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Uzodinma: Anambra Governorship Election Greeted By High Level Of Insecurity, Apathy

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

By Gideon Njoku

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has given an inkling into what happened during the November 6, 2021, Anambra State Governorship election.

Uzodinma was the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC National Campaign Committee for the election.

However,  the APC made no impact at the polls, considering the number of  high profile defections to it both from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and theAll Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

The APGA candidate, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo was declared the winner of the election in a landslide, beating the APC candidate, Senator Andy Uba, to a distant third position. While Soludo won 19 Local Government Areas out of 21, and secured more than 25 per cent in the remaining two, Uba lost in all the LGA’s including his own.

Speaking for the first time on the Election, in his capacity as the APC Chairman for the Election  Campaign Committee, to State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, the Governor said: “Anambra election, of course, you know the election has come and gone and other things may be post-election activities.”

Asked if he discussed his party’s performance with the President, Uzodinma said: “Of course, I was able to explain to the President, how we tried in the election, we campaigned very rigorously and we also converted a lot of people to APC. The election was greeted by voter apathy and a high level of insecurity in Anambra and the turnout was very low. Other decisions or positions will be taken by the leadership of the party. I’ve done mine as the chairman of the campaign committee.”

He had no opinion, as such,  on the decision of Uba to challenge the outcome of the poll in Court, but he disagreed with those who think Uba should not have challenged the results after Mr President, the leader of the Party  had congratulated Soludo on his victory.

Uzodinma: “Andy Ubah’s going to Court or not going to Court  has nothing to do with Mr. President congratulating somebody, whom INEC has declared winner of the election.

“Of course, he is President of all, he’s not the President of one political party, he’s the President of all political parties and the President of all the candidates in that election. Of course, in every contest, a winner must emerge and in the wisdom of INEC and to the best of their ability, they’ve declared the results of the election.”

He said Soludo has the right to go to Court if he felt aggrieved at its  outcome, especially, as the law allows and supports that.

Uzodinma: “The same Electoral Act that allows INEC to declare results of an election, also, allows aggrieved candidates to seek for redress in Court , if they so desire. But every other thing will be the decision taken by the candidate and the party. I’m not the party, I’m not the Chairman of the party, I’m not the leader of the party, I just did an assignment as the Chairman of the campaign committee.”

A former Governor of Imo State, now a Senator representing Imo West at the Senate, Rochas Okorocha, has a different opinion. He said in a recent interview that Andy Uba has no case to present in Court. Uba was beaten fair and square, he posited, and would only ridicule himself in Court. “I will call him and ask him not to try that”, Okorocha said.

Nothing Can Stop APC From Retaining Power In 2023 – Uzodinma

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The Source
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Hope Uzodinmma and President Buhari

By Gideon Njoku

For Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, victory  for his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the centre,  is a foregone conclusion. It is as clear as night and day. Nothing, he said, is capable of stopping the APC from retaining the Presidential seat.

The Governor who spoke to State House Correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday, said that all the indices point to an APC victory in the upcoming 2023 polls, refusing to agree there are circumstances that can deter the party from retaining power, especially  as contrary to what not a few people say and think, the Buhari Government has done remarkably well.

Here are, in his words, why Governor thinks it is not possible to beat APC in 2023.

His words: “What is the prevailing factor that will make APC not to win? Is it that you are not aware that the President is of the APC extraction? Is it that you don’t know that 22 states in the country belong to APC? Is it that you don’t know that APC has the majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives? Is it that you don’t know that out of the 774 local Government Councils in the country that the APC is controlling the majority? Have you not seen the number of people decamping into the APC?

On the President’s performance which not a few people rate as poor, Uzodinma disagreed, and reeled out the positive achievements of the President.

His words: “The mood of the country is that the President is doing very well and the mood of the country is that APC, given the peculiarity of this time, where insecurity has taken over the globe, where COVID-19 has ravaged every place in the world, from one variant to another variant, yet we are able to come out from recession.

“The way the Central Bank has managed to see that we are still afloat, the way all the intervention policies of the government, including the stimulus package rolled out by this government, to ensure that the negative impacts of COVID-19 is not grievous on our people. So I’m very confident, I’m a proud member of the APC and I think we’ll do our best to ensure that the confidence reposed in the party by Nigerians is not betrayed.”

President Muhammadu Buhari will leave office on May 29, 2023, after the  General Elections which is expected to be very competitive between his Party, the APC and the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party, the PDP.

My Presidency Will Make Nigerians Proud Of Nigeria – Anyim

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The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Frontline Presidential aspirant, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has promised to make Nigerians happy and proud if he becomes their President.

