, 2024, the court refused the bail application filed by the defendant.

At the resumed trial of the matter on Monday, the prosecution led by Mrs. Theresa Asuquo and Lambert Nor, announced their appearance, while Benson Ndakara, leading Kate Igbo and Evans Ajoku, appeared for the alleged drug baron.

Asuquo, in her submission, told the court that when her co-prosecutor,  Lambert, went to find out about the defendant, they were told he was produced, only to be told a different thing in court.

Following Asuquo’s submissions, an official of the Correctional Centre  Mr. Martin Odu, informed the court that the defendant was sick and that he iwa on admission in the facility’s clinic, hence he was not brought to court.

After the explanation by a correctional centre official, on the state of health of the defendant, the judge gave a copy of the defendant’s medical report to the prosecutor.

She then urged the court to adjourn the trial till Tuesday, as it had earlier fixed three days for the trial of the defendant.

Meanwhile, the defendant’s counsel, Ndakara, informed the court that the new medical report was a follow-up to the one sent earlier.

He added that from what he saw in the report, even the correctional centre did not have the facility to treat his client.

Ndakara also informed the court that he had filed another bail application and the same had been served on the prosecution, but there was no counter yet.

In his reply, the prosecutor told the court that they had yet to be served and that they were vehemently opposing the application.

Following the parties’ submissions, the court adjourned the matter till Tuesday, for the continuation of trial.

Prioritise unity over 2027 ambitions, Makinde, Saraki urge PDP leaders

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Prioritise unity over 2027 ambitions, Makinde, Saraki urge PDP leaders

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, urged chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party to ensure unity within the party by not allowing individual presidential ambitions to cause division.

The two party leaders made this appeal during the official inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

This appeal follows growing concerns that the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, and Makinde himself could escalate internal divisions within the party, potentially derailing the ongoing reconciliation efforts led by the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led committee.

In recent months, the PDP has become divided into factions loyal to Atiku and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Tensions heightened when Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed his interest in running for the presidency in 2027.

Saraki, addressing the gathering on Thursday, said that the PDP, once the party of the masses, had come a long way and should not be sacrificed for individual aspirations.

“The party was built on ideas, philosophies, and policies. Let us move away from building ideas on personal ambition. We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party. We cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas. This is where it starts. This is the foundation,” Saraki said.

He continued, “Let us stop talking about who is running for councillor, governor, or president in 2027. Let us focus on what the PDP represents. What are the issues and policies that we must address? This is what Nigerians want to know. That is why I support this institute. I hope others will too, because this is the foundation.

“I have travelled to several places, and when people meet us, even in Europe, they ask where our institute is. It is an embarrassment that, as a major political party, we did not have one until now. But today, we are closing that chapter. The message we send to Nigerians is that this is a serious party. We are leaders. Let PDP lead in that way.”

While expressing gratitude for the opportunities his political success has afforded him through the party, the Oyo state governor urged every PDP member to strive to be remembered for helping revive the party’s fortunes.

“A lot has been said about the PDI and its origins. But what do we want to be remembered for? This is the essence and significance of today. Abba Moro has said that since 1998, he has benefitted from the PDP. I too have benefitted since 2019. I want to thank our great party and all the stakeholders here today for giving me the opportunity to secure not one, but two mandates, back to back, under this umbrella,” he stated.

Makinde added, “The only thing I can promise is that, having drawn from this well, I will not pollute it when it is time for me to leave office. The journey here has not been easy, but I am grateful that we have overcome many obstacles. However, since the 2015 elections, things have only gone from bad to worse. As we face the next level of economic instability and renewed troubles, the PDP must offer real hope for Nigeria. Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP for an ideological foundation.”

The governor continued by pledging support for the PDP’s governorship candidate in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, stressing that victory in the state requires unity.

“As we head to Ondo State, we need true reconciliation and unity to overcome the APC there. We know we are more popular. You saw the debate, and our candidates are the only ones with a clear vision for governance in Ondo. So, we must work together to ensure that no form of rigging, either institutional or propagated by the ruling party, succeeds.”

He concluded, “We must go to Ondo as one united party and resist any attempt to undermine the will of the people. The PDP is the only party in Nigeria that has allowed youth to be part of the political process, and I know that the PDI will only expand this space. I am not too old; my mind and body remain youthful, and I will be part of the effort to give youth opportunities in politics.

“This unveiling marks the renewal of PDP’s pledge to start planning for governance and create a blueprint to rebuild our nation. The PDP can and will do everything it can to fix Nigeria. We will fix the PDP, and then the PDP will fix Nigeria. That is the foundation of real hope for the people of Nigeria.”

