The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cars

  • FULL LIST: Top 10 “tokunbo” cars you can get for ₦3m–₦5m

    FULL LIST: Top 10 “tokunbo” cars you can get for ₦3m–₦5m

    In Nigeria, “tokunbo” is referred to as fairly used or second-hand vehicles imported from countries like the United States, Canada, or parts of Europe. These cars are typically more affordable than brand-new ones and often come in better condition than locally used options.

    If you’re in the market for a car today, your budget matters more than ever:

    ₦2 million to ₦3 million: You’ll need patience and a good dose of luck to land a decent deal.

    ₦5 million and above: You’re in a comfortable position. Expect a wider range of quality options.

    ₦3–₦5 million: It’s a tight spot, but not hopeless. While your choices are limited, there are still some solid buys out there.

    Here are the 10 reliable tokunbo cars that fall within the ₦3–₦5 million range.

    1. Toyota Solara (2003–2004) – The Sporty Coupe

    Engine Options: 2.4L 4-cylinder or 3.3L V6

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Automatic

    Fuel Economy: ~9-10 km/l

    This car has a stylish 2-door design, a reliable Toyota engine with convertible option. It is perfect for those who want Camry reliability with a sporty twist. It shares most of its parts with the Camry, so repairs and maintenance are not hard in Nigeria. The V6 version gives more power, while the 4-cylinder keeps it fuel-efficient. Make sure the leather seats and interior trims haven’t suffered from sun damage, which is common in Nigeria’s hot climate.

    2. Hyundai Santa Fe (2004)

    Engine Options: 2.4L 4-cylinder or 2.7L V6

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Automatic/Manual

    Fuel Economy: ~10-11 km/l

    This is an affordable entry into the SUV world. This car is a stylish Korean SUV with a comfortable cabin and decent performance. Early models lacked a V6 engine, but later ones came fully equipped. It’s comfortable, stylish in its own way, and decent for family use or light travel. Just be cautious, some models come with electrical issues. When you are about to buy this car, watch out especially for this.

    3. Nissan Micra (2002)

    Engine: 1.0L or 1.4L 4-cylinder

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Manual (mostly)

    Fuel Economy: ~14-16 km/l

    With the high price of fuel, this car is perfect because of its excellent fuel economy. The 2002 Micra is a favourite among drivers because of its compact size and strong engine. It’s easy to park and reliable. Most of them are Tokunbo, but you can find Nigerian-used ones in great condition. It’s ideal for transporters, especially in Ibadan, and small business owners. It is also best for school runs and short-distance errands. With how old this car is, you would think this car should cost ₦2m.

    4. Honda Civic (iRobot – 2006–2011)

    Engine: 1.8L or 2.0L i-VTEC

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Automatic/Manual

    Fuel Economy: ~11-13 km/l

    You should buy this car because it has a stylish, reliable, and futuristic interior. It was nicknamed “iRobot” because of its space-age dashboard design. This Civic generation is a favourite in Nigeria for good reason. It’s strong, agile, and durable. The digital speedometer and smooth ride make it a joy to drive. When you are about to buy this car, look out for transmission issues in poorly maintained units and stick to low-mileage models.

    Read Also: Otedola eulogises Tinubu, describes President as history maker

    5. Toyota Camry (2002–2006) – “Big Daddy”

    Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Automatic

    Fuel Economy: ~10-12 km/l

    This car is reliable, has cheap parts, and is great for long-distance travel. It is popularly known as “Big Daddy” or “Big for Nothing.” This Camry is a legend. It may look large, but it handles like a sedan and runs like a champ. Used heavily by transporters and working professionals alike. It is best for ride-hailing businesses and family rides.

    6. Hyundai Accent (2006)

    Engine: 1.4L or 1.6L

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Manual/Automatic

    Fuel Economy: ~14-16 km/l

    This is an extremely fuel-efficient car with a smooth ride. Believe it or not, the 2006 Accent is more expensive now in the used market than when it launched. That’s how much people value its fuel economy. It’s perfect for everyday commutes and can run on low fuel budgets. However, it is not ideal for big families or those who travel with a lot of luggage.

    7. BMW E46 (1998–2005)

    Engine Options: 2.5L, 2.8L, 3.0L Inline-6

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Manual/Automatic

    Fuel Economy: ~9-11 km/l

    The E46 is a beloved compact luxury sedan. It’s classy, sporty, and gives that signature German feel. If well-maintained, it’s a joy to drive. The biggest challenge is its maintenance. You’ll need a good mechanic and a budget for premium parts. It’s best found in Northern Nigeria (Kano, Kaduna), less corrosion due to the drier climate.

