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“How I Stabbed My Friend To Death And Stole His Okada” – Suspects Narrates To Police In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Police

By Ayodele Oni

A man described as a specialist in snatching of Motorcycles popularly known as okada, has been arrested by the Ondo state police command while his accomplice is on the run.

His arrest followed hacking to death owner of a motorcycle in Ondo town, after he was lured to a farm.

Police record disclosed that “On 25/3/2024, a complaint was received from Ondo Town, it was reported that on 25/3/2024 that a motorcycle with registration number KAK 136 VF was stolen on 15/3/2024 while the rider, one Evangelist Opeyemi Oyelakin is nowhere to be found.

“Consequent upon this report, detectives swung into action and arrested one Babalola Dolapo Daniel same date.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed that the said Opeyemi Oyelakin ‘deceased’ was his childhood friend, they have not seen for a very long time until 14/3/2024.

“That on 15/3/2024, himself and one Sikiru Mutiu aka S.K deceived the said Opeyemi Oyelakin, ‘deceased’ to carry them on motorcycle to where they have farm at Oke-Igbo Area.

“That as soon as they dropped, Sikiru Mutiu aka S.K gripped him from behind while himself used stick and stone to hit him on his head, while victim died, the corpse was dragged to a shallow pit, they covered it with leaves before his motorcycle was stolen.

“Suspect took the detectives to the scene of crime, where they perpetrated the criminal act, and the corpse together with the stick and stone were recovered.

“He stated also, that he has a large syndicate and has been into the business of snatching motorcycles since 2021.

“That since then, he has snatched uncountable number of motorcycles. That he normally use stick and stone on his victims. That his operational zones are; Ondo town, Akure, Ekiti, Ilesha and Ife town.

“Therefore, members of the public, particularly motorcycle riders are warned to be mindful of the type of pillions they carry and the terrains they enter with their motorcycles.

“The Command is intensifying efforts to get everyone connected to the crime arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”

In a brief on the incident, Abayomi Oladipo, the State Commissioner of Police, said; “through technical intelligence, the suspect was arrested and upon the interrogation he confessed to how the rider was engaged from Ondo town to take him and one other to a farm area in Oke-Igbo.

“The rider, who incidentally happens to be his friend and brought him to this area where we are and on getting to this point they came down under the pretence that they want to inspect their farm, the other suspect who is now at large gripped the okada rider at the back while the arrested suspect hit him with stone on the head and consistently use wood to battered his head.

“Thereafter, they carried the dead body into the bush and use leafs to cover him and they left him there. After the interrogation, he led operatives to this particular location where they put the dead body of the deceased and that is why we are here to remove the corpse do the necessary procedure so that the family can give him the burial.

“Also, I want to say that the residents of this area, especially those who farm here since on the 15th of March, when this incident happened till date, kept mute which is not supposed to be. So what we are saying is that if you see something you must say something.

“At the moment we are still investigating to apprehend all other offenders who are on the run.

“Also, we have embarked on enlightenment campaign to sensitize okada riders for them to know the dangerous in taking passengers to isolation places.”

The suspect; Dolapo Babalola 39-year-old man who confessed to the crime stated that “it is the work of the devil, I can’t explain because this person that we are talking about is my close friend.

“He is a close friend of mine. Truly his bike is not the first bike I will ever snatch but I have never killed before. Even those that are not related to me I snatched bike from them and I did not even do anything harmful to them but this one is just a coincidence.

“It is the work of the devil I can’t explain how it happened. At least I have snatched about 15 bikes but I have never killed before. His own is the first, my buyer is at Ibadan.

“The clean of the bike at times determine how much we are going to sell it, but no matter how clean the bike is, my buyer will buy it around N200,000.”

Bad Friday For South-East Ifesinaschi Transport, Passengers Attacked, Stripped, Luxury  Bus Set Ablaze

By
The Source
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0
Ifesinaschi Transport set ablaze

By Charles Igbo

Good Friday usually celebrated by Christians to mark the cruxification of Jesus Christ, ironically, turned bad Friday for about 60 South-East bound Passengers headed home to celebrate Christ’s victory over death – Easter.

The Passengers had boarded the bus from Lagos, and were headed for the South-east to celebrate the Easter Holidays with their families and kinsmen.

In most Communities in the Region, the period is used, just like the Christmas and New Year periods, as a reunion time for families and the launch of different community projects.

When these Passengers boarded the Luxury bus, therefore, it was with joy and hopes for a relaxation at home.

But it turned awry.

The Ifesinachi bus they took was a night bus. Night buses usually leave their bases in the night and arrive their destinations early in the morning.

