The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Fayemi congratulates SIEC, newly elected LG chairmen

    The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated the newly elected chairmen and councillors of the 16 local government councils, following official announcement of Saturday’s council election results by the State Independent Electoral Commission.

    Governor Fayemi also commiserated with the family of Dotun Kosedake, who was killed in the fracas that took place in Ikere-Ekiti and called on police authorities in the state to get to the roots of what actually transpired with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

    The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, however, expressed satisfaction at the conduct of the election. He lauded the professionalism of the SIEC officials under the leadership of Justice Jide Aladejana, saying that the hitch-free nature of the election was a reflection of their professional conduct.

    Read Also: APC Sweeps Ekiti Council Polls as PDP rejects result

    Governor Fayemi said he was particularly impressed the election held under a peaceful atmosphere as voters and SIEC officials conducted themselves in orderly manners.

    While congratulating the newly elected council chiefs, the Governor urged them to see their election as a call to serve, adding that they cannot afford to disappoint those who voted for them.

    He reminded them of his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption and mediocrity, adding that it is no longer business as usual in the councils.

    The Governor said : “I congratulate the good people of Ekiti State, for demonstrating their peaceful nature and love for democracy during Saturday’s council poll. The professionalism of SIEC under the leadership of Justice Jide Aladejana is also commendable.

    “I also congratulate and welcome on board all our newly elected chairmen and councillors. I urge them to see their election as a call to serve and should do their best not to disappoint the people that voted for them.

    “They should be guided by the fact that our administration has zero tolerance for corruption , and it is certainly not going to be business as usual in our councils this time around.

    “While the election was largely peaceful, the incident in Ikere was a sour point. We commiserate with the family of the deceased, even as I have directed the police in the state to investigate what actually transpired and bring the perpetrators to book”, the statement added.

  • Orji Uzor Kalu, Magu makes symbolic statement

    By Ochada Ajogwu Jerry

    The Nigerian information space exploded on Thursday December 4, 2019, when news broke that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted a former governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North in the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, of N7.1bn fraud and sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment.

    Senator Kalu was convicted alongside his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and his
    Director of Finance and Account at the Abia State Government House, Mr. Jones Udeogu who served under him when he was Abia state governor.

    While Udeogu was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, the judge ordered the winding up of Slok Nigeria Limited, holding that its assets and properties be forfeited to government.

    The judgment, delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris, shocked and stunned the whole nation, not only because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC had been on this case for 12 years after it first filed the fraud charges against Kalu in 2007, but also for the fact that the former Abia state governor had been widely regarded as a sacred cow and one of the most trusted ally and confidant of President Buhari; a claim he seemingly invoked and exploited to maximum effect when INEC was compelled by the courts to issue him with a certificate of return as Abia North Senator and most recently when the Supreme Court validated his victory and dismissed all the petitions challenging his election victory.

    Not many people believed that a court of law in Nigeria would be bold enough to convict a man whose relationship with President Mohammadu Buhari, was such that he even took a well celebrated chieftaincy title from Katsina, the President’s state and his ride to the Senate became so smooth once he joined APC, the ruling Party, thus lending more credence to the narrative that your sins will be forgiven once you joined APC.

    In any case, with this dramatic conviction of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, it appears that many people have grossly underestimated the unflinching tenacity and crusade like commitment of the EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu to the anti corruption war. This conviction, coming at this very auspicious time in the evolution of the anti corruption war, has more than consolidated the argument that Ibrahim Magu ought to be confirmed and retained as the substantive head of the EFCC.

    It also sends a reassuring signal to the international community that Nigeria is quite serious about tackling corruption frontally, with a dedicated and courageous man in charge, but most importantly it delivers a clear and direct warning to all those under EFCC investigation for various fraud related allegations, but enjoying some form of official authority and responsibility, that the EFCC under Magu, is not going to dilly dally over fraud and corruption cases anymore and sooner than later, a proper and complete closure will be brought to many of the very outstanding and astounding cases.

    Indeed, one of the most satisfying aspects of the judgement and conviction of Senator Orji Kalu was the commendation given to the EFCC by the Judge. In pronouncing the convicts guilty, Justice Idris had only glowing praise for the EFCC, stating unequivocally that the Commission proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Read Also: N7.65bn fraud: Orji Uzor Kalu to spend 12 years in jail

    Out of the 39 counts filed against the trio, the judge convicted Kalu of the entire 28 counts in which his name featured. On each of counts 1-11 and 39, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment; on each of counts 23-33, he was sentenced to three years imprisonment; and on each of counts 34-38, he was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.

