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Security Guard Of Ekiti Abducted Prof Escapes As Police Confirms Arrest Of Six Suspects

By
Ayodele Oni
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Professor Olorunfemi Olaofe, DVC, Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Professor Olorunfemi Olaofe, DVC, Ekiti State University (EKSU)

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Police Command has announced the arrest of six persons in connection with the abduction and killing of a University Don, Prof Femi Olaofe.

The Command’s Image Maker, Sunday Abutu, in a statement on Thursday, explained that two,  of the suspects, including the security guard of the deceased are still at large.

The statement stated that “On 09/07/2024 at about 13:00hrs, an unknown gang of armed men allegedly stormed the residence of one Professor Femi Olaofe at 15th Avenue, Federal Housing Estate Ado-Ekiti,  kidnapped him alongside his security guard, one Abdul Opotu, and took them to an unknown destination with the professor’s Toyota Camry Car.

“Upon the receipt of the information, the Command deployed the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad(RRS) to the scene for the possible rescue of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators, but they had already whisked the victims away before the arrival of the Operatives.

“The Operatives however, combed the forest between Ado-Ekiti and Afao-Ekiti and recovered  Professor Femi Olaofe’s camry car.

“The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, mni, immediately ordered a discrete investigation and a pain-staking operation to ensure the rescue of the victims and arrest of the perpetrators.

“This led to the arrest of one Omowaye Ayodele a.k.a A.Y at Bencom Guest House, Akure, Ondo State. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime and mentioned one Kenneth, Amodu Gbenga a.k.a Toro, Nnamani Chukwuka a.k.a Amechi and Ojо a.k.a Ojo ljan as his accomplices.

“He confessed further that Abdul Opotu who was the security guard of the victim, Professor Femi Olaofe, was the one who invited them to kidnap the Professor.

“According to him, the security guard was not kidnapped alongside the professor as earlier reported. He only played along and made the operation easier for them.

“Omowaye Ayodele confessed that the two AK-47 rifles used to kidnap the Professor were in possession of  Kenneth who is currently  at large.

“Further Investigation led to the arrest of Amodu Gbenga a.k.a Toro, who also confessed to the commission of the crime during investigation and further narrated how he used to supply food and water to the gang members in their hideouts located in a bush behind Government College, Off Ijan Road, Ado-Ekiti.

“The two suspects led the Police operatives to their hideouts for the possible rescue of the victim but was discovered that the gang in custody of the victim had already relocated with the victim to another unknown location.

“Further investigation on 30/07/2024 led to the discovery of a shallow grave in a bush located at Off Afao Road, behind the new Airport site, Ado-Ekiti, where a human being was suspectedly killed and buried.

“Consequently, Order of Exhumation and Coroner Forms were obtained from the Magistrate Court, Ado-Ekiti, while the Ministry of Environment was contacted.

“On 31/07/2024, the Police led the Ministry of Environment and some Medical Practitioners to the scene where the corpse was exhumed and later Identified as the earlier kidnapped Professor Femi Olaofe.

“The Corpse has been Deposited At Ekiti State Teaching Hospital Morgue, Ado-Ekiti, for autopsy.

“Effort is ongoing for the possible arrest of the fleeing members of the gangs including the Security guard of the Kidnapped and Murdered Professor who masterminded the crime.

“Meanwhile, six suspects have been  arrested so far and are in custody undergoing investigation.”

Looting Spree As Underaged Take Over Nationwide Protest On Kano

By
Ayodele Oni
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Protesters in Kano

By Ayodele Oni

Protesters in their hundreds have shutdown the ancient City of Kano, with shops, filling stations vandalized, while tyres were set on fire on  roads.

Report Indicates that super markets, shops, filling stations along Maiduguri road, Zoo roads and other places were completely vandalized and looted.

It was gathered that most of the protesters were under aged children, while security personnel were up and doing to ensure peaceful protest but the protesters were too many and have outnumbered the security personnel.

Security personnel reportedly fired  canisters of teargas  on the protesters while they attempted to storm Government House, and other public places.

