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N/Assembly inaugurates complaints commission’s executives

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N/Assembly inaugurates complaints commission’s executives

The National Assembly has inaugurated the reconstituted leadership of the Public Complaints Commission led by the Chief Commissioner, Hon. Bashir Abubakar.

Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday in Abuja, Senate President Godswill Akpabio encouraged the chief commissioner and his team to not just ensure thoroughness but also maintain a high degree of transparency and honesty while displaying commitment to delivering on their mandate.

Akpabio added, “To those of you who have accepted this tremendous responsibility, we want to remind you: to whom much is given, much is expected. You are moving into responsibilities that not just require dedication and integrity but a sincere commitment to serve the good people of Nigeria.

Read Also: How Bobrisky pleaded for financial assistance to get VIP treatment in prison – Falz

“You have now joined us as co-labourers in nation-building and custodians of the public’s trust, and it is your duty to uphold that trust with honour, commitment and dedication.

“As you embark on this journey, we urge you to live up to the expectations that come with your positions. Represent the National Assembly, and more importantly, represent the people of Nigeria with pride.

“Remember that your work will touch lives, inspire hope and remind us all that justice is not merely a privilege but a right for every citizen.”

How Bobrisky pleaded for financial assistance to get VIP treatment in prison – Falz

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How Bobrisky pleaded for financial assistance to get VIP treatment in prison – Falz

The well-known Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz, has related the story of how the notorious social media figure Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, pleaded with him to give him three million Nigerian naira in order to get a VIP area at the Correctional Centre.

After confirming his conversation with Bobrisky, Falz provided the story in a letter. The letter was in reference to the legal issues that the social media star had to confront earlier this year.

Nếm TV’s Road Trip Vietnam Team was able to conquer the clouds as they were on their route to Ta Xua.

The letter, which was dated September 26, 2024 and was sent by Falz’s legal team, Falana & Falana’s Chambers, demanded that Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, retract the defamatory charges that were made against this individual.

The charges that Falz and Bobrisky plotted to “pervert the course of justice” by offering financial aid in exchange for a favorable legal outcome were brought to lights in this article.

Read Also: Police probe murder of 16-year-old boy on football pitch

While Bobrisky did reach out to Falz for counsel, Falz flatly refused any concept of offering financial assistance, according to Taiwo E. Olawanle, who is Falz’s defender.

Immediately retracting the defamatory claims and issuing a public apology across all channels was one of the demands made in the letter.

Failure to comply within twenty-four hours will result in legal action, including a demand for monetary damages for the damage done to Falz’s reputation, according to a warning issued by Falana & Falana Chambers.

Your publication on September 25, 2024, on your Instagram page, with the caption “In everything and everyone that is mentioned here, I will be disappointed if truly FALZ and his father are involved in this whole Bobrisky issue…” has been brought to our attention, and it is in this letter that you have made some statements that are considered to be defamatory against our client.

Our client never at any point in time initiated a communication with Mr. Idris Okuneye. This is in order to set the record right. Our client has solid evidence that Mr. Idris was in fact the one who initiated a call.

“Specifically, on the 4th of May 2024, Mr Idris Okuneye (AKA Bobrisky) contacted our client requesting a phone conversation with him. Our client gratuitously obliged, having knowledge of the Naira abuse claims filed against him, and truly thought he might seek legal guidance.

“Mr Idris Okuneye (Aka Bobrisky) called shortly after but instead of soliciting legal advice, stated that he was in distress and needed financial assistance of about N3,000,000 (Three million Naira) which he claimed he needed to pay some officials to be permitted to stay in the VIP section of the Correctional Centre.”

The letter said, “Our client, in the same conversation, advised him that there was no need to pay the officials of the Correctional Centre any money. However, Mr Idris Okuneye (Aka Bobrisky) alleged that his lawyers had botched up his case by asking him to plead guilty to the allegations made against him. Mr Idris Okuneye (Aka Bobrisky) pressed on his request for the money which our customer repeatedly disapproved.

“Without contacting our client, you went ahead to publish a careless statement containing multiple allegations including an insinuation that our client is involved in a homosexual affair and intended to get a presidential pardon for Mr Idris Okuneye.”

How Delta Yahoo academy operators lured teenagers – Police

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How Delta Yahoo academy operators lured teenagers – Police

The Delta State Police Command on Wednesday said the operators of an Internet fraud academy, where over 100 teenagers were arrested by men of the Nigerian Army, lured the suspects with a promise to train them in Bitcoin and forex trading.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, in a video shared on his X page on Wednesday, narrated that the suspects had arrived at the academy only to discover that it was a “Hustling Kingdom.”

According to Metro reports that the soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Nigerian Army Barracks stormed an estate in the Warri area of the state and arrested over 100 suspected internet fraudsters.

