The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Offa

  • Offa robbery: IGP directs service of summons on Saraki

    *Court fixes Oct 3 for report of service

     

    The Inspector General of Police ( IGP ), Ibrahim Idris has directed that court summons and other processes issued by a court in Abuja in relation to a criminal complaint brought against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki be served on him.

    To this end, the IGP has detailed a unit within the Nigeria Police Force’s Legal Department, Force headquarters, Abuja to ensure the prompt delivery of the court processes on Saraki before the next date, October 3 this year.

    A lawyer, E. S. Marcus, disclosed this development on Monday at the resumed proceedings in a criminal complaint made against Saraki by an Abuja-based lawyer and rights activist, Oluwatosin Ojaomo, in relation to the ongoing investigation by the police into the April 5, 2018 bank robbery incident in Offa, Kwara State.

    In the complaint marked: CR/196/2018, filed under Section 89(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Ojaomo argued that Saraki’s alleged refusal to honour an invitation allegedly sent to him by the police, in relation to the Offa robbery investigation, amounted to the offences of “obstructing a criminal investigation and disobeying a public officer carrying out a lawful responsibility.”

    The judge handling the case at the Grade 1 Area Court, Aco Estate, Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Justice Abdullahi Garuba Ogbede had, on September 10 this year, ordered the issuance of summons on the IGP following Saraki’s absence in court when the case, in which he (Saraki) is listed as the sole defendant, was called.

    The judge had summoned the IGP to attend court on September 17 to show cause why Saraki was absent in court and what efforts he had made to ensure his appearance.

    On Monday, Marcus, who is Ojaomo’s lawyer, told the court that although the IGP and Saraki were absent in court, he was informed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, identified as Mahmoud that the IGP has directed a unit to ensure the delivery of all processes in relation to the case on Saraki.

    He said: “The defendant is not in court. At the last date, the court issued a witness summons on the IGP to come and show cause why the police failed to effect service of the criminal summons, warrant of arrest and other processes on the defendant.

    “The witness summons was served on the Nigeria Police Force by the court’s registry.

    “However, we received a call from DSP Mahmoud of the Legal Department of the Nigeria Police Force headquarters, that the matter has been assigned by the IGP to a particular unit of the NPF to effect the service of the summons on the defendant and arrest him.”

    Marcus urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable the police effect service of the processes on the defendant.

    Justice Ogbede acceded to Marcus’ request and adjourned the case to October 3.

    The criminal complaint by Ojaomo reads: “Criminal complaint brought pursuant to Section 89(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. Please, cause a summons for a direct criminal complaint on the defendant on the following terms:

    “That you, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on or about the 24th day of July 2018 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did refuse to honour the invitation of the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force to report at the police headquarters in FCT, Abuja to answer to an allegation involving the investigation of some criminal suspects involved in a case which the Nigeria Police Force is currently investigating, thereby obstructing a criminal investigation and disobeying a public officer carrying out a lawful responsibility .

    “You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 136 and 149 of the Penal Code Law. Whereas, the complainant is praying the court to charge the defendant accordingly.”

    Ordinarily, the service of the processes on Saraki ought to be effected by the complainant, but Marcus explained that when his client could not serve the defendant as ordered by the court, he applied, under Section 122 of the ACJA, to the IGP to help effect service on the defendant.

    He said the IGP was required, under the law, to either produce the defendant in court or attend court to explain why the defendant was absent, a position that informed the court’s September 10 order on the IGP.

  • Olofa wants more police personnel in Offa

    The Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi, has called for the deployment of more police personnel in Offa to strengthen security in the town.

    Gbadamosi made the appeal while receiving the Commissioner of Police in Kwara, Mr Aminu Saleh, during his courtesy visit to the palace on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner was at the Olofa’s palace as part of his tour of the Area Commander in Offa.

    Read Also: Job Creation: Obaseki assures Edo youths of preference

    The Olofa said the police personnel in Offa were not enough to protect the ever-increasing population in the town.

    “Offa is expanding everyday with different people from all parts of the world coming to settle down for business as well as education.

    “We need more officers and men of the police to maintain peace. You can’t compare Offa of ten years ago to the Offa of today. The population is growing faster.

    “Post your men here, we will give them accommodation in comfortable apartments,” he appealed to the Commissioner.

    Gbadamosi said the community had built 50 units of 2-bedroom flats in response to the Bank robbery incident of April 5.

