The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • ‘Buhari ‘ll end crimes’

    ‘Buhari ‘ll end crimes’

    Violent crimes’ such as assassination, kidnapping and armed robbery will reduce, if the All Progressives Congress (APC), presidential candidate Gen Muhammadu Buhari is elected.

    A security consultant, Mr. Folorunsho Atta, said Buhari’s track record shows that he would curb crime.

    “Between December 31, 1983 and August 27, 1985, when he was head of state, violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, assassination and insurgency were nipped in the bud. Attempt by a religious sect, the Matai-sine, to rear its ugly head in the northern part of the country in 1984 was suppressed by the police and military,” he said, asking: “Can anyone tell me any prominent Nigerian that was assassinated during this period?”

    Atta also asked that security be tightened around Buhari and other APC leaders ahead of next year’s elections.

    He mentioned Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, among others, that the security agents should protect.

  • Tears as The Nation man Isiguzo is buried

    Tears as The Nation man Isiguzo is buried

    It was sober ceremony attended by family members and colleagues, the remains of the Senior Crime Correspondent of The Nation, Jude Uche Isiguzo, were yesterday interred.

    Friends and well-wishers wept uncontrollably when the brown coffin bearing the body was committed to earth in his father’s compound at Umuokegwu village in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

    The late Isiguzo, fondly called Olopa, died on November 29 during an illness.

    At a holy mass in his honour at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Very Rev. Fr. Godfrey Chukwuma Oparaekwe of the Umuahia Catholic Diocese described death as a necessary end.

    He said what matters is where one would spend eternity, noting that people query God especially when the “good” ones die.

    The cleric urged the sympathisers to examine their lives, have more intimacy with God, live a holy life and be prayerful if they want to make heaven.

    Oparaekwe, who illustrated the power of Christ over death, said: “Christ in the days of His ministry experienced death and overcame it. That is how we (Christians) are going to die and defeat death like Jesus did.”

    Though he said he did not have personal contact with the late Isiguzo, he described him as a simple, quiet and caring gentleman, urging the bereaved family, friends and well-wishers not to cry like hopeless people, but to accept the fact that life is transient. The late Isiguzo, he said, departed to rest in God’s bosom.

    Mr Tunde Olasogba, the Area Manager, Port Harcourt Plant, who led the management and staff of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation, described Isiguzo’s death as shocking, stressing that death had snatched from the organisation, one of its finest reporters who was committed to his work.

    Olasogba said: “Jude was loved by all. He is man of the people and there is no department in the establishment that doesn’t love him. He is a motivator; so caring and willing to work even at short notice. His death is a big blow and we pray that anything like this should not happen to us again.”

    He urged all to take heart and trust in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

    In a funeral oration, his only surviving brother, Chijioke, said Isiguzo was not only a prolific writer, but a trained investigative journalist who contributed immensely to the growth of journalism, especially in crime reporting.

    He added that the family would miss him dearly, just like his professional colleagues.

    At the funeral were former police spokesman Frank Mba and members of The Nation Correspondent Chapel, led by Yusuf Ibrahim.

  • Court remands suspected pipeline vandals

    Court remands suspected pipeline vandals

    Justice Mohammed Yunusa of a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday remanded in Ikoyi Prisons four men charged with vandalism and unlawful dealing in petroleum products.

    The accused are: Andrew Ishola, 35; Sunkanmi Aro, 27; Utuedor Michael, 27, and Oladele Agbo, 35.

    The quartet, who are standing trial on a three-count charge, pleaded not guilty.

    Following an application by their counsel, Mr McAnthony Akhariale, Yunusa granted them N1 million bail each, with two sureties in the like sum.

    He ordered them remanded in prison pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

    He adjourned the case till January 19.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Raymond Akhane, told the court that the accused conspired to vandalise an oil pipeline and illegally deal in petroleum products.

    He said they were arrested by policemen in the Majidun area of Ikorodu, Lagos, following a tip-off.

    According to the prosecutor, the accused tampered with the free flow of the refined petroleum products through an oil pipeline in the locality and sold the products illegally.

