The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Togolese charged with beating three year-old niece to death

    An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Monday remanded a Togolese trader, Afi Koumebio, who allegedly beat her three-year-old niece to death.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Folarin-Williams, remanded in Ikoyi Prisons, 30-year-old Koumebio, who resides on Mosafejo Road, Amukoko, Lagos.

    The court could not take the plea of the accused as the magistrate said that she needed advice from the state’s director of public prosecution.

    Folarin-Williams adjourned the case until May 10 for mention.

    According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde, the accused beat the minor, hit her head on a wall and killed her on March 26 at 8.00p.m. at her residence.

    Olatunde submitted that Koumebio beat the girl because she entered her neighbour’s room.

    He noted that murder contravened Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section prescribes death sentence for convicted murderers.

  • Teenager arraigned for snatching phone, granted bail

    An 18-year-old apprentice, Lekan Akinyemi, who allegedly snatched a cell phone worth N10,000 from a woman, was on Monday granted N50,000 bail by an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Alexander Komolafe, asked the accused to provide two sureties in like sum as part of the bail conditions.

    Komolafe said the sureties should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    Earlier, the accused, who resides at No. 17, Dada Iyalode St., Mushin, Lagos, had pleaded not guilty to charge of stealing and breach of peace.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Joseph Ajebe, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 25, at about 9.30p.m, at Ajilete Bus Stop, Iju Ishaga, Lagos.

    Ajebe said the accused attacked the complainant, Mrs Alimat Yusuf, while she was in front of her house, snatched her phone, and took to his heels.

    He said that the accused was apprehended by some passersby who gave him a chase, and handed over to the police.

    The prosecutor alleged that while the accused was detained at the police station, he made an attempt to escape by damaging the cell wall.

    He said the offences contravened Sections 166 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 stipulates a three-year jail term for offenders.

    The magistrate adjourned the case till May 17 for mention.

  • Militants kill eight in Lagos

    Militants kill eight in Lagos

    •Govt to go after killers

    Eight persons were killed yesterday in a Lagos community where gunmen suspected to be militants and hoodlums struck. Many were injured.

    In the militants’ raid on Ishawo, a settlement on the outskirts of Ikorodu, four policemen, a soldier and one civilian were reportedly killed.

    Besides, two persons were killed in attacks by suspected cult members on Otodo Gbame community in Lekki.

    The militants reportedly ambushed the policemen attached to Owutu Division on their way back from a field operation.

    It was learnt that the security operatives had gone to rescue four civilians kidnapped by the gunmen and were being forced into the creeks.

    After rescuing the victims, the team was said to have boarded their Hilux patrol van and headed back to the station.

    But around Woodland Estate, the militants opened fire on the operatives from their hideout.

    Another account stated that the security agents got a distress call that the militants had entered the community and killed a police informant, whom they accused of providing information that led to the death of one of their kingpins.

    Upon receiving the information, operatives from Owotu Division and some soldiers in the area moved into Ishawo.

    The militants, who appeared to have laid ambush for them, attacked them.

    They allegedly set ablaze the patrol van, injuring the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and policeman.

    The gunmen, it was learnt, killed two civilians and shot dead the two soldiers, including a Captain identified simply as Mohammed, who was said to have alighted from an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).

    The APC, it was gathered, was riddled with bullets fired by the gunmen who fled into the creeks.

    Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Commander Tunji Disu and some senior Army officers visited the scene and assisted in taking the injured to the hospital.

    A security source said the militants may have tricked their victims, given that a distress call was received by the police that militants had entered the community.

    According to the source, going by the way the agents were killed, “there’s a possibility that the criminals raised a false alarm and prepared themselves to kill those who would be sent”.

    The source said: “This looks more like a deception plan. There’s no way militants would ambush security operatives and kill that large number. I want to believe that they had planned the movement.

    “They could be the ones who even made the false distress call and gave descriptions that would land the operatives exactly where they wanted them. The militants knew the agents didn’t have air cover; so, they deceived and ambushed them. It’s a sad incident.”

    The Chairman of Operation AWATSE and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, said security agencies were reviewing the incident.

    Rear Admiral Bobai, who confirmed that there were casualties, directed our reporter to contact the police for details and assured that the perpetrators would be fished out and dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

    According to him, dislodged militants were returning to the area following the resumption of petrol pumping in the 72-kilometer track by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

    In a statement issued yesterday evening, Owoseni said the incident occurred around 1am. He vowed to hunt down the culprits.

