Crime Facts

Sit-at-home enforcers burn cement truck in Enugu

  Enforcers of sit-at-home order on Monday set ablaze a truck loaded with cement in Enugu State. The fire also destroyed about 600 bags of cement loaded on the truck. The incident, which happened at Beach Junction Nsukka town, in Nsukka Local Government Area, was said to have occurred in the early hours of Monday. The perpetrators were said to have blocked the truck at Beach Junction Nsukka where the driver and his conductor fled before the truck was set ablaze. Enugu Police Command was yet to react to the development as the whereabouts of the driver and his conductor was not confirmed. Efforts to get the police reaction were unsuccessful as Enugu Police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe could not be reached as at the time of filing this report. His phone was switched off.

Musk Accuses Twitter Of Withholding Data, Threatens To Withdraw Bid

  Elon Musk threatened Monday to withdraw his bid to buy Twitter, accusing it of failing to provide data on fake accounts, in the latest twist in the Tesla billionaire’s push to acquire the social network. Twitter has committed “a clear material breach” of its “obligations under the merger agreement and Mr. Musk reserves … his right not to consummate the transaction,” according to a document filed with securities regulators. The filing marks an escalation of Musk’s prior statements that have highlighted fake accounts as a threat to his proposed $44 billion deal to take over Twitter. Musk has said that the real number of bots may be four times higher than Twitter estimates. Bots can be used on social media to spread false news or create a distorted impression of how widely information is being consumed and shared. Twitter chief executive Parag Agrawal has said that fewer than five percent of accounts active on any given day at Twitter are bots, but that analysis cannot be replicated externally due to the need to keep user data private. Musk has been dismissive of Twitter’s responses and reiterated that stance in Monday’s filing. To execute the deal, Musk “must have a complete and accurate understanding of the very core of Twitter’s business model — its active user base,” said the filing. “Mr. Musk believes Twitter is transparently refusing to comply with its obligations under the merger agreement, which is causing further suspicion that the company is withholding the requested data due to concern for what Mr. Musk’s own analysis of that data will uncover.” Shares of Twitter fell 3.6 percent to $38.70 in early trading. AFP

Owo Attack: Flags To Fly At Half-Mast For 7 Days In Ondo

  Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has directed that flags should be flown at half-mast in all public buildings, facilities and official residences for seven days in honour of the victims of the Owo terror attack on Sunday. This is contained in a statement issued by Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Monday in Akure. “In honour of the victims of this unfortunate attack, I hereby direct that all flags be flown at half-mast for seven days, starting from Monday to June 12. “It is a collective loss to the people of our dear state. “The attack on innocent worshipers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo is a deliberate and calculated assault on the people of the state. ”Those who unleashed this unprovoked terror attack on our people have tested our collective resolves. ”We will not be deterred in responding appropriately to this dastardly act,” he said. (NAN)

Ondo Church Killings: Tinubu Donates N75 Million To Victims

  The national Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has donated a hefty sum of N75 million to victims of a deadly attack on a Catholic church in Owo on Sunday. Tinubu, in the company of Ondo state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, paid a visit to the scene and commiserated with the families of the deceased. He gave N50 million to the victims and N25 million to the Catholic Church. The deadly attack carried out by terrorists claimed over 50 lives including women and children. Governor Akeredolu, who shed tears on visiting the scene of the incident swore to capture the culprits. “What has happened here today is tragic. No better way to qualify it. It is the most tragic event! Horrific! What we have seen in America is a child play to what has happened here. That it happened in a church, to say the least, is most condemnable. I feel terribly sad, and I can understand our people are in sad mood. Nobody will see or hear what happened here that will feel safe.” “But let me tell you, we have a duty to protect you. Our security agencies lost about two men. It was not an expected attack. It was sudden. How they entered and escaped is still surprising. What has happened met us unexpectedly.” “On this matter, don’t retaliate. We know what to do and you will hear it. The perpetrators will never escape. We are after them. And I can assure you we will get them. I am not boasting.”

