Crime Facts

Army Major, Wife, Daughter Die In Accident

Tragedy struck in Gombe State as one of the sons of the state, Major Auwal Danbabu Mohammed, his wife, Fadila Auwalu Shehu Brema and only daughter, Aisha lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident.  The State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya who received the sad news with great shock described it as most unfortunate and a great loss to the state and its people.  The accident was said to have occurred along the ever busy Zamfara-Kano Road while the family was on the way back to base after the Sallah celebrations.   Until his death, Major Auwal Danbabu was the Staff Officer at 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Gusau in Zamfara state.  Inuwa Yahaya had  on Friday led a delegation on a condolence visit to Alhaji Shehu Brema family at their  Kumbiya- Kumbiya residence where he consoled them over the  tragic loss of their loved ones. He lamented that the loss of loved ones is always an unfathomable tragedy, which is usually compounded when such death occurs at prime age. The Governor said that, “The loss of  young persons at their prime age, is usually a moment of heartbreak for anyone, especially for family members, friends and associates.” “We join in your grief and on behalf of the Government and people of Gombe, we condole with you and pray that Almighty Allah will give us all fortitude and grant them Aljannat Firdaus,” the Governor told the bereaved family. The Governor was accompanied on the condolence visit by the Chief of staff,  Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari,  Head of Civil Service,  Alhaji Bappayo Yahaya, Commissioners, Advisers and other aides as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.

Anambra poll: APGA candidate set for campaign flag-off

Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 6 Anambra State governorship election, has concluded plans to flag-off his campaign. According to the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, among those expected to grace the occasion is the former Vice President of Sierra Leone, Alhaji Sam Sumana. He said mobilization was on to make declaration a truly international event in conformity, according to him, with the international status of the candidate. ‌ The party spokesman said the event slated for Awka, the state capital would attract high profile dignitaries from within and outside Anambra state, saying that it was Umeoji’s intention to close down the state during the flag-off exercise. He said the plan was to showcase the popularity of the candidate and his running mate, Prof. Lilian Orogbu and assured of his capacity to emerge victorious at the poll. “The campaign flag which will have strong representation and mobilisation from every kindred ,village,ward town and lga in Anambra will have in attendance the immediate past Vice President of Sierra and a leading Presidential candidate that is projected to win Sierra Leone next election in attendance in solidarity with Umeoji alongside some high level lawmakers from three African Countries joining their counterparts from Nigeria who have all comfirmed their participation. “The former Vice President Alhaji Sam Sumana will be leading Chieftains of Sierra Leone Parliament, Top Members of his parties to grace the occasion in solidarity with a man he knows have the international and national capacity to connect Anambra to the world if elected, Chukwunyere told journalists in Abuja.

Nigerian banks are safe – CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria has reiterated the resilience, safety and soundness of Nigerian Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions under its supervision. A statement on Saturday said that the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the Bank, Osita Nwanisobi, said this in Abuja ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Monday and Tuesday. It stated that he said the Nigerian banking system had proved to be very sturdy in spite of the global challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, in response to certain false and unfounded stories circulating in the social media attacking the soundness and safety of some Nigerian banks. According to him, routine bank examination and stress test for financial institutions operating in the country indicated that no Deposit Money Bank licensed by the CBN was currently under any form of financial distress, adding that the banks had adequate capital to absorb unexpected losses that may arise. In line with the bank’s resolve to ensure adherence to prudential standards, Nwanisobi said the CBN continued to monitor the activities of banks in order to ensure that no individual or institution breached the laid down guidelines. He advised the banking public to disregard any report alleging insolvency in the Nigerian banking sector. Nwanisobi reiterated the desire of the bank to prioritise financial inclusion as a measured approach to increase the number of adults included in financial services provided by banks in Nigeria. He urged members of the banking public to take advantage of the services provided by the banks, particularly the intervention programmes initiated by the CBN, to enhance their economic status and contribute to overall national development.

Passengers Escape Death As Plane’s Tyre Bursts At Ilorin Airport

Sixty-six passengers onboard an Air Peace aircraft narrowly escaped death as the plane’s tyre burst on landing at the Ilorin Airport in Kwara State. The incident happened on Friday while the B737-500 aircraft with registration number 5N-BQR was taxiing to the parking bay at the airport. The passengers are said to have disembarked safely. Although one person was reportedly injured during the incident, there was however no loss of life. According to a statement issued by the airline management, the incident has been reported to the authorities. Meanwhile, the Accident Investigation Bureau said its safety investigators did an evaluation of the occurrence and decided not to investigate and has released the aircraft to the Operator (Air Peace).