    Ahkane said the offence contravened Sections 3(1), 5 and 7 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2004. (NAN).

  • ‘Radiation may have caused Synagogue building collapse’

    ‘Radiation may have caused Synagogue building collapse’

    The September 12 Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) guest house collapse in Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, may have been caused by a high-energy infrasonic radiation, a witness said yesterday.

    Mr Biedomo Iguniewei, an independent witness and consultant with specific interest in explosives and weapon research, was testifying at the coroner inquest into the incident that claimed 115 lives.

    Iguniewei (37), a graduate of Chemistry at the University of Maiduguri, is currently a post-graduate student of Explosives and Material Science at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.

    The witness told Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe that he was in a position to reach such a conclusion based on his experience with the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria, where he worked for six years.

    Iguniewei said he took personal interest in the collapse because of his background, adding that he had already visited the scene to conduct research for eventual publication of his findings.

    His interest in the incident, he said, was ignited by the controversy surrounding how it happened.

    The witness said: “I was worried when I heard them talking of controlled demolition. And from the video that I watched, I started asking myself: What could have led to the building crumbling in near vertical fall?”

    He said he travelled from Kaduna to the church to conduct the research as a thesis for his post-graduate programme.

    Testifying on his deposition filed before the court, the witness said he took samples and observed the crumbled building, other structures surrounding it and their pillars with rods.

    Iguniewei also claimed to have interviewed some survivors inside the building when it collapsed, adding that after eliminating all the other possible options, he concluded that the building could have been fired at with an infrasonic radiation.

    “Having analysed all the video evidence and interviewing the survivors of the collapsed building and observing the site of the collapsed building, I came to the conclusion that the building collapsed as a result of infrasonic weapon probably fired from a flying object or a stationary location on the ground”, he said.

    Under cross-examination by counsel to the state government Akingbolahan Adeniran and counsel to the National Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) Fola Alade, the witness described infrasound as a type of sound measuring bellow 20Hz, which is below what the normal human ear could detect.

    According to him, an infrasonic weapon can be fired or deployed from any flying object or from a location within a distance of between 100 metres and 1000 metres away from the intended target.

    He said: “The striking thing about infrasound is that you cannot see it, but it causes remarkable vibrations when used as a weapon. Those of us who work with the security know that weapons are produced and they are always looking for where to test the weapons.

    “I am of the opinion that what happened that day, especially with the strange plane-like objects seen in the video, was that an infrasonic radiation was fired upon the building and if you observe, you will discover that it took about 30 minutes for the building to come down.”

    Iguniewei said the building was  susceptible to being destroyed by infrasonic radiation since its construction did not envisage that it could be a target of such an attack.

    “It is important for this court to be aware of this option but why it could have been used here is another matter entirely. But since I have been pondering why a building would collapse the way this one did, this is the most plausible explanation for me.”

    The witness said it was important to consider the option of infrasonic radiation especially with the repeated movement of the aircraft said to have passed over the collapsed building.

    “That object flew close to the building, and that is all that is needed for the infrasonic radiation to reach the building. As far as I am concerned, the repeated over-passage of the plane-like object is to ensure that the building received enough dose of the radiation sufficient to bring it down,” Iguniewei said, adding: “Engineers generally believe that a structure would fail due to bad foundation and materials, but if you go there now, the foundation pillars are still very intact. My position is that the building weakened from the top.”

    Asked what would be seen as evidence after a building has been felled by infrasonic radiation, the witness said there would be no material evidence because the radiation does not generate heat and does not lead to charring or burning compared to when a bomb was used.

  • Ex-Rotary president dies

    A past President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Olatunji Alatise is dead.

    Until his death, Alatise was the Alagbala Adinni of Lagos and Otunba Ototubiosu of Ijebuland.

    Prayers will hold tomorrow in his 3, Lekuti Street, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State home.

    He is survived by two widows, Alhaja Yemisi and Alhaja Shakira; children and grand children.

