Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Niger State Command have recovered 27 new rifles from two suspects during a routine stop and search operation in Kontagora area of the state.
The suspects; Danjuma Auta, 35, and Daniel Danrangi, 25, both male and from Dirin Daji, Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State were arrested along Kontagora – Zuru road, Niger state on Monday night.
According to the Niger state Commander of the Agency, Mr. Aloye Isaac Oludare, the duo were arrested with 12 locally fabricated AK 47 rifles and 15 locally fabricated pistols. The rifles were concealed in a white sack while on a motorcycle to an unknown place when they were arrested.
“Kontagora where the weapons were seized is about 107 kilometers from Kagara, a town in Niger State where there have been mass abductions of women, children and secondary school students in the last one month.
“Preliminary investigation shows that the fabricator of the weapons resides in Kamfaninwaya, not far away from Kontagora, while one of the pistols is fully loaded. The suspects and the weapons will be transferred to the Nigerian Police Headquarters, Minna for further investigation and prosecution of the suspects”, he stated.
In another operation, operatives of NDLEA, Ondo State Command have raided Ita-Ipele and Ipele forests, Owo LGA of Ondo State. “During the operation, Six suspects, namely; Stephen Ikechukwu, 38; Stephen Friday, 32; Austin Osadebe, 58; Friday Paul, 29; Adebayo Raphael, 25 and John Pius, 45, were arrested.
“A total of 41kgs of Cannabis Sativa and 6kgs of Cannabis Seeds were recovered during the operation, while a total of five hectares of Cannabis farm was located and destroyed”, the Ondo state Commander of the Agency, Mr. Haruna Gagara stated.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday urged all elected and appointedObasa
officials of the state to unite for Lagos to be greater.
Speaker Obasa said this at the ongoing 16th executive-legislative parley holding in the state with the theme: A Consensus Agenda for Rebuilding Lagos.
“You will all agree with me that the necessity and significance of this parley is explicit enough. More than ever before, the elected and appointed public office holders of Lagos State at all levels must bond together and work in the best interest of the state with a common vision, a common mission and, of course, a common passion.
“This has become imperative if we are to effectively meet the immense responsibilities that lie on our shoulders as leaders of a global mega city like ours,” the Speaker said.
While recalling how the protest ended in wanton destruction of properties in Lagos, which overtime has become the economic hub of Nigeria, Obasa noted that it affected lives and livelihood. He added that government facilities were not spared.
“I remember visiting some parts of Lagos then such as the Lagos High Court, BRT Oyingbo Terminal, Fagba, Isokoko and Pen Cinema Police Stations, Oba Akiolu Palace, City Hall and Public Works Corporation, in company of members of the Lagos House of Assembly. The level of ruins in all these places mentioned was beyond imagination.
“As we are all aware of the fact that Lagos State is the economic powerhouse of the country, there is the need to do everything possible in rebuilding it after the unprecedent carnage.
“I know that efforts have been in top gear to address the issue of rebuilding Lagos state since last year. But this is the very first time both the legislative and executive arms of government in the state will be coming together to address this issue.
“In the light of this, harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government in a state like Lagos is the only factor that will create the enabling environment and momentum needed for this APC-controlled state to live up to its promise of moving Lagos State to the next level of growth and development,” the Speaker added.
Obasa further urged the participants to be aware that rebuilding Lagos requires a holistic collaboration among all the arms of government in the state.
“We need to remind ourselves that the period of brooding over the devastation suffered by our state in the violence that trailed the hijack of #ENDSARS protests is now in the past. All hands must be on deck to fully recover our dear state and take it back to its place in terms of infrastructure, and repair the fortress of commerce battered by the destruction.
“As such, it is gratifying to note that the focus of our discussion for the 16th Legislative-Executive parley is on the right track towards a greater Lagos. We cannot agree less on this because it is on the record that one of the most positive signals from Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is that he has not allowed the wheels of governance grind to a halt. And this has kept the state stable and peaceful and kept people wondering what the magic has been since his assumption of office,” the Speaker said.