    The judge, who hailed the investigation that culminated into the charge as in-depth and conclusive, said: “No gaps were left unfilled. This is the acceptable standard. I hold the view that the prosecution has established its case against the defendants; it did not fall short of the standard required by law in money laundering offences. It is clear upon the facts before this court that the prosecution had this case conclusively investigated before opting to bring this charge against the defendants. In other words, the prosecution did an in-depth and conclusive investigation.”

    The import of this very succinct observation by the learned Justice Idris is a clear affirmation of the giant strides the EFCC under Ibrahim Magu has accomplished. Gone are the days when the Commission was often embarrassed by sitting judges and had to hurriedly withdraw promising cases from court as a result of shoddy and haphazardly construed investigations in their eagerness to secure glory seeking convictions. Under Magu’s unerring watch, the EFCC has transformed into a meticulous, clinical, dogged and tenacious investigative machine, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that any charge that is eventually tabled before the courts would have been throughly investigated and prepared with the utmost care and intention to secure a conviction at the end of trial.

    It is also worth stating here that the conviction of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is quite significant as it falls in line with the EFCC’s determination to bring as many
    Politically Exposed Persons, PEPs to book; a drive which had already convicted Jolly Nyame, a former governor of Taraba State and Joshua Dariye, a serving Senator and a former governor of Plateau state both of whom are currently serving jail terms at Kuje Prison.

    Dariye and Nyame, who were sentenced to 14 years in prison had approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the ‘guilty’ verdict handed down on them by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gudu presided over by Justice Adebukola Banjoko. However, while upholding their convictions, the Appellate Court commuted Dariye’s jail term to 10 years and that of Nyame to 12 years with a fine of N495 million.

    It is highly anticipated that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu may also approach the court if Appeal to try and overturn his own conviction too. Indeed, a legal practitioner ostensibly speaking on behalf of the Abia North Senator has already boasted that the judgement will be appealed from the Appeal Court up to the Supreme Court, even insisting that there was no cause for alarm.

    However, without prejudice to whatever transpires henceforth legally, the point remains that with this conviction of Senator Orji Kalu, the EFCC, led by Ibrahim Magu as the acting Chairman, has proven once more that the Commission remains consistent in its concerted efforts towards ensuring that the negative narrative of pervasive corruption in the Nigerian system is changed for the better, and the perception that some persons are sacred cows who are above the Law, is altered.

    There is no doubt that in the last four years, the political will of President Muhammadu Buhari has emboldened and energized the EFCC to embark on enforcement and preventive measures against corruption with a view to tame the monster and with the preventive, enforcement and prosecution mandate given to the Commission, all that is needed is the combination of courage, integrity, and determination which has been proved beyond reasonably doubt are all embodied in Magu and which will be intensified with the confirmation of a substantive authority to drive the anti corruption war to new, successful heights.

    Indeed, like Ibrahim Magu himself said, the battle to make the country a place where foreign in

  • 800,000 Nigerian women living with VVF – UNFPA

    By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

    The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has said that, that between 400,000 and 800,000 women live with Vesico Virgina Fistula (VVF) in Nigeria.

    The Fund while describing the statistics as worrisome said, there are about 12,000 to 20,000 new cases each year.

    It however said, UNFPA in collaboration with Kaduna State Ministry of Health and Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club, will organise a one-day high-level conference on the urgent need to end Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in Kaduna state.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by Ms Mariama Darboe, the Programme Coordinator/Head of Office of the Kaduna-based UNFPA Decentralized Office for Northern Nigeria, a pre-conference event will start on December 18 with a Road walk within Kaduna metropolis.

    Ms Darboe further said that, the main event will hold at Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club, Mararraban Jos, on December 19, where Governor Nasir El Rufai is expected to launch the conference along with his wife, Hajiya Ummi El Rufai, who will be officially declared the Fistula Ambassador in Kaduna state.

    The UNFPA Coordinator pointed out that the conference ‘’aims at raising awareness about the tragic childbirth injuries that incapacitates thousands of mainly poor, illiterate young adolescents who live in rural areas with poor access to quality maternal health care.‘’

    According to her, the conference ‘’will also serve as a platform to raise funds in order to strengthen health care facilities, to clear the backlog of cases and stop or at least reduce new ones from occurring.’’

