A popular lagos politician, Asekun Kehinde Sakiru has been arrested by the NDLEA with cocaine at the muritala muhammed International airport, Lagos.
The anti-narcotics agency said the suspect had been on its wanted list following the recent arrest of some traffickers and drug seizures linked to him.
“The long arm of the law however caught up with the wanted baron at about 9.40 pm on Friday 7th May 2021 while trying to board a Virgin Atlantic airline flight to London, the United Kingdom at the Lagos airport,” the statement partly read.
“At the point of his arrest, Asekun was caught with a kilogramme of cocaine concealed in five pairs of palm slippers packed inside his suitcase.
“He has been on the wanted list of the MMIA Command of the Agency in connection to a case involving one Azeez Adeniyi Ibrahim, who was arrested with 6.45kg of cocaine in December 2020.”
According to the agency, preliminary investigation revealed that the London-based suspected drug baron is a seasoned politician.
He was at different times between 2004 and 2014 the vice-chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA. He had also contested and lost elections for the House of Representatives in 2007 and Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015.
NDLEA added, “Although he claims to be an international businessman who deals in automobiles, the investigation is yet to confirm that to be the source of his acquired wealth.
“In the course of tracking him, the sum of N131million was seized from his account and another N14 million also blocked in the account of one of his traffickers, Azeez Adeniyi Ibrahim, bringing the total sum so far recovered from him to N145 million.”
Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Command of the Agency for resilience and dedication to duty.
“We are rethinking our tax regimes, sorting out external and internal trade issues, getting our regulatory authorities; SON, NAFDAC, and even Customs, to see their roles more as business facilitators.”
It’s the first in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the three such cutting-edge facilities on the continent, with top prime global certifications for smart card manufacturing and it is based in Lagos, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo relished yesterday afternoon while touring SecureID company’s premises, and affirmed Nigeria’s extremely bright economic future, which he said cannot be aborted despite current challenges.
According to him, “the economic future of our nation is extremely bright. Yes, we have challenges today and they may look daunting. But let me assure you that these issues will be resolved. The march of this nation to its manifest destiny as Africa’s leading economic power will not be aborted. We are more than able to overcome.”
An impressed Mr Osinbajo said the Buhari administration in “following the recommendation of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, has determined that manufacturing will be our main focus in bringing about dynamic growth, jobs and exports. This will mean retooling our business environment for greater competitiveness, especially with the take off of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
“We are rethinking our tax regimes, sorting out external and internal trade issues, getting our regulatory authorities; SON, NAFDAC, and even Customs, to see their roles more as business facilitators rather than policemen or revenue generators. Our environment must be friendly for local businesses first, foreign investments will follow enthusiastically.”
Commenting on the efforts of the administration to position the country as a leading economic beacon on the continent, the VP also stated that the Buhari administration was ramping up efforts in improving the country’s infrastructure and digital space.
He said, “aside from the work we are doing with other infrastructure such as rail, roads and power we are committed to a plan of democratizing broad band connectivity. Our programme, which we have reiterated in our Economic Sustainability Plan, is broadband connectivity for all by 2023.
“The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan which is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25mbps in urban areas and 10mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population at affordable prices by the target date. Broadband connectivity is as important as electricity in the digital age unlike electricity we do not have to make several mistakes before getting it right.”
While commending the efforts of the founder and Managing Director of SecureID, Kofo Akinkugbe, Mr Osinbajo described SecureID facility as a place of history, innovation and creativity.
He said, “This world-class manufacturing facility is reputed to be the first certified smartcard manufacturing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, the only smart card production and personalization plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent and one of only 80 in the world.
Three persons including an infant on Wednesday died in a gas explosion that occurred in Abeokuta, Ogun.
It was gathered that the incident occurred about 3p.m at Oke-Egunya, along NTA Road in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the state.
According to an eyewitness account, the incident occurred when a technician was topping up gas of a faulty refrigerator at a residence in the area.
“In the process of topping up gas into the refrigerator, there was an attraction of fire from someone cooking with firewood and there came an explosion,” an eyewitness said.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Fire Service in the state, Mr. Fatai Adefala, said after receiving the distress call, his men rushed to the scene.
According to him, upon getting to the scene, we discovered it was gas explosion.
He confirmed three were burnt to death as they were caught up with the explosion.
“We received a distress call at 3:15p.m at Oke-Igbore. We learnt it was a spark of fire. On getting there, we discovered it was a gas explosion.
“What really happened was that they were cooking outside with fire and unfortunately the gas exploded.
“They were trying to top the gas in the fridge, in the process, it exploded.
“Three lives were lost, one infant was among them. For now, the bodies are still lying there. You know it was those who are living in that house that were affected. It is an ancient building,” he said.
Mr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, Spokesperson, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), also confirmed the incident.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, has appealed to Nigerians to see the country’s current challenges as an opportunity to further unite them saying this is a sure way to national progress.
Speaker Obasa made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrated by Muslims across the world.
Obasa expressed belief that the security and economic challenges Nigeria is faced with at the moment are a face from which the country would come out stronger.