Police probe drowning of four persons in Ekiti

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Police probe drowning of four persons in Ekiti

The police in Ekiti State on Monday said that they had begun investigation into the death of four persons who drowned at a river at Okemesi Ekiti in the Ekiti West Local Government area of Ekiti State.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, said the four persons were said to have gone to swim in the river on Sunday.

Abutu stated, “A distress report received on November 10, 2024, has it that on the same date, a 23-year-old and a 25-year-old, both natives of Okemesi Ekiti, went to River Osun Ajindo/Ido Ile Road to swim alongside two of their friends who came from Lagos State to attend a burial ceremony which took place at Okemesi.

“The four young men unfortunately got drowned. Their bodies have been recovered and deposited in the morgue, while investigation is underway,” the police spokesperson said.

Sources in the town said two of the victims were from the community while the remaining two who went to the river to swim with them came from Lagos for a social function in the community.

A source said, “The incident threw the community into panic and mourning. Imagine four persons dead in the circumstance. May God prevent such unfortunate occurrence in our dear community.”

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PDP candidate seeks support from retired permanent secretaries

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PDP candidate seeks support from retired permanent secretaries

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Agboola Ajayi, on Friday appealed to the association of Retired Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Service in the state to support him in the election.

Ajayi, a former deputy governor of the state, will be contesting the forthcoming election against candidates from 16 other political parties.

At a meeting with members of the association in Akure on Friday, Ajayi said it was highly important to meet with the group to seek their support for the upcoming election and to inform them that they would have a valued place in his government if he becomes governor of the state. The PDP candidate also said he would rely on their wealth of experience to run a successful administration if elected.

“I am here today to seek your support as the governorship candidate of the PDP in this coming election. I am here to outline my seven-point agenda, which would be pursued by my administration if I become the Governor of Ondo State next year.

“I also want to let you know, distinguished members of this association, that your contributions to the successful running of the state would still be valued, even though you are retired. We will create an avenue where your wealth of experience will be utilised,” Ajayi said.

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Hoodlum arrested for stabbing Adamawa woman to death

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Hoodlum arrested for stabbing Adamawa woman to death

The police in Adamawa State have arrested a 20-year-old suspected robber, Abubakar Abdu, for allegedly stabbing a woman to death during an attempt to rob her of some quantity of maize.

The incident, according to a Monday statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, occurred on Thursday, in the Gengle village of Mayo Belwa Local Government Area of the state.

He added that the suspect had entered the victim’s apartment to steal some quantity of maize but was recognised by the victim who shouted his name.

Upon realising that he had been identified, the suspect was alleged to have stabbed the victim in an attempt to escape from the scene of the incident.

The impact of the injuries from the knife attack was said to have led to the death of the victim.

The PPRO stated, “On November 10, 2024, the Adamawa State Police Command in its fight against violent crime apprehended 20-year-old Abubakar Abdu, a resident of Gengle village of Mayo Belwa Local Government Area, for stabbing to death one Azumi Abubakar, 30 years old.

“The suspect had on 7/11/2024 at about 0300hrs broken into the house of the victim and stole some quantities of maize. In an attempt to escape, the victim sighted, identified and called the suspect by his name. Upon realising that he was noticed, he immediately attacked the victim by stabbing her with a knife and as a result, she died.”

He added that Abdu would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.

“The suspect will be charged in court as soon as the investigation is completed,” Nguroje stated.

According to Metro reported on October 4 that the Lagos State Police Command detained a 25-year-old man, Chibumma Chimelie, who allegedly stabbed his 68-year-old father to death.

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the incident happened at about 10:00 p.m. in the Isolo area of the state.

Hundeyin said the suspect’s brother reported the incident to the Aswani Police Divisional Station.

Edo APC faults Obaseki’s last-minute appointments

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Edo APC faults Obaseki’s last-minute appointments

The Edo State All Progressives Congress has criticised the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, for his decision to convert hundreds of his former political aides and personal staff from his Afrinvest company into the state Civil Service.

The party stated that Obaseki was making last-minute decisions that would create challenges for the incoming governor, Monday Okpebholo.
This was disclosed in a statement by the state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, on Friday.

The statement reads: “Our party, the All Progressives Congress, has been inundated with reports of last-minute decisions taken by the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki. We have investigated all the reports, and our findings confirm the terrible decisions Obaseki has implemented and is still planning to implement at the twilight of his government.

