The Joint Security Force (JSF) has apprehended the’native doctor’ preparing charms for members of the indigenous people of Biafra IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Anambra State.
The suspects were arrested Monday at Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area.
According to the state Police command, their arrest followed information received over time of planned attacks on security agents and innocent citizens by the dreaded group.
Its Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, stated: “Among the four suspects arrested is one Maduabuchi Nwafor, (a.k.a. Omenkpo) ‘M’ aged 32 years, a native of Ufuma.
“He has been identified as one of the native doctors who prepares criminal charms for the group and uses his shrine for initiation ceremonies and meeting points for the criminals.
“Also, one of the suspects’ name withheld, who is already assisting the police with information, confessed to be one of the gunmen dispatched by the group to enforce illegal sit-at-home on May 30, 2024.’’
An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos yesterday heard how a man, Muyiwa Adjoto, allegedly defiled his six-year-old stepdaughter (names withheld) at their Iwo residence in Badagry.
The incident happened on April 22, 2022, when the child’s caregiver discovered signs of abuse.
The Investigating Police Officers (IPO), Grace Adebiyi, told Justice Rahman Oshodi that the caregiver had been away and returned to find the young girl in distress. Upon questioning, the IPO said the child recounted a horrifying experience of sexual assault by her step-grandfather.
Grace also told the court that the man allegedly pushed Ayomide onto a bed, sexually assaulted her, and threatened her to keep silent. The witness said the defendant went further to bathe the survivor and dressed her to cover up his actions.
“Disturbed by the child’s account, the guardian immediately took her to the General Hospital in Badagry. Medical professionals confirmed signs of sexual abuse and advised the guardian to report the incident to the police.
“The suspect was promptly arrested, but the case has encountered significant challenges,” the IPO said.
She further told the court that they faced challenges during the investigation when it was discovered that the suspect’s former wife was a police officer.
This is coming barely a week after 11 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana were rescued.
Chairman/CEO, (NiDCOM) Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed this in a statement yesterday.
The statement, which was signed by Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, NiDCOM, Abdulraman Balogun, reads: “Barely a week after 11 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana were rescued, two additional girls were rescued on Monday.
“Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said the two girls whose rescue operation was again facilitated by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NiDOM), Ghana, under the leadership of the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Calistus, are now in safe custody.
“She reiterated her call for concerted efforts in combating human trafficking.
“She said the girls are giving useful information aimed at tracking down their traffickers as they were deceived into prostitution .
“She added that arrangements will be made to get them back to Nigeria and handed over to NAPTIP.
“The two girls reside in Lagos, one is from Edo, while the other is from Lagos.”
No fewer than nine people died in accidents during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration while 78 sustained injuries.
In all, 128 passengers were involved in accidents in Osun, Ondo and Oyo states.
Acting Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone RS11, Leye Adegboyega, who gave the figures, said the corps of the agency commenced the Sallah Special Patrol Operation on June 14 to end it on Friday to mitigate the perceived increase in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) that usually accompanies the increase in human and vehicular movement across the major corridors of the nation’s highways.
He said: “For the Zone, a total of 3,018 personnel (comprising 2,155 Regular Marshals and 863 Special Marshals), 57 Patrol Vehicles, 5 Ambulances and 2 Heavy Duty Tow Trucks have been deployed across the component Commands.
“Our personnel cover about 65 major routes across the Zone on a daily basis, ensuring good visibility and alertness, while also engaging in traffic calming with the use of red flags, an initiative to discourage speeding by motorists and therefore, reduce avoidable speed-related crashes.
“In the first three days of the operation, we arrested 737 traffic offenders who were duly contravened for 766 various traffic offences, executed 219 various Public Enlightenment activities across the news media, motor parks, churches, mosques and other public places, to drive home the road safety message and create public awareness on the need for safety consciousness.
“We made provision of prompt rescue services for the accident victims. Accident involved 21 vehicles with 128 people, out of which 9 unfortunately lost their lives and 78 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were swiftly conveyed to hospitals across the Zone where we sustain cordial relationship, for treatment.
“Forty-one other persons were rescued alive without injuries and continued their journeys.’’
The report appealed to the public and road users to use the roads responsibly to reduce the loss of lives and valuable properties.
The Lagos State Police Command has rescued the three Fouani brothers, who were abducted last week while returning home from their factory by boat.
The brothers, Abbas Fouani, Youssef Fouani, and Amtal Fouani, were kidnapped about 6pm on June 14.
The Police authorities said the brothers, along with their boat driver and his assistant, were freed in Orugbo Iddo.
The operation was confirmed by the Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the brothers were rescued late last night. “Our Marine Police, with the support of the Nigerian Navy, brought them to shore. Thereafter, our tactical team in the area took them home to Banana Island in the early hours of today,” he added.
The rescued individuals, including the three Lebanese brothers, the boat captain, and his assistant, have since been returned to their residence.
Meanwhile, the Police arrested a 26-year-old man, Ikechukwu Michael, in connection with the possession of illegal drugs. A team of detectives from the Ojo Division, acting on a tip-off, on Monday apprehended the suspect.
