Crime Facts

IWD: Nigeria must urgently accelerate inclusion of women at decision making levels —IPC

  The International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos, Nigeria aligns with the global community in advocating for increased female political representation at both national and subnational levels within Nigeria. Reflecting on the United Nations theme for this year, “Invest in women—accelerate progress,” IPC emphasized the importance of empowering and investing in women by promoting their active participation in political leadership and decision-making roles. This is seen as a crucial strategy to swiftly address the democratic challenges facing the nation. In a statement on Friday by Olutoyin Ayoade, IPC Communications Officer, It drew attention to the inadequate representation of women in political positions in Nigeria, despite constitutional provisions and international agreements advocating for their inclusion. Persistent systemic and societal barriers hinder women’s engagement in politics. The statement reads in part, *The concerning trend persisted during the 2023 elections in the country, resulting in adverse implications for women’s representation and impact within the government. Notably, the proportion of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly decreased by 19% compared to the previous assembly. Presently, women hold only 3% of Senate seats and 4% of seats in the House of Representatives. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the IPC, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the significant perspectives and contributions that women offer to governance in Nigerian society. He noted that empowering women in politics not only promotes fairness and equality but also enhances the overall effectiveness and legitimacy of governmental institutions. “Through concerted efforts to address these disparities, by dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity in political arenas, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly reflects the voices and needs of all its citizens”, he stressed. He also noted that IPC’s initiatives in the realm of democracy have significantly contributed to enhancing the media’s pivotal role as a primary influencer in elections. These efforts have focused on enhancing the capabilities of both the media and female candidates nationwide, empowering them to effectively leverage the media’s influence in promoting democracy. Notably, these endeavours have yielded commendable results, with some beneficiaries, particularly female lawmakers, successfully securing seats in the States House of Assembly during the 2023 Elections. To mitigate the high attrition rates of women in elections, Mr. Arogundade emphasized the importance of key stakeholders advocating for gender-equitable policies, initiating voter education campaigns on gender equality, and addressing feminized poverty through economic equality initiatives.

IWD: CIPDI celebrates women’s achievements

The Centre for Innovative and Pragmatic Development Intiative (CIPDI),on Friday joined the entire world to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD). International Women’s Day is an annual event that celebrates amazing achievements of the women. It is a way to show how women have and continue to influence the world. it’s also used as a day to highlight and raise awareness about issues that women have faced in the past and still face today. The International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme is Inspire Inclusion, This theme focuses on teaching our various communities to value the inclusion of women as we create a better, and more inclusive world for all. At Centre for Innovative and Pragmatic Development Initiative CIPDI, the organization deploys customized innovative approaches to solving problems, building communities, creating and developing platforms and tools for individuals especially women to transform their lives, and communities. Following our vision as an organization, CIPDI has been creating programs and opportunities that give women the inspiration, to become solutions to problems and to change their world. The programs include but not limited to CIPDI learn and Earn Coursera paid certificate courses, vocational skills in different areas, Financial management and leadership trainings which over 200 women have benefitted. In a statement by Agatha Agu, CiPDI’s Vice President, Program & Planning, she noted that t’s extremely important to celebrate International Women’s Day to honour and appreciate the different achievements that women have accomplished around the world, including successes in Business, Science and Technology, Economy, Politics and Sports. They are those extraordinary women who achieved the incredible and refused to give up despite hardship, tragedy and appalling odds. “As an Organization , CIPDI is also remembering those unsung heroes who continue to go unheard and are prevented from reaching their full potential, as basic rights like health and education are still not recognised for some women around the world and some parts in Nigeria. “On this day, as an organization CIPDI celebrates women’s achievements and recognize their value today and every day. “Let’s give the women the tools to become and sustain their confidence to lead, create and innovate”, the statement added.