The protesters, who were seen commencing their actions from within towns, especially outskirts of the city centre like Gama, Tudunwada, Tudunmurtala, Emirs’ palace road,  trooped out in large numbers with different colors of paints on their bodies.

Other areas which saw young boys carrying dangerous weapons are Hotoro, Maiduguri Road, Ahmadu Bello way and some many other areas, shouting “we needs urgent action.

At BUK road, underaged Children were seen breaking into drainage slabs looting iron roads and other iron bill boards.

Protest: NCC Industrial Park Set Ablaze, FG Reacts, Millions Down The Drain

By
Ayodele Oni
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NCC Industrial Park

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has reacted after protesters invaded the Nigerian Communication Commission, (NCC) Industrial Park, Kano

The Park, which was set for commissioning next week, was set ablaze before the protesters gained entry.

Reports stated that they allegedly looted food items, furnitures, mattresses, appliances amongst others.

Reacting, Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, expressed dismay over the incident.

He described it as a major setback for Nigeria’s technological advancement efforts.

He tweeted: “Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters.

“Alongside #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week.

“A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”

Curfew In Borno As Suicide Bomber Strikes, Kills 16

By
Ayodele Oni
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EndBadGovernance Protest

By Ayodele Oni

Following an explosion at a popular market, the Borno State Government has announced an immediate 24-hour curfew across the state.

An improvised explosive device was detonated at Kawori Market, Konduga area of Borno State on Wednesday night, few hours to the commencement of the nationwide strike.

A Boko Haram suicide bomber is being linked with the incident which resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and critical injuries to several others.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, disclosed this on Thursday in a press release.

Titled, “Imposition of Curfew,”, the statement noted that the bomb explosion prompted Governor Babagana Zulum, to consult with top security officials before implementing this measure.

According to the statement, the curfew aims to restore law and order and ensure public safety.

“This is in view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies toward the preservation of law and order in the state.

“You are all aware of the incident that took place at Kawori which was the detonation of an improvised explosive devices ordinance device which led to the death of (16) persons while several others were critically injured and on admission across various Government hospitals in the state.

“In line with our constitutional mandate towards the restoration of law and order his Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum in consultation with heads of security in the state, finds it’s expedient to declare 24hrs curfew in the state with immediate effect.”

The Police spokesman urged residents to stay calm and adhere to the curfew. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

“I, therefore, wish to call upon the good people of Borno State to remain calm and law-abiding. Further developments will be communicated to you accordingly, please.”

#EndBadGovernance: Protest Turns Violent In Borno State, One killed Two Injured

By
Ayodele Oni
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EndBadGovernance Protest

By Akinwale Kasali

At least one person has been confirmed dead in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance in Maiduguri, Borno State Capital. The protest has gone violent.

At least two other persons have  sustained varying degrees of injuries. These happened when Policemen attached to the Borno Police Command, allegedly, attacked a group of protesters.

The protesters expressing their displeasure over Federal and State Government policies and programmes in the State had stormed the streets in the State.

Among the injured protesters, one was feared dead after he was hit by teargas canisters shot by the police to disperse the demonstratots in Bulunkutu area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Police, reportedly, shot teargas canisters and live ammunition at the group of protesters after all efforts to persuade them to leave the area proved abortive.

The demonstrators had converged at the location to engage in protest over the hunger crisis in the country.

The attack on the protesters came minutes after a suicide bomber attacked a market, leaving over 17 people dead in the state.

Commercial Activities Ground In Osun, Ondo Ekiti, As Pockets Of Protesters March Through Streets, Security Agents In Show Of Strength

By
Ayodele Oni
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EndBadGovernance Protest

By Ayodele Oni

The nationwide protest over economic hardship confronting Nigerians occasioned by  President Bola Tinubu’s harsh economic hardship kicked off  on Thursday, as planned by the organizers.

In Osun State,  protesters who defied early morning downpour, assembled at the popular Olaiya flyover in Osogbo as early as 8am to begin their procession.

The protesters were armed with placards with different inscriptions such as “revert petrol price to pre-May 2023”, “end bad governance” “palliatives cannot save us”, “cut salaries of political office holders”, among others.

