The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • RRS arrests 45 hoodlums

    RRS arrests 45 hoodlums

    Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives have arrested more than 45 hoodlums at some black spots in the city.

    RRS Commander Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said the arrests followed raids on criminals’ hideouts. He said the onslaught on criminals would continue to secured the environment for prospective investors and protect lives and properties of the residents.

    Disu said the suspects were arrested in Oshodi, Jibowu, Victoria Island, Mile 2, Ajegunle, Ijora and Law school under Bridge.

    “The arrest will be continuous as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is determined to rid the state of criminals and create an enabling environment for peaceful co-existence among residents and business owners,” he said.

    He assured that the increasing rate of armed robbery and criminal attacks in the state would soon be a thing of the past.

  • Police chief Sobulo buried

    Police chief Sobulo buried

    Amid wailings, family members, friends, colleagues, on Saturday, gathered at the Police College Dining Hall at Ikeja, Lagos, to pray for the late Commissioner of Police(CP) Tunde Sobulo.

    The remains of the gallant police officer were also interred that day in Atlanta Georgia, United States.

    A former commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Hakeem Odumosu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), was in tears when Assistant Superintendent of Police Raji Jamiu and Wahid Onikealu said they were only gathered because they accepted their fate.

    He said: “I realised what life meant through the late Sobulo. He made some of the police officers and that is why many of them are here to pay their last respect. Death is inevitable but what matters is what people say about you when you are gone. People should imbibe good characters while they are alive.”

    Deputy Commissioner of Police, Isaac Ogunmoyede, who represented the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase and the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Bala Hassan of Zone II Onikan, Lagos, described the late officer as dedicated.

    The deputy commandant of the police college Ikeja, Oga Ero, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said it was very unfortunate that they all gathered because of the loss.

    “How I wish it was a celebration of achievements. I knew him for a long time. When I was in Force Investigation Department (FID); he was at the command. He fought crime to a halt. Whenever criminals heard his name, they ran away. He was a crime fighter, a defender of human rights, a fine police officer and very dedicated to his works. We thank God for the good life he lived. Whatever project he started will be completed, none would be abandoned. It is a promise we must keep,” Ero said.

    Sobulo is survived by his wife and five children.

  • Defilement: Court to protect 10-year-old girl

    An Ogudu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has ordered a Probate Officer to find out whether a 10-year-old girl allegedly defiled by her mother’s neighbour, Mr Mayowa Adeyemi, is safe at her residence.

    The girl’s mother, Mrs. Omowunmi, told the court that she and her daughter still live in the same building with the accused.

    Adeyemi, she said, lives a few doors from her single room apartment, adding that their paths cross on daily.

    She was, however, interrupted by the defendant’s counsel, Mr Kayode Rufus, who informed the court of the innocence of his client.

    Rufus told the court that he even had a credible witness – the defendant’s landlord – who was willing to testify on his behalf.

    However, Magistrate Sule Hamzat stopped his address on the grounds that proceedings had not reached that stage.

    Hamzat said: “My concern at this stage is the victim’s safety. The court needs to find out whether the the victim is protected at her home.”

    She ordered the Probate Officer to locate the victim’s residence and find out whether it was safe enough for her to reside there.

    Mayowa was first arraigned by the police on August 24 at an Ikeja Magistrate’s court in Ogba, on charges on child molestation and defilement, but he was granted bail and the case file was transferred to the Ogudu Division of the court.

    The Nation learnt that the accused was arraigned following the outcome of an examination carried out on the victim at the Mirabel Centre, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    From the Mirabel Centre, the matter was referred to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT).

    The DSVRT, a department in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, has offered to provide free legal aid for the victim.

    Magistrate Hamzat fixed November 11 for the probate officer’s report.

  • DPO laments bad road

    The Meiran Divisional Police Officer, Anthony Okonkwo, a Superintendent of Police (SP)  has said bad road networks and unavailability of serviceable vehicles are inhibiting his men from effectively discharging their duties in the area.

