Category: Featured

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested some members of criminal gangs involved in killings, kidnappings, and other atrocities in the Ibarapa area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko, led other top police officers to parade the suspects and others arrested by men of the command in Ibadan on Wednesday.

The CP said, “On January 2, 2021, at about 1955hrs, some members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate who have been terrorising members of the public in the Ibarapa axis of Oyo State invaded Subawah Filling Station located along Idere Road, Igboora, with sophisticated firearms such as AK-49 rifles, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons. In the course of the attack, the kidnapper shot indiscriminately in different directions, and in the process, two young girls who were later identified as Bababtunde Omowumi and Toriola Kudirat were hit by stray bullets and died on the spot.

“The suspects whisked her (owner of the filling station) into the bush where they brutally murdered her after shooting at her several times in the stomach.
“The three deceased victims were later deposited at the morgue by policemen from Igboora Division and upon the conclusion of their preliminary investigation, the case was transferred to the Monitoring Unit for more diligent investigation. No sooner was the case received than a team of crack police detectives swung into action and arrested nine suspects from their hideouts.
” On January 5, 2021, further investigation revealed that one of the prime suspects Jare Mohammed (Male) inserted his sim card Number 07086824526 on the Nokia Phone belonging to the deceased, Alhaja Adisa Sherifat, which was carted away from her during the armed robbery operation that claimed her life.”

Apart from the suspects, the CP said the police also arrested the hoodlums, who abducted the Chairman of Iganna Local Council Development Area of the state, Mr. Jacob Adeleke.The council boss was kidnapped with his driver on the Okeho-Ado Awaye road and ransom was collected before he was released.
The CP said the council boss was invited and he identified his abductors.
Onadeko said, “Based on credible intelligence, the command through operatives of the CP Monitoring team intercepted and arrested some members of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate armed with AK-47 rifles.

” The suspects confessed to kidnapping the Chairman of Iganna LCDA, Adeleke Jacob Olayiwola, along the Iganna/Ado Awaye road, subsequently dispossessed him of all his personal effects and a random of N5.5million was paid. The victim vividly identified the suspects who had confessed to the crime.”

She gave the names of the arrested suspects in connection with the kidnapping as Babuga Mohammadu; Rabiu Mohammadu; Usman Mohammed and Aliyu Mohammed.

Residents of Oyo State have been urged to elect leaders that would serve and protect their interest in the forth coming local government council elections.

His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (111), made the call, while receiving members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, who were on a courtesy call to his palace .

The monarch, who affirmed the importance of having democratically elected leaders at the local level, harped on the availability of appropriate data particularly voter’s register on election day to attain credible polls.

The royal father thereafter called for adequate security during the polls to ensure massive participation by eligible voters.

His imperial majesty maintained that traditional rulers remain major mobilizers for inclusive poll.

He therefore promised to mobilise and sentisize the people in his domain on behalf of the commission for the progress of the state.

“Caretaker committee has no business in the management of local government affairs , but democratically elected leaders.

“The issue of data and security have to been put into consideration for successful polls.

“Traditional rulers are mobilizers and moderators in this regards, we will mobilize for the commission and people will respond vividly, but government should endeavour to put in place adequate security for the exercise ”

The Alaafin opined that members of the commission would put necessary measures in place to prevent multiple voting and other vices, urging them to leave good legacy for the state and respective families while in office.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman , Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC , Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, represented by one of the commissioners, Comrade Afees Adeniyi, re- affirmed the readiness of the commission to remain truthful to the people of the state .

imperative for the commission to seek effective collaboration of
the traditional rulers being key stakeholder to ensure all inclusive polls.

In his welcome address, Arch Bishop , Ayo Ladigbolu , advised members of the commission to make equity and transparency thier watch words.

An impostor was on Wednesday, apprehended at the College of Education, Ilesa CBT center when the the Osun state teachers recruitment exercise was ongoing across the state.

The man was caught when he was trying to write the examination for his wife.

A statement issued by the Information Officer at the Ministry of Education, Roseline Olawuni stated that the husband was apprehended with the help of operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civic Defense Corps.

“He was caught after his passport photograph was said not to have a match with the photo records of applicants stored on the database of the Ministry of Education,” it stated.

Reacting to the incident, the State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Folorunsho Oladoyin condemned the act of impersonation, stressing that it is shameful and embarrassing that a prospective teacher could be found committing such heinous crimes.