However, this particular bus never made it beyond Ijebuode, a town in Ogun State, Lagos State’s nearest neighbouring State.

At Ijebuode, they were attacked  by callous armed robbers who stripped them to their skins. They were attacked with machetes, rods, clubs, daggers, guns and stripped of everything they had. But worse was to come.

After the terrifying act, the criminals upped the ante. They herded the  Passengers back into the bus, and set the bus on fire.

It was a miracle that none of them died. But a number of them sustained injuries including matchet cuts. Some were also stabbed. While the Passengers survived the ordeal even though they came out empty-handed, the Luxury bus was completely burnt down. The Passengers, therefore, lost not just money, but all their luggages as well.

In a video made of the frightening incident by one of the Passengers, a couple of them were heard bemoaning their fate and wondering if they were deliberately delivered to the armed robbers. One of them alleged that the driver was warned that there was danger ahead; he was allegedly of the operation, in front, by armed robbers, but that instead of stopping to tarry awhile, he continued until he drove smack into the hands of the armed robbers.

Among the Passengers who were left stranded in the middle of nowhere were a number of children who embarked on the trip with their parents.

On a number of times, both the Police and the Federal Road Safety Commission had warned of the dangers inherent in inter-state night travels. One of the dangers is the fate that has just befallen this Ifesinachi Luxury bus. Apparently, the warnings usually fall on deaf ears of Passengers and transportation companies.

Said a Road Safety Officer of the ill-fated Ifesinachi bus: “It is surprising that with the activities of kidnappers and bandits, some people still choose to travel in the night- even with their children.”

Kaduna Debt Controversy: “Yes, We Borrowed, But We Did Not Use It To Buy Houses In Dubai As  Others Before Us Did” – El-Rufai Fires Back

By
The Source
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, accused his predecessors of buying houses in Dubai with the loans they took on behalf of the State.

El-Rufai made this allegation when he rose in stout defence of his administration over allegations of plunging the state into a debilitating debt. He insisted  that all funds borrowed were channelled in to infrastructural development and other long term productive ventures.

El-Rufai’s response comes on the heels of Governor Uba Sani’s outcry that the huge debt profile inherited by his adminstration is frustrating the State Government from meeting its obligations to the people, particularly the payments of workers monthly emoluments.

At a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders on Saturday March 30 2024 ,the Kaduna State Governor said the N85 billion and $587 million domestic and foreign loans obtained by his immediate predecessor in office has considerably created a serious financial problem for the State. He added that a substantial part of Kaduna State statutory monthly earnings from the Federation Account goes into debt servicing.

According to him, the sad development has resulted in the state being left with little or nothing for other governance activities.

But reacting on Sunday March 31 through a message on one of his official sites, former Governor El’Rufai said much as his administration borrowed funds, they were not used for personal luxuries of life and aggrandizement as was the case during past regimes in the State.

“Those saying that we took loans can see their money on infrastructures.We didn’t take their money to go to Dubai to buy houses .

I became Governor with one house in Angwan Sarki Jabi Road Kaduna,and I finished with the same house” El- Rufai stated.

He said he was goaded into the service of Kaduna state not by the need to pursue opulence and personal fulfilment, but by commitment to public interests and progress of his state.

The former Kaduna  State Governor, had also during his hand over ceremony  to his successor on May 29 2023 equally  admitted living behind domestic and foreign debt portfolio of N80.60 billion and $577.32 million for his successor.

However, he assured that the impact of the debt burden will be mitigated by various receivables from reimbursements of infrastructure and security expenditures from the federal Government  to the tune of about N41 billion .

This according to him, is in addition to about N100 billion due to Kaduna state from accumulated stamp duties which his successor was to inherit before the end of 2023 ..

“Iam, therefore, optimistic that the incoming Government (Governor Sani’s regime) will, in due course, be in a position to settle all inherited liabilities, complete ongoing projects, and initiate new ones” El-Rufai had stated

However, before his reaction, one of his scions, Hon Bashir Nasir El’ Rufai had late on Saturday, March 30, berated Governor Sani for his outburst over the the debt inherited .

Hon Bashir, who is a member of the Green Chamber of National Assembly, called on his father’s successor to commit himself more into the serious business of governance, rather than  engage in needles blame game.

The younger El Rufai described Governor Sani’s administration as  not only incompetent, but also riddled with those he called clowns and unserious elements .

In a series of posts on his official handle , Hon Bashir ,admonished  the State Governor to stop  spending most of his time junketing in Abuja and concentrate on giving the Kaduna people good governance.