    8. Honda Pilot (2004–2005)

    Engine: 3.5L V6

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Automatic

    Fuel Economy: ~9-11 km/l

    The Pilot is spacious, comfortable, and functional. It’s great for large families or logistics use. However, it’s a bit thirsty when it comes to fuel. Also, watch out for oil consumption and worn-out suspension on high-mileage units. It has three rows of seats and is great for road trips. Just stick to one with a clean maintenance history.

    9. Danfo (Commercial Bus)

    Engine: 2.0L or 2.4L (Depending on model)

    Fuel Type: Petrol/Diesel

    Transmission: Manual

    Fuel Economy: Variable

    A Danfo bus is a business. This car used to be less than ₦3m at some point, but the new cost now is between ₦3.4M and ₦3.6M. It is a smart investment for anyone entering the transport business. It has a high-income potential and is practical for commercial use. When you are buying, budget for rebranding and minor body repairs.

    10. Mazda Tribute (2004–2005)

    Engine: 2.3L or 3.0L V6

    Fuel Type: Petrol

    Transmission: Automatic

    Fuel Economy: ~9-11 km/l

    Mazda’s Tribute was often overlooked but offers good value in the Nigerian market. It’s essentially a Ford Escape in Mazda skin, meaning cheap and available parts. It’s a practical option if you want an SUV but can’t afford a RAV4 or CR-V. It also shares components with the Ford Escape. It is rugged and roomy.

  • 55 million used cars dumped in Africa, says Coffey 

    55 million used cars dumped in Africa, says Coffey 

    …NADDC will partner with local manufacturers – Osanipin

    Africa has become a dumping ground for 55 million used vehicles from Europe and America, the Chief Executive Officer of the the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), David Coffey, has said. 

    He said the trend can change if there is synergy between the National Automobile Design and Development Council (NADDC) and AAAM, which is on a mission is to industrialise and grow the automotive sector in Africa.

    He said the sector can be developed wworking with African governments to develop and refine policies, collaborating with the public and private sectors, promoting affordable mobility with safe, low-emission vehicles, and eveloping a value chain, including finance sector partnerships.

    Coffey, who dissected Nigeria’s manufacturing capability, identified the lack of demand as a key challenge. 

    He called for the strengthening of the automobile policy for increased investment in the sector, adding that partnership with local businesses would boost local production, enhance technology transfer and raise industrial capacity. 

    He was impressed by the capability he witnessed and suggested partnering with local businesses.

    Coffey spoke during the tour of automobile companies by the Director-General of the National Automobile Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin.

    Accompanied by the AAAM team, he visited Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) and Afro Asia at Nnewi, Anambra State, where he applauded the companies for their innovation approach.

    Osanipin expressed a strong interest in replicating Innoson’s model to boost local manufacturing capabilities across Nigeria.

    The Director-General acknowledged the success of Innoson, which manufactures complete CNG buses from scratch, using locally sourced materials like glass, iron, and plastic. 

    He said the model should be replicated in other manufacturing entities and partnering with Innoson to grow the industry.

    Osanipin also emphasised the importance of setting standards and conducting peer reviews with other economies. 

    He praised Innoson’s use of local content and urged the company to improve it to 70-80 percent  in view of the necessary capacity, expertise, and materials available.

    Osanipin said the vehicles produced by IVM have met global standards, adding that  the factory has the capacity to produce at least 30,000 vehicles per year if orders are placed.

    Read Also: Firm distributes IVM cars to exceptional drivers

    Inoson Motors Chief Executive Officer Dr Innocent Chukwuma, urged Nigeria to adopt Natural Compressed Gas (CNG) as a fuel source, given the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    He said the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle is the best option, stressing that it is a cheaper attractive alternative.

    Chukwuma said: “The federal government should issue directives to promote the adoption of CNG, as it is crucial for saving our economy from the burden of expensive PMS. As the president highlighted, fuel costs are draining our country’s resources. 

    “By switching to CNG, we can conserve funds for other essential purposes. I urge everyone to support the transition to CNG, as it will benefit both individuals and the nation as a whole. A prosperous Nigeria benefits everyone.”

    Osanipin also visited the Afro Asia Nigeria Limited, where the CEO Chief A.C. Okafor, presented a comprehensive overview of the company’s manufacturing processes, ranging from plastic recycling to finished product production.

