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NLC Strike: Northern Civil Society Organization Pulls Out

August 1, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The proposed nationwide Strike and Mass Protest billed to start on Wednesday August 2, 2023, by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC over the removal of fuel Subsidy may not be realistic following the withdrawal of over 16 Civil Societies Groups in the Northern part of the country.

The Northern CSOs pulled out on the grounds that the indefinite strike action will damage the fragile economy and cause more hardship to the ordinary citizens.

It would be recalled that the NLC had given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum with a threat of a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, and directed all its affiliates and civil society groups across the 36 states of the federation to mobilize workers and Nigerians for a long-lasting strike should the government fail to meet its demands.

The National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, in a statement signed by him accused the Tinubu government of failing to meet up with the demands it presented to it following the removal of subsidy on petrol.

“But after a critical study of the disadvantages and overall consequences on the masses, we decided to pull out immediately and asked the labour unions and Federal Government to rather embrace dialogue on mitigating measures,” the CSOs stated.

The Northern CSOs stated that the reason for pulling out was so as not to escalate the present economic situation of the nation.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Arewa Coalition, Comrade Ibraheem Suleman Dogo, and Comrade Friday Luka Dalung, the groups said the planned strike action was not the best way to resolve problems emerging from the current harsh economic conditions caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

They added that the strike would cripple the country as movement would be severely curtailed with markets, schools, and healthcare facilities forced to shut down.

The statement further reads: “We can’t afford to go back to the days when the Federal Government used monies meant for the development of public infrastructure; education, health care, and jobs for payment of subsidy to rich marketers.

“We can’t also continue to feed smugglers and act as ‘Father Christmas’ to neighbouring countries.

“It is for these reasons we recommend dialogue and more robust discussion on the matters arising from fuel subsidy removal.

“It would be recalled that President Tinubu, while addressing Nigerians on June 12 Democracy Day commemoration said he decided to free the country’s resources from the stranglehold of unpatriotic elements.

“We expect the labour unions and relevant stakeholders to look beyond the harsh policies now and consider the future of a sustainable economy that will bring about overall development across all spheres of life.

“However, between now and tomorrow, Wednesday, August 2, we urge the Federal Government to invite representatives of organised Labour to stop the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress.”

Tension In Lagos As Helicopter Crashes Into Building

Akinwale Kasali

August 1, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium at Oba Akran area of Ikeja, Lagos State when a Helicopter crashed into a building and burst into flames.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened at about 3.30pm at Oba Akran Road, adjacent AP Filling Station, and United Bank For Africa, UBA.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the accident occurred while the Aircraft was flying through the area.

NEMA disclosed that four people have been rescued so far from the crash site with varying degrees of injuries.

It was not clear as at the time of filing this story if the pilots of the chopper survived. It was not also clear if there are other causalities, as rescue operation by first emergency responders is on-going

Men of the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service are being awaited for further emergency operation to salvage the situation.

Female FIFA World Cup: Super Falcons Face Lionesses Of England In Knockout Phase

Akinwale Kasali

August 1, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The 6-1 thumping of China by the Lionesses of England in their last Group D encounter at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia has confirmed that the Super Falcons of Nigeria will face the European Champion in the Round of 16 Knockout Phase.

The Women Euro 2022 Champion had a 100 percent record in the Group stage defeating Haiti and Denmark 1-0, before recording a huge score-line against China to garnered Nine Points and top the Group.

Having finished second in Group B behind co-host, Australia, the Super Falcons will on Monday 7th August, 2023 file out against the England team that has been brilliant in their quest to make history of winning the coveted World Cup for the first time.

The Coach Randy Waldrum- Nigerian side could be referred to as underdogs in this fixtures following the pedigree of the England team, their array of stars and their present form. But, the Nigerian ladies are been known to always rise up to the occasion when it matters most.