EXTRA: Robbers storm Kaduna school, steal exam papers mistaken for money

Armed robbers on Friday morning attacked Government Secondary School Unguwar Sarki, in Kaduna metropolis and took away packaged examination papers meant for SS3 students who were to about write the National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO) final year examinations thinking it was money. The gunmen who stormed the school asked the NECO supervisor to surrender the exam papers even though she tried to explain to them it was question papers. It was gathered they snatched the wrapped examination papers and answer sheets and left. The principal of the school, Hajiya Bilkisu Aliyu, said in an interview with newsmen that the gunmen trailed the NECO supervisor from a commercial bank along Alkali Road where she had gone to collect the exams questions and answer sheets. “Thinking it was money, they demanded she hand over the bulk of the wrapped papers to them and threatened to shoot her. “They were told it was not money but they would not listen. They snatched the papers and disappeared into thin air,” she declared. Meanwhile, a parent, Sanusi Umar whose child was among those writing the senior exams said, “What we heard initially was bandits had come to kidnap our students. So hundreds of parents stormed the school. “However, on getting to the school, we were told it was armed robbers that came to take away wrapped examination thinking it was money. “I want to call on the government and security agencies to beef up security in schools since these criminals are now targeting our schools.” Meanwhile, it was gathered that the school and NECO staff had to mobilse exam papers from other centres to enable the students to write the affected papers under strict security surveillance. Recall that the Kaduna State Government had earlier closed all public and private schools for three weeks to allow it plan for a new academic calendar. As at the time of filing the report, there was no statement from the state ministry of Education about the development.

(BBNaija S6] Day one of Shine Ya Eye: Men first!

It’s the Shine Ya Eye Housemates first night in the House and they spent it getting to know óne another. Once they had gotten over their excitement of being officially welcomed into the BBNaija Shine Ya Eye House, the Housemates set about establishing themselves in their new home by assigning responsibilities, and in the process, got to know each other better. Delegating duties Whitemoney soon settled into the role of delegating tasks based on the skillsets of each Housemate. To accomplish this, they explained what they were good at and what role they would be able to play in the House. The roles ranged from cooking, health & fitness to personal grooming. Even though they spent a lot of time debating who would be responsible for cooking, they agreed that Whitemoney would assume that role. A major selling point must have been his experience in the restaurant business. As soon as the roles were delegated, the Shine Ya Eye Housemates made their way to the living room, where they spent the rest of the night getting to know one another. Each Housemate took turns talking about their backgrounds. Their stories ranged from their personal struggles growing up to earning a living and how being persistent got them to where they were now. Where are the ladies? Female Housemates will be announced soon, the organisers say.

Igboho to face two-stage trial in Benin Republic –Lawyer

Ibrahim Salami, one of the Cotonou, Benin Republic-based lawyers of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, said the activist might be released by the Cour D’Appal De Cotonou on Monday (tomorrow). According to him, Igboho has two more stages to undergo before he will be freed. The law professor, in an interview with BBC Yoruba, complained that the police in Benin Republic handcuffed the hands of his client five days after his arrest. The PUNCH had reported that the Beninese court adjourned Igboho’s case till Monday after his five lawyers failed to convince the prosecutor that he had no case to answer. The Beninese authorities have, however, released Ropo, the agitator’s wife, who was arrested with the 48-year-old activist on Monday, July 19, 2021, by the International Criminal Police Organisation at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Republic of Benin on their way to Germany. On his part, Igboho was returned to police custody. The lawyers had said that during the hearing, prosecutors claimed Igboho was on a watchlist for alleged trafficking in arms, inciting violence that could result in social disturbance and causing disunity in Nigeria. Salami said, “In Benin here, there are three stages (judicial protocol) of trial. The first is with the prosecutor, the second one is with the investigating judge and the third will determine whether he is guilty and should be sentenced or not. “The next phase is on Monday. The first phase with the prosecutor has been concluded. When we get to court on Monday, we will be facing the investigation judge, and after that, we will face the judge that will determine whether he should be sentenced or not.” When asked if the process would end on Monday, he added, “Yes, it will end on Monday. Before the end of Monday, we will know if the Benin Republic government wants to jail or release him. That will be clear on Monday.” Source: Punch

