Oduduwa News

The family of slain Akeem Olalekan Ibitoye who was allegedly murdered on April 25th, 2017 by some police officers have berated the Osun Police Command and the management of the State Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, for their refusal to release Akeem’s corpse.

The family registered their grievances on Friday while fielding questions from journalists at the resumed hearing of the case by the State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Related Extra Judicial Killings sitting in Osogbo, the State capital.

The Panel had at its sitting last week Friday ordered the immediate release of the corpse of the slain man by the concerned authorities.

At the resumption of the case on Friday, the counsel to the petitioners, Barrister Kehinde Adesiyan, informed the Panel that the corpse had not been released.

He explained the stress undergone by the family of the deceased to secure the corpse, saying all efforts to take custody of the body had been frustrated by the hospital management.

According to him, the hospital authorities refused to release the corpse on the pretense that there was no written statement to that effect from the Police who deposited the corpse.

Reacting to the matter, Mr. Teslim Ibitoye, an elder brother to the deceased, said the action of the Police not to ensure the immediate release of the corpse as directed by the panel was a gross defiance to constituted authorities.

The petitioner who claimed to have suffered serious injuries from the incident, stated that he still lives with the gun pellets stucked in his body since 2017.

He lamented the rigour and suffering that the family had gone through at the hands of the Police since the incident occurred.

Ibitoye who narrated how he and his late younger brother were gruesomely brutalised on the fateful day by the police who shot at them where they were, said, “If not by God, I would have been dead just as my brother died immediately gunshots were fired at us.”

He appealed to the panel to grant all their prayers as presented in the petition, saying the release of the corpse of his brother remained first priority.

Ibitoye stated further that the family had approached the Panel to seek payment of N50million as compensation and prevail on the Police and other concerned authorities to take care of his medical treatment abroad which requires him to undergo surgical operation to remove the gun pellets out of his body.

Ruling on the case, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Akin Oladimeji (rtd.), directed the Police authorities to follow the petitioners and their counsel to the hospital to secure the release of the corpse to the family.

He thereafter adjourned the case to Friday, March 26th, 2021 for adoption of the final written addresses of both counsels.

Buttressing the position of the Panel on the case during an interview session with journalists, Justice Oladimeji said it was unfortunate that the concerned authorities undermined the powers of the Panel.

“It is rather unfortunate that the Panel of Inquiry will give an order for the release of a corpse by a hospital authority and they refused it. They must have done that out of error, out of lack of understanding of the powers of the Panel.

“We have however directed the Police to follow the petitioners and their counsel to go to the hospital and get the corpse released to the family. It is unfortunate that the corpse has been there since 2017,” Oladimeji added.

Meanwhile, the Panel also heard the petition filed by one Mr. Adeola Paul Sunday, which was adjourned last week for further hearing today.

Mr Sunday had through his petition claimed to have been defrauded of N36million by a syndicate members who he engaged to supply him electrical installations worth N36million.

The Counsel to the petitioner, Barrister Kayode Adebisi, alleged the Police of connivance to defraud his client.

He said the Police connived with the syndicate fraudsters to compromise the investigation which would have helped the petitioner to retrieve his money.

A witness to the respondent, Inspector Alayande Muritala, while being cross- examined to give credence to the case, refuted all the allegations leveled against him and his colleagues.

The case was adjourned to next week for further hearing.

The Panel also adopted the final written addresses in the cases filed by Alhaji Ayo Dauda Adigun &1OR versus Osun Commissioner of Police; Azeez Oderinde versus Osun Commissioner of Police; and Olaide Olaosebikan 1OR versus Osun Commissioner of Police.

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC ) has announced its readiness to engage members of the public with proven integrity to serve in various capacities as adhoc staff of the commission towards successful conduct of Local Government Council Elections scheduled for 15th May, 2021.

The Commission Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan and made available to journalists.

According to the statement, “the commission is set to recruit interested and qualified individuals for the position of Returning Officers, Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers. Other positions are Presiding Officers , Poll Clerks and Poll Orderlies”.

The statement also indicated that applications should be submitted by interested individuals at OYSIEC office , Ibadan , the state capital or sent by email
to :oysiec01.gov@gmail.com not later than 26th March, 2021.

Aare Olagunju noted that the commission would intensify efforts on voters education to enhance massive participation.

Commercial operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) will begin in the first quarter of 2023, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, got the assurance from Tolaram Group – the frontline investor handling the project.

The Governor and members of the State’s cabinet are currently on a two-day working tour of the three free trade zones established in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos.

The port, which is being constructed by China Habour Engineering firm, is occupying 90 hectares in the entire 830 hectares of land carved out for the Lagos Free Zone, created in 2012 to enhance economic position of Lagos as manufacturing and logistics hub in West Africa.

