The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos: Army officer’s car explodes after collusion with truck

    There was chaos around Fagbems petrol station along Oshodi – Apapa expressway Tuesday morning after a Toyota Camry saloon car exploded.

    The car belonging to an Army personnel identified as Lasisi Adeleye caught up in flames after a Mercedes Benz 1428 truck marked AKM162ZW, driving recklessly, hit it from the rear.

    It was gathered that in the process of avoiding severe impact with the truck which was involved dangerous overtaking, the Camry knocked down a passerby who fell and sustained leg injury.

    Carrying three 25 litre kegs filled with fuel in its boot, the Camry still trying to avoid crushing the victim, was said to have somersaulted, crossing the median on the expressway.

    Sensing danger, the army officer was said to have ran out of the vehicle unhurt before it eventually hit the padestrian walkway and exploded.

    Immediately the incident occurred at about 7am, motorists on the busy expressway scampered for safety while others assisted the injured man off harm’s way.

    The truck driver identified as Joseph Chima, a resident of 50, Emodi Street, Olodi Apapa was said to have attempted to flee but he was caught by the army officer who took him to the nearest police station to make an entry.

    Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps got to the scene few minutes and assisted the injured man into their patrol van.

    According to Assistant Corps Commander, Emmanuel Edeh, the unidentified victim was taken to New Age Hospital, Kirikiri Apapa where it was discovered he has fractured ankle, adding that he was responding to treatment.

    The police command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent, confirmed the incident.

    She stated that investigations were ongoing, adding that the saloon car got completed burnt.

  • YABATECH Part-Time students resume April 2

    YABATECH Part-Time students resume April 2

    The authorities of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, on Friday said its part-time students for the 2015/2016 academic session would resume on April 2.

    This is contained in a statement by the institution’s Head, Public Relations Unit, Mr Charles Oni, in Lagos.

    It reminded all newly admitted candidates that they were expected to pay their acceptance fees and school fees on or before the resumption date.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that full-time students of the institution had resumed on March 29.

    The school had been closed on Feb.11 after some of the students went on the rampage following the death of one of them.

    They had alleged that the institution did not respond on time to the emergency needs of the sick student who eventually died.

     

  • Three docked over alleged contempt of court order

    Three docked over alleged contempt of court order

    Three men, who allegedly disobeyed a court order by possessing plots of land already awarded to one Ogunlana’s family, were on Friday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    However, the accused were granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

    The trio; Safari Sadiku, 67; Bayo Lawal, 53, and Bakare Ololade, 23, are facing a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful interference, contempt of court and forcible possession.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Steven Molo, told the court that they committed the offences between February and March, at Agunfoye, Igbogbo in Ikorodu, Lagos.

    He said that the accused unlawfully entered into the plots of land belonging to Chief Kolawole Ogunlana’s family with the intent to cause breach of peace.

    Molo said that the accused forcefully took possession of the said land without any claim of right.

    “The land which was recently obtained by Ogunlana’s family through a writ of court,’’ he said.

    He alleged that the accused through their actions conspired to pervert and defeat the course of justice.

    Mole said the offences contravened sections 52, 53,104 (1), 123 (1), 97 (1), 338 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
    The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Magistrate, Mr. Martin’s Owunmi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

    He added that the sureties must be gainfully employed.

    Owunmi adjourned the case to April 22 for mention.

     

  • Passengers groan as LAGBUS drivers protest poor welfare

    Passengers groan as LAGBUS drivers protest poor welfare

    Commuters in Lagos on Friday groaned as drivers of LAGBUS downed tools to protest restrictions preventing them from plying Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) lanes in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that tension had been rife since December 2015 when the Ikorodu-Mile 12 BRT corridor was opened and a new operator for the blue buses resumed.

    Some drivers told NAN in separate interviews that the management had failed to address issues relating to the restriction and poor staff welfare.

    When NAN visited the Toll-Gate depot of the LAGBUS on Friday morning, more than 60 drivers had converged at the entrance on its premises.

    Also, the protesting drivers prevented any bus from leaving the premises of the company, while those who returned late to the depot on Thursday were seen parked outside.

    A driver who preferred anonymity said: “our red buses were denied access to use the dedicated lane; and any red bus that plied it was arrested and fined.

    “So, our management asked us to comply with the directive which they said was from the government; we accepted.

    “But only yesterday, Thursday, the restriction was extended from Mile 12 to CMS and we began to experience arrests and harassment by the BRT monitoring task force for using the corridor.