No one gave the Nigerian team a chance against the Matildas of Australia when they shock the World and set a major upset in the tournament with their 3-2 win in their second math at the Group stage.

According to Captain of the Super Falcons, Onome Ebi, “The Ladies are ready to face anything as they are united and prepared to make a statement at this tournament. We take each game as it comes, the most important is to collectively get the desired results which is victory”.

Following the team’s qualification for the knockout phase of the tournament Secretary-General of World Football-Governing Body, FIFA, Fatma Samoura in Brisbane commended the Super Falcons of Nigeria for reaching the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, saying their feat has brought joy to women’s football as a whole with their elegance and self-assuredness on the pitch, as well as African women football and the African girl-child.

The 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland meant the Falcons finished unbeaten in their Group B, a first-ever for an African team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I must say that personally, I am proud of you. As you know, I am the first woman to be Secretary General of FIFA since the organization was founded in 1904, and I am also an African. So, I am easily excited by any accomplishment that glorifies women’s football and African football,” Samoura said as she addressed the nine-time African champions at the dressing room after the match at Lang Park.

In company with Nigeria’s leader of delegation, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (NFF 1st Vice President) and NFF Board Members Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen, Alhaji Babagana Kalli and Ms Aisha Falode, Samoura said the performance of the Falcons is a terrific inspiration to other African teams at the tournament.

“You have won one match here, as Morocco and Zambia, but you are the only team that has made it to the knock-out stage yet. I am also excited because when FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced my name as the new FIFA Secretary-General, I was in Nigeria working for the United Nations. So, Nigeria is a second home for me.

“You should continue to believe in yourselves and play as a team, and be ready to lift the African flag higher in this tournament.”

Gelson Fernandes, the Director for Africa at FIFA, himself a former Swiss international player, urged the Super Falcons to retain their self-belief and be ready to confront and surmount every obstacle on their way to the Final.

Nigeria’s Presidential Election: Your Prediction Is Tendentious – EIU Told

The Source

August 1, 2023

The Neo Africana Centre has described as tendentious and ludicrous the prediction by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) that the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) will not upturn the victory of Bola Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election. The Centre said such a tendentious reading of the proceedings in the PEPC is lazy and contrived as it is not supported by logic or common sense. The public policy think tank said it painstakingly went through the report by EIU but regretted that it could not find where the body adduced any reason to support its prediction. It said what it saw instead was a laborious rigmarole aimed at arriving at a predetermined answer.

In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Jenkins Udu, the Centre said the EIU prediction fell far below expectation and should therefore be consigned to the ash heaps of irrelevance. It wondered why the EIU did not take into consideration the roguery that went into the election as well as the wide condemnation of its outcome by both local and foreign observers before embarking on its embarrassing revisionism.

The statement reads in part:

“We have just come across a tendentious and ludicrous report said to have emanated from the confines of The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The report predicted that the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) will not upturn the victory awarded to Bola Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the February 25 presidential election. We painstakingly went through the report with the hope that aspects of it will tell us in concrete terms why EIU reached that conclusion.

“Regrettably, we found none. What was dished out in copious doses were issues that are not, in any way, remotely connected with the petitions before the PEPC. We were thoroughly disappointed because we had thought that a reputable organization such as the EIU would live up to its name.

But it did not. If anything , the report on which the prediction was anchored read like a piece of balderdash with a predetermined objective. There were no facts or figures to support the prediction. There was even no clear-cut assertion that lends credence to the fallacious conclusion.

“In the absence of any reason or evidence to support its prediction, the report sheepishly went off the mark to talk about irrelevances like market reforms. In fact, the report, as procured as it must have been, could not sustain its defence of the wobbly Tinubu administration. What do you say of a report which says that the inflation which Tinubu met at 22.6 percent in May will rise sharply over 2023 and into 2024?

