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JUST IN: Robbers rape Ogun students

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JUST IN: Robbers rape Ogun students

No fewer than two first-year female students of Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, were allegedly raped by suspected robbers on Monday.

According Online learnt that around 12:30 am, suspected armed robbers invaded the students’ apartments, forcibly taking the survivors’ personal belongings.

A source at the school, requesting anonymity for fear of victimisation, disclosed that the suspects, armed with guns, forced the students to surrender their phones and other belongings before leading them to an uncompleted building where they took turns raping them.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to our correspondent via a WhatsApp message on Monday, stating that efforts to apprehend the suspects were ongoing.

She said, “The incident was reported at the Igbeba Police Division at about 10:00 am. Our operatives immediately combed the area in search of the suspects. Efforts are in top gear to arrest everyone involved in the crime.

“In the meantime, the survivors have been taken to the school clinic for treatment.”

Details later…

Uthman Salami

Uthman, a Mass Communication graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has over six years experience in journalism. He reports crime to community-related news for Metro, business with a focus on the capital market and the oil and gas.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Immigration officer, three others arraigned for drug trafficking

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Immigration officer, three others arraigned for drug trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Monday arraigned a senior immigration officer, Gbenga Akomolafe, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly trafficking eight kilograms of Methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, also known as marijuana.

Akomolafe, who is currently serving at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja Lagos, was arraigned alongside Babatunde  Olufemi, said to be a staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nwadozie Amaechi and Nwosu  Cyril.

The defendants who are facing nine counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession, import and dealing in the prohibited substances, were arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor.

The NDLEA’s Prosecution counsel, Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the defendants who are allegedly members of hard drug syndicate, were arrested on May 21, 2024, while attempting to smuggle the prohibited substances out of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport.

Ibrahim told the court that the defendants conspired to commit the alleged offences alongside the duo of Sunday Nwadozie and Echezona Nwosu, who are based in South Africa.

The prosecutor said Akomolafe was charged with six counts of conspiracy, unlawful import, unlawful possession, and trafficking in the banned substances.

The trio of Olufemi, said to be a staff member of FAAN, Nnadozie and Nwosu, were charged with three counts of conspiracy and unlawful importation and possession of the banned drugs.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened Sections 14 (b), 21 (2)(d), 20 (1)(c) 11(b) and 20 (2)(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

However, while the other three members of the gang pleaded guilty to the charges against them, the immigration officer denied committing the offences and pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Following the not guilty plea of the immigration officer, his lawyer,  Benson Ndakara, pleaded with the court to admit him to bail in the most liberal terms.

Consequently, Justice Osiagor granted Akomolafe bail in the sum of N10m, with one surety in like sum.

The judge also ordered that the surety must be a Civil Servant of an Assistant Director cadre in the employment of Lagos State or the Federal Government.

Osiagor convicted the trio of Babatunde, Nnadozie and Nwosu, based on their guilty plea, and sentenced them to four years on each count.

The three convicts were however ordered to pay the option of N2m fine on each count.

The judge also ordered that the sentence and fine option shall run concurrently.

The case was adjourned till  November 7, 2024, for trial. a

A’Court affirms dethroned Magodo monarch’s jail term

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A’Court affirms dethroned Magodo monarch’s jail term

The Court of Appeal Lagos Division on Monday affirmed the sentence of the dethroned Baale of Shangisha in Magodo, Lagos State, Mutiu Ogundare, for faking his abduction.

Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High in Ikeja had on September 27, 2022, sentenced the convict to 15 years imprisonment.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, Ogundare approached the court to challenge the decision of the lower court which sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment.

However, when the case was called on Monday, Mr Jubril Kareem announced his appearance for the respondent, while Mr Kayode Ojo appeared for the appellant.

Delivering judgment, the lead Justice of the three-man, Justice Peter Bassi, who read the verdict, upheld the judgment of the lower court in counts one and two and upturned count three.

Other Justices of the panel are Justice Bayero and Folashade Ojo, who agreed with the lead justice.

Bassi said that Ogundare’s appeal succeeded in part and reduced his sentence to 12 years.

The court, however, held, “The appellant is to serve 10 years imprisonment, for count one and two years for counts two, respectively.”

On the third count, the court upturned the sentence in respect of false representation to release a kidnapped person.

The convict was first remanded on July 16, 2017, in Kirikiri Prison, by an Ogba Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly faking his kidnap.