Meet BBNaija season 6 housemates [Profiles]

The 2021 Season 6 Big Brother Naija show began Saturday night, 24 July, with 11 male housemates the first to arrive. This year’s show has the theme “Shine Ya Eye”. Popular media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returned to hosting duties and announced changes in the format of the house. The winner of 10-week show will walk away with N90 million worth of prizes. Below are profiles of the guys who entered into the Big Brother House Saturday night. The female Housemates will enter the house on Sunday. Boma Akpore a.k.a Boma Boma is a 34-year-old footballer turned ‘mixologist’ who is also into modeling. He was the first to enter the house. According to BBNaija Daily, he was raised by his single mother and grandmother. Boma grew up in Yaba, Lagos. He describes his childhood as “extremely tough”, having had to pay his way through school. One of the hardest decisions he had to make was to drop out in his final year, as he couldn’t make ends meet, but his life’s high point came when he saved enough money to pay for film school, an achievement that was subsequently eclipsed by his graduation. Boma describes himself as “sexy, intelligent, adventurous, strong and fit”, and considers himself “extraordinary”. While hustling on his acting career, he makes ends meet by working as a bartender by night, and a masseuse by day. Having suffered bouts of depression after his marriage failed and after suffering an injury during football try-outs, he is determined “never, ever, to give up” and holds onto his faith. Adeolu Okusaga a.k.a Saga Saga Saga Okusaga aka Saga is a 28-year-old engineer who hails from Lagos State. He became the second housemate to enter the house. He is currently based in Port Harcourt as an offshore engineer, though he has found a new passion for sketch drawing and has become celebrated for his hyper-realistic portraits. He decided to turn his efforts to practicing art after being amazed that his work could draw powerful reactions from people. Besides drawing, his hobbies include dancing, singing and exercise. That last passion has led him to start an online fitness club that has members from all around the world. The lowest point in his life was being informed that his mother – who he describes as his best friend – passed away. Yusuf Garba a.k.a Yousef Yousef Garba Yousef Yousef is a 29-year-old secondary school teacher from Jos Plateau State. He is also a model, and loves looking good for the camera. He describes himself as “soft-spoken, fun-loving, down to earth go-getter”. Apart from being a big food enthusiast, Yousef enjoys hiking, reading, traveling and sports. He is also a model, host and personal trainer and confesses he can’t resist checking himself out in the mirror. Yousef counts winning the Mr. University of Jos and Jos Carnival King titles as the highest points in his life, while the lowest was when he lost his beloved aunt. Pere Egbi a.k.a Pere Pere Pere Warri-born Pere is a 35-year-old who once served in the US army. He was raised by a single mother, and is the first born of two children. He is an actor and a real estate agent. He believes change is the only constant in life and describes himself as “a spontaneous, adventurous person”. Pere is also a qualified nurse and served in the United States Military for six years, before coming back to Nigeria to pursue a career in real estate. This vibrant 35-year-old is also a model. He enjoys dancing, playing games, writing, bar-hopping and water rafting. Hazel Oyeze Onou a.k.a White Money White Money White Money Multitalented Whitemoney describes himself as an open-minded “jolly good fellow” who likes to have fun. His hobbies include driving, hustling, watching movies and making music. The 29-year-old Lagos based businessman and entrepreneur, originally from Enugu State, believes he has a great aura and that his “swag speaks for itself”. The highest point of his life so far happened recently, when he kick-started his designer shoe import business. Adeniyi Lawal Niyi Niyi Adeniyi Lawal is a 33 year-old from Oyo state. He wants to be known in the house as Niyi. The young man is spontaneous and likes to have fun. He is a married man. Niyi is a computer engineer from Oyo State. Though he was once in the running to be a professional basketball player, that ambition was quickly quashed when he sustained an injury, leading to sciatica. With a sense of Dennis Rodman about him, he still loves to play basketball and work out, and is adventurous when it comes to new food, and enjoys both eating and cooking it. He is also an avid reader, aspiring writer and is fond of playing board games and card games – he even has a gaming license. A husband and father, Niyi describes himself as “optimistic, spontaneous and adventurous”, while others describe him as being energetic. Yerimene Abraham Saibakumo a.k.a Yerins Yerins Yerins Yerins is a 27-year-old Bayelsa state indigene. He is a medical doctor and a polymath. He describes himself as “a perfectionist, creative genius, lover of art and poetic rap music”. He sees himself as a renaissance man who isn’t confined to one profession or career. The 27-year-old enjoys drawing, playing chess, listening to music, and making it too. The high point of Yerins’ life is when he graduated from Medical University in the Ukraine and finally got to see his parents for the first time in nine years. Paul Ephraims Jay Paul Jay Paul Jaypaul is a singer and entertainer who is into many other things. He is a 29-year-old Lagos based musician and actor. He believes the Big Brother Naija House will be the perfect opportunity to help boost his already fledgling career in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In his own words, he is “entertaining, confident, playful, honest and friendly”. Emmanuel Umoh Emmanuel Emmanuel Emmanuel is a 24 year-old model. He became the first Nigerian to win the Mister Africa

