Crime Facts

Military kills two IPOB fighters, arrests five in Delta

  No fewer than two fighters of the Eastern Security Network, the military wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, were on Monday killed by security operatives in Asaba, Delta State. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. He said the ESN members were killed during a confrontation with a combined team of Nigerian Army, Police, and Department of State Services personnel in the Fuji Junction area of Asaba, Delta State. Nwachukwu said the team responded to a distress call from residents in the community and on getting there, the ESN members engaged them in a fierce gun battle, adding that due to the superior power of the security agents, the criminals withdrew to their hideout. Nwachukwu added that the IPOB members were trailed to their camps where five members were arrested and weapons recovered from them. He said, “Combined troops of 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police and operatives of the Department of State Services have neutralised two IPOB/ESN fighters and arrested five others after a fierce encounter that took place on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Fuji Junction general area in Asaba, Delta state. “The encounter followed distress calls that the community was under attack by terrorists, to which the combined troops swiftly responded. “The terrorists succumbed to the overwhelming firepower of the troops, after two of their members fell in the gunfight that ensued, while the survivors fled to their hideout around the Okpanam River. “The troops in pursuit of the fleeing criminal elements successfully trailed them to their enclave in a house around the Okpanam River, where they were nabbed. “The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action semi-automatic rifle, 15 live cartridges, one AK-47 rifle magazine and a Baofeng radio receiver.” He said the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, lauded the combined team for their effort, urging them to sustain the synergy. Onyema implored the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing actionable information to support their operations.

32-Year-Old Suspected Drug Addict Strangles Mother To Death

  A 32-year-old suspected drug addict, Samson Sikiru, strangled his mother to death in the Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omotola Odutola has confirmed the incident. The suspect who was said to have been on drugs for some time and being managed by his deceased mother, finally killed her at the Itanrin area of Ijebu Ode. The suspect’s younger brother who was a night guard and was returning from his night shift reportedly alerted the neighbours when he noticed the lifeless body of the mother. Samson was said to be away for some years, it was gathered but came back to celebrate the last Ileya festival with the mother two weeks ago. A source told our correspondent that Samson was arrested after the neighbours discovered that he was behind the death of his mother and subsequently handed him over to the police. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Omotola Odutola said the suspect was also a neuropsychiatric patient. According to the PPRO, occasionally family members used to tie him up to avoid him injuring himself or anyone. “He had remained with his mother whom he visited during the Sallah celebrations, even though he is known for his retard tendency, but his condition was being managed to the best of the knowledge of his mother. “It is not yet clear if there was any provocation by his mother, but preliminary investigation revealed that earlier the same day he was tied up in the house, only for him to lose himself and descended on his mother and strangled her. “The body was seen laying on the bed on the arrival of SP Murphy, the DPO but, on closer observation, marks of violence were found around the deceased mother. Lacerations were discovered, found around her right leg, proving that there was force and violence. “Samson Sikiru is still in the police custody, but, nothing much has been gotten from him, as he has not answered any coherent questions put across to him.”

DAILIES TOP STORIES: NLC, TUC lambast Tinubu as fuel hits N630/litre, shun negotiation

  Wednesday 19 July 2023 North-Central, South West ex-govs may replace Adamu, Omisore Tinubu backtracks, reviews proposed N8,000 cash palliative Sustain air attack against terrorists, commander tells troops Military kills two IPOB fighters, arrests five in Delta Bank ordered to pay Honeywell N72bn FRSC to appeal judgment banning personnel from state, LG roads ‘Robbing The Poor To Feed The Rich,’ NLC Slams N500bn Palliatives Emefiele Asks Court To Grant Him Bail Market Forces Responsible For Rising Petrol Prices, Says Kyari Stop Burning Vessels With Stolen Crude, Reps Caution Security Agencies NDLEA Raid: Tinubu Orders Probe Into Ivan’s Killing Court Declines Extending Order Stopping Prosecution Of Suspended Adamawa REC Court Affirms Ododo As Kogi APC Gov Candidate ‘This is Becoming Unbearable,’ Kaduna Residents Groan As Fuel Price Increases Oyo Assembly Suspends Two LG Bosses EFCC Disowns Police Lawyer Who Filed Criminal Charges Against Stella Oduah Farmers On The Run As Boko Haram Killings Return Nasarawa Gov Raises Alarm Over Influx Of Bandits From Plateau Ramaphosa: Arresting Putin in South Africa would amount to declaration of war with Russia EFCC’s witness admits Adoke’s N300m loan is classified as ‘bribe’ in another court Tinubu: We’re ready to end insecurity in West Africa — funding not a problem Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

