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Protesters to storm Lagos Assembly over Mohbad’s death probe

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Nollywood actor and human rights advocate, Yomi Fabiyi, is set to lead a peaceful protest to demand justice for the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka MohBad.

Fabiyi who disclosed this on his Instagram page noted that the protest would take place on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

According to him, the protest seeks to call on the state government to set up a committee to investigate the singer’s death.

He alleged that “those behind this heinous crime, those who cut Mohbad’s life short are spending millions upon millions of naira to see that they cover up the case, create distractions, and bury the many blatant evidence.

“We are so sure the CCTV cameras inside and outside Mohbad’s house were working, and they store remotely someone and not via DVR. The builder of the houses of similar patterns and Royal Pine Estate, Off Orchid Road, Lekki security, and CDA have answers to where these facts are stored.”

He described the refusal of the police to retrieve the cameras as “very frustrating” and that “the masses do not want to put the law into our hands by going to ask for it, hence we need the true representatives of the people of Lagos State to wade in and set up a committee to summon, visit and bring the truth out.”

He enjoined citizens of the country to come out, be a part of the protest and speak in one voice.

“This struggle needs you. Be orderly and civil when attending,” he concluded.

Mohbad died at the age of 27, on September 12, 2023, with circumstances surrounding his death sparking controversies on social media.

Being a former record label signee of Marlian Music owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad left the label in February 2022. The Lagos State Police Command had on September 18, 2023, inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe the singer’s death.

His death also led to the arrest of Naira Marley and controversial Lagos socialite, Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, amongst others.

The singer’s body was on September 21, 2023, exhumed for autopsy to unravel the cause of his death.

However, a pathologist, while testifying before the Coroner’s Court on May 15, revealed that an autopsy couldn’t determine Mohbad’s cause of death due to the decomposition of his body.

Following the disclosure, According to Metro exclusively reported that the US-based lab refuted the claim by the Lagos State Government that the toxicology test was conducted at its facility.

The revelation was in response to inquiries made by our correspondent, who embarked on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the musician’s cause of death.

Responding to According to Metro’s inquiry on May 17, the Client Services Associate, Forensics Division, NMS Labs, Esther Dede, stated, “Unfortunately, we do not have a case for that patient.”

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, in a document sent to our correspondent clarified that the lab confirmed receipt of the postmortem samples.

The document which contained the lab’s response to an inquiry by the Attorney General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, read, “We are responding to your office’s request to confirm that NMS Labs tested postmortem samples identified as belonging to Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.

“On March 1, 2024, NMS received postmortem samples from another Pennsylvania-based lab, ITSI Biosciences. ITSI Biosciences requested that NMS Labs conduct testing and report findings on samples they (ITSI Biosciences) identified as being from Ilerioluwa Aloba. NMS Labs completed toxicological testing and delivered a report of findings to the submitting agency, ITSI Biosciences, on April 9, 2024.”

Lagos DPO turned me down after reporting mob attack –Victim

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A 37-year-old Uber driver, Gbolahan Fagbenja, has lamented the response of the police to the brutal attack on him by a mob of motorcycle riders in the Abesan area of Lagos State.

According to Metro reported that the victim was attacked on Saturday, August 17, after being mistaken for a police informant.

The attack came after officials of the Lagos State Task Force raided motorcycle parks in the area and seized some of the motorcycles.

Fagbenja explained that he was coming from his brother’s residence when the angry motorcycle riders accused him of being a police informant and pounced on him.

He added that dangerous weapons were also used to attack him before some Good Samaritans intervened and rescued him from them.

Speaking to our correspondent on Monday, Fagbenja said efforts to engage the police in getting justice had proved abortive.

He specifically noted that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Ipaja Police Division, Alagolo, turned him down during a visit to his office to complain.

He said, “After the incident, while I was still at the hospital, I managed to go to the nearest police station, which is Alagolo Police Station which was very close to the hospital. When I got there, I narrated what transpired to the policemen and they took me to their DPO. When we got to his office, and the officers narrated what had happened to me, he suddenly flared up and started shouting at the officers, saying that they should never bring any case of police and motorcycles to his office again.”

