The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State

  • Police kill suspected killer of police, military personnel

    The Nigeria Police Force says it has killed Endurance Ominisan, a native of Ondo, one of the suspected killers of police and military personnel in Ikorodu, Lagos.

    A statement issued by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, in Abuja on Tuesday, said the suspect was killed during a shoot-out with the police.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two Inspectors of Police, two Police sergeants and an Army Captain were killed in an ambush by militants on April 9 in Ikorodu, Lagos.

    Moshood said that items recovered from the suspects are one Turkish pistol, five live ammunition and Four ammunition shells.

    He said that the suspect who was a principal suspect was shot while trying to escape from the roof top of a house at No. 20 Joel Adebolu Street, Ibeshi area of Ikorodu.

    The spokesman said that the suspect while being taken for medical treatment, made oral confessional statement admitting to the criminal roles he played along with other suspects at large.

    “The Police Special Units and I-G Intelligence Response Team are on the trail of the other members of this vicious and notorious gang.

    “Much progress has been made in the investigation of the gruesome murder of the Police and military personnel,“he said.

    He advised members of the public in Ikorodu and neighbouring communities to go about their lawful activities without fear or apprehension.

     

  • Woman charged with defrauding fellow trader

    A 45-year-old trader, Nurat Olayemi, who allegedly obtained N300,000 from another woman on the pretext of curing her ailment, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

    Olayemi, who lives in Iyana-Ipaja, a suburb of Lagos, pleaded not guilty to the charges of obtaining money under false pretences and stealing slammed on her.

    But the prosecutor, Sgt. Ishola Samuel, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 14 at Oshodi Market, Lagos.

    Samuel said the complainant, Silifa Bashiru, gave the money to the accused to “heal” her of an ailment, but she failed to do so.

    “The accused failed to perform the `miracle of healing’ as promised; the complainant reported the case to the police and she was immediately apprehended.”

    The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 provides a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 312 stipulates 15 years for obtaining by false pretences.

    Ruling on the bail application of the accused, Magistrate A.R. Onilogbo granted her bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    The magistrate said the sureties must be gainfully employed and also show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The court adjourned the case until May 2 for mention.

     

  • Man faces child defilement, gets N500, 000 bail

    A 25-year-old man, Igwe Ikechukwu , who allegedly defiled an eight-year-old girl, was on Wednesday released on bail on the orders of a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    The ‎ Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000 and also asked him to deposit N100, 000 into the account of the court’s registrar.‎

    Nwachukwu said one of the sureties must be a civil servant on at least Grade Level 14, while the other surety must be a landlord in Lagos state.

    In addition, the sureties should provide evidence of tax payment to the government.

    The magistrate directed that the case file should be duplicated and a copy sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

    Ikechukwu , a resident of No. 28, Baloo St., Otto in Ebute Meta, Lagos, had pleaded not guilty to the charges of attempt to penetrate and indecent treatment of the minor.

    ‎‎The prosecutor, Sgt. Anthonia Osayande told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 23 at his apartment at about 2. 00p.m.

    ‎‎Osayande said the accused indecently treated the eight-year-old girl and also attempted to penetrate her leaving her with bruises.

    ‎The offences contravened Sections 135 and 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

    The case was adjourned until May 30.

     

  • Lagos true model for growing businesses in Nigeria – FG

    Lagos true model for growing businesses in Nigeria – FG

    The Federal Government on Thursday described Lagos State as a true model of the vision of improving on the ease of doing business and turning Nigeria into one of the easiest and most attractive places for investors in the world.

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, who stated this in Lagos after a meeting with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said the State, as the commercial capital of the country, stands in a vantage position to drive the goal of government to improve World Bank ranking of Nigeria on the ease of doing business.

    Speaking with Government House correspondents after the meeting, Enelemah said both the Federal Government and the State Government were willing to collaborate on strategic areas to achieve the overall goal of growing the economy.

    He said: “We basically have been talking about creating enabling environment for investments and ease of doing business and the area where we have strong convergence between Lagos State and the Federal Government.

    “Governor Ambode and I have been discussing how to collaborate very strongly to make Lagos State a true role model in line with our vision of making Nigeria one of the easiest and most attractive places to do business and you will agree with me that there is no better place to start than Lagos State, particularly when you have a Governor who is committed to it and as he puts it to us, it is like preaching to the converted.

