The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • 21 get free eye surgery

    A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) Sola Giwa has sponsored 21 persons for free eye surgeries.

    Giwa made this known while marking his 200 days in office.

    According to him, 49 people from his constituency were diagnosed with cataract and other severe eye defects, but 21 of them turned up for the surgery.

    He had also fumigated several streets in Lagos Island East during the monthly environmental sanitation.

    The Lawmaker enjoined Lagosians to embark on self discovery and see what they can do to make the nation great.

    He promised to table the constituency’s demands during the last town hall meeting to the leadership of the assembly.

    Giwa said in preservation of Lagos cultural heritage, he organised an annual inter-school debate in Yoruba language, describing it as an eye-opening competition as students saw the essence for upholding the diversity of their roots.

  • Woman dies in Lagos fire

    Woman dies in Lagos fire

    A 28-year-old woman, Yesirah Arowofela, died on Wednesday night in a fire that razed the second floor of a two-storey building at 11, Ladipo Kuku Street off Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos.

    The inferno, it was learnt, was caused by a high voltage around 7:50p.m.

    According to a guard, Usman, the building caught fire following a spark from the electric pole when light was restored.

    He said: “The fire affected only their flat. We tried our best to put out the fire but it spread fast. Everything was stiff; we couldn’t do anything.”

    A resident, Jamiu Abdullah, said the late Arowofela screamed for help but rescuers could not reach her because of the fire’s intensity.

    “I really don’t know if she was sleeping but as the fire started, I heard her voice. Her mother didn’t spend up to 15 minutes outside the building when the fire started. I don’t know the reason she locked the door at that time. It is so unfortunate. When we eventually broke the door, we didn’t hear her talk again. She was no more. I couldn’t recognise her again. The fire fighters came late because of the heavy traffic that night but they were the ones that succeeded in quenching the fire.”

    A family member, who didn’t give his name, said her mother locked the door because Yesirah was physically challenged.

    She said: “People have been blaming the mother for locking the door on an adult at that time but she had her reasons. Yesirah has been ill for 10 years and she has not been normal. It is painful that she died that way.”

    A neighbour, Segun Okanlawon, said the deceased was buried yesterday at a cemetary in Agege.

    “They have been living here for over 20 years and we have never witnessed this incident. As I speak, the electric pole is still sparking. Another house also caught fire due to high voltage but it was controlled immediately,” he said.

    State Fire Service Director Rasaq Fadipe said the fire started inside the kitchen.

  • Kingmakers deny ritual killings in Ikeja

    KINGMAKERS yesterday denied allegations of ritual killings ahead of the installation of the Olu of Ikeja-elect, Alhaji Samsudeen Adeleye.

    The Asipa of Ikeja, Chief Titi Thomas, said the story was concocted to smear the community before the police.

    About a week ago, Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) Panti, Yaba, invited Oba-elect Adeleye and some of his chiefs, over a petition written by one Balogun, alleging ritual killings in Ikeja.

    Thomas, with Yeyeoba of Ikeja Chief Alaba Dalemo and Eletu of Ikeja Chief Adetunde Balogun, among others, described the allegation as a figment of the petitioner’s imagination. Thomas urged those who lost to the Oba-elect to desist from using frivolous petitions to foment trouble, saying: “It is God that appoints kings.

    “This dimension of witch-hunting people is not acceptable at all. Ikeja monarch and kingmakers are leaders who bear the responsibility of preserving lives and properties by working hand-in-hand with government and the security agencies. We are no ritualists, much less human killers.

    “We implore anyone making any allegation to come out and prove it. What the Ikeja community is warming up for now is the coronation of our Oba-elect and we trust that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will soon give his approval,” he said.

    Thomas appealed to the youths to exercise restraint, saying: “As chiefs, we are noble people; we have no skeletons in our cupboards. Whenever the police seek any clarification from us, we are always available.”

  • Land Cruiser hits poles

    Two electricitiy poles were destroyed yesterday when a black Toyota Land Cruiser rammed into them on Adekunle Fajuyi Street in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Some of the passengers were injured.

    The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked EKY 293 AH, it was learnt, veered off the road and rammed into the perimeter fence of an estate.

    The fence was partially destroyed; one of the electricity poles landed on the SUV, damaging its bonnet.

    Pieces of the shattered windscreen littered the road.

    Residents and passersby rushed to the victims’ aid.

    National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials later joined the rescuers.

    Some blamed the driver for over-speeding.

    “From the way the car jumped over the gutter, brought down two electric poles, and even destroyed the fence like a bulldozer would, it’s certainly a clear case of over speeding. Despite people shouting speed kills, speed kills. Let drivers be careful on the wheels especially when the road is free,” said an onlooker.