Michael was found with 407 wraps of a substance believed to be Arezonna. The police recovered the exhibits and brought them to the station for further analysis.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundayin, said: “The suspect is undergoing preliminary investigation. We are committed to eradicating drug-related activities in Lagos State and will ensure that those involved face the full wrath of the law.
“The arrest underscores ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Police Command to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region. Further updates on the investigation are expected as authorities continue to delve into the case.’’
A senior non-commissioned Command Sergeant Major (CSM), whose name was given as Vitalis, has shot himself to death.
Vitalis, who was of the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barrack, Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, but attached to the 144 Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOB), at Ngwa High School, Abayi, Osisioma Local Government Area, shot himself in front of the FOB gate.
However, according to sources, until the death of the soldier, an indigene of Okpuala in Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, he suddenly disappeared without any trace and for the past two weeks, he had remained incommunicado as attempts to reach him by his colleagues or military authority in the camp and state failed. He returned to the army camp.It was gathered that the deceased would be retiring in October, leaving his colleagues in shock to wonder why he chose to take his life.
The Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Lt. Innocent Omale has neither picked his calls nor responded to the text message sent to his WhatsApp line.
The reason for his decision has not been known as there were no suicide note left behind by the deceased. However, a military source, who pleaded anonymity, corroborated reports that the deceased soldier went missing for two weeks. The source said the late Vitalis came back looking dirty.
A colleague of Vitalis, who was at the gate, dropped his gun and the deceased who knew that he was being investigated used the gun of that of his colleague to kill himself, a source claimed.
“Vitalis would have been moved to the 82 Division Headquarters, Enugu this week for interrogation over the killing of soldiers in Aba last two weeks.”Knowing that he may not survive it, he decided to take his life,” he added.
Okoloba Federated Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State has called on the people of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, to “vacate” the land they occupy, vowing to explore every means to ensure no piece of it is occupied by them.
Okuama and Okoloba communities have been in the news for months over a prolonged land dispute. The crisis came to the fore with the gruesome killing of 17 military officers and soldiers on March 14, this year at Okuama.
In a statement in Warri yesterday, the Okoloba community reiterated calls for the root of the crisis to be tackled to ensure lasting peace.
The statement entitled: “Okuama: The Okoloba Story” and signed by the Chairman, Okoloba Federated Community, Mr. Clement Koki, accused the people of Okuama of being “on a wild and reckless ambition of land-grabbing and territorial expansion”.
It detailed how the people of Okuama purportedly settled in the area, having been gifted a portion for farming by the Akugbene-Mein community, which the Okoloba people maintained they share ancestral boundaries with. It also recounted several disagreements that emanated from Okuama’s alleged encroachment into Okoloba lands, stating that relevant security authorities were duly notified.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, has said advanced aesthetic solutions would not only aid economic growth, but improve the individual health and well-being.
The minister spoke at the unveiling of Nigeria’s largest syringe manufacturing company- Afrimed product, a subsidiary of Mikano International Limited and Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited, the first full-fledged aesthetic solutions distributor in Nigeria.
He said the product positions Nigeria as a competitive player on the global healthcare stage, attracting investments and enhancing healthcare infrastructure.
Alausa said aesthetic solutions would address issues ranging from skin health to reconstructive surgery and play a crucial role in a comprehensive healthcare.
“These solutions will not only help individuals regain their physical appearance but also restore their confidence and mental well-being, contributing to a holistic recovery and improved life satisfaction,” he added. The minister urged the building of a healthier nation as part of the goals of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
He noted that aesthetic solutions play a crucial role in a comprehensive healthcare environment, saying: “Aesthetics in healthcare is not merely about appearance; it is deeply intertwined with our overall health and quality of life.
“These solutions will not only help individuals regain their physical appearance but also restore their confidence and mental well-being, contributing to a holistic recovery and improved life satisfaction,” he added. Managing Director of Afrimed, Dr Elias Chabtini, said the company is deeply rooted in the clinical field, such as dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetics.
He described the Nigerian market as big and without providers as they have decided to elevate the supply of products and cater to the needs of people.
Chabtini also reiterated that the reason multinational companies were leaving the Nigerian market was that they did not know how to work in such an environment.
He described the companies leaving the Nigerian market as shortsighted because there is a lot of potential in the nation.
“When people come and stay in Nigeria, it is because they see the bigger picture. Those companies leaving are shortsighted. Nigeria has a lot of potential.
He also stressed the demand for technological devices to improve the healthcare sector, assuring them to elevate the education level of practitioners.
“Technology is moving fast and we came to Nigeria to create loyalty, the best service, so that we elevate the education level of teams, practitioners, partners so that we all grow together in one hand as loyal clients and supply relations,” he said.
He added that the firm will leverage the non-invasive technology treatment, saying that it proffers faster solutions to aesthetic healthcare.