     Okafor, who spoke on the  challenges confronting the industry, said policy inconsistency is a significant obstacle. 

    He emphasised the need for auto policy legislation to unlock the industry’s full potential and facilitate its growth.

  • ‘Demand for used cars to rise in 2024’

    ‘Demand for used cars to rise in 2024’

    The Nigerian used car market is positioned for a boom in 2024, with demand for used sedan cars projected to rise, a report by market intelligence & advisory firm Mordor Intelligence has said.

    Mordor Intelligence described the Nigerian used car market as “A dynamic and ever-evolving landscape,” noting that the market is currently valued at $1.14 billion.

    The report predicted an increasing demand for used sedan cars in 2014, pointed out that consumers currently favour sedan vehicles over Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) due to their more affordable pricing.

    For instance, it stated that as of June 2023, top-selling used sedan models included the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord.

    The report added that Japanese, South Korean, and European sedan cars were particularly popular among Nigerian consumers.

    According to Mordor Intelligence, the rising price of petrol in Nigeria is a key factor influencing the higher demand for used sedans. This is because these cars give better mileage than SUVs and MPVs, making them a popular choice.

    The report, however, said the Nigerian used car market is influenced by a myriad of factors, ranging from economic conditions to technological advancements.

    Read Also: Customs seizes 11 exotic cars, 250kg of cannabis in Niger

    It, therefore, said it was important for buyers, sellers, and key players to anticipate the trends that will shape the industry in 2024.

    The report, which was accessed by The Nation, identified tech-driven transparency as one of the factors that will shape the used car industry next year

    According to the report, advancements in technology are fostering transparency in the used car market, providing buyers with a wealth of information.

    It added that online platforms and apps are also enabling consumers to access detailed vehicle histories, reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions.

    Based on McKinsey’s findings, over 95 per cent of searches for used cars commence online, as customers delve into vehicle details while making a purchase decision.

    This is a sure indication of users increasing trust and reliance on these online used car buying and selling platforms.

    The report also pointed at shift towards online transactions, noting that the convenience of online transactions continues to impact the used car market.

    “More buyers are opting for online platforms like Cars45, Carmart, and Jiji to browse, negotiate, and finalise deals. The global push for contactless transactions further accelerates this.

    “Also, the rising internet penetration rate in Nigeria which was up to 55.4 per cent in January 2023, and urbanisation are fostering an efficient ecosystem.

    “This enables vehicle owners to connect with buyers across regions, streamlining online sales without physical visits,” the report said.

    It further said rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and emphasis on vehicle health and condition are major trends that will shape the indsurty.

    The report said, for instance, that with the global shift towards sustainability, Nigeria is not immune to the rising interest in electric vehicles.

    The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in a recent publication, stated that by 2025, 30 per cent of passenger cars driven in the country will be electric-powered.

    But, while the adoption of EVs in the new car market is still in its early stages, the global used car market is expected to witness a surge in the availability of pre-owned electric vehicles in 2024.

    The report also said buyers are becoming more discerning. They emphasise the importance of well-maintained vehicles when considering a purchase.

    On the other hand, sellers who invest in proper maintenance and provide detailed service records will likely have a competitive edge.

    This is evident on platforms like Cars45 where they’re recorded to have sold over 26,000 cars and currently inspect 1500+ cars monthly across Nigeria.

    Consequently, customers who inspect their cars through them are able to sell within 24hrs through the platform’s network of buyers.

    From the increasing reliance on technology to the emphasis on vehicle health and condition, these trends will influence the way buyers and sellers navigate the road ahead.

    Staying informed about these trends and leveraging the power of technology will be key for all stakeholders in this vibrant and evolving market.

  • Call me the exorcist

    I want to be the greatest inventor of all time! Do not laugh at me yet. You have your dreams. I have mine. I know man for who he is. Give it to him- for, in his creative ingenuity, he has achieved commendable feats, in virtually all spheres of human endeavour. He has defied the compelling force of gravity, gone to space and landed man on the moon.He has invented cars, aeroplanes and ships which transport people and goods, providing services, to shorten distance and time.  He is currently planning to make man head to Mars! If in doubt read the policy speech made by former President Barack Obama at Kennedy Space Centre on April 15, 2010.

    Name them-the radio, television, computers, artificial intelligence and the internet of things, are all products of his fecund imagination which cumulatively have facilitated the knowledge economy that drives smart products and processes; to turn our world into a global village.

