The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Fatoyinbo released after second day’s grilling over alleged rape

    The police on Wednesday released the founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, after two days of grilling.

    He is expected to return today to the Force headquarters for further interrogation.

    The pastor, who is being interrogated by detectives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, on allegation of rape by Mrs. Busola Dakolo, wife of popular musician, Timi Dakolo, was released on Wednesday.

    He had returned to the FCID office for the continuation of the interrogation, which started on Tuesday.

    The police said Fatoyinbo was granted bail on Wednesday after meeting its conditions.

    It was also learnt that Mrs. Dakolo was invited for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mike Ogbizi.

    Read Also: Rape Allegation: Fatoyinbo’s grilling enters day two

    Confirming this yesterday to The Nation, the Force spokesman Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said: “He was released in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday), but he is back to the Force CID. The witnesses we were expecting from Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and others were also interviewed yesterday before his release.

    “At the end of the day, we granted him bail, but he is back to Force CID now.

    “So, Fatoyinbo is back and we are still continuing our work. He is most likely going to be grilled today (yesterday).”

    On whether or not Mrs Dakolo was also invited for interrogation, Mba said: “She is at liberty to come to the FCID because the case involves her.”

  • Lagos seals off property over ‘felling of trees’

    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday evening sealed off a building at 10A, Alexander Road, Ikoyi for alleged felling of trees without a permit.

    This, the government said, contravened the Greening Law.

    The enforcement for compliance, jointly carried out by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), was on the executive directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the property owner refused to comply with the abatement notice earlier served on him by LASPARK.

    Speaking during the enforcement exercise, LASPARK General Manager Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi Abiola and her LASEPA counterpart Dr. Dolapo Fasawe said the action became necessary to establish the need for property owners to comply with the greening provisions of the Lagos State Government.

    Read Also: Lagos SUBEB boss laments poor data on out-of-school children

    Abiola said: “This building was sealed off for infringing on the established law after the owner cut down trees without approval by the government. This act contravenes the Greening Law and as such attracts legal action.”

    She said the government had served the building owner a notice, offering him the privilege to engage the government, but his refusal to do so prompted the government to enforce compliance.

    This, Abiola said, would act as a deterrent to others.

    She said the government is committing resources for the expansion and maintenance of its greening project, adding that the least she expects from anyone or institution is to support the mission and not to act contrarily.

    •The enforcement agent of government sealing off the property

    The LASPARK boss urged other property owners, who have also violated some of the greening provisions, to promptly make necessary amendments; otherwise they should be ready to face legal action.

    She said the government remained resolute in ensuring that private and public infrastructures were green compliant.

    “In the face of this continuous sensitisation by the Lagos State Government through LASPARK, LASEPA and other agencies, henceforth defaulters of this provision will be sanctioned,” Abiola said.

    Fasawe recalled that the two agencies swung into action by visiting the property to authenticate the validity of a claim and surprisingly met the gate under lock, hence the need for the action.

    She hailed the citizen, who alerted the government and enjoined the public to support the greening vision of the state by serving as environmental watchdogs in the preservation of nature, in the interest of all.

    “The government is simply being responsive to all acts against its authority, acts that undermine its effort towards promoting environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. The benefits of preserving and maintaining trees are enormous and Lagosians should avail themselves of this opportunity, by religiously protecting these trees and imbibing the culture of planting, nurturing and preserving them, to protect mankind and mitigate other harmful effects associated with climate change,” Fasawe said.

  • Tribunal nullifies election of APGA Reps member

    The National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi on Wednesday nullified the election of Mr David Ogewu of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and declared Mr Samson Okwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Obi/Oju Federal Constituency election.

    The Tribunal Chairman, Justice A.A Adeleye, therefore, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Ogewu and give it to Okwu.

    Adeleye gave the order while delivering judgement in the petition filed by Okwu against the election of Ogewu, where he declared that the petitioner won the election with a margin of 994 votes  from the two Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    Adeleye faulted the decision of INEC which declared Ogewu the winner without including results for Obi LGA in the final collation, pointing out that the margin of win, which the APGA candidate secured over the petitioner in Oju, was inconsequential.

    Read Also: Just in: Tribunal sacks APGA Reps member in Benue

    The tribnal noted that the total number of registered voters from Obi which is 59, 411 far exceeded Ogewu’s earlier margin of lead.

    He pointed out that the declaration of Ogewu as the winner of the Federal Constituency seat based on only the result for Oju, where he scored 12,794  votes against Okwu’s 6,797 was invalid.

    He said that Ogewu did not secure majority of the lawful votes cast from the two LGAs that made up the federal constituency.

    Adeleye noted that the tribunal has the jurisdiction to do the necessary arithmetic to include Obi result which Okwu of PDP scored 7, 543 votes against Ogewu’s 754.

