Crime Facts

Kaduna orders closure of 13 schools

Following the attack on the Bethel Baptist High School on Monday, the Kaduna State government has ordered the immediate closure of 13 schools located in areas identified as vulnerable to attacks by bandits. The school located in Chikun Local Government Area of the state had an unspecified number of students abducted. The directive which was issued by the Director-General of Quality Assurance Authority in the state Ministry of Education, Umma Ahmed, to proprietors of private schools, says the closure was with immediate effect. The statement warned against failure to comply. Ahmed listed the names of the affected schools to include, Faith Academy, along Kachia Road adjacent to Jakaranda; Deeper Life Academy, Maraban Rido; Ecwa Secondary school, Ungwar Maje and Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi. Others are St. Peters Minor Seminary, Katari; Prelude Secondary School, Kujama; Ibiso Secondary school, Tashar Iche; Tulip International (Boys) School and Tulip International (Girls) School. Also on the list are Goodnews Secondary School, St. Augustine, Kujama; Comprehensive Development Institution (CDI), Tudun Mare and Adventist College, Kujama. “You are hereby advised to adhere to the contents of this letter as appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to schools that are found wanting for non-compliance, please,” it stated.

Speeding Escort Vehicle Crushes 3 In Ilorin Crash

A speeding escort vehicle has crushed commercial tricycles on Ilorin-Old Jebba road in Kwara state, killing three people and injuring others. Witnesses at the scene of the crash in Ilorin said three passengers from two of the tricycles died on the spot, creating chaos in the area.,creating chaos in the area. Police fired tear gas and shot sporadically to disperse the crowd. The Kwara state sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Jonathan Owoade, who confirmed the incident, said that two tricycles and one black escort Toyota Hilux vehicle were involved in the fatal auto crash. The FRSC boss also said that one female adult passenger of a yellow commercial tricycle died and one minor severely injured during the incident. He said the two victims were rushed to a private hospital near the accident scene and currently undergoing treatment “One female adult and one female child were rescued from the crash scene of the incident and taken to Olutayo hospital with our patrol vehicle while two of the road marshals were left to control traffic as gridlock was building up. The dead victim had already been evacuated before our arrival. “Shortly before our patrol vehicle returned from hospital, a report was received that a group of tricycle riders were beating up uniform men around and policemen who came for the rescue were shooting to scare them away. The marshals on ground were instructed to leave the scene immediately. “The angry reaction of the tricycle riders was directed at security personnel because the escort can carrying flashers that crushed the two tricycles was suspected to belong to security outfits. The rescue team could not gather other necessary information because of the tensed situation at the crash scene”, the state FRSC boss said. But the police in a release after the incident denied the death of any of the victims. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Okasanmi Ajayi, the accident involved “A Hilux van driven by one Samuel Adeola of Hill Crest company Ajase Ipo road Offa, and three tricycles operated by Hafeez Nurudeen, Yusuf Kadiri and Hussain Seriki and two passengers, Abubakar Aliyu and Latifat Kamarudeen. “The accident occurred when the driver of the Hilux Van and the tricycles coming from the same direction lost control and collided with the tricycles which resulted in a serious crash leading to injury of the operators”. “The victims had already been taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Okeoyi, Ilorin for medical attention and are positively responding to treatment. “None of the victims died and the vehicle involved in the accident belongs to Hillcrest Agro-Industrial Company, Offa, and not to the police or government.”

EXTRA: Lagos Assembly passes bill barring police from parading suspects

The Lagos House of Assembly has passed an amended version of the Criminal Justice Law of the state barring the Nigeria Police Force from parading suspects before the media in the state. The bill was passed on Monday at a sitting presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, on behalf of the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The Lagos State Police Command had paraded many suspects yet to be pronounced guilty by a competent court of law. The latest being the parade of 49 suspects arrested during a Yoruba nation rally at Gani Fawehimi Freedom Park, in the Ojota area of Lagos on Saturday. A 21-year-old murder suspect and undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Chidinma Ojukwu, was also paraded by the police on June 24, 2021. But Section 9 (A) of the newly passed bill stated thus, “As from the commencement of this law, the police shall refrain from parading any suspect before the media.” The bill further stipulated conditions under which a policeman can arrest without a warrant. one of the conditions is that a person must be reasonably suspected to be unlawfully in possession of firearms or other such dangerous instruments. A sub-section of the bill also barred the police or any other agency from arresting a person “in lieu of any other person in a criminal matter”. The bill added that a person who is arrested “shall be given reasonable facilities for obtaining legal advice, bail or making arrangements for defence or release”. The bill stipulated that a suspect should be “accorded humane treatment, with the right to dignity of person; not be subjected to any form of torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment; be brought before the court as prescribed by this law or any other written law; or be released conditionally or unconditionally”. After a voice vote, the Deputy Speaker directed the acting Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit the bill to the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for assent.