    He has also cured many debilitating diseases and is gearing to tame the rampaging scourge of cancer and Aids. What more, he has done the seemingly unthinkable, by cloning a mammal (Dolly, the sheep), and thereby creating an organism out of a body cell without recourse to sexual intercourse. Now, he has gone ahead to perform another fascinating feat, creating the genome. That is the human map, which provides a better understanding on the nature of diseases and in the long run would assist man to live longer, here on planet earth.

    But no man has been able to discover, innovate or invent a chemical capable of removing fears, doubts, greed, avarice, laziness, lust, lies and of course, the king of all  vices, HATRED from the human mind. That is precisely what I have set out to do. Oh yes, I want to be the first scientist to create that elixir; that all-important, all-conquering chemical to completely eradicate evil from man’s psyche. Call it a tall order; I do not care a hoot, for so were other inventors similarly disparaged.

    For instance, an engineer simply calledMr.Head tried 47 times before he succeeded in making the first metal ski. Dr.Ian Wilmot tried 277 times before producing the aforementioned Dolly. What would have happened if he had stopped at the 276th trial? The Wright Brothers were told to forget the crazy idea of building an aeroplane. Edward Land was urged by his friends to jettison the inspiration of an instant Polaroid camera; that it would not work. Soichiro Honda was similarly nearly discouraged by his associates to do away with the ‘stupid idea’ of producing a motorcycle. But all of them never listened to their advisers but to that unfailing inner voice that kept urging them on, until their dreams saw the light of day. Someday mine will also come to fruition.

    Believe me; mine is going to be a gas-invisible, odourless and harmless. I am not talking about the laughing gas that lasts only for a few minutes. No! Mine would be so fluid that it can reach all the parts of the world in a jiffy and engender inter -racial harmony.  In fact, if I had come here early enough my gas would have saved the world 40 million lives wasted during the First World War that escalated to over 70 million during the Second World War. It would also have saved the world $208 billion wasted on the World War 1 that escalated to $4.1 trillion during the World War 11.

    Combined with trillions of dollars also spent on the war on terror, such humongous amounts would have been diverted to the battle against poverty, hunger and several diseases. But now I am here. So, I will start by injecting it from nowhere else but right there in Abuja, where the crop of our politicians, policy makers and those who hold our collective destiny, reside.

    One hopes and fervently too, that by the time they inhale my gas they would suddenly learn from the hands of history that evil does not pay. That the most terrible dictators ever such as  King Herod (Israel),Sheikh Hasina ( Bangladesh), Adolf Hitler(Germany), Joseph Stalin(USSR), Kim Jong-il (North Korea),  Vlad III, the Impaler (Wallachia), Pol Pot(Cambodia), Bashir al-Assad(Syria) and  Idi Dada Amin( Uganda) who were the Kings of Hate are forever consigned only to the dustbins of history.

    They would also come to the grim realization that the things they treasure so much here on earth, such asmesmerizing money, puerile political power and fleeting fame are nothing but foods for the ants!

    In the persistent pursuit of happiness, man has tried food, alcohol, sex, music and religion but none has the profound effect of eradicating evil from man’s mind-set.  But mine will. Most of our leaders-living or dead- are or have been either Muslims or Christians. They and their followers troop to mosques and churches on daily basis, surreptitiously to worship God. Yet, crimes of heinous nature are traceable to them. They come out of those places of worship only to use religion as a mask! All in their bid to get into positions of political authority or hang onto them they hatch, contrive or contort sundry evils against their fellow men. Indeed, the questions are many.

    For instance, who arms the rudderless youths with bullets and bombs, cajole and coerce them with money to maim and kill innocent souls? Who are those behind the spates of armed robberies, killer herdsmen, armed bandits, ritualists, kidnappings and hostage taking? These worshippers are the culprits. And who are those who have stolen the nation dry and elevated themselves to the positions of perpetual kingmakers, to be feared and worshipped? These worshippers, of course.

    But my chemical would solve all these vices, because in the absence of hatred, anger, greed,  lust and lies, people would no longer love to commit evil of any kind, go to worship centres to ask for forgiveness of sins only to come back to commit more blue murders. If religion, as it is currently practiced, was the answer to our plethora of woes, pastors, preachers or prophets would not so much commercialize it into prosperity services while they hypnotize millions of worshippers who now see them as their Jesus the Christ!

    Similarly, food and alcohol have deadened the senses of the rich and famous that they can no longer heed the cries of the hungry and homeless. As for modern music, it is nothing but a vile vehicle to indoctrinate the aimless youths to dance to the dictates of the devil and his demons.

