The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • MMA Police arrest man with fake Euro notes

    The Murtala Moham-med International Airport (MMIA) Police Command has arrested a 45-year old man, Lawrence Agbe, for allegedly being in possession of 1.25 million (N274 million) Euros suspected to be fake.

    Commissioner of Police Airport Command, Mr Fredrick Lakanu Lakanu yesterday said Agbe was arrested while boarding a Lagos enroute Abuja flight.

    The suspect, who lives at Itogbe Street, Orile-Agege, Lagos, he said, was arrested on June 25.

    “In the course of investigation, a search warrant was executed by a team of police detective from Domestic Airport Division at the suspect’s printing press in Agege, Lagos, where over 2,000 police statement forms were recovered.

    “On further interrogation, the suspect mentioned one Steve residing in Abuja now at large, as the owner of the said Euro,’’ Lakanu said.

    He said that the suspect had since been charged to court.

    Lakanu also disclosed that more than 30 motorcycles were recently impounded, while 35 airport touts were arrested and charged to court for unlawful entry and touting.

    The commissioner said these were evidence that the airports had been secured to guarantee the safety of passengers, airport community and airline operators.

    Lakanu appealed to members of the public for their cooperation to enable the police check activities of undesirable elements at the airports.

    Also speaking, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Livinus Chukwuma, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) solicited the cooperation of the media towards freeing airports of touts and commercial motorcycle operators.

    The media, he said, is germane in tackling the menace of touts, Okada riders and other illegal activities at the airports.

     

     

  • ‘I’m tired of enduring’

    A middle age woman, Iyabo Ogungbemi, has prayed an Agege Customary Court in Lagos, to dissolve her 15-year-old marriage with Kazeem.

    The petitioner, who lives atAfeez Lawal  Street, Agege, a Lagos suburb, accused him of his non-challant attitude towards their children.

    She also said her husband rarely comes home from his place of work.

    “Whenever I request money from him, he won’t come home. He doesn’t cater four children’s needs,” she said.

    Mrs Ogungbemi said are children are not in school.

    She said: “None of our children are in school. He shirks his responsibility and it is really unfair. For over 15 years, I have been enduring his attitude. He beats me like I never mattered to him. I want dissloution as I am tired of enduring.”

    The respondent, Kazeem Ogungbemi, a panel beater, in his defence said he has tried his best as a father adding that he doesn’t like to go home whenever he is broke.

    “At times I am forced to sleep in a bus at my place of work because I know there will be trouble if I return home without money,” he said.

    Mr Ogungbemi said the only reason he beats his wife is because she doesn’t listen to his orders.

    He said: “My wife thinks I am not responsible but she also has her ugly side. There was a day I decided to relax in a hotel and to my surprise I saw my wife coming out of the hotel with another man.  Since then, I left the house.”

    Ogungbemi further said he could only afford two children’s school fees.

    “Two of our children are in government schools while the other two are at home. It’s not my wish; I am not just buoyant,” he said.

    The court’s President, Pa Adekunle Williams fixed a chamber discussion for the couple and adjourned the case till July 30.

     

  • Co-operative society returns exco

    The Lagos Local government Co-operative Multipurpose Society Limited has returned unopposed its 13-man executive to run the affairs of the society for another term.

    In an unanimous voice vote at the society’s 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Gabriel Orororo Hall, Ikotun, Lagos suburb, the Oladipo Shobule-led executive were applauded for their sterling performance in office.

    Earlier in his, Shobule, a lawyer, thanked the members for their supports.

    “We have enjoyed your patronage of the various commodity and household items sold by the society,” he said.

    He promised to continue to give value added services to members.

    Director of Cooperative Services, Lagos Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives Mrs Zulikha Ibraheem congratulated the society on its achievements.

    Mrs Ibraheem whose office approved the 2014 annual statement of the society’s accounts and returns, said “the operational result of your society during the period under review showed an increase of 35 per cent in your surplus fund and 32 per cent expenditure on total income were commendable.”

