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Tag: lagos

  • Alaba trader accused of destroying N2m gatehouse

    A trader at Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos, Chidi Chimezie, who allegedly destroyed a gatehouse valued at N2million, was yesterday brought before an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    Chimezie, 28, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate K. K. Awoyinka by the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (Force CIID), Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, wilful damage and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.

    Prosecuting counsel Morufu Animashaun alleged that Chimezie and his accomplices, who are on the run, committed the offence at about 5:30pm, sometime in March last year.

    The court heard that they invaded  11, Chibuzor Street, Mosafejo-Ilufe, Ojo, Lagos and destroyed a security gatehouse belonging to Osita Ezeani.

    While destroying the fence, they allegedly breached the peace, forcing residents of the area to scamper for safety, Animashaun said.

    Chimezie pleaded not guilty.

    His counsel, Gani Oyeravuegbe, E. O. Amadi and T. Y. Okeke, made an oral application for his bail.

    But Animashaun objected, saying granting him bail could jeopardise effort to arrest other suspects.

    Chief Magistrate Awoyinka granted him N200,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum, among other conditions.

  • My agenda for Lagos communities, by PDP candidate

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the March 2, 2019 State House of Assembly election in Lagos, Princess Adenike Magdalene Coker, has pledged to improve the lives of the people of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area (LGA), if she is elected.

    Mrs. Coker, popularly called Iyaniwura, said she would pay special attention on women and youth welfare as well as tackle the problems of unemployment and shortage of healthcare facilities, among others.

    The candidate said she joined politics to “change things” for the better.

    Mrs. Coker said: “I have been a woman leader for some time now. So, I was invited by the Peoples’ Democratic Party to join them.

    “My intention of joining the PDP is that, during my services to humanity in church, I found out that a lot of people come there to seek for counsel and prayers, but I found out that poverty is their main problem, and I thought, well, when I join this party we can change things. So, that’s how I became a politician.

    “Initially I contested for the Federal House of Representatives; I won the primaries, but later the indigenes called me and some party leaders said, ‘well, for Ibeju-Lekki, it is an indigenous place, and if you’re not from this place, you cannot win’.

    “So, I accepted to contest for the House of Assembly for my constituency.”

    On the needs of her constituents, she said: ”My people are really suffering. We don’t have hospitals, schools and good roads. The children, most especially the youth, have nothing to do and I found out that some leaders are actually benefiting from this in Nigerian politics. I said, ‘No! This can’t continue’.

    “We need to change things so that our generations to come will benefit from this country, because we are blessed by God with good resources but it’s not been used well.’ If we have the right people in the right places, everyone will enjoy; not just some particular people.”

    On lack of support for candidates, who are women by their womenfolk, she said: “What I think can be done is to still bring women together, because what I found out when I joined this politics is that women are women’s problem. A woman will see that this person can do it, but out of envy, they are the same people, who will come and spoil things for you.

    “But in my own LGA , I’m so lucky that I don’t have this kind of problem – both men and women support me. They are even the ones that made me go into it. But if God gives me this victory, I will make sure that I bring the women to work together and take away this problem; it’s a problem that can be tackled, and it will be solved.”

    Job creation, she explained, was key to stopping the menace of land-grabbing and violence in the area.

    “The only thing I think we can do is improve the life system there. Most of them are doing it out of poverty, like right now, I know the refinery is going to be built and immediately they build the refinery, I will make sure the youths of Ibeju-Lekki and well-learned people there are employed in the refinery.

    “When they have good jobs, good incomes, the elderly people and so-called leaders will not use them anymore and if they don’t have touts and thugs anymore, they can’t do this Ajagungbale (land-grabbing) stuff,” she said.

    The politician also pledged to sponsor bills for women empowerment.

    She added: “The legislation I want to pursue is to make sure that the women are empowered, special programmes to empower them. If this bill is approved, it will empower them.

    “Also, if anybody wants to further their education, it could be subsidised. You know the more education you have, the better your life is. As time goes on, these bills will be put together.

    “That is my basic reason, which I have been using as my campaign strategy. Just this week, three women died through child bearing. So, we will need at least good hospitals. Even before this election, if you go to Agbowa, through my women, we’ve started building a hospital so that the less-privileged, the masses can go there and deliver safely. As for empowerment, when you train women and you don’t give them loan, how will they work? You need to train them and give them some soft loans and they will be paying gradually.

