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Oyo monarch urges MURIC, others to sheathe sword

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Oyo monarch urges MURIC, others to sheathe sword

The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice Chairman of Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Alao, on Tuesday, urged those fanning embers of division over the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso palace to desist or face their waterloo.

According to Online reports that the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, on Friday, appointed Ayilara as the new Chief Imam of the palace.

Olugbon, in a statement signed in Ibadan, the state capital, also urged Muslim Rights Concern to sheathe its sword as various stakeholders in Ogbomoso are on top of the issue.

He noted that Ogbomoso is a peaceful place with people of different religious beliefs cohabiting in love.

The monarch said the MURIC’s concern about the controversy is well noted, assuring the group that traditional institutions in the state would not allow the promotion of division in the Ogbomoso Muslim community.

The statement read, “My attention and those of elders and critical stakeholders in Ogbomoso has been drawn to the Muslim Rights Concern’s criticism of the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the palace Chief Imam by Oba Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, on Friday.

“I, however, urge MURIC to sheathe its sword as various stakeholders in Ogbomoso are on top of the issue. As a major stakeholder in Ogbomoso Zone, and the Vice Chairman, the State Council of Obas and Chiefs, I can confirm that stakeholders in Ogbomoso land are working hard to ensure that the Muslim community in Ogbomoso is not allowed to be divided. I assure MURIC and other Nigerians are concerned about the ugly development that we will not sit by and allow the promotion of division in the Ogbomoso Muslim community.

“Besides, there is a pending suit on the matter in the Court of law which means that Sheik Ayilara remains the Chief Imam except the court decides otherwise. I call on those fanning embers of division to desist, otherwise, they will meet their Waterloo. As a foremost traditional ruler, I am fully aware that monarchs do not have executive power over Chief Imams or other religious leaders.

“As obas, we are custodians of our culture and traditions, rightly promoting our values and heritage. Traditional rulers in the state are not partisan on religious affairs. I, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Alao, stand with the only Chief Imam Talihat Ayilara. Let him continue to perform his duties as the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso because he is the one chosen by the Muslim community”, the statement added.

Police parade 10 suspected internet fraudsters in Bayelsa

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Police parade 10 suspected internet fraudsters in Bayelsa

The Zone 16 Police Command in Bayelsa State has paraded 10 suspects for alleged internet fraud, possession of charms, illicit drugs, and involvement in diabolical ritual activities.

Addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Yenagoa, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ewhoborwo Gunn, said the suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The suspects include Goodwill (male), aged 23, Princewill Oguama (male), aged 20, Anyamwu Oluebube (male), aged 19, Tochukwu Ajaegbu (male), aged 27, Daniel Samuel (male), aged 21, and Akanimoh Joshua (male), aged 22.
The others are Chuckwumye Ubeh (male), aged 19, Peter James (male), aged 28, Gentle Nelson (male), aged 22, and a female, Ruth Kossiwa, aged 22.

Gunn said they were arrested on Monday at No. 4, Peterson Avenue, Ogbogoro, Port Harcourt, adding that they would be arraigned in court and prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

He stated, “Their arrest followed a covert operation by the
operatives upon the receipt of intelligence information, during which hard drugs and charms were recovered.

“The suspects, upon interrogation, confessed to being involved in a series of fraudulent activities, as the evidence clearly shows. They will be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are completed.”

Gunn said the AIG in charge of Zone 16, Paul Alifa Omata, has reiterated the dedication of his officers to the protection of lives and property in Bayelsa and Rivers states.

According to him, the police are fulfilling their constitutional mandate, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

While speaking to the press, the only female suspect, Ruth Kossiwa, said she was visiting her boyfriend of one month when she was arrested alongside the others on Monday morning.

In another development, officers of Zone 16 recovered a Beretta pistol with several rounds of 9mm calibre ammunition at Okaki Junction in Yenagoa, where a gang of armed robbers had been terrorising residents.

Transformer vandal electrocuted in Benue

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Again, bandits kill seven in Benue

A middle-aged man, whose identity is yet to be established, was electrocuted early on Tuesday while attempting to vandalise a transformer and cables belonging to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company.

The incident occurred opposite Queens Hotel, located at Ankpa Ward in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Residents awoke to find his lifeless body hanging between two poles connecting the cables to the transformer.

One of the residents, who identified himself as Terkula, said that the victim took advantage of power outages in the area to commit the act.

He added that the man likely met his end when power was unexpectedly restored.

He said, “We woke up this morning at about 5 am and discovered that electricity had been restored in some areas and streets close to ours. So, a few of our neighbours went to check the transformer. When we arrived at the site, we found that all the cables and other installations had been removed, and we saw a lifeless body on the pole.