Men of the Department of State Security, Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Nigerian Army, among others were sighted giving the protesters needed covers.

In Ondo and Ekiti  states, commercial activities were paralyzed in Akure and Ado Ekiti as people including civil servants remained at home over possible break down of law and order.

No protester gathered along Oba Adesida Road the usual assembly in Akure, while the Fajuyi Park in Ekiti state capital, the take off centre for such event in the past was deserted.

Shops, offices, shopping complexes, supermarkets and banks are under lock as some staff members were seeing hanging around to monitor the situation.

Security operatives such as police officers, men of the NSCDC and Amotekun corps were seeing manning strategic places on major roads in Akure.

In some motor parks visited few buses were seeing still stranded without getting passengers to embark on any of the available trips.

A few taxis and tricycles operating are either empty or conveying between one and two passengers.

At Oja Oba, few market women were seeing with skeletal display of goods

Some traders who spoke under the condition of anonymity said they have been warned not to open shops because there could be breakdown of law and order.

Security personnel also were seen positioned at strategic locations and at identified flash points to maintain law and order during the protest, whole some embarked on patrolling major roads within the state capital as a show of Strenght.

Major organizers of the protest under the group known as Concerned Revolutionary Youths, the organizers of #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria had yesterday pulled out of planned protest in Ondo State.

Briefing newsmen in Akure of the decision to withdraw from the planned protest, the State Secretary of the group in Ondo State, Ogundipe Seyi Olaniyi, said the decision followed the interventions of prominent indigenes of the state.

Ogundipe said the group was neither induced financially or intimidated, but resolved to pull out of the planned protest due to the interventions and security reports that some groups were preparing to hijack the protest to settle ethnic scores.

Osun PDP Backs Gov Adeleke Over Handling Of Nationwide Protest, Faults APC Allegation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Osun State has exonerated Governor Ademola Adeleke over claim by the All Progressives Congress, (APC)  that Governor Ademola Adeleke is fraternizing with EndBadGovernance protesters to embarrass the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.

The PDP in a statement by Sunday Bisi, its Chairman stated that the issue is a sensitive one and should be used to play politics.

Bisi added “We understand the fact that Osun APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal and his lifeless advisers are too idle to be wise, but it is essential that their mental pluggings are not sent on sabbatical while making public comments on sensitive matters of wellbeing and security especially.

“Nigerians are not animals and the nation is not premised solely on the jungle system of force as APC is used to.

“A responsible government will not sit back and refuse to engage its people for constructive deliberations when confronted with valid agitations. It is the global best standard in crisis management and not the Apc option of ‘Kill and Go”.

“As a party, we commend the state Governor for his proactive and matured handling of the issues bordering on the planned protest, which essentially was aimed at safeguarding the people of Osun State.

“We also commend the state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke for his transparency in handling and distribution of palliative items accrued to the state so far, the latest of which was explicitly made public by the ministry of information some days ago.

“We specially commend his Excellency for ensuring prompt payment of charges on the said palliatives, which amounted to several millions of naira in order to access the food items for the downtrodden in the state.”

The ruling Party also explained the issues of funds raised by the opposition, revealing what the government of Adeleke is doing with it.

“The state government has not only distributed the food items transparently but had also effected cash awards to the state workforce and pensioners alike, running well over N2 billion now admitted by the APC, after rigmaroling around several unfounded figures.

“We stand in confidence that the state Governor, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke will continue to discharge his duties conscientiously, in line with the human face pact signed with the people of Osun State.”

President Tinubu Appoints Ondo Revenue Board Chairman As Member Tax Reform Committee

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dr Tolu Adegbie
Dr Tolu Adegbie

By Ayodele Oni

The Executive Chairman of Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) Dr Tolu Adegbie has resigned his appointment.

Adegbie, in his letter of resignation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa explained that his resignation is in line with Section 12 (1), (a) of the Ondo State Revenue Administration Law 2018.

He stated that his resignation is not unconnected with his recent appointment as a member of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Implementation Committee.