The first phase of the seaport project, which is being financed by $629 million facility from China Development Bank (CDB), is at 48 per cent completion.

After going through the project master plan, Sanwo-Olu said his administration remained committed to delivering project, stressing that the deep seaport and other investments happening in the corridor had the potential to increase the State’s GDP in multiple folds.

He said: “Given the report I got and what I have seen here, I can say that Lagos Free Zone has made tremendous improvement. We have seen the level of partnership Tolaram Group is bringing in terms of international investment and local brands on this corridor.

“I commend all stakeholders that are with us on this journey we have found ourselves. With the level of work we have seen, I’m truly excited. It is more gratifying that, we are taking up this assignment with all energies required and we all can see what we can achieve when we work together.

“Since we signed a loan agreement less than 18 months ago, we have demonstrated strong capability in bringing the project to reality. This is the first quarter of 2021 and we have seen the project in about 48 per cent completion. The investors have given us the commitment on first quarter of 2023 completion date. We will fulfill all our parts to make sure this date becomes reality.”

Sanwo-Olu, who noted that he had been part of the conversation for the development of the free zones as a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2006, said his administration had recorded significant progress in bringing the projects to reality.

The Governor said the priority accorded to the construction of complementary infrastructure projects along the corridor was a demonstration of his Government’s fulfillment of its pledge to Lagos residents. He promised the State would work with the timeline to ensure all projects mapped out in the zones are deliver.

Sanwo-Olu said the size of the deep seaport will allow 18,000 TEU capacity vessels, which are four times bigger than the ones berthing at Apapa seaports, thereby scaling down the cost of container transportation from any part of the world.

He said: “The interesting part is that, our youths and young women will be the beneficiaries of this project. The project managers have engaged large number of our citizens in the construction parts of the work; all personnel are not expatriates. All the technical work and technology deployed have local component to it.

“For us a Government, this is the strongest point we have made with the project. I am fully convinced that the delivery of this project will transform commercial architecture of West Africa and bring about quick turnaround time in maritime sector.”

When it is completed, the deep seaport is expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Lagos residents, and serve as alternative in an effort to decongest the Federal Government-owned seaports in Apapa.

Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Mr. Dinesh Rathi, said Tolaram Group, a Singaporean coy, initiated a $2 billion investment in the Lagos Free Zone, out of which the investor committed $950 million to developing manufacturing hub in the zone.

When the deep seaport is completed, Rathi said the maritime project was expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Lagos residents, and would serve as alternative in an effort to decongest the Federal Government-owned seaports in Apapa.

Chairman of Lagos Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Biodun Dabiri, hailed the State Government for its commitment towards changing face of commerce in Africa, stressing that all statutory permits, licences and endorsement for the Lekki port project were already secured.

“There is strong guarantee that the port will be delivered before time, going by the inflow of capital investment and technical services,” Dabiri said.

The Governor and his entourage also visited Africa’s second largest manufacturing plant of Kellogg Tolaram, manufacturer of cornflakes, which is built in Lagos Free Zone. The Governor toured the processing unit of the firm and inspected the production chain.

Also joining the Government’s team in the tour are the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport LFZ, Mr Du Ruogang, and Head of Marketing for LFZ, Ms. Chinju Udora, among others.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare has reacted to the alarm raised by a former Leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Mulikat Adeola Akande over threats to her life and warned that nothing untoward must happen to her.

Sunday Dare, the new Agbaakin of Ogbomoso land said he felt real disturbed by the distress because Honourable Akande is well known to be a quiet and peace loving politician with no history of frivolities or grandstanding that would be seeking undue attention or cry wolf in the absence of none.

The Minister, in a personally signed statement, therefore tasked the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde as the Chief Security Officer of the state and Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the party Honorable Akande belongs to, to take the matter with all seriousness and ensure all round protection forthe former House of Representatives leader, forthwith.

Chief Sunday Akin Dare also called on all the federal security agencies to rise to the occasion and see that her life is not in danger in anyway.

“This is beyond politics. It is about the security of life and right to life. She is an illustrious daughter of Oyo State and somebody that had served Nigeria at the peak of governance. An alarm of threat to life by such person or any other Nigerian for that matterdeserves to be taken with the utmost earnestness.

“I charge my brother, the Governor of our state, Engineer Seyi Makinde who is also the leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mulikat Akande’s party to earnestly ensure that all round protection is provided for her forthwith and guarantee that nothing untoward happens to her.

“I also call on federal and state security agencies to ensure that her life is not in danger in anyway”.

The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has given Sunday Igboho a 72-hour ultimatum, to move Yoruba people from the North.