“We find this tendentious reading of the proceedings at the PEPC not only laughable but ludicrous. We are disappointed that the EIU brushed aside the wide condemnations of the election by both local and foreign observers, a situation which has tainted the credibility of the election as well as its outcome. We are convinced that the EIU is on a sinister mission to lie to the world about Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. But the inglorious mission has failed abysmally. That is why what the EIU called a report reads like a poorly crafted opinion lacking in substance and informed viewpoint.

“May we remind the EIU that neither Nigerians nor members of the PEPC will be led by the nose in this matter. The people know what the issues are and they expect that the position of the courts will reflect the hard facts before them. Their Lordships at the PEPC are no kindergartens and cannot therefore be tutored by compromised institutions. We dare say that insidious attempts at influencing the courts such as the one EIU is making is cheap and unprofessional. Members of the Nigerian bench are too sophisticated to be so easily pigeonholed.

“Pretenders such as EIU should also know that Nigerians cannot be led by the nose. Otherwise, what was the point in telling us that Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the election under dispute, will be a formidable force in 2027? This is a back-handed compliment. Peter Obi is already a formidable force and Nigerians do not need anybody to tell them that. For EIU to put it out as a projection is patronizing. Nigerians do not need this psychological massaging.”

Kano Hospital Management Board Sacks Three CMDs, Suspends Doctors, Nurses Over Negligence

Akinwale Kasali

August 1, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Kano State Hospital Management Board has sacked three Chief Medical Directors, suspended Doctors and Nurses due to their negligence. They were accused of not carrying out their duties by absconding from their duty posts and leaving patients in the hands of students.

Announcing the immediate removal of the CMDs and suspension of Doctors and Nurses, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Mansur Nagoda, said the removal of the affected persons has been approved.

The Chief Medical Officers of Imam Wali General Hospital, Abubakar Imam Urology Centre and Nuhu Bamalli Maternity Hospital have been replaced with immediate effect.

Nagoda also approved the suspension of all doctors and nurses that were on duty for the evening and night shifts on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Sulaiman, and made available to newsmen on Monday night.

According to the Executive Secretary, the decision was taken as a matter of urgency due to the negligence of the affected staff in carrying out their duties by absconding from their duty posts and leaving patients in the hands of students.

He warned that the Board would not condone negligence, late-coming, absconding from duty posts from any medical worker, adding that anyone found wanting would face sanctions in accordance with the civil service rules and regulations.

Nagoda called on other hospitals to buckle up as all facilities would be monitored closely in order to revive the health sector of the State.

Pan Yoruba Group Urges President Tinubu To Address “Historic Injustice Against Itsekiri”

Akinwale Kasali

August 1, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Pan Yoruba Group, Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movement, AYDM, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the “historic injustice suffered for centuries by Itshekiri Indigenous Ethnic Group.”

The Itshekiris, for centuries, have lived in the Niger Delta, and often classified as minorities, so undermining their access to political, economic and social opportunities.

In a letter addressed to President Tinubu by the Group after an extensive meeting of Pan Yoruba Groups, the AYDM said that for more than 1000 years, the Itsekiri have asserted themselves as a unique people with a rich civilization and have made tremendous contributions to African cultural and economic growth.

The Itshekiris have a population of over 1.5 million found in Delta and Edo States.

AYDM said the Itshekiris have received little or nothing in return for the enormous resources successive governments exploit on their ancestral territories.

The Group is a coalition of 121 Pan Yoruba groups spread across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Edo, Kwara, Kogi and the West African Coast.

In the letter signed by its General Secretary Popoola Ajayi and Secretary for Mobilization, Chief Kunle Oshodi, AYDM said the Itsekiri produce 35% of Nigerian oil and gas but get little or nothing in return.

It stated that there are no economic landmarks, no industries, no commensurate employment opportunities in the Oil Companies on their land while they are given crumbs when it comes to political appointments at the Federal level.

“No Itsekiri man has ever led the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL.