    Another described the driving of some motorists as appalling.

  • Why 66 convicted soldiers deserve freedom

    Why 66 convicted soldiers deserve freedom

    The Chairman/ National Coordinator of All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavia, Ayoola Lawal has commended the Nigerian Army for listening to the outcry of Nigerians and walked the path of honor by reviewing the death sentences passed on the soldiers that were accused of insurrection and mutiny.
    The National Coordinator quoted a statement credited to the Nigerian Army spokesman, Col. Usman Sanni, as saying ‘the death sentences by firing squad passed on 66 soldiers in January and March 2015 by separate General Court Martials have been commuted to 10 years imprisonment each.’
    “The sentence review was a confirmation of the attentive leadership of the new C-in-C of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
    However, it is a known fact that the majority of Nigerians are not in the professional position to pass comment on what were purely military judgments.
    “Meanwhile, in the light of the emerging facts on the Dasukigate and others, it will be more honourable and human if the Nigerian Army can delve further into the review 0f the 10 year sentence by relating it to the unfolding developments of the $2.1 billion meant for the procurement of the weapons to prosecute the insurgency in North Eastern, Nigeria, but intentionally diverted for personal and political purposes by the office of the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd.),” he said.
    According to Lawal, it is sad and unfortunate that the senior officers that were supposed to investigate the matter could not trace the investigations to the reality of non-availability of weapons as claimed by the convicted soldiers before the sentence.
    “Special thanks to concerned Nigerians for their outcry and as well, the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the convicted brave men in uniform would have been killed by firing squad.
    “As much as Nigeria or her citizens would neither allow nor encourage any act of gross misconduct in the force, it will amount to the act of wickedness and injustice if the leaders that were supposed to provide leadership, cater for the well- being and also arm the followers with the appropriate tools refused but later turned to blame the followers for bad followership.
    “As a matter of fairness, justice and patriotism, the convicted 66 soldiers should not be made the casualties of bad leadership of the past administration.
    “I call on all well-meaning and concerned Nigerians home and diaspora to join hands further in imploring the C-in-C and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to please, order the review of the 10 year sentence and possibly grant the convicted brave men a presidential pardon,” Lawal pleaded.
    He further warned that if the conviction is not handled with care, dismissing the 66 soldiers or sentencing them may further harden their hearts thereby making them a threat to the society upon release.
    “These brave men have acquired survival skills so we should be careful how we force them to use the skills acquired from the Army. Nobody is even asking what will happen after the 10 year jail term. Will they be re-absorbed into the system or dismissed.

    “Similarly, prominent Nigerians were pleading for amnesty for the terrorist group, Boko Haram, even as some of the arrested members of the sect were released, I therefore suggest Federal Government come in to give the brave men pardon,” Lawal pleaded.

    He also noted that it is understandable that the military has set rules and guidelines, but advised that it be laid aside to save the innocent soldiers who displayed readiness to prosecute the battle against terror but were held back by lack of ammunition, which they protested.

  • Two arraigned for alleged murder

    An Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos yesterday remanded two persons, Suraj Ramon and Ahmed Ademola in prison custody for allegedly killing a 35-year-old man, Agboola Joseph.

    Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni ordered that the defendants be remanded at the instance of the police.

    Ramon (33) and Ademola (24), who were arrested by Lagos State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) operatives are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, belonging to an unlawful society, managing an unlawful society and murder, contrary to Sections 409, 41 and 42(1) and 221 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

    Prosecuting Police Sergeant Matthew Akhimien told the court that the defendants and others at large, belong to an unlawful society, “Eiye Fraternity”.

    He alleged that they shot Joseph dead on December 1 at the Bajulaiye Canal in Somolu, Lagos.

    The prosecutor sought a remand application pursuant to Section 264(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2011,

    The defendants’ plea was not taken because the court has no jurisdiction to try them.

    Their lawyers led by Spourgeon Ataene urged the court to grant them bail, pending legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    Magistrate Layemi ruled that he has no jurisdiction to entertain a case bordering on capital offence and referred it to the DPP for advice.

    He adjourned the case till January 25, next year.

  • Surulere residents stage health walk for communities

    Surulere residents stage health walk for communities

    Hundreds of residents of Surulere, Lagos Mainland, have held a walk to sensitise their communities on the need for regular health check.

    Under the aegis of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Surulere Branch, 270 persons participated in the walk from Cele Bus Stop to Ojuelegba and back to Cele roundabout

    TMC leader Alhaji Naheemdeen Abdul Gaffar said being in good health would help people to perform well.

    He said people took ill because of the lack of exercise, adding that regular exercise would reduce the huge money spent on treatment.

