The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • I got N880,000 not N1m after my kidney was removed, 16-year-old boy tells court

    I got N880,000 not N1m after my kidney was removed, 16-year-old boy tells court

    A 16-year-old boy, yesterday, told an FCT High Court in Zuba that he was given N880,000 and not N1million, by Mr Emmanuel Olorunlaye in Alliance Hospital, Abuja, after his kidney was removed.

    The teenager made this known while being led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Hassan Tahir.

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) charged the defendants alongside the hospital with 11 counts bordering on organ harvesting.

    The defendants are the Medical Director, Alliance Hospital, Dr Christopher Otabor, Emmanuel Olorunlaye, Chikaodili Ugochukwu, the Administrative Secretary of the hospital and Dr Aremu Abayomi.

    The boy said he met Olorunlaye through a friend. He said Olorunlaye called his friend when the hospital needed a kidney and that the hospital usually preferred persons with O+ blood group.

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    “My friend introduced me to Olorunlaye and told him I wanted to sell my kidney. Then Olorunlaye asked my friend to take me to any hospital around our area to see if I was healthy to donate my kidney.

    “After going to a hospital for my check up, I was given my result and my friend took a picture of it and sent it to Olorunlaye via WhatsApp  because I did not have a phone.

    ”After two days, Olorunlaye called my friend and sent some transport money to us to meet at the Alliance Hospital to run some tests.

    “I was taken to the laboratory for my blood samples and urine when I was done, Olorunlaye gave me N2,000 for a cab back home.

    “He called me back to repeat the same test in the hospital and again sent me N2,000 for a cab.

    “I went on to see him on a Tuesday and Olorunlaye informed me that the surgery would be performed on a Friday.

    “He told me not to inform any of my family members and instructed me not to eat from 8p.m to 10a.m and I did as he said,’’ he added..

    He alleged that Ugochukwu gave him some documents at 8pm and instructed him to sign them but he did not read it.

    He said Abayomi (the fourth defendant) came into the room he was kept in and told him that he would perform a medical surgery on him.

    ”He told me not to worry that he would save my life.

    “A nurse came later to get me and asked me to change into hospital wear and wheeled me into the theatre and gave me an injection that made me sleep.

    “Two days later, I heard the nurse screaming my name so I answered and as I tried to get up I felt the sharp pain on my side.

    “Olorunlaye came into my room and informed me that my kidney had been removed and asked if I needed cash or mobile transfer of money,” he said.

    He told the court that Olorunlaye told him that his friend, who “found” him, asked for his share of the N1 million and that he gave N100,000 from the money.

  • Police arrest suspected fake doctor in Ikorodu

    Police arrest suspected fake doctor in Ikorodu

    The Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos has apprehended one Tayo Shakirudeen, the Managing Director (MD) of Skylink Medical Centre in Elepe-Ikorodu, suspected of operating as a fraudulent medical practitioner with allegedly forged credentials.

    Acting on intelligence gathered from the Elepe community on the activities of Shakirudeen, a team of detectives, spearheaded by SP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, moved to arrest the suspect.

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    Upon his apprehension, a search yielded two suspected forged certificates purportedly from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Osun State and the Nigeria Medical and Dental Council. Also, an immovable hospital equipment was seized, and the hospital complex has been sealed pending further investigation.

    In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ayuba Umma, the suspect confessed to electronically fabricating the certificates, admitting that his actual qualification is only a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE).

    Shakirudeen also said he employed a total of six staff members, two of whom are trained nurses, while the others are untrained.

  • Man gets life imprisonment for raping 8-year-old in Cross River

    Man gets life imprisonment for raping 8-year-old in Cross River

    From Godwin Otang, Calabar

    Twenty-Year-Old Aniedi Mfon has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping an eight-year old minor in Cross River State.

    At the final hearing at the state High Court in Calabar, the presiding judge, Justice Blessing Egwu, while delivering judgment on the suit no: HC/FC/5C/2023, between the State versus Aniedi Mfon, bemoaned the rampant spread of rape cases in recent times.

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    The justice, however, awarded the payment of a fine of N1million to the survivor.

     The matter was fought by the Basic Right Council Initiative (BRCI), a non-profit that advocate against rape, witchcraft branding and other matters of human rights abuses.

  • Police arraign 24-year-old for alleged possession of pistol

    Police arraign 24-year-old for alleged possession of pistol

    The police yesterday arraigned Abdulateef Giwa, 24, for alleged possession of a locally made pistol.