    The police commissioner said: “At about 1am on Sunday, the police received distress call that a group of militants/kidnappers had entered Owutu-Isawo in Ikorodu through the thick swampy forest surrounding the area.

    “They were reported to have kidnapped some residents. In response, the police and the Army immediately mobilised personnel to the area, where the kidnapped victims were rescued.

    “Sadly, however, five of the gallant, brave and patriotic officers lost their lives during the rescue operation. One of them is a Nigerian Army Captain while the remaining four are policemen. One of the residents in the area also died.

    “We pray that God Almighty reward their loyalty to the nation with paradise and grant their souls peaceful rest. We also pray that God gives their respective families the courage to bear the loss.

    “The command would like to assure the public that with synergy from sister security agencies, the criminal elements involved in this dastardly act shall be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law. We will continue to rely on the good people of Lagos State for useful information and partnership.”

    In the attack on Otodo Gbame, Avonda Elijah, 50, and 28-year-old Hungbo Daniel were shot by hoodlums who laid a siege to the community.

    The community had been embroiled in a land tussle with its neighbouring Ikate community and the state government.

    Officials of the Lagos Task Force, the police and other military personnel yesterday besieged the community around 12am, burning and destroying houses, forcing many residents to flee their homes.

    The community was on fire when The Nation visited yesterday.

    Task Force spokesman Taofeek Adebayo declined to comment on the operation, saying “it was a state operation”.

    According to him, only the Information and Strategy Commissioner Steve Ayorinde, could speak on the matter.

    A resident who simply identified himself as Jonathan, said: “Hoodlums just came into the community and started shooting for about 30 minutes and left. They came around 9:30pm and the first shooting killed the man. He was at the water-front where they sell sand. We don’t just know what the fight is about.

    “The police came today and started burning people’s houses, chasing them out of the community. There was no notification of the invasion. Even right now, we are still at the court. We were at court last Thursday but they didn’t appear. So, the judge postponed it till next Thursday.”

    Another resident, who gave his name as Felix, said: “They came here this morning and started destroying our houses. They levelled our buildings with caterpillar. I was sleeping in my compound when they started breaking our neighbour’s houses. I became afraid when I saw that they were breaking into compounds too. I had to run off with my family. I have no place to go.”

  • No meningitis case in Lagos, says commissioner

    No meningitis case in Lagos, says commissioner

    There is no case of meningitis in Lagos State, Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris said yesterday.

    Reacting to the claim of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that two persons have died of the disease in the state, Idris described the report as “false and misleading”, adding that it can create “unnecessary panic among residents”.

    The commissioner said: “The report carried by some newspapers and online platforms is untrue and does not represent the reality of the situation in Lagos State as at today.

    For the avoidance of doubt, there are two main types of meningitis. The epidemic prone meningitis which is referred to as Cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM) is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria Meningitis and its occurrence is seasonal or cyclical depending on the level of herd immunity and climatic conditions.

    “The second type of meningitis is Non-Epidemic Meningitis. This type of meningitis is usually caused by a virus or other bacteria, but not by Neisseria Meningitis. The Non-epidemic meningitis occurs without any seasonal pattern or periodicity.”

    He said the two deaths from the suspected nine cases of meningitis at Massey Street Children Hospital reported by the Disease Surveillance Notification Officer at Lagos Island Local Government in Week 13 of this year were not confirmed to be caused by CSM.

    The nine cases, he said, presented with clinical features of meningitis, but laboratory tests proved that they were either due to Haemophilus influenza or Streptococcus pneumoniae and not Neisseria meningitis.

    His ministry, the commissioner said, was also notified last week of a three-year-old boy presenting clinically as meningitis at a registered private facility in Lagos but the laboratory investigations did not confirm CSM.

    “The blood culture yielded no growth but the urine culture yielded Klebsiella and not meningococcus.  The patient is already responding to treatment. None of these cases presented with a history of recent travel to any area with an outbreak of meningitis and neither were visits from such areas recorded with the aforementioned cases,” he said.

    Idris reiterated the government’s resolve to prevent and control the spread of the epidemic, urging the public to support such efforts by reporting suspected cases to public health facilities or by calling these lines: 08037170614, 08023169485.

    The commissioner stressed the need for high standard of personal and environmental hygiene, such as washing of hands with soap and water frequently, avoiding direct contact with the discharges from an infected person and covering of mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to prevent contracting the disease.