El-Rufai’s Son, Bashir, Calls Kaduna State Governor Clown, Incompetent

By
The Source
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1
Uba Sani and Bashir El-Rufai and his Father

By Charles Igbo

Foul-mouthed and hard-hitting Bashir El-Rufai, has dismissed Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani as an incompetent clown.

Bashir, an Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, is the son of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. His father handed over to Sani who was his Media Adviser and Spokesperson, and later, a Senator, from where he became a Governor.

Bashir’s reaction stemmed from Governor Sani’s surprising public lamentation over Kaduna State’s debt profile. Sani said that the huge debt profile of the State, incurred under his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, has incapacitated his Government to the extent that he would no longer be able to pay Worker’s salaries. Sani, who spoke during a Townhall meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, put the debt profile at a huge N85b and $587m. He also put contractual liabilities at 115.

Stung by the dart thrown at his father and his administration, Bashir dismissed the Governor and those around him as incompetent clowns. He said the Governor should sit down and do his work instead of staying back in Abuja most times.

He urged Governor Sani to admit his incompetence instead of taking refuge in the debt profile he inherited from his predecessor.

Said Bashir in a post on X:  “These guys have realised that they are wholly incompetent, and the only way to mask the nonsense is to deflect.

“From a Governor that is always sleeping in Abuja to a litany of incompetent aides that were only rewarded for foolish political reasons.”

Referring specifically to the debt profile which Governor Sani referenced as a great drawback to  his administration, Bashir said Sani, as a Senator, lobbied for the loan on behalf of the State Governor.

Bashir: “FYI: He was the Senator from Kaduna who lobbied and approved the loans.”

He also, indirectly, alleged corruption on the part of the Governor.

His words: “One would think that from all the FAAC these unserious clowns have changed to dollars, debt would be the least of their problems.”

Bashir was of the opinion that Governor Sani is wasting the State’s money on frivolities. For instance, he wondered: “The current administration in Kaduna is building a banquet hall for 7bn Naira, and is lamenting about debt left by the previous administration.”

Honourable Bashir El-Rufai has recently carved a name for himself for his blunt opinions on National issues. He is a first time member of the House of Representatives.

Islamic Group Urges Nigerian Leaders To Emulate Jesus Christ

By
James Orji
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0
A Muslim group, Islamic Counselling Initiatives of Nigeria, ICIN, says the Lord Jesus Christ Symbolises peace.
According to the group, Christians and those in leadership positions in the country must emulate him, saying that Jesus entry of the city of Jerusalem “with people spreading palm branches on the road where he rode,” symbolised peace, harvest, serenity, and forgiveness.
The group Executive Director Hajiya Fatima Suleiman who issued the statement on Sunday, to mark the Easter celebrations said Jesus’ leadership style of simplicity and peace must be emulated by Nigerian leaders, adding that Nigerians must eschew bitterness, and be their brothers and sisters keepers.
 She said Nigerians must have a sober reflection on the current economic situation in the country, adding that through prayers and supplications the challenges will be a thing of the past.
According to Suleiman, “We pray that this season will be a period of reflection for our leaders Christ’s humble leadership.
“He entered the city of Jerusalem with people spreading palm branches on the road where he rode, symbolising peace, harvest, serenity, and forgiveness.
“May God put them on the path of leadership and good governance.
“We pray for our leaders to be guided to save our country and take it to greater heights.
“ Issues of banditry have been on the rise, each and everyday.
“The government should have the political will to be able to have security in place to save the citizens of the country.
“ Because the security of lives and property should be the number one mandate for the leadership of the country, and by extension, state, local governments and the communities.
“We pray that this season will be a form of reflection where actions are taken and implemented for a better world for the people of Nigeria , for better economic living conditions, better security and safety.”

Easter Celebrations: PDP Sues For Unity, Love For A Better Nigeria

By
James Orji
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0

Nigerian must not allow the current hardship in the country to weaken their faith in the country, the Peoples Democratic Pary, PDP, the main opposition party has said.

The PDP made the admonition in its message to Nigerians in the celebration of Easter, marking the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.

Not a few Nigerians are complaining that this year’s celebration is one of the hardest for them due to the current economic crisis in the attending.

In the last few months, many Nigerians have suffered untold hardship as they manage to live from hand to mouth.

In spite of the situation, the party said Nigerians must not lose hope as the future will be better.

The party’s message was contained in a statement issued by Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary on Sunday.

The party said all efforts by political leaders in the country must be directed to bringing joy to Nigerians, as well as promoting peace, love and unity among the people.

PDP said: “Indeed, the coming of Easter, the celebration of the triumph of life over death serves as divine reassurance of the saving grace of God in the gift of Salvation to mankind and His willingness to bring succor in any adverse situation.