    Read Also:VVF sufferers appeal for help in Kaduna

     

    The Coordinator who described the statistics as worrisome and unacceptable, revealed that it is estimated ‘’that between 400,000 and 800,000 women live with VVF in Nigeria. In addition, there are about 12,000 to 20,000 new cases each year.‘’

    Ms Darboe described Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) as a condition that allows for the continuous and involuntary discharge of urine and faeces.

    ‘’Depending on the severity of the case, some women are operated successfully while others may have to live with the condition for the rest of their lives. Left untreated, obstetric fistula often leads to social isolation, frequent infections, kidney failures, painful sores and infertility, she said.

    According to the UNFPA Coordinator, obstetric fistula is preventable and can largely be avoided by delaying pregnancy, ensuring skilled birth attendants during child delivery and providing timely access to obstetric care for all women who develop complications during child birth.

    “Medical experts, sociologists and traditional as well as religious leaders, including top government officials, captains of industries and prominent business men and women are expected to attend the conference.” She added.

  • PDP to Oshiomhole: We can defeat APC in Edo

    By Osagie Otabor, Benin

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has chided National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for saying the PDP lacked ability to win elections in Edo State.

    It said Oshiomhole only attempted to divert attention from his many challenges and failures as National Chairman of the APC.

    The Edo PDP said it is still strong in the state to defeat the ruling APC.

    Edo Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, in a press statement said the PDP is a strong, viable party with an effective and efficient structure.

    Nehikhare stated that the leadership structure of the PDP was unlike the APC led by Oshiomhole that has torn apart as a result of Oshiomhole’s meddlesomeness, tactlessness and cluelessness.

    Read Also: Ize-Iyamu exit will not affect us – Edo PDP

    The statement reads in parts, “Adams Oshiomhole should be reminded that as National Chairman of the ruling party both at the state and federal level, he lost Edo state woefully to PDP in last Presidential election as PDP gathered the majority of the votes cast in the state therefore winning two out of the 3 senators.

    “Edo people have not forgotten how Adams Oshiomhole left a prostrate financial legacy of debts and empty treasury as he was handing over in 2016. Even his successor has threatened to expose and probe his tenure better described as a cesspool of corruption!

    “Adams Oshiomhole and his party have nothing to campaign with in Edo State. Is it the fight over control of state treasury, the gale of suspensions, the disrespect to the State House of Assembly and the constituents or the unfulfilled promises? Adams Oshiomhole is hereby adviced that tatatata is not an election winning strategy!

    “APC cannot win an election in Edo again. Edo people are tired of APC deceit and failure.

    “In PDP, we prepare for elections by campaigning, mobilizing and sensitizing electorates to support and vote for our candidates.”,

  • Obaseki expands Agripreneur Scheme to cover piggery, cassava,oil palm production

    In a move to sustain the Agripreneur Scheme designed to boost food security and create wealth for farmers in the state, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has expanded the scheme to cover piggery, cassava and oil palm production, in more locations in the state.

    Obaseki disclosed after attending the annual thanksgiving service of Omega Fire Ministries International, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The governor said the state Agripreneur Scheme has recorded huge success, which necessitated its expansion to cover more crops and also livestock production, noting, “Because the scheme was successful in 2019, we are applying and expanding the facilities across areas like piggery, and crops such as cassava and oil palm.”

    “Agriculture is the largest employer of labour and largest contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the country,” he added.

    He said investment in Agriculture would create more employment opportunities, urging youths in the state to key into the state’s Agripreneur Scheme.

    Read Also: Buhari charges banks on investment into agriculture sector

    According to him, “What we are doing is to encourage more youths to participate in our Agripreneur programme where we give them the support, facilities and opportunities to cultivate crops that will be bought by off-takers.

    “We are hoping that in 2020, we will have massive expansion in the areas of livestock and boost food sufficiency. I see a lot of young people keying into the programme.”

    He asked for more prayers for the state and country, adding that the prayers of the faithful have continued to protect the Nigeria.

    He reiterated that he would continue to sue for peace in the state but not to the detriment of the welfare of the people, adding, “If we have to fight to make Edo better, I will do so. If we have to fight to put food on the table of the poor, we will do so.”

