The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kogi State

  • Supporters defy ban, rally for suspended Natasha Akpoti

    Supporters defy ban, rally for suspended Natasha Akpoti

    Supporters of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have taken to the streets ahead of her homecoming rally despite a ban on public gatherings imposed by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.

    On Monday, Kogi Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, reinforced the government’s directive, warning that the planned rally violates the ban on political gatherings. He urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel the Sallah rally scheduled in the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    However, recent images circulating online from Tuesday, April 1, show enthusiastic supporters holding placards in solidarity with the suspended lawmaker.

    Read Also: Natasha Akpoti: We can’t normalise injustice – Akah Nnani

    Some of the inscriptions read: “Welcome home, worthy daughter of Ebiraland. The people of Okene are solidly behind you.”, “The people of Adavi are solidly behind you.”

    The show of support comes amid rising political tension in Kogi State, as loyalists continue to rally around Akpoti-Uduaghan despite the official ban.

  • Security operatives trail abductors of 18 ABC vehicle passengers in Kogi

    Security operatives trail abductors of 18 ABC vehicle passengers in Kogi

    • Police deploy intervention squad in Sagamu-Benin Expressway

    Security operatives are on the trail of abductors of 18 passengers in a bus belonging to the ABC Transport, the Security Adviser to Kogi State Governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd), has said.

    Omodara made this known to the  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lokoja.

    NAN recalls that the bus, reportedly heading to Abuja on March 16, from the Southeast was reportedly hijacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Oloma in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi, a border town between the state and Enugu State.

    Reliable sources told NAN that passengers of the bus, including the driver, were abducted by the gunmen.

    However, Omodara, who confirmed the incident, said a combined team of security operatives have launched a manhunt for the abductors.

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    He said the operatives in Kogi, including the Military, Police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and vigilante groups were in synergy to ensure  rescue of the victims.

    He assured families of the abducted passengers that they would be released unhurt.

    Also, the Police Command in Ogun State has deployed a Special Intervention Squad on the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway to check incidence of crime along the axis.

    Chief Superintendent of Police Omolola Odutola, the Command’s spokesperson, in a statement in Abeokuta on yesterday explained that the move was in line with the commitment of the command to ensure the safety and security of commuters and residents, following the rise in incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery on the highway.

    She stated that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, had resolved to end criminal activities on the expressway.

    ”On Wednesday, CP Ogunlowo inspected the security operations at the newly established intervention post, strategically located before Odogbolu, in between Celplas Industry, Mikano Generator and Ladgroup Company, on the stretch of the road.

    ”The outpost, consisting of a makeshift roof shed fortified with sandbags, serves as a rapid response center for distress calls from the Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, and Owode Egba area commands.

    ”It also serves as a distress point for commuters who require emergency assistance from the police,’’ she added.

  • A rare ray of hope in Kogi State

    A rare ray of hope in Kogi State

    Sir: As the rollercoaster of the 2023 National Assembly elections rolled into Kogi State,  the long-suffering people of Kogi Central Senatorial District were unsparing in their unanimity: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was their choice and for good reason.

    Her triumphant return to the senatorial zone during which she wiped away tears as a rapturous crowd greeted her shortly after her victory at the Court of Appeal was a clear sign that her constituents had finally found the light they so badly needed after years of milling about in the dark. What a bright light she has been.

    Since she was sworn in, one project has followed another as she has sought to keep her promises to a zone that had long been on the back-foot despite its prodigious potentials.

    In November, to commemorate her one year in office, she commissioned some legacy projects in the senatorial zone. These included a 1 km road network at Abdul Azeez Memorial College in Okene, the reconstruction of the college to include nine classroom blocks, four boarding houses, and 5000 digital learning devices for the students.

    Her scholarship scheme which runs through the Natasha Foundation has supported 353 vulnerable students at tertiary institutions nationwide, while her empowerment programs have trained over 1,300 artisans in various fields, from renewable energy to catering, with start-up grants provided for all participants.

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    She has also sponsored water projects that have brought potable water to many communities in Kogi Central, including a large solar-powered system that serves 300 locations with 1,800 water taps.

    In the spirit of the Yuletide, she has empowered her people in all five local governments of her senatorial district. She organized a raffle draw that saw her constituents win various prizes ranging from sewing machines, grinding machines, groceries, wrappers, bowls and deep freezers.

    For the first time senator, deserving projects befit a deserving people who stood by her as she fought to reclaim her mandate from the claws of electoral brigands.

     Senator Akpoti is not only that rare ray of hope that has infiltrated the darkness in Kogi Central and the state as a whole, she is also a stellar example of what women can do in politics.  She is showing that women can fly where men have floundered disastrously.

    She is a torchbearer for what women in politics represent: hope, inclusion, stability and genuine development.

    Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unprecedented representation is transforming the lives of her people; daughter of a medical doctor who was known for his great compassion for his people, she is just what the doctor ordered for the good people of Kogi Central.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Kogi boat mishap: IGP orders urgent investigation 

    Kogi boat mishap: IGP orders urgent investigation 

    …reiterates commitment to waterways safety and swift rescue operations

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Saturday ordered immediate investigation into the boat mishap that occurred in Kogi State. 

    The mishap, which occurred along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area, involved over 160 passengers, with 24 rescued and others still unaccounted for.

    In response to the tragic incident, the IGP has directed the Force Marine Officer to lead a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the mishap. 

    The aim, Egbetokun said is to identify contributing factors and develop actionable strategies to prevent similar occurrences on the nation’s waterways. 

    He said the investigation will also provide insights into improving the overall safety and emergency response systems for water transport across the country.

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    A statement issued on Saturday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, deeply commiserates with the Government and people of Kogi State, particularly the families affected by the boat tragedy on the 29th of November, 2024. 

    “The IGP further assured the people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large of the unwavering commitment of the Police Force in coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure the swift rescue of missing passengers. Resources and operational modalities have been activated to intensify search and rescue efforts.

    “Additionally, the IGP calls on waterway operators, boat owners, and other stakeholders to work closely with the Force Marine Department in adopting and enforcing critical safety measures to protect passengers and operators alike.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in enhancing safety on waterways, ensuring justice for victims, and mitigating future risks through strengthened collaborations and proactive measures”.

  • AGF faults Kogi, 18 States’ suit querying legitimacy of EFCC, ICPC, NFIU

    AGF faults Kogi, 18 States’ suit querying legitimacy of EFCC, ICPC, NFIU

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi has faulted the suit filed by 19 States including Kogi, querying the constitutionality of the laws establishing the nation’s anti-corruption agencies.

    In a counter-affidavit to the suit, the AGF argued that the National Assembly validly enacted the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

    The AGF urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that issues raised by the plaintiffs have already been resolved before now by the Court of Appeal and the apex court.

    Fagbemi also argued, in a notice of preliminary objection, that the Supreme Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case because the grievance of the plaintiffs is what only the Federal High Court could adjudicate on.

    He argued that the complaints of the plaintiffs are against the the Federal Government of Nigeria and its anti-corruption agencies, but not against the Federal Republic of Nigeria to warrant the invocation of the  apex court’s jurisdiction.

    In the counter affidavit, deposed to by an official of the Federal Ministry of Justice, the AGF, who is the sole defendant on the suit, said all the facts deposed to by the plaintiffs in the affidavit in support of the amended originating summons are false, misleading and do not reflect the correct position in relation to the subject matter of this suit.

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    “The plaintiffs’ suit, inter-alia challenges all the anti-corruption laws/statutes in Nigeria and in particular the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) guidelines, issued on the 23rd of January, 2023 to strengthen the fight against money laundering, terrorism and related matters.

    “The NIFU Guidelines was issued by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) pursuant to its powers under Section 23(2), 3(s) & 1(d) of the NFIU Act, 2018 to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing. 

    “The Guidelines was necessitated by the result of analysis by the unit (NFIU) on the negative impact of cash flow from public accounts on the discharge of its mandate of combating money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.

    The National Assembly exercises its legislative powers under the Nigerian Constitution with regards to corruption and abuse of office and upon any convention or treaty. 

    There is no need to seek the concurrence of sub-national whereas (in this case) the National Assembly is acting pursuant to its legislative powers under the Constitution. 

    The National Assembly does not need the ratification or concurrence of the plaintiffs’ Houses of Assembly to pass the EFCC Act, ICPC Act, NFIU Act, the Proceed of Crime (Recovery and Management) or any anti-corruption Act or statute into Law. 

    EFCC Act, ICPC Act, NFIU Act are enforceable against any person in Nigeria, including the officials of the plaintiffs and those of Local Government Councils. 

    The EFCC and ICPC have recovered several misappropriated funds and property of the states and have returned same to those component states. 

    The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation (defendant herein) has the powers to prosecute any person, including the officials of the plaintiffs if investigation reveals that the person committed an economic crime. 

    The investigation to expose commission of economic crime by EFCC, ICPC and the NFIU is not an interference with the powers of the plaintiffs’ government or the state House of Assembly. 

    “The NFIU Act not only empowers NFIU to make Guidelines, but also to strengthen existing measures of combating money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) which is the intendment of the guidelines; 

    “The issue surrounding the powers of the NEIU to make Guidelines affecting the States has been finally determined by the Court of Appeal in the judgement in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/822/2022 delivered on the 21st day of May, 2024, in a suit instituted by the plaintiffs and other states of the Federation wherein they challenged similar Guidelines before the Federal High Court in suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/563/2019 and lost. 

