Tragic Electrocution Claims Family Of Four In Taraba
The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed a devastating incident involving the electrocution of a family of four in the Dinyavo area of Jalingo, the state capital. The tragic incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Monday and is believed to have been caused by a power surge. According to Mr. Abdullahi Usman, the command’s Public Relations Officer, the police were informed of the incident promptly. He stated, “At about 11:00 a.m. on Monday, we were reliably informed that a house located at Dinyavoh area of Jalingo was on fire. Detectives from GRA Police Division were quickly deployed to the scene and, on arrival, found the four victims with burns suspected to be from electrocution.” The victims have been identified as Remond Ofonbuk (44 years old), his wife, Mfonbong Remond, their son Hevean Remond (15 years old), and another son, First Remond (13 years old). Usman explained, “We have received information indicating that immediately power was restored, the transformer serving the area blew up. We learned that many houses within the neighborhood experienced high electric voltage which might have led to the fire outbreak that inflicted burns on the victims.” Despite the rapid response and evacuation of the victims to the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo for treatment, they were tragically pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The deceased’s bodies have been taken to the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy, while authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the devastating incident.
Katsina Varsity Suspends 6 Students Amid Allegations Of Colleague’s Murder
The Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), in Katsina State has suspended six students over the alleged murder of a 200-level student of the institution. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Malam Habib Aminu-Umar, the spokesperson of the university and made available to newsmen in Katsina on Sunday. The State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of six students of the university in connection to the death of Abubakar Nasir-Barda, a 200 level-student. “The management of the University on behalf of its Senate, staff and student is deeply saddened, concerned and highly regrets the unfortunate incident involving some of its students. “It led to the sudden death of a 200-level Computer Science and Information Technology, from an unfortunate altercation over a female student. “The University Management has been up and doing since the occurrence of the unfortunate incident to ensure justice is served to all. “The management upon getting wind of the incident swiftly constituted an Interim ad-hoc committee to look into the case and feed management on development as they unfold,” he said. According to him, a preliminary report submitted to the management on Sept. 30, by the committee revealed that the unfortunate incident occurred outside the university’s campus. “But upon receipt of information, the university’s security were quickly mobilised to the scene for prompt intervention that halted further altercation between the students and apprehension of some students involved. “The matter has already been taken over by Police, which led to the arrest of six students that are in connection with the incident as confirmed by the Police official press statement,” Aminu-Umar said. According to him, the ad-hoc committee’s interim report had equally recommended the University Management to invoke session 5.5(a) Of the University Academic Policy by suspending all the six students involved in the matter pending the outcome of the police investigation. “Which the management has approved by suspending indefinitely all the six students involved,” the university’s spokesperson revealed. He said that while the police investigation was ongoing, the university management was assuring the public, particularly the university community that no stone shall be left unturned in ensuring justice was served. Aminu-Umar further disclosed that the university management prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
Celebrities, Fans Hold Candlelight Procession In Honour Of Mohbad
In a touching display of solidarity and remembrance, several Nigerian celebrities and fans came together for a candlelight procession in honour of the late singer, Mohbad, in Lekki, Lagos. The event, attended by renowned musicians like Davido, Zlatan, and Falz, along with Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, aimed to pay tribute to the departed artiste. During the procession, the crowd chanted “Justice for Mohbad,” emphasizing their desire for clarity surrounding the circumstances of the singer’s passing. Falz and popular on-air personality, Oladotun Kayode, played pivotal roles in coordinating the gathering. Many attendees held placards bearing various messages calling for justice in Mohbad’s case. The candlelight procession began at the Lekki Phase 1 Gate, proceeding solemnly through the streets until it reached its destination at Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island. The event provided an opportunity for fans, friends, and fellow artists to come together, remember Mohbad’s contributions to the music industry, and seek answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. Mohbad’s passing, which occurred on September 12 and led to his burial the following day, remains under investigation by the police. The candlelight procession served as a poignant reminder of the impact he had on the music community and the lingering questions surrounding his demise.