FULL TEXT: Southern governors speak on selective justice, set deadline for anti-open grazing law

Governors of the southern region of the country converged in Lagos state for a meeting to discuss pertinent national matters on Monday. After the sit-down, the governors demanded that the south should produce the next president of the country, and that the anti-open grazing law will be promulgated in the region on September 1. The governors said security agencies must carry them along if they plan to embark on any operation in their states. They also frowned upon what they described as “selective criminal administration of justice”. The Southern Governors Forum (SGF) also talked about the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and reiterated their demand for state police. Below is the full text of the communique issued at the end of the meeting: The Southern Governors Forum at the end of the meeting held on Monday, 5th July, 2021 reviewed the situation in the Country and focused on the current security situation, constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Rising from the meeting, the Forum agreed on the following: Re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people. The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region. Security a. The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty; b. Re-emphasised the need for State Police; c. Resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed; d. the forum frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights; e. Set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States; and f. Resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges. Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law: i. The Forum commends the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB; ii. the Forum rejects the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives; iii. the forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins; iv. However, the forum rejects the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The Forum disagrees that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of Government have stakes in that vehicle. In order to consolidate our democracy and strengthen the Electoral process, the Southern Governors’ Forum reject the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act; and also rejects the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court. The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State for the wonderful hosting of this meeting while commending him for his good work in the State. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN Governor, Ondo State and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum.

10-Year-Old Girl ‘Raped Within School Premises’ by Teacher in Abia

Success Ignatius, a 10-year-old girl, was sexually assaulted many times by her teacher in the classroom, a human rights organisation has said. Ignatius, a Basic 5 pupil of Seed of David International School at Glass Force, Ogborhill in Aba was allegedly defiled by her teacher, Nwachukwu Chibueze Nathaniel, and the matter has been reported to the Central Police Station in Aba. “The Police carried out a test on the victim in their clinic and verbally told us that the victim had been exposed to a series of sexual activities over time and this would be an evidence when filing the court case according to the directives of the Area Command,” Princess Ogidinta, acting Director of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation in Abia State, stated. “We requested to see the results but the IPO declined, stating that the case was not reported by our organisation but the family of the victim.” Activists are asking that the case should be transferred to the Office of the Commissioner of Police for an “unbiased investigation”, while the management of the school should be investigated for allegedly covering up the matter. The Director of the school, Israel Okere, described the issue as surprising because the school conducts a monthly sensitisation programme for its female pupils telling them to not allow anyone touch them inappropriately and to report if it happens. “I was informed of the matter by the parent and staff of the school on June 25 and I have made a statement at the police station. The staff in question is in the custody of the police,” Okere said. “We are all confused and saddened and I don’t know how this happened. Let justice be served. Let’s allow the police finish their investigation and we’ll know the truth about what happened.” She said that the sensitisation exercise for its female pupils would now be done every week. Abia State Commissioner of Police Janet Agbade told FIJ that the matter was being investigated and her enquiry revealed that the girl was raped months ago, making it difficult to easily collect evidence. “We need evidence to prove cases like rape and defilement,” Agbade said. “That’s why one needs to be accurate and patient to see how to penetrate and gain conviction. The Officer-in-Charge said that it happened in January or February. From what I heard, it is unfortunate that the girl did not speak up immediately and even the school’s proprietress said she’s not aware. “A judge can only be convinced with evidence. So we have to take the girl to a doctor. We have to wait for results of tests from professionals.” Source: F.IJ

I’m Not Forming Any Political Party, Says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday denied forming a political party ahead of the 2023 general election. This followed a report published by a national daily (Not Daily Trust) on alleged plans by Obasanjo to form a new political party in build-up to the next elections. alleged plans by Obasanjo to form a new political party in build-up to the next elections. PHOTOS: Saraki, Sule Lamido, top PDP leaders meet Obasanjo in Abuja hotel Insecurity: Obasanjo tells Nigerians to cry to God for solutions Obasanjo, who is currently in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a guest of President Ashraf Ghani, maintained that there was no plan to float a new political party “now or in near future.” This was contained in a statement signed and made available to Daily Trust in Abeokuta, Ogun State by his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi. It reads: “The attention of former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has been drawn to unfounded report. “Obasanjo, who is currently in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a guest of President Ashraf Ghani has declared that this report, written by one, Soni Daniel, is false, maintaining that there was no plan to float a new political party now or in near future. “He said that the fabricated story hardly comes as a surprise because he has, for some time now, observed with bewilderment the efforts by some people to drag him into their political games. “Upon hearing of this latest fabricated report, Chief Obasanjo said “In my part of the world, when you say goodnight in a place, you do not go back there and say good evening. “The one who reported that may need to visit Yaba Left. And those who believe it can believe that their mothers are men. “I’m done with partisan politics but by my position in Nigeria and in Africa and without being immodest and indeed in the world my door must be opened and it is open to any individual or group of individuals who want to seek my opinion, view or advice on any issue or matter and I will respond to the best of my ability, without being part of that individual or group. “If anything, Chief Obasanjo’s political party today is the party of Nigerians facing insecurity, unemployment, hunger, poverty, and various other challenging issues. It is the party of Nigeria that must be saved, kept wholesomely united in peace, security, equity, development and progress. “Let those who want to use the back door to force Chief Obasanjo to return to partisan politics respect his choice to remain a non-partisan statesman. “On his part, the former President will continue to perform his role as a statesman focused on providing counsel, support, or solutions wherever possible in Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world.”