The school was reportedly engaged in training cybercriminals, and the suspects were handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

Meanwhile, Edafe stressed that the arrest by the military came after one of the suspects contacted his family member via the laptop given to him by the academy operators.

The PPRO further narrated that upon informing his family about the trap he was caught in, the family contacted the military, leading to the arrest of 123 suspects, most of whom were teenagers.

According to Edafe, the suspects were lured into a trap with promises of learning BTC trading and forex, only to find themselves in Hustlers HK, a notorious cybercrime training network.

He narrated, “We are here at the Ekpan Police Station Effurun Divisional HQ, where we will be parading about 123 suspected Internet fraudsters who were engaged in Internet fraud.”

“Their modus operandi is that they engage their agents who go on social media to flaunt wealth, which most times isn’t even theirs, and convince unsuspecting boys aged 17, 18, 19, and 20 that they want to teach them forex and crypto business.”

“They lure some from Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, and Ibadan to that particular estate and beat the hell out of them, feeding them only when they feel like,” he said.

Edafe revealed that the suspects were deceived by agents flaunting fake wealth on social media, convincing them to join the fraudulent scheme.

He added that the agents would then lure them to the estate, where they were subjected to physical abuse and exploitation.

Efforts by our correspondent to ascertain whether the operators of the school had been arrested proved abortive, as the PPRO had yet to respond to calls and messages made to his line.

According to Online reported on September 1 that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 48 suspected internet fraudsters in Umudike, Abia State.

The arrest was carried out based on intelligence information gathered by the EFCC.

Police probe murder of 16-year-old boy on football pitch

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Police probe murder of 16-year-old boy on football pitch

The Ogun State Police Command has begun an investigation into the alleged murder of 16-year-old Jamilu Lasisi in the Ibegba area of the Sagamu Local Government Area of the state.

Although the police said one suspect, known as Alex Eziochukwu, had been apprehended for the alleged murder of the teenager, our correspondent learnt on Wednesday evening that a probe to unravel the circumstances behind the incident had commenced.

According to Metro reported on Wednesday that the suspect, Eziochukwu, was arrested following a tip-off received from an informant at about 4:00 am.

The state command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed Eziochukwu’s arrest, said there was an argument between him and the deceased leading to a confrontation on Tuesday.

While the fight was going on, our correspondent learnt that the victim fell on the football pitch before he was declared dead after he was rushed down to the hospital for medical attention.

After the death of the teenager had been confirmed by a doctor, the suspect was said to have fled, leading the police to launch a manhunt, which subsequently led to his arrest on Wednesday morning.

Odutola said, “A phone call was received from one Tobi Olarewaju that his nephew, Jamiu Lasisi, 16 years old, of the same address, was playing football in the area alongside others.

“In the process, an argument ensued between him and one of the footballers; he fell unconscious, and he was rushed to Owokoniran Hospital, GRA Sagamu, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty.

“Following the report on Tuesday, a team of detectives was led to the scene, searching every nook and cranny of the area to arrest the suspect, but all to no avail.”

She added that the evacuation of the corpse from Owokoniran Hospital to the mortuary was underway.

NSCDC arrests five suspected vandals in Abuja

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NSCDC arrests five suspected vandals in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory  Command, has arrested five individuals suspected of vandalism in separate operations across Abuja.

In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Samuel Idoko, on Wednesday, two of the suspects, Suleiman Ibrahim (17) and Abubakar Zakari (22), both from Kano State, were caught by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department during a routine patrol near the Wuse Market Bridge.

According to the NSCDC, the duo was found in possession of iron poles they had allegedly stolen from the Arts and Culture Complex in Area 10, Garki.

The suspects were reportedly transporting the poles to buyers when they were intercepted.

A second operation, carried out by the anti-vandal unit of the NSCDC, resulted in the arrest of three more suspects at the Durumi 2 market.

Acting on a tip-off, operatives detained Aliyu Danladi (37), Jamilu Abdulrahaman (25), and Usman Ibrahim (38) while they were attempting to sell stolen items.

During the arrests, several items suspected to have been vandalised or stolen were recovered.

These include three electronic billboards, two solar batteries, a gas cylinder, a generator set, a refrigerator gas cylinder, an iron hammer, a large pair of iron scissors, an air conditioner gas pipe, an Abuja vehicle plate number, two iron pinches, a machete, and two plastic drums.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are part of a larger criminal syndicate involved in the theft and sale of vandalised public infrastructure and household items.

The NSCDC revealed that buyers typically visit the markets at odd hours, using trucks to transport the stolen goods to unknown destinations.

Speaking on the issue, the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, called for the regulation of pantaker markets, which he described as hotspots for criminal activities.