    “Also, if anybody wants to forward their education, it could be subsidised. You know the more education you have, the better your life is. As time goes on, bills to develop the area and Lagos State will be put together.”

  • Alfa ‘rapes’ wife’s nine-year-old niece

    The police in Lagos have arrested an Islamic cleric, Alfa Abdul-Lateef Mustapha, 38, for alleged defilement of his wife’s nine-year-old niece.

    The man was apprehended by members of the Child Protection Network (CPN) in Somolu and handed over to the Bariga Police Station on Sunday.

    He was allegedly caught in the act the previous day by neighbours.

    It was gathered that the child had complained to neighbours that she was being sexually molested by her aunt’s husband, but they did not believe her. Neighbours, however, caught the man in the act on Saturday.

    The suspect, who claimed it was the first time he slept with the minor, apologised. He was, however, challenged by the victim, who said he had raped her more than three times.

    A source, who informed our correspondent about the incident, said the suspect’s relatives wanted to cover up the incident, but his wife and two others quickly alerted the CPN unit in Somolu.

    “The family wanted to fight the wife. They wanted the matter to die down. They threatened the girl and cursed her. They attempted to attack an activist, who invited the police,” the source said.

    Confirming the incident, CPN Head in Somolu Toyin Okanlawon said the victim had been taken to the Mirable Centre for examination.

    He said: “The relations came to the station in hijab and jalamia, pleading that the alfa be released. As it stands now, the victim is not safe in that house. She and her aunt slept at the station for safety following the reaction of the suspect’s relatives.

    “We have appealed to the Juvenile Centre at Alakara, Mushin to provide shelter for the victim. She was brought from Kano last January by her aunt so that she could be looked after properly, but the woman’s husband has turned a predator.

    “I hail the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bariga because he provided food for the victim and her aunt when he realised that they had not eaten. He also calmed the girl because she was tearful and traumatised.”

  • Council official arraigned for allegedly stealing N4m

    A worker with Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA),

    Mr. Adebayo Akinbola, was yesterday arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing N4 million belonging to Mrs. Olabisi Adebajo, the LCDA chairman.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akinbola, 31, whose residential address was not provided, is facing a charge of stealing.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Peter Nwangwu alleged that the LCDA official committed the offence on February 6 between 3:30pm and 6pm at Guaranty Trust Bank, Alimosho, Lagos, branch.

    “He was sent on an errand to the bank by the complainant to withdraw N4 million.

    “After he withdrew the money, he absconded and was not seen for an unspecified period of time.

    “The matter was reported at Ikotun Police Station and after investigations, he was caught. He claimed to the police that he was kidnapped by unknown persons.

    “The money has, however, not been recovered from him,” Nwangwu said.

    Magistrate Yewande Aje-Afunwa granted the defendant N850,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    She said the sureties should be employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The case was adjourned till May 2.

  • Nigeria to host Africa in Rope Skipping Sport

    THE Nigeria Rope Skipping Federation (NRSF), an apex body of jump rope/rope skipping sport in Nigeria is set to host African nations in a training workshop scheduled to hold from April 18-20, 2019 at Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos.

    Secretary-General, Olusesan Olukoya informed NationSport that the workshop was being organised to showcase spectacular talents, skills among youths in African nations that are new entrants with the understanding of introducing new gimmicks and styles to other rated nations who have been skipping for so long.

    Olukoya said that officials and athletes from over 10 countries would take part in the workshop, while seasoned coaches and officials from France, the United Kingdom and the US would handle the programme.

    Apart from the foreign guests coming from around the world of jump rope to attend the timely training in Nigeria, Olukoya said over 1,000 school kids/students as well as 200 teachers from across the country would be participating in the intercontinental workshop.

    Olukoya revealed that Nigeria and Ghana were nominated as the two likely hosts of the workshop at the African leaders meeting during the World Jump Rope Championship and Camp which took place at Orlando, Florida in the United State in July 2018, but other African countries insisted Nigeria hosts it.

    “We are indeed ready to host African nation’s officials and its athletes as well as international coaches and trainers from the United Kingdom, France, and the United States that are expected to honour our invitation for the timely workshop,” Olukoya told NationSport.

