The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Amotekun, police rescue man as gunmen kidnap traveller in Ekiti

    Amotekun, police rescue man as gunmen kidnap traveller in Ekiti

    By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti

     

    THE combined forces of the Amotekun Corps, police and hunters on the Christmas day rescued a victim out of two persons that were kidnapped by some gunmen suspected to herdsmen in Ekiti State.

    The incident occurred along the Isan-Iludun road in the Oye Local Government Area at about 6pm when the commuters were waylaid by the attackers who abducted them.

    It was gathered that the abductee, simply identified as Happiness Ajayi, was travelling alongside his cousin, Fatile Oluwaseun.

    While Oluwaseun was whisked away to unknown destination, Ajayi was rescued by the combined forces of the Amotekun Corps, police and local hunters.

    A source from Iludun-Ekiti confirmed to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday that a vehicle coming behind the victims quickly alerted the Amotekun Corps and police for action.

    “It was a vehicle coming behind the vehicle conveying the victims that stopped his car and fled into the bush to contact some people.

    “The people contacted immediately called the policemen in Oye-Ekiti and Amotekun operatives who were joined by local hunters and gave the gunmen a hot chase into the bush and rescued one of the victims”.

    When contacted, the Amotekun Corps commander, Brig. Gen. Joe Komolafe, who confirmed the incident explained that it took the quick intervention of his men who were on routine patrol to give the kidnappers a hot chase and rescued the abductee.

    “We got a distress call from the people on Friday that some persons were abducted along the Iludun-Ekiti road and quickly we dashed down there and were able to rescue one person from the kidnappers after my men gave them a serious manhunt in the bush.

    “The victims were ambushed at a bad spot and when they were trying to make a detour and escape, another set came out from the bush and started shooting at the direction of the vehicle from both ends.

    “In their wisdom, the victims hurriedly opened the vehicle and ran into the bush from different directions. They were pursued by the gunmen who abducted them, but we were able to rescue Oluwaseun from them.

    “Sensing danger from the Amotekun Corps, the kidnappers abandoned Oluwaseun for us and we have been in the bush with other security agents since yesterday trying to rescue the other person.”

    Also recounting the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Mr Sunday Abutu, confirmed that his men at the Oye Divisional Police Station worked with other local security outfits to rescue one of the victims.

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    Abutu in a statement said: “On  December 25, at about 6pm, a distress call was received by Oye DPO  that some unknown gunmen forcefully stopped one Lexus Jeep along the Isan-Iludun Ekiti road and kidnapped the two occupants.

    “Upon receipt of the information, the DPO led his team to the scene with the assistance of the Amotekun Corps, the vigilantes and the hunters. One of the victims was rescued while serious effort is ongoing to ensure the rescue of the other victim”.

    Abutu said the success of the operation indicated the readiness of the police to work with the locals in Ekiti to rid the state of criminal elements.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Babatunde Mobayo, appealed for calm and implored anyone with useful information concerning the incident or other criminal activities to please contact the nearest police station for prompt action.

     

  • Uneasy calm as hoodlums destroy houses in Anambra community

    Uneasy calm as hoodlums destroy houses in Anambra community

     Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

     

    NO fewer than four houses have been reportedly destroyed in the Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State following crisis allegedly instigated by certain influential members of the community.

    People of the community have called on the state governor, Willie Obiano, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Abang, to investigate the crisis to ensure appropriate punishments were meted on the perpetrators.

    A member of the community, Chibuzor Onwujekwe, whose house was invaded, alleged that the destruction was carried out by some youths in the village who were being sponsored.

    He said, “The invaders planned to kill me, but I was lucky to be away that fateful day. They destroyed my house totally and looted everything in it.

    “Since then, I have been moving from one hotel to the other. I am not the only one affected; there are other indigenes whose houses were also destroyed.”

    Counsel to the community, Barr Mike Ikegbunam, in a ‘Save Our Soul Message’, petitioned Governor Willie Obiano; Police Commissioner and others to intervene in the crisis.

    In the petition made available to our correspondent, Ikegbunam listed Chibuzor Onwujekwe, Ogochukwu Okonkwo, Dinobi Chukwuebuka and Chief Gabriel Okonkwo as some of those whose houses were destroyed in the crisis.

