The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Chief

  • Rivers police chief Odesanya buried in Lagos

    Rivers police chief Odesanya buried in Lagos

    Tears flowed as the remains of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Francis Odesanya, were buried at Ikoyi Cemetery at the weekend.

    Odesanya died on January 31. He was 56.

    Speaking at a service at St Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos,  Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ntom Chukwu, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, described Odesanya as “a fine and fantastic officer; God-fearing, hardworking and intelligent”.

    He said Odesanya left legacies of dedication, loyalty and commitment.

    Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Commander Akin Fakorede said Odesanya was a gentleman, professional, good leader and a patriotic Nigerian who represented the best the Force had to offer.

    Rivers State police spokesman Omoni Nnandi said the deceased was his mentor, teacher and team leader; a rare police officer, professional and focused.

    A relative, Mrs Abiodun Abimbola, said he would be missed. She described him as “a nice brother, who was always there for the family”.

    Another relative, Tunji Adeyemi, said the late Odesanya was generous and God fearing.

    The priest, Rev Stephen Ogbe, said the deceased made a positive impact in the life of others.

    He said Odesanya loved prayers and had faith, confidence and trust in God.

    “He touched lives in the church and in the country; he had good attitude and character.”

    Ogbe urged the congregation to live right, saying no one knows when he or she would die.

  • Police arrest suspected killers of ex-FIRS chief’s mum

    •How she struggled to stop robbers from collecting N2m, by witness

    The Edo State Police Command has said it arrested three suspected members of a robbery gang that robbed and shot a retired Magistrate and former Chairman of the Rent Edict Tribunal in the Lagos State Government Judiciary, Madam Grace Onaiwu Omoigui.

    The late Madam Omoigui, the mother of a former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ifueko Okauru, died from complications arising from the injuries she sustained from the bullet wound.

    She was reportedly shot in the thigh after an unsuccessful struggle to stop the suspected robbers from collecting the N2 million cash she collected from a new generation.

    The shooting occurred on October 24 inside a hotel opposite the family’s home at Liberty Avenue in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Benin, the Edo State capital.

    It was gathered that driver of the deceased, in an apparent move to escape, drove inside the hotel after the robbers shot the tyres of the Toyota Corolla they were .

    When our reporter visited the family’s home yesterday, the vehicle was parked inside the compound. But the security guards on duty said the family was in Lagos State.

    One of the security guard, who did not want his name mentioned, recalled that he was in the compound when he heard sporadic shootings.

    He said one of the robbers stood in front of the hotel as the second was driving while the third was with the late Madam Omoigui.

    The security guard said: “The incident happened three weeks ago. Mama was coming from the bank, but we saw the driver drive into the hotel. There were three of them. We heard when the one standing outside was telling the one arguing with Mama that the money was in a blue bag. This was after Mama had given them the wrong bag.

    “It was that time they shot Mama on the thigh and they took the money. But some fell on the ground. We quickly used another car to rush Mama to the hospital.”

    Police Commissioner Haliru Gwandu said the three suspects had been arrested since October 28 and had been charged to court for robbery.

    Gwandu gave the names of the suspects as Austin Orene, Isaiah Ngbekeu and Esogie Aigbede.

    The police chief said items recovered from the suspects include one double-barrelled cut-to-size gun, two single-barreled cut-to-size guns, assorted handsets, different identity cards, and receipt booklets.

    He said investigations showed that the driver and the security guards watched helplessly as the woman struggled with the robbers before she was shot.

  • Police hunt killers of Kogi’s Fulani chief

    The Kogi State police command has said its personnel were still on the hunt for the killers of the state leader of Fulani group, Maiyati Allah, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubarkar Jalido.

    Jalido, a former two-term Secretary of Maiyati Allah in Kogi, took office as chairman of the group last September following a heated election which took place at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    He was killed at his residence around 2am on Saturday by suspected assassins. His body was riddled with bullets and machete cuts.

    The incident occurred at Road 3 of Peace Community along the Ganaja-Ajaokuta road in Lokoja.

