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Ajaka seeks probe, culprits’ prosecution

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Ajaka seeks probe, culprits’ prosecution

The Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka, in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other relevant security agencies to investigate the vicious attack on him and his supporters by some thugs.

Ajaka and his supporters were attacked at the Supreme Court in Abuja on Friday after the five-member panel of justices of the apex court in a judgment, dismissed his appeal challenging the election victory of Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress for lacking in merit.

Ajaka, in a statement on Saturday, condemned the attack on his person in the strongest terms, terming it “an assault on democracy itself.”

He added, “I urge the Inspector General of Police and relevant security agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly, ensuring that culprits are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.

“In a democratic society, attacks on a governorship candidate, because he explored a legal means to reclaim his stolen mandate are inexcusable and will not be tolerated.”

Speaking on the judgment of the Supreme Court which affirmed Ododo as the winner of the gubernatorial poll in the state, Ajaka said that although he respects the decision of the Supreme Court and its role in upholding the rule of law, he however rejects the outcome of the judgement.

He said, “The world has witnessed the miscarriage of justice in our nation’s judiciary system, and we cannot help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and disillusionment.

“The judgement has left many questions unanswered and has further eroded the trust of the Nigerian people in the judiciary.

“We reject the outcome even though we have no other options available we will abide by the decision of the apex court.”

He appreciated his legal and media teams for their efforts, expertise, and commitment to working tirelessly with him to reclaim his alleged stolen mandate.

He urged them to stay strong and prepare for 2027 when they will have to regroup and come back stronger.

“To my supporters, I feel your pain and disappointment. We did our best, leaving no stone unturned, but the system failed us. We fought a good fight, but the outcome is not a reflection of our efforts.

“However, we take solace in the fact that 2027 is around the corner, and we will know what to do. We will regroup, reassess, and come back stronger.

“We consider this chapter closed, but our focus now shifts to supporting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in bringing Yahaya Bello to book. We will provide all necessary support to ensure accountability and transparency in governance”, Ajaka said.

Military personnel shoot dead police officer in Zamfara

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Military personnel shoot dead police officer in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command has condemned the killing of one of its officers, Halliru Liman, who was shot and killed by military personnel.

The command demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that those responsible were brought to book.

In a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson,, ASP Yazid Abubakar, said the command was deeply disturbed by the senseless killing of Liman, who was until his death, the DPO in charge of Wasagu Division in Kebbi state.

Abubakar said the deceased police officer was on his way to Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State to attend a meeting when he was stopped on the way at Danmarke area in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara by military personnel attached to Operation Dadarin Daji.

Abubakar further explained that the officer was murdered on the spot by the military personnel, despite identifying himself as a police officer.

He maintained that, in a shocking display of aggression, the leader of the military personnel Hassan shot Liman in the head, resulting in his instant death.

Abubakar, therefore, urged the relevant authorities to act fast and investigate the circumstances that led to the killing of the police officer and ensure that those responsible were brought to book.

“On August 28, 2024, at approximately 1030 hours, SP Liman was brutally murdered by military personnel led by one Hassan, attached to OPHD Sector 6, Dan Marke area of Bukkuyum, Zamfara State.

“The circumstances surrounding this heinous crime are alarming and unacceptable.

“SP Liman, who was on his way to attend a monthly conference in Birnin Kebbi, was stopped by military personnel despite identifying himself as a police officer.

“In a shocking display of aggression, Hassan pointed his gun at SP Liman and shot him in the head, resulting in his instant death. We condemn this unprovoked attack in the strongest possible terms and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident”

“The military’s actions are a clear violation of the rules of engagement and the principles of inter-agency cooperation. We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this egregious incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable”.

“The police and military must work together to maintain peace and security, not engage in violent confrontations that undermine public trust. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of SP Halliru Liman and assure them that we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served.”

Ododo remains APC member despite defection rumours, Kogi declares

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Ododo remains APC member despite defection rumours, Kogi declares

The Kogi State Government has declared that Governor Usman Ododo remains a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress, stressing that he is not considering defecting to the opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party.

