The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • One killed in Police, motorcyclists scuffle in Benue

    The Police in Benue State on Friday confirmed the death of one  Terhemen Tyavbi during a scuffle between its Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and motorcyclists in Kwande Local Government Area.

    The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Catherine Anene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi that the motorcyclists tried to stop policemen from arresting two persons in possession of illegal arms.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Police launch aerial battle

    Anene said that Tyavbi and Ishima Iorhemen, who sustained gunshots injuries during the scuffle, were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

    She explained that while Tyavbi died at the hospital, Iorhemen was responding to treatment.

    The spokesperson denied that there was deliberate shooting of any person by the policemen.

  • LASG intercepts truck loaded with 123 persons, 48 motorbikes

    A truck loaded with 123 persons and 48 motorcycles coming from Jigawa State was intercepted in Agege area of Lagos State on Friday by operatives of the Special Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offenses.

    The truck was impounded following the alarm raised by members of the public about the conduct of the occupants of the truck.

    It was said that the truck and its occupants had been moved to the office of the Taskforce in Oshodi for interrogation.

    Chairman of the Taskforce, Yinka Egbeyemi, said the vehicle was accosted in the wee hours on Friday, after a security alert from the public. He said his men swiftly responded to the information, which led to the seizure of the truck and its occupants at Agege area of Lagos.

    Read Also: Customs intercept N5bn tramadol, other illicit drugs in Lagos

    He said: “While my team was on operation, we got information from the public that some people had entered into Lagos in trailer loaded with over 300 people. We swiftly responded to the alert and trailed the truck from Berger area to Agege. We eventually intercepted the truck which carried no few than 123 men and 48 motorcycles.

    “We have interrogated most of the truck’s occupants; from the information we gathered, some of them said they were coming from Jigawa State, with 48 of them claiming to own seized motorcycles. The rest of them said they came to Lagos in search of greener pasture.”

    Egbeyemi disclosed that the Lagos Police Command had directed that a fact-finding panel be constituted to profile the detained occupants of the truck, but he added that nothing incriminating was found on them apart from the motorcycles.

    One of the occupants of the truck, Shuaibu Haruna, said he left Jigawa State to work in Lagos with his motorcycle. He claimed to have a wife and a son, but said he needed to double his income to cater for his family.

    Haruna said he intended to stay in Isolo area to which he had already paid N7,000 as accommodation fee.

  • 10 ways to avoid being scammed by ‘yahoo boys’

    It is no longer news that ‘scams are real’ and ‘scammers exist’, they are humans like us and they are apparently in every corner of the world.

    Down the memory lane, the term “yahoo” was localized in Nigeria in the early 2000s as the name for ‘internet fraud’.

    While the internet has made it simple for us as humans to connect easily, the simplicity has brought in bigger challenges.

    The internet offers us a wide range of benefits but sadly, internet fraudsters devise clever plans to defraud millions of people every day.

    Online fraud and scams operate under many different disguises and go by many names such as yahoo-yahoo, cyber-crime, internet fraud, online crime, e-crime.

    Here are a few facts about online scammers:

    1. They are very patient strategically looking for a perfect time to strike.

    2. Older women are usually the ‘chief target’ for scammers.

    3. These scammers are usually too quick in trying to convince you about his or her identity backing it up with fake ‘proof’

    4. In Nigeria, scammers who are usually referred to as ‘Yahoo boys’, make use of voodoo or traditional powers called ‘Yahoo Plus’ or ‘Yahoo Plus Plus’.

    5. The most common type of ‘Yahoo Plus’ or ‘Yahoo Plus Plus’ is ‘do as I say’ which means you’ll be manipulated to give in to their demands, and only come to your senses to realize the errors after you’ve been defrauded.

    6. Everyone is potential target for scammers and they are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money.

    7. Examples of the scam used by internet fraudsters are; Job offer scams, lottery scams, beneficiary scams, online dating scams, charity fraud scams e.t.c.

    Read Also: Yahoo boys: Not too Young to Scam?

    So to avoid being scammed by these fraudsters via the aforementioned means above, here are few tips to eliminate the risk:

    1. Spot/detect imposter – Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust; a family member or a company you do business with. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request.