    The gunmen numbering about 10 may have used a detour to beat police operatives attached to C Division Lokoja, as they were said to have approached their victim’s house through an unfamiliar route, before gaining access into the resident.

    A resident who spoke under the condition of anonymity pointed accusing at Fulani herdsmen.

    A neighbour of the deceased said that he saw strange faces within the vicinity not knowing they had evil motive in that area.

    He said the deceased who is survived by two wives and children, was shot and cut with a machete as the assailants gained access to one of his wives’ room, having forced the door open.

    A doctor attached to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Lokoja, Sam Alhassan, who conducted autopsy on the deceased recounted what happened during the wee hours, since his house is close by to where the incident occurred.

    He said, “I was in my room which is just steps away to his house and I started hearing gunshots. Then, I rose up from my bed and I began to look through the window. I saw a group of bandits in two lines. At least I saw eight people, and they started shooting. The next thing that I saw was that a bullet hit the overhead tank and water started draining down. Later, me and my family went quiet for a while, then wife of the deceased came out and said ‘they have killed my husband.”

    “On saying that, my landlord, who is a security officer, went inside to go and ascertain this fact, that the man is actually dead. I went inside also, I saw Alhaji in a pool of blood, his body macheted”.

    It was however unclear whether or not the assailants made away with any money or property, as relatives kept mum, when prodded.

    The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr William Aya, who confirmed the incident, said the command was investigating the dastardly act.

    The deceased was buried same day according to Islamic rites.

     

  • Council chief seeks transparency in government

    It was a night of many awards as serving and retired staff members of the FCT Administration, and others stepped forward, one after another, to collect awards for service to their fatherland. The Gala and award night, held at the Abuja Sheraton and Towers, was the grand finale of the press week organized by the FCTA NUJ Chapel, last week.

    By seven o’clock in the evening last week the hotel’s Ladi Kwali Hall was filled to capacity with top government functionaries from the FCT Administration, as well as the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chair, Hon. Adamu Abdullahi Candido with his entourage, among several others.

    First on the list of the awardees was a former Director of Information and an erudite speech writer, Mr. Ezeako Odi, who bagged the Most Outstanding Pioneer award for his effectiveness in the management of information in the Administration, as well as engineering the employment of many staffs in the department.

    While Hon. Adamu Candido was enviably given the Outstanding Leadership award for his wonderful performance in office so far, Alhaji Ibrahim Biu was awarded for his meritorious service to the country.

    Mrs. Victoria Umana, Director of the FCT department of Science and Technology grabbed the Most Innovative Director award. It was revealed during her citation that Umana initiated numerous innovative programmes, bothering on modern agriculture and production of household items, among others.

    Another retired Deputy Director of Information who served with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Ikokwu Okonkwo also received an award for his commendable service during his days in charge of FCDA information.

    Others who were also awarded on the event include the General Manager, Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Alhaji Muhammed Tukur Arabi, who got Community Service award and Mrs. Helen Odika of the FCTA Permanent Secretary’s office –the youngest of the awardees who was commended for commitment to duties.

    Mrs. Umana while responding on behalf of the awardees expresses gratitude to the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and the Permanent Secretary for permitting the Chapel to elaborately organize the event. She therefore prayed God to guide the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), especially at such a time when the truth was not only lacking but was also difficult to identify in the society.

    Representative of the Permanent Secretary who is Director of Information, Mrs. Stella Ojeme noted that the three-day event provided the opportunity for the Information Officers to learn a lot, urging them to put in practice what they learnt for the betterment of the FCT Administration and the entire territory.

    The Permanent Secretary therefore urged the audience to have a nice time during the gala night.

    NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Mr. Paul Ella who also spoke at the event pledged the continued support of his colleagues to the FCT Administration, even as he commended the efforts of Malam Muhammad Musa Bello “who has been doing wonderfully well” and the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye for his efforts.