    Okonkwo spoke while receiving the Area M commander J.O Eribo, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

    He said: ‘’We have been performing our duties diligently with courage in line with the lay down rules and regulation, but what has been our major problems in the course of discharging our duties are bad roads and vehicles to carryout patrol to combat crime and also to enhance our response to distress calls. We are having three patrol vehicles of which two are serviceable while one is grounded’’.

    Okonkwo called for creationa of a police post in Olata Captain Community, Meiran, saying that the distance of the community to Meiran division office is worrisome.

    He noted doing this will help reduce the incessant criminality in the community to the barest minimum.

     

  • Candlelight procession for slain MC Oluomo’s aide

    Candlelight procession for slain MC Oluomo’s aide

    A candle light process has been held for the late Olayinka Mamowora, personal assistant to popular road transport unionist Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo).

    Mamowora (aka Mamok) was killed in a barber’s shop in Oshodi, Lagos, about three weeks ago.

    Mamok’s colleagues, clad in black, with candle sticks marched round some streets in Oshodi.

    They extolled Mamok’s virtues and rained curses on his killers.

    A sympathiser, who did not want his name in print, told The Nation he is still in shock over Mamok’s death.

    He said he was not surprised at the turn out, noting: “For you to know that he is a good person, a man after people’s heart, a procession was also held in his honour in London, Abeokuta and Ijebu simultaneously with that of Oshodi. Mamok was a renowned person “.

    Alhaja Muditi Akinsanya Adenuga, the late Mamok’s elder sister, wondered why someone as humble as his brother was “murdered in cold blood”.

    She charged the police to hasten their investigation into the case and bring the perpetrators to book.

    “He was very humble, he never look for trouble. I still don’t know what sins he committed that made him die this way. His death was very painful to all. On this ill-fated day, we had a phone conversation; he promised he would come pick up a cloth from me after he is done with whatever he was doing, only for me to hear he was shot by unidentified gunmen, Mrs Adenuga said.

    She added: “Oluomo has told us to leave everything in the hands of policemen; if not for this there should be chaos in Oshodi by now. We want the police to carry out their investigation quickly and anyone who has a hand in my brother’s death must be prosecuted.”

    “I want to also use this medium to appeal to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to do everything within his power to make sure normalcy returns to Oshodi; we want to see a peaceful Oshodi that would be free of crimes.”

    Bode Egbeleye, who described the late Mamok as his “area brother”, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

  • Monarch seeks police protection

    Baale of Abijo in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State Alhaji Alarape Akibu has urged the police to accelerate their search for the people who attacked his palace and attempted to kill him.

    He said his subjects and residents had been living in fear, since the attack.

    The monarch alleged that a 70-year-old man, Bashiru Balogun, was attacked with a machete, adding that he (traditional ruler) was shot.

    Akibu alleged: “On that day, the thugs, fully armed, in a commercial bus, stormed my palace. One of them shot me at close range. Luckily I missed the bullet, as it hit and perforated the floor tiles at the entrance of my palace. Everyone ran for safety. Some of the thugs chased me, but I thank Allah that I escaped.”

    Balogun said: “I ran into one of the hoodlums and he attacked me on the right arm with a machete. He wanted to kill me. I thank God that I’m still alive. My brother, the Baale, was shot, but he escaped.”

    Akibu hailed the police for their efforts, which he said resulted in the arrest of three people at the hoodlums’ hideout and the seizure of guns, machetes and charms.

    “I will, however, be happy if the police can arrest their leader and others at large, so that Abijo residents will enjoy peace. Their motive for attempting to kill me remains unknown. I want these people to be arrested and prosecuted. Abijo residents are no longer safe.”

    The Nation learnt that the suspects have been arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

    The case has been adjourned till Tuesday.