AYA have threatened to take necessary actions, by taking the responsibility of sending them back home.

“We are hereby giving him the ultimatum of 72 hours to move his people out or we will be forced to take necessary actions by personally taking the responsibility of getting his people back home,” the group explained.

Mohammed Salihu Danlami, Speaker, Arewa Youth Assembly, in a statement, noted that the entity of Nigeria is non-negotiable and called on all stakeholders in the country to reject anything that would cause confusion in the land.

He lamented, “One Mr. Sunday Igboho issued a press statement in which he was quoted as saying enough is enough that the time for Yoruba nation is now, they will no longer accommodate and accept the presence of Northerners.”

The group noted, “This is despite the fact that the constitution of the country has made it crystal clear that any Nigerian can live in any part of the country irrespective of his or her religious and tribal placements.”

Governor of the State of Osun and member, All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Committee, Adegboyega Oyetola has stressed the need for leaders and members of the party to observe and respect party supremacy by subsuming self-interest under the larger party interest.

Oyetola also noted that leaders of the APC must commit to enforce the Constitution of the party to the letter, saying that this was necessary for the party to continue to be strong, enduring and vibrant.

He said these while delivering the Keynote Address at the stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Special Committee on the Review and Amendments of the APC Constitution in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Governor Oyetola charged the Prof. Tahir Mamman-led Committee to come up with amendments that would engender justice, equity, fairness and the rule of law.

According to him, the review and amendment of the party’s constitution is a welcome development and necessary addition to the ongoing nationwide registration/revalidation exercise of the party. He added that the two exercises are geared towards repositioning and re-engineering the party for greater heights.

Oke Ogun-born Civil Engineer, Olufemi Alao has highlighted some rudiments he learned from both parents and mentors which he referred to as the driving force to success.

Olufemi is the Managing Director of FBS Construction Engineering Services Limited, a company which he founded in 2001.

Speaking on the lessons he learnt from his parents and mentors, Engr. Olufemi reminisced on his childhood which he described as tough and filled with moments such as his mother having difficulty in paying for their school fee. 

He noted, however, that the lesson: that one should be generous, which he learnt from his mother has since been shaping his path for good. According to him, the culture of tithe giving is one great lesson he has learnt from his dad. 

On his life values, Engr. Olufemi pointed out that he loves doing things at the right time. For him, no space for procrastination.

He further said that individuals whose lives have been blessed beyond need, have a moral responsibility to help and uplift others in need as, according to him, whatever is given to you is not for you and your family alone.

Perhaps, the greatest of his life lessons are the ones he learnt from his mentors, particularly, Engr. Olumide, who instilled the values of self-belief in him. He learnt from Engr. Olumide that he could achieve anything he puts his heart into.

In closing, Engr. Olufemi who admonished everyone to uphold their good names urged every parent to lay good examples for their children as whatever they do today will always tell in posterity.

Engineer Olufemi hails from Kisi town in the Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, has condemned in strongest terms the senseless and unwarranted murder of an officer of the Agency, Obasu Segun Godwin and the assault on another officer, Adeniyi Hakeem, by the operator of a Suzuki commercial bus otherwise known as ‘korope’ and others at Anthony area of Lagos State on Tuesday, 16th March, 2021.

Oduyoye explained that Obasu Segun Godwin and Adeniyi Hakeem were attacked with machetes and other dangerous weapons by the driver of a commercial bus with registration number FKJ 452 YC, plying Bariga to Oshodi via the Ikorodu Road axis in cohort with some other drivers, after his vehicle was apprehended for contravening the Traffic Law of the State.

According to him, the sad fact about the whole saga was that the two officers were in mufti and on their way home, having completed their morning shift and closed for the day before the recalcitrant commercial bus drivers went berserk, seeking any LASTMA officers to attack for carrying out their statutory duties.

He said: “Obazu was struck severally with machetes resulting in deep lacerations on the head and his eventual death, while Adeniyi Hakeem, who was also attacked in a similar fashion has been hospitalised and in a coma”.

While noting that some senior officers, who were also in mufti and around the area were lucky to escape the mob attack, the General Manager warned all cultists doubling as commercial bus drivers that any traffic violation or infraction shall be punished or penalised as enacted by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Oduyoye noted that seven of the culprits have been caught and handed over to the police while the driver of the bus and others are still at large, assuring that the police would conduct a proper investigation, just as the full wrath of the law would be brought to bear on all those found guilty of taking laws into their hands.

The LASTMA Director of Operations, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba maintained that this is a very sad event that could have been averted, stressing that the unfortunate incident would not deter the agency from carrying out its functions and duties as laid down by the Law of the State.