    In an interview with journalists after the event, the AMAC Chairman stated that the award was a “call for further service to the citizens of Nigeria” and called for “transparency, truthfulness” and the maintenance of the mandate of public office, but not to abuse it.  He also tasked public servants to imbibe “the spirit of humility in service.”

    Earlier, Chairman of the FCTA NUJ Chapel, Comrade Nnachi Okafor in his welcome address said that the event provided an opportunity for reflection on the challenges of the journalism profession and commended his colleagues for laboring so hard to fight corruption in the society and wielding through economic challenges.

    The event was also attended by Mrs. Joy Okoye who represented the Director of FCT Treasury, Acting Secretary, Agriculture Secretariat, Alhaji Musa A. Aliyu, among others.

     

  • Navy chief warns criminals in Abia

    Navy chief warns criminals in Abia

    The new commandant of the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta, Abia State, Captain Abdullahi Aminu has warned criminals to steer clear of the state or face the music.

    Aminu said that the navy in the state was prepared to tackle criminality with all seriousness, adding that the naval headquarters had empowered to bring felons to heel.

    Speaking at the naval college, Owerrinta during the third quarter of its quarterly route march and show of strength, Capt Aminu said that the exercise was aimed at ensuring that naval ratings and officers were fit at all times.

    Capt. Aminu said that during the exercise that officers and men of the naval college are expected to show the people how ready they are to tackle the menace of criminals within and around the state.

    He noted that part of their charge is to ensure the security of life and property of their host community and the state wherever they are based, stressing that since their advent at Owerrinta that there has been peace.

    He recalled that barely two days he assumed office as the new commandant, that his men rescued a four year old boy who was kidnapped at St Theresa’s Catholic Church Obosi in Anambra state.

    The naval boss said that the boy was kidnapped on Sunday at Obosi Anambra state and was rescued the next day in Abia state, “This tells you the preparedness of my officers and men in crime fighting and we are determined to do more”.

    Capt Aminu said that from what he has observed on the fitness of his men which shows low level of fitness, “I am going to introduce the route march to be a monthly thing, which will be done at the end of every month”.

    “The idea is to ensure that my men are fit at all times to face the security challenges that have been trying to overrun both the state and country, every military man should be fit and ready at all times in case of any crisis so as not to be caught unawares”.

    “What we are doing which is done every quarter is approved by the navy headquarters, as signals are sent before the date of the route march, as it is  enshrined in our rules”.

    “The exercise is also to let criminals operating within the state to stay clear or be consumed as we are prepared to ensure that our environment is secured at all times and I am sure that we have not been doing badly in that area”.

    He used the forum to give kudos to members of the host community for their effort in ensuring that they perform their security duties to the optimum level, stressing that they have been giving them useful information to work with.

     

  • Funeral rites for Insurance chief

    Funeral rites for Insurance chief

    Funeral rites for the Managing Director, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, Mrs. Anuoluwapo Abosede Otegbeye (Nee Bamgbose), have been announced.

    A Service of Songs will hold tomorrow at Christ Anglican Church on 10 Okuta road, Bariga, by 5pm.

    A commendation service will hold on Thursday at the same venue by 10 am, while another Service of Songs will hold at BOT residence on Biyi Otegbeye Close, GRA Ilaro, by 5 pm same day.

    Burial will be on Friday at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Ilaro, by 10 am, while entertainment of guests will hold at Ashade Agunloye Pavilion, Ilaro.

    The deceased was born on March 26, 1939, and died on September 12.

    She was 77 years.

  • Navy chief warns criminals in Abia

    The new commandant of the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta, Abia State, Captain Abdullahi Aminu has warned criminals to steer clear of the state or face the music.

    Aminu said that the navy in the state was prepared to tackle criminality with all seriousness, adding that the naval headquarters had empowered to bring felons to heel.

    Speaking at the naval college, Owerrinta during the third quarter of its quarterly route march and show of strength, Capt Aminu said that the exercise was aimed at ensuring that naval ratings and officers were fit at all times.