“No Itsekiri man has ever emerged as the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. No Itsekiri man has ever been made a Federal Minister since 1999. This is ridiculous” the AYDM said.

The Group also observed that even in the face of repression, oil pollution, and exclusion the Itsekiri are one of the few ethnic groups in the Niger Delta that have never resolved into violence, vandalisation of oil pipelines , bunkering or oil theft adding that the Presidency should demonstrate that there is reward for peaceful conduct and not just reward for groups that threaten violence and armed insurrection at all times.

AYDM said the late Pa Alfred Rewane was the financial backbone of the resistance against military rule, a dangerous assignment that eventually led to his assassination in November 1994

“We commend President Tinubu for recognizing the role of Pa Rewane. As the then Governor of Lagos State, he named one of the longest streets in Lagos after Pa Rewane for his contributions to democracy and justice without which the military would have remained in Nigeria.

“We call on President Tinubu to correct this historic injustice to a great people whose land provides immense resources to Nigeria.” AYDM said.

The coalition said President Tinubu can do this by recognizing the Itsekiri ethnic group through significant industrial investments in their homeland, Federal appointment that will give the people a deep sense of belonging, a step that will justify their non-violence to the long chain of repression they have suffered.

Subsidy Withdrawal: The Hydra Headed Monster

Ayodele Oni

August 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Nigerians are trooping out on Wednesday, 2nd August, 2023, to cry against the high cost of living in the country. The mass peaceful protest, being championed by the Organized Labour, is to drum to the ears of the barely two- month old administration of President Bola Tinubu to know that the shoes are pinching.

The Federal Government has tried to stop the rally through a Court process, but the organizers insist that it must hold.

President Tinubu had kick-started his administration with the sudden withdrawal of subsidy on petrol. It started with N500 per litre, but now costs officially between N600 and N700 depending on which part of the country one is buying from.

This singular action has led to the astronomical hike in prices of commodities especially foodstuffs, to the extent that several households cannot boast of a meal per day. The low income earners and self employed are the worst hit.

The various measures so far put in place by the administration are yet to have impact as the prices continue to soar by the day. To make things worst, parents with wards in higher institutions are being slammed with increase in various fees payable in those institutions. There are parents with more than two wards in higher universities and Polytechnics.

Even traders lament daily over low sales of products. The sick resort to local and self medication as hospital bill is no longer affordable to the poor masses. Even in states where working days are not regulated, public servants now choose days of the week that is convenient to them to go to work.

This period is harvest season for some farm products. No money to purchase them. Cassava four (Garri), hitherto referred to poor as poor man’s food is no longer affordable. The hardship is countless, depending on areas where individuals are feeling the pain. The prayer now is that President Tinubu’s panacea for this hardship will meet the masses alive.

Opinions have been put forward on the planned peaceful protest by the organized labour. Will it solve the mirage of problems? Will government sit up after the protest? Will it not go the way of the endsars protest, when hoodlums hijacked the entire process? All these make average Nigerians not to believe in the organized labour project.

The subsidy withdrawal, which birthed this hardship has been applauded by various segment of the society, but the timing and approach are the problem. The believe is that if workers salary had been increased, buses flood the streets with low transport fares, and the exchange rate, which has become a chameleon is regulated, the hardship might have been lower.

Tope Temokun, Lawyer and Human Rights activist, stated on the situation that “From the social and economic angle, the issues confronting us today are more monstrous and more life-threatening than in Buhari days. Prices of goods must rise as the government has set a precursor for uncontrollable inflation, while income has remained stagnant.

“The government of President Bola Tinubu, in the course of pretending to be solving the problems Buhari government left behind, has created more problems it may not be able to solve in these next four years. People are then left with no alternative than to continue where their cries stopped.

“If the people chose to be in street peacefully to protest against the policies of the government they believe are not in their best interest, it is democracy. The only role the government and all the security agents of the government, such as the police, the DSS, the Civil Defence et cetra, can play, is to allow the people to express their anger or frustration not to stifle the people or intimidate them or judicially arrest the people’s voice.”