Ogundare was prosecuted alongside his wife, Abolanle and brother, Opeyemi Mohammed.

They were arraigned on three counts bordering on conspiracy, breach of peace and fake kidnapping, preferred against them by the Lagos State government.

Justice Oshodi, on June 15, 2022, convicted Ogundare and his brother Opeyemi Mohammed and reserved judgment till September 27, 2022.

Before their conviction, Ogundare’s  counsel Olarewaju Ajanaku, in his allocutus pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

Ajanaku told the court that the convict had turned a new leaf and that he did not think through his actions when he committed the offence.

The second defence counsel, Dr. Olayinka Owoeye, also in his allocutus prayed the court to temper justice with mercy adding that the convict (Mohammed),had learnt his lessons.

The said kidnap took place on July 5, 2017, but Ogundare later confessed to security services that he staged the kidnap to blackmail the state government.

He was allegedly abducted by three men along the Centre for Management Development Road, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area.

The Baale was said to have received a phone call from alleged developers, who had indicated an interest in a landed property within his domain.

The callers told him where to meet them, prompting Ogundare to drive to the address with one of his brothers, Mohammed.

On arriving at the location, the three men appealed to the Baale and his brother to join them in their White Toyota Venza so that they could go and see the land.

It was stated that on their way, the Baale’s brother noticed one of the men had a gun with him and he raised alarm and the suspected kidnapper pushed the Baale’s brother out of the vehicle and sped off with the Baale.

In the same month, the former governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, ordered the removal of Ogundare as the baale of Shangisha.

Domestic workers must benefit from N70,000 minimum wage – Senate

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Domestic workers must benefit from N70,000 minimum wage – Senate

The Senate and the National Council for Women Society have sought to include domestic servants in the proposed N70,000 National Minimum Wage Scheme.

The call for the inclusion of domestic servants in the national minimum wage came from both institutions at the National Assembly in Abuja during a public hearing on a bill seeking an Act to provide for Domestication and Registration of domestic workers and employers in Nigeria.

The public hearing on the bill, sponsored by Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC, Jigawa North West), was organised by the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity chaired by Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central).

The call for the inclusion of domestic servants in the National Minimum Wage scheme was spearheaded by Senator Osita Izunaso (APC Imo West), during his remarks at the public hearing.

He said, “As a member of this committee, I feel strongly that part of the provisions to be included in this bill is to include the domestic workers, housemaid or servants, in the proposed N70,000 national minimum wage law.

“As N70,000 is planned to be the lowest wage for the lowest public workers, so should be the case for the least domestic workers.

“We will put it in the bill for implementation by all employers.”

He, however, suggested that instead of domestication and protection of domestic workers and employers, the intendment of the bill should be changed to registration and protection of domestic workers and their employers.

In a similar call, the acting National President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldeen Etuk, argued for the inclusion of domestic servants in the proposed national minimum wage law.

The chairman of the committee, Senator Diket Plang, said an agency would be set up for the implementation of the proposed law, but the Ministry of Labour and Productivity would drive the operation from the onset.

Law firm honours founders at 20th anniversary

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Law firm honours founders at 20th anniversary

A leading commercial and dispute resolution law firm, AELEX, has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving legal landscape  as it marked its 20th anniversary with a dinner and awards ceremony in Lagos.

The event, held last week on Victoria Island, was tagged  “AELEX Celebrates 20 Years of Legal Brilliance.”

The dinner was graced by an array of distinguished guests, including lawyers from various firms and well-wishers of AELEX.

Notable attendees included the Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mrs Angela Emuwa, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN); daughter of Vanguard Newspaper’s publisher, Mrs Omasan Dudu; among others.

In his welcome address, AELEX Managing Partner Adedapo Tunde-Olowu (SAN), reflected on two decades of the firm’s excellence, innovation, and growth.

“Twenty years ago, AELEX was founded with a vision to create a law firm that not only provided exceptional legal services but also fostered a culture of integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility,” Tunde-Olowu said.

He lauded the founding partners — Mrs. Olufunke Adekoya (SAN), Mr. Soji Awogbade, Mr. Fubara Anga (SAN), and Mr. Theophilus Emuwa — for their visionary leadership.

“As I look around this room, I see the faces of those who have been integral to making that vision a reality. Each of you has played a significant role in our journey, and we are profoundly grateful,” he added.