    Capt. Aminu said that during the exercise that officers and men of the naval college are expected to show the people how ready they are to tackle the menace of criminals within and around the state.

    He noted that part of their charge is to ensure the security of life and property of their host community and the state wherever they are based, stressing that since their advent at Owerrinta that there has been peace.

    He recalled that barely two days he assumed office as the new commandant, that his men rescued a four year old boy who was kidnapped at St Theresa’s Catholic Church Obosi in Anambra state.

    The naval boss said that the boy was kidnapped on Sunday at Obosi Anambra state and was rescued the next day in Abia state, “This tells you the preparedness of my officers and men in crime fighting and we are determined to do more”.

    Capt Aminu said that from what he has observed on the fitness of his men which shows low level of fitness, “I am going to introduce the route march to be a monthly thing, which will be done at the end of every month”.

    “The idea is to ensure that my men are fit at all times to face the security challenges that have been trying to overrun both the state and country, every military man should be fit and ready at all times in case of any crisis so as not to be caught unawares”.

    “What we are doing which is done every quarter is approved by the navy headquarters, as signals are sent before the date of the route march, as it is  enshrined in our rules”.

    “The exercise is also to let criminals operating within the state to stay clear or be consumed as we are prepared to ensure that our environment is secured at all times and I am sure that we have not been doing badly in that area”.

    He used the forum to give kudos to members of the host community for their effort in ensuring that they perform their security duties to the optimum level, stressing that they have been giving them useful information to work with.

  • Remembering Chief Morohundiya, 25 years after

    Remembering Chief Morohundiya, 25 years after

    Last September 13, on the 10th anniversary of the death of my younger brother, Michael Ekpeme Ahonaruogho, I decided once again to pay tribute to my  late principal, Chief Samuel Olasupo Morohundiya, whose 25th remembrance came up last Saturday.

    Records show that Chief Bola Ige (SAN) and later his amiable wife, the late Justice Atinuke Ige worked with the late Chief Morohundiya at Ibadan in the Law Offices of Durosaro and Morohundiya.

    Some other lawyers who passed through the late Chief Morohundiya’s Chambers in Lagos included Justice Olulade Oladapo Obadina,  Justice Oye Iyanda, Justice Niyi Adebajo (rtd.); Mr. J. O. Omole (former Chief Registrar of the High Court of Lagos State), Chief Adewale Gbeleyi, Chief Olu Akintunde, Chief Abimbola Awosika, Mr. Sola  Olatunbosun, Chief Akinlabi Kuponiyi (former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly), Chief Michael Olunwa, Mr. S. A. Afolabi, Mrs. Joke Opeyokun, Mr. Andrew Bamidele Chukwuemeka (ABC) Ogbogbo, Mrs. Bisi Awonuga, Ms. Eniola Olatunji Makanjuola, Mr. Akin Olatunji, Mrs. Christine Awoloto, Yemisi Wilton-Waddel, Mrs. Ayodele Ayobolu, Mr. Olakunle Morohundiya, Mr. Akin Edward Falade, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho and Mr. Victor Aigbogun.

    To live in the hearts of those who love you, is to live forever. Even though some of the lawyers who passed through the law chambers of the late Chief Morohundiya have passed on, those of us alive will continue to cherish his fond memory.

    In the circumstances, one can  imagine those whose biographies would be incomplete without the name of the late Chief Morohundiya as having touched their lives.

    Recently, while on holidays in the United Kingdom, Victor Aigbogun  visited me and narrated how, upon getting married in Nigeria, his wife wanted him to move over to the United Kingdom. Having a successful law practice in Nigeria, he was reluctant to take the plunge. He was not willing to subject himself to doing menial jobs in the United Kingdom.

    He sat and passed the qualifying examination which enabled him to practice in the United Kingdom and then it was time to go job hunting. He applied to a law firm and submitted his curriculum vitae wherein he made reference to having worked with thew late Chief Morohundiya while in Nigeria. He was invited by Mr. Roderick Palling Bouldi who happened to have known the late Chief Morohundiya several years ago in London. That was all Victor Aigbogun needed to be employed in the United Kingdom–the name of Chief Samuel Olasupo Morohundiya.