Nigerian Army Reiterates Commitment To Democracy, Professionalism

Ayodele Oni

August 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja, led other Officers of the Army to Akure, Ondo State capital to the annual Combat Support Arms Training Week, (COSAT), which kicked off on Monday.

The Army Chief reiterated the role of the military in democracy saying the Nigerian Army remains committed to upholding the tenets of the Constitution.

He pointed out that the role of the Military in the protection of the nascent democracy could not be over emphasized.

According to him, the Army had already been fulfilling its duties by ensuring that Nigerians sleep with their two eyes closed.

Lagbaja said that the Military was re strategizing and brainstorming on contemporary security challenges, improve capability of various support element to combat insurgency bedeviling the country.

He expressed the hope that the gathering would enhance conversations between top officers and retired generals on ways to adopt technology through research and development support to enhance the security measures of the country .

Lagbaja added that the Nigerian Army would be transformed to adopt local indigenous capacity to address security challenges .

“The critical place (importance) of COSAT has consistently being on the rise since the Nigeria civil war, we have continued to encourage professionalism and reposition the unit.

“Today’s gathering which brings about most of our renowned brains to chart a new way forward as warfare is constantly evolving.”

The COAS, while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the event said the Nigerian Army, being a professional and a dynamic force was constantly exploring avenue to improve efficiency and effective delivery of security in every theatre of operation.

“This training taking place here in Akure is Combat Support Arms Training Week. It’s a week set aside in the army training calendar to give opportunity to the combat support corps to review the activity in the past year and evolve ways of doing things better in other to support the army operations.

“And the theme of this year’s training is ‘Leveraging Indigenous Technology to Enhance our Training Operations’ has been carefully selected taken into consideration the nature of the challenges that we are confronted with across the country.

“And the need to have technology as a leveler to enhance the efficiency of our formation and units in the fields.

“So this is an avenue where senior military personnel, serving military personnel and even the executive from the industry will sit down and rub mind and come up with better ways of conducting military operations and military activities.”

In his address the Acting Governor of Ondo state, Lucky Ayedatiwa commended the selfless service and unwavering support of the Nigeria Army to the peace witnessed in ondo state .

Aiyedatiwa called for synergy between the army and the sister security agencies and the Amotekun corp established by South-West governors to stem security challenges in the state and south west region.

He admonished them to adopt new security architecture to stimulate themselves for operational efficiency and national security.

Earlier in his welcome address ,the commander of corp Artillery, Maj.-Gen. MG Kagye said that the challenges of insecurity requires deliberate efforts by combat support arms to enhance security measures in a joint environment.

He appreciated Nigerians for intelligence gathering support to the Army.

IGP Calls For Calm As Organized Labour Insists On Peaceful Rally

Ayodele Oni

August 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police is putting everything in place to ensure that Wednesday’s peaceful protest, being organized by the organized labour is not hijacked by hoodlums.

Already, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered Commissioners of Police in charge of various Commands, and Supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.

A statement on Tuesday by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that “the IGP is deeply concerned about recent developments regarding planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our Constitution, the IGP urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country.

“The IGP, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.

“In light of this, the IGP orders the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.

“A peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and preventing any form of violence or disruptions to public order, should the protests persist.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the period of the planned protests as all necessary measures to facilitate the peaceful conduct of these demonstrations have been emplaced.

“However, it is hereby reaffirmed that any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes viz-a-viz vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion will be met with firm, professional and commensurate lawful approach.

“The Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country.

“In light of the potential challenges posed by the planned protests, the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of our citizens.

“The IGP therefore calls on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.

“The Police boss urges all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups, to embrace peaceful dialogue as the most effective means of resolving grievances, while also reemphasizing that the Police is committed to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for open dialogue, constructive engagement and mutual understanding for a seamless exercise of civil rights.”