Falana to FG: Start acting on intelligence reports from security agencies

  Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, says the federal government needs to act promptly on intelligence reports compiled by the security agencies. On Sunday, St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state, was attacked by gunmen while mass was in progress. Many — including women and children — were killed in the attack. In a statement on Monday, Falana commiserated with the government and people of Ondo state over the massacre. “Our hearts go to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the dastardly attack,” he said. However, the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said the government must go beyond issuing threats and alerting citizens of imminent attacks. He recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) had on March 20 issued a statement claiming that it had discovered plans to cause violence in parts of the country, particularly in the north-central. “Exactly nine days later, a group of terrorists attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train, killed over a dozen passengers and injured several others,” he said. “Once again, on April 26, 2022, the SSS alerted Nigerians on alleged plans by some dangerous elements to launch bomb attacks on critical infrastructure and public places like worship and relaxation centres, especially during and after the festive celebrations. “As predicted, a group of unmasked armed terrorists stormed the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state where they detonated explosives in the church and then gunned down worshippers during service on Sunday, June 5, 2022. “After the terrorist attack, the Ondo police command was reported to have deployed officers of the explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) unit, better known as the anti-bomb squad, to Owo local government area. “As expected, the federal government has condemned the reckless attack on the worshippers and threatened to bring the criminal elements to justice. “However, governments at all levels must go beyond issuing threats. It is common knowledge that every country involved in the prosecution of war on terror is required to train security personnel and acquire adequate security gadgets to protect the people. “Therefore, the federal government should ensure that the nation’s airports, trains, buses, courts, schools, malls, churches, mosques, banks and other public places are provided with screening machines and CCTV cameras. “As a matter of urgency, the federal government and the various state governments should promptly act on intelligence reports compiled by the State Security Service and other security agencies. “We urge the security forces to continue to frustrate the nefarious agenda of the terrorists. We also call on citizens to be security-conscious and report suspicious security threats to law enforcement agencies.”

EXTRA: No one without PVC allowed in my house, office – Singer Mr P

  Nigerian singer, Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has stated that people without their Permanent Voters Cards were not allowed into his home and office. The member of the singing duo P-Square said this in a tweet on Monday, where he noted that he has instructed his security and management to ensure adherence to the directive. He noted that the same directive also applies to his management team and entourage, noting that they won’t be allowed to travel with him without their PVCs. Mr P said, “I have just instructed my security and my management that no one is allowed to visit my house or my office without showing their PVC! This also includes my management team and entourage! No PVC, no visits and travels!” The singer noted that Nigerians must “get it right this time” and vote out bad leaders in the forthcoming 2023 general elections. “We must get it right this time and vote out bad leaders,” he said. This comes shortly after the singer condemned the Sunday attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. It was learnt that the massacre which claimed lives, happened in the church, which is less than 200 meters away from the Palace of Olowo of Owo. With crying emojis, the singer wrote, “Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria. Why? Why? Why?” Other celebrities saddened by the attack include Davido, Mr Macaroni, Eva Alordiah, Ladipoe and a host of many others.

Owo Attack Sinful, Crime Against Humanity – Sultan

  The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has condemned Sunday’s attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State where many innocent worshippers were gruesomely murdered and several others severely wounded. The Sultan said on Monday in a statement that the heinous attack is a crime not only against humanity but also a grievous and inexplicable sin. “All peoples of faith should take this attack as a direct attack on all law-abiding citizens and should therefore be in the vanguard to halt the evil that appears to be assailing the life, property and integrity of humanity, particularly believers in God,” Sultan said in the statement signed by Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, the NSCIA’s Director of Administration. The council also urged the governments at all levels to issue and pursue an ultimatum for the security agencies to unravel the identity and bring to book the perpetrators of the violation of sanctity of not only life but also religions. He added, “The security agents, who have been engaged to combat criminality and insecurity, are enjoined to heed the Qur’anic call that: ‘…For had it not been that God checks one set of people by means of another; monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the name of God is persistently mentioned would surely have been pulled down. Verily, God will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, God is All-Strong, All-Mighty. (Q 22: 40)’” The Sultan said that it is therefore mandatory for security agencies to help in rescuing the helpless citizens that everyone have all become. “The council stands in absolute solidarity with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Catholic community, the government and people of Ondo State and commiserates with the families of the victims in this period of immeasurable agony and distress. “May Allah grant us peace and security in our nation. Amin!,” he said.