    He added that a Guard house, Quarter guard and Armory were under construction and expected to be completed as soon as possible.

    “We hope to commence the building of Administrative block after Sallah celebration,” he said.

    According to the monarch, all these facilities are for the policemen posted to Offa.

    He also urged the commissioner to use his office to invite the Inspector-General of Police to commission the projects after their completion.

    The commissioner assured the monarch of proper security measures for Offa and neighboring towns.

    He described security as everybody’s business that should not be left for police alone, calling on the community to join hands with the Police to secure lives and property.

    He also advised the youths not to allow themselves to be used as thugs during the 2019 general elections in the state.

    “You should refrain from any form of crime during the elections. Make positive impact and build your future, ” he said.

    Saleh urged the Olofa to set up a team that would sensitise the youths to stay away from violence.

  • No religious crisis in Offa, Kwara monarch tells cleric

    The Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi has hailed the religious harmony in the ancient city. He added that the absence of religious crisis in Offa, Offa local government area of Kwara State is a result of non imposition of one religion over the others. Oba Gbadamosi said this in his palace when the newly consecrated Bishop of Saint Marks Cathedral, Offa Anglican Diocese, Rev. Solomon O. Akanbi visited him.

    The monarch congratulated the new Bishop for his recent transfer to the community and wished him a memorable stay in the ancient town. Earlier, scores of people witnessed the consecration ceremony, which took place at the Anglican Church headquarters in Offa. Speaking at his enthronement service, the new Bishop, who takes over from Rev. Akintunde Popoola, promised to transform the cathedral and give facelift to all churches in the diocese.

    Bishop Akanbi, who said that white collar jobs are no longer available, added that his plan include embarking on empowerment programme for the youth, as well as welfare package for the aged and visitation to them in their different homes. He also said that a new coaster bus would be purchased for the diocese to ease members’ mobility, among others. The cleric, who sought support, cooperation and understanding of members, said that such would enable him realise lofty ideals.

    The new bishop, who prayed for the monarch, his chiefs and the people of Offa, said that he would not relent in praying for peace, unity and development of Offa, Kwara State and the nation at large. He charged members of the church and Nigerians at large to give their life to Jesus Christ, saying that they should forsake all forms of sins to receive mercy of God.

  • Offa Poly suspends two students for alleged cultism

    Management of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Offa local government of Kwara state said it has suspended two students of the institution suspected to be cult members.

    The names of the students include Tajudeen Selim and Temitope Omotosho.

    The state police command had early in the week paraded some students of the polytechnic for alleged involvement in cult activities.

    Management added that before the students were paraded by the police, it reported the incidence of forceful initiation to security agencies based on the complaint lodged by the student who was forcefully initiated.

    In a statement, polytechnic spokesperson Olayinka Aroye said the police’s quick response and intervention was responsible for the arrest.

    Mr. Aroye said: “The two suspected students were suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the police investigation and further findings on the matter.

    Adewusi Vincent who was mentioned along with the two had ceased to be a student of the institution having been withdrawn from the Polytechnic since 2017 for poor performance.

    “The management wishes to state unequivocally that cases of cultism have been a thing of past in the institution as the new management under Dr. Lateef Ademola Olatunji had purged the institution of all forms of cultism, gangsterism and other anti social vices since he came on board as Rector in 2017.

    “Other offences such as examination malpractices, sexual harassment are also gross misconduct at the Polytechnic which attract outright expulsion from the institution. Students found culpable are equally handed over to the law enforcement agents for prosecution.

    “The management, through its directorate of students’ affairs has put a lot of measures in place to checkmate cultism with the introduction of the use of security form for newly admitted students; regular sensitization of students where they are admonished to steer clear of cultism, hooliganism and other forms of social menace.

    “And that they should be of good conduct everywhere they are in order to ensuring peaceful co-existence within and outside the polytechnic campuses and maintaining harmonious relationship with other colleagues and the host communities.

    Since then, the students union executives and other students have been well behaved and have not been found wanting both in character and
    learning.

    It is on record that the Polytechnic enjoys a serene atmosphere, peace and tranquility than ever before.

    “It was likely because of the institution’s zero tolerance for cultism and stern sanctions on offenders who contravene and breach the rule that led the suspects to have taken themselves outside Offa to perpetrate the acts.”