Ondo: Suspect Who Killed Police ASP Says He Killed A Criminal, Not Policeman; Police Parades Him

Ayodele Oni

August 1, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The suspected killer of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP) 47-year old Godson Tender James, has been paraded by the Ondo State Police Command.

However, the suspect, in a twist denied ever killing any policeman and insisted he killed a criminal in self-defence.

James, who was paraded at the Headquarters of the Ondo State Police Command said the deceased officer Emmanuel Oyewole, was one of those who attacked him with a gun at Ori Ohin, near Ifon, in Ose Local Government Area of the State.

The policeman was hit by a hit and run driver on the 22nd of July, 2023, at a checkpoint along Ifon-Benin road, but the driver was later tracked down at a nearby military check point.

While parading the suspect, Odunlami-Omisanya said the suspect was fleeing from policemen along the route who have been alerted of a crime he committed earlier in Akure, the state capital, before he killed the officer.

According to the PPRO, a woman, “Oshodi Mubowale reported at Police Scorpion office Akure that on the 21 of July, 2023 unknown man with an unregistered Ford Jeep came to her shop at No 1 Omolere shopping complex Adesida market Akure through One Thomas Toyin aged 48years and Omonigba Kehinde aged 47years both traders in the same complex.

“The said man requested he needed a cash sum of N6 million but he was only able to raise N4.4 million from her under the pretence that he will send the money back through bank transfer but failed to do so.

“However, the complainant later called him and he kept giving excuses. She was able to trace him to an hotel, at Alagbaka area of Akure together with some of her relatives, but the said man found a way to escape in his own car.

‘In the process they had to pursue him with another vehicle but they later turned back after series of phone threats from the man.

But the suspect claimed that the only transaction he had with the woman was to exchange his mutilated notes with new notes from her.

“I was going from Lagos to Abuja and stopped over in Akure as I could not proceed because of my health. As a contractor, I don’t normally move with cash. I was with my money. I wanted to buy materials at the market and that was where I knew those women.

“I told them I need new notes. I was with some volume of money, 100 and 200 naira notes. They asked what I needed it for and I told them it’s for payment of workers on my site as people appreciate new notes rather than paying into their accounts.

“That was where they introduced me to this woman who first accused me of being either a policeman or a military man and said she needed to see my money before giving me her own money. I gave her 3.6 million naira and she counted it with a profit margin of over 400 thousand naira as we have been bargaining a day before that. She collected it, went into her shop and returned with the new notes in a bag and I collected it.

“She came down from my car, gave me her number and I told her I have another friend who is also interested in having new notes. I told her he will send her the money and I will collect the new notes for him, which was when she gave me her account details. I gave one of those who introduced me to her some money and the other collected the power bank in my car, after which I left the place.

“The alert they are talking about is from my friend and not from me. If I pointed a gun at her, would she let me leave the market? Didn’t she see where I took coke in front of her shop? Why didn’t she alert everyone if I truly pointed a pistol at her?

“I gave her the address to my hotel. She came with some people and we all entered my vehicle where one of them took my drugs, my inhaler and my phone. That was when I started feeling unsafe and had to drive out as they followed me but stopped seeing them after a while.

“As I was going, I started hearing different things about a kidnapper driving a black Tundra. I stopped at a checkpoint where they asked if I was the kidnapper they were looking for and I told them I’m not a kidnapper and I was left alone.

“All of a sudden, as I was going, I saw some people wearing police uniforms with one of them bending over on the road. As I tried to maneuver, I heard a gunshot hit my car from the front.

“Believing the police cannot just shoot at me, I believe they were robbers and maneuvered to come out at another location. That was when I hit one of them. I was trying to save my own life when I hit the person.”

Odunlami-Omisanya, who promised that the police will find out what really transpired between James and Oshodi, said the suspect will be charged to court for the murder of a police officer.

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