  • Tricyclists accuse police of ‘new extortion tricks’

    Tricyclists accuse police of ‘new extortion tricks’

    Commercial tricyclists popularly known as ‘Keke Marwa’ in Isolo, Jakande Estate and environs in Lagos State yesterday decried what they called “new extortion tricks” by policemen.

    They described the trend as worrisome, noting that all efforts to reach the police command with their complaint have yielded no result.

    An official of the tricyclists’ union, who craved anonymity, told The Nation yesterday that members of the union had been reduced to “mere slaves” of the policemen.

    According to him, the officers, who are always on the road, now extort money from them by proxy.

    He said: “We cry out every day about the merciless extortion by the police, but no one seems to care or even listen. We are more or less working for them the way things are. Imagine that I alone pay them about N7,000 every month. Take the total number of all ‘Marwa’ operators around this area alone; then you will get an idea of what we lose to them.

    “Our association has a way of forcing us to pay a certain amount to some police officers, but these are the very ones who would unleash their junior officers upon us to perpetrate all manner of extortion. It is not that we accept or like it; it is just that we must pay it if we must remain in business. There was a time one operator confronted them but he lost his hand after spending months in the hospital. Some others who prove stubborn get their machines seized. These are the very unlucky ones. Once the machine is taken away to their stations, you will sweat and pay at least, N10,000 before you can retrieve it.”

    Another cyclist, who gave his name as Raufu Salau, said: “This is the situation which we have been enduring; we have written letters and made appeals. No one seems to care or listen. I should quickly add that we are not talking of a problem of one or two years. We are talking of what we have been facing for more than five years. We keep enduring. But for how long must we endure an error?”

    A landlord said their interventions had worsened the operators’ plight, noting: “Police don’t want anyone to come in-between them and those they are tormenting.”

    He said: “Once or twice I have tried to plead with them on behalf of some operators but they hated me for it. They would cock their guns and threaten to shoot. But these are not armed robbers; they are doing their own legitimate businesses.

    “Their excuse most times is the cyclists take the wrong way and thereby cause obstructions. But must you (the police) always apply the bayonet to force road users to order all the time. In the process of hitting people with the butt of your gun and the gun discharges, who is to blame for that? Nigerians must rise against what I see as open-day enslavement of all of us. We are all helpless and government is looking the other way. They know what we are saying.”

    A senior police officer described the allegation as “strange and unfounded,” adding: “The old times are gone in policing. Since the deployment of our commissioner, Mr Kayode Aderanti, and even before him, every policeman in the state knows that extortion is outlawed.”

  • Free tests, drugs for the sick

    Free tests, drugs for the sick

    More than 350 residents of Ago-Egun community in Ilaje, Bariga Local Government Area of Lagos State have benefitted from the free health mission of the council’s immediate past Supervisory Councilor for Health, Hon. Babatunde Osinbajo.

    The beneficiaries, especially children and adults, underwent tests on hypertension, diabetes and blood pressure, among others. They also got free drugs.

    Osinbajo, a younger brother to the vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, also donated a water borehole to the community.

    Hon. Osinbajo, who was there to monitor the exercise, told The Nation: “We started these projects early in 2013 out of my deep passion for the welfare of the less-privileged. I can’t stand seeing people suffer around me. I derive fulfilment in putting smiles on the faces of the have-nots. It is a rare spirit that runs in our family.

    “I’m from Ward ‘E’. I have taken my time to traverse every nook and cranny of the entire council area and have found out what the challenges of majority of our people are. I, therefore, felt the bounden burden to do the best I could to lessen their sufferings within the ambit of my God-given enablement. It is a divine calling that must be shared by the privileged few among us across the country to make Nigeria better.”

    Asked if he had any political ambition, the philanthropist replied: “I nurse no political ambition. What I have done for my people so far and what I will still do by God’s grace, are being activated by divine instruction. You don’t need to expect something back from the people before lifting them from the claws of deprivations. After all, what did Jesus Christ demand for all He did for us? So, it is about our attitude to life and how much we care for our fellowmen.”