    In his sermon titled “Thanksgiving as a Weapon,” General Overseer, Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, said thanksgiving is a command from God. He urged Christians to thank God with their heart and substance.

  • APC Sweeps Ekiti Council Polls as PDP rejects result

    Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado Ekiti

    The Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) has declared the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners of the Saturday’s Local Government Council election in the state.

    The chairman of the Commission, Justice Jide Aladejana who made this known while announcing the results of the council polls on Sunday, said that four political parties fielded candidates for the council election including the APC and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Declaring the results on Sunday as presented by the Returning Officers, the SIEC boss said , the APC candidate in Ado Local Government , Mrs Motunde Fajuyi polled a total of 27,578 votes to defeat other 4 candidates in the election, while in Ido/Osi , Mr Adeola Adedimeji Lawrence of APC polled 15,879 to emerge victorious .

    The winners also include Ekiti East Ogunjobi Esan polled 11, 946, Efon; Mr Adetunji Bode Stephen scored 9, 356 ,Ekiti Southwest, Hon Amire Kola Kolade had i 13,97, Ilejemeje: Akinola Oladunjoye scored 5, 477 votes while in Moba, Mr. Aborisade Michael got 13,028.

    Ijero: Hon Ropo Ige (16,744 ) , Ikere: Mr. Oluwafemi Ayodele (13, 244), Gbonyin: Hon Ayodele Fadumiye (13,320), Emure : Hon Paul Awopetu (11, 392), Ise/Orun: Mr. Mr Alabi Olanrewaju (12, 400 ), Ekiti West : Kareem Agunbiade (21, 874) , Ikole : Mr. Sola Olominu polled (21,228), Oye: Mr. Foluso James Ojo (20,352) and in Irepodun/Ifelodun, Mr Shina Ogunleye won with 22,896.

    The PDP candidate only had a good showing in Ekiti East local government, where the candidate got 4,033 votes to emerge the runner up.

    Read Also: PDP senators reject Bayelsa, Kogi election results

    Meanwhile, the State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Barr. Gboyega Oguntuase has rejected the results of the election, calling for outright cancellation.

    Oguntuase who made this known while addressing journalist in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, said the election was a ‘mere jamboree’ as it fails to meet the minimum standard, describing it as the worst ever in the political history of the state.

    He added the election was a ‘political coup d’etat’, stressing that the results were allegedly written by the state government for the State Independent Electoral Commission officials to present and read.

    According to him, the exercise was another world war as it was marred with violence, killing and ballot snatching , adding that the results for Ilejemeje, Ise/Orun, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti East were written without any conduct of election.

    “The Ekiti PDP outrightly reject the results of the Saturday’s council in totality. What we had was a mere tragedy and comedy. It was comedy in the sense that it was a drama of people who wanted to imitate or let the activities have semblance of democracy while truly the essence of democracy was bastardised.

    “In all the 16 local government and 177 wards there was truly no election. For proper election to hold, there are certain materials that are important. But I want to tell you categorically that in Ilejemeje, Ido-Osi, Ise/Orun, Ikere, Ikole and other councils ballot papers and boxes were not supplied.

    “We were surprised that in area where there was no election results were announced. What happened in Kogi state was exactly what Governor Kayode Fayemi and his men did in Ekiti”.

    Oguntuase, however, declared seven day of mourning period for the killing of Dotun Kosedake and four others who casualties currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.

    He directed its members to shun any activities that will depict the party was in sober time in honour of the victims taking effect from Monday, December 9.

    However, Aladejana, has denied the widespread allegation that there was sporadic shooting which led to the death of Dotun Kosedake at Okitiko unit , Araromi ward in Ikere during the election.

    Aladejana said preliminary investigation had revealed that no one was shot at the polling unit and that the violence that erupted in the area, which he ascribed to cult clash was not within the precinct of the polling unit.

    He said: “Nobody was killed at ward 7 unit 006 in Ikere on Saturday . Nobody was shot. Though, we heard that someone came violently and made away with unused ballot papers . Even in the whole unit, there were just 280 registered voters and this does not in any way vitiate the outcome”.

    According to him, the commission provided a level playing ground for all the political parties and their candidates in the election.

    He, however, commended the security architecture in the state for ensuring that no one was intimidated during the poll, describing the election as peaceful and credible.

  • Obaseki mourns death of evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the death of influential evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke, who died at the age of 79 years.