  • My father wasn’t selfish, says Adefolabi’s son

    FORMER House of Representatives member Prince Moruffdeen Adeola Adefolabi, who died in last month’s Hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia, was not selfish, his son, Adebayo, has said.

    His father, Adebayo said, wanted everybody to also enjoy good life.

    Adebayo spoke on Tuesday during a prayer held for the late Adefolabi at Ifako Mini Stadium in Lagos.

    Adebayo described his father as his best friend, adding that he lived an exemplary life.

    “Daddy lived a life worthy of emulation and I will miss him deeply; he is a big part of me which cannot be replaced,” he said.

    The deceased’s elder brother, Dr Toheeb Adefolabi, described him as an embodiment of a complete human, who served humanity.

    “He respected, loved and had everyone at heart. When he was alive, he didn’t mind giving out his last penny. He was special, obedient, godly and he encouraged me to pray whenever I was with him,” he said

    The late Adefolabi’s younger sister, Mrs Oluwakemi Akintoye, said the deceased was nice, adding that he had been the family’s pillar since their father died.

    “He saw us through our education and he will be greatly missed. I am not convinced he is dead; he is still coming back because I cannot express how I am feeling,” she said.

    Islamic and Christian clerics, politicians, family members, friends, colleagues and well wishers filled the stadium to pay him their last respects.

    Ansar Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Council Missioner Alhaji Muhammed Thanni, in a lecture, said the deceased did well during his life time.

    He described Adefolabi as a giver who was always willing to help.

    Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Executive Secretary Alhaja Fausat Hasan-Olajoku said the deceased was a good Muslim, who stood by his word.

    “He will be forever remembered as a peace maker,” she said.

    A lawmaker, Ipoola Omisore, described him as a legend and a grassroots man.

    “He was the first chairman to build a housing estate, he started the idea of free meals to pupils in primary school in Ifako Ijaiye, and he gave them computer education . He was a devout Muslim, a leader of leaders and a kind hearted man,” Omisore said.

  • Police smash five-man robbery gang

    Police smash five-man robbery gang

    THE Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has smashed a five-man armed robbery gang. Four members of the gang were arrested and their leader simply named Lekan reportedly escaped.

    The suspects are Tayo Abiola, 36 from Ikale Village in Ondo State, Bala Shaibu, 33, from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Tayo Olajide, 25, from Osun village in Ekiti State and Jessi Garba, 36 from Damboa village in Borno State.

    According to the police the five-man armed robbery gang went to rob in Ajah and branched elsewhere to share their loot when SARS operatives swooped on them.

    Garba confessed to the crime, saying: “We were five in number. We went there to rob but police came and arrested four of us. It is only our gang leader Lekan that escaped. My role is to beat up stubborn victims”.

    Olajide said: “I am a barber and the owner of the hotel where the gang members usually lodge. They have not given me a dime since I knew them. My role is simply to provide accommodation for the gang”.

    Shaibu claimed to be a taxi driver, saying he used to follow Garba on patrol as friends not knowing that he was an armed robber.

    On why he could not leave when he found out that they were robbers, he said it was too late to do because it could cost him his life. He said he is the gang’s operational driver.

    Abiola said their victims included one Navy Captain Overt and one Omobolanle Babatunde and that the operation was carried out on July 20 at Ilaje Ajah.

    Abiola said his younger brother, Sunday, was an armed robber.

    He said he was with Sunday’s gang when the police arrested them while sharing their loot.

    He said he was arrested along with them, adding that a gang member was shot dead in a gun duel with the police.

     

  • Candlelight procession for slain MC Oluomo’s aide

    Candlelight procession for slain MC Oluomo’s aide

    A candle light process has been held for the late Olayinka Mamowora, personal assistant to popular road transport unionist Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo).

    Mamowora (aka Mamok) was killed in a barber’s shop in Oshodi, Lagos, about three weeks ago.

    Mamok’s colleagues, clad in black, with candle sticks marched round some streets in Oshodi.