    “Instead, we are being asked to use the service lane which we consider dangerous to our lives because they want us to now compete with yellow-painted buses whose drivers already accuse us of taking all their passengers.

    “So, that’s the reason for the peaceful protest.”

    The driver said apart from posing a security threat, the restriction had defeated the purpose of reducing delays for passengers and exposed drivers to stress.

    He said efforts to have the management of LAGBUS intervene bore no fruit.

    “They refused to act, instead, they told us to comply with the directive,” he said.

    Another source accused the management of paying lip service to welfare issues.

    “As drivers, we earn a salary of between N22, 000 and N42, 000 a month.

    “Our basic salary is actually N22, 000 monthly, but you earn additional N1, 000 for each day you sign in for work, then another N1, 000 if you are lucky to get a bus to drive for the day.

    “We are also given four per cent of our daily revenue, especially when we meet sales target.

    “How can we earn so little each month when our contemporaries working for the blue buses earn as much as N80, 000 monthly without targets?” the source queried.

    Efforts to reach both the managing director of LAGBUS and its spokesperson for reactions proved abortive as calls to their phones did not connect.

    However, a senior staff of LAGBUS who did not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak on the matter said the issues would be resolved.

    He said: “It is true that our captains are on strike because of issues concerning the restrictions and management’s inability to carry every staff along.

    “But, I am sure that the issues would be resolved amicably and commuters would begin to enjoy our services once again.”

    Meanwhile, some stranded passengers who spoke to NAN urged the Lagos State Government to intervene in the matter in the interest of commuters and residents of Lagos.

    Miss Caroline Chinedu, a banker, said, “I want to appeal to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to wade into this issue because exposing us (passengers) to the chaotic traffic situation after a hectic day’s would be unfair.

    “The red buses have been life savers, especially during traffic, as they just glide unhindered along the dedicated lane.

    “So, asking them to use the service lane means many of us who work on the Island would arrive home in the dead of the night.”

    Another commuter, Mr. Musiliu Kamoru, a businessman, said: “The drivers and their management should ensure the issues are resolved during the weekend before Monday to reduce passenger hardship.

    “We are still battling with increased transport fare caused by fuel scarcity, and now the LAGBUS issue is rearing its head.”

     

  • Ambode orders repair of Lagos-Badagry expressway

    Ambode orders repair of Lagos-Badagry expressway

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has ordered the state Public Works Corporation to embark on immediate and extensive repair of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to ensure free traffic.

    The General Manager and Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Works, Mr Ayotunde Sodeinde, told newsmen in Lagos on Thursday that the corporation had already mobilised its workers to site.

    Sodeinde said that the repairs would include covering of all potholes on the road and giving the drainage systems would a facelift.

    He listed the areas earmarked for repairs to include Iyana Ishasi, Ribamu Bus Stop, Ketu Bus Stop – Cele Nica, FGC Ijanikan – Iyana Era and ACOED pedestrian bridge – Alafia Bus Stop.
    Others include former toll gate – Ibiye/Morogbo, Pure Water Bus Stop – Magbon, Ile-Epo Bus Stop – Oko Afo Outward Badagry.

    Also on the list are Mowo Bus Stop – Elijah Araromi Bridge, Limca Bus Stop – Mosafejo (both sides), French Village – Low Cost Housing Scheme and Ibereko.

    According to Sodeinde, the repairs on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway are in line with the mandate of the present administration to ensure zero tolerance of potholes.

    He expressed optimism that when the rehabilitation was completed, it would, to a large extent, reduce traffic congestion on the road.

    Sodeinde pledged that the Public Works team would work day and night on the road to meet the deadline.

    “You know that when the roads are good, it means economic growth; people will be able to move from one part of the state to another to transport their goods without stress.

    “It will also reduce crime rate on the roads as hoodlums and pickpockets thrive when there is gridlock.

    “We are on our feet to ensure that we put the road in order to reduce the traffic on the road,” Sodeinde said.

  • Police nab barber for alleged rape of minor

    Police nab barber for alleged rape of minor

    Police operatives in Lagos have arrested a barber for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl (names withheld).

    The suspect, Yusuf Adelopo, 37, was nabbed by policemen at Okesanya Street, Papajao in Mushin after he allegedly raped his neighbour’s daughter.

    His arrest was sequel to a medical confirmation by specialists at the Mushin General Hospital that there was penetration.