The former President of the Senate who is running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the declaration when he received the League of Nigerian Youth for Equity and the League of Young Women Club who paid him courtesy visit in his office.

Anyim said the problem in the country was that a large number of people are losing hope, feeling that they have no stake in the country.

“When I become the President of this country, you will be proud to be called a Nigerian”, Anyim assured.

Harping on the oneness of Nigeria, Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation said, “a greater and better Nigeria will serve all of us better.”

He thanked the groups for their support adding that he would count on them when full campaigns are allowed to commence.

In his response, Alhaji Mohamed Lawan, leader of the League of Nigerian Youth for Equity said the group was supporting Anyim’s ambition because of his track record of good performance.

He also said that the “unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct and non negotiable, as such, all the stakeholders i.e, major ethnic groups must have a sense of belonging in the governance and leadership structure.

“The Igbo nation forms the third leg of the tripod he said and they have been deliberately shut out of the leadership of the country”, warning “that the tripod should not be allowed to collapse.”

In the same vain,

Chief (Mrs) Lilian Cosmos, leader of League of Young Women Club said Nigeria needs a president with open and accommodating heart like Anyim.

Nigeria, she said needs new leadership which she said Anyim represents hence her group had resolved to work for the emergence of the former Senate President as Nigeria’s president in 2023.

Anyim, a native of Ebonyi State,  is the first South-Easterner, in a major political party, to publicly declare his interest in the Presidential seat come 2023.

Imo: Local Government Bans All Hard Drugs, Begins Manhunt For Dealers, Users

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The Source
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Chief Tony Jude Iwuamadi

By Charles Igbo

In a first of its kind, a Local Government Council in Nigeria has, officially, banned the use of all kinds of Hard Drugs in its area of jurisdiction.

It named five of such Hard Drugs and other illicit drugs, saying they have been proscribed in the Local Government Council.

In a public announcement signed by the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee,  Chief Tony Jude Iwuamadi, Ikeduru Local Government Council warned all those in its area of jurisdiction that beginning immediately, “consumption, smoking and sale of the Drugs are banned.”

The Chairman named the Drugs as:

* Mkpuru Mmiri (Crystal Methamphetamine)

*Stonch

*Indian Hemp

*Guzoro

*Cocaine

He said the LG Council would work  in conjunction the NDLEA, Anti- cult organization and other security agencies to deal with anybody who goes against the proscription order.

The announcement reads, in part, that the above named Drugs “and any other substances/illicit drugs have been proscribed in Ikeduru LGA and environs. Ikeduru LGA Council, in conjunction with NDLEA, Anti-cult and other relevant law enforcement agencies will commence manhunt of all the dealers and consumers within Ikeduru LGA.

“You are, therefore, advised to stay away from any known bunk that deals in the above prohibited items.

“We will not spare anyone once apprehended no matter how highly placed.”

The warning was to all indigenes and non-indigenes living in the Ikeduru Area Council.

Recently, an unprecedented number of youths have been struck down by serious mental ill-health due to the use of Hard Drugs, and especially, in more recent times, the use of Crystal Methamphetamine, popular, in the South-east, as Mkpuru Mmiri

The Leadership of Town Unions in some Communities have, in frustration, over the effect of Mkpuru Mmiri on the youths, resorted to the crude and barbaric action of tying-up, with ropes,  those caught with it, and giving them as many as between 50 and 100 lashes of the cain.

The other day in Imo State, a fatality was recorded while the culprit was undergoing punishment.

Ojodu Accident: Angry Parents Curse School For Opening After Killing Of Students; Sanwo-Olu Mourns, Shuts It Down

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ojodu Grammer School Accident

By Akinwale Kasali

Angry parents who stormed Ojodu Grammar School on Wednesday, a day after a trailer rammed into Students  at the school’s Bus Stop, were stunned that the Management of the School did not shut it down as a mark of respect to the dead students.

The school apparently continued with its examination time table in a manner that shocked parents.

So, they rained curses at both the Management of the School and the Lagos State Government, calling them heartless.

This came as students, in their numbers took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the death of their mates who were crushed to death by the trailer as they waited to board a bus home after school.

On the same Wednesday, the Lagos State Government  shut down the school till January 2022 when the Commissioner for Education, Folashade Adefisayo, visited the school.

A devastated Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu  expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

In a condolence message to the families of the dead students signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu described the killing of the students in the accident as sad, unfortunate and avoidable.

The Governor sympathised with families of the bereaved students, their relatives, friends, and Management and staff of Ojodu Grammar school.

