The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • Police arrest four Customs impersonators for fraud

    Police arrest four Customs impersonators for fraud

    Three students of Ambrose Ali University (AAU), Ekpoma and Auchi Polytechnic both in Edo State and a 21-year-old man have been arrested by the police for alleged impersonation of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and swindling of social media users.

    Proposer Oricha, 19, of Business Administration Department, 21-year-old Samuel Taye, 400 level, Ordinary National Diploma (OND) Electrical Engineering student, Shaka Sumaila and Sunday Aliyu were arrested by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police’ (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at Ekpoma.

    According to the police, the suspects, who usually posed as Customs officers on Facebook and other social media platforms, defrauded Nigerians several millions of naira in the guise of selling auction vehicles.

    It was gathered that their arrests followed series of complaints to the office of the IGP Ibrahim Idris on their activities.

    Two IRT teams and operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Unit (TIU) were said to have been deployed to Edo State after several days of analysing on ground intelligence.

    The police said the suspects confessed to the crime and explained their modus operandi.

    Recovered from the suspects’ mobile phones and laptops were pictures of genuine Customs officers, account numbers they used and correspondence between them and their victims.

    In his confessional statement, Aliyu said he has sold five cars. I received N50,000 for Toyota Camry, 150,000 for Toyota Corrolla, N35,000 for Gulf, N50,000 for Toyota Venza and N100,000 for the fifth car but I can’t remember the make.

    The Customs is not aware I am doing this. We use accounts given to us by Samuel Taye.

     

  • Man threatens to sue JAMB if examination is not rescheduled 

    Man threatens to sue JAMB if examination is not rescheduled 

    One Smart Osagiede, whose ward, Esther Edemodu, allegedly experienced network failure while writing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) last Saturday has called for the rescheduling of the examination.

    Mr. Smart threatened legal action against JAMB for what he termed breach of contract against the Nigerian parents and every candidate who fell victims to ‘the inadequate preparation’ by the examination body.

    Smart said his ward wrote the examination at the College of Education, Igueben but experienced consistent network failure.

    He told our reporter that the examination which was scheduled to begin at 7am did not commence till 2pm.

    According to him, “We all remember how the JAMB registrar came on air to tell Nigerians of how prepared they were to conduct the exams.  What played out is a reversal of what played out in most of the centres, especially Igueben in Edo State.  We are waiting for JAMB ‘S reaction to their failure.

    “The failure is a breach of confidence Nigerians have in JAMB.  Parents are asking for a reschedule in the affected areas. The issue of INEC’s Electoral inconclusiveness has been replicated by JAMB. Our children must not be robbed of their opportunity to fair play to achieving their ambition to higher education.

    “Network failure led to candidates’ inability to finish on time.  Those who were lucky enough to experience good network were hurriedly stopped from using up the time allowed to create space for those who experienced irregular network.  This almost led to a total breakdown of law and order. Candidates were emotionally rattled.”

  • Ethiopians claim Okpekpe 10km Road Race titles

    Ethiopian athletes on Saturday won the first, second and third positions at the 5th Okpekpe International 10km Road Race at Okpekpe in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo.

    Leul Aleme from Ethiopia emerged the winner of the race’s 2017 edition with a time of 29.28secs to claim the 15,000 dollars prize money.

    Dawit Fikadu came second, returning 29.34secs for 10,000 dollars cash prize and Bekal Reata was third with 32.22secs for the 7,000 dollars prize money.

    About 3, 000 athletes participated in the race including 15 foreigners.

    The winner in the male category tagged “Gold Elite’’, Aleme, said that it was a very difficult race and he was happy to emerge the winner.

    Gabru Azemara also from Ethiopia won the elite athletes in the female category with 33.59secs and was followed by Vero Maina from Kenya who returned 34.19secs.

    Alice Timbill also from Kenya emerged third with 34.39secs.

    The winner of the female elite category was awarded 15,000 dollars and the second 10,000 dollars, while the third got 7,000 dollars.

    Monday Jigade won the male Nigeria elite, with 31.59secs, while Emmanuel Gyang emerged second with 32.18secs and Smith Sajo third with 32.22secs.