“We promptly informed the ‘D’ Division police station, and they came to remove the body.”

When contacted, Dr Adakole Elijah, Head of Corporate Communications at JED, confirmed the incident. He condemned the activities of vandals in Benue State despite tight security around JED installations.

He said, “It has become practically impossible for the company to single-handedly protect these assets. That is why we are advising and pleading with communities to take ownership of electricity facilities in their areas, as it is them that the facility serves.

“Each time our facilities are vandalised, we spend significant amounts of money to restore services, only for them to be vandalised again. While the assets belong to the company, the communities are the end users.

“Vandalism of these facilities puts communities at risk in terms of security, social, and economic benefits. We continue to plead with people, especially community policing and vigilantes, to assist in safeguarding these assets.”

The Police Public Relations Officer for the State Command, SP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the incident. She said, “I am aware that someone was electrocuted in Wadata while attempting to vandalise a transformer. I received a report about that.”

Bauchi gov’s supporters call for Wike’s sanction over threat

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Wike threatens to unseat lawmaker in 2027

Supporters of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Vanguard, have called for the sanction of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his threat to destabilise some Peoples Democratic Party-controlled states.

Recall that the PDP Governors’ Forum had on August 24 expressed support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and called on the party’s leadership to grant him his “rightful” position as the party’s leader in the state.

Reacting to the call last Saturday at the PDP congress in Port Harcourt, Wike threatened to cause a political crisis in the state of any governor threatened his political structure in Rivers.

However, in a statement on Tuesday signed by its Director-General, Mohammed Jibo, the group called on the PDP leadership to sanction Wike for his open anti-party activities.

It also expressed its support for the party summoning of the FCT minister, adding that PDP should do more than invite Wike to appear before its disciplinary committee but either suspend or expel him outrightly.

The statement read in part, “It becomes imperative in view of Wike’s several anti-party activities, including his openly working against PDP in the 2023 presidential election, which the group stated contributed to the loss of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, in the election.

“While stating that Wike’s tirade against PDP governors was reckless and indecorous, the group asserted that there was nothing wrong with the PDP Governors’ Forum resolution at the governor’s meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, to stand with their Rivers State counterpart, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and their decision to consult with PDP National Working Committee to allow the governor to take over the leadership of the party in his state to warrant Wike’s threat to cause crises in PDP in their states.

“There is no doubt that Wike’s threat is nothing but reckless and indecorous, coming from someone who has benefitted immensely from PDP, the party he openly worked against its interests in the 2023 presidential election when he supported the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC. In our view, there is nothing more anti-party activity than this.

“It is in view of this and other known anti-party activities of the former Rivers governor that we not only back his invitation to face PDP Disciplinary Committee but also call on the National Working Committee of the party to urgently sanction Wike by either suspending him or giving him an outright expulsion from PDP before he causes further havoc on the party ahead of the 2027 general election.”

The group added that Wike’s threat poses a danger to PDP’s unity and the nation’s peace and stability, stating that the party is bigger than him or any other member.

It also warned the minister not to do anything to cause any turmoil in Bauchi State, which it submitted is the most peaceful state in the entire North-East zone.

It added, “PDP as a political party is bigger than any individual, no matter how highly placed such person may be. We strongly believe that the party’s founding fathers had never intended for it to become a tool of manipulation by any member of the PDP. We boldly say that Wike’s excess is too much and cannot be continuously tolerated any further.”

“While commending the Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors’ Forum for its stance on ensuring that PDP structure be returned to the Rivers State governor, BAM-V stated that those who assiduously worked to make Wike governor between 2015 and 2023 never hijacked the party structure from him but rather allowed him to assume the leadership of the party in the state.

“Governor Bala Mohammed led the PDP administration in Bauchi State and in the last five years, has worked hard to maintain peace, security, and development in the state. The likes of Wike are not wanted in Bauchi State. The state deserves its peace for its development to continue unabated.”

Obi appoints Tanko Obidient Movement interim coordinator

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Obi appoints Tanko Obidient Movement interim coordinator

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, named Dr Yunusa Tanko as the Interim National Coordinator of his Obidient Movement worldwide.

Before the new appointment, Tanko was the former Anambra State governor’s spokesman and media director of the defunct Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation.

In 2015, the activist cum politician was the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council before moving to National Conscience Party where he became the presidential candidate in 2019.

Obi, who announced the new appointment at an X Space engagement, explained that the choice of Tanko was agreed after consensus to zone the position to the North.

The LP national leader also stressed that his track record and leadership qualities were also considered.

