Crime Facts

BREAKING: We’ll Invite IPOB To Protect Us In Lagos, Igbo Leader Threatens

  The Eze Igbo, Ajao Estate, Lagos, Fredrick Nwajagu, has vowed to invite members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to secure properties of Igbo people in the state. Nwajagu, in a 49-second video, shared on Twitter on Friday by @DeeOneAyekooto, said the move became necessary in the wake of attacks on some Igbo people in the state.   The Igbo leader said he stood by his words, insisting that his people must have a stand in Lagos. “IPOB, we will invite them. They have no job. All of the IPOB will protect all of our shops. And we have to pay them. We have to mobilise for that. We have to do that. We must have our own security so that they will stop attacking us in the midnight, in the morning, in the afternoon. “When they discover that we have our own security, before they will come, they will know that we have our own men there. I am not saying a single word to be hidden. I am not hiding my words, let my words go viral. Igbo must get their right and get stand in Lagos State,” he said in the video. Replying to the post, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the command would resist IPOB presence in the state. “To start with, the ever-ready @LagosPoliceNG will never fold its arms and allow such within the state,” he wrote. When our correspondent contacted the PPRO to know whether Nwajagu had been invited by the police in respect of his remarks, he said, “we will give further update at the right time.” Daily Trust reports that there has been a frosty relationships between Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups in the state in the buildup to the 2023 general elections. The situation degenerated after the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, defeated his counterpart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state in the presidential poll. Igbo voters in the state complained of being intimidated during the March 18 governorship election and that many of them were prevented from exercising their franchise.

BREAKING: IPOB, Police clash in Abia, four killed

  Schools, shops and business owners around Osusu area of Aba North local government area of Abia State on Friday forcefully shutdown as personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) clashed with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). It was gathered that IPOB members who dressed in White apparels and covering their faces with nose mask, took to the Osusu area to hold peaceful protest as part of steps taken by the group to push for the release of the leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Department for State Security (DSS), Abuja. They chanted series of pro-Biafra and anti-Nigeria songs to further press home their anger over the continued detention of their leader. While rumours had it that the IPOB group suffered casualty as some of its members reportedly sustained severe gun injury. Another account of the incident had it that four members of the IPOB were gunned down by police personnel. Our correspondent reports that there hasn’t been any official statement from either the police or IPOB over the incident. Sources within the Osusu axis of the commercial city disclosed that the environment got charged when security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force arrived Osusu and in a bid to disperse and possibly force the IPOB protesters off the streets, started firing sporadically into the air. According to the source, it appeared that the police operatives who initially were firing into the air, were engaged by the protesters. The source who pleaded anonymous said that the tension caused in the area by the protesters and the police team forced businesses and school owners to abruptly shutdown as they didn’t want to be caught in the web of the melee. Movement of both commercial and private vehicles were halted as those already on the road, abandoned their cars to flee for safety, while those who were yet to navigate into the road used alternative routes to their locations. Sources within the area claimed that business owners in the affected area lamented the loss that they suffered as a result of the incident. “You know that for some now, if they (IPOB) wants to protest, they do it around here and other hidden places. But today, I think that they were ready to brace the odds. “Against their usual black and black, they dressed in white clothes all through expect a few of them, giving the indication that they were for peace. “They were about 300-500 IPOB members. “But I think that the protest leaked into the ears of the security agencies who arrived the venue and started shooting into the air. “It is not clear, but it appears as of that the IPOB people who had managed to be peaceful turned violent and the kind of bullets that rained on top of zincs further caused tension. “It was like a war zone. Everybody was running helter-skelter. Passengers inside buses jumped out to look for safety. Shop owners abandoned their shops to safety. “Parents including myself, had to go to my children’s school that is near to pick them back home. “Some people like my neighbours who were already heading for Ariaria and Cemetery Markets turned back. It was about 3pm that one of them managed to go to market to shop for the weekend for her family. “Until the time she was living the house, she was yet to overcome the shock and trauma of the incident”, narrated a source. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Geoffrey Ogbonna who had claimed not to have received any information (sitrep; Situation Report) on the incident and promised to get back to our correspondent as soon as he gets information on the incident. However, efforts to get back to the PPRO at the time of filing the report failed as he couldn’t take calls placed on his mobile line. Meanwhile, Southeast group, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL), a socio-political youth group in the South East geopolitical zone said that it received with rude shock the barbaric killing of armless Igbos who were peacefully protesting and demanding for the unconditionally release of Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. The group in a statement issued by Hon. Goodluck Ibem, COSEYL President General described the killing of the protesters as wicked, barbaric, and lawlessness of the highest order. Ibem who claimed that 5 of the protesters were killed in the fracas between security operatives and the IPOB protesters accused the Army and security agencies deployed to the South East as being behind the killing. According to Ibem, the personnel of the Nigerians Army and other security agencies were not on a mission to maintain peace in the region, but to kill innocent law-abiding citizens. “They is no where in the world where armless protesters wearing white and white are killed for being peaceful in their conduct. “The evil and wicked killing of 5 innocent Igbos today is more than meets the eye. This means that they are serious planning to exterminate the Igbo race who have done nothing wrong. “It is only the court of law that has the constitutional powers to give order for the execution of any offender. So from where did the army derive their powers to execute those peaceful protesters. “We call on the International community, the United Nations and all lovers of democracy to beam their searchlight on Nigeria that have made it an offence to be an Igbo by origin which is punishable by death. “What happened today were innocent persons were butchered in broad daylight is a genocide of the highest order. “We demand for the immediate arrest, sack and prosecution of those security agents who assassinated those innocent igbos today. The law must take its full course. “The same military officers have never for once arrested or gun down any Fulani terrorists and jihadist killing Innocent Nigerians on daily basis. “Their guns and bullets are only active when they see innocent igbos.”