    Giwa pleaded not guilty.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Olalekan Adegbite, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on April 13, at about 4 p.m., at Orita-Aperin, Ibadan.

    Adegbite said the offence was contrary to Section 417(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

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    The Magistrate, Mrs Oluwabusayo Osho, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

    Osho, thereafter, adjourned the case till May 22 for hearing.

  • Rivers tanker fire: Reps urge firm to provide alternative lane

    Rivers tanker fire: Reps urge firm to provide alternative lane

    The House of Representatives has urged the construction company handling the ongoing reconstruction of the Akpajo-Onne axis of the East-West Road in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State to provide a smooth alternative lane for the movement of commuters while construction is ongoing.

    This followed an incident where some people were killed while several vehicles were burnt on the road when a tanker laden with premium motor spirit (PMS) overturned and spilled its contents on the road, leading to a fire outbreak.

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    Most of the affected vehicles and their occupants were those trapped due to traffic gridlock occasioned by the ongoing reconstruction.

    The House mandated the Federal Ministry of Works and RCC to ensure that there are traffic marshalls on the road to direct traffic, ensure free flow of traffic and avoid gridlock of cars on the long stretch of the road under construction.

    The House mandated the Ministry of Works to ensure that RCC steps up the pace of the road construction to ensure completion in record time.

  • Iru-Victoria Island to distribute N25m cash palliatives

    Iru-Victoria Island to distribute N25m cash palliatives

    By Sofiyyah Abubakar

    The Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island Local Government Development Area, Princess Rasheedat Adu, will tomorrow  distribute N25 million cash palliatives to 500 indigents.

    According to her, each of  the beneficiaries will go home with N50,000.

    The palliatives, she said, is meant for traders.

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    Princess Adu noted that 500 indigent traders are to benefit from the gesture.

    She added that the cash will go a long way in helping the vulnerable traders especially during this economic hardship and will serve as a milestone in helping families.

  • Badagry empowers 300 farmers to  boost agricultural produce

    Badagry empowers 300 farmers to  boost agricultural produce

    The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Olusegun Onilude, has distributed free agricultural inputs to 300 farmers.

    Onilude said the initiative was part of his administration’s plans to drive food security by supporting famers to boost productivity.

    “My farmer support programme has to do with food security in the council through input and materials distribution to local farmers,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the inputs they received for the overall development of agriculture in the local government.

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    Onilude urged civil servants and youths to cultivate the habit of farming.

    “Everyone should be involved in farming, if you have a small backyard, look for sacks or plastic and plant some things that you needed.

    “This will make one to eat well. So, everyone should farm, you don’t need a plot of land for you to farm.

    “There is a need for all to collectively embrace farming including the civil servants and our youths,” he said.

    The chairman said the council would embark on a massive development of 4.93 hectares of land for cultivation during this current farming season and after.

    Onilude added that the council would  start its food discount market programme in a few weeks, where the council would subsidy 25 per cent all food items.

    Mr Taiwo Towolabani, the Supervisor for Agriculture and Youths Development, urged the farmers to utilise the items judiciously and warned them against selling the materials.

    Towolabani commended the council chairman for boosting farm produce in the council with his kind gesture.

    Mr Tunde Hunpatin, the Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Badagry Zone, said his members would make good use of the poultry feeds given by the council.

  • Foundation grants scholarships to pupils

    Foundation grants scholarships to pupils

    By Sahadat Jimoh

    The Founder of the late Smart Oluwole Apejoye Foundation (SMOAF), Idowu Apejoye, has stated that the organisation currently has 10 sponsored beneficiaries in schools.

    The foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded after the late Smart Apejoye, a businessman and public analyst.

    The late Apejoye was a regular face on the Television Continental (TVC) Journalists’ Hangout and many other programmes on Channels Television among others.

    Speaking during the second memorial lecture in Ikorodu, Apejoye said the foundation still needs external aid to impact more lives.

    The event was anchored by Yinka Kenny, a Broadcast Journalist/TV Host with NTA 2.

    According to Apejoye, the scholarship aligns with its vision to facilitate sound education, entrepreneurship, and helping the less privileged.

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    She said: “To reach more beneficiaries, we started by paying school fees for students in public and private schools. We have 10 students covered. We will continue to raise awareness through our public lectures and support funding for education for students.

    “We plan to get aid and grants because we believe there are organisations out there, even international bodies, doing this similar thing, helping children secure a better future.”