The victim said he was thereafter sent out of the DPO’s office without any further action taken on his matter.

“I was sent out of the office and that was how I was left all alone, stranded on the premises of the station. As I speak to, I have been unable to get justice,” he disclosed.

Fagbenja who narrated the incident from his hospital bed on September 3, said, “I visited the Abesan Estate with a friend to check out a car I was interested in using for an Uber business. After inspecting the vehicle, I stopped by my brother’s place in the area and spent some time with him until evening. Around 7 pm, I decided to leave and head home. As I approached the gate, I noticed a commotion and saw task force officials loading motorcycles into their van. I walked past them to buy some items from a nearby trader.

“Just as I finished my purchase and walked a short distance away, a young man approached me, pointed at me, and accused me of being one of ‘them.’ Initially, I ignored him, but he asked if I wasn’t with the police. He then claimed I was the one who had dragged him when the police were around earlier. Before I could respond, his friends surrounded me and attacked me.”

Fagbenja said efforts to prove his innocence proved abortive as they continued to attack him on the spot.

He claimed to have struggled by running into a building to seek cover, but the aggrieved riders caught up with him and continued to beat him.

“They attacked me with iron rods, sticks, bottles, stones, and other dangerous weapons, hitting me all over my body. I could barely see as my eyes were also affected. Just as I thought all was lost, I recognised a woman passing by and called out to her for help. She saw my condition and quickly rushed to alert other neighbours, who came to my rescue and saved me from my attackers. Afterwards, I was taken to the nearest police station to report the incident.”

Woman arraigned for allegedly defrauding firm of N350m

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The Lagos State Police Command, on Tuesday, arraigned a 35-year-old woman, Rukayya Dantata, for allegedly defrauding a Bureau de Change consulting firm of N350,900,000.

Dantata was arraigned on two counts of fraud, cheating, and obtaining money under false pretences before the Ikeja Special Offences Court.

The prosecuting counsel, Ezekiel Rimamsomte, told the court that Dantata committed the alleged offences between July and August 2022.

He said the defendant obtained N350,900,000 by fraudulent means, which was transferred into her Zenith Bank account, 2082551256, and her firm, Adat Ventures’ account, 1014937041, under the name, Rukayya Saadina Dantata.

Rimamsomte added that Dantata deceived her victims, Saka Rasak of Rosiyike, and others of Financial Consultant Ltd, located at No. 50 Kingsway Building, Lagos, by pretending to conduct legitimate business transactions.

According to him, the offences committed contravened Section 1(a)(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, and Section 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

Dantata, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against her.

Her defence counsel, David Igbodo, requested bail for his client,  submitting a bail application dated August 30, which was filed on  September 4, 2024.

Igbodo urged the court to grant the defendant bail under “the most liberal terms,” stating, “The defendant has complied with all police and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission summons and has not jumped bail, despite her health challenges.”

He further informed the court that Dantata’s husband, Alhaji Ismaih Singer, and one Otunba Olutaye Ariyo were present in court to secure her bail.

The prosecutor did not oppose the bail application and left the decision to the court’s discretion.

In a short ruling, Justice Rahmon Oshodi granted Dantata bail of N30m, with two sureties in like sum.

The judge stipulated, “Both sureties must provide an affidavit of means and evidence of three years’ tax payments to the Lagos State Government.”

Justice Oshodi also ordered Dantata to deposit her passport and other travel documents to the court’s chief registrar, adding that the registrar must verify both her home and office addresses.

The case was adjourned to  December 3, 2024, for trial.

Protesting Ogun commercial drivers seek govt intervention

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The protesting minibus drivers in Ogun State on Tuesday stormed the Ministry of Transportation complex in Abeokuta to express their displeasure over alleged extortion and multiple levies by their union executive.

They also appealed to the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, to intervene and end the incessant extortions, harassment, and attacks by the union officers.

According to Metro reported on Tuesday that the drivers had protested along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday against the union executive.