“It is shameful that somebody who wants to teach students academically and morally could be involved in fraudulent malpractice, what example is such a person going to set for the students, the commissioner queried. This is rather unfortunate”

“I am using this opportunity to warn our young people to desist from cutting corners, they should know that integrity pays and it’s the only way to success,” he said.

The suspect has been handed over to the law enforcement agents for further investigation and prosecution.

The Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday swore in the newly-confirmed President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Wasiu Oladejo Akanbi.

The appointment and confirmation of Justice Akanbi are sequel to the retirement of his predecessor Justice Eunice Awolalu from service after the attainment of statutory retirement age.

The Governor tasked Akanbi to uphold judicial sanctity and discharge his duties with the fear of God, topmost sincerity and ensure fairness and equity in the dispensation of justice in the State.

He also reiterated his Administration’s commitment to continue to ensure the independence of the judiciary and champion the welfare of the judicial officers.

Governor Oyetola spoke while addressing the people at the swearing in ceremony held at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Local Government Service Commission, Abere, Osogbo.

Oyetola who described judiciary as the last hope of the common man, urged Akanbi to use judicial instrumentality to sustain the peace reigning in the State and adjudicate justice to sustain the status of Osun as the most peaceful State in Nigeria.

He also charged the new President of the Customary Court of Appeal to join his contemporaries across the judiciary family to uphold the integrity of the judiciary to demonstrate leadership with the highest level of integrity, equity, discipline and justice.

According to the Governor, the Customary Court of Appeal remains one of the custodians of the people’s customs and tradition and a formidable medium for protecting them, hence the need for it to always dispense justice to those who have suffered injustice at the lower court and to promptly dispense same in the interest of peace.

He challenged him to erect more bricks to build a stronger justice system that would deliver a better and more dignified Osun.

“The Customary Court of Appeal therefore has a duty to ensure that the customs and tradition which pertain to marriages, property ownership, inheritance and other spheres which are critical to their lives and are usually unwritten and are therefore often subject to abuse, are protected and sustained.

“As the court which has appellate and supervisory roles on these critical and sensitive matters, the Customary Court of Appeal has a huge task not only to ensure that the sanctity of the people’s customs and tradition is maintained and sustained but also to dispense justice to those who have suffered injustice at the lower court and to promptly dispense same in the interest of peace.

“The President of the Customary Court of Appeal must see a link between his job and societal peace, orderliness and development and consequently drive his court to perform its role with the highest level of responsibility and fairness to ensure justice and peace for the people.

“He must carry his subordinates along to draw strength from the Omoluabi ethos, which is the springboard of all that Osun stands for. To achieve these goals, the President of the Court of Appeal must regularly build the capacity of his staff and mobilise them to sustain the expectations of the people who see them as their last hope.

“This time calls for a courageous and forthright leadership that will provide guidance and direction to further sustain the peaceful status of the State and the integrity of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man,” Oyetola added.

While extolling the virtues and pedigree of Justice Akanbi as an incorruptible, fearless and courageous Judge, Oyetola said, “I am confident that the Judiciary will sustain its complementary role as the purveyor of justice in the state under his leadership.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continually champion the welfare and well-being of workers, particularly judicial officers in the State.

Speaking after taking the oath of allegiance and oath of office, the newly- sworn-in President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Wasiu Akanbi expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oyetola for finding him worthy for the appointment.

He pledged to deliver his duties with high sense of diligence, integrity and competence saying, “I promise before God and the people not to disappoint the State as I equally pledge to undertake the job professionally and put in my best to serve humanity.”

Those in attendance were Osun First Lady, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola; Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; Osun Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo; Secretary to the Osun Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola; Osun Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Femi Akande; other members of the State Executive Council; members of the State Judicial Service Commission; top government functionaries, among others.

The EFCC said on Wednesday that the suspects were arrested by its Ibadan zonal office on Tuesday, adding that 10 were nabbed in Osun while 29 were arrested in Ogun. Details later.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the Green Chamber would focus its attention on bills and motions that would improve the ease of doing business and unlock economic potential.

Gbajabiamila, in an address to welcome his colleagues from the Christmas and New Year break during the resumption of plenary on Wednesday, said the House would make frantic efforts to surpass its achievements of last year.

He said though the Legislature does not have the control of the various security agencies, it would ensure the use of its appropriation powers to hold those responsible accountable as well as continue to collaborate with the Executive arm to improve the security situation in the country.

“In the 2021 legislative year, we will focus the attention of the House of Representatives on bills and motions that improve ease of doing business and unlock economic potential by stripping away restrictive regulation and ending predatory regulatory practices that deprive our young people the opportunity to conquer new frontiers.

