How 3 Siblings Suffocated To Death In A Car On Sunday

In a heart-wrenching incident at No. 8, Boluke Line, Zango-Kulende quarters, Ilorin, a boy and two girls, siblings of the same parent, lost their lives due to extreme suffocation inside a car parked in their residential quarters on Sunday. The children, playing inside the borrowed car, accidentally locked themselves in at around 2 p.m. The car, borrowed from their father’s sister within the same premises, became a harrowing scene when their mother, Shade Silifat, returned from buying noodles for their school meals. Discovering their footwear outside the car, she raised an alarm after forcing the doors open, only to find her children motionless, having succumbed to suffocation. Efforts to rescue them were made, rushing the children to Olutayo Clinic, near their residence, but the medical director, Dr. Adeyemo, advised moving them to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, where they were tragically confirmed dead. The grieving family later conducted the burial at the Muslim cemetery, adhering to Islamic rites.

Community Leader Murdered By Gunmen In Anambra

The President-General of Umuoji Community in Anambra State, Silas Onyima, fell victim to a ruthless attack by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums. Approximately 15 assailants invaded Onyima’s home on Friday evening, fatally shooting him and sending shockwaves through the community. Onyima, recently elected to lead the community, presided over a local election before meeting his untimely demise.  A source revealed, “He was killed when masked men visited his home and shot him dead.” The Anambra State Police Spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the tragic incident, stating, “The police are aware of the development. Our men have been deployed to the area, found the victim in a pool of blood, and recovered the body.  “We are collaborating with eyewitnesses and community members to track the perpetrators, and the investigation is ongoing.” The deceased’s body has been deposited at the morgue with the assistance of family members.

Military Issues Stern Warning Against Calls for Coup Amid Economic Hardship

In response to social media discussions calling for a coup due to economic challenges, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning.  He emphasized that those advocating for a coup “do not love Nigeria” and stated that the Armed Forces are committed to protecting democracy. Speaking at the commissioning of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army entrance in Port Harcourt, General Musa urged citizens to be patient, support the government, and trust that the country will overcome its current difficulties.  He emphasized that democracy is crucial, and any attempt to undermine it is considered as the work of “evil people” who will face legal consequences. “Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy. We all want democracy and we do better under democracy,” he said. “And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those ones that are calling for anything other than Democracy are evil people and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria. “And they should be very careful because the law will come after them. We can see that with democracy a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes we are going through trying periods, I mean in life nothing is hundred percent.” He emphasized that what is needed is for citizens to be patient and give their support to the government to succeed and put the enemies of state to shame. “Everybody goes through a trying period in life, and it is what you do with them. You can see the government putting efforts to ensure that we come out better. And it is when you go through difficulties and come out better you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation. And so we are going through our trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that it will get better. “All we need is for all of us to put our hands together to ensure that we defeat those enemies of the government, those enemies of this country that don’t want us to succeed. We will surely succeed and the Armed Forces are here to support the Government in ensuring that we develop, we succeed and to see that there is peace in Nigeria.”

Labour Party Chairman Released on Bail After Arrest in Edo State

Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, who was apprehended in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, has been released on bail.  His arrest, triggered by a petition from the Inspector General of Police, involved charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses. Addressing supporters after his release, Abure linked his persecution to efforts to destabilize the party following the 2023 general election.  He highlighted ongoing challenges within the party, expressing hope for the release of the state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, and the state youth leader later today. He said, “Let me appreciate all of you for the solidarity, for the support and your commitment. No struggle to liberate the country comes easy. In many countries of the world where freedom fighters have fought for the emancipation of the people, freedom fighters suffer injustice, suffer prosecution and it is what is happening to me and my other colleagues since after the general election. “After the general election, they have been trying to instigate crises in the party. They try to bring false accusations against us. They talked about forgery against us at a time when it didn’t work. They came with embezzlement. “Any person that is aggrieved in the party, they go and instigate them to write a petition against us. The irony is that the police even act on those, and at the end of the day, they discover that those things are false. “Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the Edo State primaries and of course, the police swooped on us and arrested us over what I will not want to discuss now because the investigation is still going on and therefore we would not want to preempt them. “But I must state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail except for the Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi and the youth leader. They (police) have also promised that by the early hours of Thursday, they will release them. We are hoping that they will fulfil their promise and release them. “Whatever is happening to me will not discourage me from the struggle. We must continue to pursue the cause of the people. We must continue to fight for our people until we liberate them. I have said it, and I will say it again, it is not capturing power that matters. It is what you do with power. “Today, APC is in power. Life has become more unbearable for the people. Today, the dollar is exchanging for almost N2,000. Fuel today is sold for N700 per litre. There is even scarcity now, and the price is likely going to increase. “Inflation, even though it is double digit, it is now above 31 per cent, unemployment has increased, and a bag of rice today is sold for N120, 000, and the minimum wage is N30, 000. You can see the paradox. You can see the irony and Nigerians are in for a difficult time.”

House of Representatives Advances Bill on State Police to Second Reading

In a decisive move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s internal security, the House of Representatives has taken a significant step by passing for second reading, the State Police Reform bill. Spearheaded by the deputy speaker and backed by 14 other members, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police formation. During Tuesday’s plenary session, members of the House engaged in a robust debate on the merits of the bill. Expressing concern over the nation’s current security landscape, Kalu, standing in for Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing the safety of Nigerian citizens over political considerations. Babajimi Benson underscored the pressing need for a decentralized approach to law enforcement. With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and a police force of fewer than 400,000 officers, Benson argued that the creation of state police forces is imperative to effectively tackle internal security challenges. Despite facing contention since the Seventh National Assembly, the advancement of the bill marks a notable breakthrough in the legislative process. Notably, governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reiterated their support for state policing, citing it as crucial for addressing the nation’s deteriorating security situation and averting a scenario akin to Venezuela’s. Furthermore, various regional socio-political organizations, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have thrown their weight behind the implementation of state police forces. They view it as a pragmatic solution to the escalating security challenges confronting Nigeria. The bill’s referral to the House Committee on Constitution Review signifies a pivotal phase in its journey through the legislative process. As Nigeria grapples with persistent security threats, the advancement of the bill underscores a growing consensus on the imperative of decentralized law enforcement to safeguard the nation and its citizens.

FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police has arrested a notorious kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu, who is part of the criminals terrorising Abuja and its environs. Adamu, whose real name is Saidu Abdulkadir, was arrested on Thursday by the FCT Police Command’s Anti-kidnapping unit when the operatives raided two kidnappers’ camps near the Nasarawa-Abuja border via Kuje area council at about 12am. Confirming the arrest, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Friday, said on sighting the police, the criminals opened fire but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the Police. Adeh added that one Habu Yakubu and Isufu Abubakar, earlier abducted from Kwaita village via Pegi district of Kuje area council, were rescued unhurt during the process. The arrested suspect is the gang leader and one of the wanted suspects of the kidnapping syndicate paraded by the Police Command on 14th February, 2024. Adeh said: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect masterminded the kidnap and killing of one Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the district head of Ketti village. “While effort is till ongoing to apprehend the other wanted suspects on the run, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh psc, mni, wishes to reassure criminals in FCT that there is no hiding place for them. He equally urges residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines ; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.” The arrest comes a few hours after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced a 20 million naira reward for the capture of the kidnapper.

Tinubu, Governors To Consider Establishment Of State Police

President Bola Tinubu, alongside the 36 governors, has endorsed the establishment of state police. The agreement was made during an emergency meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday. The Minister of Information and National Orientation revealed that discussions surrounding state police have gained momentum, with the federal and state governments recognizing the necessity of such a development.  The Minister emphasized that while this marks a significant shift, further meetings will be conducted to refine the modalities for implementing state police across the country. He said, “But now, there is also a discussion around the issue of state police. The federal government and state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police. “Of course, this is still going to be further discussed, a lot of work still has to be done in that direction. But what the federal government and state governments are agreeing to the necessity of having state policy. “Now, this is a significant shift. But like I said, more works need to be done in that direction. A lot of meetings will have to happen between different government and sub nationals to see the modalities of achieving this.

Fresh EndSARS Protest Erupts In Delta

Youths in Delta state have taken to the streets, protesting escalating police brutality and extortion. Viral videos depict demonstrators holding placards with the inscription “ENDSARS NOW,” urging the Nigeria Police Force to address the alleged misconduct. A social media user, X, shared the videos, asserting a surge in police brutality within the state.  The spokesperson for the Delta Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, responded, stating that the protest stemmed from the arrest of four individuals who couldn’t prove ownership of an unregistered car. According to Edafe, during the arrest, some youths attacked the officers, causing injuries and damaging a police patrol vehicle.  He emphasized that the police would not be deterred by protests and urged the public to remain calm. In his statement, Edafe mentioned, “Nine of the suspects were arrested and will be charged to court. Youths are advised to stay off any protest because it won’t deter us from doing our job.” This incident echoes the 2020 #EndSars protests that swept through Nigeria, prompting the government to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars) and establish judicial panels to investigate allegations of police abuse.

N9 Million Ransom Recovered As Police Arrests Kidnappers In Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has apprehended seven notorious kidnappers in Abuja and recovered a ransom of N9 million. CP Benneth Igweh, the police commissioner, announced the arrest of the wanted kidnappers by operatives of the Utako police division in a coordinated operation at Tudun – Wada Lugbe and Pyakasa areas. He gave the names of the wanted kidnappers as Usman Muazu from Kwali, FCT, Aliyu Mohammed, from Pumpomare area of Borno state, Awwal Dahiru, who hails from Gwagwalada area council of the FCT, Rabi Sani, from Safana, Katsina state and Madina Abubakar, from Gulu, Lapai local government area of Niger state. Others are, Jonah Elimelech from Kauru, Kaduna state, Saminu Idris, from also from Kauru, Kaduna state and Mariji Iliya from Mangu, Plateau state. All have confessed to their crimes, providing valuable information for the arrest of other gang members.  The police commissioner also mentioned the recovery of weapons, including knives and cutlasses, along with bulletproof vests and charms. Additionally, 79 suspects were arrested in raids on various black spots in the FCT, part of the command’s efforts to combat crime in the area. “And we speak, the suspects who have been profiled are in custody undergoing interrogation at respective division, while those found wanting will be charge to court,” he said.

Police Kill ‘Wanted Notorious Kidnappers,’ Destroy Camps in Abuja

The fight against insecurity in the nation’s seat of power has again yielded results this time, as the nation’s police authorities say some wanted kidnappers have been neutralized and their camps destroyed in Abuja.  These recent feats, according to Force Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, took place on Friday. “In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2.40 am, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau – Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralized and eliminated many notorious kidnappers including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja,” a Saturday evening statement from him read. “The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.” Police operatives engaged the criminals in a 30-minute gun battle, the statement added, with several of the kidnappers “fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds”. He said the development comes just on the heels of the “neutralization of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout. “Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom”. While noting that the recent operation was carried out by the FIB-IRT “through a surprise assault,” items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs”. “Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations,” the police added, reiterating its commitment to bringing perpetrators of “heinous crimes to justice, against all odds”.