    During his lecture, the Managing Director of FBK Mayo Lade Nigerian Limited, Pastor Thompson Olulade, emphasised the importance of identifying one’s mission and vision in life, as this would aid in navigating success.

    “You must be a visionary mission planner who makes every day of your life count. You see the beginning and end of what you are pursuing. You must believe you have what it takes to succeed in life.”

    He further said that making like-minded friends and company is a recipe for achieving one’s mission and vision.

    “You have to believe in yourself that you have what it takes to become great in life. You must move with the right people to bring your vision to life”, he added.

    Using Bible quotes and analogies, he explained in detail various unconventional ways to create impact, challenge the status quo, and embrace creativity.

    He urged the attendees to upskill and seeks knowledge constantly.

    The late Apejoye’s friend, Oluwafemi Odulaja, mentioned that the foundation is a continuation of his friend’s legacy.

    “He used to sponsor students right from when they were young, ensuring that out-of-school children got the best. This foundation was to continue his legacy of caring for students who could not afford school,” Odulaja said.

    Other dignitaries at the event include Mr. Fred Oloyede; Pastor Jacob Agadagba, Pastor Gladys Agadagba and Mrs. Mohammed.

  • Bariga to give out N25m to 500 beneficiaries

    Bariga to give out N25m to 500 beneficiaries

    The Chairman of Bariga Local Council, Kolade Alabi David, is set to distribute N25m cash intervention to Bariga indigent residents, petty traders and market women for its second phase.

    A statement signed by Secretary, Bariga Intervention Committee, Dr. Kehinde Lawal, the programme will take place at the Council Secretariat Hall tomorrow.

    The Committee Chairman, Segun Adesanya said: “Five hundred Bariga residents selected across various wards (A-H) will get N50,000 each which will be credited directly to their respective accounts and they will be issued a Providus Bank ATM card to that effect on Thursday.

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    “Recall in the first phase of the cash intervention on March 11, the sum of N20 million was disbursed to 1,000 people to mitigate the impact of the nation’s economic difficulties and high cost of living.

    “So far, Alabi has reiterated his commitment with respect to renewing the hope of the masses by putting smiles on their faces until every household benefit from this intervention programme. His commitment to better the lives of his people is matchless.

    “Some of the laudable programmes which have been embarked upon by Alabi through the Bariga Intervention Committee includes: Medical Outreach for residents; Free Iftar for Muslim faithful during Ramadan; Three-Day Special Prayer/Welfare programme for the Christians; – Free Health Care Delivery Packs for the pregnant women and many more initiatives.

    “So far, every street across Bariga Local Council has benefitted from the first phase of the exercise and other interventions; this second one will not be an exception. All arrangements have been perfectly done to make it a successful one. Access cards to the venue will be distributed to the beneficiaries in due course.”

  • Commissioner seeks creativity at council level

    Commissioner seeks creativity at council level

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Bolaji Dada, has called on Nigerians to utilise their inbuilt potentials to bring about creativity and innovation.

    This, she said, is an essential diving force in the growth of a nation.

     She made call at this year’s World Creativity and Innovation Day organised by the ministry with the theme: “INSPIRE”.

    Mrs Dada noted that creativity and innovation are essential drivers of success, fostering growth, adaptability, and competitiveness.

    She said the two play crucial roles in solving complex problems and enabling platforms that ensure growth.

    She said: “The transformative power of innovation and creativity is seen in nations that have gone through the various stages of development. All over the world, nations that have not defined their direction have been known to experience stagnation due to resistance to change especially when they don’t get a buy-in from the people.

    “As a Ministry, we have also effectively keyed into that purposefulness in handling the task of empowerment. Creativity and innovation drive most of the schemes designed to empower our Students and make them economically independent.”

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    She reiterated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts in making creativity and innovation cardinal principles.

    Mrs. Dada explained that 4,592 beneficiaries graduated from the 19 vocational centres across the state.

    “By tapping into the full potential of our students through their creativity, they can generate income, gain financial independence, and contribute to their communities’ economic growth and ultimately to the nation as a whole.

    This enables self-reliance among women, the vulnerable, out of work/unemployed youths and adults.” she stated.

    She advised Nigerians to come out to showcase their inbuilt talents and strength in other to become successful and self-fulfilled.

    “You can pursue your passions, achieve your goals, and make a positive impact on the nation and the world around you knowing fully well that not all are driven into white-collared jobs.

    “Ralising your potential can boost your confidence, enhance your self-esteem, to earn you an income and inspire others to do the same especially at a time like this when creativity and innovation rules the world,” she said.