    He said, “The problem started on October 18, 2020 when armed bandits mobilised and stormed Chief Gabriel Okonkwo’s house with assorted weapons and right in the presence of everyone, they beat him mercilessly with a view to killing him.

  • Rep member unveils two clinics in Alimosho

    Rep member unveils two clinics in Alimosho

    Gboyega Alaka

     

    MEMBER Representing Alimosho Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Oluwafemi Adebanjo, Monday, unveiled two community clinics in Badore and Shasha both in Alimosho Local Government Area.

    Declaring open the two facilities, Adebanjo thanked the communities for donating portions of land, saying it is a testimony of their understanding of the importance of health.

    He said the clinics are outcomes of the choices he made to the federal Government as their representative.

    As a developing local government, Adebanjo said he has made a choices of health facilities, light, roads and water for the people, adding that as a former local government chairman, he understands that Alimosho is disadvantaged in the financial scheme of things, hence his persistence in ensuring that the people get quality representation at the federal level.

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    Aside the clinics, other facilities currently being executed, The Nation learnt, include a solar-powered borehole at Araromi and interlocking road at Adebutu in Akowonjo.

    Apex Leader in Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Hon. Jimoh Ajao commended the location of the clinic in Badore, while telling the communities to take ownership and put the facilities to good use.

    Baale of Badore, Chief Ololade, thanked Adebanjo for choosing Badore as site for one of the two clinics and appealed for prompt fencing of the facility to prevent it from being vandalised.

    He also appealed for job placement for graduates in the community in the facility.

     

  • Police promotion not based on ethnic considerations – PSC

    Police promotion not based on ethnic considerations – PSC

    Nicholas Kalu, Abuja

     

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Sunday said the promotion of policemen is not based on ethnic considerations.

    The Commission was reacting to comments credited to the leadership of the OHANAEZE Ndigbo, a pan Igbo Socio Cultural group, on the recent promotions into different offices of the Nigeria Police Force and specifically as it affected promotions into the office of Commissioner of Police.

    Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement said promotions of senior police officers including promotion into the office of Commissioner of Police are based on availability of vacancies, seniority, free of any pending disciplinary matter and merit except in few cases of special promotion.

    The statement reads, “The OHANAEZE noted that only one Igbo son was promoted to the rank of CP in the recent exercise and that all Commissioners of Police in the South East are Northerners. It also observed that not many Igbo Officers are in the high echelon of the Force.

    “The Commission holds the OHANAEZE and it’s leadership in high esteem and will wish to clarify its position in the Promotion and placement of senior Police officers.

    “The Commission wishes to state that Promotions of senior Police Officers including Promotion into the office of Commissioner of Police are based on availability of vacancies, seniority, free of any pending disciplinary matter and merit except in few cases of special promotion. Even for special promotion, there are laid down rules, regulations and conditions which an Officer must satisfy such as; must have stayed two years in a rank; must not have had any special

    Promotion in the immediate past five years and must not have a pending disciplinary matter, (PDM).

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    “The Commission also allows the Inspector General of Police who is the operational head of the Police to recommend qualified and deserving Officers to the Commission for Promotion. This is a synergy the Commission has forged with the Police to ensure complementarity in the management of it’s Officers.

    “The Commission do not and has never approved Promotion of any Police Officer based on ethnic or any other consideration except the ones stated above.

    “It is also important to state that it is not true that Command Commissioners of Police in the South East are all from the North. The CPs for Imo, Abia and Anambra states Commands are not Northerners. Only the CPs for Enugu and Ebonyi are from the North just as there are Igbo CPs in other Zones. The CP for Bayelsa and Oyo States are Igbos. There are also many other Igbo sons who are Commissioners of Police of different Police formations in the country.

    “It is also not true that not many Igbo Officers are in the high echelon of the Force. Just recently, an Igbo son, former Commissioner of Police in charge of Police Budget who was promoted a Deputy Inspector General of Police was deployed as DIG A, that is overseeing Administration and Finance, a very sensitive Department in the Police Management team.