They noted that the multiple levies imposed on them by transport union workers, otherwise known as agberos, had subjected them to severe hardship.

The drivers lamented that the transport union fee, previously a cumulative sum of N4,000 to N6,000 per day, had been increased to between N6,000 and N10,000.

Our correspondent who monitored the protest on Tuesday observed that the drivers stormed the transportation ministry’s complex and presented their demands to an official.

Their demands included a call for the reversal of the increased levies, eradication of multiple tickets, removal of agberos along the expressway by limiting their activities to designated parks, and an end to arbitrary fees such as “Owo Chairman” (Chairman’s fee), “Owo King of Boys” (King of Boys levy), and “Owo Marker” (Marker levy), among others.

Speaking on behalf of the drivers, Abiodun Owolabi stressed that with the new increase, drivers would have to pay about N11,000 in union levies daily.

He noted that the new levies would further worsen the hardship faced by the drivers.

In his words, “We have a lot of complaints, including the outrageous hike in ticket prices. They keep increasing the ticket prices almost every week. We collect a ticket at every bus stop within a kilometre. The stretch of road that we ply daily is about 10km from Mowe to Arepo, and we are collecting about eight tickets.

“If we calculate the money we spend on levies, it amounts to about N8,000 daily. With the new increase, it’s around N11,000.

“What we are earning is little, and what we are giving out is too much. This is affecting our daily income, and we are appealing to the governor and the commissioner to come to our aid,” he added.

Another driver, Ogunlade Idowu, added that contrary to what is applicable in other local government areas where drivers operate with a single ticket, the union executive in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area imposed eight tickets on them.

“We have made our investigation, and this is only happening in the Obafemi Local Government Area. This is even a federal road, so why are they making life hard for us? Look at the current economy of the country; is this the time to increase the ticket fee?” he asked.

Responding to the drivers’ concerns, a senior official of the state Ministry of Transportation, who did not want to be named, stressed that the ministry was concerned about the issues raised by the drivers and was committed to addressing them.

He urged the protesting drivers to submit their grievances in writing for the ministry to take necessary action.

“We have received your complaints and are very much concerned about them. As the regulatory ministry, it is our responsibility to look into them. Please, put your complaints in writing so that necessary actions can be taken,” the official said.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Secretary of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria, Tiwalade Akingbade, on Monday, dismissed the drivers’ allegations as untrue.

He stressed that the union and the drivers had a misunderstanding earlier on Monday, which was resolved at the police station.

Police mourn five officers killed in Kano auto crash

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The Kano State Police Command has mourned the death of its five officers in a ghastly motor accident along the Zaria Kano Road in the early hours of Tuesday.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in a telephone interview.

He said the accident occurred at the Karfi village in Kura Local Government Area while the officers were returning to Kano from an official assignment.

“The accident occurred at Karfi, some few kilometres to Kano and five of the officers died as a result of the accident while 11 others sustained injuries,” he said.

According to him, 11 other officers who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving medical treatment in one of the hospitals in Kano.

Our correspondent gathered that the vehicle in which the police officers were travelling had a head-on collision with a trailer in the village.

Five officers died on the spot while 11 others who sustained various injuries were rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention.

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Infant, three others die in Borno canoe accident

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A five-month-old infant, two children, and one adult lost their lives in a boat accident that occurred on Monday along Maiduguri Road, Borno State.

The accident, according to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, on Tuesday, happened around 4 pm.

Daso noted that the boat, carrying several passengers, was submerged by floodwaters, resulting in the deaths of the four victims.

He identified the deceased as Mallum Shettima, Maimuna Akura, Umira Bulama, and Yagana Kawu.

The PPRO said, “A report was received from a Good Samaritan at the Dikwa Divisional Police Headquarters regarding a distressing canoe accident that occurred on Monday, September 23, 2024, at about 1530HRS in the Bakassi community between Mafa and Dikwa, along Maiduguri Road, Borno State.

“The incident involved a canoe carrying passengers that was submerged in floodwaters, leading to the unfortunate loss of four female lives.