He said, “Last week, I held an X space to announce the start of a series of engagements that will help establish this structure. To drive this process, I set up a team to manage these conversations. This team was tasked with holding a series of consultations and engagements.

“Moving forward, it is crucial to have leadership in place to support this building process. After extensive consultations within the movement and reviewing feedback from Obidients through the ideas submitted, there is a consensus that the position of National Coordinator should go to the North.

“From the nominations submitted by key stakeholders in the movement and shared with the engagement team, Dr Tanko Yunusa emerged as the most nominated candidate for this role.

“I want to clarify that all positions filled at this stage are on an interim basis until our structure is fully developed. Remember, we have over one million leadership positions to fill as we work to build a Nigeria that works for everyone. Please be thoughtful in your nominations to help us onboard people with the competence, character, and capacity to lead.”

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Anambra lawmaker appoints 70 aides

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Anambra lawmaker appoints 70 aides

The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, has appointed 70 constituency aides across Ogbaru.

Ogene stated that this move is in fulfilment of his commitment to delivering excellent service to his constituents.

The appointees include advisers, special assistants, executive assistants, and others.

The appointment letters, signed by Ogene’s Chief of Staff, Chinedum Uwolloh, and seen by our correspondent on Tuesday, outlined the aides’ responsibilities.

The letter states that the aides will, “Assist the office of Hon. Ogene in achieving its core objective of delivering excellent service to the people of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in your specific area of appointment or perform any other duties assigned by the office from time to time.

“The appointments were made based on the appointees’ experience and commitment to the lawmaker’s success as Representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency and the well-being of Ogbaru. The newly appointed aides are expected to bring their expertise and enthusiasm to their critical roles, particularly in enhancing service delivery to the constituents.

“They will receive monthly allowances aimed at motivating them and improving their economic conditions. This financial support will enable them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively, without the burden of financial constraints.

“The allowances are intended to supplement their income, allowing them to better meet their basic needs and focus on providing exceptional service to the constituents of Ogbaru Federal Constituency.”

The letter also recalled that upon assuming office, Ogene made a covenant with his constituents and Nigeria, outlining his commitment to responsible leadership.

“The covenant, made public in February 2024 during a thanksgiving programme to celebrate his victory at the tribunal, reads: ‘I pledge to be a sensitive, responsible, and responsive Representative, working tirelessly for the peace and socio-economic development of Ogbaru Federal Constituency. To prioritise the interests of the people, ensuring equity, fairness, and justice for all Nigerians in my lawmaking and oversight responsibilities, guided by the principles of servant leadership.
“I commit to promoting self-accountability, decorum, propriety, and integrity in public office, setting a high standard for ethical governance. So help me God!”‘

Notable among the appointees are Mr. David Chukwuekezie, Special Adviser (Political); Ben Nwasike, Special Adviser (Political); Emmanuel Akpati, Head of Media Relations; Maxwell Nwebo, Special Assistant (Events); Frank Oduah, Personal Assistant (Education Programmes); Tina Nwafor, Special Assistant (Women Mobilisation); Amechi Ede, Executive Assistant (Religious Affairs).

Gunmen bomb police headquarters, kill corporal in Anambra

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Police kill two bandits in Benue

Some gunmen have attacked the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the hoodlums, in large numbers, invaded the police facility in the early hours of Tuesday and threw explosives at the police facility.

The hoodlums also attacked the Oba Civic Centre.

Some sources in the area told our correspondent that a yet-to-be-identified police corporal was killed in the incident while others sustained varying degrees of injury.

The reason for the attack has yet to be ascertained, but it is believed to be carried out by a secessionist group.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

Ikenga said the hoodlums shot sporadically and threw petrol bombs, causing fires in some offices and the civic centre.

Ikenga said, “The Police-led Joint Security Force comprising of the Army, Navy, Civil defence and other security agencies are currently in a joint on-slaught operation within Oba and its environments. Following, an attack in the early hours of today 3/9/2024 on Oba Police Divisional Headquarters and Oba Civic Center.

“The suspected armed secessionists’ group started shooting sporadically in an attempt to gain entrance to the Police Station and threw petrol bombs at the security facility which made some of the offices catch up with fire including the Oba Civic Center.

“Unfortunately, a police corporal who was fatally wounded paid the supreme price, while the fire was put off with the help of other Police officers on duty and the Joint Security responding team.”

He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam while condemning the act, described the invasion of Security facilities and hostility towards security agents as an attack on the soul of a Nation and vows to bring those behind the unholy act to book.

