The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Startimes marketer allegedly defrauds customers of N2.1m 

    An employee of Startimes, Victor Opeyemi, was on Monday arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly defrauding five customers of N2.1 million.

    The customers are Mrs Gloria Idoko, Mr Isa Akakiu, Mrs Christiana Umeobi, Mr Chibuzor Okafor and Mr Sulaimon Ismaila.

    Opeyemi, 34, a resident of Mushin, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences before Magistrate Mrs M. O. Tanimola.

    Prosecuting Inspector Aondohemba Koti told the court that the defendant committed the offences in May on Fatai Atere Way, Mushin.

    He alleged that the defendant obtained N2.1 million from the company’s customers on the pretence of supplying them Startime decoders, visual play systems and recharge cards.

    Read Also: Woman arraigned over alleged N22.9b received from ex-NSA Dasuki

    Koti alleged that Opeyemi failed to supply the items to the complainants after they had paid for them.

    He alleged that the defendant collected the goods from his company, but sold them to other persons described as ’illegal customers’ and converted the money to personal use.

    The prosecutor said the complainants informed the company of the alleged fraud, which led to the arrest of the defendant.

    Opeyemi pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Tanimola granted him N400, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    She said the sureties must be employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The case was adjourned till September 9.

  • Police nab three students for alleged rape

    Men of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested three students of the School of Health Technology, Akure, for allegedly gang-raping a female student of the institution.

    The suspects, according to the command, are Aderoboye Damilola, Eyitayo Charles and Blessing Michael.

    They were alleged to have committed the crime last Wednesday at the home of the boyfriend of the victim.

    Sources said the case had been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the command.

    Police spokesman Femi Joseph said the command had begun investigation.

    Read Also: Police nab abductors of burrow pit owners

    He said: “We have begun investigation into the matter. After investigation, the suspect will be arraigned.”

    A source alleged that the victim was gang-raped by the suspects in her boyfriend’s house, which is not far from the campus of the institution, on Oda Road area of Akure.

    He said: “The victim went to visit her boyfriend late in the evening last Wednesday, but she did not meet him at home. She met another boy, who is a friend to her boyfriend.

    “She decided to wait for him (boyfriend). Suddenly, the three boys (suspects) entered the room with weapons and ordered the boy they met inside to have sex with the lady, but he refused. It was after that that they raped the victim.”

  • Navy seizes 46,000 litres of illegally refined petrol

    The Navy Ship Jubilee (NNS) in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has seized 46,000 litres of illegally refined petrol (AGO) at locations under its command.

    Three suspects have been arrested by NNS operatives and handed over to the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and prosecution.

    Also impounded were a truck loaded with 40,000 litres of AGO and a Volkswagen Passat car with number plate Fj 744APP.

    NNS Head of Operations Lt. Commander U. A. Sidi, while handing over the suspects to the NSCDC, said the feat was achieved during operations between August 9 and 19.

    He said: ‘’On August 9, based on intelligence report, a coordinated land and sea patrols were conducted by the Base along Osifia creek in Ibeno Local Government and Umade waterside, Ikot Abasi Local Government.

    ‘’During the patrol, a truck loaded with about 40,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO and two suspects were arrested at about 2030 along Port Harcourt Road, Uyo.

    Read Also: Navy seizes 130 vessels in two years

    ‘’Although the driver presented a paper of loading from Bulk Energy, it was dated May 22, and physical examination of the product indicated likelihood of compromise. Hence the arrest was made and the suspects along with the product were brought to base.”

    Sidi further said: ‘’Similarly, on August 10, another suspect and a Volkswagen Passat car with registration number Fj 744APP, laden with 50 cellophane bags of suspected illegally refined AGO, was arrested. The team immediately conducted a follow-up operation to the loading site and confiscated additional products.

    ‘’A total of about 1500 litres of illegal refined petroleum products were recovered from the scene. Additionally, on August 12, another bunkering site at Catamaran circle, Old Market Road, was raided and a Volvo car registered as AS 744 MAG, containing about 1500 litres in cellophane bags, was seized and evacuated to the base.”

    Receiving the suspects, the state Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC, L. S.  Raymond, said the command would investigate the matter.

    He said the suspects would be prosecuted and warned those engaged in crude oil bunkering to desist from such act, “as oil theft is an economic sabotage.”

  • Road users, worshipers beg govt to replace bridge

    Some worshipers at St Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos and other road users have begged the Federal Government to replace the damaged foot bridge on Herbert Macaulay Way and others on the axis.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a portion of the foot bridge at Barracks bus stop in Yaba, Herbert Macaulay Way, has been ripped off on the Ikorodu Road bound carriageway.