BREAKING: Tinubu orders review of N8000 palliative for vulnerable households

  President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate review of the proposed N8000 conditional cash transfer to Nigerians to cushion the effect of the petrol subsidy removal. In a statement on Tuesday night, Dele Alake, special adviser on special duties, communications and strategy, said Tinubu has also directed that the whole gamut of the palliative package of government be unveiled to Nigerians. “That the N8,000 conditional cash transfer programme envisaged to bring succour to most vulnerable households be reviewed immediately. This is in deference to the views expressed by Nigerians against it,” the statement reads. More to follow…

20 things to know about anthrax disease

  The Federal Government on Monday confirmed one case of Anthrax disease in a mixed livestock farm in Niger State. This is the first animal case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the West Africa outbreak in Ghana in June 2023. The apex government said further investigation was also ongoing to trace the source of the infection and to identify the spread to other farms and humans. It noted that the risk assessment conducted by the human health sector showed that the likelihood of an outbreak of anthrax disease in the country is high, adding that the potential impact of the disease on humans is high. Below are some important things to know about the disease that affects both humans and animals: Anthrax is a severe disease caused by the bacteria – Bacillus anthracis. It can affect both humans and animals, including wild animals and livestock such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, goats, etc. The bacteria, which exist as spores, can be found in the soil, wool, or hair of infected animals. Anthrax spores are resistant to extreme conditions and can survive in the soil or environment for decades, making controlling or eradicating the disease very difficult. The spores are brought to the surface by wet weather, by deep digging, or when eaten by livestock or wild animals when they graze. Anthrax affects humans through skin infection (Direct contact with infected animals through wounds or cuts); gastrointestinal (Through eating raw or undercooked meat of infected animals or their products including milk); and inhalation (breathing in the spores). In animals, anthrax can cause symptoms such as high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, bleeding from all body openings (nose, mouth, ears, anus, etc.), swelling and difficulty in breathing, and bloody diarrhoea. It can lead to sudden death in most cases. The blood of an animal with anthrax does not clot on slaughter. Also, at slaughter, marked bloating and quick decay are observed. In humans, depending on the type and route of infection, anthrax can cause fever, painless skin sores with a black centre that appears after the blisters, general body weakness, and difficulty in breathing. It can also cause severe digestive illness that resembles food poisoning. Veterinarians, veterinary laboratory workers, farmers, abattoir workers, butchers, cattle rearers, livestock producers and traders, wildlife handlers, hunters, park rangers, processors, importers, and exporters of hide and skin, animal health workers are at risk of contracting anthrax. People who consume animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) that were found dead, healthcare workers, diagnostic laboratory workers, and caregivers who are exposed to patients or their biological specimens are also at risk of contracting anthrax. Law enforcement officers (Police, Military, Immigration, Customs, Point of Entry Personnel) and anyone travelling to a location with a confirmed anthrax case within and outside Nigeria are at risk of contracting anthrax. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against anthrax in livestock. Ensure a clean and safe water supply for livestock and avoid using water from stagnant sources. Practice biosecurity measures, such as controlling access to the farm, restricting the movement of animals, and disinfecting vehicles and equipment entering and leaving the premises. Sick animals should be isolated and strict quarantine measures implemented to prevent the spread of anthrax to other animals or humans. Exercise caution when buying cows, camels, sheep, goats, and other livestock from Nigerian states bordering Benin, Chad, and Niger, and from Ghana and Togo via waterways. Do not slaughter animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) at home, rather make use of abattoirs or slaughter slabs. Avoid contact with meat/bush meat or animal by-products such as skin, hides (ponmo), and milk of a sick or dead animal. Do not slaughter sick animals. Slaughtering the sick animal can cause significant exposure with the risk of inhalation of the bacteria by humans around at the time. Do not eat products from sick or dead animals. Carefully observe livestock to be slaughtered for consumption or sale for signs of ill health before slaughter. If you suspect that you or an animal may have been exposed to anthrax, quickly seek immediate medical care or call the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s hotline at +234 811 097 2378 or the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline at 6232. Doctors have several options for treating patients with anthrax, including antibiotics and antitoxins. Patients with serious cases of anthrax need to be hospitalised. They may require aggressive treatment, such as continuous fluid drainage and help breathing through mechanical ventilation.