Imo police nab traditonal ruler over anti Uzodimma publication on WhatsApp group

  Imo police command has arrested the traditional ruler of Umucheke in Umuobom in the Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Ekene Obinali. The monarch was arrested on Wednesday by the operatives of the Anti- kidnapping Unit of the state police command for allegedly sharing on a WhatsApp platform a write up that was said to be very critical of the state governor, Hope Uzodimma. The embattled traditional ruler had on March 20 reposted the write up on a WhatsApp group platform called Ideato Voice. Confirming that arrest of the monarch, the administrator of the platform, Vitus Ezenwa, told our correspondent that the monarch was arrested and detained by the police on Wednesday. Ezenwa, said that he was first arested by the police and was granted bail after the police apprehended the traditional ruler. He told our correspondent that the media content of which the monarch is being held in police custody had the headline”‘Gov Hope Uzodimma in a fresh scandal.” The publisher said that the media content talks about the role of late Ahmed Gulak during the 2018 All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Imo State. Ezenwa said ” My name is Nze Dr Vitus Ezenwa. I am the publisher of Ideato Voice newspapers. Quote me if necessary. I am the witness to this. I was arrested by the police over the post because I am the administrator of the platform where it was made, Ideato Voice platform. I was detained until the royal father was arrested and currently detained. “He is currently at Anti Kidnapping Unit. Tiger Base. The post was made on March 20. The Police granted me bail after the traditional ruler was arested. I was asked to be reporting at the police everyday till further notice” When contacted, the spokesperson for the Police in the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest of the monarch.

DAILIES TOP STORIES: NACCIMA, others list risks to economy as debt hits N46.3 trn

  Friday 31 March 2023 PDP reverses suspension of Anyim, Fayose, others Presidential poll: Peter Obi disagrees with US APC over White House Park protest Students, teachers injured as suspected herdsmen storm Oyo school Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, loses 16-year-old son Controversy surrounds Sylva’s alleged resignation Ghanaian Tik Tok sensation Ahuofe dies NBA demands arrest, prosecution of election offeneders Sign varsity, poly dichotomy bill, students urge Buhari Turkey Becomes Last NATO Nation To Ratify Finland Membership Returning Officer Visibly Happy, Biased, Favoured LP, Says Ikpeazu Interim Govt Advocates Are Daydreaming — Lalong Police Disperse Shi’ite Members Protesting El-Zakzaky’s Passport Release Benue PDP Suspends Ward Exco Over Ayu’s Ordeal Nigeria’s Public Debt Rises To N46.25trn Nine Dead In Crash Of Two US Army Helicopters Arewa Youths Call For Zoning Of Senate President To North West Supreme Court Dismisses Nwajiuba’s Suit Seeking Tinubu, Atiku’s Disqualification Police Arrest 19 Shi’ites For ‘Unlawful Procession’ In Abuja Court Grants Bail To Agba Jalingo Tinubu, Other Nigerian Leaders Need Prayers To Succeed, Says Masari Matawalle: How Soldiers Worked Against My Reelection Many Things Wrong With Nigeria’s Democracy — Kwankwaso Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Ikpeazu: I’m relieved leaving office | I’m not owing salaries of core civil servants

  Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia, has denied claims that his administration is owing salaries and pensions of workers in the state. Speaking on Thursday in an interview with Channels Television, Ikpeazu said salaries of “core” civil servants in the state were paid as and when due. Recently, Alex Otti, the Abia governor-elect, accused Ikpeazu of owing workers’ salaries and refusing to pay pensioners for many months in the state. Otti was the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the March 18 governorship election. In November 2022, pensioners under the aegis of concerned Abia pensioners protested 45 months of unpaid pensions by the state government. Reacting to the development, the Abia governor said payment of pensions in the state has been an issue in the past 24 years, adding that his administration met a backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions. Ikpeazu said payment of salaries of 29,000 workers out of 31,000 civil servants in the state is “up-to-date”, adding that the remaining 2,000 workers are working for parastatals.   He added that since parastatals are generating revenue for the state, their workers should be paid by the agencies and not the state government. “I do not pay their salaries because they are revenue-generating agencies of the government,” he said. “I don’t run away from responsibilities. The issue of pension has been there perennially since the past 24 years. “I did as much as I could do. This administration passed through three recessions. When I came into office, within three months of my administration, I paid 11 months’ arrears of salaries. “For somebody to come and make a sweeping statement that salaries are not being paid, that is a lie. “I’m not owing any core civil servant any salary.” Asked what he felt about leaving office, the Abia governor said he was having great relief about exiting office in the next two months. “Great relief! I’m relieved that I’m leaving the office. I have to get on to other things. I have been on this job for eight years,” he said. The outgoing governor contested for the Abia south district senatorial seat but was defeated by Enyinnaya Abaribe, the incumbent, who ran on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