Troops Destroy IPOB/ESN ‘Supreme Headquarters’ In Imo

  Troops of the Joint Task Force of Operation Udo Ka (OPUK) on Thursday cleared and destroyed the notorious Supreme Headquarters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN). According to a statement by the Nigerian army, the mother valley which is about 5,000 feet below sea level was raided by the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Navy, Nigerian Airforce, the Nigerian Police, DSS and the NSCDC officials. The army said during the raid operations, the gallant troops encountered, detonated, and recovered many command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and various types of obstacles which were cleared by the determined troops. The troops also came in contact with the terrorists but were subdued with superior firepower with many neutralized while others with varying degrees of gunshot wounds fled into the bush. Weapons, equipment, IEDs, and stolen vehicles were recovered some of the items recovered include; 3 x G3 rifles, 9 x Automatic Pump Action Rifles, 7 x Double Barrel Guns, 2 x Locally Made Pistols, 2 x Rocket Propelled Grenade Bombs, 2 x AK-47 Magazines and 1 x G3 Magazine. Others are 26 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 72 Pump Action Cartridges, 1 x Chainsaw, 1 x Laptop, 1 x CCTV DVR, and 26 x CCTV Cameras. 17 x Baofeng Radios with Batteries and 10 without batteries including their chargers. Also recovered are, 6 x Handheld IEDs, 26 x android phones, 25 x normal phones, 1 x inverter, 1 x SIM Card Registration Machine, 4 x POS machines, 3 x Motorcycle batteries for igniting IEDs, 2 x Trumpets, 2 x Biafra flags, 20 x ESN certificates, 2 x Dairies containing details of ammunition and food supplies and 2 pairs of Biafra Liberation Army uniforms. While appreciating other sister security agencies, the GOV 82 Division of the Nigerian army and The Force Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, enjoined the leaders of all liberated communities to return to their ancestral homes, emplace community efforts to ensure that all criminal elements not from the communities are not allowed to return to desecrate their homelands. He called on all law-abiding people of the South-East to provide timely and actionable information to the Nigerian army free toll and emergency Emergency Line 193 to help make the South East geopolitical zone a peaceful and conducive environment for socio-economic development to thrive.

80-year-old Nigerian man commits suicide

  An 80-year-old man, Isiyaka Ayinde, has reportedly committed suicide at the Watch Tower in the Araromi Imota area of Lagos State. PUNCH Online gathered that the incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. A police source told our correspondent that, according to a tenant in the compound, the deceased hung himself with a rope in the kitchen. “He heard his children shouting that he should come and see Baba in the kitchen. When he ran into the kitchen, he saw the lifeless body of the tenant hanging on a rope that was tied to the burglary proof of one of the windows in the kitchen,” the police source said. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident to our correspondent. He added that due to age and religious convictions, the deceased’s family insisted that the body be buried immediately. He said, “The scene has been visited by the DCB personnel of the division, and photographs were taken. “The family of the deceased is not interested in depositing the body at the mortuary but rather prefer burying the corpse immediately as a result of the age and religious inclination of the deceased.” In January, PUNCH reported that a female marketing employee of a bank in Ikorodu, Lagos State, committed suicide. The deceased, 32-year-old Amarachi Ugochukwu, was said to have drunk an insecticide.

Insecurity: DSS Warns Nigerians To Shun Crowded Gathering

  The Department of State Services (DSS), on Friday, cautioned Nigerians across the country to avoid crowded places or suspicious locations to avoid “potential threats” that may come out from Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs). The secret police, in its message to both Christian and Muslim faithful to felicitate with them at their Lent and coming Ramadan seasons respectively, said the advice became imperative in order to live in a peaceful environment. Traveling across Quang Binh to stunning cinematic locations Peter Afunanya, the spokesman of the secret police, also cautioned clerics from both religions, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage or profiteering during these important obligations. “Residents are advised to remain vigilant against public dangers especially Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” Afunanya said, stressing that the service calls for tolerance, bonds of brotherhood, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the populace. Also, the general public is urged to stay informed about potential threats; avoid crowded or suspicious areas and report to relevant security agencies any strange objects, activities and movements of hostile elements.” According to him, the DSS recognises the significance of these sacred rites, that is why it enjoins worshippers to promote understanding, compassion and respect for one another during and after the exercises. The secret police spokesman said, “Accordingly, the Management extends its heartfelt felicitations for peace, unity and harmony to adherents of these faiths. The DSS recognises the significance of these sacred rites and enjoins worshippers to promote understanding, compassion and respect for one another during and after the exercises. “It appeals to stakeholders to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage or profiteering during these important obligations. This is more so that illegal practices such as price gouging or unethical marketing tactics are ungodly; violate fairness and can undermine the true essence of the holy events. “As believers, it is incumbent upon us to uphold good standards and ensure that everyone can observe the religious duties with ease and dignity. Furthermore, the Service encourages clerics and religious leaders to uphold empathy as well as prioritise cooperation and conflict prevention beyond the periods under reference. “Similarly, the media is encouraged to utilise their platforms to foster informed and accurate engagements that (can) enhance the achievement of national security objectives and interests. “Likewise, residents are advised to remain vigilant against public dangers especially Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Also, the general public is urged to stay informed about potential threats; avoid crowded or suspicious areas and report to relevant security agencies any strange objects, activities and movements of hostile elements. “In the same vein, the Service calls for tolerance, bonds of brotherhood, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the populace. Overall, the Service recommits to provision of strategic intelligence to other sister agencies in order to achieve a safe and secure country. “As we undertake these spiritual journeys in the Lenten and Ramadan periods, let us remember to love and share the values that unite us. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of mercy, tolerance, forgiveness, being our brother’s keepers among others and by these, advance more inclusive and equitable society for us all.”