    2. Be ‘red alert’ to the fact that scams exist – When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it’s over the phone/mail/social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam.

    3. Know who you’re dealing with – If you’ve only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research. If a message or email comes from a friend and it seems unusual or out of character for them, contact your friend directly.

    4. Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links – Be careful not to click on spammed links which could lead to compromising your personal details.

    5. Keep your personal details secure – It is necessary to advice that you keep your passwords and pin numbers secured. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites.

    6. Review your privacy settings on social media – If you use social networking sites, such as Facebook, be careful who you connect with and learn how to use your privacy and security settings to ensure you stay safe.

    7. Be extremely cautious when dealing with anyone you’ve met online – Scammers use dating websites, social media, and many other sites to reach potential targets. They can quickly feel like a friend or even a romantic partner, but that is part of the tactics to get you to trust them.

    8. Don’t be pressured to act immediately – Scammers typically try to make you think there’s a limited time offer. They want to push you into action before you have time to think, it’s never a good idea to make an important decision quickly.

    9. Fake social media profiles – Some scammers create fake profiles and send you a friend request or message. If you respond, they then send you offers to make quick money or invest, or ask for money to help them with trouble they are having. They could also gain access to your personal information and steal your identity.

    10. Text Message To Update Your Bank Verification Number – If you get a text message on your cell phone from your bank saying “there’s been a problem with your bank verification number (BVN), and you need to call right away with some account information”, the truth is your supposed “bank” is a scammer hoping you will reveal your account information.

  • Akeredolu pays N4b arrears of gratuity to pensioners

    The Ondo State government has been commended for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners by paying over N4 billion arrears of gratuity owed pensioners by the immediate past administration in the state.

    Members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ondo State chapter, led by its chairman, Chief Raphael Adetuwo,  gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the state Head of Service (HoS), Mr Dare Aragbaiye in his office in Akure. He  also said that the state government has not defaulted in the monthly payment of pension to its members since the inauguration of the Akeredolu led administration in 2017.

    Speaking on behalf of the union, its Secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, appealed to the state government to commence the implementation of the approved 33 per cent pension increase for pensioners, which their counterparts at the federal level have been enjoying since 2014.

    Read Also: Bail us out of deplorable roads, Akoko communities beg Akeredolu

    Comrade Sunday equally enjoined the state government to increase the allocation for the payment of gratuity to pensioners at both the state and council levels in order to enhance prompt payment of gratuity to workers immediately after their retirement, lamenting that so many of the retirees have died before the payment of their gratuity.

    In his response, the state Head of Service, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, charged pensioners to join hands with the state government to block all leakages of pension fund, and to alleviate the plight of their members in the state, by exposing all those who engage in collecting the pension of the dead pensioners.

    Mr Aragbaiye said members of the union should desist from colluding with serving officers of the government who are extorting money from other pensioners for the purpose of facilitating payment of their gratuity, saying that the state government would no longer tolerate such corrupt practices in the system.

    He said: “l know that when people are retiring, they contribute money to give officers to process their gratuity and pension. This practice is ungodly.”

  • After 2 years, UI lifts ban on student unionism

    The management of University of Ibadan (UI) has lifted the ban placed on student union activities in the institution.

    Following a protest on May 30, 2017, the University Senate, under the leadership of Prof. Idowu Olayinka, the Vice-chancellor, suspended the students’ union.

    Prof. Olayinka confirmed the development as ‘true’.

    He said the senate met on Friday and lifted the suspension on students’ union activities.

    Also, the Director, Directorate of Public Communications, Tunji Oladejo, also confirmed the development saying that the university is ready to conduct leadership training after the election.

    Read Also: OAU students’ union shut down University of Ibadan

    “We are ready to work with the crop of new leaders so as to move the university forward,” he said.

    The Nation however gathered that the erstwhile President for council of Faculties, Victor Olaonipekun, has been charged with the responsibility of conducting a ‘free and fair election’ for the Students’ Union within the next 9 weeks.

    It should be recalled that the Ojo Aderemi-led administration led a protest in 2017 over the non-issuance of identity (ID) cards which subsequently led to the suspension of the union.