    A correspondent of NAN, who visited the site of the damaged foot bridge on Sunday, observed that the guard rails and walkways on the portion were totally removed.

    NAN also saw the ripped steel carcasses laid aside on both sides of the highway, leaving some steel support hanging loosely to the bridge frame.

    However, the bridge was cordoned off on both sides with heavy logs of wood, big flower pots and red caution tapes to prevent usage.

    Eyewitnesses, including military personnel at the Nigerian Army Marda Barracks, Yaba, told NAN that the bridge was ripped off in an accident that involved an articulated vehicle on Saturday.

    Worshipers at St. Dominic Catholic Church, residents and road users told NAN that the bridge was important and should be urgently replaced or repaired.

    Read Also: IPOB targets Southeast governors, Nwodo, Buratai for attacks abroad

    Mr. Amos Udoeno, a commercial tricycle operator who plies WAEC Junction to Sabo, called for rehabilitation of the bridges on the axis.

    Udoeno told NAN that parts of other foot bridges on the axis had been ripped off, steps and the walkways allowed users to see vehicles underneath through the holes.

    “A few people use this metal bridge here at WAEC Junction, maybe because they do not trust the strength. I am calling on the government to repair the bridge at Barrack bus stop, this one here and others,” he said.

    Miss Moyo Salami, a shop attendant at the University of Lagos, told NAN that “a tipper carrying too much load pulled off the bridge yesterday.”

    “The bridge is already weak, if it was concrete, this cannot happen, so the government should change this one and all the bridges on this Herbert Macaulay Way to concrete,” she said.

    Some worshipers at Saint Dominic Catholic Church appealed to the government to relocate and replace the damaged foot bridge.

    Mrs. Deborah Shopotan, a member of the church, hailed operatives from the Sabo Police Station whom, she said, impounded the articulated vehicle that damaged the bridge.

    She, however, appealed for relocation and replacement of the foot bridge to better serve residents and worshipers.

    “There is no bus stop here in front of our church where they sited this damaged bridge. So, I am appealing to the government to construct another bridge with cement at the bus stop where vehicles drop people,” she said.

    Mrs. Deborah Adeosun, another worshiper, appealed to the government to consider including a zebra crossing sign on some sections of the highway to cater for people with phobia for heights.

    “No matter how good any pedestrian bridge is, I just cannot use it because I have fear for heights. The government should repair all the foot bridges, but they should help us with zebra crossings here too,” she said.

    Mrs. Bola Atinega, a visitor from Abuja to the church, Mrs. Modupe Adigun, Mr. Michael Udem and other worshipers appealed to the government to replace the bridge to save lives.

  • Fire destroys 32 stalls, generators, clothes at Gatankowa market

    Goods worth millions of Naira were destroyed Monday morning when fire gutted Gatankowa market at Super bus stop in Agbado/Okeodo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

    Although nobody died and no one was injured, over 32 makeshift stalls and clothes were razed.

    Generators, about five deep freezers, drinks, fruits and buckets were also destroyed.

    The inferno, which started around 3:20 am, razed the fairly used clothes’ shops opposite the Central Mosque.

    It was put out about 6am.

    Officials of the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit, police and traders were on ground to quench the fire and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the market.

    The Nation learnt that the fire began when electricity was restored around 3:20am. The power was said to have sparked, leading to the inferno.

    Read Also: Fire destroys 20 vehicles, 10 shops at Owode Onirin market 

    The fire was, however, said to have been escalated by the generators with fuel, which were locked up in the stalls.

    At press time, many of the victims were picking debris from their stalls.

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    A victim, who owns a shop where he irons clothes, Yahyah Kaali, said his customers’ clothes meant for ironing had been destroyed.

    He said it was electricity supply to the area that caused the fire.

    “I sleep in this market. It was when power was restored to this area that something sparked, leading to fire outbreak. My shop was razed too,” Kaali added.

    A resident, Ekundayo Onilude, said about 32 stalls were destroyed.

    He said: “They majorly sell jeans in this section of the market and most of the stalls affected are owned by the Hausa. Many jeans, among other clothes, were burnt. Five deep freezers and drinks, a big generator and other small generators locked in the shops overnight were also destroyed. It was the generators that fuelled the fire.”

    Onilude said the fire started around 3:20am when electricity was restored, noting that there was a spark.

    “Officials of the Fire Service at Ile Epo came and said there was no water in their tanks. So people at the market tried to put out the fire before those from Alausa arrived around 5am. By then many stalls had been burnt. They quenched the fire around 6am.

    “Everybody here said it was the supply of electricity to the area that led to a spark and then the fire outbreak.