    It was gathered that the minor’s parents had notified the police after she told them that the suspect on Tuesday defiled her under the staircase.

    She was said to have gone to his shop to enquire the whereabouts of her older siblings who she did not meet when she returned from school.

    But rather than give her an answer, the suspect, it was gathered held the girl by the hand, took her to their apartment and confirmed it was locked.

    He was said to have brought a bench which he kept under the staircase, then forcefully removed the minor’s underwear and had his way.

    The little girl, who narrated the incident to her parents, was said to have told them that the suspect brought a rag and cleaned her private part when he was done, ordering her to put her pants on, before taking her to his saloon where she waited until her elder brother returned.

    After reporting the matter to her parents, they were said to have lodge a complaint at Olosan Police Station, where the suspect is currently being detained.

    Confirming the arrest, the state command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police said investigations were ongoing.

  • YABATECH reopens, kicks off semester examination

    YABATECH reopens, kicks off semester examination

    The Yaba College of Technology, Lagos on Tuesday reopened for academic activities after a four-week break to mourn the death of a final year student, who died on Feb. 10.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the resumption, reports that anxious students trooped in to complete their undertaking forms and collected examination dockets.

    NAN reports that security was beefed-up on the campus, as only students with the institution’s identity cards were allowed in.

    Some students were seen rushing to their various course supervisors to submit undertaking forms and were collecting their examination dockets.

    In a female hostel, ‘`Akada hall’, scores of students were seen queuing up for allocation of bed spaces.

    An ND II, Business Administration student, Miss Adebamigbe Fadaini, told NAN that she was very happy to be back on campus.

    Fadaini said she spent the break to read and prepare hard for the examination.

    “I have completed my registration and collected examination docket, the process is very simple.

    “I just want to be through with the examination once and for all, because we have wasted a lot of time this session.

    “I am very happy to be back on campus,’’ Fadaini said.

    Another student, an HND I, Micro Biology student, Miss Toyosi Adekanye, commended the college’s management for reopening the college.

    Adekanye said that she was ready for the examination but urged the management to provide basic amenities during the examination period.

    “I am happy to be back on campus because back home, there were so many distractions from reading.

    “I have filled the undertaking form and also collected my examination docket, everything is ready for the examination,’’ she said.

    Also, the Head, Public Relations Unit of the College, Mr Charles Oni, told NAN that the management was prepared for the smooth conduct of the examination on March 30.

    Oni said that the interests and welfare of the students were important and that the management would continue to ensure that.

    “We love our students even if they pretend and do not acknowledge it but as parents and management, their welfare is very important to us,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the Academic Board of the college had on March 16, directed that the institution be reopened on March 29.

    The Board also announced that the 2014/2015 Second Semester Examination would start on March 30.

    It directed all students to fill an undertaking form to be of good conduct during the examination.

    The college was closed following students’ protest on Feb. 11, over the death of a student, Miss Comfort Dazan.

     

  • One die, four injured as drunk driver rams into Lagos street 

    One die, four injured as drunk driver rams into Lagos street 

    There was pandemonium at the Amukoko area of Lagos on Easter sunday, after a drunk driver rammed into a street, crushing five people.

    Eugine Nweke, a resident of 63, Muri Ojora Street, Amukoko, while driving a Mercedes Benz 190 marked EPE471CD at about 2:30pm, lost control knocking down the victims.

    The accident attracted the wrath of residents who almost lynched the driver but for the quick intervention of policemen from Amukoko division.

    It was learnt that while a 68-year-old woman identified as Mariam Raji died hours later at the Ajagunle General Hospital, the other four injured persons- Angel Anusiem, 38; Mohammed Sani, Kafayat Lukmon, 30, and another- were responding to treatment.

    The suspect who was said to have been gulping a herbal concoction known as Action Bitters found in his car by detectives, was immediately arrested.

    Confirming the incident, the state command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police  (SP) said the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary, adding that investigations have commenced.

    “The matter was reported by one Azeez Raji of 7, Alafia Street, Amukoko. The car hit five people. One died on Monday morning at the hospital and the corpse was deposited in the mortuary. The suspect is in custody and was arrested under the influence of alcohol,” she said.

     

  • RRS nab suspected fraudsters in Lagos

    RRS nab suspected fraudsters in Lagos

    Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad  (RRS) have arrested two members of an alleged fraudster syndicate who specialises in defrauding people along the Lekki-Epe expressway in Lagos.