    Olayinka’s reversal of the suspension of union’s activities has elicited cheers from the students and many alumnus of the institution.

  • Kano Tribunal sacks Dambazau’s Son

    The election petition tribunal in Kano on Friday sacked Shamsuddeen Dambazau, the son of former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, as member representing Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency.

    The tribunal ordered Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to issue certificate of return to Surajo Kanawa, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    Dambazau, who did not contest the election but came second in the APC primaries, got the mandate when a Federal High Court in Kano disqualified a former presidential aide, Kawu Sumaila, in a pre-election suit.

    Read Also: Tribunal strikes out PDP’s petition against Sen. Al-Makura

    Dambazau had sued INEC, APC and Mr Sumaila challenging the nomination of the latter as the candidate of APC.

    He told the court through his counsel, Nuraini Jimoh, that Mr Sumaila contested for the Kano South senatorial seat and lost to Kabiru Gaya.

    Sumaila had indeed contested the Kano South senatorial ticket of the APC. He lost to a serving senator, Kabiru Gaya.

  • Taraba Killings: Why joint probe panel failed to turn in its report on Friday

    The Joint Investigative Panel established by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on the order of President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the killings of three police operatives and a civilian in Taraba State failed to turn in its reports on Friday.

    Sources at DHQ Abuja told our correspondent that the Panel members are yet to put finishing touches to their reports, adding that given the volume of works before the Panel, there was no way they could turn in their reports immediately after grilling all the principal suspects, soldiers, policemen and civilians connected to the matter.

    The source added that besides the material evidence including videos recordings and the statements made by the suspects, the Panel had to examine bank statements and other relevant documents of suspects to be able to establish strong cases against all the actors in the matter.

    The Panel which is headed by Rear Admiral Ibikunle Olaiya is believed to be working on putting all the material evidences together at the Headquarters of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Abuja where it interrogated policemen, soldiers, civilians and the re-arrested Taraba kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume.

    It was gathered that soldiers linked with the matter have been in military detention since the first week of August and they are not likely going to be left off the hook until the report of the Panel indicate the levels of their culpability and otherwise.

    The Panel it was further learnt extended its probe to officers and soldiers at the Nigerian Army 23 Brigade, Yola, which controls 93 Battalion, Takum, Taraba State. Civilians and policemen connected to the case were also interrogated by the Panel.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai is said to be awaiting the recommendations of the Army Department of Transformation on the need to fish out bad eggs in the military and show them the way out.

    Read Also: Fish out killers of Catholic priest in Taraba, Ortom charges security agencies

    Sources at the Army Headquarters, Abuja , said the issue of military discipline, professionalism, commitment to service rules  and sound ethical conducts  have continued to raise concerns among military leaders in recent times considering the levels of involvement of soldiers and even some officers in various misconducts and unethical practices.

    The source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the leadership of the army is poised to ease out bad eggs as soon as they are fished out, adding that they would not only be dismissed but they would be prosecuted according to service rules.

    He further said the army authorities are also worried about recent events in the country that portrayed the institution in bad light, saying it was on the strength of such development that the Army quickly acted on the case of the killing of a commercial  motorcyclist, Mr Chimaobi Nwogu in Abia State by Cpl Ajayi Johnson.

    He added that the authority not only dismissed the soldier, but handed him over to the appropriate security agency for prosecution.

    Said the Source: “ You will agree with me that the last three months has been very difficult and tasking for us in the Army. You recall the case of soldiers linked with a GOC who were on escort duty of a VIP and then they were reported to have abandoned their duty and absconded with millions of naira.

    “We are yet investigating that matter, then you suddenly had of the case of Wadume in Taraba and the unfortunate killings of three police operatives and a civilian. We were shock at the revelations that followed that incident.

    “And of course you know we have to follow established procedures in the military. But this particular case portrayed us in bad light. In fact, I think it was the same week that another soldier was said to have raped a university student. It was a trying moment for us. But we are doing a follow up that will purge the military of bad eggs.

    “I can assure you that the army authorities are not taking this matter lying low. We have had series of meeting. But there are issues we have to iron out. First, is the on-going investigations by the DHQ Panel on Taraba kidnapper and the alleged involvement of soldiers and officers in it.