BREAKING: APC sweeps Lagos council polls

Strong indications have emerged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, may win all the slots of the Saturday, Local Government elections to elect Chairmanship and vice-chairmanship, as well as councilorship officers into 20 Local Government Areas, LGAs and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, going by results from wards and council areas so far. Though, the exercise, marred with apathy, hitches and pockets of violence, was adjudged to be generally peaceful across the state. Security apparatus were adequately deployed across the polling areas in the metropolis to ensure safety of lives and property of citizens. They were seen moving in convoy patrolling some areas. Commander of the Rapid Response Team, RRS, of the Lagos Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Yinka Egbeyemi, led a t of personnel to trouble prone areas to maintain peace. LASIEC, had earlier stated that the results of the polls would be announced by the presiding officers at each polling unit and subsequently, the final results will be announced by it after collations across councils. One of the early results received by Vanguard showed APC sweeping the votes in Iba LCDA. Ward E, pulling unit 022 update showed councilorship, APC 93, APGA 1, PDP. 11 While chairmanship recorded APC 98, APGA 0, PDP 3, void 4. Vanguard also gathered that the youngest council chairman, under the APC platform in Coker-Aguda LCDA, emerged winner with an emphatic result. Details of results were still been awaited as of press time. Same reports of APC winning filtered in from such councils as; Oriade, Oshodi, Apapa, Ono, Amuwo-Odofin, Surulere, Agege, Alimosho, Ikeja, Ikoyi, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ikorodu, Epe, Ipaja Mosan -Okunola, riverine areas in Badagry, among others. of results were still been awaited as of press time. Same reports of APC winning filtered in from such councils as; Oriade, Oshodi, Apapa, Ono, Amuwo-Odofin, Surulere, Agege, Alimosho, Ikeja, Ikoyi, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ikorodu, Epe, Ipaja Mosan -Okunola, riverine areas in Badagry, among others. Meantime, there was low turn out of voters in a contest with a total of 6,570,291 registered voters across 13,323 polling units in 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. Vanguard gathered that on the final list of candidates for the election according to LASIEC on the eve of exercise, a total of 133 candidates will be contesting for the office of the Chairman with 131 Vice Chairmanship candidates. Of the 133 candidates for the office for the Chairman, 16 are women and of the 131 Vice Chairman candidates, 106 are women. Indicating that the contesting parties fielded more women for the office of the Vice-Chairman. While 15 parties are to contest in the election, it was observed that an average of three political parties was on the ballot papers for both the LGA/LCDA chairman and council election. While experiencing some hitches in logistics, late opening and commencement of polls was a general observation across the state. Specifically, Mushin, Ikoyi, Ikeja, Obalende, Amuwo-Odofin, Somolu, Surulere, among other LGAs, recorded late deployment of electoral materials. It was observed that officials were still waiting to be deployed to their assigned polling units by 8:16 am. By 10:00 am, only 17 of the polling units visited in Mushin had polling officials present and were concluding set-up to commence accreditation and voting process. However, in Ward C Surulere and in Lawanson, Mushin LGA, most of the Polling Units did not have security personnel on-site as of 11 am. Additionally, a few security personnel were seen on the streets of Lagos state. It was also discovered that majority of political parties did not deploy party agents to the polls: APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, agents were the only party agents seen in the majority of the polling units visited. While other party agents were seen in few polling units.