    He also deducted 252 votes scored by the APGA candidate in Oju LGA on the ground that they were allotted to him in error.

    Following the final computation of result for the two LGAs by the tribunal, the two time House of Representatives Member, Okwu led the initial winner, Ogewu after securing a total of 14, 300 votes higher than his opponent, who polled 13,306.

    He,therefore, declared Okwu as the winner, saying the petitioner’s witnesses convinced the court with cogent evidences of non compliance with the electoral act to warrant the court decision in their favour.

    The tribunal said that the respondent’s witnesses failed to prove the allegation of violence in Obi Local Government Area during the election. (NAN)

    The National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi on Wednesday nullified the election of Mr David Ogewu of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and declared Mr Samson Okwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Obi/Oju Federal Constituency election.

    The Tribunal Chairman, Justice A.A Adeleye, therefore, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Ogewu and give it to Okwu.

    Adeleye gave the order while delivering judgement in the petition filed by Okwu against the election of Ogewu, where he declared that the petitioner won the election with a margin of 994 votes  from the two Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    Adeleye faulted the decision of INEC which declared Ogewu the winner without including results for Obi LGA in the final collation, pointing out that the margin of win, which the APGA candidate secured over the petitioner in Oju, was inconsequential.

    The tribnal noted that the total number of registered voters from Obi which is 59, 411 far exceeded Ogewu’s earlier margin of lead.

    He pointed out that the declaration of Ogewu as the winner of the Federal Constituency seat based on only the result for Oju, where he scored 12,794  votes against Okwu’s 6,797 was invalid.

    He said that Ogewu did not secure majority of the lawful votes cast from the two LGAs that made up the federal constituency.

    Adeleye noted that the tribunal has the jurisdiction to do the necessary arithmetic to include Obi result which Okwu of PDP scored 7, 543 votes against Ogewu’s 754.

    He also deducted 252 votes scored by the APGA candidate in Oju LGA on the ground that they were allotted to him in error.

    Following the final computation of result for the two LGAs by the tribunal, the two time House of Representatives Member, Okwu led the initial winner, Ogewu after securing a total of 14, 300 votes higher than his opponent, who polled 13,306.

    He,therefore, declared Okwu as the winner, saying the petitioner’s witnesses convinced the court with cogent evidences of non compliance with the electoral act to warrant the court decision in their favour.

    The tribunal said that the respondent’s witnesses failed to prove the allegation of violence in Obi Local Government Area during the election.

    (NAN)

  • Tobi Amusan breaks 20-year record to retain title

    Africa’s 100 metre hurdles champion Tobi Amusan ran a 12.68s to retain her title in the Women’s 100m final of the 12th Africa Games at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex on Wednesday.

    The 22 -year -old surpassed Glory Alozie’s Africa Games record of 12.74s, which she ran 20 years ago in Johannesburg, setting a new one of 12.68s (-0.6) to win the event’s gold medal.

    Burkina Faso’s Koala Yasmine ran 13.20s to win silver while South Africa’s Bieldt Taylon won the bronze medal with her 13.40s run.

    Nigeria’s Ayemoba Ikaluse finished in 4th position with a time of 13.40s, while Francis Ruth did not participate in the race after opting for Women’s Heptathlon 200m event.

    National Record holder in the women’s Javelin, Kelechi Nwanaga also defended her Javelin title, throwing a distance of 55.88m to be crowned the African Games Champion for the second consecutive time.

    South Africa duo of Van Jo-ane and Viljoen Sunette threw 55.38m and 53.44m to win the silver and bronze medal respectively.

    Read Also: BREAKING: 12th African Games: Three Nigerians hit semifinal of men’s singles

    Team Nigeria’s quartet of Joy Udo-Gabriel, Mercy Ntia-Obong, Adekunle Jasper and Rosemary Chukwuma got round the baton to win the women’s 4x100m relay final, crossing the line in 44.16s.

    In the Men’s 4x100m final, Nigeria quartet of Divine Oduduru, Ramon Ekevwo, Emmanuel Arowolo and Itsekiri Usheoritse won silver

    In the men’s 400m final, Chidi Okezie ran his fastest time this season of 45.61s to win the Bronze medal.

    Botswana’s Scotch Leungo claimed the gold medal with a time of 45.27s while South Africa’s Phora Thapelo ran 45.59s to claim the silver medal.

    Nigeria’s Emma Ojeli finished 6th in 46.05s.

    Favour Ofili ran a 51.68s to place second in the Women’s 400m final.

    Her time means she has qualified for the World Championships and won the Silver medal.

    Botswana’s Moroko Galefele won the race with a time of 51.30sm while Ghana’s Obour Grace ran 51.86s to win bronze.