He said: “I commiserate with the parents, Management, staff and students of Ojodu Grammar school over this unfortunate death of our students, whose lives were cut short by a truck driver yesterday (Tuesday).

“The sad incident has left me devastated since yesterday because it is terrible to hear about the death of innocent children, especially in a clearly avoidable circumstance like what happened yesterday.

“As a parent, words cannot express how shattered I was when I learnt about the incident. No one’s life, including those vibrant students, who were returning from where they had gone to learn for a better future, deserved to be ended in that manner.

“My deepest sympathies go out to their parents. I pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“Our prayers are also with the survivors, who are receiving treatment at the hospitals.

“Meanwhile, we have immediately ordered that the affected school be shut down till January, while investigations are ongoing. The erring driver has also been arrested.”

Reason for the closure of the School according to State Commissioner for Education, Folashade Adefisayo, is due to the trauma and the violence that took place following the unfortunate incident, and for calm and normalcy to return to the educational environment.

It would be recalled that the unfortunate incident sparked outrage among the students and inhabitants of the area, leading to  destruction of properties.

Earlier on Wednesday, Students of the School had protested against the death of their colleagues, calling for justice for the deceaseds.

The identities of some of the dead students are yet to be ascertained, prompting parents to troop to the School in search of their wards.

Some of the parents  lamented that the School remained  open for classes on Wednesday after Tuesday’s incident.

One of the parents who claimed anonymity said, “Why should the school reopen. The street is still smelling of the flesh of dead bodies. The exam should be postponed and students given automatic promotion if possible.”

In tears, another parent lamented that “It is embarrassing that the school reopened today. How could  the Government do such? What do they want other mothers to be thinking of. My daughter is not in school and I have come to tell them that she must not fail. If they are heartless, I am not.”

In another development, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, distanced itself from the allegation that its officials were the cause of the unfortunate incident.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, in a statement disowned the allegation that officials of the agency were involved in the unfortunate truck accident.

Oreagba said, “From the reports we received on the incidence, the driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle, probably because of mechanical reasons. The police are investigating the matter; the public should await their report.

“LASTMA does not have a traffic management duty post around the accident scene. And all patrol personnel had reported back to base for the daily parade as at the time the accident occurred leaving only those at their traffic management posts,” Oreagba noted.

I Never Gave Up While In Prison – Jailed Ondo Prophet Recounts Ordeal

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prophet Oluwatuyi

By Ayodele Oni

Within a year of establishing the Church, it became a Mecca of sort as people from all walks of life, from far and near, came to receive miracles from the Cleric.

The Church, Sotitobire Praise Chapel, was located at Oluwatuyi area, Akure, the Ondo state capital with Prophet Alfa Babatunde as the founder. He became a god to so many of his adherents as they believed that whatever he said must come to pass.

However, the unusual happened during one of the Sunday services in 2019 when a boy, Gold Kolawole, aged 13 months was declared missing in the Church. The parents gave account of how the missing boy was dropped at the children’s section of the Church and on the return of the mother to look after him, he was nowhere to be found.

There were protests about the missing child which led to the burning down of the Church building and many vehicles parked within the premises.

Thus commenced a legal battle to ensure that the law caught up with those responsible for the missing boy. It was the State versus Prophet Alfa and some members of his Church.

At the end of it all, the Prophet and others were found guilty by an Akure High Court presided over by Justice Olusegun Odusola. He thereby clamped a life sentence on him on  October 6, 2020.

Justice Odusola  explained in his judgement that his decision was based on what he described as Prophet Alfa’s complicity in the mysterious disappearance of the  13-month-old boy, Gold Kolawole from his Church.

He was sentenced on a two-count charge of conspiracy, as well as aiding and abetting kidnapping along with five other persons who are members of his Church.

Convicted along with Alfa were teachers in the children department which included, Omodara Olayinka, Margaret Oyebola, Grace Ogunjobi, Egunjobi Motunrayo and Esther Kayode.

The Prophet thus began his sojourn at the Olokuta Maximum Correctional Centre in Akure while his lawyers, after consultations with him, immediately filed an appeal against the decision of the High Court.

 

In his brief to the appellate Judges, Counsel to Prophet Babatunde Alfa, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, gave highpoints of his appeal as conspiracy, aiding and abetting kidnapping, which were grounds his client was convicted.

According to him, at Sotitobire Church in a broad day light, a child was declared missing, the police was investigating and suddenly the DSS took over the investigation from the police. It was based on the investigation of the DSS that the appellant was tried and convicted.

Awomolo argued that his grouse was that DSS did not have the power to take over the investigation from Police.