Between Ikénga Ugochinyere And Hope Uzodimma 

  By ONWUASOANYA FCC JONES In the last few days, Hope Uzodimma has unleashed his rambling rascals on the internet with a sole charge to insult and attempt to ridicule the member representing me in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere. Most of these rambling rascals are either older than Ugochinyere by many years or are within the same age bracket with him, hence his contemporaries. Trying to compare any of these people’s achievements with that of Ikenga would amount to trying to compare Christiano Ronaldo to a certain failed footballer playing in the local league. I will rather make some comparisons between Uzodimma and Ikenga, and let the readers decide on who among the two Imo lawmakers deserve the respect of the people. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere is the son of school teachers. His late Mum was a teacher and his father got to the apogee of his career as a teacher before going into politics, where he became the Secretary to my Local Government, then, acted as the Chairman of the LGA briefly. He became the National Chairman of the defunct African Peoples Congress and currently serves as the national chairman of one of the surviving 18 political Parties in Nigeria. In all honesty, I scoured the entire internet for any information on Micheal Uzodimma and Ezinne Rose Uzodimma and everything came blank. The little information I was able to glean from Uzodimma’s kinsmen in Omuma are not reliable and not sweet to the ears, so I will not be writing them here. I will leave Uzodimma or his friends to tell the story themselves. Ikenga is a bonafide alumnus of the prestigious Imo State University, Owerri and the Nigerian Law School. He is a practicing lawyer and owns a viable law firm in Abuja. Uzodimma’s educational history is shrouded in controversy and apart from the popular story about his dealings in Festac town, there is no trace of what profession he is into or what business gave him his initial funds, before he now diversified, allegedly, into oil, gold and other offshore businesses. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere cut his political teeth early enough and took a decision on what he wanted out of life, and pursued same vigorously, without looking back. He participated actively in the politics of the National Association of Nigerian Students where he rose to lay claim to the senate presidency of the students body at less than 22 years of age. He became the National Coordinator of the PDP National Youth Movement, a position with which he toured the whole Nigeria mobilising support for the Party, especially among the youths. In 2007, he became a Senior Adviser to Governor Ikedi Ohakim, at barely 25 years of age. Upon the dissolution of Ohakim’s cabinet, he was offered an appointment and even announced as the Coordinator of Ideato North Central Development Area, a position he flatly rejected and moved into better pursuits, both in business and politics. Ikenga became the President of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), was a senior adviser to the Senate President of the Federal Republic, and was the spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) among other positions he held. He was elected to the House of Representatives at 40 years of age, and is already showing good capacity within a few weeks of his stay in the House. He is currently the Deputy Chairman of one of the initial committees set by the House leadership and has already put Ideato nay Ala on the front burner of national discourse through salient motions he has sponsored, including the motion for the rehabilitation of the critical Ideato – UGA – Nnewi – Oba road and laying a petition before the House concerning the predicament of traders in Apo Mechanic Village, Abuja. Ikenga has also continued to speak out against acts of intimidation, violence, corruption and political persecution of the entire people of Imo State by the Hope Uzodimma regime. Watch this video to entertain yourself; https://youtu.be/SOzwraw8HyI Uzodimma cut his political teeth when he came in from Festac town and through the connection of his Festac comrades was made the State Youth Leader of the National Party of Nigeria. He played insignificant role in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) a Party he joined during the Third Republic. In 1999, he joined the PDP and in 2002 he defected to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) where he ran unsuccessfully to be governor. He was made a Senator of the Federal Republic by the controversy riddled Supreme Court of Nigeria, even though he was not cleared to participate in the PDP primaries by the panel that was sent to carry out that assignment. His eight years stay in the Senate has been described by many commentators as a total waste of time to the people of Imo West as the only major thing he achieved was an indictment by a Presidential Panel on anti-corruption for allegedly diverting multibillion dollar paid by the federal government for the dredging of Calabar Port. Ikenga is a husband to one woman and father to four children. He has remained faithful to one wife and has been a responsible father to all his children whom he is focused on giving the best of life possible. Ikenga has never been involved in any extramarital scandal or disputes. For the sake of a certain dead woman, and the young and innocent children given to him by my younger sister, I will not want to discuss Uzodimma’s family matters and other scandals that have trailed him over the years. Having laid their brief history before you, it is now left for you to decide whom among them deserves your respect and solidarity. Who among them would you believe and who do you consider worth your loyalty? MAY IMO WIN!