    She urged them to maintain the progressive trend.

    She enjoined them to ensure strict compliance with the Cooperative Societies law of the state.

    The returned executive include Shobule – President; Hafeez Ogungbekun – first Vice-President; Ebun Adeona – second Vice-President; Lateef Oloto – Secretary; Zacchaeus Mobolaji – Treasurer; Felix Obe – Financial Secretary and ‘Tunji Dawodu – Legal Adviser.

     

  • Neighbours recount plight of abandoned mother of triple twins

    Neighbours recount plight of abandoned mother of triple twins

    …Lagos government presents cheque

    It was a long wait yesterday at the Agege, Lagos home of the Uches who hit the limelight last week with the story of their three  sets of twins.

    Family, friends and neighbour gathered at the modest resident at 32, Awori/Morcas Street, Agege, waiting for top government officials who were expected on a visit.

    Ever since the news of Mrs Ruth Uche, the woman whose husband disappeared on learning that they were expecting another set of twins broke,  the home has become a Mecca of sorts.

    As at 11am yesterday when officials of the Lagos State Government visited the area to take Mrs Uche and her children to the Secretariat at Alausa on the directive of the Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule, some of her neighbours at the scene could not just hide their feelings on her situation which they described as “critical” and “unfortunate”.

    A neighbour, Mr Umaru Aliyu, told our reporter that he could not understand why her husband fled home, considering that she is a peaceful woman who has lived in this face-me-I-face-you compound in the last two years without having any rancor with anyone.

    “We all live here and saw the suffering that this woman and her children have been going through. Even when their father was around things were difficult for the family but the situation grew worst when the man left home,” he said.

    Aliyu said the family could barely afford to feed, adding that the goodwill of neighbours was what they depended before now.

    “But for how long will she and the children continue to depend on people to give them food to eat? She needs help in the area of food and also in caring for the children,”a concerned Aliyu stressed.

    Also, Mrs Sadiat Okunola, a food stuff seller in the building said: “I do give them food stuff, because I know the challenges they have been through. It has not been easy coping with six children without any help from anyone”.

    Mrs. Uche who said she will not hesitate to accept the husband if he returns home considering  what she has gone through, said all was well with them but taken aback that the man who paid her dowry and married her according to her traditional rites could flee home in that manner.

    She told our reporter that as a wife she has done everything to support her husband and keep the family going.

    “Am very concerned about my family that is why I work hard, am in this situation today not because am lazy but because the burden is just too much for only me to handle”.

    “I use to work as a messenger in Mid Atlantic Energy, but decided to quit the job and take a up a teaching appointment in the school that my children attend, that way I can be closer home and help take proper care of the children.

    “The school fee for the school was N10, 000 per term for each child, but because I work there the management collects N5, 000 from each of my children, this they remove directly from my salary while the remaining N10, 000 is expended on the children educational material.”

    She said the family survived on the six thousand naira she makes from the six children that she organised extra lesson for after school hours.

    “That is how we have been coping since my husband left, we drink garri both in the morning and night and it has not been easy”.

    She said the only help she got from a family member was from a co wife in the family who came around once to cook for her after she put to bed and was discharged from hospital.

    Moved by her story, the Lagos Deputy Governor presented a cheque to the mother of six, saying that the assistance would help rehabilitate her and family.

    She said the development was one of the campaign promises of the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, that the government will be compassionate to address the needs of the people.

    She directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to open a functional account for her where the money will be paid in, while directing government officials to take assessment of her situation so as to further address her case.

    She sympathised with her over the traumatic experience she has faced in trying to raise the six children assuring that the government is ready to come to her aid and ensure the well-being of her children.

    “As a woman and a mother, I can only imagine what you have gone through managing six children, it must have been energy sapping and depressing, but I salute your courage and I want to assure you that this government will not abandon you, we will stand by you and ensure that you are assisted to get back to normal life”, Adebule assured.