    Tobi Amusan breaks 20-year record to retain title

  • Police arraign killer soldier in Abia

    The police command in Abia on Wednesday arraigned former Lance Cpl in the Nigerian Army, Johnson Ajayi, at an Umuahia Chief Magistrate Court on a one count charge of unlawful killing.

    Ajayi, who was posted to Ohanze military checkpoint, allegedly shot and killed one Chimobi Nworgu, a commercial motorcyclist at his Umuokereke Ngwa Village in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia on Aug. 7.

    The accused was said to have trailed the deceased to his country home, where he reportedly shot him for allegedly failing to drop N100 tip at the checkpoint.

    He was said to have shot the deceased at a close range in the head, killing him on the spot.

    Ajayi, who reportedly fled the area after the act, was later arrested, tried and dismissed from the army and subsequently handed over to the Abia police command on Wed., Aug. 21 for prosecution.

    The Police Prosecutor, Adeyemi Olukoya, said that Ajayi was charged with unlawful killing of the deceased and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap. 80. Vol. 3 Laws of Abia state 2005.

    Read Also: Police arraign dismissed cops for alleged extrajudicial killing 

    After the charge was read to him, Chief Magistrate Linda Ugbaja asked him if he had a counsel. Responding, he told the court that “they did not allow me get one”.

    Ugbaja thereafter ordered that he be remanded in prison custody, saying that she lacked the jurisdiction to try the matter.

    She also directed that the case file be ransferd to the Department of Public Prosecution and adjourned to Sept. 16 for the report of compliance.

    Mr Chibuzor Adiele, counsel for the deceased’s widow, Chiamaka, promised that the Ministry of Justice would file the case at the Hight Court which, according to him, has jurisdiction over it.

    Meanwhile, the 19-year-old widow has appealed to the state and federal governments to ensure that her late husband’s killer did not escape justice.

    Speaking in an interview with newsmen on the court premises, the mother of two, described her husband as the bread winner of the family.

    She said that she had yet to recover from the shock of his “gruesome murder”.

    She solicited the assistance of the state government and good spirited Nigerians, saying that she had no means to fend for her children.

    (NAN)

  • Kidnapping: Police rescue 3 ABU students

    The Kaduna State Police Command says its operatives have rescued three students of Ahmadu Bello  University (ABU) Zaria abducted on Monday along Abuja-Kaduna highway.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officers, DSP Yakubu Sabo, however, said in a press statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna, that three other persons were still being held by the kidnappers.

    “The Command wishes to state that, on the said date, August 26, at about 18:50hrs, Armed Men in Military Uniform intercepted some commuters near Masari Village along Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, opened fire on the vehicles, in the process kidnaped six persons.

    “However, due to the prompt response of the Police and other security agents to the scene, three people were later released by the hoodlums due to intensive combing within the general area.”

    The  statement said the three students alongside the abandoned vehicles at the scene of the incident, were moved to the Police Station.

    Read Also: NAPTIP nabs man allegedly involved in kidnapping Ghanaian girls

    It assured  that concerted efforts were being coordinated by the joint teams of Anti-Kidnapping Unit, PMF and the IRT to rescue the remaining three victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

    “The Command wants the public to note that, while regretting the unfortunate incident, the story being circulated on the incident is a gross exaggeration and misrepresentation of fact aimed at causing more fear in the minds of the public.

    “Thus, the Command enjoins the general public to jettison such report as a misleading information.

    “Consequently, the press should continue to uphold high ethical standard of their profession.”

    The command also appealed that all accounts of crimes be verified before publication to avoid sharing falsehood.

    “Internet subscribers should also be cautious in sharing stories of questionable sources especially via the social media,” it said.

    (NAN)

  • Photos: DJ Cuppy visits IDP camp in Maiduguri

    Famous international singer and DJ, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola (aka DJ Cuppy) on Wednesday visited internally displaced persons’ camp in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The Picture below shows where she was cheering up children during her visit to victims of conflict at the Save the Children Stabilisation Center in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    Famous international singer and DJ, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola (aka DJ Cuppy) cheering up children during her visit to victims of conflict at the Save the Children Stabilisation Center in Maiduguri, Borno State on Wednesday
    Famous international singer and DJ, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola (aka DJ Cuppy) during her visit to victims of conflict at the Save the Children Stabilisation Center in Maiduguri, Borno State on Wednesday –

     

  • BREAKING: 12th African Games: Three Nigerians hit semifinal of men’s singles

    What Nigeria could not achieved in the team event became a reality on Tuesday when Aruna Quadri, Segun Toriola and Olajide Omotayo qualified for the semifinal of the men’s singles of table tennis at the 12th African Games holding in Rabat, Morocco.

    It was Aruna Quadri who set the tone for others after thrashing Congo Brazzaville’s Saheed Idowu 4-0, while Toriola and Omotayo worked hard for their victory against Egypt’s Khalid Assar and Ahmed Saleh.