    “So, what we have done today is to agree on modalities on working together to achieve the targets that we have set for ourselves both in ease of doing business ranking of the World Bank, in terms of some of the areas where we know that we should improve upon like tourism for instance, by making sure that people who want to visit Nigeria come in seamlessly; in terms of making it easy for people in Lagos State who are, as the Governor puts it, paying the taxes by making life easier and better for them.”

    Giving details, the Minister said his office would be collaborating with the Office of Transformation under the Governor’s office, as well as the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, to achieve the overall objectives.

    He also assured that the Federal Government would not hesitate to impose import restrictions where necessary to avoid Nigeria from being a dumping ground, while concerted efforts would be put in place to check negative trade practices, especially for the benefit of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

    Also speaking, Governor Ambode recalled that in the last few months, the State Government had been engaging the business community on ease of doing business, saying that the meeting with officials of the Federal Government was in sync with the vision of his administration to achieve the very best in driving investment.

    “What has been happening in the last two years is that on our part, we have tried as much as possible to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Lagos but again the indices that indicate that we are improving on ease of doing business is not really looking too good and we believe strongly that if 70 per cent of businesses or these indicators are actually coming from Lagos State, there is a need for us to quickly create a convergence between the efforts of the Federal Government and the State Government to make sure that we improve the business environment and that is what we have been discussing in the last few weeks as well as today.

    “Moving forward, we have also engaged the office of the Vice President to see that there is a convergence in all our efforts to make sure that if possible, people should come to Lagos and start their business the same day.

    “We want a situation whereby construction permit is given to people within the shortest possible time; we want to ensure that people who pay their taxes actually have the benefit of what they are paying for and in doing that, if we get in right in Lagos, it is very clear that Nigeria has gotten it right and that is why we are meeting,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor expressed optimism that the current efforts would bring about major improvements on the business environment, adding that such would go a long way in growing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.

     

  • Lagos requires 720m gallons of water daily-Ambode

    “Government will be willing to put measures in place to resolve any issue amicably with the aim of making businesses to continue to operate.

    Ambode also reiterated his administration’s commitment to engaging Lagos State requires about 720 million gallons of water daily but currently produces 210 million gallons, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode said on Thursday.

    Ambode gave the figure when he received a delegation from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) led by its President, Dr Frank Jacobs, at the Lagos House in Ikeja.

    The governor said that the state had a water deficit of about 500 million gallons.

    “Water is one infrastructure that we are trying to create in the city; it is clear that we have a deficit.

    “The city actually needs a minimum of 720 million gallons of water per day; right now, there is a shortfall of about 500 million.

    He said that his administration would continue to bridge the daily deficit of potable water in the state without inflicting tax burden on the people.

    The governor said that his administration had intensified investments in the water sector, especially by putting measures in place to revamp the 48 mini water works across the state to ensure optimum performance.

    He also said that works on the Adiyan Major Water Works had reached advanced stage.

     

  • Rampaging hoodlums injure many in Lagos

    Rampaging hoodlums injure many in Lagos

    Several people Wednesday sustained injuries and vehicles smashed after hoodlums went on rampage at Mushin, Oshodi and Lawanson areas of Lagos State.

    The hoodlums, suspected to be rival cultists, were said to have started fighting since Monday night.

    They were said to have fired gunshots and flung bottles, cutlasses at will along Lawanson Road in Surelere, injuring passersby.

    Although the cause of the fracas was yet unknown, the hoodlums scared motorists and pedestrians between Charity Bus Stop and Afariogun on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, when they started flinging bottles at opposite directions.

    As at 8am Wednesday, soldiers attached to Operation Mesa and anti-riot policemen were seen at strategic locations at the affected areas to prevent degeneration.

    An eyewitness, John Udoh said: “It was like war situation. Gunshots were fired and we took cover in our home. Many vehicles were smashed. My car was badly damaged. My landlord’s car was touched. Two of my neighbors, who were coming back from night duty, were seriously injured. I don’t know what they are fighting for but I think it was a battle of supremacy.

    “They have been meeting publicly for about three days now. They smoked and drank publicly.  We reported to the police, but they did not take any action until this fight broke out. I am appealing to the Police Commissioner to prevail on his men to be proactive. We foresaw danger and reported to the authority concern, yet they did not take action.”

    According to one Ebrison Akpan over 20 persons were injured at the fight in Mushin, including traders.