    In a statement, the governor said Bonnke lived an impactful life and is one of the most ardent preachers of the gospel in his lifetime, working tirelessly to win souls to Christ in Nigeria and across Africa.

    The news of his death was announced by his wife, Anni Bonnke, in a statement, noting that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

    According to the governor, “It is with a heavy heart that we received the news of the death of Reinhard Bonnke, a quintessential preacher of the gospel, who went all the way in his quest to win souls for Christ.

    Read Also: Buhari, CAN mourn as Bonnke dies at 79

     

    He will be remembered for his commitment to the Lord’s work and breaking new grounds in bringing people to the Christian-fold.

    “In Edo State, we remember him even more dearly because of the impact of his crusades in Benin City, which drew some of the largest crowd at the time. He held a massive crusade in Benin City in 1996, and was instrumental to the conversion of a lot of people to Christianity. We are deeply pained by his exit and pray that God grants him eternal rest.”

    “The people and government of Edo commiserate with the wife of the deceased and his entire family, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss,” Obaseki said.

  • Rerun: APC aspirants in A’Ibom seek Igini’s removal

    Bassey Anthony, Uyo

    Members of the All Progressives Congress(APC) who contested for various elective offices in Akwa Ibom in the last elections are seeking the removal of the state resident electoral commissioner, Mike Igini.

    Addressing a press conference in Uyo at the weekend under the aegis of the All Progressive Congress Aspirants Forum (APCAF), they insisted that Igini should not be allowed to conduct the rerun elections in the state.
    .

    State Coordinator of APCAF, Dr. Chris Enoch said the call for Igini’s redeployment from Akwa Ibom became necessary as the party had lost confidence in his integrity, adding that Igini is biased against the APC.

    Enoch said it is the firm position of the forum that Igini should not be allowed to conduct any rerun election in the state as he would still vent his anger against APC while colluding with PDP.

    The statement reads in parts ” It become particularly worrisome and nostalgic that an umpire would veer from these rules and against the run of play to act in such a manner that would cause the electorates to impute shear compromise and corruption on an umpire as would give credence to his utter disdain for a particular party or her candidates to such an extent that it would smack of a personal vendetta.

    “It is even worse when the impression is created and it resonates across the land that this attitude is linked with his venomous disdain for the party which he links with a particular religion or ethnic bloc.

    Read Also: APC to Dickson: stop heating up polity

     

    “This stigma on the umpire vitiate whatever iota of credibility which he so easily and voluptuously mouths with false pride. In the case of Igini, the initial confidence and trust in which the Akwa Ibom electorates held him has been completely eroded and was mere gratuitous given the acclaimed integrity of INEC at the national level.

    “The preferential and VIP treatment of PDP was manifestly demonstrated during the pre 2019 General Elections Enlightenment/Interaction meetings VB of INEC with all the parties in the state and their stakeholders including their gubernatorial candidates.”

    The Forum maintained that “due and commensurate action should be taken by INEC headquarters, Abuja to inculcate some noble sense of patriotism and transparency in Mr. Igini.”

    “Igini’s post-election utterance clearly demonstrate the inert hatred and disgust he nursed for APC as a party and some of its principal actors. Igini sometime ago appears on screen to castigate APC candidates who complained of INEC’s underhand tactics that saw to their failure at the last election.

    “On the basis of the foregoing incontrovertible facts and observations therefore, we members of APCAF Aspirants Forum, Akwa Ibom State Chapter call for the immediate redeployment or possible sack of Mr Igini and his irk in the Akwa Ibom State INEC and the posting of a new and impartial Resident Electoral Commissioner and principal staff to AKS, such as would inspire confidence in the AKS electorates preparatory to the conduct of a free, fair credible and acceptable rerun election,” the statement added.

  • Lagos shuts 24 illegal pharmacy stores

    Adekunle Yusuf

    In order to restore sanity to healthcare delivery system in the state, no fewer than 24 pharmacy stores, patent medicine shops and unlicensed premises at Abule Egba, Alagbado, Kola, Meiran, Ekoro and Oko-Oba in Ifako Ijaiye and Alimosho Local Government areas of Lagos were sealed by the Lagos State Taskforce on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods.

    The affected stores and shops were closed down for offences bordering on illegal operation and operating beyond scope of practice.