“The anti aging empire today is 300 out of which 86 percent is not invasive and this is what we believe should be in every single practice, is non-invasive technology treatments for us to be able to allow clients to have a better way of living and a better style of the way they look,” he said.
Chairman of Mikano International Limited, Mofid Karameh, said its syringe manufacturing subsidiary, Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited has one of Africa’s largest syringe factories in the country, built in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, with an annual production capacity of 1.8 billion syringes per annum.
“We have done a lot over the years and we will continue to do the best work. I am sure the product which is coming from us will be the best in the country,” he added.
“Our syringe manufacturing subsidiary, Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited has one of Africa’s largest syringe factories, built following WHO standards, right here in Nigeria, with an annual production capacity of 1.8 billion syringes per annum.
“Our syringes are ISO certified and are sterilized using the latest Electron Beam Sterilisation technology.”
Youngster Francisco Conceicao snatched Portugal a last-gasp 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 Group F opener just minutes after coming off the bench.
The 21-year-old Porto winger capitalised from close range after the Czechs were unable to clear a cross, completing his team’s comeback.
The Czechs went ahead against the run of play through Lukas Provod’s fine strike from the edge of the box after the hour mark.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal did not shine but dug just deep enough to claim victory, with Robin Hranac’s own goal pulling them level before Conceicao’s dramatic winner.
Ronaldo, 39, playing at a record-extending sixth European Championship, was denied by Stanek on three occasions as Portugal constantly looked to find the competition’s all-time top goalscorer.
The striker hit the post with the score tied and Diogo Jota nodded in the rebound but the goal was disallowed for offside against Ronaldo.
“We showed all our coolness and resilience,” said Portugal midfielder Vitinha. “We remained calm, got the draw and always believed until the end to get the win.
“Luckily we managed to do it with the help of the players who came on… we are truly a team.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez selected 41-year-old defender Pepe, who became the oldest player in Euros history, beating the record set by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly aged 40 in 2016, as part of a three centre-back defence.
Portugal won that tournament in 2016 to claim the trophy for the first time and captain Ronaldo said they deserve another, although they got off to a stuttering start in Germany.
In coach Ivan Hasek’s first competitive game after taking over in January, the Czech Republic largely frustrated Martinez’s side, who qualified unbeaten while scoring more goals than any other team.
Ronaldo sent an effort wide with his shoulder after Rafael Leao cut inside with menace early on, as the Portuguese controlled the ball.
Bruno Fernandes’ deflected dipping effort had some Portugal fans out of their seats and Leao was inches away from connecting with a low cross from the Manchester United playmaker.
Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek thwarted Ronaldo twice in the first half of his record 26th Euros appearance, but on both occasions the striker appeared marginally offside.
The Al Nassr hit man’s brightest moment came with a clever back heel which played in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, but the Czech defence swarmed around him quickly and blocked his shot.
Debate over whether Ronaldo should still be a starter or not has rumbled on since the 2022 World Cup and at times Portugal looked short on ideas beyond slinging crosses in towards him.
Stanek comfortably saved a Ronaldo free-kick from distance before the Czechs made their breakthrough.
Slavia Prague midfielder Provod whipped a superb strike past Diogo Costa from the edge of the box after Portugal failed to fully clear a cross just past the hour mark.
However Portugal were quickly level when Hranac unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, after Stanek palmed Nuno Mendes’ header straight at him from point-blank range.
Ronaldo and Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick finished as joint top scorers at Euro 2020 with five goals each but neither was at their lethal best in Leipzig.
Jota thought he had grabbed a last-gasp winner after Ronaldo’s header bounced off the woodwork into his path, but VAR showed the veteran forward was offside.
It didn’t matter for Martinez’s men though after Conceicao came on to fire them to the three points, putting Portugal level with Turkey at the top of Group F.
“Of course it hurts extremely (badly), although nobody completely thought we would prevail today,” Provod told Czech national television.
“The goals we conceded did not come after well put together attacks, but we have to acknowledge Portugal’s quality. The (goals) came from the enormous pressure.”
US athletics great Michael Johnson has announced the creation of a new circuit aimed at gathering the world’s top runners competing for $100,000 top prizes at four elite meetings a year.
Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medallist turned commentator for the BBC, said Grand Slam Track would debut in April of 2025 with two meetings in the United States and two international stops.
One US venue will be in Los Angeles, host city of the 2028 Olympics, Johnson said.
The meetings will feature track races only, no field events, divided into categories of short sprints, long sprints, high hurdles, low hurdles, middle distance and long distance, with men’s and women’s races in each category.
Each category will feature athletes competing in two events per meeting, short sprint competitors, for example, racing at both 100m and 200m.
The league said it had already signed 400m hurdles world record-holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who will be among 48 athletes under contract to Grand Slam Track and committed to competing in all four meetings of the season.
Another 48 athletes will be invited to take part according to “their track record and current form” and paid appearance fees to take part.
The winners in each race category at each meeting will receive $100,000, and the second-placed finisher $50,000, with the eighth-place finisher in each category taking home $10,000.
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