    He said he had plans to use his non-governmental charity organisation to do more for the people in other areas.

    A beneficiary, Mrs Esther Ukpodeyi, praised saying, she had long grappled with diabetes without the financial wherewithal to tackle it. “May he (Osinbajo) never suffer any ailment,” she prayed.

    Another resident, who preferred anonymity, said: “I know one thing about the Osinbajos – they have the spirit of giving. The family has a school at Obanikoro, where tuition is free.”

  • ‘My husband is a thief, fake pastor’

    A 36-year-old woman has described her husband as a thief and fake pastor, pleading with the court to dissolve their nine-year-old marriage

    Mrs Adeola Imafidon told the Alakuko Customary Court in Lagos that her husband, Sunday Imafidon, had become a disgrace to her.

    Mrs Imafidon, a laboratory scientist, said: “My husband is a fake pastor, thief and womaniser. He has been arrested over six times for defrauding people. I am always embarrassed each time I go to bail him. My health is suffering a great deal. When I talk a lot, my heart palpitates. I have always endured because of our children.

    “He doesn’t cater for our children let alone pay our house rent. Currently, we live with my mother. I can’t remember the last time he sent our children’s monthly allowance.”

    She added that they had not slept with each other for three years.

    ‘’He once beat me and pushed me towards a moving vehicle. I’m tired of his repulsive attitude. I don’t want to die; please dissolve our marriage,” she told the court.

    Forty-four-year-old Imafidon said he duped people in order to satisfy his wife.

    ‘’When I had a job, my wife never complained of anything or my character. But since I lost my job, my wife’s attitude changed. I was forced to borrow money from people but I get arrested whenever I don’t refund their money.

    “It is true she has been responsible for the children’s upkeep. The last time I slept with her was two months ago at a hotel – not three years. If I wasn’t a good husband, we wouldn’t have children. I still love my wife and I promise to turn a new leaf if our issue is resolved,” he said.

    The marriage is blessed with two children.

    The court’s President, Chief Awos Awosola, asked Imafidon if it was befitting for a pastor to take his wife to a hotel to sleep with her.

    He pleaded with Mrs Imafidon to consider her husband, following which there was a 30-minute recess for the couple to have a private talk; but the wife insisted on dissolution.

    Awosola dissolved the union and ordered Imafidon to be responsible for the children’s school fees. He will also provide N10,000 monthly for their feeding.

  • TWOREM set for festival

    The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries (TWOREM) Int’l a.k.a. Prophetic & Solution Chapel, Lagos, is set to hold its annual inter-denominational between Thursday and December 31.

    The all-night programme, according to its organisers, will feature prophetic declarations, reformation praises, preaching and prayers starting from 10pm daily.

    Its convener and chief host, Revd/Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel (Baba Sekunderin) said the programme tagged “Christian Festival” with the theme, “Manifestation of son of God,” would hold at the church’s headquarters, Sekunderin Int’l Miracle Prayer Mountain, Iyana Agbala Tuntun, Ibadan.

    He and it will be broadcast live via the ministry’s satellite, Messiah Broadcast Network.

    Besides Funmilade-Joel, other anointed men of God expected at the event include seasoned gospel artistes like Evangelists (Princesss) Toyin Ilori (Akoko Mi To); Timi Orokoya (Telemi), Joy Oluwashina Osuba; Bukola Akinade (Senwele) and TWOREM Ibadan & Lagos Mass choirs.

  • Isiguzo for burial today

    Isiguzo for burial today

    The final funeral rite in honour of the late Jude Isiguzo, The Nation Senior Crime Correspondent and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), The Nation Chapel, will hold today at his Umuokegbu Village, Omoba in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

    He died in Lagos on Saturday, November 29 after a brief illness.

    A wake keep was held for him last Tuesday at his residence on 311 Road, ‘A’ Close, Block 3, Flat 8, Festac Town in Lagos.

    At the event, clerics, friends, colleagues and many other eminent personalities extolled his virtues as a hardworking journalist, committed union leader and easy-going person.