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Atiku, govs, others in Edo for PDP final campaign rally

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Acting National Chairman, Iliya Damagum and state governors have arrived in Benin City, Edo, for the Peoples Democratic Party final rally ahead of the gubernatorial poll on September 21.

Also, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers; Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa; Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State among others, arrived in the state for the event.

The PDP chieftains were received at the airport on Saturday by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Asue Ighodalo.

See photos of Atiku’s arrival below.

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In a related development, the former Vice President, PDP Governors, National Working Committee members, and other national leaders paid a birthday visit to the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Gabriel Igbinedion, at his residence in Benin City.

In a post via his official X handle on Saturday, the party said the visit was a show of respect and admiration for Igbinedion.

The party said the delegation joined family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate Esama’s 90th birthday, marking a lifetime of remarkable achievements and contributions to Nigerian society.

“The post added, “We honour a statesman, a bridge-builder, and a symbol of unity. Sir Chief Dr. Igbinedion’s selfless service to Nigeria deserves to be celebrated.

The visit underscores the PDP’s commitment to honouring esteemed leaders and fostering unity among Nigerians.”

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12-year-old girl tortured for two years rescued in Akwa Ibom

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The operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, have rescued a 12-year-old girl, Bright Sunday, who was allegedly locked up in a dilapidated building by her father.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Uyo, the state capital, on Saturday.

He said the victim was locked up by her father, Ndifreke Sunday, in connivance with her stepmother, Mrs Victory Sunday – 28 years old, both from Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom local government area of the state.

He said that the victim’s rescue and subsequent arrest of the suspects followed a complaint from the State Ministry of Justice about the suspects torturing the victim.

Eluwade added that the suspects were arrested for child deprivation and abuse in line with Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.

“The arrest was made on Tuesday, September 10, at Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom State, following a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice about the suspect subjecting his daughter to inhumane treatment.

“The suspects admitted to locking up the child because she confessed to being a witch and responsible for his afflictions,” Eluwade said.

The commandant noted that the victim would be handed over to Gender-Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation,
condemned the act of subjecting the young girl to inhumane treatment, describing it as barbaric, callous and heinous.

He warned parents to desist from such acts, under whatever guise, as the agency of government would not relent in apprehending offenders.

He said that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action.

Sharing her ordeal while speaking with newsmen, the victim lamented that she was kept locked up in a dilapidated room, denied food, bathing and subjected to consistent beating from her stepmother.

She also said she was fed once in two days, allowed to bath a maximum of twice a month and denied education.

Police beef up security in Bauchi ahead of Eid-El-Maulud

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Bauchi State Police Command has disclosed the increase in patrols and strengthening of security throughout the state ahead of the celebration of Eid-El-Maulud.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, disclosed this on Saturday in a press statement issued on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Auwal Mohammed.

The statement read, “In line with the command’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful celebration, the commissioner of police has instructed all area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical units to increase patrols and strengthen security throughout the state.

“Additional resources have been deployed, and intelligence efforts have been heightened to address potential threats to public safety proactively.”

The PPRO maintained that, “The commissioner also urges all Muslim faithful to take the opportunity to promote peace, unity, and tolerance within the diverse society.

“He calls upon all citizens to stay vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and abide by the law.”

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Students trapped as building collapses in Edo

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The student community at Ekosodin, Edo State was thrown into panic on Saturday morning when a storey building on Ekhator Street, Benin, the state capital, collapsed during the early morning downpour in the state.

Ekosodin borders the University of Benin and has a huge student population as those who cannot get accommodation in the school opt to live in the area.

According to Online gathered that some of the trapped students have been rescued while the search for others continue.

One of the students at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that a university rescue team managed to evacuate some of the trapped occupants, though several were severely injured.

He stated that the injured victims were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

“The rescue team is still searching for one of the victims who remains trapped inside the rubble, called from inside and the rescue team has continued its search to locate and rescue her and others who are still trapped,” the student said.