    “It is strongly advised for people to avoid overcrowding in living quarters, provide cross ventilation in sleeping and work-rooms and other places where many people come together and get vaccinated with CSM vaccine when you are travelling to areas where meningitis outbreaks have been reported”, he added.

    Health workers, he said, had been placed on alert on the disease and surveillance teams consisting of epidemiologists and are also intensifying their surveillance and monitoring activities.

    Idris added: “Health workers are also advised to avoid close and prolonged contacts with suspected and probable cases of CSM, ensure proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions of cases, report suspected or probable cases and observe universal precaution and make use of personal protective equipment when in contact with such cases. There is no need to panic. We will continue with our surveillance activities, constantly review our records and brief the public from time to time”.

  • Has Lagos forgotten Herbert Macaulay?

    Long before Lagos became a megacity famed for its remarkable resilience, a mega figure did mega things to advance its development and the progress of Nigeria.  Herbert Macaulay, widely acknowledged as the ‘Father of Nigerian Nationalism’, made his exit almost 71 years ago on May 7, 1946, at age 81, but his spirit is energetically alive.

    As Lagos State celebrates its 50th anniversary, which will climax on May 27, it is curious that Herbert Macaulay is not on the front burner.   Without doubt, he belongs to the category of all-time greats.  It is noteworthy that Herbert Macaulay is generally associated with the spirit of Lagos. Indeed, his history is inextricably connected with Lagos history and the history of Nigeria.

    It is thought-provoking that the year-long celebration of Lagos at 50 has no space for Herbert Macaulay, which is a reflection of how the present tends to obscure the past, although the past is part of the present.  To see the past in the present requires presence of mind as well as a keen appreciation of history and historical progression.  In other words, it may be said that the reality of today cannot be separated from the reality of yesterday.

    To underline the relevance of Herbert Macaulay and his indisputable place in the context of the Lagos festivities, it is worth highlighting his celebration in drama.  It is testimony to Herbert Macaulay’s stature and his role in Lagos history that Prof. Akinwunmi Isola considered it fitting to write a 2009 play titled Herbert Macaulay and the Spirit of Lagos. It is heart-warming that this play was staged as Convocation Play on March 20 by the Department of Theatre Arts and Music, Lagos State University (LASU), as part of the institution’s “21st Convocation Ceremonies.”

    But this play deserves a bigger stage and a bigger audience. This is the story that Isola retells: “The governor quarrels with the Eleko over many developmental problems and decides to banish him. Herbert Macaulay, supported by some concerned Lagosians, coordinates a relentless agitation. The success of that spirit is recorded in the monumental judgment of the Privy Council in favour of Lagosians which culminated in the triumphal return of the Eleko to Lagos from Oyo where he served his banishment.”

    Herbert Macaulay was born in Lagos on November 14, 1864. His father, Rev Thomas Babington Macaulay, was the founder and first principal of the CMS Grammar School, Lagos, established in 1859. His mother, Abigail Macaulay, was the daughter of Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the illustrious 19th century cleric who in 1864 was ordained as the first African bishop of the Anglican Church at a ceremony in England.

    Herbert Macaulay studied Civil Engineering in Britain. He qualified as a civil engineer in 1893, and he is recognised as the first Nigerian with such a professional qualification. He proudly attached the letters C.E. (Civil Engineer) to his name, and also practiced as an architect.

    In 1923, he launched the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), regarded as the first political party in Nigeria, following the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution in 1922, which allowed elected representatives for the Legislative Council and also created a municipal council in Lagos.  The NNDP dominated the political space for many years, and Herbert Macaulay, who was known as Mr. Democratic Party on account of his pivotal position in the party, earned the unchallenged appellation ‘Leader of Nigerian Politics.’ When the political situation took a new turn and the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) successfully challenged the dominance of the NNDP, Herbert Macaulay’s patriotic spirit promoted inter-party cooperation   as a necessity in the struggle for political freedom. The formation of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 led to a political merger that saw Herbert Macaulay emerge as the party’s first President.

    In 1927, Herbert Macaulay and his friend, John Akinlade Caulcrick, a medical doctor and politician, bought The Lagos Daily News, a newspaper founded in 1925 by Victor Babamuboni, a Lagos bookseller and printer. Herbert Macaulay was an intense monitor of the issues of the day, and expressed his views vigorously in pamphlets and newspaper articles. For instance, he criticised the government’s policy on the liquor trade, the water-rate scheme, the plan to build a separate church for white government officials, and the press law, among others.