Kaduna man sues woman for allegedly calling him gay

A 30-year-old man, Shamsudeen Ibrahim, on Monday sued a woman, Hannatu Aliyu, before a Shari’a court sitting in Rigasa, Kaduna for allegedly calling him gay. The complainant who was represented by his lawyer, Alhassan Aliyu, alleged that Aliyu, who is a thrift collector, met his client on the road and asked him about one Murjanatu’s N1,000 daily contribution. “My client categorically told her he was not Murjanatu’s messenger. The defendant rained insults on my client. She called him a pimp who acts like a gay. ”That is why we are here to complain against defamation of character praying court to look into the matter and grant us justice,” he said. In her defence, Aliyu, denied the allegation saying they were untrue. The judge, Malam Salisu Abubakar-Tureta, granted Aliyu bail on the condition that she provides a reliable surety with a N20,000 bail bond. Abubakar-Tureta adjourned the matter until 2, August for the complainant to present his witnesses.

Soyinka: FG kidnapped Nnamdi Kanu — his arrest was wrong

Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate, says Nnamdi Kanu was kidnapped by the federal government. Kanu was on Sunday extradited to Nigeria to face trial after he jumped bail and fled the country in 2017. Speaking with BBC Pidgin on Monday, the literary icon said there would be an uproar in the country if the truth of how Kanu was arrested becomes known. “It’s not for me to tell the president to prepare itself because it’s going to be a huge squawk when the truth about how Kanu was arrested comes out. People are alleging this or that. That is one phase whether Nigeria has acted outside international law,” Soyinka said. “The second issue, however, has to do with Kanu’s conduct outside the nation. There’s been a level of hate rhetoric which has been unfortunate, from Kanu. Hate rhetoric is an issue that can only be judged by the laws of any nation. “Was it right ‘to have been kidnapped?’ You can say intercepted as much as you want but I think Kanu was kidnapped. That is wrong internationally and morally. Commenting on the reactions that have trailed the swiftness with which the federal government arrested Kanu, the Nobel laureate said the federal government has not shown the same eagerness in going after bandits and insurgents. “The government can not wash itself clean on what seems to be a kind of comparative energy in pursuing the destabilised forces in the nation,” he said. “If we take ourselves back, once when I threw a challenge to Buhari, what I expect from a true leader is to issue an order, give a deadline that any illegal occupant of any villages, farms is given 48hours to quit after which the mighty forces of the nation will be unleashed on them. It was ignored. “Years later, he came to say ‘we will respond to these people in the language they understand’. This is what I expected him to have said years ago, at the beginning of the insurgency. “Their leadership–the Miyetti Allah — should have been arrested years ago, long before IPOB was declared a terrorist organisation.” He said rather, the Miyetti Allah group has continued to act unchecked while the federal government has refused to “mount the same energy against them”. “So people are right to say there has been an unequal and irregular approach to security and enforcement in this nation,” he added. He advised the federal government to stop the blame game and take action.

Soldiers foil bandits’ attack on Oyedepo’s school in Kaduna

Military personnel foiled bandits’ on Faith Academy, located at Mararaban Rido, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Monday. The school owned by the Living Faith Church Worldwide, better known as Winner Chapel, was founded by Bishop David Oyedepo. This is coming a few hours after the news of the kidnapping of students of Bethel Baptist school, Kaduna on Monday. The gunmen, it was learnt, broke part of the perimeter fence to enter the school, before soldiers foiled the attack. A parent confirmed the development to our correspondent. The parent said the school management had met and planned to relocate some of the students to an undisclosed location “to continue with their preparation for their exams.” Details later…

UNICAL Students Plan Protest Against Tuition Hike

The University of Calabar may soon be shut down following plans by the students to embark on massive protest over hike in tuition. The president of the Students Union government, Ugah James, has summoned his key officials to a critical stakeholders meeting on how best to react. In a notice inviting his officials to a meeting with the Dean of students affairs of the school n Wednesday, he urged all Nigerian students to form a strong synergy with the union, saying it will help them actualize the goals and changes they are all yearning for. He said the increase from N16,500 to N21,000 was beyond their reach and cannot be tolerated. He said, “Sequel to the increment of certain school charges, including the recent increase in hostel accommodation fee from N16,500 to N21,000 by the school management, Mr. President is seeking the presence of the following persons at a meeting with the Dean of Students Affairs on Wednesday, 7th of July, 2021.” He has however cautioned the students to remain calm and expectant as their welfare remains his top priority. Public Relations Officer of the school, Effiong Eyo said he was not aware of the imminent protest.