“The deceased victims, all from Bulabulin Ward, Dikwa, have been identified as Ya Mallum Shettima, an adult female from Marte LGA, Maimuna Akura, 10 years old, Umira Alhaji Bulama, six years old, and Yagana Bulama Kawu, five months old.”

He added that upon receiving the report of the incident, police officers visited the scene, rescued the victims and transported them to a nearby hospital, where they were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

“The victims were promptly evacuated to the Dikwa General Hospital, where their deaths were confirmed by a medical doctor. Subsequently, the corpses were released to their respective families for burial under Islamic rites.”

In a further update, the PPRO warned boat operators in the state of the need to abide by safety procedures, ensuring that passengers are provided with safety buoys and life jackets.

He stressed that ensuring safety was crucial, as the state is still recovering from recent flooding that claimed several lives.

“Following a recent tragic canoe accident in Dikwa that resulted in the loss of four lives, the command underscores the critical importance of implementing safety protocols to avert such calamities.

“It is mandatory for all canoe operators to ensure the availability of safety buoys and life jackets for all passengers.

“The command’s utmost priority is the safety and security of all the residents of Borno State, especially during this challenging period. The recent incidences of flooding have already led to the loss of lives, and it is imperative to avoid further casualties due to negligence,” Daso concluded.

President seeks approval for FCTA supplementary budget

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The National Assembly resumed its plenary sessions on Tuesday following the annual recess that began in late July.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, presided over their respective chambers, reading several correspondences from President Bola Tinubu.

The communications included a Supplementary Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the nomination of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and a request for confirmation of commissioners for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

In a letter dated September 19, 2024 addressed to the National Assembly, President Tinubu said the supplementary budget for the FCTA was pursuant to the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The letter read, “I write in accordance with the provisions of Section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to forward herewith an additional supplementary budget proposal for the FCTA for consideration and passage by the House of the Representatives.

“This supplementary budget proposal has been prepared on the basis of the FCTA’S reviewed revenue and expenditure forecasts and is aligned with the fiscal and developmental policies of the Federal Government and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“With it, the FCTA continues to prioritise the improvement of human capital and infrastructure within the Federal Capital Territory.

“While I trust that the House of Representatives will in their usual expeditious manner consider and approve the 2024 supplementary budget proposal of the FCTA, please accept, Rt Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration and regards.”

The President also notified the National Assembly of his rejection of a bill seeking to extend the service years of the Clerk to the National Assembly and other parliamentary staff.

After these formalities, the lawmakers paid tribute to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, by observing a moment of silence.

Senator Ubah, who passed away in late July 2024 at the age of 52, represented the Anambra South Senatorial District and chaired the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).

Following the tribute, the plenary session was adjourned to honour the late senator’s legacy.

The adjournment of the plenary follows the parliament’s tradition of suspending legislative business for the next day in the event of a lawmaker’s passing.

Police nab suspected murders, armed robbers in Bauchi

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Operatives of Bauchi State Police Command have arrested three suspects involved in armed robbery in the Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

This was stated in a press statement issued by the Command Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, on Tuesday.

The suspects include Ahmad Musa, 20, Tijjani Abdullahi, 20 and Danladi Aliyu, 30.

Wakil noted that the suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy for breaking into a house and armed robbery.

He explained, “The fact of the incident, sometime in July 2024 where the suspects, along with four others, namely Ismail Kawuwa, Sadiq Kange, Adamu Dan Kamfani, and Attahir (still at large), conspired and unlawfully trespassed the residence of Malumi in Misau LGA, Bauchi State.

“Armed with locally made pistols and seven rounds of live ammunition, they robbed Malumi of ₦250,000, three handheld phones, and an unspecified quantity of recharge cards from various networks.

“Ahmad Musa was apprehended by the Rapid Response Squad, with a fabricated pistol and seven rounds of live ammunition. Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime.”

In another development, the police arrested two suspects involved in the gruesome murder of one Adamu Alkasim.