Gunmen ‘kill 17’ in attack on Benue community

  Gunmen have reportedly killed 17 people, during an attack on Mbaikyor Mbalom community, in Gwer LGA of Benue state. A source in the community who disclosed this to TheCable, said the gunmen invaded the village on Thursday night. He added that during the attack, they burnt down many houses before murdering the unarmed people, including a little boy. The source added that the corpses were picked up by members of the community on Friday morning. The gunmen attacked my home, Mbaikyor Mbalom council ward in Gwer local government of Benue state,” the source said. He gave the names of residents killed as Peter Tion, Nyityo Kyoon, Iorfa Ukombor, Doopinen Awua, Tyoshaa Mkaanem, Asan Ate, Asough Ate, Igba Byuan and Master Ter Byuan. Others are Terzungwe Asoo Ate, MWO Mbatsavbun Gbatar (rtd), John Ndahagh Tyohemba, Tertsea Ukombor, Akuma Kpenge, Abume Kpenge, Terzungwe Aulugh and a little boy who is yet to be identified. When contacted, Catherine Anene, spokesperson of the Benue police command, said she was not aware of the incident. “I don’t have that information,” Anene said. Recently, scores of persons were reportedly killed during a clash between rival militia groups in Ukom LGA of Benue state.

MC Oluomo’s aide dies in autocrash on Third Mainland Bridge

  Akintoye Benson, an aide to the chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, has reportedly died. Benson, who was seen in a wrecked vehicle in a viral video, was said to have died in an auto crash on Third Mainland Bridge on Thursday night. Confirming his death, a friend of the deceased, Ogunseye Vincent, wrote on his Facebook page that the late Benson was a vibrant man with high hopes and vision. “The news of your passing came to me as a rude shock. You were a vibrant man with high hopes and vision. “Though the memory we shared remains forever, I take solace in the trust that Olodumare will grant your soul a peaceful rest. Sail well to eternity, Comrade Akintoye Benson (Baba Ogun),” he added. Until his death, Benson was the chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) Zone H. Efforts to reach Akinsanya for a comment proved abortive as his phone could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Four KWASU students allegedly beat colleague to death for filming them

  Four yet-to-be-identified students of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, in Moro local government area of the state, have been arrested by the police for allegedly beating a fellow student to death. Vanguard Correspondent reliably gathered that though the students were arrested on Wednesday, the incident happened penultimate week in one of the private hostels outside the university premises. It was gathered that the students descended on the deceased student, whose name could not be ascertained as of press time, for allegedly filming them without their consent. The victim was said to be recording the four students who were reportedly in a discussion when one of them spotted him. The four students consequently approached him to know why he was filming them without their consent, to which he couldn’t offer any ‘reasonable explanation’. Afterwards, the four enraged students pounced on him for his action. A student who craved anonymity told Vanguard correspondent that “the victim later died from the severity of the beating meted out to him by the students.” When contacted, the State Police Public Relations officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi (DSP), confirmed the incident to our reporter late Thursday night. According to her, “The alleged culprits were four, but I cannot confirm their names now. They have been arrested while an investigation is still ongoing over the matter,” she said.

FACTCHECK: Is trending video of Trump advising Tinubu to reapply fuel subsidy true?

  By Pascal Ibe The video where the former United States president, Donald Trump’ advised current Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu to reapply fuel subsidy and abolish International monetary fund (IMF) policies, is in circulation. The video was first shared Thursday on TikTok by @Abdukano with caption, “Trump’cries out for the Nigeria’s situation ”   In the 23 seconds video, Donald Trump allegedly said, “As Donald.J.Trump personally care about Nigeria’s situation, people are in destitute poverty, people are suffering from the bad government, am advising president Ahmed Bola Tinubu to reapply subsidy on petroleum products, health and food items tremendously. Trump also allegedly asked Tinubu to abolish IMF and world Bank policies. The video on TikTok has attracted over 1k shares in Friday morning. People’s reaction on TikTok below 👇👇 The video was also forwarded to many WhatsApp groups on Friday. FINDINGS However, a closer look at the video showed that Donald Trump’s lips are moving faster than the voice in the video. When checked on Deepware Technology, it stated no deep fake detected in the video. But it’s serferbekov indicated 52% suspicious. This video was not found on Donald Trump’s official X handle, @realDinaldTrump and on Facebook @Donaldc.J Trump. VERDICT: The video where the ex American president advised Bola Tinubu to reapply fuel subsidy is FALSE.