    “The Commission wishes to assure the leadership of the OHANAEZE Ndigbo that it will at no time consciously marginalize any section of the country in the Promotion and deployment of senior Police Officers. The Commission will continue to be guided by the established rules guiding Promotions in the police and in the larger interest of the Nigerian nation.”

     

     

  • COVID-19 Second wave: Lagos seals Queens Park Event Centre

    COVID-19 Second wave: Lagos seals Queens Park Event Centre

    Oziegbe Okoeki

    The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture has revoked the license of Queens Park Event Centre Oniru as the Lagos State Safety Commission also sealed the facility for contravening the COVID-19 protocols of the State.

    The Commissioner for Tourism Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf says the step to withdraw the license was taken in the best interest of the State and implored other event centres and venue owners to comply with the Governments laid down directives or risk loosing their chances of doing business in Lagos.

    She reiterated that the fight against the virus can only be successful if we all follow the laid down public health and safety protocols.

    The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission Mr. Lanre Mojola said it became necessary to take such steps following an event that was held at the venue on the 26th of December that contravened all safety protocols laid down by the State.

    He also sounded a stern warning to all other event centers and venue owners that flout safety protocols in the State, that it is not business as usual.

    As such, they should either fall in line with the States protocols or risk losing their license to operate in the State.

    He further stated that the Commission has begun a legal process against some recalcitrant business owners who removed the government seal and continued operations.

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    He further stated that mass gatherings at restaurants, bars, cafes and public places without observing necessary safety guidelines will increase the spread of the virus and therefore urged the public to maintain and observe all the necessary safety precautions.

    He further sounded a note of warning to all Night Clubs, Bars and Lounges operating  against the States established safety protocol, that the State maintains zero tolerance towards those that do not abide by the regulations.

    He maintained that people must take responsibility and urged all and sundry to co-operate with the government to effectively curtail the spread of the virus which is still very much with us.

  • Osun octogenarian in trouble for allegedly impregnating a 12-year-old girl

    Osun octogenarian in trouble for allegedly impregnating a 12-year-old girl

    Toba Adedeji, Osogbo 

    The Osun State Police Command has arrested an 85-year-old man named Rafiu Abimibola for allegedly impregnating of a 12-year-old girl in Osun State.

    The Nation gathered that Abimbola who lived at Oba Compound, Isundunrin in Ejigbo Local Government Area had raped the minor sometimes in September 2020 severally.

    It was learnt that the Octogenarian threatened the girl not to reveal the illicit act to anybody else she will lose her mental health.

    However, the minor in the company of the mother identified as Ola Folashade reported the matter in Ejigbo Police Division, Osun State on December 21, 2020, noting that the pregnancy is three months old.

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    Following the report, Abimbola was arrested and detained by the police for investigation.

    When the spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola was contacted, she confirmed the incident.

    She said, “Rafiu Abimbola has been arrested and the minor has been taken to a hospital for a pregnancy test.”

     

     

  • Ekiti kidnap: Abductors demand N10m ransom

    Ekiti kidnap: Abductors demand N10m ransom

    Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti  

    Barely 48 hours after the kidnap of a businessman in Ekiti State, Happiness Ajayi, the abductors have demanded N10m as ransom.

    Ajayi was abducted on Christmas day around 6pm at a bad spot along Isan-Iludun-Ekiti , Oye local government area of Ekiti while traveling from Ado-Ekiti, the state capital along side his cousin, Fatile Oluwaseun.

    While Ajayi was whisked away to unknown destination, his Oluwaseun was rescued by the combined forces of the Amotekun corps, Police and local hunters.

    According to a family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the abductors had earlier demanded for N100 million on Saturday but later reduced it to N10 million on Sunday afternoon.

    The source said, ” We got a call from the kidnappers asking us to pay N100 million for us to see our brother but we said we don’t have that amount and we are begging them.

    ” We saw their call again on Sunday after series of pleading and they reduced it now to N10 million, we are confused.”

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    When contacted, the corps commander of Amotekun in the state, Brig. Gen. Joe Komolafe said he was not aware of the ransom being demanded by the abductors, saying his men were still in the forest trailing the gunmen.

