The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • BRT driver ‘kills woman, 25’

    Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Theophilus Nsofor, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing a 25-year-old woman, Blessing Philip.

    Nsofor, who lives in Ijoko area of Ogun State, is facing a three-count charge of reckless driving, manslaughter and driving without particulars before Magistrate, Mrs M.I. Dan-Oni .

    Prosecuting Inspector Victor Eruada said Nsofor committed the offence on May 27, at Iyana-Ipaja by Danco Filling Station, Lagos.

    Eruada alleged that the defendant, who drove a BRT bus marked JJJ 152 XL, drove recklessly and caused the death of the woman.

    According to him, Nsofor drove on the public highway without a driver’s license, vehicle license, certificates of roadworthiness and insurance.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Dan-Oni granted him N100,000 bail with one surety in the like sum.

    She ordered that the surety must be gainfully employed and possess evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    Read Also: Driver arraigned for allegedly selling company car without boss’ consent

    She adjourned till July 24.

    Also yesterday, a 21- year-old driver, Innocent Rufus was before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly kidnapping a woman and demanding N1million ransom.

    Rufus is charged with conspiracy, kidnapping and threat to life.

    Eruada said the defendant committed the offence on May 21 around 9pm at Kofoworola Street, Okupe Estate, Maryland, Lagos.

    He said the defendant conspired to kidnap a housewife, Mrs Margaret Barovbe and demand N1 million from her family.

    Eruada also alleged that Rufus threatened to kill Barovbe’s husband if he failed to pay the ransom.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Dan-On granted him N100,000 bail two sureties in the like sum.

    She adjourned till July 11.

  • Court fixes Sept. 30 to hear demolition suit against UNILAG

    Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed September 30, for hearing in a suit against the University of Lagos, (UNILAG) and two others, over the alleged wrongful seizure of property and rights’ infringement.

    The applicant in the suit before Justice Mohammed Liman, is Mr Emmanuel Ofoegbu, a Lagos-based lawyer.

    Joined as respondents are; Dr Yemi Oke, UNILAG, and one Mr Oluwafemi Adetiba.

    The applicant filed the suit through his counsel Ogedi Ogu, claiming the sum of N50 million against respondents, as compensation for alleged forceful seizure of property of his law office at 366, Murtala Mohammed Way, Yaba.

    The applicant is asking the court’s declaration as unlawful, the forceful seizure and confiscation of his properties, without a court order, after the respondent demolished the said building that housed his law office.

    Afoegbu averred that he was not given the opportunity to be heard by any court or tribunal before the said demolition and seizure of his property were carried out.

    In a supporting affidavit, the applicant claimed that on April 1, he overheard some of his co-tenants saying that the building was billed for demolition by midnight of the same day.

    The plaintiff said that upon enquiries from the third respondent (Adetiba) who had been the Agent/Attorney of the property, he was told that the building had been sold to one Dr Yemi Oke.

    Read Also: Five UNILAG students face fresh charge

    He said the third respondent also showed him an anonymous letter written by the first respondent, whom he said had been threatening to demolish the building.

    The plaintiff alleged that along with other tenants, they wrote to the Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Law Faculty, as well as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, to prevail on the first respondent.

    The applicant said that he had gone to his office on April 20, only to see hooligans demolishing the entire building and who claimed that they were acting on the instructions of the first respondent.

    He alleged that the urchins also carted away his belongings from his law office and confiscated many others.

    He listed the items to include; two modern office tables valued at N500,000, Six swinging chairs and a book rack valued at N600,000, office safe valued N350,000 and Law books valued at N1 Million.

    Others include; Law reports and Journals valued at N2.5 million, old and new case files of inestimable monetary value, as well as Laptops, stationery and fans all valued at N350, 000.

    Afoegbu claimed that his dependents were going through untold hardships occasioned by the disruption of his legal practice.

    He urged the court to uphold his claim.

    Justice Liman adjourned till September 30.

  • Excitement as Lagos announces refunds of N315 million to pilgrims

    The intending pilgrims under the Lagos State Government could not hide their joy on Wednesday following the announcement of refunds of N315 million by the state government.

    At a seminar organised for the pilgrims at the Blue Roof, LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Wednesday, the Amirul Hajj, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, announced that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the refund of N141,000 to each of the 2,234 pilgrims.

    The announcement was greeted with “Allahu Akbar! and Sanwo-Eko!” among others from the pilgrims.

    According to Dr AbdulLateef, the governor is interested in the pilgrims’ happiness and welfare, hence the decision.

    The former Commissioner for Home Affairs said: “The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has asked state boards to refund N51,000 to each pilgrim. NAHCON took the decision following the outcries against the high rate of Hajj fee. We commend the NAHCON for ensuring that the price of hajj is brought down. But Lagos State, being a Centre of Excellence, has set another milestone for other states to emulate by further reduction of additional N90,000. We’ll be returning N141,000 instead of the sum of N51,000 to all our pilgrims who paid N1.4million. This can only be done by a government that has the interest of its citizens at heart and this is what Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has done.