This statement was made in response to a report by an online news platform (not According Online), which went viral early on Saturday.

The report claimed that Ododo, who secured a Supreme Court victory on Friday, dismissing the appeal of the Social Democratic Party candidate, Muritala Ajaka, contesting Ododo’s victory in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, was considering defecting to the PDP.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Saturday, obtained by our correspondent, described the report as “a reckless and unprofessional media report.”

The statement clearly stated that the report was a product of mischief makers and promoters of falsehood who were still licking their wounds after their loss at the Supreme Court on Friday.

The statement read: “The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to a reckless and unprofessional media report that the Governor of the State was considering dumping the All Progressives Congress. We would have ignored the blatant falsehood, but we owe the public the duty of providing correct and adequate information.

“The promoters of the falsehood are people who are still ruing their woeful failure at the law courts and are probably trying to find a back door into the All Progressives Congress, hence their resort to the only tools at their disposal, which are falsehood, propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation.

“The picture being circulated was taken at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Taraba State Governor, His Excellency Agbu Kefas, which was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, as well as governors from across party lines. His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo was at the occasion to honour the daughter of a colleague, as other governors did.

“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo only yesterday triumphed at the Supreme Court with the support of his party. It is unintelligent to insinuate that the Governor is abandoning the party that supported him throughout his electioneering and the litigations. Their craft of lies is falling like a house of cards.”

The government assured the people of Kogi State that Ododo remains a solid member of the ruling APC and will continue to support all party activities in the state and nationally.

It added: “We want to assure the good people of Kogi State that their Governor remains a solid member of the All Progressives Congress and will support the party’s success, not only in Kogi State but nationally.

“We urge the people to rest assured that Kogi remains APC and will continue to support the laudable policies and progress being recorded by the President of our dear nation, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Indeed, governors are united across party lines to support the efforts of Mr President at uniting our nation.”

Recall that Ajaka had challenged the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the November 11, 2023 election, which produced APC’s Ododo as the winner.

After his petition was dismissed at the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, Ajaka appealed the tribunal’s judgment at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, where his appeal was also dismissed.

A five-member panel of the apex court, in a unanimous decision on Friday, affirmed Ododo’s victory as the panel refused to void the election as requested by Ajaka.

Man arrested for defiling seven-year-old girl in Anambra

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Man arrested for defiling seven-year-old girl in Anambra

A 30-year-old man identified as Chinonso Nwaebonyi, has been arrested by security operatives for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl in Awka, Anambra State capital.

Nwaebonyi, a native of the Izzi community in Ebonyi State was apprehended after the mother of the seven-year-old reported the incident to the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Awka.

This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday, issued by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.

Ikeanyionwu said the suspect on interrogation by security operatives, had earlier denied the allegation, but later confessed to committing the said crime but “only once”.

The statement read in part, “According to the seven-year-old, she, with her twin brother usually go to the compound after theirs to play since the holiday started. It was at the place that the suspect started defiling her.

“She stated that the suspect has had carnal knowledge of her for about five times which was always on Mondays and Tuesdays.

“On how the mother got to know of the incident, the seven-year-old’s mother of the survivor said, she got to know one of the days she came back from work to bath her kids and discovered that her daughter’s private region was swollen.

“On inquiry, she was briefed on what had been going on and she quickly went to the next compound to complain to the guardians of the suspect after which she took her daughter to a pharmacy before coming to the ministry.

“Meanwhile, the suspect, who had earlier denied the allegation, later confessed to committing the said crime but only once.”

On interrogation, the suspect said he never forced the girl, but only asked her to raise her clothes and lie down on the ground.

It was gathered that the seven-year-old survivor and her twin brother were born to her parents after 10 years of childlessness.

As of the time of this report, the suspect has been handed over to the police where he will be interrogated and charged to court.

Recalled that in 2015, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which outlawed all forms of violence against women and girls, including rape, defilement, female circumcision, and forceful ejection was enacted and offenders, on conviction, face life imprisonment or a maximum of 14-year jail term, depending on the age of the offender and type of violence committed.