He also advised President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently act on the requests recently made by the Southern Governors Forum as a way to curb rising insecurity in the country.
According to the former chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, “President Buhari should not only give a thought to the requests made by the governors, he should also implement them for the country to move forward.
Appealing to the citizens of the country not to lose faith and hope, the Speaker said: “This year’s Ramadan afforded many of us the opportunity to pray for the country. It is obvious that the country has some challenges.
“However, the challenges should not be left to the government alone. Every citizen of Nigeria is important and must play that positive role that would ultimately move the country from where it is now to where we want it to be.
“We are a religious set of people and the religions practised in the country teach us to live in love and peace with one another as well as be our neighbours’ brothers and sisters.
“More than ever, we have the responsibility to make the country habitable, devoid of criminal elements, and we must be resolute on this.”
The Speaker congratulated Muslims in Nigeria for witnessing the end of the Ramadan.
“Beyond the celebration, let us all endlessly practise the virtues of love, obey the commandments of Allah, ensure a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Nigeria and continue to pray to God for more grace,” Obasa urged.
Nigerian legendary singer, Sound Sultan, is reportedly battling with a horrible disease, known as, Throat cancer. He’s currently in the US receiving treatment.
Nigerian rapper, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan is currently battling with throat cancer in the United States of America, Sahara Reporters is reporting.
It was gathered that the artist has commenced chemotherapy in one of the hospitals in the country.
According to information gathered, the gunmen also razed Ika police station.
Two people have been feared dead after unidentified gunmen attacked a police station in Iwukem, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.
It was gathered that the gunmen also razed Ika police station.
During the two attacks, different facilities, vehicles, and other valuables were destroyed by the gunmen.
The incident comes four days after six persons — five officers and the wife of a policeman were killed following an attack on the divisional headquarters in the Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.
During the attack which took place on Saturday, vehicles were also set ablaze.
Police facilities in at least five LGAs – Essien Udim, Ika, Ini, Ikono, and now Abak – have been attacked so far in the state.
There has been a spate of attacks on security agencies in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones, which has compounded the security challenges in the two regions.
President Muhammadu Buhari sends his best wishes to all Nigerians and Muslims across the globe as they mark the Eid-Al-Fitr following the completion of a month of fasting.
Buhari in a message signed by him said: “On this blessed occasion, I wish that the Eid festival brings with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all.
“Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians are imperative especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges which are surmountable only when we come together as one.
“It is important that we remember how we share, through our faiths, common bonds that should serve to unite us and not allow ourselves to succumb to those who seek to divide us, using our two great religions, for their own selfish advantages.
“We should jointly pray against the tragic incidents of kidnapping and banditry and the desperate quest for political power expressed through blackmail against the existence of our country as a united entity.
“We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities. I urge our political and religious leaders, as well as, traditional rulers to encourage our citizens to turn towards one another in love and compassion.”
According to the President, it is noteworthy and delightful to see Christians breaking fast and in some instances, extending goodwill and gifts to Muslim faithful during Ramadan.
“This model also shone through with Muslim groups joining Christian festivities. These are practices that promote brotherhood and forgiveness,” he said.
President Buhari also urges Nigerians to continue to observe all COVID-19 prevention measures and celebrate responsibly during the holidays.
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a notorious homosexual, Muhammadu Auwalu Aliyu, alias Danmaiwaina, 31, who specialised in abusing minors.
According to the spokesperson of the command, SP Gambo Isah, Danmaiwaina was arrested after he was caught sodomising a minor boy.
He said the suspect was arrested on Monday, May 10, 2021, following a tip-off. In the course of investigation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the offence and stated that a ritualist gave him the idea to do it as a ritual right or obligation so that he can get anything from any VIP or rich person within the society.
“I have abused the boy for the fourth time after I was offered a charm by a ritualist. He said during my lifetime that I should be doing this action. And according to what the ritualist told me then, if I go to anyone that is holding a big position and advise him on what I considered as a crime, he/she will surely listen to me and act on it,”Muhammadu Auwalu Aliyu said to newsmen.
Hon. Olusegun Olulade, former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Olulade, who represented Epe Constituency 2 between 2011 and 2019, in this interview with AKINWUNMI KING says godfatherism has assisted the development of Lagos State over the years. The lawmaker, who is the founder of EleniyanCares Foundation also speaks on how the Federal Government should handle the issue of security, calls for support for the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition. Excerpts
What will be your assessment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu after two years in office?
My assessment is that the most fantastic thing the current government is doing is in the area of completion of all the projects of the past administrations in the state. The ability of Governor Sanwo-Olu to focus on some of the major challenges in the state in the areas of health and transportation is commendable. We have seen commitment on the part of the government on education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, security amongst others, but I think we still have a lot to do in the area of upholding the rule of law.
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Some people have criticized the governor for only completing the projects of the past administrations. What is your view on this?