The police boss revealed that the incident happened in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi where suspects, Usman Shehu, 20 and Abdullahi Abubakar, 19 were arrested for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

He stated, “Usman Shehu conspired with four others to attack one Adamu, resulting in his death.

“Upon receiving the report, Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad ordered a discreet investigation, leading to the arrest of Usman Shehu and Abdullahi Abubakar.”

He said the case is still under investigation and upon completion, the suspects will be profiled and charged in court.

According to Wakil, the command is working to apprehend the remaining suspects urging the public with information on their whereabouts to contact the police.

Lagos taskforce arrests 88 in Oshodi, Bolade criminals raid

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The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 88 suspected miscreants and criminals in two separate operations around Oshodi, Bolade and its environs.

The arrest, the agency said, was “in a continued effort to rid the State of the menace of miscreants, touts and street urchins.”

A statement by the Director, Press & Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem on Tuesday said, “The operation, which was carried out around 3 am and 4 pm respectively today took place at Oshodi, Bolade and its environs was executed following series of complaints lodged by concerned motorists, residents and passersby through the Agency’s feedback channels.”

All the suspected miscreants will be prosecuted accordingly, the agency said.

It said complainants reported an alarming rise in criminal activities, particularly during rush hour, “where hoodlums would lie in wait around the area to harass unsuspecting passersby and motorists.”

Speaking on the operation, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele emphasised the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Lagos.

“We cannot allow these criminal elements to hold our people hostage in their own communities. The State Government remains steadfast in its resolve to protect lives and property.

“This operation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to put an end to this ugly trend,” the Chairman stated.

The efforts, the Taskforce, said were met with “widespread jubilation” by concerned citizens and other passersby at Oshodi Oke bridge who witnessed the operation, assuring residents and passersby “that this exercise will be sustained in line with the Agency’s mandate as enshrined in the THEMES PLUS Agenda of the State to restore law and order across Lagos Metropolis.”

Akerele further disclosed that the agency had carried out initial surveillance in the area where it was discovered that the miscreants made use of the pedestrian Bridges at Oshodi Bus Stop to spot their victims and wailed them.

He assured that all the menace will soon become a thing of the past as the activities “will be completely grounded soonest.”

“Motorists and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the Agency or the nearest police station.

“We remain on high alert and will continue to carry out surveillance and sting operations aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of motorists and residents along this axis and beyond,” Akerele said.

Osun Amotekun parades woman for spending fake currency

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A single mother,  Rebecca Ako, living in Owenna, Osun State, arrested for spending fake currency, has been paraded by Osun Amotekun Corps.

Ako was among suspects nabbed for various offences across the state by Osun Amotekun Corps, paraded by the security organisation.

A statement signed by the spokesperson for Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, obtained in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Tuesday, noted that the Corps Commander, Dr Adekunle Omoyele, while parading the suspects before journalists in Osogbo, explained that the 30-year-old Ako was arrested inside Sabo Market, Ilesa.

Omoyele added that Ako admitted committing the crime, giving excuse of the financial crises she was going through as the reason for her action.

Responding to questions from According to Online Ako, who admitted committing the crime, added that she was introduced to the crime by a co-tenant after her husband had dumped her.

“I am from Benue State and I live in Owenna. I used fake money to buy goods. There is a woman, Mrs Elizabeth that I used to live with when my husband left me. The woman later left for Abuja and she called me one day and introduced me to the fake money telling me that I can spend it.

“She usually send the fake naira to me through dispatch. When she gives me N100,000 fake money, I will give her N50,000 original money that I would have made in the course of using the fake money. That is how I used to do before I was caught,” Ako said.

Also paraded was a 19-year-old girl, Adegboye Glory arrested in Iwo for burglary and theft of food items.

One Najeemden Adeyemi, aged 50 years, arrested for attempted kidnapping and stealing from female victims by luring them to secluded places using a fake Facebook account, was also paraded.

The Osun Amotekun boss, who said the Amotekun Corps in the state would make the State too hot for criminals, called for the cooperation of the residents to nip criminal acts in the bud.