  • Invest oil money on infrastructure, poly urges FG

    Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara state, Dr Lateef Olatunji has urged the Federal Government to inject revenues from oil into infrastructure development of the country.

    Dr Olatunji, who is also a chartered accountant, added that a diversification of the economy would prevent economic crises caused by overdependence on oil and gas money.

    The rector said this in Offa during the 5th national conference organized by the polytechnic School of Business and Management Studies.

    The theme of the conference is ‘Management of the Nigerian economy for sustainable development in 21st century and beyond.’ Said he: “While oil and gas have continued to remain the mainstay of Nigerian economy, there is the need for the re-investment of oil revenues through diversification to prevent economic crises resulting from overdependence on the product.

    “The lesson is that, while oil and gas will continue to be critical to our revenue bases and national economy, Nigeria must diversify its economy away from overdependence on oil.

    Read Also: Plateau massacre: NANS condemns incessant killings, demands justice

    We must invest the revenues accrued from oil and gas into the infrastructure and human capital that will underpin future economic growth and development.

    We must keep in mind that oil and gas guarantee only today’s resources.”

    Dr Olatunji tasked academics to start proffering solutions the country’s economic challenges for the sake of the less privileged and
    downtrodden.

    “I wish to give a clarion call to our academics here present to start doing something to guarantee a sustainable economy.

    The nation requires your professional skills and expertise in the development of our society.

    “I therefore urge you to use this medium to brainstorm on practical and realistic ways of getting Nigeria out of its economic conundrums,” he added.

    Earlier, Dean of School of Business and Management Studies, Dr Nafiu Abdulrazaq said that other sectors of the Nigerian economy have continued to witness slow growth and development.

    He said: “The external current account deficit is widening as exports still remain slow, while imports of capital goods and energy have increased. Foreign reserves vulnerabilities are threatening as our fiscal consolidation has slowed, while deficit targets remain elusive.

    “Although the business and financial inclusion reforms have continued, financial losses of ailing public sector enterprises weigh on scarce resources, which are likely to be under pressure given the growing external risks.

    “Judging by the core objective of sustainable development particularly, that of eradicating poverty in all its forms, Nigeria has a complex and long journey to improve the lives of the over 180 million of its people most of who live in poverty conditions.”

  • Offa Robbery: Youth group demands whereabouts of gang leader

    Kwara state youths under the auspices of Concerned Kwara Youth Movement have asked the police to beam the search light of its investigation on the dismissed Police personnel, Micheal Adikwu who allegedly supplied arms for the Offa robbery attack, rather than ‘politicising’ the case.
    The youth group which queried the rationale behind not parading Adikwu alongside other gang leaders said, the soul of 33 people including pregnant woman and nine police officers must not be used to play politics hence the demand that  the suspects of the Offa robbery be treated as armed robbers and not political thugs.
    Concerned Kwara Youth Movement in a statement by its Coordinator, Salaudeen Lukman said, the police must stop politics and face the investigation with all honesty.
    According to the youth group, “our leadership once again sympathize with the victims of the ugly incident of April 5 in Offa Kwara state as well commend the state government and Nigeria police for their swift response in reinforcing the security network in Offa and Kwara state at large
    “The Nigeria police force is greatly commended for their rapid action in apprehending the suspect of April 5 deadly bank robbery in Offa Kwara state while calling on the force to ignore any form of tricks to politicize the case.
    “It is obvious that the suspect mentioning the senate president as their political god father in an attempt to draw political coloration to escape or extend their judgment day which the police must not fall for the trick as we want immediate prosecution and not media trial of innocent personality.
    “The linkage of Sen Saraki to the case is nothing but deliberate attempt to ridicule, malign and tarnish the hard earn image of the no 3 citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the person of Sen Abubakar Bukola Saraki, an action considered as revenge mission by IGP in retaliation to The Senate declaration of his personality unfit to hold any public office and Enemy of Democracy following his open rejection of senate invitation to answer questions regarding killings around the country and trick to divert attention from his recent poor presentation of speech leaked to media with caption ‘Transmission Transmission’.
    “We condemn in strong term the attempt to use the soul of 33 people including pregnant woman and 9 police officers to play politics on the alter of political vendetta hence demand the suspect be treated as armed robbers and not political thugs which invariably linking the senate president since they are all arrested in connection to ROBBERY and not POLITICAL THUGGERY.
    “We openly challenge the Nigeria police to give reason why the SUSPECT, fire arm supplier by name Micheal Adikwu, a dismissed police officer among the arrested suspects whom one of the gang leader mentioned as major supplier of ammunition is not publicly paraded and interrogated by journalist to give the details as to the source of the guns for the robbery which is key and imperative to get to the root of this evil in our society.
    “Nigeria police must stop the politics and face the investigation with all honesty except the suspicion of complexity is intact.
    “Senate President is a reputable citizen of kwara, two term governor, serving senator and the no 3 citizen of the country hence this allegation is obviously a politically motivated one to embarrass his Excellency which is not noble of Nigeria police force,” the group stated.