    “The Court of Appeal, affirmed the decision of the trial Federal High Court against all the plaintiffs in that suit, including these present plaintiffs, who have not appealed further. 

    “The decision of the Court of Appeal is binding on all persons and authorities, including the instant plaintiffs. 

    “The NFIU Guidelines was issued to the reporting entities, that is financial institutions for compliance. Reference to the tiers of government and other public officials is merely for their attention and noting; 

    “The claims by the plaintiffs are not in conformity with the principles behind the guidelines initiated by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) aimed at curbing corruption and the menace of Money Laundering/Terrorism Financing in Nigeria and also to bring more fransparency in every’sector of the Nigerian economy in line with global best practices.”

  • The joke called Kogi State House of Assembly

    The joke called Kogi State House of Assembly

    • By Tunde Nasiru

    Sir: Recently, there was a funny news report that should bother all men and women of goodwill. The Kogi State House of Assembly was reported to have called out the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for performing its constitutional duties.

    The House of Assembly which had been silent since the scandalous corruption allegations against the former governor, Yahaya Bello broke suddenly found its voice and instead of the lawmakers to intervene on the side of decency, the rule of law and justice, they went off track, dancing naked in the market square.

    For people who swore to Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution and the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to defend the interest of the people of Kogi State, it was an antithesis of some sort to see them calling for the sack of the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

    They hinged their ill-informed call on what they termed the invasion of the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge and an unfounded assassination attempt on the immediate past governor, Yahaya Bello.

    This action has added to the theatrics coming from Kogi State since the EFCC invited Yahaya Bello for questioning over an alleged N80 billion fraud. Hardly had the dust raised by the N80 billion fraud settled when the news broke again that a fresh court summon has been issued over another alleged N110 million fraud against the same Yahaya Bello.

    Now, imagine, if true, the number of healthcare centres, streets and roads that would have been fixed with over N190 billion!

    One would have thought that since Kogi State has been in the news for the wrong reasons on account of the refusal of Yahaya Bello to honour EFCC’s invitation and several court summons, the lawmakers would have urged him to save the state the bad press and needless embarrassment and turn himself in.

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    In saner climes, the lawmakers would have waded in on the side of decency, accountability, equity and justice; after all, it is said that he who seeks equity must do equity.

    The lawmakers cannot be calling out the EFCC without urging Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to obey several court summons; after all, action and reaction are said to be equal and opposite.

    If Yahaya Bello does not have anything to hide, he should be more than willing to have his day in court and clear himself and his name; once and for all.

    It is incumbent on the lawmakers and his successor, Governor Ododo to encourage him (Bello) to turn himself in without further delay.

    It is shameful that Governor Ododo is lending the weight and paraphernalia of his office and position to frustrate the institutions of state from doing their constitutionally guaranteed roles.

    The lawmakers should look inwards, retrace their steps and prevail on the ex-governor to be man enough to turn himself in, obey the court summons and have his day in court. This is the only way the Kogi State House of Assembly can redeem itself from the joke that it has become.

    •Tunde Nasiru,

    Abuja.

  • Sexual harassment: Kogi varsity lecturer stripped naked

    Sexual harassment: Kogi varsity lecturer stripped naked

    A senior lecturer with the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, yesterday got more than he bargained for, as he was stripped near naked over allegations of forcible sexual advancement towards a female student.

    The lecturer, whose full name was yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report, was said to have incurred the wrath of some other female undergraduates of the English Department where he teaches, when they got wind of his latest escapade, as they insisted he must be “publicly disgraced” and claiming that “his cup is full”.

    The lecturer, who was stripped to his boxers, was however saved from further humiliation by the combined efforts of the school security unit at the Adankolo mini campus of the institution.

    While under a barrage of interrogation, the lecturer appeared to have roped in his colleagues, saying they usually sent him names of those to “pass or fail” depending on their intimacy or absence of it with such female students.

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    When contacted, the school’s spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Iyke, said that the management was already aware of the development and had immediately set the machinery in motion to investigate same.

    Iyke said: “The thing is that the university has its own internal mechanism in for taking care of it.

    “The report has been brought to the attention of the Vice-Chancellor, and he has set up a body to look into it.

    “This was done immediately and the report or outcome will be made known as soon as it comes out.

    “At this point, this is all I can volunteer.”

    Efforts made to speak with the said female victim or the father, who it was gathered is a serving policeman, yielded no result as they were shielded from interacting with our correspondent.

  • Father of 11-year-old boy buried alive on the run

    Father of 11-year-old boy buried alive on the run

    Mr Oshodi, the father of the 11-year-old boy allegedly buried alive by his stepbrother at Apamsede, Kogi State, is said to be on the run, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    NAN gathered that the shovel and the cutlass allegedly used to perpetrate the dastardly act by the stepbrother were also missing.