The Counsel to Prophet Sotitobire said the trial Court convicted the appellant not because of any eyewitness or any confession, but he was convicted because of circumstantial evidence.

He argued that for the totality of the findings of the trial Court, the allegations could not be linked to Prophet Sotitobire on the basis of circumstantial evidence.

He, however, urged the Court to set side the judgment of the trial court which convicted the Appellant and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Presenting his own brief, the Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Charles Titiloye, argued in respect of the claims of Counsel to the appellant that the DSS had no right to investigate and tender evidence in respect of the case.

Tititloye pointed out that the DSS did the investigation because there was a threat to law and order when the issue of missing child broke out.

He hinged his argument on the fact that after the alleged kidnapping,  there was serious tension the town, as the Church was burnt, many people were killed and property  destroyed.

He said it was based on the crisis that erupted that made the DSS to take over the case, urging the appellate Court to uphold the judgment of the High Court.

The turning point in the life of the Prophet was again on Friday, December 3rd when the Court of Appeal delivered judgement in the matter. This is after being incacerated for almost two years.

The appellate Court, presided over by Justice, Rita Nosakhare Pemu set aside the judgement of the lower Court and gave back the Prophet his freedom.

Thus on Tuesday, 7th December, after his Counsel perfected necessary papers, Prophet Alfa regained his total freedom and left the Correctional Centre for his home.

The Prophet was welcomed by a crowd, apparently remaining members of his Church that were full of praises for his release.

The Prophet spoke evil for the first time as he rained curses on those behind his travails, saying he was picked from the altar and sent to prison but added that God should expose the evil people who abducted the boy and those behind his travails.

“Either man or woman, who sent me to jail without investigating, my God that took me away from prison will expose those who perpetrated the evil.

“I was taken from the pulpit to the prison over what I don’t know anything about. But I was hopeful that one day, the truth will come out. God will expose the evil doers.”

South West Govs, FG To Clash Over Amotekun Arms

By
Bayo Bernard
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Amotekun

By James Orji

The six governors in the South west are set to clash with the federal government over their insistence that the regional security outfit Amotekun must bear arms.

Recall that Abubakar Malami, had last January, described Amotekun as illegal and unconstitutional, warning that the federal government will not recognise any security bodies set up by the states.

Amotekun was set up last year by the six states in the region as a response to the spate of insecurity fulled by marauding herdsmen and kidnappers in the country but its operatives had yet to be allowed to bear arms like the police and others.

This development, Governor Seyi  Makinde of Oyo state said has hampered the ability of Amotekun to effectively tackle  crimes in the region, particularly bearing in mind that they confront criminals on the daily basis who carry sophisticated weapons.

The situation must not be allowed to continue, he said, adding that the governors are currently in talks withe the federal government on the matter.

Makinde stated, “With the recent experience in Oyo State, it has become necessary to call upon the Federal Government to recognise the need to upgrade the capacity of Amotekun in providing security.

“In Oyo State, Amotekun has become the first responder and this was demonstrated during the jailbreak in Oyo town, where Amotekun suffered loss of lives because there was a disparity between the firepower of the Amotekun and the criminals.

“The South-West governors have resolved to call upon the Federal Government to allow for increased capacity so that there can be a meaningful role being played by Amotekun in the provision of security.

“The era of facing criminals bearing AK-47 and X15 with sakabula (Dane gun) and pump action gun in the modern time is a ridiculous error. Therefore, Amotekun must be allowed to play the role that it can provide security, because as of today, the presence of Amotekun in all areas of Oyo State has brought about improved security that is being enjoyed.,” Makinde said.

Malami had n his response to the establishment of Amotekun, said it posed severe danger to the corporate existence of Nigeria, adding that the federal government will not recognise the regional security body.

He said “the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sovereign entity and is governed by laws meant to sustain its corporate existence as a constitutional democracy. It is a Federation of states, but with the Federal Government superintending over matters of national interests. The division of executive and legislative authority between the Federal and State Governments has been clearly defined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“It is against the same background that matters relating to the peace, order and good government of the Federation and in particular, the defence of the country, are enshrined in the Exclusive Legislative List. The Second Schedule in Item 17 deals with defence. This is a matter that is within the exclusive operational competence of the Federal of Government of Nigeria. No other authority at the state level, whether the executive or legislature has the legal authority over defence.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria,” Malami said.

Omicron: LASG Laments Spread of Fake Covid Vaccination Cards

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James Orji

The Lagos State government has made it mandatory for Lagosians who want to attend or host social gathering during the festive period to have genuine vaccination cards, following discovery that some unscrupulous persons are obtaining fake COVID 19 cards.

