The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Woman robbed inside Keke Marwa

    Woman robbed inside Keke Marwa

    One man has been arrested by the police for allegedly robbing a woman inside a tricycle (aka Keke Marwa).

    She was attacked by a robber who pretended to be a passenger, at Guinness Bus stop on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja.

    They were coming from the nearby Ashade Market, Agege.

    The robber reportedly ordered the woman to surrender her belongings at gunpoint.

    The robber also slapped the tricycle driver and ordered him to surrender his key.

    Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives arrested the tricycle driver, Sodiq Adefowope (27), who confessed working with the robber whose name he gave as Moruf. While parading Adefowope yesterday, police described Moruf as the leader of the tricycle riders’ robbery gang.

    According to the police, the gang terrorises passengers in the night and robs them of their valuables.

    The police said: “The woman boarded a tricycle at Ashade Market, and going to her destination (withheld for security reasons) when all of a sudden the Keke Marwa rider stopped for the first passenger to alight but to her greatest surprise, the passenger instead of alighting started threatening the woman with short gun and ordered her to surrender her bag containing huge sum of money.

    “Having obliged by surrendering her bag, the robber slapped the Keke Marwa rider and ordered him to go to the back seat which he complied; the woman did not know that they are of the same gang.”

    Adefowope, who hails from Oro in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State confirmed that Moruf is a member of his gang.

    He said: “But, to be frank with you, I did not know that Moruf will strike because he was telling me about their exploits the day before. I would not have carried him if I knew that he had the intention to rob the woman. But I blame myself because I know that a criminal can strike anytime and anywhere unless he is not a real criminal, which was my miscalculation.

    “The game is up; there is no need to hide anything. When we reached Guinness Bus stop, Moruf attacked the woman with a locally made gun and carried her bag. Before he escaped, he took over my Keke Marwa steering and started the Keke Marwa. I was dumbfounded because I never expected it.

    “Since I did not have alternative, I cooperated with him for the robbery operation to be successful but see what is happening now, he has escaped, I am the only one suffering.

    “If I am released, I will be careful in life because it was carelessness and carefree life style that put me into this mess.”

     

     

     

     

  • Policeman threatens to shoot The Nation reporter

    Policeman threatens to shoot The Nation reporter

    A reporter with The Nation, Wale Ajetunmobi, yesterday escaped being shot by a trigger-happy policeman

    Joseph Ogbede.

    Ajetunmobi was driving on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway when he ran onto Ogbede around 4.48pm.

    Ajetunmobi, and his colleague from Vanguard AdebayoDaniel, were returning to their offices in Ajetunmobi’s car after attending an event on Victoria Island, Lagos. On getting to Anthony Bus Stop, a police pickup van with two occupants, almost rammed into Ajetunmobi’s car from the rear.

    Suddenly, the driver speed ahead of the reporter’s car, barking: “Stop that car… I said you should stop…” Then, the policeman brought out his rifle from the window to force the reporter to a halt.

    In a commando-style, the policemen alighted from their van marked: “OP ATTACK” with number-plate PJ 977 KRD and asked the reporters to come down. The reporters demanded to know why and one of the policemen, identified as Joseph Ogbede, threatened to shoot them for asking questions.

    The following conversation ensued:

    Reporters: “Why did you stop us in that manner, officer? You almost caused an accident here. What is our offence?”

    Ogbede: “Who are you to ask why policemen are stopping you on the road? Are you mad? I will shoot you if you people did not come down from your car now.”

    After the reporters complied with the order, the policemen demanded to see the trunk and car papers. But, the reporters declined because the conversation was being done on the road.

    Ogbede, in apparent anger, cocked his gun and threatened to shoot Ajetunmobi if he did not bring out his papers.

    He said: “I will kill you and kill myself if you dare me.”

    But the other policeman pleaded for calm. Ogbede said he would impound the vehicle and take it to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where he claimed to be serving.

    The reporters told the policemen to lead. But, Ogbede’s colleague asked the reporters to go. The policemen created a scene as passers-by stood at safe distance to watch the drama.

    The policemen left and headed to Oshodi where they engaged with another motorist.

    Our reporter reported the incident to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), who promised to investigate it.

  • Drivers claim ignorance of speed limiter

    Drivers claim ignorance of speed limiter

    Are commercial bus operators aware of the planned introduction of the Speed Limit Device (SLD) by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in June? No, say some drivers, who claimed that they were hearing about the device for the first time.

    In 2014, FRSC announced that the enforcement of the device would begin on June 1.

    Mr Kamilu Salaudeen, who plies Idumota-Oshodi route, said he had never heard of the device or its enforcement by the FRSC.

    “I am hearing of the speed limit device from you for the first time; how can FRSC start enforcement in June when the people involved are not aware of the device?” Salaudeen asked.

    Mr Collins Chuka, who plies Ojuelegba-Lawanson route, said the device may not be for intra-state commercial bus operators, because nobody has drawn their attention to it.

    “I am not sure this device you have just brought to my notice is for us drivers who ply our vehicle within the state, maybe it is only for inter-state buses alone,” Chuka said.