    Herbert Macaulay’s pamphlet in 1908 criticising the Lagos Railway prompted Governor Egerton to propose a law that would restrict the press. The pamphlet, titled ‘Governor Egerton and the Railway,’ focused on corruption among white officials of the Railway. The power of the pamphlet drew attention to Herbert Macaulay.  He also regularly launched attacks on the colonial administration through critical newspaper articles.

    Herbert Macaulay fought various battles against the British colonial government. He was an anti-colonial combatant by conviction and choice, for he could have followed the comfortable path of collaboration with the colonialists if he wished. His background and education placed him among the elite of Lagos society. He actually belonged to the circle from which the colonial government nominated African representatives to the Legislative Council.

    But Herbert Macaulay was not the personality-type that appealed to the British administration, which regarded him as too principled, too critical, too independent, too bold and too assertive.

    In style and manners, Herbert Macaulay was so polished that the people of Lagos referred to him as Oyinbo Alawodudu (white man in black skin). He was noted for his handle-bar moustache, well-cut suits and long bow ties. He described his moustache and bow tie as “parallel and inseparable.” He was known as ‘The Wizard of Kirsten Hall.’

    But Herbert Macaulay was a striking grassroots politician. He played important roles in the celebrated Apapa Land Case as well as the equally celebrated Eleko case, which ended in favour of indigenous interests and gave a big boost to his image as a champion of justice. Herbert Macaulay was known as ‘Champion and Defender of Native Rights and Liberties.’  No other politician of his time could match his rapport with the common people.  For instance, he cultivated the friendship of Madam Alimotu Pelewura, the powerful leader of the Lagos Market Women’s Association, and could easily count upon the support of thousands of market women in Lagos. The masses composed songs in honour of Herbert Macaulay.

    A July 1931 edition of West Africa painted a pen portrait of Herbert Macaulay: “He has a voice and a laugh which would be passports anywhere. The quickness, the energy, the comprehensiveness, with which he can write an article – or a book, if need be – or make a speech, or organise a demonstration, are incredible.”

    At Herbert Macaulay’s funeral in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe, who succeeded him as NCNC leader, referred to him as “my political father.” Azikwe said in a graveside oration: “He has left an imperishable legacy, the struggle for the attainment of social equality, economic security, religious tolerance and political freedom.” This struggle continues today.

    This is the giant whose spirit deserves to be invoked as Lagos turns 50.  Perhaps something can still be done.

  • Ambode promises to build on Lagos founding fathers’ legacies

    Ambode promises to build on Lagos founding fathers’ legacies

    •Governor opens 50th anniversary celebration  

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the weekend  opened activities lined up to mark the state’s golden jubilee anniversary, hailing the founding fathers and all his predecessors for their great vision.

    He pledged that his administration would leave no stone unturned to build on their good legacies to deliver a new Lagos that will be the pride of every African man.

    The governor said concerted efforts would be put in place to utilise the golden jubilee celebration to lay a solid foundation for another glorious 50 years for Lagos State.

    Ambode, who spoke at the premiere of ‘Wakaa The Musical’, at the new Terra Kulture Arena at Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, said as the fifth largest economy in Africa, his administration would explore all other areas of possibilities for growth.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, said the 50 years anniversary presented a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of its founding fathers in the last 50 years and also to showcase to the world its rich cultural heritage and immense potentials waiting to be tapped by people with ideas and great vision.

    Ambode promised to pay greater attention to the growth of young entrepreneurs.

    He vowed to back up his pledge with an enabling environment and friendly policies that would enhance success of their business initiatives.

    He added that the future of Lagos State would be premised on mutual love, peaceful coexistence, greater economic prosperity, tourism, urban renewal and infrastructure projects that will complement its megacity status.

    “On our part, we are determined and committed to fully explore all the possibilities presented by this moment to lay a solid foundation to another glorious and prosperous 50 years. This golden jubilee, therefore, presents a unique opportunity for us not only to celebrate our achievements, but also showcase to the entire world the immense potentials waiting to be tapped in our dear state,’’ he said.

    He said the government was more than committed to further boost the state’s economy by building capacities of young entrepreneurs, especially in the areas of arts, culture, tourism, hospitality and other  businesses.

    Ambode urged the youths, especially young graduates, to take advantage of hospitality and friendly business environment to explore other areas of possibilities and  develop their entrepreneurial skills that would place them at vantage position in the on-going economic reforms of his administration.