According to him,  this  new role will require his physical absence from the office over the next few months as he will transit to this national role, marking a new chapter in his distinguished career.

Under his leadership, the ODIRS saw remarkable progress and transformation.

While in office, he drove a series of groundbreaking reforms and initiatives that have fundamentally enhanced the state’s revenue generation and tax administration.

He was appointed by the late Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from Wema Bank Plc as a member of the transition Budget and Finance Committee in December, 2016.

He was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Revenue to Mr Governor in December 2017 and later appointed as the Chairman, Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) in January 2018 where he systematically increased revenue from monthly average of the N700 million in 2018 when he came on board to N3.5billion in 2023.

#EndBadGovernance Protest: Adeyanju Debunks Claim Of Suspension Of Protest,  As Protest Begins In Abuja

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Deji Adeyanju
Deji Adeyanju

By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to rumours making the rounds that the organizers of the planned Nationwide Protest against Hunger,  hardship and bad governance has backed down, by suspending the August 1 (today’s) Protest, Deji Adeyanju, one of the arrowheads and organisers of the protest says “no such thing.”

Bringing to reality his claim, as early as 6.00am, Protesters had besieged the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola,  MKO, Stadium in Abuja, singing, chanting, drumming and dancing, carrying placards with various inscriptions.

This is in compliance with a Court order which restricted them to the facility.

Protesters gathered as early as 6.00 am singing solidarity songs.

Present in the  stadium are heavily armed security operatives.

It was gathered that youth groups under the auspices of Rising Up for a United Nigeria in a communiqué allegedly called off the protest following a decision after a meeting held in Abuja.

“We Will Not Allow Another Endsars Protest” – Sanwo-olu

By
James Orji
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Babajide Sanwo-Olu

By Babajide Sanwo-olu

Dear Lagosians,

Today, I stand before you deeply committed to the well-being and prosperity of our great state.

Lagos has always been a beacon of hope and resilience, reflecting the brilliance and energy of our diverse cultures.

For weeks, we’ve faced the prospect of protests aimed at ending what some call “bad government.” While the intentions may be noble, some narratives suggesting it’s a means to change the government by non-constitutional means are troubling.

Is a protest the catalyst for progress we need now? Will it ensure our challenges vanish in ten days? Will it lower food prices or inspire economic growth? I strongly believe it won’t. Instead, it could undo the modest gains we’ve made.

Are there challenges? Yes. Is the government addressing them? Absolutely. Significant efforts are underway across many sectors to alleviate our people’s pain and pave the way to lasting prosperity.

This week, President Tinubu signed a new minimum wage into law. Student loans are being disbursed to ease financial burdens, and local governments now have financial autonomy to enhance governance efficiency.

The foreign exchange crisis is being creatively tackled. The sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira will save $7.9 billion annually and strengthen our currency. The Presidential Initiative on CNG is also attracting private investments.

We need patience for the benefits of these economic reforms to blossom. Protests can’t achieve in days what economic reforms can in weeks and months. Our nation, under President Tinubu’s courageous leadership, is on the right path.

In Lagos, we launched EKOCARES to cushion the effects of economic reforms. From discount markets to reduced transport costs, and free medical care, we are committed to easing the burdens on our people.

We’ve increased bursaries and scholarships for Lagos students, ensured free education for new elementary students, and our workers earn above the national minimum wage.

We can do more, and we will.

Reflecting on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.

We will NOT allow history repeat itself. During the protests, we saw the destruction of valuable properties and institutions: Lagos High Court, 45 police stations, 12 Local Government offices, 7 Fire Stations, and the Forensic Centre, among others.

The City Hall, Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters, and traditional rulers’ palaces were also destroyed.

Malls, shops, offices, and hundreds of brand-new BRT buses were lost. Such devastation only sets us back economically and socially.

Our goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. We must avoid economic destabilization that can make us poorer. Let’s unite, embrace dialogue, and build a peaceful, prosperous Lagos.

To ensure safe and peaceful expression, the Police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests. These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos.

Let’s work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on maintaining peace and stability.

God bless Lagos State.

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