“We also call on leaders at all levels and spheres to renew the virtue of selfless service by directing their energies principally towards the wellbeing and happiness of the people.

“Against this backdrop, the PDP urges the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the high cost of food, petroleum products, other essential commodities and services so as to alleviate the suffering in the country.”

Easter: Ogene Charges Constituents To Emulate The Unconditional Love Of Christ

By
James Orji
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0

Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has changed his constituents to emulate the unconditional love of Christ, whose remarkable death and resurrection, Christians world over celebrate in Easter.

Hon. Ogene made this call in Awka, Anambra state, in an Easter message to commemorate the most important event in the Christian calendar.

He admonished the people to be their brothers’ keepers and always show good neighbourliness, in the true example of the teachings of Christ, who in the scripture encourages that “We love our neighbours as we love ourselves.

Ogene said further: “It is important as followers of Christ our Lord, to let love rule in all we do this period and beyond, in our relationships with one another in our communities.

“If we love one another, right from our individual families, there won’t be wickedness, rancour, jealousy and rivalry that often snowball into something sinister in the community.

“This is a precarious time of economic and security challenges in our society and our nation in general. But I’m convinced that if we apply the love of Christ in our conducts and decision making, our collective burdens as a people would become lighter.

“For instance, if we imbibe the love of Christ and practice it in the true sense of the injunction, criminality and other social vices would abet, since one that truly loves and obeys the teachings of our lord, would not hurt another or cause others pain and anguish as we currently experience in our society.

“Love also means that we share the little we have to assuage the sufferings of others in our neighborhood.

“Ogbaru remains a land of peace and conviviality and we all should put our hands together to make it a better place, through meaningful leadership and support base that will only prioritise the interest of the people and development of Ogbaruland.

“But we can only achieve that when we have sustainable peace and unity of purpose rooted in true love for one another and the overall good of Ogbaru.

“I wish the good people of Ogbaru, home and abroad, a happy Easter and peaceful and progressive future.

Rivers: Impeachment Hangs On Fubara As Crisis Worsens

By
James Orji
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0

Governor Siminalayi of Rivers state is facing a fresh impeachment plot from some lawmakers in the state house of assembly.

The lawmakers issued a communique in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Saturday stating that they made the decision after the governor abandoned the terms of agreement reached with a former governor of the oil rich state, Nyesom Wike.

27 legislators who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, last year following the clash between Fubura and his predecessor are supporting the former governor.

Wike and his successor are currently in an endless struggle for the soul of the oil bearing state.

The magazine reports that last December, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brokered a truce between the feuding parties following a protracted political crisis that rocked the state late last year.

Recall that Governor Fubura rode on the crest of Wike to power in May last year, but the governor has chosen his own path not long after he came to office, a situation watchers of the state said has angered Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in the All Progressives’ Congress, APC, government.

The two political leaders are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The angry lawmakers said the bone of contention now borders on the refusal of the governor to present the 2024 budget to the assembly, as agreed with the president when the truce was brokered.

According to them, the governor is also in cahoots with some PDP leaders, who they described as ‘new arrivals’ in the state who advised him to jettisoned the pending agreement.

They are referring to a former National Chairman PDP, Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Austin Opara, Senator Lee Maeba, Celestine Omehia, amongst others who have joined forces with the governor in his war against Wike.

Part of the communique issued by the lawmakers: “These new arrivals have just landed like hawks. They now want to grab what they spat on but need to be careful of their ranting and utterances against the institution of the legislature and the FCT Minister as they can derail the existing peace in the state.

“The FCT Minister is doing fabulously well in Abuja and should be commended. Rather than looking for advice for Mr. President who we believe knows them very well, should they not be calling on the Governor to learn to abide by the laws of Rivers State and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

“Should these new self-acclaimed advisers also not be advising the Governor to do the needful so that there can be a smooth transition from the current democratically elected Councils in the State to the next democratically elected Councils and avoid the challenges of attempting the opposite?

“What about advising the Governor to heed to the Peace Agreement he begged for, willingly signed, and has chosen not to abide by some of the terms?

“It is worthy of note that the notice of impeachment of the Governor was quickly withdrawn by members of the House in fulfillment of the terms of the agreement and out of immense respect for the person and office of the President of the Federal Republic and believing that there would be a u-turn in terms of unlawful actions of the Governor.

“The reverse is now the case as we see from the day to day activities of the State Governor being conducted outside the laws of Rivers State and the Constitution.

“To this day, Rivers State remains the only state without an Appropriation Law and the Governor recklessly abandons laws of the state. These new hawks in the scene and all those who are quick to refer to the Governor as ‘Mr. Innocent’ will not go and advise him.