    He claimed that street urchins took advantage of the fight to unleash mayhem on passersby.
    “They also used the opportunity to rob innocent people. My friend, Ayim lost his tricycle to the hoodlums,” said Akpan.

    Contacted, the command’s spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole said no life was lost.
    He confirmed there was a fight at Ladipo Market in Mushin, but added that he was unaware of the Oshodi and Lawanson fracas.

    Famous-Cole said: “It was a minor dispute among traders. Area D commander, DPO, and patrol team responded to the scene. They had a meeting with all the parties and stakeholders in the market. They were warned to maintain peace. Normalcy has returned to the place and the Commissioner of Police had order a continuous police presence in the area. I am not aware of the other locations you mentioned.

    “The only incident I know about in Surulere is a case id robbery, where two suspects were arrested. The suspects were almost being lynched but police moved in and rescued them. They were taken to LUTH.”

  • Joke Silva, Kunle Afolayan, inaugurated into Lagos Board of Arts & Culture

    Joke Silva, Kunle Afolayan, inaugurated into Lagos Board of Arts & Culture

    …Begins construction of Six new Arts Theatres

    ​

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday inaugurated a Board of Arts and Culture, urging them to go all out and explore private sector support to nurture new talents and generate events for a sustainable development of the creative arts sector in the State.

    The Governor, who spoke at the inauguration of the Board at the Banquet Hall, Lagos State, said that though the State Government in the last 23 months has covered a lot of ground in terms of design and structure of the arts and entertainment sector, so much still needed to be done if it must realise its goal to become a global hub for music, theatre and film.

    “The commitment of our administration to harness the huge creative talents that abound in the State in the fields of Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Sports has never been in doubt. The ultimate goal is to use all of these to drive tourism, create employment and increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to the State’s gross domestic product.

    “The Council for Arts and Culture which we have just inaugurated has a huge responsibility to translate our vision in this regard to reality,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode said the Board would among other things, be expected to ensure the sustainable management of arts and culture facilities and infrastructures in the State and create a sustainable framework for the sector.

    While urging the Board to generate local and international events to showcase and promote the State’s diverse talents in the field of creative arts, music, entertainment and sports, he tasked them to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage while being sensitive to the diverse cultures of the citizens of the State.

    He said the State was currently leading the initiatives to transform the National Museum and the iconic National Arts Theatre into world class centres of history, tourism arts and entertainment, while construction work on the six arts theatres across the state has began in earnest.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said that in recognition of the enormous responsibilities the Board would be saddled with, his administration ensured that only seasoned professionals, notable and respected personalities were chosen to serve on the council.

    Members of Board include, arts enthusiast, Mrs. Polly Alakija as Chairman, with veteran thespian, Joke Silva, multiple award winning actor and movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, influential visual artist, Mr. Kolade Oshinowo and  foremost artist and designer, Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye as members.

    Other members include, Mobee of Badagry, High Chief Patrick Yodenu Mobee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Adeyemi and Director of Culture at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Saidat Otulana.

    He said the inauguration of the Board, coming on the heels of the 50-day event countdown of the State’s Golden Jubilee celebration, showed the total commitment of his administration to put the arts and culture sector in the right perspective.

    “We will continue to provide a conducive environment for a private sector-led development as a strategy towards actualizing our vision. While we will intervene where and when necessary to support this development strategy, it will be the responsibility of this distinguished Council to seek and explore private sector support to nurture new talents and generate events for a sustainable development of the creative arts sector in the State,” he said.

    Governor Ambode also thanked members of the Board for accepting to serve the State especially the Chairman, Mrs. Polly Alakija, whom according to him, is well revered for her commitment to the arts and selfless service to the society.

    Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Mrs. Polly Alakija thanked Governor Ambode for reposing confidence on her and other Board members, assuring that they would stop at nothing to make great impact in the lives of young people through arts, culture and creative sector.

    She also assured of the commitment of the Board to explore all areas of possibilities to achieve the set out objectives to make the arts and entertainment sector evolve as a revenue generating mechanism for the State.

     

  • Bread seller docked for assaulting baker

    An 18-year-old bread seller, Kharimot Adeniyi, was on Tuesday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly assaulting a bakery owner, Mr Mojeed Adedeji over some loaves of bread.