  • Offa monarch absolves Senate President 

    The Olofa of Offa, Kwara State, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi, has cautioned the police against sensationalism in the investigation of the April 5 robbery in the ancient town.

    The monarch also absolved Senate President Bukola Saraki of any complicity in the incident.

    Oba Gbadamosi, in a statement by his Principal Private Secretary, Dr Tajudeen Oloyede, said as far as Offa people are concerned, Saraki has taken Offa as his second home, supporting its development projects .

    He added:  ”The Offa people are well bred citizens of Nigeria and we are appreciative of people who have extended hands of fellowship to us.  Dr. Saraki is one of such persons and thus we hold him in high esteem.

    “When the Offa robbery happened, the Senate President was the first top public official to pay a visit to our town and right there in the palace in the glare of the High Chiefs and other well-meaning personalities, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki put a call to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, requesting him to make necessary security arrangement which our people had long been yearning for.

    “The Senate President also donated substantial money to help some of our people who were in distress as a result of the robbery and he also made substantial contribution towards the building of a new police station.

    “We wish to state that the Senate President is a former Governor of Kwara State and by the grace of God the number three citizen of this country, we will therefore not be a party to attempt to ridicule, embarrass, denigrate and disgrace him.  We know his antecedent, family and political beliefs.

    “We therefore call on the police to be alive to their responsibility and avoid unnecessary sensationalism in the handling of the investigation into the Offa robbery incident.  We will appreciate that this case is thoroughly investigated devoid of media trial and unnecessary and undue publicity.  Our interest remain in the law taking its course against those who unleashed mayhem and violence against our people in order to prevent recurrence of such crime in our society.”

    The statement reads: “The attention of Olofa’s Palace, Offa, the traditional domain of His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Ajagungbade I, the Olofa of Offa has been drawn to the claims made by the police at a press conference in Abuja on 3rd of June, 2018 where some of the suspects arrested in connection with the robbery incidents which occurred in our town in April implicated Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Senate President.  While we will not want to prejudice the investigation by the police on this case, the community will appreciate thoroughness to ensure equity and justice on the matter.

    •Some of the suspects

    “As far as we are concerned, Dr. Bukola Saraki has taken Offa as his second home and have been supportive of all our activities and development projects in the town.  The Senate President, always heeded to our call anytime we approach him on any issue concerning the progress and security of our ancient town.  The Offa people are well bred citizen of Nigeria and we are appreciative of people who have extended hands of fellowship to us.  Dr. Saraki is one such person and thus we hold him in high esteem.

    “When the Offa robbery incident happened, the Senate President was the first top public official to pay a visit to our town and right there in the Palace in the glare of the High Chiefs and other well-meaning personalities, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki put a call to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, requesting him to make necessary security arrangement which our people has long been yearning for.  The Senate President also donated substantial money to help some of our people who were in distress as a result of the robbery incident and he also made substantial contribution towards the building of a new police station.

    “We wish to state that the Senate President is a former Governor of Kwara State and by the grace of God the number three citizen of this country, we will therefore not be a party to attempt to ridicule, embarrass, denigrate and disgrace him.  We know his antecedent, family and political beliefs.

    “We therefore call on the police to be alive to their responsibility and avoid unnecessary sensationalism in the handling of the investigation into the Offa robbery incident.  We will appreciate that this case is thoroughly investigated devoid of media trial and unnecessary and undue publicity.  Our interest remain in the law taking its course against those who unleashed mayhem and violence against our people in order to prevent recurrence of such crime in our society.

    “Offa people will also advise the media both social and traditional mass media to be cautious and refrain from becoming instrument that can be used to tarnish the image of prominent Nigerians most especially the one targeted at the office and person of the Senate President.  We call on the media to also do a proper logical evaluation of any information passed on to them before going public with it.”