“They prefer to hold talk shows, organize rallies, hold press conferences and announce that the House commenced impeachment proceedings against the Governor for no just cause but fail to ask the Governor if he has not been informed of the particulars of gross misconduct leveled against him or at least read them when they were filed in Court in response to his petition.

“They must not forget that the Rivers State House of Assembly has the mandate of the people and that we swore an oath of allegiance to the Constitution to do the needful including the Impeachment of the Governor as a last resort.

“So, if it becomes a last resort, in accordance with the law, we will not hesitate to do so, because no individual is bigger than Rivers State, including the Governor.

“We assure the good people of Rivers State that we remain undeterred in our service to our fatherland and no number of threats including those of violence against us just like they attacked the Speaker’s residence will make us abandon our constitutional mandate to make laws for the good governance of our dear State,” the lawmakers said.

Governor Fubara had recently vowed to complete his tenure no matter the plot of his political detractors.

Huge Debt Profile: Kaduna Can No Longer Pay Salaries, Laments Gov Sani

By
The Source
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has said that the State is heavily weighed down by paucity of funds largely occasioned by the huge debt profile inherited from the past administration.

The huge local and foreign debt portfolio of the state has made it impossible for it to meet its statutory obligations to the people, particularly the state’s workforce. The State can no longer pay, the Governor said.

At a town Hall meeting with stakeholders in Kaduna on Saturday March 30 2024 ,Governor Sani however, said despite the tight financial situation,his administration has so far resfrained from plunging the state into further debt.

According to him, the seriousness of the negative impact of the  N85 billion and $587 million local and foreign debts inherited on the ability of the Government to discharge its statutory responsibilities is underscored by the fact that out of a total N10 billion accruing to the state from last month’s Federal Allocation, N7 billion went into debt servicing.

He lamented that the balance of N3 billion is far below the N5.2 billion monthly salary wage bills   of the State. He added that as things are presently, he may not be able to pay workers’ salaries.

The Kaduna State Governor, lamented that owing to the astronomical rise in the exchange rate, the State is now condemned to paying almost triple the amount borrowed by his predecessor in office.

Governor Sani who said that the State, apart from the humongous debt profile, is also battling with about 115 Contractual liabilities, however, assured that the debt burden will not dampen his administration’s resolve to steer the State towards the path of sustainable growth and progress.

He said that the situation has been adequately assessed, and that the Government will sooner than later respond accordingly.

“Despite the huge debt burdens of 587 million Dollars, 85 billion Naira ,and 115 Contractual Liabilities, sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna state towards progress and sustainable development.

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.

“It gladdens my heart to inform you that despite the huge inherited debt ,we have not borrowed a single kobo “

Defection Of LP Lawmakers: Party Heads To Court To Declare Seats Vacant, As Ogara Says Only Committed Members Will Get Tickets In 2027

By
The Source
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Come the 2027 General Elections, the Labour Party, LP, will only lend its platform to committed political actors.

In the days ahead, however, the Party will be approaching the Courts to seek the declaration of the  seats  of the defected members  of the Enugu State House of Assembly  vacant .

This much was made known on Saturday, March 30, 2024, by Hon Harrison Ogara, one of the LP members still flying the party’s flag at the State’s legislative chamber.

The member representing Igbo-Eze South State constituency who spoke against the backdrop of the defection of six of his former LP colleagues to the People Democratic Party PDP on Thursday, March 28, insisted that there is no crisis in the party as being claimed by the defectors.

According to him, the claim of crisis in the LP by his erstwhile party colleagues, is not only false, but also deceptive, as well as akin to” giving a dog a bad name to hang it”

Hon Ogara maintained the defected LP members were only goaded by some personal political interests ,which include, but not limited to  their desire to support the state Governor, Peter Mbah.

“The truth is that they wanted to join the PDP.They wanted to abandon the vehicle that brought them to the House of Assembly.

They say that Governor Mba is performing . But you can still be in your party and still support him. For the past nine months ,we all have been working like a team not minding the party we come from.

I can support him from the Labour Party ,which is what I am doing.” Hon Ogara noted.

The Enugu State Lawmaker, said much as the defected members have the right to join ranks with any party of their choice, the LP, as a registered political party on which platform they rode to the House ,also reserves the right under existing extant laws to retrieve its mandate from them in the present circumstances.

” I believe that the Labour Party will approach the courts to declare the seats of the defectors vacant because section 51 of the 2022 electoral act provides that if you cross- carpet from your party to another as a legislator ,you automatically lose your seat ” Hon .Ogara stated .

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