    Olukoya said Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo have already indicated interest to attend the workshop adding that plans are still on to bring in other West African nations that are willing to participate in the federations workshop.

    The Federation is affiliated to the International Jump Rope Union, World Jump Rope Federation and the Africa Jump Association.

  • ‘Firm was paid N138m by NIMASA for no job’

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday heard that N138.5 million was paid to a company in 2014 by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) despite not executing any contract.

    Fredrick Ugor, an engineer at NIMASA, told Justice Ayokunle Faji that he worked in the company before joining the agency.

    He testified at the trial of former NIMASA Director-General Dr Patrick Akpobolokemi and five others.

    They were charged with N3.4 billion fraud.

    Ugor said the funds were lodged in the company’s account by NIMASA’s Committee on Intelligence (COI) at different times in 2014.

    He said he used Peniel Engineering Ltd for his services while also working as the Special Assistant to the Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker before he joined NIMASA.

    “I know Peniel Engineering Ltd. It is owned by my friend, Engineer Jolly James, while I was in Port-Harcourt.

    “It was the platform I was using for my business. The company is into maritime logistics, construction of roads and schools, etc.

    “It was not into intelligence gathering activities,” the witness said.

    He confirmed that N20 million, N35 million, N13 million, N35 million, N6 million, N22 million and N7.5 million were paid into the company’s account at different times in 2014 by COI.

    He told the court that the committee was set up by NIMASA’s management to gather intelligence aimed at stopping nefarious activities in the country.

    Ugor said he was not a member of the committee.

    “I did not know COI is in existence. I also know in the course of interrogation that the company’s account details were made available to the Committee by my Director, Captain Warredi Enisouh (fifth defendant). I gave it to him.

    “Peniel Engineering Ltd did not indulge in any intelligence gathering for NIMASA to warrant any payment into the company’s account,” he said.

    Akpobolokemi was charged along with Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Felix Bob-Nabena, Captain Warredi Enisouh and a firm, Al-kenzo Ltd, on a 22-count charge of converting N3.4 billion belonging to NIMASA for personal use.

    The defendants were said to have committed the alleged offence between December 2013 and July 2015.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said they breached Sections 15 (1), (3), and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibitions) Amendment Act, 2012.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    The trial continues tomorrow.

  • Buhari, Osinbajo, Tinubu, others meet in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday met in Abuja in the party’s caucus meeting.

    The meeting started at the APC National Secretariat around 11.30am when the President arrived.

    Those in attendance included the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

    State governors at the meeting included that of Zamfara, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Jigawa, Borno, Bauchi, Kebbi, Niger, Lagos and Kaduna state.

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    Also in attendance were the Senate leader, Ahmad Lawan, senators, Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Boss Mustapha, ministers, among others.

    Discussions at the meeting will not be unconnected with the issues affecting the party, including the postponement of the general elections by a week.

  • Lions Club refurbishes cancer ward in LASUTH

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Ilupeju Diamond Lions Club has refurbished female Oncology ward at the female surgical unit in the Lagos Teaching University Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos.

    The Club also donated drugs to paediatric cancer patients. The gestures were to use to commemorate the World Paediatric Cancer Day holds every February 15,

    The refurbished Oncology room now has television, air conditioner, refrigerator, four beds and other amenities.

    Recipients of the free drugs are Ololade Olayinka, Precious Pius-Mana and Chiwendu Ndukwe who are currently undergoing treatment at the Paediatric ward.

    President of the club, Toyin Igbenoba, said the initiative was to help cancer patients and creates a conducive environment for their treatments.

    She further implored individuals, government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) to ensure their continued support towards creating a cancer-free environment.

    She said: “As a cancer survivor, I know the excruciating pains cancer patients go through, but to also live in an unfavourable condition will no doubt double the pain, hence the reason we decided to embark on this project. The cost of cancer drugs is high, that’s why we decided to help some of the patients with the drugs,” Igbenoba said.

    LASUTH Chief Medical Director Prof Adetokunbo Fabamwo, hailed the club.

    “There has been a complete transformation here in this ward. I know what it used to be before, and we want to appreciate what the Lions Club has done for us.  For a government hospital like ours, we need all the support we can get from private sectors, NGOs because the government cannot do everything. We implore other individuals and organisations to imbibe the initiative.”