    The suspects, Ojo Dauda, 30, and Segun Olatoye, 36, were nabbed Monday at about 1pm, around Ajah.

    Their arrest came four days after the duo allegedly swindled a certain Abayomi Ayoola, 28, of N45, 000.

    Unfortunately for the suspects, the victim sighted, recognised them Monday afternoon and informed RRS men who were on routine patrol.

    Reliving his ordeal, Ayoola said: “I dropped my boss’ wife in her shop at a plaza in New Road and she sent me to the bank to deposit some money. While coming from the bank, one of the suspects accosted and asked me if I know one man called Baba Ijebu and I told him no.

    “Suddenly, another guy met us at the same spot, whom I later got to know that they were working together. In fact, I don’t know how they took me to Alpha Beach, where my Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card was collected. They used the card to withdraw N15, 000 from my account.

    “Before then, they took the N30, 000 which I had on me, a Q10 Blackberry and a Nokia phone. They abandoned me there and fled.

    “Since then, I have kept a tab on them. When I saw them again at that same spot on Monday, I rushed quickly and called RRS operatives who are working within the axis, to assist me in arresting them. I thank God that they were eventually arrested.”

    Confessing to the crime, Dauda stated that he joined the illegal business after he was duped last November.

    He said: “In November 2015, while I was on my way home from work around Ikorodu, a guy later identified as Olaiya accosted me to ask for direction. After giving him the description of the area he asked for, he went further to cajole me to walk some miles with him.

    “Before I could gain my consciousness, I didn’t find my money on me any longer. I rushed down to the spot where I still found him but he said my money has been shared and cannot be refunded.

    “He now gave me an option to join them to dupe people in same manner I was duped. He told me I would realise N10, 000 per day, so I joined him in fraud business in order to support myself financially.

    “I have made a lot of money but I cannot say exactly how much I made because I don’t keep my money in the bank. I spent them on frivolous things.

    “My base is in Jakande, Lekki-Ajah Expressway while others position themselves around the axis and across the state. Every night, we all converge on Olaiya’s house (group leader) around Jakande where we share anything we realised for the day.”

    The other suspect Olatoye said he has realised over N200, 000 since he started two months ago.
    “I am a native of Ekiti State from Imoba Local Government Area (LGA) but I was born and bred in Lagos State. I was once a dry cleaner but left the job. I joined the syndicate about two months ago. To be truthful, on my own account, I have duped three people where I made N200, 000,” he explained.

  • Queen’s College: PTA urges Oshifala’s accuser to come out

    Queen’s College: PTA urges Oshifala’s accuser to come out

    The Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) of Queen’s College, Yaba, has appealed to Chinenye Okoye, the supposed mother of the JSS2 pupil allegedly molested by a teacher, to come and pick her letter of invitation to appear before the ministerial panel set up to investigate the matter from its office.

    The panel set up by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka, to investigate the allegation of sexual molestation leveled against Mr. Olaseni Oshifala, a biology teacher in the school, is to begin its investigation at the school on Wednesday.

    Chinenye Okoye, who sent the story to blogger, Olorisupergal, is one of those expected to appear before the panel to give evidence concerning the allegations.  The principal of the college, Dr Lami Amodu, other principal officers, leaders of the Association of the Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the umbrella union of teachers of the school, the PTA, old girls, among others are also to appear before the panel.

    Chairman of the PTA, Mrs. Beatrice Akhetuamen and two other members of the executive, Mr Femi Agunu, and Mr. Richard Ugwuka, said Monday that a letter addressed to the woman has been sent to the PTA.

    However, Mrs. Akhetuamen said that the PTA has no record of Chinenye Okoye as a parent on its database, and therefore has no one to deliver the letter to.

    “There is one Okoye is JSS2 but her mother is not Chinenye. We are appealing to her to come and collect her letter,” she said.

    Mrs. Akhetuamen also questioned the authenticity of the story, which has gone viral since it was posted on the social media penultimate Saturday.

    She said if indeed the said pupil was attacked by Oshifala around 2am and was rescued by her classmates, not only the victim but others would have reported the case to their parents, who would have called her.

    On his part, Mr. Ugwuka said the case has made parents of the school really worried.  He said they have been questioning their wards but have no evidence of abuse so far.

    “We are really worried.  We have been questioning our girls. My wife and I woke our daughter in the middle of the night to tell us what is happening in her school.  We need this woman to please come out so we can work together and investigate the matter.  If we find that there is any wrong doing, we would shout because the welfare of our children is at stake,” he said.