    The encounter between Omotayo and Saleh brought to fore the battle between youthfulness and experience and it was youthfulness that laughed last.

    Omotayo was all over the veteran Egyptian from the start to the end and he ensured that Saleh went down with a 4-3 win.

    Read Also: 12th All-Africa Games: Danjuma picks Nnadozie, Duru, 16 others

    Also, Toriola wind back the time with a superlative 4-3 win over Assar.

    Earlier, Egypt’s Omar Assar had beaten Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw 4-0 to set up a semifinal clash against Aruna Quadri on Thursday August 29.

    It will be Nigerian affairs in the second semifinal as Omotayo battles Toriola.

    In the women’s event, Olufunke Oshonaike played her last game after going down 3-4 to Egypt’s Farah Abdel-Aziz. Dina Meshref also beat Algeria’s Lynda Logrhaibi 4-0, while Edem Offiong humbled Egypt’s Reem El-Eraky.

    Cameroun’s Sarah Hanffou berthed in the last four after beating Egypt’s Yousra Helmy.

    Offiong will battle Hanffou while Meshref will face her compatriot – Abdel-Aziz in the second semifinal on Thursday August 29.

    An elated Omotayo said: ” I am so excited that in my first African Games I made it to the semifinal. I knew that it was going to be a tough game against of the most experienced African players and I just ensured that I did not get angry on table because he did everything to upset me but I was determined. I was calm and I am happy that this is a good outing for me in the singles.”

  • Alleged breakup: Stefflon Don deletes all Burna Boy’s pictures from Instagram page

    There was a viral romour that the romantic relationship between Nigerian’s superstar Artist Damini Ogulu popularly know as Burna Boy and Stefflon Don ended on Tuesday.

    Recall that the news made waves after the video of the artist and his ex Ghanian Actress Princess Shyngle on facetime, went viral.

    Read Also: AFRIMA 6th edition: Nasty C, Davido, Burna Boy, Tamer Hosny top list

    Burna Boy later debunked the rumour on his twitter account claiming it was false. He said “If there is really a God, then there must be a special place for hell for bloggers”.

    Stefflon Don also claimed the news was false as she said ” She and her boo are good”.

    However, a visit to Stefflon Don’s Instagram page today revealed that she has deleted all Burma Boy’s pictures on her page amid the rumours, making it look real.

  • 2019 elections: Obaseki meets with aggrieved APC members

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has met with aggrieved members of the party who contested in the 2019 All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections, as part of the recommendations by the Theophilus Okoh-led committee set up to reconcile aggrieved members of the party in the state.

    The governor alongside other leaders of the APC in Edo State apologised to the aggrieved members over the unfair treatment meted to them when they indicated interest to contest in the 2019 APC primaries in the state.

    He thanked them for keeping faith with the party despite their disaffection which showed they are true loyalists of the party, adding, “After reading the Okoh-led Committee Report and watching the videos, I really appreciate you all. We are truly sorry for what you may have gone through during the 2019 primary elections. This meeting is the starting point for reconciliation of aggrieved members of the party.”

    The meeting, according to Obaseki, is part of the reconciliation process the party has adopted to resolve the issues in the party.

    “Almost 20 court cases arose from those who were deprived of the opportunity to contest fairly for the ticket of the party,” he said.

    Obaseki explained that the meeting became necessary to bring all aggrieved members of APC together to resolve all the issues causing the crisis, adding “To build trust, confidence and demonstrate that we truly want to reconcile the aggrieved members of our party, within a week of receiving the Okoh-led committee report, we called for this meeting to talk to our aggrieved members.”

    He noted that his administration was reviewing each case at a time, to refund money spent in purchasing interest forms by the members.

    Obaseki added, “Anyone who already has an appointment or someone who is likely to benefit from the APC is not expected to get refund but same can’t be for someone who has not received anything.

    “I call on you all to join hands together with this administration to build the APC as a party in the state in a fair and transparent manner. We are proud of our achievements as a government.”

    One of the aggrieved members, Barr. Evbu Igbinedion, called on the governor and members of the party in the state to ensure that female members are given the needed support to win elections, adding, “Females are more committed and loyal party members but are sidelined resulting in failures during elections. Today, there is no woman in the Edo State House of Assembly.”

    Another member, Anavberokhai Isah, said: “I urge party leaders to adopt zoning system across the state for various positions as it will discourage aspirants from buying forms when such position is not zoned to their area.”

    A leader of the APC, Charles Idahosa, urged the aggrieved members of the party to forget the past and join hands with the governor, who has done a lot to develop the state.

    He added that as the state approaches the 2020 gubernatorial election, they should support the governor to defeat evil forces that want to truncate development in the state.