Several persons have been arrested in Anambra on offences ranging from rape and defilement and many cases are at various courts waiting for prosecution.

Ganduje congratulates Uzodimma, Ododo on S’ Court victory

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Ganduje congratulates Uzodimma, Ododo on S’ Court victory

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has hailed Friday’s judgment of the Supreme Court affirming the election victories of Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma and his Kogi counterpart, Usman Ododo.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by Ganduje’s Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu.

The two-term governor of Kano State said the landmark judgment was not only a testament to the confidence Imo and Kogi people have in the party and its candidates but also a reaffirmation of the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.

The APC national chairman further stated that the ruling party is proud of the exceptional leadership displayed by both governors in their respective states.

Ganduje also commended the Supreme Court for its thorough and unbiased adjudication, which has further strengthened the democratic fabric of our great nation.

“I urge both Governors Uzodimma and Ododo to continue their outstanding work in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of their states and to uphold the values and principles that the APC stands for.

“We also acknowledge the support and resilience of party members and supporters in Imo and Kogi States throughout the electoral process and the subsequent legal battles. Their dedication to the party’s ideals has been instrumental in this victory.

“Let me assure the governors of the APC’s full support as they continue to lead their states to greater heights. The APC remains committed to ensuring good governance and the welfare of all Nigerians,” Ganduje said.

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35-year-old commits suicide in Ogun

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35-year-old commits suicide in Ogun

A 35-year-old man, identified as Emmanuel Urhobocha, has allegedly died by suicide in his apartment on Alafia Street in Sango-Ota, located in the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Ogun State Police Command informed According to Online on Saturday that the incident took place around 9:00 a.m. on Friday.

This incident occurred just days after a 32-year-old man, Olúwaṣeun Shorinola, died by suicide in the Kémta area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on August 28, 2024.

The command’s spokesperson, Odutola Omolola, told According to Online that the deceased’s roommate, identified as Obabiyi David, had gone to the Sango-Ota Police Division to report that his flatmate was acting irrationally.

“He (David) stated that Urhobocha was behaving oddly and even mentioned that the deceased had attacked him with a knife at one point. David sustained injuries but managed to escape the assault,” Odutola stated.

A team of policemen from the Sango-Ota division was dispatched to question Urhobocha regarding the alleged attack on his friend, but upon arrival, they found the room securely locked from the inside.

After several attempts to force the door open, the police finally gained entry and found the suspect lying lifeless, face down in the apartment, According to Online learnt.

Odutola said, “He was discovered dead in the apartment, with a container of insecticide found next to his body.

“He was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical attention, but the attending doctor confirmed him dead. His body has been placed in the morgue for an autopsy, and the incident remains under investigation.”

Benue APC faction defies Ganduje, nominates 23 chairmanship candidates

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Benue APC faction defies Ganduje, nominates 23 chairmanship candidates

The crisis rocking the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress deepened on Monday after the dissolved Austin Agada-led All Progressives Congress announced that it had nominated 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship candidates ahead of the October 5, local government election in the state.

The primary exercise took place in all the wards across the 23 local government areas of the state on Saturday.

The development comes five days after the aggrieved executive members, who were dissolved by the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, dragged him to court for ignoring the exparte order restraining the National Working Committee from acting.

A Benue High Court sitting had ordered the APC not to remove Agada and the current executives of the party.

A copy of the exparte order granted by Justice Theresa Igoche in motion No MH /1585m/2024 stopped the Ganduje-led NWC from sacking the Austin Agada-led State Working Committee until the expiration of their four-year tenure.

The Benue chapter of the APC had been at loggerheads with Governor Hyacinth Alia over the leadership of the party in the state.

While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, is in support of the Agada-led state working committee, Alia, on the other hand, has thrown his weight behind the Benjamin Omakolo-led faction.

But the ruling APC ignored the court order and announced the dissolution of the Benue exco on Wednesday and immediately inaugurated a seven-man caretaker Committee to take over the affairs of the party at the state level for six months, an action the Agada-led exco vowed not to obey.