Insecurity: Ortom Backs Kukah, Asks FG To Stop Intimidating Nigerians

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has backed the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah over his recent comments on insecurity. Kukah had during an address to the US Congress Commission on July 15, accused President Muhammadu Buhari of showing preference to people of his religion which according to him, has worsened the rivalry between Christians and Muslims. Kukah said the Buhari administration has failed to address insecurity but the presidency had replied the Catholic bishop, accusing him of trying to sow discord and strife among Nigerians. The Presidency has since tackled Kukah, describing his comments as “unfortunate and disappointing”, complaining that the cleric “castigated” Nigeria before the US lawmakers. However, supporting the cleric via a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesman, Terver Akase, Governor Ortom asked the Federal Government to stop intimidating patriotic Nigerians who are raising genuine concerns over the worsening security and economic situation in the country. READ ALSO: Police Foil Kidnap Attempt By Bandits, Rescue Eight Travellers In Katsina Ortom said he “stands with Bishop Kukah on the issues he raised,” adding that he would have said similar things if he were to address the same audience. “Governor Ortom states that the country is practicing democracy which has no room for repression and dictatorship,” the statement partly read. “He notes that the country’s Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech to all citizens, unlike a military regime which suppresses the right of the people to voice their opinions on challenges facing their country.” The Benue governor described the cleric as “one Nigerian who is selfless and speaks his mind frankly on national issues calling on the government to ensure justice, the rule of law and equity for all.” The statement added, “He also took a swipe at the Presidency’s response to the criticism, wondering why the current administration has chosen to politicize the views of Bishop Kukah when all the issues he highlighted in his address are facts about the country. “He says Kukah was right when he stated that nepotism has been elevated above federal character by the present administration. He further agrees with the Bishop that Christians across the country are targets of elimination and thousands have already fallen to the sword of jihadist supremacists.” See the full statement issued by Governor Samuel Ortom below: I STAND WITH BISHOP KUKAH – GOV ORTOM Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom describes as unfortunate, the response of the Presidency to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah’s address to the United States Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs regarding the wave of insecurity in the country. The Governor says he stands with Bishop Kukah on the issues he raised and stresses that he would have said similar things if he were to address the same audience. He advises the Federal Government to stop intimidating patriotic Nigerians who are raising genuine concerns over the worsening security and economic situation in the country. Governor Ortom states that the country is practicing democracy which has no room for repression and dictatorship. He notes that the country’s Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech to all citizens, unlike a military regime which suppresses the right of the people to voice their opinions on challenges facing their country. He says Bishop Kukah is one Nigerian who is selfless and speaks his mind frankly on national issues calling on the government to ensure justice, the rule of law and equity for all. The Governor wonders why the Presidency has chosen to politicize the views of Bishop Kukah when all the issues he highlighted in his address are facts about the country. He says Kukah was right when he stated that nepotism has been elevated above federal character by the present administration. He further agrees with the Bishop that Christians across the country are targets of elimination and thousands have already fallen to the sword of jihadist supremacists. Governor Ortom states that Kukah is not to blame for the ranking of Nigeria as the 8th least peaceful country in Africa and the rating of killer herdsmen as the 4th deadliest terror group in the world by the Global Terrorism Index. He expects the Presidency to rather be worried that Nigeria is ranked as the most terrorised nation in Africa with an average of over 2,000 deaths per year on account of terrorism. He emphasizes that the combative approach the Presidency has adopted in engaging citizens on issues will not solve the problems confronting the country. Governor Ortom says Bishop Kukah is not the first Nigerian to address a foreign audience on the security situation in the country. He recalls that in February, 2015 President Buhari was at the time the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, when he delivered a speech at Chatham House in London, where he stated that “Boko Haram has sadly put Nigeria on the terrorism map, killing more than 13,000 of our nationals.” The President went on to announce to the world on that occasion that apart from the civil war era, Nigeria had never been more insecure in the country’s history. The Governor states that if a man who was seeking to govern the country could reel out such scary statistics, why will his aides now launch media attacks on a clergyman who is only advocating peace and is drawing the attention of the global community to the plight of helpless Nigerians. Governor Ortom once again tasks the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute members of armed Fulani groups for killing innocent Nigerians, the same way it effected the arrest of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho to prove critics wrong that its fight against terrorism and other crimes is unbiased. He says the President may not be collecting proceeds from corrupt deals under his administration and may even not be aware that such shady deals exist, but some of his aides are deeply involved in corrupt practices and are denying Nigerians of the services and projects