    A member of the club’s Board of Directors, Alhaja Nafisat Arogundade, prayed that the facility would reduce the sufferings of the patients.

    Alhaja Arogundade said: “We just want to get personally committed to making sure that we are able to touch the lives of the people living with cancer, by not just educating them on the prevention and control of the disease but also creating awareness to everyone.

    “Cancer is a deadly disease and government cannot do it alone but our message to the government is that we should also get the necessary equipment needed to treat it here so that Nigerians will stop spending so much to travel abroad for treatment.”

  • Feast of Roma debuts in Lagos

    Roma Lagos, the first ever Roman-inspired luxury restaurant/lounge in Lagos, has hosted its maiden edition of The Feast of Roma at Roma.

    The menu consisted of a seafood boil, a carnivorous platter, a mixed platter, and a cheese and cold cuts platter that was not just the ultimate feast for the eyes because of its beautiful presentation, but  the ultimate feast for the stomach.

    Bringing a particular sweetness to the table was French luxury champagne brand, Veuve Clicquot, who partnered with Roma to organize this exclusive event.

    The dishes were carefully curated for the feast had deep and complex flavors that wowed the guests’ palettes but the shining star of the day was the seafood boil.

    In a city as diverse as Lagos, it is surprising that it is almost impossible to find a decent seafood boil, and every foodie knows that a seafood boil is one of the great communal eating experiences ever.

  • 160 Nigerians deported from Libya

    NEMA has received another batch of 160 stranded Nigerians from Libya.

    The returnees were received by the Coordinator, Lagos Territorial Office of NEMA, Alhaji Idris Muhammed at the Cargo Wing of MMIA, Ikeja,Lagos.

    They were brought back by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with EU’s Special Intervention on Assisted Voluntary Returnees (AVR) programme and arrived Nigeria at about 7:50 pm  on Thursday evening via Nouvelair Airline of Libya.

    The returnees were made up of 68 female adults, one female child and five female infants.

    Also, there were 79 male adults, two male children and five male infants making up 74 females and 86 males, including a psychologically traumatized adult male.

    The coordinator while receiving them implored other Nigerians still aspiring to travel out of the country to desist from irregular migrations removing the fundamental rights that such migrants could have enjoyed.

    A returnee, Mrs Adebisi Komolafe, from Osogbo, Osun State, while narrating her experience, said: “Nigerians need to be praying fervently for our leaders, especially the president.

    Despite the bad situations in Libya, the people believe in their leaders and are praying fervently for them. They still see hope in their country.

    “If Nigerians can avoid blaming government for everything, with faith and sincerity, our prayers will be accepted by God.

    “God will guide our leaders right, if we direct our supplications to Almighty God to guide our leaders right.

    “I don’t wish any Nigerian should think of travelling to Libya. I never knew the situation in Libya before I left. If I had known, I wouldn’t have travelled there.

    Read also: Amaechi blasts Wike

    “Nigeria is far better than that country. We need prayers and sincerity in Nigeria.

    “I worked as a housemaid and had the opportunity to make some money, but the lack of government is a serious problem there. You cannot send money back home since I left Nigeria in 2016.

    “ The only thing I did was to buy goods that I could sell  in Nigeria and I brought everything back now.”

    Miss Aisha Ibrahim, from Oyo State, regretted her ordeal.

    “My sister told me that there were opportunities in Libya, I thought it was an opportunity to travel and make better life like in London or America.

    “My sister paid for my transportation and after a week on arrival at Libya, I got a housemaid work.

    “You must work and carryout any instructions given by those people. You must do whatever directives given. Failure to obey them will attract punishment or arrest.

    “At times, I will not come back to my sister’s house for three or six months. In Libya, you don’t have freedom. Once they hear you are a Nigerian, trouble starts. They don’t like us.  You cannot change work.

    “If you have travelling documents and you are caught, those documents will not be returned to you and you will be arrested. They can raid your house and cart away all your savings and property.”

    Miss Ibrahim explained that she worked for six months without break and when she wanted to visit her sister, she was accosted on the road.

    “I was arrested, all my money was taken away from me and above all, about 400,000 naira was paid to free me by my sister, and this made me to come back to Nigeria by going to the Nigerian Embassy. No Nigerian should think of going to Libya”.