Tunde-Olowu also expressed gratitude to AELEX’s alumni and retired partners, stating, “Your contributions have laid the foundation upon which AELEX stands today. Your legacy of excellence and leadership continues to inspire us. We are proud to carry forward the torch you lit and celebrate you as an indelible part of our history.”

Acknowledging the clients of AELEX, he noted, “Your trust and partnership have been the cornerstone of our achievements. You have challenged us to be our best and have entrusted us with your most complex and critical matters. We are honoured to serve you and remain committed to exceeding your expectations.”

Tunde-Olowu also praised the firm’s staff, calling them the “heartbeat of AELEX.”

He said, “Your hard work, dedication, and passion make AELEX a great place to work and a formidable force in the legal industry. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our clients and our firm.”

As AELEX looks to the future, Tunde-Olowu emphasised the firm’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

“This celebration is not just about our past achievements but also a toast to the future. It is a reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared purpose and vision,” he said.

The event featured the presentation of various awards. Founders Legacy Awards were given to Mrs Olufunke Adekoya (SAN), Mr Soji Awogbade, Mr Fubara Anga (SAN), and Mr. Theophilus Emuwa.

 Emuwa, a founding partner and head of tax practice, presented the Pioneer Service Awards to Mr Adedapo Tunde-Olowu (SAN), Mr Olanipekun Orewale, Mr Olusina Sipasi, Mr Obiora Anyanwu, Mrs Olufunke Balepo, Mr Maxwell Bassey, Mr Bassey Jack, and Mr Emem Obot.

Founded on July 1, 2004, by the merger of four leading commercial law firms—the first of its kind in Nigeria—AELEX has grown into one of the largest law firms in West Africa, with offices in major cities across the region.

The firm provides excellent legal services to multinational and local companies across various sectors.

AELEX, headquartered in Lagos with additional offices in Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Accra, Ghana, boasts 11 partners, two international counsel, and over 60 lawyers.

The firm is notable for having three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (the equivalent of a Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom). Over 300 lawyers have passed through AELEX, with its alumni excelling globally across industries.

AELEX lawyers are admitted to practice in several jurisdictions, including Nigeria, New York, Texas, Ghana, England, and Wales. The firm’s multidisciplinary qualifications extend to political science, economics, business administration, cybersecurity, data protection, and engineering.

The law firm is also known for providing legal advisory services on major transactions and projects across its practice areas.

AELEX has earned a reputation for excellence in litigation and arbitration, real estate, infrastructure, fintech, corporate/commercial law, international trade, media and entertainment, oil and gas, energy, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, labour and employment, banking and finance, foreign direct investment, intellectual property and technology, transportation, capital markets, environment, and telecommunications.

Hoodlum threatening residents with kidnapping, murder nabbed

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Hoodlum threatening residents with kidnapping, murder nabbed

A man known only as Gabriel, who had been threatening residents of the Ogbere area in Ogun State with abduction and assassination to extort money from them, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command.

Our correspondent learnt on Sunday that the suspect was arrested on July 17, 2024, while attempting to withdraw money sent to him by one of the victims at a Point-of-Sale operator’s shop in the community.

Our correspondent learnt from a police officer who was privy to the incident that a resident, identified only as Helen Orube, reported to the Ogbere Police Division that she had received a call from an unknown person named Promise.

According to the officer, the caller informed Orube that someone had paid him to abduct and kill her unless she transferred a specified amount of money to a particular account number.

The cop said, “She received a call from a man who identified himself to her as Promise on July 13, 2024. The suspect told her on the phone that he had been paid to abduct and kidnap her. Orube became frightened after receiving the call.

“While pleading with the suspect on the phone, Promise told her that the only way she could escape being kidnapped and killed was if she was willing to pay more than what the person who sent him was paying him. She sent the money to the account number that he provided.”

Terrified by the phone call, Orube immediately approached the Ogbere Police Division, where officers advised her to pretend to comply with the suspect’s demands.

The officer informed our correspondent that Gabriel was apprehended while attempting to withdraw the money he had demanded from the victim.

Reacting to the arrest, the command spokesperson, Odutola Omolola, stated that detectives from the division had positioned themselves at strategic locations where the suspect was expected to collect the money.

“The victim sent the money to a PoS account. The police division had earlier sent officers to key places in the area, waiting for the suspect to arrive. He was immediately arrested by the men of the division.Hoodlum threatening residents with kidnapping, murder nabbed

“Upon interrogation, he claimed that he was sent by another suspect named Jide to withdraw the money. Jide fled immediately after he realized that Gabriel had been arrested. Our men are working to arrest him.