    Passers-by rescued the 11-year-old on Wednesday after he had been buried by his stepbrother in a bush at the Silo community in Zango Daji, Adavi Local Government Area of the state.

    The 11-year-old boy was alleged to have stolen N1,000 belonging to his stepmother who instructed her son to punish him.

    In meting out punishment to the 11-year-old, the 17-year-old took his stepbrother into the bush where he allegedly buried him alive.

    The Police Public Relation Officer, Kogi Command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, had told NAN that Oshodi travelled and that the police were waiting for him to return for his own side of the story.

    When NAN visited Apamsede community on Saturday, it was revealed that the father of the victim had absconded and that when the incident occurred, the father of the victim was at home.

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    The district head of Apamsede, Malam Garba Ahmed, told NAN that on the day of the incident, the father of the 11-year-old boy, the stepmother and the stepson were summoned to the palace of the traditional ruler on what led to such act.

    “When they came to the chief’s palace, Mr Oshodi, the father of the 11-year-old boy, was present at the palace when both the stepson and stepmother gave reasons for their action,” the district head explained.

    “The boy’s father probably ran away when we insisted on inviting the police to handle the matter.

    “The stepmother and her son, Goodness, had confessed to committing the dastardly act.

    “But the traditional council of our community has decided not to harbour such people in our land.

    “Once the stepmother and her son finished facing the wrath of the law, we shall banish them from this land.

    “But before we banish them, we will ensure that the family offers a sacrifice to cleanse the land,” he said.

    NAN reports that the police team who brought the boy’s stepmother to their house in Apamsede on Saturday morning discovered that the shovel and cutlass allegedly used in burying the teenager were missing.

    Although the house was under lock and key, the police team observed that there were some changes in the environment unlike what they saw on Friday during their visit.

    “Somebody must have entered this your house. Yesterday, when we came here the house was locked and the window curtain inside wasn’t down as we can see now.

    “Some of the things that we met outside here yesterday are no more here. Somebody must have come around here.”

  • Car snatched in Anambra recovered in Kogi

    THE Kogi State police command said it has recovered a Toyota Corrola car recently snatched by a three-man robbery gang in Anambra State.

    The command’s spokesman, DSP William Aya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Tuesday that the car with registration number ABUJA ABX – 377 – PQ was intercepted on Lokoja-Abuja Road on September 27.

    He said some of the  operatives attached to the “B” Division, Felele area, Lokoja, intercepted the car while on  intelligence patrol.

    Aya said the police patrol followed information received from the control room of the Anambra police command that some three armed men forcefully snatched the car belonging to one Okaka Prosper Jideofor in Anambra.

    “Based on the above information, the operatives promptly swung into action, intercepted and arrested one Eze Emmanuel Ndudirim of Akwa Local Government Area of Anambra State with the vehicle.

    “During interrogation, he could not give a satisfactory explanation of himself and the vehicle. The vehicle had been recovered from him and  parked at the police station. Investigation is ongoing,” the spokesman said.

    Read Also: Tipper crushes two to death in Anambra

    Aya also said that one Zuberu Haruna, 19,  had  been arrested in connection with a recent armed robbery incidents around Ejule axis.

    He said his arrest was effected by  some of the operatives attached to Ajaokuta Division in conjunction with the local vigilante  who intercepted and arrested him at Ejule village.

    According to him, the suspect was arrested with one boxer motorcycle with registration number KOGI STATE LAM -75- VWX and a  locally made pistol.

    “He confessed to  belonging to a gang that specialises in snatching motorcycles at gun point. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate,” the PPRO said.

    The PPRO also said that the the suspects would be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.

  • Independence Day: Bello pardons 35

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has granted pardon to 35 inmates and commuted the sentences of 13 others in correctional centres across the state.

    This was contained in his Independent Day address to the people of state.

    The governor noted that the Kogi State Advisory Council, in consonance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), on the prerogative of mercy Law, 1995, visited several correctional centres in different parts, to this purpose.

    According to him, after careful scrutiny of various applications, supporting documents and testimonies by officials, the council compiled the list of those recommended and deserving of a second chance.

    Those pardoned include Shaibu Zakari, James Sheidu, Muhammed Yahaya at Okene prisons, and Sunday Adeyemi at Idah prisons.

    Read Also: Why APC will retain Kogi, by Bello

    Others are Ugbede John, Ojonugwa Mathew, Abdulmumuni Yakubu, and Muhammed Haruna (Ankpa), while Daniel Ochonu and Abdulrahman were freed from the Koton-Karfe prisons.

    The governor called on the communities of those that were pardoned to tolerate and absolve them and be given another chance in life.

    ”It is human to err but the act of forgiveness is divine; the beneficiaries of this exercise should be given every form of assistance that would be required by them for a restart.

    ”I, therefore, also expect the beneficiaries to reciprocate this gesture by eschewing evil and living at peace in their respective communities,” he said.