The Dean of Student Affairs is said to be on the scene, coordinating rescue efforts alongside the university team.

As of the time of this report, the university management has yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of individuals affected by the incident.

When According to Online contacted the State Fire Service, an official in the control room, who identified himself as Sylvester, said that three of its trucks were there to assist in the rescue.

“Our men are on ground to help in the rescue mission,” he added.

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2027: I’m open to working with other candidates

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said he is open to partnering with those who share his vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.

In a series of posts via his official X handle on Saturday, Obi emphasized he is not desperate to become president or any position but is determined to see Nigeria develop.

He was reacting to an alleged misinterpretation of his recent television interview, claiming that some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.

The former Anambra State Governor said he does not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

He said, “I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV. In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail. However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.

“Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record. I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

“I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture. I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.”

The former governor stated that he remains committed to the Labour Party, adding that he is committed to bringing millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms.

“I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election.

“I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.

“My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words. For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal.

“I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria. My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing, ” he added.

Kogi gov meets Shaibu, galvanises support for Okpebholo

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Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, as a true representation of the aspirations of the people of the state.

He, therefore, promised to use his contacts and cultural ties with the people of Edo State to ensure the victory of the party and its candidate in the Edo governorship election.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Special adviser to the governor, Ismaila Isah, stated that Ododo made the declaration at the APC youth rally in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, on Friday.

Ododo, who was received by the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, promised to galvanize support among the large population of youth and women in the area for the victory of the APC candidate in the September 21 governorship election.

He appealed to the people of Akoko-Edo to shun all acts of violence but to resist intimidation by defending their votes for the APC in the election.

“The APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, will replicate the outstanding performance of the past APC leadership in the state led by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, stressing that the APC and its governorship candidate will deliver on their campaign promises by giving topmost priority to the welfare of the people as currently being exemplified in Kogi State under leadership, ” Ododo said.

He said that Ododo, who spoke in English and Ebira languages, commended the people of Akoko-Edo for their peaceful conduct in the course of the campaign and assured them that their support would be rewarded by the APC and its governorship candidate once the party emerged victorious in the September 21 governorship election.

Ododo has since arrived in Benin City, the Edo state capital, ahead of the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally on Saturday, where he is expected to address the rally along with other leaders of the party in the final push for the party’s victory in the Edo state governorship election.

Anambra police arrest eight suspects for kidnapping, cultism

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested eight suspects for offences related to kidnapping, cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery.

The arrests were announced on Friday in a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

According to Ikenga, police operatives recovered a long gun, a locally-made Beretta, ammunition, and a suspected stolen vehicle from the suspects.

The arrests were part of a technology-driven investigation conducted by police-led joint security operatives at various locations across the state.

The statement revealed that two suspects were apprehended in a criminal hideout in Nnewi as part of an ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of a victim who was later released on August 19, 2024, in Ihiala LGA.

The suspects have confessed to participating in the crime and have provided vital information aiding the investigation.

In a separate operation on September 12, 2024, five suspects, identified as Okorie Miracle, Joshua Ekwa, Aneke Okorie, Mmesoma Faithful, and Chukwuzekwu Mba, all males within the age range of 20 – 26 from Umunze, were arrested.

The joint security operatives from Aguata Base raided a criminal hideout of suspected vandals.

The suspects were found with locally-made short guns, vandalised electricity cables, and tools used in the crime.

They have confessed and are cooperating with the police to identify other members of the gang and buyers of the stolen items.

Additionally, on September 13, 2024, operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad arrested a 25-year-old man, Chigozie Ejikeme, along the Nise/Agulu road. Ejikeme, who tried to evade a security checkpoint, was found with a locally-made Beretta pistol and one live 9mm round concealed on his waist.

He confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Secret Cult. The police also recovered the suspect’s black Lexus vehicle.

Ikenga noted that all the suspects would be charged in court once the investigations had been concluded.