A statement released by the Benue APC chairman, Austin Agada, in Abuja on Monday, said the primary election was conducted through consensus and affirmations.

 

In the statement, the APC Chairman of Guma Local Government, Lazarus Asema, also described the process as peaceful and lauded the leadership of the APC in the state for effective leadership and proper organisation.

He said, “I am impressed with the process and commended stakeholders in the Local Governments for the successful primary election.

“I also thank the people, particularly party faithful for conducting themselves and the exercise peacefully.”

 

The primary exercise produced the following chairmanship candidates: Elias Ogbu (Ado), Tarkaa Solomon (Konshisha), Chia Terna (Vandeikya,) Atom Phillip (Kwande), Andrew Ocheme (Ogbadibo), Ogbole Mathew (Obi), Napoleon Otache (Agatu), Elias Ogbu (Ado), Eje Elvis (Apa), Washima Haris (Katsina-Ala), Ajeh Ogah (Ohimini) and Akombo Stephen (Logo).

Others include Terver Agwaza (Ukum), Benjamin Atoza (Gwer), Denise China (Gwer West), Vincent Apera (Guma), James Agudu (Buruku), Tyopaase Benjamin (Ushongo), Mrs Ene Ameh (Okpokwu), Jonathan Shimgbe (Makurdi) and Jackson Udama (Oju).

In Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Simon Aluor, who took part in the primaries said that APC has shown a good example of orderliness and peace.

In Otukpo, the party faithful in the area also trooped out in their numbers and voted in affirmation of their preferred chairmanship aspirant, Oleho Augustine.

Police kill notorious Akwa Ibom kidnap kingpin

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Police kill notorious Akwa Ibom kidnap kingpin

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have neutralised a notorious kidnapping kingpin and leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force, one Ubong Effiong Archibong, alias ‘Condiment.’

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo, the state capital, titled “Notorious Kidnap Kingpin/Sea Pirate Meets Waterloo” on Thursday.

She stated that the suspect was killed in a gun battle with operatives of the Command at his hideout in Uyanga Community, Cross River State, and a G3 rifle with ammunition was recovered from him.

According to the statement, the suspect was responsible for the kidnapping of High Court Judge, Joy Unwana, and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, last year.

Other kidnapping cases linked to the slain suspect include the gruesome murder of the CEO of Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd and the kidnapping of his sales representative and Pharmacist Joemel.

The statement read, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on Wednesday, 28th August 2024, neutralised a dreaded kidnap kingpin/sea pirate whose stock-in-trade was to kidnap, kill, maim, and cause havoc in society.

“The kingpin, Ubong Effiong Archibong (M), alias ‘Condiment,’ a gang leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force terrorising the Uruan/Oron waterways, was responsible for the kidnapping of High Court Judge, Joy Unwana, and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, as well as the gruesome murder of the CEO of Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd. and the kidnapping of his sales representative.

“The suspect was also responsible for the kidnapping of Pharmacist Joemel, as well as the kidnapping of Mr Brown, CEO of Mingles Hotel.

“The suspect was neutralised during a gun battle with operatives of the Command at his hideout in Uyanga Community, Cross River State.

“One G3 rifle with four live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the suspect. The corpse of the suspect was recovered and deposited at the morgue. Investigations with the full intent to arrest other members of the gang are ongoing.”

Kano reviews progress on basic education reforms

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Kano reviews progress on basic education reforms

The Kano State Education Sector Joint Steering Committee conducted a two-day meeting in Kaduna on Monday to review progress reports from Technical Working Groups on the implementation of basic education initiatives in Kano State.

All stakeholders in the education sector gathered to brainstorm and assess the progress made so far, addressing the challenges hindering the advancement of the state’s education sector.

Addressing the participants, the State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Doguwa, explained that following the declaration of a state of emergency on education by His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, the Ministry has taken positive steps to ensure that the policy is fully implemented to achieve the desired goals.