    A fruit seller, who preferred anonymity, said her fruits, buckets and other goods she sold in the market were destroyed.

  • Two face robbery charge

    Two suspected robbers, Tunde Lawal, 26, and Muhammad Alli, 29, were yesterday remanded at Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos for alleged armed robbery.

    Magistrate Mrs. E. O. Okpara had ordered that the defendants be remanded because of the magnitude of the offences they committed.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Adetutu Sanusi alleged that the defendants committed the offences on March 17, at 19, Anifowoshe Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos.

    He alleged that the defendants with others at large conspired to rob Mr. Abimbola Osholaja of his valuables and N1.5 million cash.

    Read Also: Unemployed man remanded for phone robbery

    Sanusi alleged that the defendants also assaulted Osholaja by hitting his forehead with a gun, which caused him injury.

    “They robbed Mr. Sunday Okorie of his belongings and N1 million cash,’’ the prosecutor said.

    Sanusi said the defendants were armed with one locally-made single barrel pistol and a live cartridge.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 411, 174, 300 and 297 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The court did not take the defendants’ plea.

    The magistrate ordered that the case file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) for legal advice.

    The case continues on September 30.

  • ‘Please I need N8million for kidney transplant’

    Thirty two-year-old Omobowale Opeyemi Bright is down with kidney failure. All he needs is N8 million for kidney transplant.

    Bright has been pleading with the government, citizens and non-governmental organisations through his family and friends. They have flooded the social media with campaign tagged #SaveBright.

    He said the N8 million would cover surgery, anti-rejection drugs induction and maintenance fee, among others.

    According to him, his treatment started from the Ajeromi General Hospital before he was referred to Gbagada General Hospital where he was admitted for two weeks.

    Bright said following his lack of money, he goes to the Gbagada General Hospital for medical check-up from his home.

    Read Also: 34-yr-old woman seeks N11m for kidney transplant

    He said he has been on dialysis at the Clinix Health Care, Ilupeju, Lagos. He goes there twice a week where he pays N80, 000 for blood grouping and cross matching infection screen, blood transfusion reaction care, haemodialysis subsequent session and post dialysis.

    Bright told The Nation that since May, N720, 000 has been spent on dialysis ahead of the surgery.

    He is an indigene of Igbogbo in Ikorodu. He has Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He graduated in 2013. He is a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ketu.

    Speaking with The Nation at his home at 45, Nosamu Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, Bright described the situation as tough and challenging, saying every person should always expect the tough side of life.

    He thanked his mother, Mrs. Iyabo Omobolanle, who he said had agreed to donate one of her kidneys to him.

    Said he: “The story started as a joke when I was embarking on a journey from Lagos to Ibadan. I was not comfortable where I sat in the bus. The heavy traffic also added to the discomfort.

    “On getting to my friend’s place, he noticed that my legs were swollen and I told him that maybe it was because of where I sat in the bus. To my surprise, the following morning, the legs were back to normal.

    “But sometime in February, I noticed that my legs were swollen again and immediately, I went to Ajeromi General Hospital where I was asked to run some tests, which I did. The doctor only told me that some parts of my body were not functioning well. He did not tell me the exact organs, but assured me that I would be fine. He asked me to get some drugs, which I did.”

    For information and verification, readers can contact Gbagada General Hospital, Clinix Health Care, Ilupeju and his family on 08034187947.

    Payment can be made into Sterling Bank account 0058818665, using Omobolanle Opeyemi Bright as the account name.

    “But a few days later I noticed that my legs were swollen again. I quickly visited the hospital, from where I was transfer to Gbagada General Hospital. I was admitted for two weeks and because I’m yet to get money for the transplant, I go for dialysis at Clinix Heath Care. I’ve been doing this since May.”

    Bright continued: “Everything is money and because we don’t have enough, I have to be going to Gbagada General Hospital from home after that two weeks. The doctor told me that the transplant would take place at either St Nicholas Hospital here in Lagos or Zenith Hospital in Abuja.

    “We don’t have any donor yet, but my mother has agreed to donate her kidney. This is to tell you how much she loves and cares for me. I am appealing to you all because this health challenge is about to take my life. I’ve been told that my kidneys are very bad and my case is critical. I have to undergo a kidney transplant. Please save me.”

    His younger brother, Emmanuel Omobolanle, said: “It is not easy, but we have to be strong for him at the moment. We strongly believe God will heal him because he is a vessel of God.

    “My brother is an easy going person. He does not drink alcohol, he does not smoke and I believe God will heal him.”

  • Buhari’s incoming cabinet concludes day one of Presidential Retreat

    President Buhari on Monday presided over the opening day of a Presidential Retreat for Ministers-designate and senior Government officials.