    An inter-state commercial driver, who simply identified himself as Biodun and plies Ijora-Ibadan, also claimed ignorance of the device.

    But, Mr Hyginus Omeje, FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the transport unions had been informed about the device, its importance and enforcement.

    “On this Thursday hopefully, there will be a mega rally here in Lagos with the Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, on the enforcement campaign,” Omeje said.

  • Nigerian elected Inner wheel International Vice-President

    Nigerian elected Inner wheel International Vice-President

    A former Director of the Governing Board of International Inner Wheel (IIW), Mrs Oluyemisi Alatise, has been elected Vice-President of club.

    Mrs Alatise was also in 2008/2009 the National Representative for Governing Board of Inner Wheel Clubs in Nigeria. She held the post till she was nominated in 2013/2014 for the IIW Vice-President but lost.

    She was re-nominated for the same post for 2015/2016 and emerged victorious, making history to be the first African to occupy the lofty post.

    Mrs Alatishe said: “My Country nominated me to contest for IIW Vice President for 2013/2014, but I lost the election.  I was re-nominated for 2015/2016, success came my way.”

    She described the victory as victory for Nigeria and Africa.

    “It is the very first time an African win an executive position election in 93 years of International Inner Wheel, and 48 years in Nigeria. We are one of the largest women’s service voluntary organisations in the world and are active in more than 103 countries.  We have more than 103,000 members in 3,895 Clubs.  It is victory for Africa, for Nigeria and for Lagos,” she said.

    Given her role at the district level of the association, Alatise became the District Chairman for District 911 in 1995/1996. She reeled her projects for the uplift of the club under her watch citing the construction of Inner Wheel vocational centre in Lagos.

     “In 1995/96 I became the District Chairman for D911 that has over 60 Clubs.    I stated the Construction the Current biggest physical project of Inner Wheel in Nigeria and Africa, Vocational Centre of D911 at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.  The centre is for training and empowerment of young girls and women.  It has turned out hundreds of beneficiaries under various programme,” she said.

     International Inner Wheel came to Nigeria in 1967 through the Rotary Club of Lagos that enabled the formation of Inner Wheel Club of Lagos, first in Africa.

  • ‘Please, help save our girl’

    ‘Please, help save our girl’

    Three months after her case went public, three-year-old Teniola Bashorun is yet to get N3million required for her heart operation.

    Her story was first published on January 14 when her father brought her to The Nation.

    The girl is diagnosed with a hole in her heart.

    Her father, Kehinde Bashorun, said after the publication, they received N90, 000 from well-meaning Nigerians.

    “I thank those who deposited some money into our account but I really pray a good Samaritan gives us a huge sum because I keep wondering when the money will turn into millions,” he said.

    Bashorun said they have spent N20, 000 out of the money for her monthly medical check-up.

    “In spite the check-up and drugs, there are no improvements. As at January, She could still walk but as I speak she doesn’t walk anymore,” he noted.

    His wife, Ibironke, who had just delivered a set of twins, still wonders where help will come from.

    She said: “My daughter, at her age should crave chocolates and sweets but she lives on liquid food. She could still play with her friends three months ago but now, she is always beside me. It has not been easy since I put to bed because I have to make sure she is comfortable before I take care of the twins.”

    Teniola needs N3million for urgent surgery in India to correct her abnormalities.

    “I made enquiries from an India hospital two years ago when the exchange rate of dollars was low but now that the rate is high, I just don’t know. We need help,” Bashorun added.

    To save Teniola, an account has been opened at Ecobank with number: 2961198124 under the name: Bashorun Felix Kehinde. The Bashoruns can be reached on 08188275717 and 08028561402.

  • Man arraigned for theft

    A 27-year-old sales representative, Oluwatosin Idowu, has been arraigned before an Oshodi Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing goods worth N6, 860, 481 from Brand Regimen System Limited.

    The charge reads:”That you Oluwatosin Idowu, between August and October 2014, at Brand Regimen System Limited, situated at 1A Tinubu Road, Ilupeju, did obtain American honey, Cardans Irish Cream and Atlanic beverages worth (N6, 860, 481), properties of the company mentioned above on pretext to sell the goods and deposition to the company’s account which you failed to do.

    “That you, Oluwatosin Idowu on the same day did steal N6, 860, 481) property of Brand Regimen System Limited.”

    Prosecuting police officer Kehinde Olatunde told the court that the offences contravened Sections 312 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

    Idowu pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate A.A Fashola, granted him N100, 000 bail with one surety in the like sum.

    He ordered that the surety must be the defendant’s relation and must show evidence of tax payment for the period of three years.

    Magistrate Fashola adjourned the matter till May 5.

  • ‘How to promote Nigerian culture’

    Parents must expose their children to indigenous culture and languages to promote Nigerian cultural heritage, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture Director Mrs Saidat Otulana, has said

    Mrs Otulana told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that parents were neglecting local culture for western language and culture.

    Parents, she said, were the first contact for a child, stressing that they have the responsibility of exposing the child to their indigenous languages before English. The director noted that acculturation enables an individual to adopt the attitudes, values, customs, beliefs and behaviours of a new culture.