Kogi Community Petitions IGP Over Alleged Mining License Fraud by Village Head
The Orinono Community Centre in Kogi State has lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, the Ejeh of Olamaboro, accusing him of fraudulent mining license acquisition without the consent of the host community. In a petition dated September 20, 2023, titled “Petition Against Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, The Ejeh Of Olamaboro Local Government, Kogi State, Hon. Agwoka Peter Abah, Mr. Yusuf Akahaka Iduh, Mr. Musa Balla, Matigo Oguche, Achema Joseph Akor Omale, And Luke Usman,” the community demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. According to the petition, Mr. Ujah Sani Simeon, who is not a member of Orinono Community, allegedly forged signatures of some community members to fraudulently obtain a small-scale mining lease without their consent. The lease was granted in his personal name on May 22, 2023. The Orinono Community’s lawyer, Ojonimi S. Apeh Esq., stated that attempts to amicably resolve the dispute had failed. The community claims that Simeon has been resorting to threats, including threats of violence and kidnapping, to maintain his authority as the Ejeh of Olamaboro. The petition highlighted that Olamaboro Local Government Area (LGA) comprises several communities, each with its respective Chiefs (Gagos) and Chiefdoms, pre-dating the creation of the local government and the state itself. Orinono Centre is an ancient community with its own Chief (Gago) and Chiefdom, where coal, a valuable solid mineral, is discovered. Trouble began when the community discovered on August 4, 2023, that their village stream, the sole source of water, was contaminated due to illegal mining activities by Simeon and his security personnel. The Ministry of Mines was informed, which prompted an investigation and a directive to Simeon to suspend further mining activities, a directive he allegedly ignored. Instead, he continued mining and hired more security personnel, causing security breaches in Orinono Centre. The community further claimed that the clandestine activities of Simeon and his security personnel have led to crimes within the community, leaving residents in fear of kidnapping, violence, and assault. The petition also accused specific individuals, including Hon. Agwoka Peter Abah, Mr. Yusuf Akahaka Iduh, Mr. Musa Balla, Matigo Oguche, Achema Joseph Akor Omale, and Luke Usman, of vandalizing properties and destroying farmlands in the community. The Orinono Community Centre called on the IGP to investigate the alleged criminal activities, ensure justice is served, and safeguard the security and well-being of its members.
I Can’t Deny Or Confirm Arrest Of CBN Deputy Gov, Aisha Ahmad- DSS Spokesman
The Department of State Services (DSS) has kept mum on the reported arrest of the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in charge of Financial System Stability, Aisha Ahmad. The media has been awash on Sunday with reports that the secret police apprehended Ahmad over her alleged involvement in the acquisition of shares in Polaris Bank, Titan Bank/Union Bank. It was gathered that the banker is being quizzed on how $300 million meant to complete the acquisition of Union Bank was raised by Titan Bank. Although the details of the arrest are still sketchy, the secret police and the apex bank have not reacted to the reports. According to reports on Channels Television on Sunday, when contacted, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said that he cannot confirm or deny that Ahmad is in their custody or has been invited for questioning. He stated that in the course of any investigation, people can be invited for questioning and those invitations are carried out within the ambit of the law. This is coming about two months after the secret service arrested Ahmad’s former boss at the CBN, Godwin Emefiele. He has been in the DSS custody since then. Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was first charged with possession of a firearm but was later charged with N6.9 billion fraud.
Job Racketeering: ICPC begins investigation of bribery allegation against Reps C’ttee
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced investigation into bribery allegations against the House of Representatives Committee on job racketeering and gross mismanagement in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).Azuka Ogugua, spokesperson for ICPC, said this in a statement at the weekend in Abuja.Ogugua said that the ICPC received petitions from an online medium, Premium Times Nigeria; and Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Chairman of the ad hoc committee, to investigate bribery allegations against the probe panel. The online medium published a story alleging that some members of the committee requested vice chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions to pay certain amounts to an account as bribes. The story also claimed that the account was dedicated for the purpose of giving a soft landing to any institutions’ that would pay the bribe money into it during the investigation. Members of the committee were also said to have engaged in extortion from heads of MDAs, including those of academic institutions. On Thursday, Gagdi had had said the committee wrote to ICPC to investigate the allegations of bribery and extortion against the members of the committee. The chairman said that the committee had written to ICPC to investigate the account number allegedly released to heads of tertiary institutions for payment of the bribe. “I have already written to the ICPC to investigate the account number that was published by an online medium the owner of that account, whether there is any transaction by vice chancellors and rectors of polytechnic in the country.” Gagdi threatened that the committee would take legal action against the online medium over the publication, which aim, he said, was to “blackmail and discredit” the committee.