“If we must rid the FCT of scavengers and vandals who are sabotaging the government’s efforts on infrastructural development, then, there is an urgent need to regulate pantaker markets in the Federal Capital Territory,” Odumosu stated.

He added that a majority of the stolen items from public spaces end up in the hands of buyers who frequent these markets, compounding the issue of vandalism in the capital.

The commandant lamented, “The majority of stolen and vandalised items from road and railway corridors, including household items as well as electrical installations find their way into the hands of waiting buyers at the pantaker markets and this has become increasingly worrisome.”

The NSCDC has vowed to continue its investigation, ensuring those responsible face justice.

Two suspects arrested, gunpowder bag recovered in Anambra

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Two suspects arrested, gunpowder bag recovered in Anambra

The Anambra State Police command on Wednesday said it arrested two suspects and recovered a bag of gunpowder and ammunition at different locations in the state.

This was disclosed in a press statement by the command’s spokesman, S.P. Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday.

Ikenga said the police led by their joint security force carried out the arrest through intelligent-driven routine patrol carried out at different localities in the state.

He said, “The police have arrested two suspects, recovered a large quantity of gunpowder concealed in a bag of cassava flakes (garri), one locally-made pistol and live ammunition.

“Police-led Joint Security Force while on a intelligence-driven routine patrol along the pillar-pole area of Aguata on September 22, 2024, intercepted a suspect (name withheld) carrying three bags of garri.

“The operatives upon a search of the suspect discovered beneath the edible a large quantity of gunpowder.

“Preliminary information revealed that the suspect was en route to a criminal camp to deliver groceries for consumption and the gunpowder for production of Improvised Explosives for the gang.

“The suspect is currently in custody and assisting the police to arrest the other gang members.”

In another development, the PPRO said operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, acting on credible information, stormed a criminal hideout in Oba in Idemili South LGA in the early hours of Wednesday and arrested one Nelson Wisdom, ‘M’, from Etsako East LGA, Edo State and recovered one locally fabricated pistol with two live ammunition.

He stressed that the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, reiterated that the police command and other security agencies would continue to act on information to sustain the onslaught of operation and to frustrate evil plans of the criminal elements in the state.

He said all suspects would be charged in court at the conclusion of the investigation.

Lagos CP declares war on crime, parades 98 suspects

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Lagos CP declares war on crime, parades 98 suspects

The newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Ishola Olanrewaju, has declared war on crime, vowing to “smoke out” criminals from the state.

At his inaugural media briefing, on Wednesday, he paraded 98 suspected criminals and emphasised a proactive approach to dismantling criminal networks across the state.

Olanrewaju’s strategy includes partnering road transport unions to tackle “one-chance” robberies.

He said, to ensure public safety, all commercial buses would be tagged and easily identifiable, so passengers would know exactly which bus they’re boarding.

He emphasised a proactive approach to crime-fighting, detailing his team’s readiness to dismantle criminal networks across Lagos.

Olanrewaju also announced a partnership with road transport unions to tackle “one-chance” robberies, ensuring all commercial buses were tagged and easily identifiable.

“Whoever enters a bus must know the bus they are boarding,” he said, highlighting the importance of this initiative in ensuring public safety.

Olawale detailed the results of several coordinated police operations that have rattled Lagos’ criminal underworld.

These operations, he noted, resulted in the arrest of suspects involved in various crimes, including armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

Significant seizures were made, including weapons, narcotics, stolen goods, firearms, ammunition, $402 in cash, and 39 bags of stolen rice—highlighting the extensive reach of organised crime into everyday life.

EFCC arraigns man over alleged N1.5bn money laundering

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EFCC arraigns man over alleged N1.5bn money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned a man, Bobby Williams, before the Ikeja Special Offences Court for allegedly laundering N1,594,800,000.

Williams was arraigned on four amended counts of money laundering and fraud, brought against him by the EFCC.

Prosecution counsel, Ahmed Yerima, told the court that Williams committed the alleged crimes between July and September 2022 in Lagos.

He told the court that the defendant fraudulently received N200,900,000 from one Mr Emeka Oscar under the pretence of purchasing Bitcoin units.

Yerima added that Williams received N608,900,000 from a man named Jimoh in July 2022.

He further told the court that between July and September 2022, the defendant also received N151m, deposited into his First Bank account by Adegoke Daniel, alias Adetokunbo.

The prosecutor said Williams converted N483m, belonging to Morris John, Jimoh, Saka, and other victims, for personal use.

He added, “The defendant stole N151m from Adegoke Daniel, also known as Adetokunbo and other victims.”

According to Yerima, the offences committed contravened Sections 332, 1(1)(a), 3(a), 280, and 297 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.