Court Dismisses El-Zakzaky, Wife’s Suit Seeking Passports

  Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja, has dismissed a suit by the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenah in which they sought to compel the National Immigration Service (NIS) to issue them international passports.   Delivering Judgement, Justice Egwutu held that the applicants did not provide sufficient evidence to show that their passports were either seized, destroyed, lost or the relevant agency was unwilling to reissue them another one. Justice Egwuatu held that from the position of the applicants, it was not shown that it was the Immigration Service who took their passports, but rather that the passports were destroyed or lost in 2015 when their residence was attacked by security operatives. He subsequently dismissed the suit. El-Zakzaky and wife had in January 2022 filed the fundamental rights reserved enforcement suit against the immigration service and its Comptroller General for alleged refusal to issue new international passports to them. They prayed the court to enforce their rights enshrined in the Nigerian constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right. They equally urged the court to declare that the alleged refusal of the NIS to process their travel documents to enable them travel abroad for medical treatment was illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

Police Arrest 19 Shi’ites For ‘Unlawful Procession’ In Abuja

  The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the arrest of arrest of 19 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shi’ite over “unlawful procession”. The Command disclosed this in a statement on Thursday signed by it spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh. According to the police, IMN members numbering over 400 staged a protest from Federal High Court to Eagle Square blocking roads following the court’s ruling on the passport of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. The protest was after the court rejected an application filed by El-Zakzaky asking the Department Of State Services (DSS) to release his passport and that of his wife. However, Justice Obiora Egwuatu in his ruling said El-zakzaky failed to prove that the DSS took the passports away, after his return from India. The police spokesperson said IMN members threw stones and other dangerous objects at the police officers. They were, however, dispersed with 19 of them arrested and will be charged to court, the police said. The FCT Command assured residents of its commitment to security, safety, and peace within the capital territory, adding that no untoward incident was recorded as observation and monitoring continued.

Tinubu, Other Nigerian Leaders Need Prayers To Succeed, Says Masari

  Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has stressed the need for Nigerian citizens to continue assisting the incoming leaders with good prayers to deliver the best for the country. According to Masari, leaders need prayers in piloting the affairs of the country. Masari was speaking on Wednesday at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina when he hosted special prayers for the president-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu; his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima as well as the Katsina governor-elect, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda; his running mate, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe. The prayer session was attended by top-ranking Islamic clerics and other religious leaders across various sects where they gather to also praise Almighty Allah for choosing the right leaders for the country. In particular, three of the clerics namely; Malam Ahmad Sukared, Sheikh Ishaq Nuhu Batagarawa, and Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan, urged citizens to desist from abusing leaders because they are doing their best.   They further called on the incoming administration in Katsina State to emulate the good leadership style of the outgoing Governor Masari for better results, praying for God almighty to guide the incoming government in the right direction.

Court Grants Bail To Agba Jalingo

  Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted bail to a journalist Agba Jalingo to the tune of N500,000, with one surety in like sum. Justice Abubakar had last Monday remanded Jalingo in prison after he was arraigned by the Nigerian Police Force for allegedly publishing a story that was considered an insult to one Mrs. Elizabeth Ayade, who is the wife of the younger brother of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State. He was charged which issues bordered on alleged cybercrime, and accused of publishing an article that disparaged Mrs. Ayade’s personality. He was specifically accused of engaging in a false publication that was intended to cause annoyance, ill will, and an insult to Mrs Ayade. However, he pleaded not guilty to the charge against him which is punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. Aside from the five hundred thousand naira bail bond, Justice Abubakar held that the surety must be an owner of a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The judge ordered that the title deed of the said property must be deposited with the deputy registrar in charge of litigations of the courts. Besides, the court held that the surety must also depose to an affidavit of means. While adjourning the case till May 31 for trial, Justice Abubakar held that the defendant should remain in prison custody, pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

Arewa Youths Call For Zoning Of Senate President To North West

  Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023, the Arewa Youth Council of Nigeria has called on newly-elected senators to zone the position of the Senate President to the North West for the interest of equity, fairness, and reward for hard work. Addressing a news conference in Kaduna on Thursday, the president of the group Isah Abubakar noted that since the president-elect comes from the southern part of the country, it is only right for the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the number three position in the country to the North West. He premised their demand on the fact that the zone gave APC the highest vote – 2,884,132 – which represents about 32% of the total votes gained by the party in the 2023 presidential election. This performance, according to the Arewa youth leader, should be adequately rewarded for the sake of unity, peace, progress, and national cohesion. The group, therefore, appealed to the leadership of the APC and senators-elect for the 10th National Assembly to accord maximum support to any of the ranking lawmakers from the North-West to emerge as the senate president.