    She thanked the woman for coming forward to seek help rather than abandon the children, which some other persons would have done, noting that if she dumped the children by the road side, it would still have been the lot of government to take custody of the children and ensure their well-being but her presence and determination to raise her children further encouraged the government to offer the necessary assistance.

    The Deputy Governor added that the Governor had approved the release of some amount of money, which the deputy governor stated will be paid into an account and part of it will be used to attend to some of the immediate needs of the children and their mother, adding that officials from the Ministry of WAPA have been directed to provide the necessary logistics support to her.

    Adebule however advised the run-away husband to come forward and take up the responsibility of caring for his family, admonishing him to be appreciative of the divine blessings that have come his way through the children.

    President-General Igbo Progressive Leaders’ Council, Eze Uche Dimgba, described the gesture as a confirmation of Governor Ambode’s promise not to marginalise any group in Lagos.

    “We appreciate the taking over the responsibility of an Igbo woman,”Dimgba, who is the Eze Ndigbo of Ikeja said.

    In her reaction to the government’s gesture, Mrs Uche thanked the State Government for assisting and supporting her, noting that the love shown to her and her children could only have come from a government that truly cares about the well being of its people.

    Highlight of the visit was the presentation of the token from the government to Mrs Uche by the Deputy Governor.

     

  • NAFDAC closes Lagos mall

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday sealed a popular Lagos Mall for stocking, selling and distributing counterfeit wines and spirits.

    The regulatory officers of the Agency from its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate stormed the three branches of the mall in Ajah, Gbagada and Magodo-Isheri areas of the state in a simultaneous and well-coordinated operation in company of security men and journalists.

    The team leader of the Magodo-Isheri operations, Mr Andy Tamanuwa, a Chief Regulatory Officer, confirmed the sealing of the outfit maintaining that the exercise was a routine one aimed at ensuring that products sold to consumers conform to the approved regulatory standards.

    Tamanuwa said the seized items were mainly popular brands and expensive imported Alcoholic beverages.

    According to him, “There were complaints received about the sale of cloned wines and spirits which were discovered to be true when we got there. We found the products and accordingly seized them. They will be evacuated from the outlet for further investigations.

    The Chief Regulatory Officer further revealed that the exercise was extended to the Gbagada and Ajah outlets of the Mall and they were equally sealed following same discoveries”.

    NAFDAC has in the recent weeks intensified enforcement activities across the country leading to mop-up of fake products in circulation and sanctioning of erring companies and outlets.

     

  • I‘ll strengthen security in Lagos

    The new Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni has said that he will see the structure on ground to know how to improve security.

    He promised to keep Lagosians sleep with eyes closed.

    Owoseni said this promise while taking over from Kayode Aderanti at the Police command headquarter, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday.

    He hailed Aderanti for a job well done.

    He appealed to journalist on the importance of their inputs on how they the command could re-strategise.

    “Feel free to come to me, I will operate open door policy,” he said.

    He said he and Aderanti are brothers and had attended foreign mission together.

    Handing over to Owoseni, Aderanti expressed optimism that Lagos will be better under Owoseni.

    “As I step out and he step in; he can also crack crime even with greater vigour; he will not allow criminals to be on the loose. He has finest officers on ground to work with. Lagos is important that we should do everything possible not to destroy it.

    Nobody commits crime in Lagos and get away with it. It may be long but he must be caught,” he said.

  • ‘I will unite Celestial church’

    The Unification Leader of the Celestial Church of Christ, CCC Worldwide, Rev. Olatosho Oshoffa has promised to unite the different warring factions in the celestial fold, saying his divine commission is to bring all celestial flock back into one fold.

    Olatosho spoke at the CCC Progress Cathedral, Province Headquarters, Itele-Awori Aparadija Ayobo area of Ogun State where he had gone to celebrate the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

    He promised not only to take care of all the shepherds, but to unite them and lead the sheep under one fold.