    So, as we remember the late Chief Samuel Morohundiya of Gray’s Inn on the 25th anniversary of his death, let us be assured that good people do not die. They rest from the earthly labours in the Lord.

    I join your wife and pillar of support, Chief Christiana Ayodele Morohundiya; your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, the Morohundiya dynasty at home and in the Diaspora, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the First Baptist Church, Ikeja, the First Baptist Church,, Idikan, Ibadan, the Nigerian Baptist Convention, The Boys Scout Movement of Nigeria, the Nigerian Red Cross, the Morohundiya Foundation for Legal Development of the Faculty of Law of the University of Ibadan in remembering a good man –the late Chief Samuel Olasupo Morohundiya.

    Sleep  on my beloved boss and mentor, the late Chief Morohundiya – Member Distinguished Body of Benchers, Maiyegun of Ikeja, Bamofin of Ibadan land, Bada Olubadan of Ibadan land, first Chairman and Patron of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch and many others.

    *Chief Ahonaruogho, a legal practitioner, writes from Lagos.

  • Abia police chief warns against extortion

    The new Abia State Commissioner of Police (CP) Adeleye Oyebade has warned officers and men of the state command to desist from extorting residents of the state or face prosecution.

    Oyebade said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has zero tolerance for corruption including extortion from motorists and suspects.

    Addressing officers and men of the state command in Umuahia on his maiden interaction with them, Oyebade who is returning to the state after leaving it as deputy commissioner of police said that it will no longer be business as usual for any corrupt officer.

    Oyebade said that the era when police is seen as reactive, corrupt and lethargic institution is over, “The new police are committed to changing the perception people have about us, and we want to be seen as purely professionals”.

    He said, “It will be dangerous for a police officer that is not ready to imbibe the culture of professional best practices, diligence and discipline to remain in the present Nigeria Police Force”.

    “My advice to such police officers is that they should kindly change their attitude or else they will be fished out, the new police under IGP Idris is a people’s police which will be proactive”.

    “The new police order is community based, intelligence-led and dynamic police institution, alive to the responsibility of ensuring public order, prevention of crimes and protection of lives and property”.

    Oyebade said that policing is a collective responsibility of all well-meaning Nigerians, adding that it is only when there is a reciprocal trust that the appropriate support and cooperation will be gotten from members of the public.

    He charged his men, “We should perform our duties with the fear of God, in our patrols, while investigating crimes and even when handling suspects, the job should be done, but we must be fair and firm. We must respect the fundamental human rights of the people in the line of duty”.

    The CP called on the Divisional Police Officer (DPOs) to create an environment that will be conducive for those working under them to work effectively, “We should realize that our subordinates are our greatest assets, as no man is an island of knowledge”.

    Oyebade said, “I am a team player and we all are members of the same team, this team must be able to identify and map out effective strategies to defeat the opponents, we must conduct our investigations with professional dexterity.”

  • Council chief hails Ambode, security agencies

    The Sole Administrator of Iba Local Council Development Area, Hon. Yisa Abiola Jubril has commended the efforts of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the security agencies on the successful rescue of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni.

    Speaking in his office, the council chief said the governor’s effort was exemplary, saying it gave hope to the residents that their security is guaranteed.

    While thanking Governor Ambode, Jubril said the security apparatus of the state had been fortified with modern technology to track down kidnappers and wage total war against criminals anywhere they hide.

    ‘‘When Oba was kidnapped, nobody knew his health condition until when he was released.

    We thank God for sparing the life of Oba Oniba who was kidnapped. We are grateful to Ambode, the Commissioner of Police, the State Security Service (SSS) and the entire Nigerians for the valuable information given to the police who led to the successful operation that led to the rescue of our Oba,” he said. Jubril assured the residents that efforts were being made to improve the living standard of the people.