    The governor also lauded the Director/Executive Producer of Wakaa the Musical, who is also the founder of the Terra Kulture, Mrs. Bolanle Austen–Peters, for her initiative, focus and business ingenuity.

    He noted that the actualisation of the beautiful edifice, which, according to him, was the first privately owned ultra-modern theatre in the country, was a reward for her selflessness, vision, courage, determination and belief in her abilities.

    Mrs. Austen-Peters said Wakaa The Musical was a compelling story of the travails young people go through after graduation in a bid to achieve their dreams.

    The collection of plays, according to her, explored the challenges and obstacles young graduates faced after leaving their colleges and the assurance for victory and success when they show commitment, brevity and tenacity in the face adversity.

    “Wakaa celebrates patriotism, honesty, diligence and the eventual success of excellence over mediocrity, greed and selfishness’’, she said.

    The celebrations will feature series of interesting activities and will climax on Saturday May 27 to commemorate the May 27, 1967 date of the creation of Lagos State.

  • Lagos: Perpetrators’ll be fished out, punished

    Lagos: Perpetrators’ll be fished out, punished

    The Lagos State Government yesterday commiserated with the families of four Police officers and an Army Captain who lost their lives in Ishawo area of Ikorodu after an ambush unleashed on them by suspected militants.

    The gallant officers were killed after successfully rescuing kidnapped victims kept in the riverine area by their abductors militants.

    Reacting in statement by its Information & Strategy Commissioner, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the government described the incident as unfortunate. It said the unfortunate development would only strengthen its resolve to eliminate crime and criminalities in the Centre of Excellence.

    The statement said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was deeply touched and condoled with the families and loved ones of the departed officers.

    It said: “The governor, however, assures the Police and general public of his support and commitment to rid the state of every form of militancy, kidnappings, and illegal waterfront shanties that harbour criminals.

    “Specifically, the State Government stressed that the unfortunate incident in Ishawo had further reinforced its resolve to go after criminal elements and their collaborators who are using coastal areas and illegal waterfront settlements as havens or escape routes to perpetrate evil and criminal activities.

    It vowed to bring to book every perpetrator directly or remotely linked to the Ishawo killings in the shortest possible time.

    “We wish to solicit the understanding and support of the public on the need to rid our waterways of illegal shanties that are not only an eyesore to our collective decency but have become a fertile ground for breeding illicit and illegal activities that constitute danger to the security and wellbeing of the larger public,” the government said.

  • ‘ISALE EKO’ is official stage play for Lagos at 50

    AS part of the events lined-up to mark its 50th anniversary, the Lagos State government has adopted Joseph Edgar’s stage play, ‘Isale Eko’ for showing.

    The acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture to Governor of Lagos Hon. Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola made this known during a visit to the ministry by the cast and crew of ‘Isale Eko’.

    Akinsola, who received the team in her office, stated that the endorsement and support from the state to this stage play, underpins the governor’s resolve to support the creative industry and position it as a revenue earner, not only for the state but also to the practitioners.

    “The Governor takes personal interest in creative industry, particularly theatre. He has overtime demonstrated his passion towards this industry and he would not stop until the industry takes it pride of place among other genres,” she said.

    Kainsola, who is also the Special Adviser to the state governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture added that, the ministry, through the governor’s support had supported several groups but none had deemed it fit to return to show appreciation.

    Joseph Edgar, the executive producer of the play, who is also an investment banker and columnist, said, the team was appreciative to the state government and pledged to take Lagos history to the world through theatre.

    Edgar said, “Isale Eko tells the story of Lagos in a unique way. It leans lightly on historical facts with a blend of romance, songs and comedy to give it a contemporary depth. It is a story that will drive into the audience a rash of emotions as they would cry at the seeming tragedy that befalls Akitoye a leading protagonist, laugh at the comedic turn of Madam Tinubu as she strategically plays a balancing act between the warring Akitoye and Kosoko ruling families and then get touched by the wonderful romance between the aggressive, yet soft Kosoko who finds the Bini damsel irresistible”.

  • He wants to use me for money rituals, Wife tells court

    He wants to use me for money rituals, Wife tells court

    A fashion designer, Bose Oguntoye, on Friday pleaded with an Agege Customary Court, Lagos, to end her five-year-old marriage, citing her husband’s fetish practices and threats to her life.