Eromosele EBHOMELE
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.
Germany-based filmmaker, Pius Okaba, is currently on location for the shoot of his new feature film, Eastside Berlin. He maintained that the world is focused on African entertainment and there are opportunities to tell stories from the perspective of the people.
He said, “My objective is to promote the afro-cosmopolitan culture in Berlin (Germany’s capital), and to create an opportunity for people of colour to tell their own stories.
“Berlin is among the most diverse cities in Europe, with people from various walks of life, but the afro-culture is going through a phase of cultural appreciation. If you walk the streets of Berlin, you would hear afrobeat music and you would smell the aroma of African spices from a distance. There has been a cultural shift, and right now, Africa is in focus.”
He added that the film would focus on the movement of the afro cultural community by tapping into aspects that shape their daily existence, such as music, cuisine, fashion, art and interracial relationships.
Okaba, who started his career as a model, stated that certain experiences in his childhood shaped him into who he is now. He said, “As a child, I engaged in various sporting activities. I played football and also trained as a boxer. Football was to socialise with friends, while boxing was to protect me from bullies. I was also very entrepreneurial as a child.”
He highlighted the challenges he faces shooting a feature film during a pandemic. “It has been challenging trying to wrap this film because of the lockdown and health restrictions; we had to cut down from a 73 man crew to 20 crew member, and most of the film locations were fussed to shut down. However, working with German prolific DOP (Director of Photography) Andreas Reuther, my line producer -Therese Stern and Nigerian German-based Production Manager, Emmanuel Titus, makes my life easier shooting during a lockdown with lots of uncertainty about when life will resume normalcy.”
Residents have condemned the attempt by policemen from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Team to arrest the Chairman, Peace Valley Zone, Magodo Phase II, Lagos State, Ayobami Olubiyi, on Wednesday 24th of February 2021.
We reliably gathered that no fewer than six policemen, allegedly mobilised by one Timi Popoola, laid siege to Olubiyi’s residence around 6am, but their efforts became futile when some residents in the zone and others intervened.
Olubiyi said despite explaining to Popoola that the estate was strictly for residential purpose, he allegedly shunned the warnings and converted a building to an hotel.
He said, “Mr Timi Popoola bought a property in the estate early in 2020 and we reached out to him to know what he was doing with the property, but he refused to open up to us. We also told him to register with us because of security concerns, but he never shown any concern. When our financial secretary asked him to fulfil his obligations to the estate, he (Popoola) threatened him and we reported the incident at the police headquarters in Ikeja, where he was invited, but he didn’t show up.
“We also escalated it to Alagbon for intervention, but surprisingly, we got a letter last week inviting me to Abuja for harassment, molestation and threat to life. I have never met Popoola, so how could I have threatened his life? When the police came today, they demanded to see me, but I was not at home. When the police kept insisting that they wanted to see me, neighbours, who observed what was going on, mobilised against them.
“The place is a hotel and the Lagos State Government has sealed it off twice, but he broke the seal. He has been advertising the hotel online.”
While condemning the action of the police, the Chairman, Magodo Residents’ Association, Phase II, Bajo Osinubi, said the state government designed Magodo as wholly residential, adding that Popoola was using the office of the IG to oppress people so as to continue running the hotel against the decision of the government.
“We don’t want hotels in Magodo, but this man (Popoola) went to a zone that is very small and started renovating a building. During the renovation, his neighbours approached him to inquire about his plans and he told them that he wanted to live in the building. But after the renovation, residents in the zone started seeing strange faces entering the house. They also went online to do further findings and discovered that he had turned the house into a hotel.
“The estate management petitioned the state government and the place was partially sealed off, but he proceeded to inform the Inspector-General of Police. We are surprised that the police invited Olubiyi to Abuja for a case that happened in Magodo, Lagos. Plans were already on for Olubiyi to meet with the IG monitoring unit at the annex in Lagos on Monday, but because he couldn’t make it, six policemen attached to the unit laid siege to his house around 6am Wednesday 24th of February 2021 to arrest him.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said “The IGP Monitoring Unit is from the office of the IG, so it’s proper we notify the Force PRO to look into this and react. I will inform him accordingly.”