“Of note is his unilateral decision to convert hundreds of his former political aides and personal staff from Afrinvest into the Edo State Civil Service. In doing so, Obaseki disregarded established civil service requirements by failing to declare a vacancy and by usurping the role of the Edo State Civil Service Commission. In light of these troubling discoveries, we hereby alert the Edo people that Obaseki’s decision to fill the State Civil Service workforce with his cronies is a violation of his oath of office and an act of economic sabotage.

“Additionally, in his attempt to create industrial disputes for the incoming administration, Obaseki has formed a committee to draft a new minimum wage of N85,000 for workers in the state, despite the fact that he has not fully implemented the N70,000 approved by the APC-led Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The revelations coming to light from the ongoing investigation of key officers in Obaseki’s administration by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission suggest that Obaseki has mortgaged the state to his business partners. His hurried, staged commissioning of incomplete projects in Benin City is an attempt to justify inflated contract sums and siphon state resources through bogus projects. Edo people must join together at this critical time to protect what remains of our commonwealth.”

However, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, responded by advising the APC to stop complaining and prepare for governance.

Nehikhare said, “Tell them to stop moaning, roll up their sleeves, and get ready for work. They are complaining about everything — employees, minimum wage, project commissioning, and the available bank balances they hope to access.

“If the treasury is empty, FAAC is due on the 17th, just five days after they assume office. But I assure the people of Edo that a robust and healthy bank balance will be available to them on the 12th.”

Delta kidnap victim reunites with family after escape

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Delta kidnap victim reunites with family after escape

It was an emotion-laden reunion in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State on Sunday when a kidnapped victim, Joshua Jessa, reportedly abducted by yet-to-be identified kidnappers, ‘miraculously’ escaped from his captors and rejoined his family.

According to Metro gathered on Monday that Jessa, who was kidnapped last week Wednesday, miraculously escaped from the kidnappers’ den on Sunday evening.

Father of the kidnapped victim, Chief Jessa Harrison, the Chief Executive Officer of Jessa Global Limited, could not hide his joy when he embraced his son, Joshua, describing his harrowing experience in the kidnappers’ den as “a miraculous escape.”

Harrison, in a Facebook post on Monday, narrated how his son, Joshua, was kidnapped last Wednesday, but regained his freedom on Sunday evening.

He later spoke on the incident with journalists on Sunday night disclosing that his son “was kidnapped by two armed men who whisked him into the bush on Wednesday, before he ‘miraculously’ escaped from the abductors on Sunday.

“God released my son. I did not pay one naira”, the highly elated father said.

It was gathered that the kidnappers initially demanded N50m ransom but after much negotiation, reduced it to N6m.

It was further learnt that the money was to be paid on Sunday evening before the victim’s escape.

Speaking further, the father posited, “My boy ran from the kidnappers to Kokori from where he called me.

“I thought it was a joke. We then went in search of him.

“I took him to Eku for treatment before I brought him home.”

Jessa however expressed concern over what he tagged the lukewarm response of the police in the community to the complaint of the abduction of his son.

“I was only joined by my younger brother, who is the SSA on Security to the Governor and vigilante members in the search for the boy, after a call from him that he had escaped”, he stated.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, could not be reached for comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report. He did not pick up his call when our correspondent called nor respond to the message sent to him.

Gombe NNPP governorship candidate joins PDP

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Gombe NNPP governorship candidate joins PDP

The 2023 governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in Gombe State, Khamisu Mailantarki, on Saturday, joined the Peoples Democratic Party.

Mailantarki’s move comes three months after his resignation from the NNPP, during which time he did not join another party.

Speaking at the party secretariat during his reception ceremony, Mailantarki said he joined the PDP to help enhance the party’s chances, adding that his entry would help the main opposition party unseat the All Progressives Congress administration in the state in 2027.

Mailantarki decried the unfavourable APC-led government policies at both federal and state levels, adding that they have failed miserably in delivering good governance.

“PDP is the only strong party capable of seizing power from the APC, which is the reason for my decision to join it after quitting the NNPP,” Mailantarki said.

While lambasting Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, Mailantarki added, “Some of his administration’s uncompassionate policies, such as revoking land titles and compelling civil servants to undergo biometric registration every day at their workplaces, failure of which would render them ineligible for salary payment, are unacceptable.”

The former gubernatorial candidate noted that it was unfair to force workers to go to work five times a day during this period of economic hardship without a commensurate salary.

On his part, PDP Gombe State chairman Abner Kwaskebe, who received the governorship candidate, commended Mailantarki’s bold step.

“Mailantarki’s defection is a huge success for the party, and we promise all members a level playing field,” he added.

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