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Infant, three others die in Borno canoe accident

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Infant, three others die in Borno canoe accident

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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President seeks approval for FCTA supplementary budget

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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Police nab suspected murders, armed robbers in Bauchi

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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Lagos taskforce arrests 88 in Oshodi, Bolade criminals raid

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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Osun Amotekun parades woman for spending fake currency

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.

Stop questioning Edo election results, APC warns Yiaga Africa

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Stop questioning Edo election results, APC warns Yiaga Africa

The All Progressives Congress has cautioned Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation, against undermining the Independent National Electoral Commission by questioning the results of the recently concluded Edo State gubernatorial election.

In a press statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Tuesday, the APC criticised Yiaga Africa for allegedly attempting to second-guess INEC’s authority.

Morka described the group’s actions as overstepping their mandate as election observers.

“Yiaga Africa is overreaching its election observer mission by second-guessing INEC on the result of last Saturday’s Edo State gubernatorial election.

“INEC is the sole statutory authority for the conduct and declaration of election results. Yiaga Africa is not and must desist from constituting itself as a parallel agency for the declaration of election results,” Morka stated.

The party also accused the civil society organisation of making baseless allegations regarding the manipulation of results, stating that these claims lacked supporting evidence and were based on speculative data.

“Alleging that results were manipulated without hard facts and figures, but based on some statistical guesswork, is a clear disservice to the electoral process. Yiaga Africa’s report is a travesty, replete with methodological flaws, politicised observations, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies,” Morka added.

He also stressed that election observers such as Yiaga Africa should respect INEC’s statutory role and refrain from encroaching on the commission’s responsibilities.

Morka further warned Yiaga Africa against sowing confusion by creating the appearance of a “parallel election process” through unverified and questionable statistical parameters.

He warned, “Election observer missions are not election management agencies and cannot usurp INEC’s statutory authority as the sole election management body in Nigeria.

Doing so would constitute a clear breach of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Declaring or second-guessing the Edo State gubernatorial result based on unsubstantiated, unverified, and highly questionable statistical parameters created by Yiaga Africa is designed to create unnecessary confusion.”

Meanwhile, the APC expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for ensuring a fair electoral process and praised INEC and law enforcement agencies for their professionalism during the election.

He reaffirmed the party’s belief that the election results represented the will of the Edo people, who voted for Senator Monday Okpebholo as their next governor.

Morka stated, “The APC reiterates its immense appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for ensuring a level playing field, to INEC for its professionalism, and to law enforcement agencies for their diligence and service during the election.

“By their votes, the good people of Edo State were loud and clear in their choice of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the next governor to lead the state into a new era of peace, unity, people-centred development, and prosperity for all.”

The APC also reminded any aggrieved parties that legal disputes regarding the election results should be resolved through the courts, in accordance with the established electoral process.

On Monday, Yiaga Africa criticised the conduct of the election, stating that the process and declared results lacked integrity.

The organisation alleged widespread irregularities, including the manipulation of results by collation officers.

Head-on collision leaves five police officers dead in Kano

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Head-on collision leaves five police officers dead in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the death of five officers following a ghastly motor accident along the Zaria-Kano road in the early hours of Tuesday (today).

 

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the incident to According to Online in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

 

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

 

“The accident occurred at Karfi, a 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, eleven other officers who sustained various degrees of injuries were currently receiving medical treatment in one of the hospitals in Kano.

 

It was 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 Murtala Mohammad Specialist Hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention.

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NDLEA arrests ex-convict for importing N4.6bn cocaine

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NDLEA arrests ex-convict for importing N4.6bn cocaine

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have again arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Christian Ogbuji.

Ogbuji was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on May 10, 2023, upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.986kg.

He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 Abuja, presided over by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023, and convicted on July 13, 2023.

Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of N3,000,000.00.

A statement by the spokesperson for the agency, Femi Babafemi said Ogbuji paid the fine.

Babafemi added that Ogbuji also forfeited the seized 1.986 kilograms of cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings were found on him at the time of his arrest.

However, Babafemi stated that 16 months later, Ogbuji was arrested again on September 18, 2024, with N4.6bn worth of cocaine.

Babafemi said, “Barely 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji has been intercepted by operatives of the NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the same Class A drug weighing 19.40 kilograms with an estimated street value of N4,656,000,000.00.

“Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday, 18th September 2024, during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage.

“In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt. As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a secondary search.

“It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect. A total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.40kg belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered.”

Babafemi said during an interview with the suspect, that he initially left the backpack containing the drug at the carousel area as a strategy to beat NDLEA operatives, adding that he never knew there could be a secondary search since he had presented his bag for search previously and nothing incriminating was found.

Babafemi said the suspect claimed he had to procure a new international passport to continue his criminal trade.

“Investigation reveals Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and others in the West African sub-region like
Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire,” he added.

APC plotting to destroy democracy, ground Nigeria — Secondus

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APC plotting to destroy democracy, ground Nigeria — Secondus

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, has said that the 2027 elections may never come to fruition, as the All Progressives Congress has destroyed and buried democracy in the country.

He also accused the APC of orchestrating a plan to ground Nigeria through misgovernance.

Secondus made this known in a statement on Tuesday, signed by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, in reaction to Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.

According to him, all indications suggest that the ruling party is on a mission to destroy democracy in Nigeria.
He noted that what occurred in Edo State over the weekend was “electoral fraud, conducted with no regard for the rule of law or respect for voters.”

The statement partly read, “From the results of all the off-cycle elections conducted in Imo, Kogi, and Edo States, the Mahmoud Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission has shown no remorse for the disgraceful conduct of the 2023 election, which threw Nigeria under the bus.

“With the shameless boast by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, that they will apply the Edo template in other forthcoming off-cycle elections in Ondo and Anambra States, it is clear that 2027 may not even happen, as the ruling party’s agenda is to create a one-party state by silencing the opposition.

“The beauty of democracy lies in opposing voices that check the ruling party, but the APC is set to ruin Nigeria with their misrule and won’t tolerate dissenting views.

Nigeria’s democracy is teetering on the edge because of election rigging. If the Edo election stands, it will be difficult to conduct future elections in Nigeria.

“The manipulation of the Edo election was blatant, beginning with the harassment and arrest of opposition leaders, as well as the compromise of key players, such as security agencies and electoral officials. The world is watching the disgrace we bring to this beautiful system of government, which other nations use to stabilise and develop their countries.”

Indolence, laxity will not be tolerated, Aliyu tells LG chairmen 

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Indolence, laxity will not be tolerated, Aliyu tells LG chairmen 

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State swore in the newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen on Monday, urging them to stay within their domains.

In his remarks during the ceremony held at the Government House, the governor warned the LG chairmen to always be accessible to their subjects, adding that the government will not tolerate acts of inaccessibility, indolence and laxity to work.

He said, “Gone are those days when the local government Chairmen would abandon their domains for hotel rooms.

“Any local government Chairman found flouting these directives would be dealt with severely”, he warned.

The governor further directed the newly sworn-in chairmen to ensure regular meetings with the relevant security outfits in their local government areas to devise means of addressing the current security challenges in their areas.

“Remember that tackling security challenges is one of our 9-point Smart Agenda, so give security all the desired attention”, he added.

Aliyu also restated his administration’s determination to fully secure the state and called for community-sustained support and prayers from all and sundry.

The governor also directed the chairmen to immediately comply with the Code of Conduct Laws.

He also reminded them to devise more ways to improve their internally generated revenue to have enough funds to meet the expectations of their subjects.

Aliyu also warned the local government Chairmen against pilfering with public funds, adding that zero-tolerance for corruption must be observed in all the Local government areas of the state.

He also appealed to the people of the state to continue to offer fervent prayers for Allah’s guidance and protection for the present administration.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Ibrahim Dadi Adare, assured that the Ministry would ensure that an induction course is organized for the newly sworn-in local government Chairmen to acquaint them with the workings of the local government councils.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the APC leader in the state. Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir, Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala, Deputy Speaker, Kabir Ibrahim Kware as well lawmakers from the national and state assemblies.

Others were the former Deputy Governors of Sokoto and Zamfara States, Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, and Hassan Nasiha, Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, Chief of Staff Government House Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko, representative of the Sultan, Aliyu Attahiru, Commissioners and Special Advisers, among other dignitaries.

Recall that the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission, led by the chairman, Suleiman Aliyu, had earlier in the day declared candidates of the ruling All Progressive Congress as the winners of all the 23 local government elections held on Saturday, September 21.

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