    He also promised to complete the CCC Cathedral at Imeko within five years as one of the founding churches of Celestial Church worldwide.

    He said: “Since the death of my father, SBJ Oshoffa about 30 years; our holy church has suffered a great deal and has not witnessed real development, but the Lord as anointed me to bring back our lost glory.

    “My major mission is to unite the church and bring everybody back to one fold. I will also ensure that the Cathedral at Imeko is completed within five years. This is part of my mission as the anointed leader of CCC”

    Olatosho who lost his 80-year-old mother, Elizabeth Oshoffa few days ago thanked all members and shepherds of the celestial church for their support and prayers and for accepting the change that God has given to them; saying in not too long, the church would be properly positioned.

  • Police compensate commercial bus driver

    The Ilupeju Divisional Police Station has compensated commercial driver, Fatai Olatunji, for the damaging of  his bus by three officers attached to the station.

    Olatunji was paid N36,000, last weekend, to repair the wheel hub and side mirror of his bus, which were damaged by shot fired by the policemen.

    The compensation followed an earlier report by The Nation last Tuesday, which prompted the Ilupeju Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Yinka Egbeyemi, to invite Olatunji for compensation for the damage made to his bus by the officers.

    The errant policemen fired at the passenger-laden bus with number-plate KRD 516 XF after Olatunji was accused of driving on one-way. The policemen chased the bus from the main road into the streets, causing panic among residents and passersby.

    When Olatunji eventually stopped in front of a church on Adegboyega Street, the officers descended on him and the bus conductor, beating them with butts of their riffles. The bus wheel hub and a side mirror were damaged.

    Lagos Command spokesman Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) said disciplinary action is being taken against the officers by the command, following their detention.

    Nwosu advised commercial drivers to obey Lagos traffic regulations, while also charging officers to be civilised in their conducts.

  • Come out of hiding, Lagos tells twins father

    Come out of hiding, Lagos tells twins father

    Lagos State Government yesterday appealed to Mr Emeka Benjamin Uche who abandoned his three pairs of twins and their mother, to come out of hiding and face his responsibility.

    Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule told The Nation yesterday that the government would rehabilitate the family.

    Uche, a Lagos factory worker, 39, fled home when he learnt that his expectant wife was carrying a set of twins – the family’s third.

    In 2009 when Mrs Ruth Uche first conceived, she was delivered of two girls – Goodness and Godnews. The second conception, two years later, produced another two – a boy and a girl, named John and Joyce.

    The third set of twins arrived last month. They were named Daniel and Daniella.

    Mrs Uche, 34 said she could no longer cope with the widening needs for food, clothes, drugs and school fees.

    Her meagre earnings as a teacher in a private school in Lagos can no longer meet their needs.

    Mrs Uche explained that her husband has since refused to pick her calls. She learnt that he stays in Ikorodu.

    “Since I gave birth to the children, I have tried calling my husband but he would not pick once he knows that it is me. I contacted his mother and other relatives to tell them that he has run away. They promised that they will call back. Since then, none of them has called me. It is not easy for me at all.

     “I don’t want to leave the children and run away. This is why I want government to help us,” she said.

    Dr Adebule enjoined Uche to come out of hiding, saying the children are blessings from God.

    “It is even an emotional stress for the mother, an emotional stress to the children and entire family,” she said.

    On the plans to assist Mrs Uche, Dr Adebule promised to visit the nursing mother today.

    “We have contacted her, I have spoken to her and a delegation from the government has gone to see her; they inquired about the health of the children and the general welfarism. I hope to see her by the grace of God tomorrow (today). Lagos State is working to rehabilitate her and assist the family to fend for themselves.

    “We intend to give her monthly allowance to take care of the children. We are imploring him (Mr Uche) to come home to meet his family and take up his responsibility,” she said.