    They extolled Mamok’s virtues and rained curses on his killers.

    A sympathiser, who did not want his name in print, told The Nation he is still in shock over Mamok’s death.

    He said he was not surprised at the turn out, noting: “For you to know that he is a good person, a man after people’s heart, a procession was also held in his honour in London, Abeokuta and Ijebu simultaneously with that of Oshodi. Mamok was a renowned person “.

    Alhaja Muditi Akinsanya Adenuga, the late Mamok’s elder sister, wondered why someone as humble as his brother was “murdered in cold blood”.

    She charged the police to hasten their investigation into the case and bring the perpetrators to book.

    “He was very humble, he never look for trouble. I still don’t know what sins he committed that made him die this way. His death was very painful to all. On this ill-fated day, we had a phone conversation; he promised he would come pick up a cloth from me after he is done with whatever he was doing, only for me to hear he was shot by unidentified gunmen, Mrs Adenuga said.

    She added: “Oluomo has told us to leave everything in the hands of policemen; if not for this there should be chaos in Oshodi by now. We want the police to carry out their investigation quickly and anyone who has a hand in my brother’s death must be prosecuted.”

    “I want to also use this medium to appeal to Governor Akinwunmi  Ambode to do everything within his power to make sure normalcy returns to Oshodi; we want to see a peaceful Oshodi that would be free of crimes.”

    Bode Egbeleye, who described the late Mamok as his “area brother”, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

    “Mamok’s death is what nobody wished for at this point in time, considering his generosity and his other good traits. It is not only his family that has been thrown into sad mood, but the whole Oshodi, no thanks to those that murdered him. We leave everything in the hands of God because He knows best. We will all miss Mamok and will always remember him for who he was. May his soul rest in peace’’.

     

  • LASTMA arrests 10 military vehicles on BRT lane

    LASTMA arrests 10 military vehicles on BRT lane

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested and cautioned 10 military drivers for using the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane.

    Its General Manager, Mr Bashir Braimah, made this known to reporters during the authority’s “Operation Stand Strong”, which is aimed at sanitising the roads.

    Braimah said the programme was aimed at removing lawless road users and promoting economic activities.

    “Those that have no business to obey our traffic laws should not be on our roads. We don’t want lawlessness on our roads.

    “Whoever has no good intention should rather park his vehicle at home and allow those who have businesses in Lagos to continue with their businesses without any hindrance.

    “Our focus this morning is to enforce law on BRT corridor and we have made a large number of arrest. People you expect to obey the law are the ones disobeying the law.

    “We have let them know that nobody is above the law,’’ Braimah said.

    “There is law in Lagos, there is a government in Lagos and we shall maintain sanity. For today, the most erring people on BRT lane are the military officers.

    “Over 10 vehicles of the military were found on the BRT corridor and we are going to write the army authorities.”

    According to him, LASTMA impounded the vehicles of recalcitrant drivers and booked those that are civil.

    He said: “If Lagosians are saying they cannot be civil with us, we are going to show them the other side of the coin.

    “We are going to sustain this. It is a continuous process until there is sanity on our roads.

    “Violators who thought they escaped will be tracked and arrested because we have photographs bearing their vehicle numbers’’.

    Braimah said the exercise was ongoing in all the 40 zones in the state to bring sanity to the road.

    He added: “There will be no escape route for anybody, this is zero-tolerance for lawlessness on Lagos roads, we are out now and we will not relent in this effort.

    “If drivers disobey traffic laws, they should know that they will be caught, if they are caught they will be embarrassed, they will be tried and then face the penalty’’.

    The LASTMA boss, said road users who are compliant and road-friendly had nothing to fear, noting that the authority had started bringing human face to enforcement.

    He said that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode never directed LASTMA not to impound vehicles.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many commercial vehicles were impounded and towed away for picking and dropping passengers at illegal bus stops and for lack of valid documents at Yaba and Oyingbo.