    “After the Panel’s report, you will see action. However, let me also say that the authority is placing high premium on soldiers and officers who perform gallantly and professionally in line of duties. They will be recognized and rewarded accordingly. It is a two way thing as far as we are concerned.”

    It will be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai had at a Workshop on Transformational Leadership in Abuja in June this year warned that the Army would do all that is necessary to fish out bad eggs whose willingness to remain in the service has waned.

    He told military leaders not to wait for bad eggs within the service to get out of the way, but that they must be fished out and sent packing.

  • 5 killed, houses burnt in fresh Southern Kaduna attack

    No fewer than five persons have been confirmed killed while several houses burnt during an attack by unidentified gun men at Kiri village in Attakar Chiefdom of Kaura local government of Kaduna State.

    The attack on the village bordering Ryom Local Government Area of Plateau State is coming after the several months of relative peace in the southern part of Kaduna state.

    Kaduna State Police Command, Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo who confirmed the attack however said, investigations had been launched to unravel the identity of the attackers and bring them to book.

    An eye witness, Mr. Sunday Bulus told our Correspondent that, the attackers invaded the community around 4M on Thursday evening and shot sporadically at the armless villagers

    Read Also: Katsina attacks: Masari dialogues with bandits, says enough is enough

    “In the process, five persons were killed while two others are still missing. A number of houses including, the new Police Outpost were burnt and vandalised respectively.” He narrated.

    Meanwhile, the police spokesman also confirmed that, the armed hoodlums stormed the village, shooting sporadically and the process killed the villagers.

    According to him, “some armed hoodlums came to the village on Thursday,  shooting sporadically and shot one man, named Daniel  who was later rushed to the hospital.

    “Upon receiving information, the area commander of Kafanchan rushed to the scene and chased the hoodlums who ran into a hill bordering Kaura and Ryom Local Government area of Plateau State. “And this morning while our men were combing the area they discovered four corpses and the 35 year Daniel whom was injured  yesterday later died, making five persons dead.

    “Police have taken over situation in the state as everywhere in the village is calm and patrol is ongoing in the surrounding area.” He said.

    The PPRO stressed that, preliminary investigation shows that the attackers may have come through Ryom Local Government area of Plateau State.

  • Two die in Zamfara gov’s convoy accident

    An accident involving the convoy of Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of two police personnel attached to him.

    Dead are Police Inspector, Aminu Usman and Sgt. Nura Mohammed.

    Yusuf Idris, the Director-General on Press Affairs to the governor said in Gusau,the State capital that the accident occurred on the  Funtua/Gusau road at about  6pm on Thursday.

    Idris said that the deceased had escorted the governor to Abuja on a five day official trip.

    Idris said that while they were returning with the governor, one of the vehicles in the convoy broke down in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    Read Also: Police officer, kidnapper die in shootout

    He said: “The two policemen were among the seven persons left behind to oversee the repairs of the broken down vehicle before coming to Gusau.

    “About two hours later, however, the sad news was brought to the governor that those left behind were involved in the crash while driving in a heavy downpour and that the two policemen had died.

    “Amidst tears, the governor directed the evacuation of the wounded persons from Funtua General Hospital where they were receiving treatment to a referral hospital for better care under the supervision of the governor’s personal physician.

    “The doctor was also directed to update the governor on the progress of the treatment.”

    He further explained that while one of the victims escaped the accident unhurt, the remaining four sustained varying degree of injuries.

    Idris said the governor had condoled with the families of the deceased and said the state government would pay all medical bill of those hospitalized.

  • Kogi 2019: IPAC walks out on REC

    Members of the Inter Party Advisory Council in Kogi State, on Friday, walked out of the stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged negative role of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. James Apam, in the last general election.

    The Kogi IPAC spokesman, Ibrahim Itodo, said they had lost confidence in the REC and demand he be posted out of the state.

    Read Also: Kogi High Court declines motion to stop APC governorship primary

    According to him, they found the REC consistently compromising his position and duties and acting in ways inimical to the feelings of majority of voters in the state.

    He accused the REC of hobnobbing with the Governor Yahaya Bello administration and deliberately shutting out the opposition in the state.