    Deborah Pam won the Nigeria female elite with 38.15secs and Elizabeth Nuhupawa was second with 38.41secs, while Rose Akusho came third with 38.58secs.

    The first, second and third male and female Nigeria elite winners got N250,000, N100,000 and N80,000 respectively.

  • Three arrested over attack on APC chieftain in Edo

    Three arrested over attack on APC chieftain in Edo

    Three suspected thugs have been arrested over Monday’s attack on a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress and a former governorship aspirant in Edo State, Chief Blessing Agbomhere.

    Agbomhere was beaten and bloodied in the mouth by over 30 thugs at the Benin Airport shortly after he arrived from Abuja.

    Also attacked was a former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Movement in Bayelsa State, Moses Siasia, who accompanied Agbomhere to Benin City.

    Agbomhere said the thugs kept saying he was disrespecting their boss, a chieftain of the APC.

    He said it was security details attached to the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Zanna Ibrahim, that rescued him from the thugs.

    The thugs were suspected to be loyalists of Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shaibu, who came on the same flight with the duo.

    Speaking to newsmen at the Police Command headquarters in Benin City, Agbomhere alleged that he met the deputy governor at the Abuja Airport but avoided him.

    He said, “I have been known to be courageous and fearless. When we came into Benin, I was immediately attacked by some criminals who were shouting kill him before the police came to rescue us. And they used all sort of weapons on me.

    “I came to Benin because I am on an assignment on the development of the Niger-Delta and I am seeing this. I will not be deterred. I will continue in my effort to promote my state Edo and to ensure that I still hold public officers accountable to be people.

    “If not for the timely intervention of my friend, I don’t know what some of them were planning to do. I came in with my friend who was a governorship candidate in Bayelsa state, we were together and immediately we stepped in we were attacked”.

    Agbomhere further stated that the police have arrested some persons who have confessed that they were sent to assassinate him.

    On his part, Moses Siasia described the attack as unfortunate for democracy and the leadership of Edo state.

    According to him, “I don’t know what political differences he has with Blessing who was former aspirant, look at me from Bayelsa state, beaten this way. These are one of the things that cause tribal clashes.

    “We have made our reports to the police, they have given us medical clearance and we are going to check ourselves. It is unfortunate for democracy and for leadership in Edo state”.

    Edo police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, said the police was still investigating the incident.

    Reacting to the alleged assault, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Musa Ebhomiana, described Agbomhere’s claim as cheap blackmail stating that Hon Shaibu will not stoop so low attack a brother and a member of the same party with him who hailed from the same senatorial district.

    He stated that even though the Deputy Governor incidentally boarded the same plane with Agbomhere, it could not have been possible for the two of them to depart the airport at the same time.

    Musa explained that his boss could not have make calls from Abuja or inside the plane to the alleged thugs to attach him.

    “He, (Agbomhere) should look elsewhere for those who attack him at the Benin airport,” he said.

     

  • Obaseki vows not to owe salaries

    Obaseki vows not to owe salaries

    • Assures TUC, NLC of retraining

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State met with members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TLC),  on Monday, to mark the annual International Workers’ Day and readdress the relationship between the government and the labour force.

    This was at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where the Edo State Governor outlined his plans for rejuvenating the civil service to loud cheers from hundreds of Union members gathered.

    Governor Obaseki appreciated what he described as “the strategic place of workers in the wealth creation process” of the state, disclosing that he would stand with both unions and their affiliates to improve working conditions and reward systems for workers in the state.

    I have no doubt that working together and putting the interest of our state first, we can rapidly reposition our state for peace and progress

    “Be assured that this Government will not take your support for granted. Our most valued asset as a government is our workers.  Labour and Government must collaborate to assist the Local Governments to restructure so they would be better positioned to address their perennial problems of unpaid salaries and pensions, low revenue generation and poor service delivery,” he said.

    He also added that it would be recidivistic if the government owed salaries to workers, so he would ensure that all salaries are paid by the 26th of every month.

    Gov Obaseki flanked left and right by the State TUC and NLC chairmen respectively exchange pleasantries with a worker at the stadium.