    “The governor has given us the mandate of ensuring that the welfare of the pilgrims is safeguarded including their health and security within and outside the country. This is what we have taken on board.”

    The first batch of pilgrims would leave on July 10.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mrs Folasade Jaji, said the state pilgrims welfare board has made name for herself among for herself amongst the committee of pilgrims boards across the nation.

    Read Also: Lagos/Badagry expressway ready before Dec, says Sanwo-Olu

    “It has over the years become a point of reference in the organisation of pilgrimage and welfare of pilgrims,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He hailed the leadership of the Home Affairs ministry and members of the board “for the marvellous job they have been doing over the years and for organising this pilgrimage seminar as a platform that will afford us the opportunity of discussing relevant issues, exchanging ideas and offering prayers to Allah for a successful journey to and from the Holy land.”

    He advised the pilgrims to obey the laws of Saudi Arabia, be orderly and avoid negative tendencies capable of tarnishing the good image of the state and the nation.

    Chief Imam of Lagos State Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla advised the pilgrims to be patient and obey the instructions of the boards’ officials in Saudi Arabia.

    “When you are going to a foreign land, you need a lot of knowledge about that country so as not to run foul of their laws. The pilgrims have to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations guiding hajj rites,” Sheikh Abou-Nolla said.

    Also yesterday, the State Government inaugurated the Adhoc Committee for the this year’s Hajj Pilgrimage with a charge to the members to ensure that the state sustains its enviable position as the best in the country.

    Deputy Governor Dr Kadiri Hamzat, who inaugurated the committee, urged the members to see to the welfare and safety of the 2,234 pilgrims and also ensure that the entire pilgrimage process is performed peacefully.

    He said they should consider the assignment as a serious job involving issues of welfare, safety and the array of logistics involved from Lagos to Mecca and back to the country.

    “You are to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims, transportation to and within the Holy Land, accommodation and feeding of the pilgrims are taken care of. Your duties as a committee commence from Nigeria till their return and end at the tendering of report and recommendation for improvement,” the deputy governor said.

    Earlier, Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye, said as part of the efforts to ensure an hitch-free hajj operation, the state Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board had organised series of activities which include seminar, talks, sensitisation, medical test amongst other exercises to prepare the pilgrims for the spiritual exercises.

    The event was witnessed by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, and Secretary of the pilgrims’ Board Mr. Raman Ishola amongst others.

  • Hoodlums shoot police escort, snatch N10 million

    An expatriate with a ceramic company at Obajana in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State was reportedly attacked on Tuesday by yet-to-be identified gunmen, who snatched N10million from him.

    The expatriate, who was said to be returning from a bank in company of a police escort, was attacked at a filling station close to Ganaja village a suburb of Lokoja.

    Initial reports indicated the sole police escort was said to have been killed by the suspected robbers.

    Read Also: Gunmen kidnap woman in Oyo

    But when contacted, Commissioner of Police (CP), Hakeem Busari, who confirmed the attack, said the policeman was shot on his legs.He disclosed that several arrests have been made in connection with the robbery.

    The CP added that investigation into the matter has commenced and the outcome will soon be made public.

  • Fire razes home of Ohanaeze’s deputy speaker

    The Enugu home of the deputy spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu, was gutted by fire on Sunday afternoon.

    The fire burnt the entire building as efforts by the Enugu and federal fire service to quell it were not successful.

    Read Also: Enugu CP urges commercial drivers to be ambassadors of anti-corruption

    The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and Ibegbu has appealed for help from well meaning Igbo and Nigerians, including the political and philanthropic leaders.

  • Passengers besiege Port Health office for Yellow Card

    Intending passengers scheduled for international flights on Monday besieged the Port Health Services Office at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to process the new electronic Yellow Card.

    The rush by passengers followed the phasing out of all versions of the card known as International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

    The new card comes on the heels of the proliferation of issuance of fake yellow cards by unauthorised persons, which had become a source of national embarrassment.

    As early as 7am, hundreds of intending passengers showed up at the Port Health Office, near the tollgate of the Lagos Airport.

    When The Nation visited the office, many passengers complained about the slow pace of work and absence of internet facilities. Besides, the office was thrown into darkness following heavy downpour in the early hours.

    Apart from passengers who had flights to catch yesterday, others were directed to return today to pick their cards.

    To qualify for immediate issuance, passengers were requested to submit their confirmed tickets with the date of travel.

    The new card, it was learnt, has enhanced security features that could be verified anywhere in the world by scanning the bar code or checking the card number on the Yellow Card portal.

    Effective July 1, the new e-Yellow Card would be the only valid documented proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

     

  • Man stripped for impersonation at Oba’s palace

    Member of the Ibiwe Society, identified as Chief Okoro Iduserem, has been stripped for parading himself as an Enogie (Duke) and using insignia of palace royalty in his car.

    Chief Idusere also wore beads only worn by Enigies and top palace functionaries, which must have been presented to them by the Oba of Benin.

    In a viral video, the palace Ewaise (diviners) and Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, were seen interrogating Chief Idusere. He agreed he was not an Enogie and was not given coral beads by the Oba.