    She said: “The wisdom of every clan is embedded in their language, culture and tradition.

    “An Igbo woman who is married to a Yoruba man can put their children through the two languages and culture, while such children are exposed to English in schools.

    “A little child could cope with learning three languages at a go, therefore parents should speak to their children in their indigenous languages.

    “Children learn better through what they hear and see, this makes it easier for them to pick the language which is spoken and attitude which is exhibited,’’ she said.

    Mrs Otulana emphasised the value of Nigerian culture, adding that foreigners were so much in love with the culture that they practise it.

    She said: “You will find some white wearing Iro and Buba as opposed to their jeans and top.

    “Most of them prefer African cuisine to the western ones, as the Igbo are known to be good cooks that have various soup ingredients.

    “They have equally taken after our usual hairstyles – braids and African weaving pattern.

    “Whoever travels abroad and can braid, will become rich in few days, because they love braids more than the weave-on,’’ she said.

    The director said the culture of respect could not be undermined as the Yoruba genuflect to greet elders.

    “They ascribe ‘aunty’, ‘brother’ to an individual’s name, depending on the gender, this the white also envy in us.”

    Parents, teachers and individuals, she said, have roles to play in enhancing indigenous culture.

  • Surety accused of perverting justice

    51-year-old trader, Onyekachi Ewereji, who stood surety for his friend, has appeared before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for allegedly perverting justice.

    Prosecuting police Inspector Stephen Molo told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 17 at Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters at Onikan, Lagos.

    Molo said the accused conspired with one other at large to obstruct justice by standing surety for Robert Uwon.

    “He promised as surety to produce Uwon whenever the police needed him. The accused failed to produce Uwon to the police on April 20 as promised,” he said.

    He said the offence contravened Section 97 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The accused pleaded not guilty.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 97 (1) provides seven years imprisonment for justice perversion.

    Counsel to the accused, Mr Benjamine Jatau, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

    Magistrate I. O. Omotosho granted him N100, 000 bail with one surety in the like sum.

    She said the address of the surety must be verified and adjourned the case to April 29 for mention.

  • Lagos counsels 1,116 pupils on drug abuse, gangsterism

    Lagos counsels 1,116 pupils on drug abuse, gangsterism

    No fewer than 1,116 pupils have been counselled on the dangers of drug abuse and gangsterism in the last one year, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development Enitan Oshodi has said.

    Speaking at the weekend during the ongoing ministerial press briefing, he said the counselling was done under the School Social Service Unit of his ministry. Also counselled, he said, were 1,754 pupils on truancy, 7,464 on sex education and abuse and 6,470 for abscondment /teenage  pregnancy.

    Those counselled for anti-social activities were 2,399; four pupils were counselled for sexual abuse.

    Oshodi, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Dr Adesegun Oshinyimika, said the social service unit is responsible for providing services that can strengthen homes, schools and community.

    He said: “The objectives of the unit include stemming the wave of crimes now prevalent among our school population; identifying and reducing the incident of truancy, petty stealing, cigarettes and hemp smoking among school children and working towards reducing school drop outs by taking prompt action on matters relating to problems of students.”

    He said some of the aforementioned cases were referred to family courts and the affected pupils were placed on supervision to enable them settle down well both at home and at school.

    Under the youth development directorate of the ministry, Oshodi noted that 1,132 youths were trained on various vocational training in youths centres across the state to keep the youths engaged and reduce unemployment.

    Oshodi said: “The state government recognises the important role the youth play in nation building; As a result, the ministry has pursued with vigour various youth development programmes to engender in them the common objectives of nation building through well designed programmes, seminars, conferences, training and workshops; engaging and empowering the teeming population of youths through entrepreneurial programmes.

    “The services are targeted towards promoting social change and reducing social vices such as fraud, sexual violence and harassment, unemployment, illicit  drug use, armed robbery, cultism  amongst others through character reforming  programmes, discovering , nurturing and grooming  innate talents and potentials of the youth to make them useful to themselves and the nation as a whole.

    “To keep the youth engaged, reduce unemployment, empower the teeming population of youth in the state and enhance the capacity of unemployed graduates, 1,132 youth benefitted from various vocational training in youth centres across the state while 574 were re-orientated through various educational programmes, workshops, seminars and activities on issues such as leadership skills, HIV & AIDS, career development, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and communcable diseases.”

  • Fire razes gas firm

    Fire razes gas firm

    Fire razed Allen Gas Company in Okota, Lagos, last Saturday, while a tanker was discharging gas.

    The Nation learnt that a generator placed near the tanker started emitting so much heat and exploded.

    Director, State Fire Service Mr Rasak Fadipe said the explosion shattered louvres of the nearby houses.

    He said two workers of the company were injured.

    “When we got to the scene, we noticed the generator beside the surface tank developed excessive heat which may have caused the explosion,” he said.

    Fadipe said it took three hours to put out the inferno.

    “The fire consumed two gas tanks, surface tanks, five buses loaded with gas cylinders, two generators, two offices and one Peugeot vehicle,” he said.