    Abdul Gaffar said: “Exercise gives strength and also good health. The reason we have a lot of people with different forms of illness is lack of exercise and laziness. When you do regular exercise, sickness will stay away and you won’t have the course to spend huge money on illness.”

    TMC Public Relations Officer Ibrahim Durosomo said walking is good for health, adding that one must be fit to practice Islam.

    Durosomo enjoined Lagosians to create time for exercise amid their busy schedule.

    “No matter how busy you are, you should plan to exercise. Whether it is once in a week, even if you can’t go a far distance, try to do it within your vicinity. Just make sure you have your body exercised,” he said.

    Dr Mustapha Ayinde of Havana Hospital, Surulere urged government to initiate policies that would help keep the citizenry mentally and physically fit.

    He said: “In America, once you graduate, you are enrolled into a programme which helps Americans to be on the alert in case of any emergency. Government should try going into sporting activities, so if we all keep fit, we won’t have any course to be afraid of any possible attack.”

  • Trailer falls in Oshodi

    Trailer falls in Oshodi

    A container-laden trailer fell early yesterday at Oshodi-Isale in Lagos partially blocking the Apapa expressway.

    The driver and two others were said to have jumped out of the vehicle which fell around 4a.m.

    The accident was said to have been caused by a bad portion of the road.

    According to the driver’s escort, who gave his name as Anthony, “We were coming from Apapa wharf heading to Sango-Ota. When we got to this junction, I learnt they had just removed one truck from this same spot. It wasn’t up to 20 minutes we got here, the same thing happened to us. All these are happening due to the poor state of the road, because, we had our flashlights on. We saw the pothole we tried to find the best possible way to avoid it, yet we were trapped. The front tyre went off; the second tyre was inside the pothole and the container fell.  It is really bad; we can’t move freely. We face different problems on the road. Look at me, I am hooked up here, I am supposed to go to some places with my family this morning (yesterday), but I can’t now until this (the trailer) leaves here. It is just sad because they know this road is bad but, nobody wants to do anything about it. I don’t know if they derive joy in seeing trucks fall, causing people to lose lots of money before it is repaired.”

    A trader, Chukwudi Ason, said he had been using the same route for over two years, adding that the road has always been bad.

    He said: “I would appreciate if the government can repair this particular spot because others might not be as lucky as they were. The third person on the trailer was behind the trailer when it fell. If it had landed on someone, it would have been worse. I presume repairing that spot should take only few hours, then why should it be on hold for so long. It is not fair. If it happened in the afternoon, I know it would have been disastrous because of the Yuletide season.”

    The motor boy, who didn’t give his name, said he was behind the trailer before the container fell.

    He said: “As I wanted to come down from the trailer to sight the condition of the road, the driver rained curses on me and asked me not to come down so I stayed back. It was God that saved me; it was indeed a narrow escape. When the trailer fell, I jumped with force because the container would have pinned my head to the ground. I was still thanking God for saving my life when the thugs around dealt with me mercilessly.”

    Also, another accident involving a tanker and a Toyota car occurred at Apapa Wharf Road yesterday.

  • LAGBUS offers free ride at ‘Xmas

    LAGBUS offers free ride at ‘Xmas

    The Lagos State Government through LAGBUS and its franchises, said it would provide free bus rides to residents tomorrow to commemorate Christmas.

    A statement by LAGBUS Public Relations Officer Yemi Adesoye, said the move is to promote the use of public transportation, as well as reducing congestion on Lagos roads during the festivities.

    The statement said the free bus rides would cut across parts of the metropolis, within the operational hours of 6am and 10p.m.

    It said the free bus services would ensure that fewer vehicles were on the roads during the period, appealing to motorists not to drink and drive to prevent avoidable accidents, which usually occurred during celebrations.

  • Secretary bolts with lawyer’s N118,000

    A lawyer’s secretary, Gbenga Akindele, who allegedly ran away with his employer’s N118, 000, was yesterday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Akindele, 21, who lives on Oyewole Street in Agege, Lagos, is facing one-count charge of stealing.

    Prosecuting Police Inspector Ezekiel Ayorinde said the accused committed the offence on December 17 at 1, Fagbola Street, Tabon-Tabon in Agege.

    He said Akindele, who was working as secretary in the chambers of Mr Rotimi Akomolafe, was asked to pay some money into his employer’s account at First Bank. He allegedly converted the money to personal use.

    “Gbenga was sent to make payment of N79, 000 and N39, 000 into two different accounts at First Bank belonging to Akomolafe and Oluwakemi Adeniyi.

    “He, however, converted the money to personal use,” Ayorinde said.

    The offence contravened Section 278 (f) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The accused pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate O.J. Awope, granted him N50, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    The case was adjourned to January 13.