According to Doguwa, part of this effort is the conduct of a bi-annual meeting of the Education Sector Joint Steering Committee, with the objective of this year’s meeting being to discuss the progress on the implementation of the 14-point education reform agenda and to deliberate on the recommendations from the Kano Education Recovery Conference and Action Plan.

“I also want to inform you that during this crucial meeting, we are expected to disseminate findings from the 2023 Annual Education Sector Performance Review, receive a brief on the Haske Basic Education for Integrated Qur’anic Schools pilot in Kano, and agree on the next steps,” said Doguwa.

In a press statement released by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Education, Kano State, Balarabe Kiru, the State Commissioner of Education, Umar Doguwa, disclosed that the state Ministry of Education has mapped out the next steps agenda, which will be implemented soon.

These steps include conducting a massive school enrolment drive, distributing instructional materials to schools across the 44 local government areas, and reopening the boarding schools closed down by the previous administration.

Doguwa added that preparations have been completed to provide upkeep allowances to schools to ensure their smooth operation and the provision of quality education. He also mentioned that the Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf-led administration will soon distribute adequate furniture to schools, including uniforms, to create an enabling learning environment.

He further urged the programme participants to honour the commitments made during the meeting as their next course of action, assuring them of the government’s support at all times.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Mata, maintained that as major stakeholders, his ministry agreed to upgrade and develop the technical education system in all state tertiary institutions to provide a conducive environment for skills acquisition programmes.

“We arrived here with a developed action plan framework for the education sector, and we have done a lot to ensure the meeting’s success. As you can see, we have already taken the next steps in the form of promoting new policies, including the implementation of well-established existing policies,” he said.

One of the activities carried out during the meeting was an intensive review of the education crisis response plan framework, which includes access to quality education, the almajiri, and alternative education system, promoting girl-child education, teacher development, teaching and learning materials and resources, and curriculum development, among others.

Prominent among those who attended the bi-annual State Education Sector Joint Steering Committee Meeting were all relevant stakeholders, as well as representatives from the Kano State House of Assembly, the Kano Emirate Council, development partners, MDAs, and civil society organisations.

Buttock enlargement doctor declared wanted as client dies during surgery

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Buttock enlargement doctor declared wanted as client dies during surgery

The Lagos State Police Command has declared a doctor, identified as Idara Bassey, wanted in connection with the death of a 36-year-old lady simply identified as Abiola, who passed away during a buttocks enlargement procedure at a clinic in the Lekki Phase 1 area of the state.

The state police command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to our correspondent on Thursday.

According to Metro reported on Wednesday that the deceased had visited the clinic for a buttocks enlargement procedure, which took a fatal turn after a nurse (name withheld), allegedly acting on Bassey’s orders, administered an injection.

Commonly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift, the procedure is a form of cosmetic surgery that involves extracting fat from other areas of the body and injecting it into the buttocks to create a fuller, rounder appearance.

Before the incident, medical experts had cautioned about the potential side effects of the procedure. However, numerous videos have emerged online of women, particularly in Lagos, claiming to have successfully undergone the surgery.

According to Metro gathered that the deceased had reportedly departed from her home in the Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, in the Ibeju Lekki area of the state, instructing her driver to take her to the clinic for the procedure on Monday.

After the nurse allegedly administered the injection, following the doctor’s instructions, the driver who had brought the lady to the clinic informed the police that she (Abiola) lost consciousness and began gasping for breath.

While the police informed our correspondent that the nurse who administered the injection had been arrested, Hundeyin revealed that the clinic’s owner was currently on the run.

“The clinic’s owner is on the run,” he stated.

When asked whether the fleeing doctor had been declared wanted by the police, Hundeyin confirmed this, stating that the doctor was still considered a “suspect” in the case.

“She’s on the run. Of course, she’s a suspect,” Hundeyin added.

According to Metro reports that a 31-year-old British woman named Melissa Kerr also died at the private Medicana Kadikoy Hospital in Istanbul in 2019 during a similar surgery.

The British Broadcasting Corporation, citing a coroner, reported in 2023 that the deceased had not been provided with sufficient information to assess the risks associated with the BBL surgery before travelling for the procedure.

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