Category: News

The Lagos State Taskforce has made good its promise to go after all recalcitrant okada operators,Land grabbers,environmental laws violators who have refused to heed the warnings by the State Government to stop their illegal activities.

Speaking today at his office in Bolade, Oshodi after a week long operation carried out by the Agency in areas like Ogba, Apapa, Tradefair, Elemoro, Ojodu and its environs, The Chairman, CSP Shola Jejeloye disclosed that traces of okada operations had been noticed in the aforementioned areas and other parts of the State despite the ban on their activities still being in place, prompting the need for the Agency to carry out the necessary mop up exercises in the city.

Jejeloye disclosed that though there was about 95 percent compliance but yet not less than 150 commercial bikes were impounded for willfully operating on restricted routes and flouting traffic rules in some others. 10 okada passengers were also apprehended for driving on the restricted BRT corridor and they have all been charged to court and were fined 50,000 Naira or serve three months in Badagry Correctional Centre.

“It has come to our notice through our discreet investigations and also via feedbacks from members of the Public that okada riders have aggressively been returning to streets to operate. It is quite unfortunate because we will ensure that any okada caught operating will be impounded and crushed. Passengers and riders who are also caught will be charged to court as well” Jejeloye stated.

The Chairman also reiterated that the Agency would remain resolute in ensuring that the menace of okada and infractions in Lagos never resurfaces as he and his men would carry on with aggressive enforcement exercises to maintain sanity which Lagosians have evidently enjoyed since the ban was put in place.

“We will work hard to achieve orderliness on Lagos Roads in line with the T.H.E.M.E S. Agenda of the State Government and we will make sure we do all it takes to key into for a greater Lagos. No amount of aggressiveness or resistance from okada riders can match our determination to create an enabling environment for every law abiding Lagosian”

In a related developments, CSP Jejeloye revelaed that the Agency has made considerable amount of progress in dislodging Land Grabbers in the State and vowed to go after any unscrupulous element still involved in the practice. He further stated that the Agency provides security back up for other Agencies of the State Government in ensuring that developmental programmes and activities aimed at providing succor to the populace are not hindered by criminal elements around.

He urged all Lagosians to report any suspicious or criminal acitivity within their locality to the nearest Police Station or through the various online media channels of the Agency.

Bola Tinubu has appointed Zack Orji, Jide Kosoko, Saheed Balogun, Fathia Balogun, and other actors into the Presidential Campaign Council of the APC.

Others include Bala Ahmed, Ismaila Muhammed Naaba, Jadda Garko, Gentle Jack, Benedict Johnson, Foluke Daramola, Remi Oshodi, Taiwo Hassan, Bimbo Akintola, Kikelomo Adeyemi.

The Nollywood actors were all appointed to the Performing Arts Directorate of the presidential council.

In the full list released by the campaign council late Friday, Zack Orji was appointed as the Director while Naaba was given the role of Deputy Director.

Jide Kosoko got the role of secretary while and he is to be assisted by Gentle Jack.

Benedict Johnson was appointed as spokesperson while Saheed Balogun bagged the role of Assistant Spokesperson

The Lagos State police command, has apprehended two buses loaded with large quantity of live cartridges, three dismantled motorcycles at Poromope Estate, Ijede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin on Saturday, the operatives of Ikorodu Division also made some arrests.

Hundeyin said, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects, Tukur Abdullah ‘m’ aged 35, Muazu Telim ‘m’ aged 50 and Dahiru Idris ‘m’ aged 36 were on their way to Katsina State.

“The suspects, recovered exhibits as well as the vehicles, with registration numbers KMC 438 YK and KMC 394 XF have been transferred to the Lagos State Command Headquarters, Ikeja for further investigations.”

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi,SAN, on Friday received on condolence visit, more eminent Nigerians, Groups and Organisations.

The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye; Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere; the Osolo of Isolo in Akure, Oba Edward Adewole and his Chiefs; the Representatives of Senior Retired Police Officers from Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi and Edo States, led by former Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero and the Management and Staff of the University of Medical Sciences, UNIMED, Ondo, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Olusegun Fatusi were among the early callers received by the Governor.

Governor Akeredolu received the visitors at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Akure, the State capital.

The Governor was joined by his sibling, Pastor Kola Akeredolu; with his wife, Justice (Prof.) Alero Akeredolu; Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other members of the State Executive Council.