“After identifying the arrested suspect, other residents made similar complaints that the suspect had received a huge sum of money, saying that he claimed he wanted to protect them from kidnappers. The suspect will be taken to the state criminal investigation department for discreet and further investigation.”

According Metro reported a similar incident involving a 23-year-old man named Edward Okache, who reportedly staged his kidnapping and sought N10 million in ransom from his parents.

Also, Olumide Openaike, a microfinance bank employee, was detained for reportedly arranging his kidnapping in Abeokuta to get out from under N1.7m in debt.

Mastermind of General’s murder nabbed in Kano

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Mastermind of General’s murder nabbed in Kano

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested one Hashiru Baku, the mastermind behind the murder of the late Brigadier General Harold Udokwere.

Udokwere, who was the national chairman of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, was murdered by armed robbers who invaded his residence on June 22, 2024, and took away his gun.

The police had arrested and paraded Ibrahim Rabiu, Nafiu Jamil, Aliyu Abdullahi and Mohammed Nuhu in connection with the crime on June 24.

Addressing journalists on Monday while parading arrested suspects, the Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, said Baku was arrested in Kano while trying to run away from the country.

Igweh said the suspect was an escapee from the Kuje correctional centre.

He said, “ I did show you the four killers, kidnappers, and robbers who went and killed Brigadier General Uwe Harrod (retd.) Today, I will show you the organiser of the killing and the robbery.

“As well, we have recovered the General’s gun that was with him. We have recovered the wristwatch of the General and the wife’s jewelry which they stole from his house.

“The organiser is here and we have arrested him… He was in prison and during the Kuje correctional centre attack, he escaped.

“And instead of him to repent, he continued with more audacity. We arrested him in Kano where he was trying to exit the country.”

The CP said the police recovered 79 bottles of 100ml of codeine drugs in his residence saying that was what they took and they would continue to be high.

He also said the trio of  Ibrahim Yakubu, Uguwu Joseph, and  Mukhata Abdullahi were arrested for armed robbery.

He said, “They came to the FCT to rob. This red vehicle is their operational vehicle. So, as they organised to rob, they didn’t know we had the intelligence. So, we apprehended them where they were to rob. And we recovered these two English pistols and ammunition from them. “

He said eight suspects were arrested at the Kabusa Panteka spot and recovered a trailer containing used car parts, armoured cables, one pickup truck, and two buses with one containing burnt cables among others.

He also said two one-chance operators on the command watchlist had been arrested.

The suspects, according to him, are Saidi Mohammed and Miracle Felix.

Igweh said, “Saidi Mohammed and Miracle Felix, suspected armed robbery suspects who have been on the Command watch list were arrested.

“Suspects confessed to being a gang of one chance operatives who have been operating around Wuse II and Mpape axis for a while now. Suspects will be charged to court after investigation.

W’Bank, AfDB to invest $7.5bn in Nigeria’s power sector

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W’Bank, AfDB to invest $7.5bn in Nigeria’s power sector

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the World Bank and the African Development Bank have concluded plans to invest $30bn in boosting electricity in Africa.

Of this sum, Adelabu said Nigeria will get about 25 per cent, being $7.5bn.

Adelabu disclosed this during a visit to Splendor Electric Nigeria Limited, a porcelain insulator company located in the Odogbolu area of Ogun State.

According to him, the banks would spend the funds on extending electrification to an additional 300 million Africans in the next five years.

He told the management of the Splendor to get set to partake in the electrification that would soon commence, adding that he was confident that 20 to 25 per cent of the fund would be awarded to Nigeria because of its large population.

“I want to inform you of the proposal or the intention, which is at an advanced stage, by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to spend about $30bn to extend electrification to an additional 300 million Africans within the next five years. And Nigeria is going to participate fully in this. I am confident that nothing less than 20 per cent or 25 per cent of this fund would come into Nigeria because of our population,” the minister disclosed.

Adelabu maintained that the focus of the project would be on the enhancement and upgrade of power infrastructure.

He said efforts were ongoing to revamp the power sector in Nigeria and Africa in general, adding that there would be regional collaboration to save the continent from energy poverty.

Speaking on the Siemens project, he noted that the Presidential Power Initiative involves the construction of thousands of additional lines and tens of new transmission and injection sub-stations.