APC’s Silence On Owo Terrorist Attack Confirms Its Complicity – PDP

  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asserted that the alleged silence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday’s gruesome terrorist attack and killing of innocent worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State confirms APC’s complicity and implicit support for terrorism in our country. The PDP through its spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba also stated on Monday that it is appalled by the lame and disconnected press statement by the Buhari Presidency which did not demonstrate any presidential empathy, concern, assurances and commitment expected of a Commander-in-Chief, who should be a Comforter-in-Chief in the face of such horrific terrorist attack on the country. According to the PDP, the feeble and insensitive statement by the presidency is a further confirmation of the tacit sympathy for terrorism by the APC administration. “This is because in saner climes the President would personally address the nation on the gruesome murder of many citizens under his care. President Muhammadu Buhari’s personal silence is deafening and points to allegations in the public space that terrorists are enjoying tacit accommodation from the highest level of the APC administration. “It is indeed unpardonable that as terrorists were murdering our citizens in Owo, President Buhari was busy in the comfort, luxury and safety of the Presidential Villa, having dinner with APC leaders and conducting political meetings aimed at perpetuating APC’s fraudulent, insensitive, inhumane and vicious government on hapless Nigerians. “Such actions by the APC and President Buhari, who has woefully failed in his promise to lead the fight against terrorism from the front, continue to embolden terrorists to carry out more terrible attacks on our citizens. “The inexcusable stance of the APC also lends credence to the fears already expressed by Nigerians that there is planned orchestration of crisis by the APC in various parts of the country so as to derail the scheduled 2023 general elections. “Nigerians will recall that the APC has never forcefully condemned terrorist attacks in Nigeria since the revelation that the APC imported outlaws from neighbouring countries to assist it to rig the 2019 general elections. “For the umpteenth time, our Party calls out the APC to come clean on the pact it has with terrorists for which it is sacrificing the lives of innocent Nigerians. “The APC must not continue to use Nigerians as expendables in their ignoble pact with terrorists. Such is reprehensible, atrocious and must not be allowed to continue in our country,” Hon Ologunagba reeled out in his statement. The PDP through its spokesman further called on Nigerians not to despair but remain united and on alert, adding that the party is taking firm steps ahead of the 2023 general elections in the mission to “Rescue and Rebuild” the nation from the misrule of the APC. According to the opposition party, hope is indeed on the way as the nation counts down to 2023.

Owo church attack: Those behind killings, living life of double standard — Okorocha

  Former governor of Imo state and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district, Rochas Okorocha on Monday described as living a life of double standard those behind the killings and injuring of over 50 people by gunmen at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in the Ondo State, last Sunday. Okorocha stated this to newsmen through his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemedo in Owerri. Okorocha who is also one of the presidential aspirants of the 2023 All Progressives Congress, APC, said he wondered why the killers destroyed other people’s lives but they want to preserve their own. According to Okorocha’s statement, “The former Governor of lmo state, and Senator Representing lmo West senatorial District, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has condemned, in strong terms, the bomb attack, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, that claimed many lives, on Sunday, May 5, 2022. Senator Okorocha described the attack on innocent worshippers, as a deliberate evil and wicked act, against GOD and Humanity. “He said, evil remains evil and evil acts, remain evil acts, no matter who carried them out and indeed, who are the victims and should be outrightly condemned by all men and women with abiding co science. “Okorocha prayed that GOD would make those carrying out these evil acts, have a change of heart, and let them know that, they are living a life of double standard by destroying the lives of others while working hard to preserve their own lives. “The front row Presidential aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, extended his sympathies to the Catholic Church and to all the families, who lost their loved ones in the unwarranted attack. He also sent his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to the Government and people of Ondo State.” “He prayed that this ugly incident would not happen again. Okorocha prayed also that, GOD receives the souls of all those who lost their lives in the wicked attack, in His blossom. And gives their respective families all they need, to overcome the challenges occasioned by this evil attack,” Okorocha said.

Nigeria Air gets licence to operate — four years after unveiling

  The federal government says Nigeria Air, the country’s proposed national carrier, has received the Air Transport Licence (ATL) to commence operation. The federal ministry of aviation, said this on Monday in a tweet via its official page. This development comes four years after the national carrier was unveiled by Hadi Sirika, minister of state aviation. The ministry, on Sunday, announced that the proposed national carrier would receive an ATL from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Monday. Following the presentation which was done at NCAA’s headquarters in Abuja, the ministry took to Twitter to share the information. “The ATL certificate has been presented to Nigeria Air. Congratulations!,” the tweet reads. “Nigeria Air is here and is going to provide quality service to Nigerians.” In March, Nigeria Air Limited applied to NCAA for a licence to operate scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services. This is after the federal government opened a bid for proposal on the national carrier to both private and public investors. It added that five percent of the airline shares will be owned by the government as it seeks to improve economic growth through diversification. According to the minister, the proposed national carrier is to begin operations with three wet-leased aircraft.