    The Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this at the weekend while reviewing the report of the enforcement exercise carried out by the task force, stated that shutting the pharmacies and patent medicine stores was in accordance with the provisions of Section C34 of the Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Provision Act of 1999. He explained that the enforcement, which is part of the mandates of the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit (PIU) of the Ministry of Health, is in line with the state government’s drive to put a halt to the ugly trend of having unqualified personnel deal with drugs.

    Abayomi averred that the state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will continue to insist that the environment for the dispensation of medical care should be suitable for the promotion and maintenance of good health for citizens.

    While listing offences that led to closure of affected pharmacies and patent medicine shops, the Commissioner said they were sealed off for operating without license, engaging unqualified persons to man and dispense drugs to unsuspecting citizens, operating beyond scope through sale of ethical products, displaying and storing drugs in un-conducive environment, which compromises the potency of the drugs, thereby rendering them ineffective.

    Some of the premises, he said also engaged in illegal clinical practices such as patient admission and setting of intravenous infusions, which are unacceptable in Lagos.

    While vowing that the state government will do whatever is necessary to enforce the law and sanction erring operators, the Commissioner noted that the recent operation of the taskforce was coming on the heels of the war being waged against fake drugs and illegal drug shops and warned that the activities of the State Task Force on Fake Drugs would not only be sustained, but intensified until operators in the sector adhere strictly to the provisions of the law on the operation of pharmacies and patent medicine shops.

    This is to safeguard the health of Lagosians, he stressed.

    Read Also: Lagos Lawmakers supports education budget

     

    Also speaking in the same vein, Director Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry, Dr. Moyosore Adejumo, said the task force has been re-energized to intensify the on-going war against fake, expired and substandard drugs being peddled by unlicensed and illegal premises. “This closure is thus part of the government’s renewed efforts to sanitize the drug distribution system and curb proliferation of fake drugs in the State,” she said.

    She explained that an investigative meeting would be held with owners of the sealed premises to make further inquiries on the status of the sealed premises and to notify them of the procedures and appropriate conditions to be met for reopening in line with government regulations and payment of administrative fee. The enforcement and compliance raid by the State Task force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods was carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Federal Taskforce on Fake Drugs and the Police Officers from Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) of Lagos Police Command.

  • Teenager sets lover ablaze for alleged cheating

    Precious Igbonwelundu

    A 19-year-old boy Victor Orji has been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly burning his 24-year-old lover to death over alleged infidelity.

    The incident occurred on Satuday morning at G54 Army Post Service Housing Estate, Ojo.

    Orji, alleged to be a fraudster, was alleged to have poured petrol on his lover Mariam Alabi after she allegedly went to stay with another man on Thursday and Friday.

    The suspect allegedly confessed that the N600,000 he used to rent their accommodation was part of proceeds of fraud, adding that he had been involved in such business for about three years.

    According to the suspect, he had discovered through her phone when she returned on Friday that she went to see another man and not her father as she claimed.

    He said the woman also left their home on Thursday to fix her hair but did not return till the following day, Friday and again left claiming she was going to her father’s.

    Orji who said he went through her phone and saw her chats, videos calls and nude pictures she sent to another man, claimed that she had agreed to stop prostitution when she moved into his place in March.

    A picture of the woman’s scald body was also shared by neighbours who were said to have put out the flames on her and rushed her to a hospital where she eventually died.

    Read Also: Man kills lover over infidelity

    Confirming the incident, police spokesman DSP Bala Elkana said the case aas reported at Iba Police Station around 11:45am on Saturday.

    “The suspect confessed that he used petrol to set the victim ablaze. The suspect met the victim, a 24-year-old girl on February 28 through a hookup and she moved into his house in March. They have since lived as lovers.

    “He said her parents lived apart. He finished his secondary school in 2016 at Gbagada Senior Grammar School and seeking for admission into tertiary institution. That he has been into internet fraud for the past three years.

    “That the N600,000 he used in renting the apartment they lived in was a proceed of internet fraud. That he brought the victim into his house with conditions that she will quit prostitution and stick to him alone.

    “He said he became angry when he saw chats and pictures she sent to another man on her phone and then used fuel he bought to power generator and set her ablaze.

    “A team of detectives visited the scene. The victim was taken to General Hospital, Igando were she was admitted but died in the early hours of Sunday December 8.

    “The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu has directed the immediate transfer of the case to Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Yaba. The suspect will be charged to court for murder.”