EFCC disowns lawyer prosecuting Stella Odua in fresh suit

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Tuesday, disowned a lawyer, Ibrahim Mohammed, who filed a fresh charge bordering on perjury and document falsification against Sen. Stella Oduah in the name of the anti-graft agency. EFCC’s counsel, H. A Okonofua, told Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court, Abuja, that the commission did not send Mohammed to prosecute Oduah, the sole defendant in the matter. Upon resumed hearing, though Mohammed and Oduah were not in court, Okonofua informed that the report of the investigation carried out by the anti-corruption agency was out. While informing the court about the outcome of the investigation, she said that, “the counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, was de-seconded back to Nigeria police on 14 November, 2022, and he was not sent to represent the EFCC to prosecute the defendant,” in the charge he filed in June. Justice Omotosho drew Okonofua’s attention to the fact that the report was not before the court. The lawyer admitted that the report was filed late. The judge, consequently, adjourned the matter until Oct. 4 for the investigation report to be before the court. Recall that the EFCC was expected to arraign Oduah before Justice Omotosho the next day (Tuesday) on alleged perjury and document falsification. The ex-lawmaker, who represented Anambra North Senatorial Distinct in the 9th National Assembly, is being accused of misrepresenting facts about whether or not she participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and was issued a certificate to that effect. She was alleged to have falsified documents with which she got into public offices, including being a minister and a senator in the fresh charge. But on July 11when the matter was called for arraignment, Mohammed, a police officer, who appeared for EFCC, admitted committing error in filing the charge in the name of the anti-graft agency. He told the court that though he was seconded to the EFCC, he had been redeployed back to the Force Headquarters in November last year. He said it was in error he signed the charge in the name of EFCC Office in Benin. The judge had ordered for his arrest and investigation by the commission.