Governor Babajide- Sanwo-Olu made this known on the heels of the outbreak of omicron variant of Corona virus in the country. The United Kingdom, on Monday, added Nigeria to the list of countries whose citizens are restricted from traveling to the country.  The Boris- Johnson-led UK said it took the decision to curb the spread of the virus which was first discovered in South Africa last week.

The Lagos state government said it has received information about the spread of fake covid 19 vaccination cards, a situation Governor Sanwo-olu described as very disturbing and “worrisome trend for us to note and we are currently working with the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control), DSS (Department of State Services) and the Police to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.”

“Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates,” he said.

The governor said the state has released guidelines that organisers of social events must follow during the festive period.

According to him, “all Social Events must be duly registered to obtain Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission website prior to holding; and the guidelines set out below must be strictly adhered to.

“Where possible events should be held outdoors. Occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60% of maximum design capacity of the event centre.

“Every attendee of a social gathering MUST present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination. “n unvaccinated people, a negative PCR within 72 hours will be an exemption.”

He directed events organisers to conduct on the spot covid 19 tests to ascertain the status of those attending such events.

The governor said, “everybody, irrespective of vaccination status, MUST be subject to Rapid Diagnostic test (Antigen) to be conducted AT THE EVENT VENUE OR within 24hrs prior to the event at designated laboratories. (Request for rapid tests at the venue requires an application through the Safety Commission).

“Under 18 years of age are unvaccinated and the above applies. Guests and service providers with high temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team on ground.

“All guests and service providers at the event must wear a nose mask or face shield before entry.

“All guests and service providers must endeavour to wash their hands before entering the venue or use hand sanitisers after which temperature checks should be carried out,’ Sanwo-olu said.

Apprehension Over Coffin Deposited At FUTO’s Gate

By
The Source
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0

By Charles Igbo

The University community of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Tuesday morning, woke up to a shocking find.

And, since then, palpable fear has been the order.

The academic community woke up to see a coffin deposited at its main gate.

Nobody knows who deposited it, or when it was deposited, and for what reason it was deposited.

But on seeing the coffin, everybody made a conscious effort to avoid the use of the main gate. They, rather, took alternative gates into the sprawling University compound.

There are two speculations as to who placed the coffin at the gate.

One school of thought put it down to cult activities. A group of cult boys, outside the FUTO community, this group thinks, must have deposited the coffin there as a warning that they could storm the campus. In which case they were warning any other cult group in the school, not in their group, to get ready.

But another school of thought says perish the thought. It says the coffin must have been placed by a couple of communities surrounding FUTO to scare the academic community over land issues.

The intimidating expanse of land on which the University is built belong mostly to Ihiagwa, Obinze  and Eziobodo  communities. And even though the Federal Government says it paid the agreed, and adequate compensation to the land owners, there have been altercations and disagreement over the land given to FUTO.

While the natives insist they were paid peanuts while FUTO allegedly keeps encroaching on their other lands and expanding, FUTO accuses the Communities of deliberately encroaching on the lands meant for the University Community, and denying the University access.

A few months ago, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on a visit to the University, assured the academic community that it would have access to all the land allocated to it.

At the time of filing this story, there has been no official reaction from the University. And nobody or group has claimed responsibility for the strange incident.

Murder At Dowen College: Court Orders Detention Of Five Students, Three House Masters

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Sylvester Oromoni - Dowen College

By Adesina Soyooye

The Lagos State Police Command has secured a Court order to detain the Students of Dowen College, Lekki,  Lagos, over their alleged involvement in the murder of their school mate, Sylvester Oromoni.

According to the Police, two more suspected students, and three House Masters who were on duty on the fateful day, have also been arrested.

The new arrests take the number of students now in custody to five. Added to the House Masters, the number of those in custody is now eight.

It is not known if the two students are those the Police said on Monday, were at large or if the now arrested two are a new set.

However, a Court has ordered that the students be detained in a Juvenile Detention Centre for 21 days, pending the end of investigations. It is not known, yet, where the House Masters are detained.

Sylvester Oromoni, 11 years at the time of his murder by, allegedly, his school mates at Dowen College, had mentioned the names of the five students who, allegedly, bullied and tortured him for refusing to be a cult member.

He died a painful death in a hospital thereafter. His death sparked an unprecedented outrage, and forced the Lagos State Government to close the school, which has also now been sealed by the Police, indefinitely.

The Management of the school, in a statement, said Sylvester died of injuries he sustained while playing football.

The results of the X-ray on him, according to his father, shows otherwise.

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