The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, had yet to respond to calls and a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report
Nigerian singer, David “Davido” Adeleke, has been able to maintain his hold on Nigerian ranked on the 2020 Instagram Rich List, Davido is currently ranked 47 is above fellow Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage ranked 61, Yemi Alade (64), Actress Funke Akindele (66) before 67 ranked Ayo “Wizkid” Balogun. The report is an annual released by London-based Instagram tool scheduling firm, Hooper HQ, has five Nigerian celebrities in the top 100 ranking – three singers, one actress and UK based Nigerian rapper Olajide Olatunji popularly known as KSI who is ranked 74.
For the first time in many years Kylie Jenner was pushed to number 2 by Actor and former wrestler Dwayne Johnson (Rock) who is grossing over $1million per post as against Kylie $986k, Juventus footballer and the most followed man on Instagram is in distance 3rd with his $889k per post page.
The Instagram Rich List is made up of celebrities who monetise their followers and influence by promoting goods and services of known and unknown brands across the world. Hooper HQ compiled a list of top brand influencers across the world. Social media platforms have grown to become one of the most popular marketing tools for brands across the world. These companies have been able to reach more people without the aid of traditional media – television, radio, and newspaper. According to a Facebook research conducted, 83% of Instagram users discover new products and services on Instagram.
Hooper HQ’s list discloses how much Instagram’s top celebrities and influencers are making through the platform. The list shows that the number of an individual’s followers doesn’t necessarily determine how brands value the person’s posts.
According to Hooper HQ, Davido earns $91,100 (N34.7m) per post, he is however second in Africa behind Egyptian and Liverpool footballer, Mohammad Salah, who is ranked 34 with $180,000 per post with his 39 million followers against Davido’s 17.1 million followers.
In life, there is a time for everything, a time to sow and a time to reap. Indeed, there is a time to be born and a time to die.
In the business sector, there is often the need to obtain a loan in a bid to push an organisation to the next level. As such, there is a time to obtain a loan and a time to also payback.
In recent times, one of the biggest talking points in the banking industry and indeed the court has been about a loan obtained by Cardinal Drilling Services (CDS), a sister company owned by the Chairman of Seplat Development Company (SPDC), ABC Orjiakor.
The loan running into millions of dollars was originally obtained from defunct Diamond Bank before it was inherited by Access Bank Plc when it acquired Diamond Bank.
So dirty has the back and forth of the repayment of the loan been that both plaintiff and defendant have been at loggerheads.
Their lawyers have also not been spared of the mudslinging. Access Bank recently wrote to the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Council (LPPC) and the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), demanding the sanctioning of Mr Babajide Koku (SAN) as well as Etigwe Uwa (SAN), both lawyers to SPDC, for alleged professional misconduct.
The petition against Koku and Uwa stated that both lawyers engaged in acts unbecoming of legal practitioners and contravened well-established legal principles in bad faith.
According to Access Bank, SPDC did not meet the condition of the court by posting a bond of $20 million dollars as security before applying for the suspension of its interim Marewa injunction on its assets at the Appeal Court.
There have also been claims that Access Bank is not only bullying SPDC but is also attempting a hostile takeover.
In the real sense of things, how does a hostile takeover come into the equation?
If Orjiakor is not denying owing Access Bank through defunct Diamond Bank, why then can’t he just pay up what he owes instead of going to court. If indeed SPDC is not responsible for the loan, is Cardinal Drilling Services Limited also denying borrowing the loan?
Actions and statement like a hostile takeover in view of current developments only paints the picture that Cardinal Drilling Services Limited is not a good corporate citizen.
A responsible entity that obtains a loan shouldn’t be forced to pay back. In a sane clime, such a company will pay back what it owes so that others in need of loans can access them.
With the business integrity of Seplat Development Company’s chairman presently being second-guessed due to the case in court, Industry Watchers are saying that it is better for Orjiakor to pay his debt.