It is ignorance on the part of anybody that is criticizing the Governor for completing ongoing projects or abandoned projects of the past administrations. Governance is a continuum and it is about tax payers’ money and the money must be protected. That is what the government of Sanwo-Olu is trying to do to ensure that those projects are not abandoned and that some of the so-called abandoned projects are resuscitated. If despite COVID-19 pandemic and #EndSARS crisis we can still see meaningful development and completion of ongoing projects in the state, then the Governor has done well. If those projects are abandoned, it is to the detriment of the tax payers in Lagos. It’s unfortunate the kind of government we run in this country that we have to tag a particular project to a particular person. If not, if anybody is working as a public servant, you must be ready to do the needful and complete ongoing and abandoned projects. It is important that we emphasize that because a lot of governments come in and start their own projects and abandon the ones started by their predecessors. For me, it is one of the beautiful achievements that one can commend this government for
Many concerned Nigerians have criticized the state government on the way they handled the #EndSARS saga, would you say that the Governor did the best he could at that time?
The responsibility of every government is to protect lives and property as well as the welfare of the citizens. If the Governor is protecting the citizens by asking the security apparatus to be activated within the state at that time, I don’t think anything is wrong with what the Governor has done. We have been able to establish the fact that it was a well-orchestrated plan to destroy Lagos State and we want to appreciate the people of the state that came out to defend their city during the crisis. All their targets and plans were beyond #EndSARS, and the protest was done with all sincerity by those who started it. But unfortunately, it was hijacked, by those who didn’t want anything good for the state and the country. We cannot continue to say that what the Governor did then was wrong. The Governor did the right thing and we must commend him for that.
There are insinuations that Lagos State is being controlled by one individual and that successive Governors in the state have not been independent. How independent do you think Governor Sanwo-Olu is from the perceived godfathers in the state?
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I find that funny. I know Governor Sanwo-Olu is above 50 years of age. If somebody that is above that age can be seen to be remotely controlled, then it is unfortunate. There is nowhere in this country that we don’t have people that are godfathers and even all over the world. They are in Europe, in the United States of America and other countries. It is part of the game of politics. There are people who have greater influence on where the people are going to cast their votes. So, the issue that Governor Sanwo-Olu is being remotely controlled is funny and they are saying this out of nothing to say. Sanwo-Olu is responsible for every action that he takes now as the Governor of the state. Nobody is going to take over that responsibility from him. He has that responsibility to defend his people, to provide for his people, to lead them as expected.
If anybody is saying that Sanwo-Olu is being remotely controlled, then it is bad for our politics for people to say. Governor Sanwo-Olu is responsible for every action he takes as the Governor of Lagos State. In the church, we have godfatherism, we have it in the mosque, we have it in our homes and families. It is expected in politics that somebody somewhere is a leader. If you find any organization, where there are no leaders, it will crumble. That is one of the reasons you see Lagos State excelling, prospering, and everybody is coming there. We have to appreciate the fact that we have a leader in Lagos State and that leadership has also given some of us the opportunity to express ourselves based on your promises as a legislator and an executive. For me, it will be very unfair for anybody to say things are not happening in Lagos State because of godfatherism. Where they do not have godfatherism, what has happened in those states? If we have a godfather in Lagos, and the state is excelling, prospering, being secured and it is blessed with human and material resources with its level of development and others what else do we want? Whereas in other states that claim they do not have godfathers, nothing is happening there, then we prefer to continue to have a godfather in Lagos State.
The security of Nigeria is being seriously threatened and it appears as if nowhere is safe in the country again, what do you think the Federal Government ought to do to stop this?
For me, I think on the issue of security, this government has not tried at all. Lives are being lost, people are not safe and I don’t think we can continue to gloss over it or to continue to pretend. The purpose of the government is the security of lives and properties and welfare of the people of the states and the country. If that is being jeopardized, then something is fundamentally wrong. I think they have to be proactive and decisive in dealing with criminals among us. It is not about a particular tribe, it is about criminals saying they are from one part of the country or another. The bulk stops on the table of the President and he must take responsibility for that.
Talking about criminals among us, there is an allegation of terrorism against a serving minister and he is still in government, what do you see to this?
I think it is very irresponsible of us as a people, if somebody is a terrorist and he is said to be supporting Al-Qaeda, and he says he is no longer there, then he should champion the end of Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations within the country. If he is silent on the issue of terrorism of which he was alleged of, and he has admitted that he was once there, he should come out to apologize to the country and to the people. It is also very honourable for him to resign from that office. The Department of State Security (DSS), which screened him, I don’t know why they didn’t know his antecedents that he was a terrorist apologist.
What is your take on the perceived presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu ?
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a great leader and a Nigerian. He is qualified to contest for an election. The man has not come out to say he is contesting, but for some of us and my humble self. I think he needs to come out at this critical period of our life and of the life of this country. Nigeria needs Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu more than he needs the country. I will appeal to the people to support a man, who has made great leaders in the country that are well established in their fatherland and have distinguished themselves. We need to put a round peg in a round hole. We have not been able to do that perfectly in this country. We have great minds that can turn around this country to a greater nation. But have they been given the opportunity to do so. Now we have someone who has that capacity and who is democratically inclined, it is important that we should not allow such an individual to go without serving this nation and put us in the right direction.