    While the TUC Chairman, Comrade Ohue Marshall had earlier commended the governor for his policies and urged him to devote even more attention to the civil service buildings, the governor responded by saying that the expectation of the people would be better met if the state’s most valued asset – the civil and public services – were performing effectively, efficiently and collaboratively.

    On that account, he, therefore, reiterated his vow to renovate the Palm House and State Secretariat, adding that the government was concluding plans for a new administrative building in the Government House.

    Nonetheless, to uptick productivity in the workforce, the governor revealed that the Civil Service Training School would be revivified and the state would invest in retraining its workers before deploy cutting edge technology as a tool to enhance service delivery.

    To accomplish his promises, the governor called on both unions to work with it in ensuring efficiency and productivity, as its efforts to curb waste in revenue and productivity had already witnessed internally generated revenue (IGR) double.

    He charged the workers that: “The Labour movement should draw inspiration from the patriotism, sacrifice and contributions of it past leaders and heroes to chart a new paradigm. Our administration has zero tolerance for corruption and inefficiency. I therefore expect a partnership that would eradicate such bad practices where they exist in the public and civil services. In this way, we can build and sustain a culture of accountability, transparency and productivity.”

  • Robbers kill apple seller in Edo 

    Robbers kill apple seller in Edo 

    An apple seller simply identified as Gideon has been killed by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers.

    The victim was killed at his resident at 7b Egbede street, off New Lagos Road, in Egor Local government of Edo state

    Witnesses said the victim was accosted by the gunmen when he wanted to ease himself at his backyard at about 10pm.

    He was said to have been shot while his cell phones and money were collected.

    Neighbours said late Gideon had collected money from his customers which was to be used the following (today) morning to purchase more goods from Lagos.

    Other residents living in the street were also robbed of money and valuables.

    Edo police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe could not be reached.

    The corpse of the victim has been deposited at the Central Hospital morgue by  men of  Okhoro police division.

     

  • We are in govt for all Edo people – Obaseki

    We are in govt for all Edo people – Obaseki

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo says his administration is for all Edo people irrespective of party affiliations and ethnic backgrounds.

    The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu, stated this while interacting with a delegation of Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), in Benin on Thursday.

    Shaibu when a government had been formed after the election, the next stage is for the government to be all inclusive by allowing collaboration.

    According to him, “we have our ideology, which is clear but that does not mean we will not allow other political parties which admire our leadership style and ideology or who have something meaningful to contribute.
    “We are ready to welcome any member of other political parties with meaningful contributions and ideas.

    Chairman of IPAC, Mrs Tracy Agol, said their mission was to promote inter-party dialogue and interactions among political parties.

    She urged Obaseki to be magnanimous enough to accommodate members of other political parties who have something meaningful to contribute to his government.

  • NDLEA arrests drug traffickers in police uniform

    NDLEA arrests drug traffickers in police uniform

    The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two suspected drug traffickers who posed as police officers in Nasarawa area of Kano metropolis.

    Kano State Commandant of NDLEA, Alhaji Hamza Umar, told newsmen in Kano on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested in a brand new escort vehicle with police colour, siren, and pilot plate number and in possession of two police caps.

    According to him, the suspects were arrested blaring the siren and pretending to be police officers while conveying 715 kilograms of Indian hemp to Yobe.

    Umar said “during investigation by our officers, we discovered that the suspects were from Edo State, while their destination was Gashua, in Yobe State.

    “The two suspects who were arrested along with 715 kilograms of Indian hemp disclosed to us that they normally convey such exhibits once a month”.

    The commandant added that “if those people had succeeded in their mission to their destination, Yobe State, where the issue of insecurity is a major concern, only God knows what would have happened”.

    One of the suspects told newsmen that he was offered N200, 000 to convey the Indian hemp to Gashua.

    Meanwhile, the command has also arrested a lorry with Ebonyi State Government plate number on its way to Libya through Kano, loaded with 64 kilograms of Indian hemp hidden in fish packs.

    The commandant said the lorry was apprehended along with the driver and three other persons.