Police recover 126 stolen phones during Kano raid

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The Kano State Police Command has successfully dismantled a major phone theft syndicate, leading to the recovery of 126 stolen mobile devices, hard drugs, and other dangerous weapons.

In a press statement on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, hailed the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against phone snatching and armed robbery in the state.

“This success follows directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, instructing all police commands to intensify efforts in dominating public spaces to curb crimes and criminal activities,” Kiyawa stated.

In response to these directives, the state Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, held a strategic meeting with the command’s tactical units to develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at eradicating crimes such as phone snatching and armed robbery.

Kiyawa explained that the breakthrough resulted from a series of targeted operations conducted between September 1-12, 2024, which led to the arrest of 26 suspected phone thieves and robbers.

In addition to the recovery of 126 stolen phones, police also seized drugs, weapons, and laptops from the suspects.

“The operations were specifically aimed at tackling the ongoing issue of mobile phone snatching and robbery in parts of the state’s metropolis,” Kiyawa added.

The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation at the command’s Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon conclusion.

Kiyawa also assured that the recovered phones would be returned to their rightful owners following proper identification and verification.

NSCDC arrests 18-year-old for vandal cables in Kano

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, has confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old man, Umar Abdullahi, for allegedly vandalising street light armoured cables in Hotoro quarters, in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

Abdullahi, a resident of Hotoro quarters, was apprehended on Friday by NSCDC operatives in collaboration with a local vigilante group.

The arrest occurred near the NNPC Mega Station in Hotoro, as Abdullahi attempted to flee with the stolen cables.

Speaking to reporters, a representative of the NSCDC, SC Ibrahim Idris, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Abdullahi was part of a three-man gang involved in the vandalism.

Abdullahi had been taken into custody at the NSCDC headquarters for further investigation.

It was learnt that the NSCDC had concluded its investigation and was set to arraign Abdullahi in court, along with the recovered evidence.

Efforts were said to be ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

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Court summons Okpebholo over alleged false date of birth

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The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has been summoned by a Magistrate’s Court in Abuja for allegedly making a false statement on his date of birth.

A document sighted by Saturday According to showed that Okpebholo was asked to appear before the court at 12 noon on Friday, September 20 by Magistrate Abubakar Mukhtar.

He is accused of claiming conflicting dates of birth in his nomination forms submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest the election.

“Whereas your attendance is required to answer to a charge of making a false statement on oath, you are summoned to appear in person before the Magistrate Court at Wuse Zone 2 on the 20th of September, 2024, at 12 noon,” the summons read.

The case, with suit no CR/W22/816/2024, was instituted by an indigene of Edo State, Honesty Aginbatse, who alleged that Okpebholo claimed he was born on 29/08/1970 in the form submitted to INEC, while another document submitted by him states 29/08/1972 as his date of birth.

Aginbatse said, “The defendant, on 24/03/2024, submitted a list of his personal particulars dated 05/03/2024 to INEC wherein he made a statement in item number 4 in Part B, stating that he was born on 29/08/1970. A certified true copy (C.T.C) of the list of personal particulars submitted to INEC by the defendant is attached to this complaint and marked as Exhibit B.”

“In the same Exhibit B, the defendant made a declaration on oath dated 05/03/2024, supported by a verifying affidavit, wherein he attached several documents, including a Statutory Declaration of Age deposed to on 04/06/2022 by one Okpebholo Ojeifo Joseph; marked as Exhibit C in this complaint, and a West African Senior School Certificate with Candidate and Certificate numbers 4320545182 and NGWASSCS11023655 respectively, marked as Exhibit D in this complaint. The said Exhibit D contains a statement indicating that the defendant was born on 29/08/1972, which is false in all its material particulars.”

“This is particularly so, as the statutory declaration of age mentioned in paragraph 7 above as Exhibit C, which in law stands in the stead of the defendant’s Birth Certificate, definitively affirmed that the defendant was born on 29/08/1970.”