    But my chemical gas will save them all; waken their senses to the power of love that is selfless, trust that is unconditional and hope that God is the goodness in us all to be our brothers’ keepers!

  • Cars, arms recovered as police parade 11 suspects

    The police in Rivers State yesterday paraded 11 suspected criminals for their alleged involvement in crimes.

    They are held for kidnapping, robbery and car-snatching.

    Police Commissioner Zaki Ahmed said in a statement in Port Harcourt the suspects were arrested by men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS).

    He said the arrests were made last month, adding the suspects will be arraigned after investigation.

    Fifteen cars, 11 guns, 40 machetes, dagger and four axes were recovered from them.

    The command displayed weapons, including machetes,  guns, axes and dagger reportedly surrendered by repentant cultists, who gave their lives to Jesus Christ at Salvation Ministry Church, Port Harcourt.

    Ahmed hailed the church for converting sinners, saying the act was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to mop-up arms.

    He pledged the commitment of the police to protect life and property.

  • Council provides cars for legislative members

    In a bid to enhance the productivity of members of the legislative arm of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, the council has donated vehicles to each of the members.

    While presenting the Toyota Camry Spider Eye and a Lexus Jeep to them, the Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Valentine Buraimoh said his administration would continue to give members of the legislative arm the wherewithal to perform their duties effectively, stressing that the councillors are partners in progress.

    He added that the cars would aid their movements in the course of performing their official assignments both within and outside the local government area.

    In his words: “On our part, we shall provide an environment conducive to effective performance for our legislators to enable them to carry out their legislative assignments.

    “I also want to thank our legislators for working in harmony with the executive arm of government in an attempt to ensure improvement in the economy of the local government as well as in the welfare of our citizens.

    “We cannot do otherwise since the two institutions are working towards the same goal of ensuring meaningful and sustainable development of our communities.

    “Our administration will continue to provide the lawmakers with the wherewithal to perform its statutory functions within the limit of the financial resources of the government.

    He urged the legislators to take good care of the vehicles.

    The member representing Amuwo Odofin State Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Dipo Olorunrinu, appreciated the council chief for “what he has done “.

    He noted that Buraimoh is a nice person that needs the support of everyone to succeed.

    The Leader of the legislative arm, Hon. Abimbola Oshodi in his response thanked the council chief for the gesture, noting that the legislative and executive arm of the local government would continue to work together to bring more development to council area.

    Incidentally, the local government also inaugurated the Procurement Statutory Committee.

  • ‘I established my transport business with stolen tricycles, cars’

    ‘I established my transport business with stolen tricycles, cars’

    A 30-year- old suspected armed robber, Hammed Sheu, has revealed that he established a transport business with tricycles and cars snatched from their owners.

    Three of the tricycles, and a car were recovered by the police.

    Sheu and his gang members were arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) after they snatched a Toyota Sienna car with vehicle registration number CKK 856 AA on Shagamu road, Lagos.

    It was learnt that Sheu was arrested with 12 others, including Uche Ozogbo, 33; Shamsudeen Akamo, 35; Adeshina Kazeem, 41; David Isaac, 34; Hammed Sheu aka Dagbe, 30; Olasan Jinadu ,32; Joseph Oriabor, 26; Muideen Ibrahim, 32; Rasaq Jimoh, 23, and Hammed Fawehanu 27.

    Confessing Sheu said: ‘’I stayed for over three years without getting employment anywhere, hence, I decided to be self-reliant. When I started brainstorming on how to get rich quick, I decided to become a transporter but the capital was not there. I tried to get two tricycles and one bus or car on a hire purchase, but none of the car dealers listened to me until I met a friend called Kingsley.

    ‘’When I told Kingsley about the problem of getting two tricycles, a car and a bus for transport business and that I had no money to purchase them, he laughed and told me that if I were serious I would get three Keke (tricycles) a car and a bus without much stress. Initially, I doubted him until he started supplying stolen tricycles to me including cars and buses.

    ‘’I then employed tricycle riders, a car driver and a bus driver. Whenever Kingsley supplied a tricycle I would hand it over to one of the applicants on the waiting list. And from the money the tricycle operator delivered, I would pay Kingsley for the tricycle he supplied, pay the tricycle operator and use the rest to take care of myself.

    ‘’I bought four tricycles from Kingsley whose role was to go and snatch tricycle or car and sell to me. He ran away when police arrested us. I bought three tricycles N150, 000 each while I paid only N80, 000 for the fourth tricycle. I gave these boys (other suspects) the tricycles to ride for me with daily delivery or return of N4, 000 each rider. I also market stolen vehicles. This car was brought to me by the same Kingsley to market but he is now at large.’’