    “My husband is too money conscious and is desperate to make money at all costs.

    “I live in fear of the unknown because of all kinds of charms l see with him.

    “He also beats me up at any slightest opportunity, especially when he is not in a good mood, he visits his anger on me,’’ she told the court.

    Testifying before Mr Phillips Williams, the court President, she said there was no love lost between them again.

    “Sometime in April 2015, when l became pregnant with our second child, my husband placed a charm on me and l became sick and eventually ran mad.’’

    He took me to somewhere in Matogun, Ikorodu under the pretext of curing me and l was being fed with all sorts of assorted charms.

    The petitioner said that she is still alive today due to the intervention of her family members who came to take her away, when her health was deteriorating.

    “I was taken to Ikare in Ondo State where l spent five months, before l became hale and hearty again.’’

    Bose alleged that when she came back to her matrimonial home, her husband did not relent in his fetish ways.

    “He took me to a muslim cleric who gave me a substance and told me not to get close to my husband for sometime.

    “On getting home, my husband told me to move to my parent’s house, which l refused. This led to a series of misunderstandings between us.’’

    According to the petitioner, the respondent became confrontational with her.

    “He told me that he wants to be rich this year under any circumstances. l must build houses and buy cars’’ to which l replied “there is no problem with that, as long as you don’t use me for money rituals.’’

    Bose told the court that the respondent used force to collect her two children from her, under the guise of being a police officer.

    “They made me write a statement under duress, to release my children and they took them away from me, claiming that l was mentally unstable.’’

    “I had to run for my dear life when l realised he was making serious efforts to use me for money rituals.

    The respondent, Adewale Oguntoye, an indigene of Ondo State,  resident at No. 4, Oluyomi Olusesi St., Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, however, denied the allegations, but was ready for the dissolution of the marriage.

    According to the father of two, there has been a frosty relationship between him and his wife since she came up with the idea of going to another church.

    Adewale, a resident of No. 4, Oluyomi Olusesi St., Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, claimed that the petitioner had been keeping late nights and would not disclose her whereabouts.

    “She started misbehaving, keeping all sorts of friends and became disrespectful to me.’’

    Adewale said he suspected his wife was dating the pastor of the church she started attending, even after he vehemently disagreed and warned her not to continue, she remained adamant.

    He alleged that the pastor took the petitioner out on Valentine’s Day and bought her different gifts.

    The respondent described his wife as an adulterer.

    On the allegation of trying to use his wife for money rituals, the respondent denied, but the petitioner remained adamant.

    NAN reports that the court’s president later invited the estranged couple to his chambers for a possible resolution of the crisis.

  • Ikoli did not kill himself – Naval officers

    Ikoli did not kill himself – Naval officers

    The late Rear Adm. Daniel Ikoli, the Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command, Lagos, who was found dead at his Apapa residence on April 5, did not kill himself, contrary to some media reports.

    According to authoritative sources at the command, Ikoli may have been assassinated as he had no cause to kill himself.

    “Ikoli has been penciled down by the President as the next Chief of Naval Staff; he recently earned a special promotion to his present rank from Commodore.

    “He was on the panel probing arms deal which also affects the Armed Forces, including the Navy.

    “Ikoli was a disciplined, gentle, straightforward and honest man, who had no regard for protocol. It is nothing but a murder case,’’ a source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    The source also said that because of his performance as the Commander, NNS Beecroft, he was loved by all officers and the junior ones.

    He said:“Ikoli transformed the place by introducing smart I.D. cards and increasing special duty allowance from N4, 000 to N12, 000.

    “Everybody is aware that he was an introvert, but he made sure that things worked properly and he had respect for all and zero tolerance for corruption.

    “He really complimented President Buhari on his anti-corruption war and I think that was why he was appointed to serve on the arms deal probe panel.

    “His elevation as the next Chief of Naval Staff would have been announced if not for the president’s trip to London for medical checkup.’’

    Another officer, who said he worked with him, also told NAN that the late Ikoli was an easy going man who did not believe in bothering people.

    “At the close of work, he usually allows his aides to go home and stay with their families.

    “In most cases, he will be the one to open the gate of his residence for visitors using a remote control.

    “The officer would not have killed himself; it is pure case of assassination.

    “There is a mystery surrounding his death; for instance, the two ambulances they brought to take him to the mortuary refused to move.

    “It was when they brought his service car and transferred the body into it that they were able to take his corpse to the morgue,’’ he said. (NAN)