    Idusere was also accused of using the insignia to sell land, settle traditional dispute illegally and pass sensitive information around to people like Murphy Face, who is reputed to using the social media to denigrate the Benin Kingdom and its royalty.

    Read Also: African American tourists visit Oba of Benin

    Chief Idusere, who denied conniving with others to denigrate the palace using various social media platforms, agreed to swear any oath on any altar in the palace. He was heard explaining how he wanted to form the Benin Royal Army since the sect he belonged to is the last line of defence.

    The imposter was later seen on his pants and swearing an oath after a cock was slaughtered.

    It was gathered that Idusere would be arraigned today for violating the Edo State Chieftaincy and Traditional Rulers Laws.

  • OML 25: Shell and host communities sign MoU to reopen flow station

    Stakeholder Communities of Oil Mining License (OML) 25 and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the ropening of the flow station and payment of outstanding funds owed host communities under the extant Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU).

    The MoU also mandated Shell to pay N1.36 billion into a dedicated account, within two weeks, for the development of the communities.

    Representative of the Rivers State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Solicitor-General Mrs. Florence Fiberesima and Permanent Secretary, Chieftaincy Affairs Felix Odungweru superintended over the signing yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    The settlement agreement was signed on behalf of the communities by Traditional Rulers, Youth Presidents, Chairmen of Community Development Committees and Community Leaders. Those who signed the agreement were stakeholder communities of Kula, Belema, Offoin-Ama, Ibie-Ama, Boro and Opu-Kula.

    Danagogo said the fundamental reason for yesterday’s meeting was to sign the agreement without prejudice to who holds different positions in the communities.

    He said: “We are here to sign the settlement agreement between Shell and the Kula communities. We are here to resolve the issues between Shell and our people. After this agreement, other meetings would be convened to determine the issues of employment, community development and community contracts. For now, the aim is for Shell to pay the funds that have accrued, and for the flow station to be opened for further development.”

    According to him, the government is aware of those being sponsored to stop the process of settlement, peace and progress, but the government is determined to conclude the reopening process.

    Read Also: OML 25 protest: Shell seeks peace with host communities

    Danagogo, who said the government’s actions were based on the renewal of SPDC Operating License, added that should the license be transferred to Belema Oil by NNPC, the government will ensure implementation.

    “We want our people to own oil blocks, but we don’t want a situation where the operating license of others are illegally taken away because other Rivers people are operating in other states. Let us approach these issues in peace to achieve progress,” he added.

    He reiterated that the government will not succumb to plots to derail the progress made at settling the dispute.

    General Manager, External Relations of SPDC Igo Weli said the settlement agreement is a welcome development which will improve the reputation of Rivers State as a centre for investments.

    According to him, peace and harmony between corporate entities and host communities is the way to go.

    He said: “This is a good model and template.  We came here to find solutions because we want the best for our communities. There are always constructive and peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.”

    The Amanyanabo of Kula, Kroma Eleki called for peace across Kula communities to pave way for the peaceful operation of OML 25. He praised the government for ensuring the peaceful resolution of issues in the area.

    The Amanyanabo of Belema, King Ibinabo Kalaoriye, who also signed the settlement agreement, thanked the government for the peaceful process that led to the agreement. He was happy with the terms of agreement, saying those who have occupied the flow station would leave.

    According to him, since Shell’s license had been renewed, there was no need for any individual to shutdown the flow station.

    Chairman of Akuku-Toru council Rowland Sekibo said the agreement was a genuine progress that will help the area’s development.

  • One dead, two injured in Anambra accident

    One person died and two others were injured in Monday’s accident on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway in Awka, Anambra State.

    The accident, which happened around the Government House, involved a Honda Odessey with three persons on board.

    Eyewitnesses said the injured occupants were rushed to the hospital. According to him, the driver was speeding when he suddenly skidded off the road and crashed into the side drainage.

    Read Also: 29 escape death in Anambra multiple crash

    Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Andrew Kumapayi blamed the crash on over speeding.

    He said: “Two males and one female were in the white car, Honda Odessey (AWK 716 DU). But only one person, a male, was confirmed dead.”

    Kumapayi added that the deceased was taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Amaku.

     

  • Edo APC suspends lawmaker-elect

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State has affirmed the suspension of the Edo State House of Assembly member-elect, Hon. Washington Osifo.

    The Chairman, Johnson Omoruyi, affirmed the suspension during an interview yesterday.

    According to him, Osifo’s suspension followed his refusal to heed warnings that he should follow the path of honour and present himself for inauguration as a member of the House of Assembly.

    Read Also: House officers: APC Caucus members opt for election

    He said: “He should know why we voted him into power. He should tell us if he has issues bothering him so the party can resolve them and ensure a seamless relationship between the governor and the local government.”

    The Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ogbewe, said while the suspension lasts, the door is open for Osifo to have a rethink and he could be accepted back into the party.

    Osifo is among the 13 members-elect of the House of Assembly yet to be inaugurated.