  • Shoprite celebrates 22 winners of brand new cars

    Shoprite celebrates 22 winners of brand new cars

    Shoprite Nigeria hosted the 22 winners of brand new Hyundai Grand Xcent cars at a celebratory fete in Lekki, Lagos.

    The event marked the end of Shoprite Nigeria’s two-month long win-a-car birthday promotion. Between August 21 and October 8, 2017, customers entered the competition by buying any product(s) from the 11 participating brands.

    One of the 22 winners, Mr Olufeyijimi Omobowale, said: “I couldn’t believe my ears when I got the phone call confirming that I was a winner. I initially thought it was a prank until I got to the store. I am so grateful to God and Shoprite for this car. Being invited to this reception with all the other winners crowns it all.”

    Shoprite Nigeria’s Executive Director, Adeola Kagho, congratulated the 22 winners and said: “In addition to offering world class shopping and delivering value through our low price promise, the win-a-car competition is another way for us to thank our customers for their loyal support.”

    As a food retailer, who stocks the largest selection of products that are produced in Nigeria, Shoprite will continue to deliver on its business promise of everyday low prices.

  • Homes, cars destroyed as man is killed for ‘adultery’

    A aged man, identified as Emma Oji, has been reportedly killed at Alayi Village in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State for allegedly committing adultery with a married woman.

    Eyewitness said the woman informed her husband that she wanted to visit her parents but was allegedly sighted a few days later in another man’s house near the community.

    The community’s youths were said to have reacted to the woman’s action as an abomination.

    They reportedly invaded the man’s house and whisked him away for punishment.

    But he was later found dead while the woman was said to have fled to an unknown place.

    The man’s death did not go down well with his relatives and close friends, who felt tradition only permits some level of punishment on anyone caught in the act, but not to the extent of killing the culprit.

    The deceased’s kinsmen were said to have invaded the resident a youth suspected to have spearheaded the whisking away of the suspected adulterer and burnt his house, car and other personal belongings.

    The chairman of the local government, Chief Gabriel Okereke Elendu, who visited the scene with the Police Divisional Officer (DPO), condemned the youths’ action.

    The council chief said those who killed Orji and burnt houses and property would be made to face the wrath of the law.

    He said Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration frowned at violence and crime of any form.

    Elendu urged security agents to fish out the prime suspects to serve as deterrent to others.

    He warned youths to desist from taking the law into their hands as he pledged to get to the root of the matter.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Capt. Awa Udensi (retd) warned that government would no longer tolerate such act.

    The governor’s aide said those involved in the mayhem will be brought to justice.

    He said the state government condemned the youths’ action, adding that lives and property remained paramount to the current administration.

    According to him, government will use all means to get those on its wanted list for the killing.

    Also, the father of the deceased, Elder Orji, thanked the state and local governments’ delegation for commiserating with his family.

    He regretted the killing of his son by youths, saying the government must fish out the killers to serve as deterrent to others.

  • Fayose gives cars to aides over EFCC detention

    Fayose gives cars to aides over EFCC detention

    •Governor to sue anti-graft agency

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has fulfilled his promise to give new cars to the two officials of his administration who spent two weeks in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged diversion of over N680 million from the state’s share of bailout funds.

    The governor yesterday presented the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Toyin Ojo, and the Accountant General, Mrs. Yemisi Owolabi, with new Kia Rio cars after a thanksgiving service to mark the third anniversary of his administration.

    Fayose said he was honouring the two officials “for their loyalty to the state” in the face of a fresh onslaught by the anti-graft agency.

    The two government officials were arrested in Abuja on September 28 while attending the governor’s declaration to run for President in 2019.

    The governor also held a welcome party for Ojo and Owolabi last Thursday, which he declared as “half-work day,’ to allow civil servants attend the occasion.

    But majority of workers shunned the event.

    At yesterday’s event, Fayose said: “We have to reward you for enduring intimidation, mental and emotional torture and illegal incarceration for the sake of our state. The Constitution of Nigeria does not empower the EFCC to arrest state officials over alleged graft.

    “That function belongs to our House of Assembly. We will sue the EFCC to court for this illegality, pursue the case to a logical conclusion and get damages for this ill-treatment.

    “The Constitution of Nigeria is supreme and has over-riding influence over any government parastatal, such as EFCC.”