Police probe suspected pirates’ kidnap of 10 Rivers passengers

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Police guard Rivers hospital treating injured suspect

No fewer than 10 passengers were abducted when suspected pirates attacked a passenger boat in the Bonny waterway in Rivers State on Monday.

According to Metro gathered that the boat was travelling from Bonny to Port Harcourt at about 10 am when the incident occurred.

Though details of the incident could not be ascertained as of press time,  the maritime workers union in the state has confirmed it to our correspondent.

The state Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, Israel Pepple, who confirmed the incident, said the abducted boat passengers were travelling from Bonny Island to Port Harcourt when the suspected pirates swooped on them.

He said the incident had been reported to the police, even as he called on the government and relevant security agencies to beef up security in the waterways to prevent attacks on the sea.

People stated, “As I speak to you right now, 10 persons have been kidnapped while travelling from Bonny to Port Harcourt. And the others are still afloat in the river waiting for rescue.

“I said let me just draw the attention of the Rivers State Governor, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and the Commissioner of Police who we visited last week that this happened this morning.”

Our correspondent reports that the latest incident came less than a week when People led the maritime union members on a protest at the Government House, Port Harcourt on the upsurge of pirate attacks on the waterways.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation was ongoing.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said, “Yes, we are aware. Investigation is ongoing to ensure that they are rescued unhurt.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the Divisional Police Officer and other tactical units to also ensure the arrest of the hoodlums and make them face justice.”

19-year-old Edo native doctor nabbed for alleged murder

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From lounge to Kirikiri prison, Nigerian DJ alleges police brutality

The Edo State Police Command on Monday said it had arrested a 19-year-old self-acclaimed native doctor over the death of his client.

The native doctor, who specialises in preparing charms against the effect of gunshots and cutlass attacks, killed his client while trying to prove the efficacy of a charm he prepared for the deceased

The incident occurred at Onumu Community, in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State on August 20.

A statement by the state police command spokesman, Moses Yamu, the victim, Alex Ezekiel, approached the suspect and requested the bulletproof charm.

“One Alex Ezekiel, ‘m’, now deceased, went to the “native doctor” to get the charm prepared for him.

“After preparing the charms, the native doctor tried to test the efficacy of the charm by shooting the deceased with a gun.

“Unfortunately, the deceased sustained fatal injuries, and was rushed to Ifejola Hospital, Igarra, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor,” the statement said.

Yamu said the suspect would face prosecution as soon as an investigation is concluded.

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Traders lament as fire guts 40 Oyo shops

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Ogun probes market fire

Traders at a popular market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, lamented their losses on Monday when their over 40 shops were completely razed to the ground after a fire incident.

Though, no life was lost, the incident, which happened on Saturday, at the popular Oranyan Market, herbal section, in the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state, destroyed multimillion naira property and herbs.

When According to Metro visited the market, on Monday, the shopowners were seen in different groups, gnashing their teeth over the unfortunate incident.

Nobody could identify what led to the inferno.

Some of the victims, Fatimoh Adebimpe (the market youth leader); Kafaya Lucky, and Kehinde Moronfade, lamented that the cause of the fire incident was still sketchy as no single food vendor was in the market when it began.

Adebimpe, who said she had been in the market since 1979, lamented, “We normally resume here around 7.00 am and close by 7.00 pm as well. Whenever they ring a bell or you hear the sound of a bell in the evening, you must take your leave. So, some of us were already at our different homes when those living close to the market started calling us around 10.0pm that the market was on fire.

“What could have caused this? We are not connected to the national grid, because it’s a taboo. We are not using electricity. Nobody is selling food here. So, we are still in total confusion.

“I cannot say this is what I lost in that fire. I just bought some things like full tiger skin; and many other things I may not want in the paper.

“Though the local government officials who control this area were here this morning (Monday), they promised to do something. We are hopeful.”

Another victim, Lucky, said, “I have a lot of money in the shop. The reason why we always keep money there is because of hunters who normally bring different animals for us.

“If you are unable to pay immediately, they may take it to another person. Forget whether he is your customer. So, you must always have money with you. That’s why we are keeping money in the shops.”

Moronfade said, “I just got a loan on Friday, and this disaster happened the next day. It’s so pathetic. No traces of burning or cooking in the market. Honestly, I’m devastated.”

Confirming the incident to our correspondent on Monday, the General Manager of the state fire service, Yemi Akinyinka, said the headquarters received a fire emergency call at exactly 23:25hrs on the incident.

He said, “The incident affected 20 prefabricated shops out of multiple adjourning rows of shops.

“The property worth millions of naira was affected, while property worth billions of naira was saved, but no life was lost. Our personnel returned to the station at exactly 3:36hrs.”

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