  • Offa robbery: I’m to respond in writing to the allegations within 48 hours – Saraki

    As a follow up to the allegation leveled against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, concerning his alleged involvement with the criminals who wrought mayhem on the people of Offa, Kwara state, the Nigerian Police Force in a letter to Saraki said he is no longer required to appear at any station, but to respond to the sundry allegations in writing within 48 hours.

    It can be recalled that the Police through its spokesman – Jimoh Moshood, yesterday said that Saraki was to report to the Force Intelligence Response Team office in Guzape, Abuja, to clear the air on the allegations against him.

    However, in a recent development, Saraki has informed the Nigerian public that he is no longer required to appear in person at the police station, but to respond to the allegations in writing within 48 hours.

    He made this known via his twitter handle a few hours ago:

    Following my earlier tweet, I have received the letter from @PoliceNG. They are no longer asking me to appear at any station, but to respond in writing to the allegations within 48 hours — which I plan to do.

    Whether his response will vindicate him and clear the air or become part of the undulating saga, is one that Nigerians, especially the people of Kwara state earnestly anticipate.

  • Offa robbery: Saraki will honour Police invitation-aide

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki has said that he would honour police invitation if officially invited.

    Saraki’s new media aide,  Olu Onemola disclosed this hours after the reported invitation by the police over allegations by suspects of the Offa bank robbery.

    Saraki said that he would honour police invitation as a law abiding citizen who has respect for the rule of law .

    Saraki’s media aide Twitted the statement on Olu W. Onemola @ OnemolaOlu on behalf of his principal.

    It said: “As someone that respects the rule of law and constituted authorities, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has read the story going around on social media and he will honour the invitation when served”.

    The Police had on Sunday afternoon in Abuja declared that Saraki should report to its  Force Intelligence Response Team office at Guzape, Abuja, for interrogation on alleged  relationship between him and five out of the 15 principal suspects arrested for Offa Banks Robbery on April .

    The statement by the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Jimoh Moshood,  said though the suspects did not say that Saraki sent them on the robbery mission , but made confessional statements indicting Saraki and the Executive Governor of Kwara State , Alhaji Abdulfattah Ahmed of encouragement in the act through periodic  empowerment.

  • Offa robbery: Plot concocted to embarrass me, says Saraki

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Sunday said that the plot to link him with the deadly Offa robbery incident was concocted by the police to embarrass him.

    Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, (Media and Publicity) Yusuph Olaniyonu, said that there was no way he could have been associated with armed robbery against his own people.

    He said that the plot to link him with the robbery attack was Inspector General of Police, Ibraham Idris’ attempt to get at him after the IGP refused to honour Senate invitation to answer questions on the spate of killings in the country.

    Saraki said in the statement entitled “Our response to claims by police”: “The attention of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been drawn to a story circulating online and apparently derived from a Press Conference addressed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moshood Jimoh, linking him (Saraki) to the Offa robbery.

    “Dr. Saraki will want the entire public to disregard this claim as a baseless allegation and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means.

    “”Let it be known that there is no way I could have been associated with armed robbery against my people. When the Offa robbery incident happened, I was the first top public official to pay a visit to the place and right there in the palace of the traditional ruler, I put a call through to this same Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the IGP, requesting him to make certain specific security arrangements as demanded by the people.

    “”Members of the public will remember that on May 16, 2018, I alerted the Senate about the information passed on to me by my State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, over a plot by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to frame me up by getting some suspected cultists arrested in Ilorin to implicate me.

    “It is believed that the timely leakage of the plot in that case aborted the use of the suspected cultists to implicate me. Now, it is the Offa bank robbery suspects that are about to be used.

    “”This plot is concocted to embarrass me and, in the mind of the IGP, it is his own response after his refusal to honour the invitation by the National Assembly, headed me, for him to come and offer explanations on the rampant killings and violence across the country.

    “”Like the earlier one, this frame-up will also fail as I hereby state categorically that I have no link with any band of criminals.

    “”As a person who has utmost respect for the rule of law and all constitutional institutions, when the invitation from the Police is formally extended to me, I will be ready to honour it without any delay.

    “”It is however sad that this abuse of the criminal investigation process aimed at intimidating and over-overawing the legislature, thereby obstructing it from doing its work, is a big threat to our democracy ,” the Senate President  stated.”