    Mrs Adebule enjoined other men in similar situation not to run away, but to seek help.

    “They should not run away from their responsibilities; they actually bring these children to this world. They should be responsible for them. Running away is not the solution; they should rather stay, seek for help and be prayerful. They should not add salt to the injury by running away,” she said.

    …Lagos speaker lifts family

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has donated food items, beverages and cash to Mrs Ruth Uche whose husband Emeka Benjamin Uche disappeared from home on learning they were expecting their third set of twins.

    Describing children as gifts from God, Obasa told Mrs Uche to always give thanks to God in whatever situation she found herself.

    Obasa said: “We came to congratulate you on the successful delivery of these beautiful gifts from God and to assure you that you will not suffer in bringing up these children. We must continue to thank God for everything. It was through the mercy of God that you delivered these twins through normal delivery after going through Caesarian routes in your previous deliveries.

    “Apart from being the Speaker, I am also your representative in the Assembly as this area falls within the jurisdiction of my constituency so this visit is part of my duty as your representative in the Assembly.”

    The speaker urged Mrs Uche and others to always make use of the health facilities provided by the state as they were built for them.

    “The state government spent huge sums of money to put in place these facilities and they are free, so make use of them. For people like you (Mrs Uche), there are enough experts and professionals to advise you on family planning and other health issues,” he said.

    Mrs Uche thanked the Speaker, saying: “I’m overwhelmed with joy at this visit and I pray to God to always be with you and continue to bless you.”

    Also yesterday, former Itire Ikare Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Hakeem Bamgbola hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for directing his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, to take over the welfare of Mrs Uche and her children.

    Bamgbola said Ambode’s gesture was in fulfilment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifestoes.

    APC, he said, is out to cater for the welfare of the citizenry irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

    “I am particularly happy that Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Hon Mudashiru Obasa has visited the Mrs Uche and her kids. It is a step in the right direction. That is why Lagos has continued to be the state of example for others to emulate,” he said.

  • Residents seek demolition of their homes

    Residents seek demolition of their homes

    How safe is House 11 on Ademuyiwa Street in Oyingbo, Lagos Mainland? Residents of the street believe the three-storey building is uninhabitable.

    They have urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to order its demolition “for safety reason”.

    Part of the building owned by the Gbajabiamilas collapsed last Wednesday around 11.15am.

    The resdients expressed concern over the dilapidated structure which houses 44 flats.

    Labourers were seen patching the collapsed part of the building at the weekend.

    According to the residents, the agent allegedly handled four other projects that collapsed in some parts of the state recently.

    Speaking with The Nation Ganiyu Bulugbe, who once lived in the house, said he didn’t enjoyed his stay, adding that he paid for five years before he knew he made a wrong choice.

    “I learnt that it was a month after they vacated some tenants on the pretext of demolishing it that I rented the apartment. Having spent almost three years, I was given quit notice that the building was marked for demolition again. I remember when I tried to hang my kitchen shelf, the wall cracked and I brought out an empty cement sack from the wall. When we unscrewed anything, sand came out. It is that bad,” Bulugbe said.

    A family member denied the report, saying the family only renovated the affected part of the building.

    He said: “Our house was never marked for demolition. The building is over 10 years and it is strong. It was during yesterday’s renovation that part of the building collapsed. We are only expanding the rooms and afterwards we will place it on rent.”

    A woman, simply called Mama, who witnessed the incident, said she was glad there was no casualty.

    “My husband and I were in the sitting room when we heard a huge sound. We fell on each other thinking the building had finally collapsed. Immediately, I thought of my son who just stepped out of the house. As I speak, they have three tenants living there. What if they were at home, would they have died? How can one build a structure and erect a pillar afterwards? It is not done. I was surprised to see they have placed vacancies on the building today (Thursday) after what happened. I urge the government to intervene because they have been claiming they are relations of the governor so we have no point,” Mama said.