The argument is that a debt is an obligation, and one who obtains a loan must pay. Why then can’t Orjiakor just fulfill his obligation knowing that the debt will always remain while the interest will also continue to increase?
Special Assistant on Security to the Kwara State Governor, Honourable Moshood Gobir, in a session with NAOSRE’s Rowland ‘Shuwa, explains governor Abdulrazaq’s intelligent unification of ethnic diversity in Kwara to achieve harmony
Amid the security challenges ravaging the country and the seeming helplessness of the Chief Security Officers of each state of the federation, the Special Assistant on Security to the Kwara State Governor, Hon. Moshood Gobir, has described Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as the most proactive governor on security matters in the North central Nigeria.
In a press release personally signed by Hon. Gobir and made available to National Association of Online Security Reporters, (NAOSRE), Kwara state chapter, the Special Assistant on Security lauded the leadership qualities of the state governor especially in the area of security.
He said, “Nigeria is presently facing serious security challenges on all fronts ranging from Boko Haram menace in the northeastern states to the cattle rustling and banditry in the north central states and the horror of herdsmen kidnapping in the southwest, but as the Special Assistant on Security to His Excellency, the Governor of Kwara State, I make bold to say that Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is the most proactive Governor on security matters in the whole of north central states and one of the best in this regard in the whole country. His efforts have ensured that Kwara State indeed remains the State of Harmony.
“Just yesterday, (Monday) there was a serious high level security meeting at the instance of His Excellency, where all the stakeholders in security affairs in the state were present. Issues like how to make “Operation Harmony” joint taskforce more effective and efficient day and night, and other sundry efforts that will ensure that Kwara State continues to enjoy the peaceful status quo for which we are widely known were discussed.”
He stressed that all and sundry can see and feel the impact of the Governor’s commitment to security in Kwara state and urged all Kwarans and residents of Kwara to join hands and compliment the efforts of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq by being law abiding at all times in order for Kwara State to live up to its repute as the State of Harmony.
Hon. Gobir however, warned trouble makers and criminally minded individuals to steer clear of Kwara State as all the security agencies in the state are at alert to respond adequately and appropriately to any attempt to breach the security of lives and properties of Kwara residents.
He further stressed that Ignorance of the law is not a tenable excuse where the security of the people is being infringed upon.
The Governor’s aide also commended all the security agencies in the state for the cooperation enjoyed so far in the efforts at securing lives and properties of Kwara residents.
Oyo State Police Command has redoubled efforts at tracking hoodlums who kidnapped a boy in a poultry farm at Oke Odan Apete.
In a statement signed by CSP Fadeyi Olugbenga, Police Public Relations Officer of the Command and made available to NAOSRE, efforts are in top gear to rescue the kidnapped young boy unhurt.
According to the statement, the Command stated that at about 6pm on Monday, February 22, a member of the public volunteered information to the Police that some suspected unknown gunmen entered a poultry farm at Oke-Odan community, Apete area of Ibadan and fired some shots into the air before abducting one 24 years old Ayodeji Emmanuel who is a son to the owner of the farm.
Olugbenga disclosed further that immediately the Divisional Police Officer of Apete got wind of the incident, she led Police patrol teams to the scene along with some local hunters and vigilantes to comb the far and near bushes with a view of arresting the hoodlums and equally secure release of the abductee.
He explained that concerted efforts have been intensified by Police Tactical teams including the Anti-kidnapping squad of the Command, who commenced investigation immediately and also on the trail of the hoodlums.
He solicited members of the public to partner with the Police by providing useful information that can lead to the arrest of criminal elements who are carrying out the heinous crime in the State.
Olugbenga stressed that CP has assured the good people of Oyo State of the Police’s preparedness at all times to confront the hoodlums. He requested the unflinching supports of the general public not to allow criminal elements have a place to hibernate among them so that everyone can move about in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
In a similar vein, police operatives attached to Makinde Division, Lagos State, on Monday, 22nd February, 2021 at about midnight, arrested a 53 years old Sunday Amaefula of No 8 Akpaku lane, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos State for stabbing one 43 years old Chibuike Nwanne to death.