Afenifere described the Late mother of the Governor, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu JP, as an adorable woman of virtue who gave birth to wonderful children who are gifts to humanity.

Leading a 7-man delegation of Afenifere leaders resident in Ondo state, the State Chairman of the group, Chief Korede Duyile, congratulated Governor Akeredolu and his siblings for surviving their aged mother.

Chief Duyile, who spoke on behalf of eminent leaders of Afenifere in the state including Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chief Femi Aluko and other leaders, stated that the late Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu conquered the world in her gentle strides and left golden tracks worthy of emulation.

While commiserating with the Governor, his siblings and the entire family, Chief Duyile particularly prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He described the death of Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu as a peaceful transition.

“On behalf of Afenifere Ondo State chapter, to the knowledge of leaders of Afenifere resident in Ondo state including Pa Fasoranti, Chief Falae, Basorun Arogbofa, Chief Aluko, we are here to condole you on the death of Mama.

“Mama came and lived a fulfilled life, not only as a pillar of support to her late husband as we were told, but as a caring mother in a million to the family, and also a harbinger of wonderful gift of children to humanity.”He stressed.

Also, the National Secretary of the group, Chief Sola Ebiseni, who spoke on behalf of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, lauded the Governor’s principled stance on national issues, particularly on the issue of True Federalism.

He said they were greatly impressed by Akeredolu’s position on the need to have a multilevel policing, particularly the state police in the federation, saying the Governor’s stance is commendable.

“We just heard of your fearless and quintessentially courageous stance on the need to properly equip the Amotekun. We are particularly impressed that as the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, and notwithstanding the fact that you are elected on the platform of the same political party with the President, that you have the courage to speak as a leader of our poeple.

“We are most impressed by this, and I have been asked by the National leader of the Afenifere to express this.” Ebiseni stressed.

Receiving the Afenifere leaders, Governor Akeredolu expressed his appreciation to all the groups’ leaders within and outside the State, saying he is grateful to God for surviving his mother.

“Seriously, we give glory to God for Mama’s life. It is the mercy of God that sustained her to the ripe age of 90. We, her children are happy that we survived her.”He added.

The Governor also received other dignitaries and groups who came to commiserate with him over the death of his mother.

The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye condole the Governor and also congratulated him for surviving his aged mother.

The Osolo of Isolo in Akure, Oba Edward Adewole led his Chiefs to condole the Governor and congratulate him for the peaceful transition of his mother.

The Governor also received in audience APC youth representatives, led by South-West youth leader, Lawal Kolade Paff and Ayo Wisdom, Ondo State APC Youth Leader;Tinubu Mandate Group (TMG), led by Pastor Olufemi Bakare; the Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, led by by Princess Folashade Arise, Board chairman; Senior citizens in the state including Pastor Oyekan Arije, Chief Sanya Oyinsan, Prince Arowolo Iyamolera; Education Secretaries across the state, led by Dr. Omololu Martins; Missionary Birth Attendance Association, led by the president, prophetess Ruth Arisoyin; more traditional rulers; Iyalojas; Iyalajes; NAOS and NANS leadership among other groups.

It was gathered that the three victims were kidnapped at Waasinmi on the Abeokuta-Lagos Road in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the police officer was an inspector while the two others were civilians.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed their abduction, disclosed that the victims, including the police officer, had been released by their abductors.

Oyeyemi in a statement issued on Friday, said the kidnappers were a group of kidnappers that were operating in military camouflage uniform.

He said, “On receiving the information of the abduction, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, directed the command’s anti-kidnapping unit and other tactical squad to move into the area and join forces with the Ewekoro divisional headquarters in rescuing the victims.

“Upon the intensive pressure and aggressive trailing of the kidnappers, they were left with no alternative other than releasing the captives.

“The victims regained their freedom at about 9:45 pm on Thursday, September 22, 2022 and have since reunited with their family.”

The PPRO, however, said the Commissioner of Police had directed that no stone should be left unturned in ensuring that the kidnappers were all arrested and brought to book.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba Alkali on Thursday said the Southwest Security Outfit called Amotekun and other “quasi-security outfits” established by state governments won’t participate in next year’s general elections. The police chief said this in Abuja at a conference for strategic police managers, which includes officers from the ranks of commissioners and above. He stated that such establishments are not legally-backed for the exercise.