Anti-corruption groups demand transparency in investigation of Kano PCACC Chairman
A coalition of prominent civil society groups dedicated to combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability is closely monitoring the alleged investigation of Barrister Muhyi Rimingado, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (Kano State PCACC), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The statement, jointly signed by Olanrewaju Suraju of HEDA, Anwalu Musa Rafsanjani of CISLAC, David Ugolor of ANEEJ, Ibrahim M. Zikrullahi of CHRICED, and Muhammed Attah of PRADIN, underscores the coalition’s commitment to tracking developments in this case as they unfold. The coalition expresses concern that this probe follows the PCACC’s inquiry into alleged financial misconduct during the previous administration led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who currently serves as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The coalition stands in support of Chairman Muhyi Rimingado, believing that he will emerge unscathed from the investigation. In their official statement, the coalition commends the EFCC and CCB for their efforts to uphold transparency and accountability. They call upon these agencies to conduct their duties with unwavering professionalism and integrity, free from political interference. The statement emphasizes the importance of an impartial and thorough inquiry into recent developments surrounding the investigation of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman. The credibility and reputation of the Kano State PCACC depend on demonstrating transparency and fairness in its internal processes. All parties involved are urged to collaborate closely and adhere strictly to established legal procedures. The anti-corruption groups further call on the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission, the EFCC, and the CCB to foster a spirit of collaboration in their individual anti-corruption pursuits. Timely cooperation between these agencies is crucial to addressing historical and current allegations of corruption promptly and diligently. By working together, these organizations can significantly contribute to a governance framework in Kano State characterized by transparency and accountability. For these groups, the commitment to eradicating corruption goes beyond mere rhetoric; it represents a shared conviction that eliminating corruption is fundamental to sustainable development, social justice, and the overall well-being of society. The coalition remains optimistic that the involved agencies will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and make substantial contributions to the realization of a corruption-free Kano State while holding former public office holders in the state accountable for their actions before the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission.
Smuggler attempts N50m bribe to Customs officials, says Area Controller
The Nigeria Customs Service’s Tincan Island Port Area Command has brought to light an incident involving an attempted bribe of N50 million offered to its officers by a certain Mr. Boniface Ike. This sum was intended as a gratification to secure the release of a container that had been confiscated by the authorities. Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede, the Area Controller in charge of the Command, made this revelation during a press conference held in Lagos on a Monday. Oloyede clarified that the products contained within the seized container were allegedly brought in from India by the said suspect. As part of the investigative process carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service, Oloyede stated that both the main suspect and one of his associates have been apprehended and are presently under detention at the Command’s Enforcement Unit. Oloyede also shared that the suspect reportedly confessed to being the individual responsible for importing the seized containers, which were estimated to hold a total value of N550.3 million. It came to light that the suspect had expressed a desire for a private conversation with one of the officers, raising suspicions of a potentially illicit proposition. “I instructed my officers to play along; the request was granted in expectation of receiving vital information from the suspect. “But to their bewilderment, the suspect pleaded for his freedom from detention and release of the containers. “He offered gratification to the tune of N50 million as displayed equivalent to $54,330 at the current exchange rate N920. “The money was collected and kept in safe custody at the enforcement unit to be tendered as exhibit,” he said. The customs boss said the command received a timely intelligence from its Customs Intelligence Unit on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs (unregistered regulated pharmaceutical products). Oloyede said that the products were concealed in two by 40ft containers with Bill of lading Nos 227578945 and 227898171. “On arrival of the vessel in Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT), the containers (MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1) were transferred immediately to the enforcement station for 100 per cent physical examination and further investigation. “The physical examination was conducted on both containers by enforcement officers, Customs Intelligence Operatives, Customs Police and Examination officers of the Terminal on Aug. 22 at about 14:00 hours and Aug. 23 at about 13:00 hours, respectively. “The following were discovered, container No MRSU 592397/0: The details on the Bill of Lading with No 227578945 stated the items laden were (1,016) packages containing electricals, ceiling fan, 36 Jewel (cooper) and chilly cutters (stainless steel plastic). “After