    He revealed that two suspects were arrested in the forest in connection with the crime, noting that further investigation would be carried out.

    Komolafe said, ” Since Friday when the incident occurred, my personnel have been in the bush and I can tell you that we are making progress with the arrest of the two persons in the forest.

    Let me say I am not aware of any ransom being asked by the gunmen but I can assure you that we will soon rescue the victim unhurt like we rescue his cousin.”

    He said the Amotekun corps with police and other local hunters would collaborate to ensure the same return of the victim.

     

  • Abiola Champ bags influential awards

    Abiola Champ bags influential awards

    Our Reporter

     

    THE Africa Leadership Awards has announced Abiola ‘Champ’ Salami, Nigeria’s Foremost leadership and Performance Coach, as the most influential coaching leader in 2020.

    Abiola ‘Champ’ Salami was recognized for his sterling commitment to workforce productivity, youth and women empowerment as well as leadership development from Africa to the world.

    In his acceptance speech, Abiola ‘Champ’ Salami expressed his appreciation for the recognition. “Thank you to the Africa Leadership Awards and the World HRD Congress for this award. Hearty congratulations as well to all the awardees and especially my colleagues in the coaching practice.”

    “Speaking of giving”, he stated that “in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we launched a campaign that reached over 1 million people across the globe. The campaign was to guide people on how to handle panic in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. We also released a free e-book on how to enjoy sound emotional and mental health in the wake of the pandemic.”

     

  • Chivita revives ‘juice up this season’ campaign

    Chivita revives ‘juice up this season’ campaign

     Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

     

     

    TO further deepen its bond with consumers across Nigeria this yuletide, Chivita, is activating the second edition of its “Juice Up this Season with Chivita” campaign. The aim of the campaign is to brighten the mood of the season and reinforce the Chivita brand as the perfect fruit juice complement for the holidays.

    In a year that has witnessed unprecedented health challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Chivita Juices provide essential vitamins and minerals to support immune system function necessary to fight diseases. It is important for consumers to make smarter choices during this season and beyond by developing a healthy active lifestyle.

    Brand Manager, Chivita, Ademola Mafikuyomi, stated that while the festive season this year might be a bit different, it is hopeful that the excitement it brings will remain the same. Chivita Juices will be there in moments of relaxation, indulgence and merriment to brighten the experiences.

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    “The festive season is more than a time for gift giving. It is a chance to reconnect with those you love most and create memories that.

    will last throughout the New Year. The “Juice Up this Season with Chivita” campaign is a reminder to consumers to enjoy these special moments with their favourite Chivita juice brand,” he said.

     

  • Oyetola commissions N265m Owa Obokun’s palace

    Oyetola commissions N265m Owa Obokun’s palace

     Toba Adedeji, Osogbo

     

    THE Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola on Saturday commissioned the newly built ultra-modern palace of Owa Obokun, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran.

    Addressing the people at the commissioning ceremony held at the Owa Obokun Adimula’s Palace in Ilesa, Oyetola commended Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, and sons and daughters of Ijesaland for building and bequeathing the iconic palace to the Owa Obokun royalty, saying, “the gesture would further cement the existing bond of unity, love, harmony and brotherhood among the sons and daughters of Ijesaland in particular and Osun in general.

    The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, said he is delighted that the ultra-modern palace was conceived, constructed and delivered during his reign.

    His words: “This edifice was constructed and delivered within the record time of nine months. This outstanding feat was made possible by the sincerity of purpose, supervision, efficiency, due diligence, openness, accountability, transparency and team spirit of sons and daughters of Ijesha.

    Read Also: No rift with Oyetola, says Aregbesola

    “I call on the state government to assist with the control of the influx of aliens and none natives who are engaging in illegal mining activities with attendant consequences of exerting pressure on our social-cultural life.

    In the address of the Asiwaju of Ilesha, Yinka Fasuyi, he disclosed that N100 million was initially budgeted for the project but they later spent N265 million.

    Those in attendance were a former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye; members of the National and State House of Assemblies; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers in Ijesaland; and sons and daughters of Ijesaland, among others.