“In this age of technology and innovation, of daring and enterprise, we cannot risk implementing policies that handicap our ability as a nation to participate in new markets and profit from emerging industries,” he said.

He added that “the true test of government is in our ability to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. We cannot separate the goal of economic prosperity from the ambition to ensure that all our people live in a just society free from abuse of power and protected by a justice system built on fairness and the rule of law.

“Therefore, we will shortly begin considering Bills to amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. We will follow up with a long-overdue review of the Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement And Administration Act and other legislation that seek to deliver a justice system that works for all.”

He said the constitution vests the responsibility of security and welfare of the people on all those that have sworn to serve in government, saying “Every time a citizen going about their business is killed or kidnapped, loses their property or livelihood, we have failed in our obligation.

“From the abundance of these failures has emerged a culture of self-help in matters of internal security that portends grave danger for our nation’s continued existence.”

Thus, Gbajabiamila called on Nigerians from all walks of life to put all the differences that exist among them aside and unite to face the challenges that confront the country.

“If ever there was a time for us to put aside all other considerations, especially the petty concerns of partisanship and politics, it is now.

“If ever there was a time to set aside our differences of tribe and religion to focus on a concerted effort to defeat the challenges of insurgency and banditry, communal violence, and the violent struggle over land, that time is now.

“The forces that threaten our lives and property, our sovereignty and nationhood, do not make any exceptions based on the God we pray to or the language of our native tongue.”

Noting that the House commenced the new year with a renewed commitment to legislative action that drives the course of progress and brings the House closer to achieving the highest aspirations it holds for the nation, Gbajabiamila said “we remain dedicated to the lofty, yet clear ambitions we articulated in our Legislative Agenda when we resumed in the 9th Assembly.”

He said despite the challenges the House faced last year, it was able to pass meaningful and potentially transformative legislation such as the Nigerian Police Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, Physically-Challenged (Empowerment) Bill, Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act (Amendment) Bill, and the Companies and Allied Matters Act, amongst many others.

In view of current realities, Gbajabiamila craved the indulgence of his colleagues to be careful with coming up with bills that seek to establish new institutions.

“At a time of reduced revenue, with preexisting and worsening infrastructure deficits requiring significant investments, we cannot afford to keep establishing more institutions that impose a permanent liability on government income. I am not unmindful of the realities that often necessitate such legislation, yet we cannot ignore the facts that lie before us.”

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Igboho came into the spotlight after he asked Fulani herders to vacate Ibarapa area of Oyo state.

He has openly addressed the public and his supporters on his agitation for the protection of the Yoruba from ”killer” herdsmen.

He has also granted interviews on the issues.

But the youth leader said he noticed some fake news about him has been making the rounds.

In the short viral video, Igboho introduced one Olayomi Koiki whom he said would speak on his behalf henceforth.

Igboho said: “I have been seeing fake news flying here and there, some said I’m not scared of civil war, any news that you see henceforth that is not from Koiki don’t believe it.

“Anything Koiki says about me is true because we sleep and wake up together every day.”

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Unit, on Monday, supervised the public auction of 83 forfeited vehicles on the orders of the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court for the violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.

Speaking to journalists at the Auction, held at the premises of the State Taskforce in Alausa, Ikeja, in accordance with the forfeiture order of the Court, the Coordinator, Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara said the process was transparent.

She revealed that some vehicle owners, whose cars were among those impounded, have been told to pay a fine to retrieve their cars based on the strength of evidence they presented at the Mobile Court.

According to her, the State government will continue to clampdown on recalcitrant motorists who have a habit of driving against traffic (one-way) in violation of the Traffic Law, stressing that there is an urgent need to sanitise the State of reckless drivers who break the law with impunity.

On his part, the Chairman of the State Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye, said the exercise was not meant to punish but to enforce compliance with the Law among vehicle owners, adding that the practice of driving against traffic in flagrant disobedience of the law has impeded the free flow of traffic on major roads across Lagos.

“I do not see what we have come to do today as an auction but as a correction and deterrent for some road users. The Lagos Commissioner of Police has instructed us to go out there as policemen and do our best to ensure a free flow of traffic on Lagos roads”, he said.

The well organised and transparent public auction, conducted by a licensed Auctioneer, Mr. Ade Onanuga of CR Limited Auction House, was witnessed by the Chairman of the State Taskforce, the Coordinator of the State Special Offences Mobile Court and representatives of the Ministry of Justice as well as members of the public.