examination, the container was found to contain five cartons of timaking 120 tapentadol (Tramadol) hydrochloride carisoprodol capsule. “Each carton contains 50 rolls, each rolls contains five packets, each packet 200 tablets,” he said. Other contents, according to him, are 84 cartons of gastro resistant omeprazole capsule BP 200mg, each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules. “876 cartons of CSMIX cough syrup containing codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 bottles. “50 cartons of manual grater machine-70 pieces per carton and one carton of ceiling fan as means of concealment,” he said. Oloyede said that the other container, No MRKU 553432/, had the details on Bill of Landing with number 227898171, which contained 1,021 packages of ceiling fan, 36 jewel (cooper) and chilly cutter (stainless steel plastic). He said that after examination the container was found to contain: 10 cartons of super royal 225 (Tramadol). “Each carton contains 50 rolls, each roll contains 10 packets, each packet 10 tablets. “Other contents are 105 cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules, 754 cartons of Barcadin with Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 Bottles. “50 cartons of manual grater machine – 70 pieces per carton and one carton of compo ceiling fan as means of concealment,” he said. Oloyede said the unregistered pharmaceutical products intercepted were regulated products by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). He also said that it had no required permits and certificates for importation and documents to ascertain the safety of the products to Nigerians. The customs boss said that the service would not be a part of the nefarious acts which would jeopardise the safety and lives of the citizens of the country. He added that any fraudulent importer or agent, who tried to perpetrate such acts would be prosecuted accordingly. Oloyede noted that the suspects, containers and the exhibit would be handed over to the agencies charged with the responsibility to regulate and prosecute offenders of crimes. In a related development, he said the command on Aug. 24, intercepted a container found to contain frozen poultry products. According to him, the interception followed an intensive surveillance operation on a routine examination carried out at TICT on Container No. TTNU 804678/9 with declaration lodged on SGD CNo: 70754. “Single Goods Declaration (SGD) other supporting documents (Form M and Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) showed that Tangerines was used to conceal the frozen poultry products actually imported. “The goods were falsely declared as they are Import Prohibition (Trade), the Container has been seized for the contravention of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023). “The persistent fraudulent nature of importers and agents drives us to be more innovative in putting methods and measures to combat smuggling activities, ensure no leakage of revenue to the government and safety of Nigerians,” he said. Oloyede said the command and the service would deploy all necessary resources and strategies at its disposal, in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit as well as unregulated dangerous drugs and substances.
Police arrest man with fresh human corpse in Ogun
The Police Command in Ogun said one Babatunde Kolawole, allegedly found with a fresh male human corpse, was arrested and handed over to its personnel at Ado/Odo-Ota area of the state. SP Omolola Odutola, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Ota, Ogun, said the suspect was apprehended by Amotekun Corps. According to her, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sango-Ota, CSP Saleh Dahiru, received a report by Amotekun and took the suspect, Kolawole, into custody. “Preliminary investigations have commenced into the incident. “Although the suspect did not deny the incident, he claims to be a native doctor who was attempting to revive the deceased. “However, it remains unclear how the suspect obtained the fresh corpse during the late hours of the night,” she said. The PPRO said that so far, no one had come forward to claim the body, and the suspect had not revealed any information about the origin of the corpse, to enable police to gather more information and solve the case. She added that the corpse had been transported to the Ifo General Hospital for an autopsy. Odutola enjoined members of the community to provide any useful information related to the incident to the police. She also said that the community members could assist the police in their investigation by helping to shed more light on the disturbing occurrence.
FG seeks withdrawal of firearms case against Emefiele
* Introduces new charges against former CBN Gov The Federal Government has initiated steps to withdraw the case of “illegal possession of firearms” it had previously filed against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, made an oral application before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, explaining that the decision was based on the outcome of further investigations. However, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal representative for Emefiele, opposed the application. He argued that the government should rectify its disregard for the court’s order granting Emefiele bail before proceeding with its application. Justice Oweibo has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, August 17, 2023, to make a ruling on the matter. After the proceedings, the DPP revealed that a fresh set of charges, totaling 20 counts, has been filed against the suspended CBN governor at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Among the charges is an accusation of “conferring unlawful advantages” against Emefiele.