“Similarly, the IGP emphasized the fact that all quasi-security outfits established by various state governments and local communities operating under different nomenclatures, structures, and orientations have no legal roles under the Electoral Act and in the electoral process,” Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement. “He, therefore, directed all Police Managers to ensure they are not utilized by political or community actors for any role during the electioneering campaign and other electoral processes as such would amount to an illegality, a threat to national security, and inimical to the nation’s democratic interest.”

“The IGP charged all officers present to boost the security of their public space towards guaranteeing a crime-free and enabling environment for political campaigns and other components of the electoral process noting that following the announcement by the INEC for the commencement of electioneering campaigns by all political parties from 28th September 2022, the national political space will become very active and susceptible to an increase in politically related offences,” the statement further read.

“The IGP tasked all Strategic Police Managers with discharging their duties before, during, and after the electioneering process in line with the dictates of the Electoral Act 2022, and the Code of Conduct and Nigeria Police Force Rules of Engagement for Security Personnel on Election Duty issued in 2020 by the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).”

A woman in Ibadan has shocked the court of law with her narration of the tortuous sexual experience she undergoes in her matrimonial home.

A 43-year-old woman, Omolara Acchoyame, recently dazed her husband before the Igando Customary Court in Lagos State, when she alleged that sex with her husband was torture.

Omolara, who had filed for divorce proceedings against her husband, Solomon Acchoyame, alleged that he exhibited strange behaviours while making love to her.

She alleged that he waited for her to sleep, then without waking her up, just opens her clothes and had sex with her, adding that she never enjoyed this, Omolara further told the court that her husband had three things which he used during sx for lubrication, listing them as aboniki balm, mentholatum and dusting powder, adding that these things made her hate having sex with him.

The striking Academic Staff Union of Universities will on Friday (today) file an appeal against the ruling of the National Industrial Court which directed its members to resume work, The PUNCH has learnt.

Counsel for ASUU, Femi Falana (SAN), disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Thursday.

ASUU has been on strike since February 14 to press home its demands for improved funding for universities and a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Justice Polycarp Hamman on Wednesday ordered the union’s members back to work

“We are filing the appeal tomorrow (Friday) morning. We just got the certified true copy of the judgment on Thursday. The appeal will be filed first thing Friday morning.”

Vice-Chancellors speak
Meanwhile, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities has said the crisis between the Federal Government and ASUU is not an issue that should be taken to court.

While reacting to the court order asking ASUU to go back to class, the CVCNU chairman, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, said, “The matter is not a court issue. A lecturing job is not one you force people to do because it is a knowledge-based job.

“The best is to mutually understand one another. If, as a student, you go to the class now and you are not given knowledge, what will be the outcome? We are pleading that ASUU, FG, and other stakeholders should come together and dialogue and settle it.”

FG declared war’
The Ebonyi State University’s ASUU Chairman, Ikechukwu Igwenyi, on Thursday, said with the court order, the Federal Government has declared “war” against members of the union.

This was as he pointed out that the “no work, no pay” policy of the government shows the authorities lack an understanding of the nature of the contract between the lecturers and their employees.

We Believe In One Nigeria, But We Cannot Have One Country, Two Systems

The video making the rounds showing the equivalent of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) in Katsina, obtaining the approval of the Federal Government to bear arms is fraught with great dangers. Denying Amotekun the urgently needed rights, to legitimately bear arms is a repudiation of the basis of true federalism which we have been clamoring for.

That Katsina was able to arm its state security force, with the display of AK47 means we are pursuing one country, two systems ” solution to the national question. If the katsina situation conferring advantages on some, in the face of commonly faced existential threats, it means that our unitary policing system, which has failed, is a deliberate method of subjugation which must be challenged.

The Independence agreement was based on a democratic arrangement to have a federal state and devolved internal security mechanics. We must go back to that agreement. Denying Amotekun the right to bear arms exposes the Southwest to life-threatening marauders and organized crime. It is also a deliberate destruction of our agricultural sector. It is an existential threat.

We want to reiterate, that what is sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander. Ondo State government under the doctrine of necessity have decided to fulfil its legal, constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the State, by acquiring arms to protect them. This is more so, given that the bandits have an unchecked access to sophisticated weapons. The State government cannot look on while its citizens are being terrorized and murdered with impunity. We will defend our people.