According to a statement signed by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, investigation reveals that the deceased had an altercation with the suspect’s brother, one Ifaenyi Emmanuel, his neighbour, before the suspect stabbed the deceased to death with bottle in their House.
The deceased, who got married last year, is survived by his pregnant wife.
In addition, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers on Monday, February 22, at about 5.30pm, around Alakara area of Lagos State.
The Divisional Police Officer of Alakara and his men on patrol intercepted two men on Okada.
During search, two brand new Beretta pistols with three magazines and 22 live ammunition were recovered from them.
The names of the suspects are 28 years old Mojeed Satan and 26 years old Kudaisi Ajetumobi.
The suspects could not give satisfactory explanation on their means of livelihood.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered that the suspects and exhibits be transferred to State CID for proper investigation. While assuring the good people of Lagos State of adequate security of lives and property, CP Hakeem Odumosu reiterated the command’s zeal to go after the hoodlums and criminals who disturb the security system of the state.
– Olota of Otta honours Speaker with traditional title
– Says Obasa’s leadership of the Assembly has benefitted Awori people in Lagos
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has urged traditional rulers in the Southwestern part of Nigeria to continue to protect the culture and tradition of the people of the zone by constantly speaking the Yoruba language.
Speaker Obasa made the plea on Tuesday at the palace of the Olota of Otta, His Royal Majesty, Prof Adeyemi Obalanlege, where he was honoured with the traditional title of Jagunmolu Taiyese of Otta Awori kingdom.
While thanking the Olota for the honour, Obasa commended the monarch for propagating the Yoruba tradition saying this had reflected in the way the monarch and the Olota-in-council spoke Yoruba language all through the event.
“Beyond your educational status, you still limited yourself to our own mother-tongue. I have been to many palaces and have always maintained that the royal fathers should always distinguish our culture before anyone and in any place.
“How do we do this? It is by using our mother-tongue to communicate with whosoever the visitor is, no matter the status and wherever he comes from. That is one of the sure ways we can propagate and preserve our custom and tradition.
The Speaker noted that the need to preserve the language, custom and culture of the Yoruba race resulted in the decision of the Lagos State House of Assembly to carry out plenary activities in the native language on Thursdays.
He said the House reasoned that promoting the language during plenary would help more residents understand some of the laws that guide their daily activities.
“We have also agreed that all the laws passed by the House would now be translated into Yoruba for the benefit of those we are representing.
“When Christianity was introduced to Nigerians, their holy book was translated into Yoruba. The holy book of the Muslims has also been translated into Yoruba for more people to understand,” the Speaker said.
He urged parents to speak the language at home as, according to him, understanding one’s native language does not hinder one from being able to speak English fluently.
Earlier, the Olota had praised the Speaker for the successes his leadership of the Lagos Assembly had registered saying the activities of the House had also positively impacted on the Awori people in the state.
The traditional ruler urged the Speaker to see and take Otta as his second home.
Former minister of aviation and fiery nationalist, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has described popular clergy and prophet in charge of Champions Royal Assembly, Joshua Iginla as a truly remarkable, kind, compassionate,gifted, wise, extraordinary amd anointed man of God during his courtesy visit to his 80,000 seater auditorium known as City of Wonders at Kubwa, Abuja.
Fani-Kayode who just got back from his visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and his Counterparts in Enugu, decided to visit Iginla who is arguably one of the leading prophetic voices in this dispensation. Although, the reason for the visit could not be ascertained, it might not be unconnected to national development or personal consultations.
Confirming the visit on his official page today, the former Aviation minister expressed joy and enthusiasm meeting such a great man of God:
I had a wonderful time visiting with the great Prophet Iginla at his Church in Kubwa, Abuja yesterday immediately after I arrived from Enugu. The Church building is simply magnificent and the Prophet is a truly remarkable, kind, compassionate, gifted, wise, extraordinary and anointed man. He is one of God’s End-Time Generals and he is doing great things for the Lord and the Body of Christ. I am very proud of him.