The Ibadan-born politician mentioned that the pilot stage of the Siemens project is nearing completion, adding that Phase 1 of the project would soon commence.

With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria still grapples with an epileptic power supply, with millions of citizens still wallowing in darkness.

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, there are less than 13 million electricity customers in Nigeria.

A report by the International Energy Agency stated that Nigeria’s national power grid collapsed 46 times from 2017 to 2023.

According to the report, Nigerians endured more nationwide blackouts in 2023, especially on September 14 when the grid collapsed due to a fire on a major transmission line. About four more collapses have occurred this year.

Buy me out, Dangote offers to sell refinery to NNPC

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Buy me out, Dangote offers to sell refinery to NNPC

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has made an offer to sell the Dangote Refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Premium Times on Sunday, the businessman expressed his willingness to sell the refinery to address allegations of monopoly in the industry.

He stated that if the NNPCL takes over the refinery, the allegations of monopoly would no longer be valid.

“Let them (NNPCL) buy me out and run the refinery the best way they can. They have labelled me a monopolist. That’s an incorrect and unfair allegation, but it’s OK. If they buy me out, at least, their so-called monopolist would be out of the way.

“We have been facing fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery,” Premium Times quoted him as saying.

This is coming after the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, made claims that the Dangote refinery had requested the regulator to stop giving import licences to other marketers to be the only fuel supplier in Nigeria.

“We cannot rely heavily on one refinery to feed the nation, because Dangote is requesting that we should suspend or stop importation of all petroleum products, especially AGO and direct all marketers to the refinery, that is not good for the nation in terms of energy security. And that is not good for the market, because of monopoly,” Ahmed stated in a video interview with State House correspondents.

Ahmed also alleged that the refinery’s product is inferior.

“In terms of quality, currently the AGO quality in terms of sulphur is the lowest as far as the West African requirement of 50 ppm is concerned.

“Dangote refinery and some modular refineries, like Waltersmith refinery and Aradel refinery, they are producing between 650 to 1,200ppm. So, in terms of quality, their product is much more inferior to the imported quality,” he stated.

Dangote revealed to Premium Times that the challenges his refinery is currently facing have validated the warnings of his friends and associates, who advised him to exercise caution when investing billions of dollars in the Nigerian economy.

“As you probably know, I am 67 years old, in less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life. I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.

“This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs,” he said

The Dangote Refinery, which started operations last year after a prolonged construction period, has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

The refinery is aimed to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign fuel imports and conserve foreign exchange.

Don’t protest in FCT, CP urges residents

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Don’t protest in FCT, CP urges residents

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, has called on residents and indigenes not to partake in the nationwide protest.

Some groups and citizens had scheduled a nationwide protest for August 1 in response to the economic hardship in the country.

However, the FCT CP, while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, urged residents to shun the protest.
He stated that the police have made significant efforts to ensure security in the FCT, adding that the protest could jeopardise it.

Igweh said, “I want to appeal specifically to the residents and indigenes and everybody in the FCT. Please, lions do not destroy their dens. You cannot see a lion who destroys its den. No, I would not like you to join this protest. I plead with you because we have worked hard to ensure your safety.

“We have fought those people outside Abuja. We have been to Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Niger to fight criminals so that you can be safe. I have lost men. Last week alone in Gidango, I lost two policemen. The other day, I lost two more. Let our loss pay for the protest. I want to plead with you.

“We don’t need you to be in the streets before somebody will say they are trying the police’s might. Or you will say, you will do this, you will do that. Please, please, don’t destroy where you are living.”

Igweh added that the government was doing its best by providing good roads.

“If you check, the government has provided good roads. Whether it’s from the minister of FCT or the president, check the streets in FCT, from Wuse to anywhere you can check, even in the hinterlands.

“They are trying their best. I don’t need to talk to anybody, but I’m saying it because we have been in the FCT. We know when there are changes. There are changes now in the FCT.

“And we don’t want miscreants outside the FCT to come and start destroying them. We will go back to square one where we were before. I plead, I beg of you, do not join this protest,” he added.

He urged the FCT residents to ensure the nation’s capital remains safe by shunning the protest.

“Let us continue collectively to make the FCT safe. Let them go and do what they want to do. But not with us.

“Act maturely. Act maturely. Act like people who appreciate. Even the losses we have suffered to ensure your safety. Use it to appreciate us. If you do this, we will be happy. We will continue to provide security for you. God bless all of you,” he said.

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