    The Retreat follows the screening and confirmation of the Ministers-designate by the National Assembly, and holds ahead of their swearing-in by the President on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at the State House.

    In the first technical presentation of the Retreat, a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo delivered an overview of the work of the Policies, Programmes and Projects Audit Committee (PPPAC), established by President Buhari in March 2019 and chaired by the Vice President, with a mandate to review the performance in the first term and outline a Roadmap for the new Administration.

    Read Also: Buhari’s cabinet: Ex-governors lose out, ex-ministers’ influence wane

    This, he said, was followed by presentations on National Security, Economic Development and Anti-Corruption Agenda, after which participants engaged in eleven Breakout sessions to deliberate on issues across the priority policy areas of the Administration.

    “These sessions covered Security; Macroeconomic Stability; Agriculture and Food Security; Energy Security in petroleum products and electricity; Transportation and Critical Infrastructure; Industrialisation and SME Development; Human Capital Development; Social Inclusion; Anti-Corruption; and Housing Financing and Consumer Credit.

    “Declaring the Retreat open, President Buhari charged the incoming Ministers to ensure that all hands were on deck to realise the Administration’s vision of laying the grounds for the lifting of 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years.”

    The President also asked them to take seriously their responsibility to develop and implement policies, programmes and projects, and harped on the importance of working as a team and communicating amongst themselves and with the Nigerian people.

  • Edo production center initiative attracts more SMEs

    The Edo Production Centre, an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, has attracted more Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the facility, revving up the state’s light manufacturing sector and providing jobs to residents.

    The Production Centre was conceived by the Obaseki-led administration to drive industrial development in Edo State and provide job opportunities for youths and improve the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The entrepreneurs operating at the Centre, which is located at the old Magistrate Court Complex, on Benin-Sapele Expressway in Benin City, commended the foresight of Governor Obaseki for setting up the facility, which has transformed the state’s light manufacturing sector.

    Chairman, Welding and Fabrication section at the Production Centre, Rev. Lugard Ekhosuehi, said the provision of regular electricity at the facility has helped entrepreneurs to increase profitability, adding that they are now able to meet demands and job orders.

    “The constant electricity at the Production Centre has reduced the cost of production, increased efficiency and improved profitability,” he noted.

    Read Also: Edo Poly set to hold Technology, Innovation Day

    Ekhosuehi urged residents to patronise artisans operating at the Production Centre, as such would encourage them to scale up production.

    He also commended Governor Obaseki for providing infrastructure, stable power supply and other necessary support structures which have helped members of the section to operate seamlessly.

    Chairman, Polythene producers in Edo State, Solomon Omofoman, said the guarantee of stable electricity supply has motivated more artisans to relocate their operations to the Production Center.

    He appealed to the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution (BEDC) to review the billing and payment process for the electricity provided at the center.

    He said artisans are anticipating financing instruments promised by the Bank to Industry to complement the role of the state government and boost their businesses.

    Another artisan at the Centre, who manufactures footwears, Osawe-Edoh Valerie, said the initiative has assisted her to expand her customer base as she has been able to build trust among her clients which have translated to more patronage.

    “Production is more fulfilling as electricity is constant. I am able to improve my delivery rate to four days from 10 days,” she said.

  • Ikpeazu inaugurates committee on payment of salary, pension arrears

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia on Monday inaugurated an 8-member committee to articulate the modality for the payment of the arrears of salaries, pensions and allowances owed to civil servants and pensioners in the state.
    Speaking during the event at the Government House, Umuahia, Ikpeazu said that his administration was committed to the welfare of Abia workers.

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, said that the administration was determined to maintain a robust relationship with the organised labour.

    According to him, the task of taking the state to the next level of development is reliant on the contributions of workers.

    He charged the committee to come up with modalities that would make nonpayment of salaries, pensions and allowances a thing of the past in the state.

    He said that the committee had 14 working days to complete its assignment and hand in its commendation to the government .

    Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Onyii Wamah, assured the governor that the committee would work hard to evolve workable recommendations.

    Wamah, who is the Abia Head of Service, said that the committee was poised to put an end to the issues of unpaid arrears of salaries, pensions and allowances.

    Members of the committee on the government side included Mr Okey Ihedioha, Mr Kelechi Imeoria and Dr Anthony Agbazuere, a former state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    Others were the leadership of the organised labour in the state, including the Chairman of NLC, Mr Uchenna Obigwe, Chairman of the Trade Union, Mr Sunny Onwuma, Chairman of the Joint negotiating Council, Mr Chris Okoro and Mr Umah Kalu. (NAN)