Commiserating with the family of the deceased officer, Oreagba lamented that the State and the agency have lost too many good law enforcement officers to these lawless and recalcitrant motorists, assuring that the severely injured officer, who is still in a coma at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, is well taken care of.

The parents of the boy allegedly chased to death by a team of security personnel have lauded the Osun Government for endorsing the report of the Criminal Investigation Department revealing the names and other identities of the alleged officers involved in the murder of their child, Idris Ajibola.

The parents made the commendation at the resumed hearing of the Osun Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality Human Rights Violations and Related Extra Judicial Killings on Thursday.

The parents said the revelation of the identities of the alleged erring officers by the government through the Criminal Investigation Department was an indication that the government is a lover of justice and a clear justification of their request for the payment of a sum of N5billion as compensation.

This is even as the Counsel for the petitioners, Barrister Kanmi Ajibola, after the presentation of his final written address for adoption, lauded the panel’s formation and expressed confidence in its ability to dispense justice.

The names of the security personnel in the Joint Task Force (JTF) vehicle that allegedly chased and killed the deceased as revealed by the Criminal Investigation Department are Ejigbo Audu (NPF); Benjamin Ogunsesan (NPF); Jekayinfa Olutosin (NSCDC); Raji Adewale (SSS) and Hammed Yusuf (NAF).

The names of the officers were made public for proper disciplinary actions in their respective Commands.

The late Idris Ajibola alongside his friends were on 15th December, 2020 allegedly chased, leading to the subsequent death of the deceased by a team of security personnel.

Presenting his final written address in the case to the panel, the petitioners’ counsel, Barrister Kanmi Ajibola, argued that the alleged unlawful act perpetrated by the subjects of the Respondent by chasing the late Idris Ajibola to death, causing his parents an irreparable loss, was contrary to Paragraph 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

According to him, the said Paragraph of the Constitution provides that, “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

He submitted that his clients were entitled to compensation as enshrined in Section 35 (6) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that, “Any person who is unlawfully arrested or detained shall be entitled to compensation and public apology from the appropriate authority or person.”

Barrister Ajibola who described the steps taken by the government to unveil the identity of the occupants of the JTF vehicle that allegedly chased the deceased to death as commendable, said the action has further informed the petitioners the need to pursue the case to finality by ensuring that whoever is found culpable is dealt with in accordance with the Constitution.

He commended government for not covering up the matter after the names of the officers were made known by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force assigned to investigate the matter.

Addressing journalists after the closure of their cases, mother of the deceased, Mrs. Titilayo Ajibola, commended the State government for unveiling the identities of the officers who were in the security vehicle that chased her son to death.

Mrs. Ajibola said the unveiling of the identities of the alleged erring officers was an indication of the fact that their case before the panel was genuine.

The petitioner who was accompanied by her husband and other members of the family said the request for the sum of N5billion compensation was to cushion the trauma experienced from the incident as the deceased was the only male child of the family.

A copy of the police investigation report forwarded by the government indicated that the incident that claimed the life of one Idris Ajibola (male), 17 years old, among the four occupants of the Toyota Corrola Sallon vehicle number ABUJA KUJ 553 LY, was assigned to State Criminal Investigation Department, Nigeria Police Force, Osogbo for discreet investigation and report.

“Consequent upon the investigation, the following: Ejigbo Audu (NPF); Benjamin Ogunsesan (NPF); Jekayinfa Olutosin (NSCDC); Raji Adewale (SSS); and Hammed Yusuf (NAF), who occupied the JTF patrol team 004 surveillance patrol vehicle on the fateful day of the accident, 15th September, 2020 have been recommended for withdrawal from the Joint Task Force (JTF) and to face departmental disciplinary action in their various commands,” the report reads in parts.

The panel, led by its Chairman, Justice Akin Oladimeji (rtd.), adopted the final written address forwarded by the petitioners’ counsel for recommendation to the government for appropriate compensation.

The panel also heard and adjourned the petitions filed by Mr. Elusanmi Kolawole versus Osun Commissioner of Police; Mrs Oluwatoyin Adetona versus Osun Commissioner of Police; Alhaji Adanku Oyinlola versus Osun Commissioner of Police and Mr. Taiwo Daniel versus Osun Commissioner of Police. All of the petitions have been slated for further hearing.

A chieftain of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suspected to be involved in the gruesome killing of Dr. Fatai Aborode has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command on Thursday.

The suspect, pa Olawuwo is said to be detained at Dugbe Police Division.

Meanwhile, local party chairmen from Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North LGAs, Alhaji Yisau Tapa, former caretaker chairman Iliasu Ololade as well as Mr Obey from Igboora were spotted at the police station.

More details to be communicated shortly.