Rivers govt sacks 1700 varsity staff, demands return of appointment letters, ID cards

  The Rivers State Government has explained that it sacked the over 1700 staff members it employed to work at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, over irregularities in the employment process. The state government during the last lap of Chief Nyesom Wike’s administration, as governor, recruited Academic and Non-academic staff to work in the university. But, two months after Sir Siminialaye Fubara assumed office, the state government announced the cancellation of the employment exercise it conducted at the university. The State Government had directed all those employed through the exercise, who have worked for over six months to quickly return the employment letter issued them by the university as well as their Staff Identity Cards. This was contained in a Public Announcement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, dated 13th July. Mmom noted that the employment exercise had many irregularities and that it did not meet the standard set by the government, ordering that the exercise stands invalid. He stated that all those engaged through the process stand unemployed, adding that a credible employment exercise would be carried out He said: “The Government of Rivers State has observed with dismay the inconsistencies/ irregularities and flagrant disobedience to the directives concerning the just concluded recruitment exercise at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt. “Therefore, the recent employment exercise conducted by the management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt is hereby cancelled. “All appointment letters issued and received are hereby nullified and the affected persons are directed to return the letters to the office of the Registrar of the Institution and other employment-related properties such as ID Cards in their possession to the office of the Head of Service, Rivers State immediately. “A proper and credible recruitment exercise shall be conducted in due course.”

EXTRA: Passengers to undergo BP, sugar level check  boarding at Airports – Reps

  The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Aviation to ensure that passengers at the Airport check their Blood Pressure and Sugar level before boarding. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Kalejaiye Paul (APC-Lagos) at plenary in Abuja on Tuesday. The lawmaker’s motion is titled,” Need to make Provision for free High Blood Pressure and Sugar Level Check Desks at Airports. “ He noted that air travel could be physically demanding and stressful for many passengers. He said that these factors, combined with the potential health risks associated with long flights and varying environmental conditions made it essential to prioritise the health of individuals passing through our airports. He said air travel had become increasingly accessible to a larger portion of the population, adding that the stress associated with travel, coupled with the sedentary nature of long flights could impact the health of individuals. He said this particularly concerned those with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. He said it was imperative to prioritise the health of individuals travelling long through our airports, adding tha this notion aimed to ensure their access to essential. He said by establishing free high blood pressure and sugar levels check desks at all airports, the country would promote early detection and preventive care for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. According to him, regular monitoring of these vital health parameters will enable travellers to seek medical intervention and prevent potential complications. He said the provision of these check desks would demonstrateaa commitment to public health promotion.   “This will send a powerful message that we prioritise the well-being of our citizens and visitors by making healthcare services easily accessible regardless of their travel schedules.” Adopting the motion, the house urged the ministry of Aviation to collaborate with relevant healthcare professionals and organisations to establish and operate High Blood Pressure and sugar levels check desks at airports across the country. The house also urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to put adequate medical facilities in Nigerian Airports to forestall sudden death from high blood pressure and diabetes among others. The lawmakers further urged the desks to be staffed with trained healthcare personnel who can accurately measure blood pressure and sugar levels. Members said there was need to provide basic counselling, and refer individuals to appropriate medical services, if necessary. The house further mandated the committee on aviation to ensure compliance.

“Charge & bail”, uninformed IPOB lawyers defending Emefiele, says DSS

  The Department of State Services on Tuesday described the lawyers who filed contempt charges against DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi, over the continued detention of embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele as “charge and bail lawyers”. The service in a series of tweets posted via its official handle noted that the lawyers were headed by an “overzealous and uninformed IPOB/ESN lawyer”. The service said, “Charge and bail, overzealous uninformed IPOB/ESN lawyer Maxwell Okpara mobilises other like-minded lawyers against DGSS. Futile Efforts. Well, Nigerians, beware! This is in bad faith. Transferred aggression. “A Biafran Republic agitator and Outlawed IPOB counsel defending the suspended CBN Governor. Is IPOB defending one of theirs? “What a contradiction. what’s the connection? Is someone telling us something? May Maxwell be properly educated on points of law, please.” The PUNCH reports that some lawyers filed a contempt charge against Bichi over alleged disobedience to multiple judgments and orders of the court directing the release of Emefiele from the custody of the agency. The lawyers were led by Maxwell Okpara, one of the counsels to Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.