    Kharimot, who lives at Egbatedo St. Oko-Oba, Agege, a surb of Lagos, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of assault, breach of peace and damage preferred against her.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Unah Mike, told the court that the accused on March 19 at Egbatedo St. Oko-oba, Agege, Lagos assaulted Adedeji.

    The prosecutor also said Kharimot collected 5 loaves of bread and later denied that it was 4 she collected, which led to an argument.

    According to the prosecutor, during the argument, the accused slapped and held Adedeji on the neck.

    “She also damaged the T-shirt of the complainant, valued at N2, 000”.
    “The accused also assaulted a Senior Police Officer; SP Regina Achom by dipping her finger into her eyes and tore her blouse valued N10, 000,’’ he said.

    According to her, the accused also committed the crime while Achom was trying to calm her at the police station.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 171, 166 and 348 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The Magistrate, Mrs A.O Gbajumo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N10, 000 and a surety in like sum and
    adjourned the case to April 26 for further hearing

  • Militants kill five policemen, two soldiers in Lagos

    Militants kill five policemen, two soldiers in Lagos

    No fewer than five policemen and two soldiers, including an army captain were killed by suspected militants early Sunday morning in Ikorodu Area of Lagos.

    Sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the bodies of the victims had been removed.

    The slain Captain was simply identified as Muhammad. There has been no official confirmation of the killings yet.

    NAN gathered that the existing presence of the Joint Task Force called Operation Awatse did not deter the militants from operating in the area they were driven away from about a year ago by members of the same task force.

    NAN also gathered that the militants had struck at Woodland Estate close to Ishawo Creeks and engaged the security personnel, soldiers and the police, in a gun duel.

    “At the end of the gun duel, five policemen and two soldiers were reportedly gunned down by the militants,” the source told NAN.

    It was unclear if there were any casualties on the part of the militants, although security forces were said to have reinforced and stormed the area for reconnaissance and possible counter-action.

    When contacted, the Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP. Olarinde Famous-Cole, said he was still gathering information on the matter adding that a statement would soon be issued.

    Also, the spokesperson of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olaolu Daudu said that a statement would be released on the incident later.

    NAN recalled that, on March 13, 2017, it reported the return of the militants to the area.

    Residents said they lived in palpable fear.

    The militants, whose stocks in trade are kidnapping and oil theft, were chased out of the area in Aug. 2016 by the Task Force, after several bloody clashes in the community.

    Scores of people were killed during the clashes between militants and residents of Isawo community before the joint military task force was deployed in the area.

    Famous-Cole told NAN in March that the command was re-strategising the security arrangements in the state, including Ikorodu area.

    He said more police patrol teams would be deployed in the area, and urged residents to provide useful information on the activities of the hoodlums.

    The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Fergusson Bobai, told NAN: “I don’t have any report yet to suggest that militants are back in those areas.

    “But Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the return of swamp buggies to open up the creeks in those areas to enable the security forces carry out in-depth patrols.

    The swamp buggy is a motor vehicle used to traverse swampy terrain.

    Buggies are able to move about on dry land, shallow mud, sand, shallow water and deep mud.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Idris Ibrahim, on Aug. 4, 2016 visited Isawo creeks and was briefed about the activities of the militants.

  • 20,000 children sit for NCEE in Lagos State

    Over 20,000 children in Lagos State sat for this year’s National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), which held nationwide on Saturday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    NAN reports that the examination is for admission into the Junior Secondary School (JSS) Class One arm of the 104 Unity Colleges across the country.

    The Lagos Coordinator of the National Examinations Council (NECO), organisers of the examination, Mr Godwin Adejo, told a NAN correspondent, who monitored the examination, that 113 centres were used for the examination across the state.

    “So far, the examination has gone smoothly, as planned.

    “Reports coming in from other parts of the state show that the examination is going on fine, as anticipated.

    “This year, we had a lot of parents coming to subscribe for the examination, to the extent that we ran out of e-PINs, at some points,’’ Adejo told NAN.

    According to him, it is an indication that more parents are reckoning with the quality of education in the unity schools.

    NAN reports that the examination started with accreditation of the candidates, before the examination proper.

    At the Ogba Junior Grammar School, Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School and the Boys Junior Academy, Simpson Street, in Lagos Island, the examination went on peacefully.

    A parent, Mrs Florence Ibem, told NAN at one of the examination centres, that the organisers did a great job preparing for the examination.

    “Even the parents were provided with conducive places to stay, as they waited for their children and wards to write the examination,’’ Ibem said.