However, Williams pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Earlier the defence counsel informed the court of his client’s intention to seek a plea bargain, saying, “We are in the process of a plea bargain and need more time to finalise the agreement to avoid wasting the court’s time.”

Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned the case till December 3, 2024, for trial.

Flood displaces 5,392, grounds businesses in Sokoto, Adamawa LGs

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Flood displaces 5,392, grounds businesses in Sokoto, Adamawa LGs

At least 5,392 people have been displaced from their homes, and businesses disrupted following flood incidents that grounded the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State and the Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

This was revealed in a statement by the National Emergency Management Agency, shared on its X page on Wednesday.

According to NEMA, the floods also affected several businesses due to the submerging of community roads.

In Sokoto, NEMA reported that no fewer than 1,000 people were affected by the flood after two days of rainfall.

It added that the flood impacted seven communities, including Sabon-Gari, Kawara, Farkaji, Mun-Wadata, Mallamawa, Gabas, and Magazawa.

The statement read, “The incident, which occurred between September 20 and 21, 2024, was caused by a downpour that lasted for two days. Seven communities were affected in the LGA: Sabon-Gari, Kawara, Farkaji, Mun-Wadata, Mallamawa, Gabas, and Magazawa.

“Over 1,000 people were affected by the flood, which led to the collapse of many houses, destruction of fences, and submerging large hectares of farmland, including rice, maize, millet, beans, guinea corn, and sugarcane crops. Household utensils and appliances were also damaged.”

It also disclosed that major roads linking the affected communities were submerged, hampering economic activities in the area and making some of the communities inaccessible at the time of the assessment.”

In the Adamawa incident, NEMA reported that 732 households, comprising 4,392 people, were forced to seek shelter in neighbouring communities.

“The National Emergency Management Agency, Yola Operations Office, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of floods affecting communities in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

“The affected communities include Mbemun, Dullu, Bajen, Kabawa, and Tingno Kogi. The disaster displaced approximately 4,392 people and 732 households, many of whom are now taking refuge in neighbouring communities,” the statement concluded.

According to Metro reported on September 6 that 20 persons died as a result of devastating floods that ravaged Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State since early August.

The Bade LG chairman, Alhaji Babagana Ibrahim, had said that most of the deceased were people trapped under the collapsed mud houses.

Ibrahim said that the flood destroyed more than 10,000 houses and farmlands across 200 communities.

He listed the villages worst hit by the disaster as Misilli, Lawan Musa, Dagona, Dala, Katuzu and Sabongarin Gashua among others.

Gang sets house on fire after stealing foodstuffs in Kwara

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Gang sets house on fire after stealing foodstuffs in Kwara

A gang comprised of three teenagers on Wednesday set a three-bedroom bungalow on fire after stealing valuable items including foodstuffs, groceries and clothing in the Gaa Akanbi area of Ilorin, Kwara State capital.

The incident happened at No 59 Afenifere Community in the Onireke area, Gaa Akanbi, in the Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State at about 12 pm on Wednesday.

One of the teenagers was identified as 18-year-old Olawumi Olamide who also gave the name of one of the gang mates as Isiaka.

According to Metro gathered from eyewitnesses that the three teenagers decided to set the house on fire after their bid to steal the goods from the house was foiled by the residents of the area.

The Kwara State Fire Service Service which put off the fire said that valuable items such as a mattress, documents, Plasma television and clothing were destroyed in the inferno.

A statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, said, “On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 12:11 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service responded swiftly to a fire at No. 59, Afenifere Community, Onireke, Gaa-Akanbi area, Ilorin.

“Upon arriving at the scene, the fire officers found a three-bedroom bungalow engulfed in flames. The officers immediately began extinguishing the fire and managed to bring it under control within 25 minutes.

“Despite their efforts, two rooms were completely ravaged by the inferno, with items such as a mattress, valuable documents, a plasma TV, and clothing destroyed”, the fire service said.

He said investigations revealed that the fire was an act of arson committed by a gang of thieves who had stolen foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing, noting that after being discovered by residents and community members, the gang set the house on fire in a desperate attempt to escape.

“One member of the three-person gang, 18-year-old Olawumi Ayomide, was apprehended by the community. During his capture, Ayomide stabbed a man twice before being handed over to the community chairman, Mr Azeez Jamiu, and subsequently turned over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Tanke Division”, the statement further said.

Ayomide confessed in a video recording during interrogation by the community members, who stripped him naked, that one of the gang members who he identified as Isiaka set the mattress on fire to distract people’s attention before he escaped into the bush.

The Public Relations Officer of NSCDC in the state, ASC Ayoola Michael, said he would find out from the Tanke Division where the suspect was detained and get back to our correspondent when he was contacted on Wednesday.

He however had not got back to us as of the time of filing this report.

However, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritise safety always.

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