    “We are still investigating the suspects and i assure you we are getting more information from them that will assist us in getting the real owner of the exhibit.

    “At the end of our investigation, the suspects would be taken to the Federal High Court to face the law,” Umar said.

    The NDLEA boss added that in April alone, the command had intercepted over four tons of different illicit drugs and arrested 42 suspects, out of which seven had been convicted.

     

     

  • Edo IDPs: Dogara urged to fulfill promise on payment of WAEC fees  

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has been urged to fulfill the promise he made last year to pay examination fees for Internally Displaced Persons in Edo State.

    Dogara had in February 2017 promised to pay WAEC, NECO and JAMB examination fees from his personal resources to enable children in the IDPs camp get university education.

    He made the promise when he attended church service at the camp.

    Coordinator of the camp, Pastor Solomon Folorusho, told newsmen yesterday that Speaker Dogara was yet to fulfill the promises he made.

    Pastor Folorunsho disclosed that about 200 IDPs would write this year’s NECO and WAEC examinations.

    Folorunsho said 65 of the IDPs who attended secondary school at the camp are to write the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board examination this year.

    He said the IDPs have started farming for them not to completely depend on donation from people and complement whatever that is donated to the camp.

    “As the students are going to resume schools here, we have challenges of writing materials like notebooks, textbooks, mathematical sets calculators, pencils and biros among others.

    “We need those materials because 65 IDPS students are go to write JAMB while about 200 will write NECO and WASC this year. We need to prepare them for the examinations hence we called for financial assistance to see them through the examinations.

    “These children are Nigeria and we have to do every possible to make sure that they are educated though it is difficult for us. The state government has handed over blocks of classroom it built to us and Nigeria have been very generous to us in ensuring that the children actualise their dreams,” he said.

     

  • Five interesting things about Benin city

    Five interesting things about Benin city

    Benin City is the stunning capital of Edo state. It’s the center of Nigeria’s rubber industry and processing palm nuts for oil is also an important traditional industry there. There many interesting things to explore in this historic and cultural city. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 5 interesting things about Benin City.

    The Royal Oba’s Palace

    Really, what’s more interesting than a palace? In truth, no vacation or visit to Benin City is complete without a visit to this cultural and historical splendor. The Royal Oba’s Palace is at the heart of the city and a repository of Benin crafts. It’s really a cultural and historic ‘goldmine’ with interesting ancient adornments and ornaments that are sincerely a delight to explore.

    The Benin Moat

    You’ve probably heard this name once or twice and wondered what exactly it was. The Benin Moat also known as ‘Iya’ is one of the largest man made earthwork in the world. The Benin Moat was actually used as a defensive fortification for the Ancient Benin City and its archaeology is recognized as something that is indeed admirable. However, the monument has in recent times been described as a ‘neglected monument in search of a rescuer’. Nevertheless, it’s still a truly interesting feature of the city and a testament to the ingenuity and engineering acumen of the old Benin Kingdom.

    Igun-Eronmwon Quarters

    It’s also called Igun Street and is listed as a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The quarters is home to brass/bronze casting industries in Benin City and gives an opportunity to witness bronze casting in its various stages and buy any piece of your choice. It’s the home guild of Benin Bronze casters with various popular bronze works of kings, queens, other notable royalties and other artistic motif to explore.

    Igue Festival

    This is the most popular festival in the city and is where the Oba celebrates the history and culture of his people as he blesses the land and the people. The festival is typically celebrated at a time between Christmas and New year and it involves traditional dances, a mock battle and a procession to the palace to reaffirm loyalty to and respect for the Oba. The festival is typically an annual cycle of rituals and rites, and is used as a platform by the Edo people to display their rich culture and tradition.

    Revelation Tourist Palazzo

    A place with an interesting name indeed; the palazzo has been described as a place the history of Nigeria comes alive and for cultural enthusiasts is ‘the heartbeat of culture in Nigeria’. It’s a privately owned museum and tourist center put together by music maestro Prof. Victor Uwaifo. There are different exhibition points at this palazzo and each one extensively treats a specific subject, from music to culture, telling different sides of the Binis. It’s an educative and culturally enriching site to explore.