The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Olarinde Famous-Cole

  • Burna Boy still on the run – Police

    Burna Boy still on the run – Police

    Nigeria Singer and Dancehall star Damini Ogulu a.k.a Burna Boy, is on the run over alleged robbery and battery.

    The Songwriter was alleged to have battered and robbed his fellow musician Mr 2Kay, at gun point in his hotel room at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, recently during the “Buckwyld N Breathless” concert

    The Lagos State Acting Police Commissioner Edgal Imohimi had on Monday declared reggae-dance –hall singer wanted.

    Imohimi at a news conference said that four armed robbers carried out the attack and detectives were able to arrest one of their girlfriend identified as ‘Matejero’.

    He said that during interrogation, the robbers confessed that they were hired by Burna boy through his manager, Joel Kantiock,  who was arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    They confessed to receiving a part payment of N50, 000 before the job and another N50, 000 was paid to the robbers directly by Burna Boy when the job was done.

    Burna Boy’s  record label Spaceship Entertainment on Tuesday issued a statement saying that the singer honoured the police invitation on Monday and he has been cooperating with the police.

    The police command however debunked the statement by his (Burna boy’s) management that he honoured their invitation on Monday.

    A statement released on Wednesday by police spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent (ASP) said “Burna Boy” is yet to report himself to the police and still on the run contrary to reports making rounds on the internet that the musician has honoured police Invitation.

    “The command would also like to inform the public that only Burna Boy’s father; one Samuel Ogulu visited the investigating Police Officer (IPO) in-charge of the case with the promise to bring Burna Boy before the police.

    “ The Command however uses this medium to urge Burna Boy’s father and relatives to do right by bringing the musician and turning him in to the law catches up with him.

    The command also assured that justice will be done.

  • Ikorodu Murder: Police warn Lagosians against staying in isolated areas

    Ikorodu Murder: Police warn Lagosians against staying in isolated areas

    The Lagos State Police Command has warned Lagos residents against living in isolated and unsafe areas where they might be vulnerable to attacks by hoodlums.

    The police spokesperson in Lagos, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said in a statement that the warning became necessary following the murder of four family members at Ibeshe, Ikorodu, at the weekend.

    “A murder incident was reported during the early hours of Sunday, July 30 where police operatives of the Lagos State Command responded to a distress call at Oke Ota, Ibeshe, Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

    “Mobilizing to the scene, police operatives found it extremely difficult to locate the house which was situated in a thick forest where it is remotely impossible for anybody to identify a dwelling house in the area.

    “Eventually arriving at the scene on foot, the house is just a room and parlour with one open window and no visible form of security.

    “There, a family of five was attacked and three died on the spot while one died while receiving treatment at the hospital.

    “The last member is alive and responding to treatment,’’ the police spokesperson said.

    He urged community leaders to identify persons staying in isolated areas which are no longer safe to come and report to the police.

    “This should be done in order to stop people from moving into unsecured area without proper social structures.

    “The command also wishes to inform members of the public to come forward with useful information to aid the police and not resort to jungle justice as investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.

  • Man kidnaps self, demands N60m from sibling

    Man kidnaps self, demands N60m from sibling

    The police in Lagos have arrested one Ufom Udoh for allegedly staging his kidnap in order to fleece his sibling.

    The incident occurred on July 3, at Liverpool, Apapa.

    It was gathered that one Victor Udoh, had reported at the police command that his younger brother was kidnapped by unknown persons.

    According to the command’s spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), the case was referred to the anti-kidnapping unit and they swung into action.

    He said the unit traced all calls the complainant got on his phone, adding that it led to the arrest of one Paul Okiemute, who reported the case at Udoh’s work place.

    Okiemute, upon questioning confessed that Udoh staged his own kidnap to collect money from his elder brother due to his financial problems.

    Famous-Cole said: “Udoh was not kidnapped. It was all planned. He staged his own kidnap so that his elder brother can pay ransom.”

    The suspect said he made calls to the victim’s elder brother with an unknown number demanding a ransom of N60 million.

    “Udoh was later picked up and he confessed to the crime. He said he had checked into a hotel at Iyana-Ipaja area on July 3, where he spent three nights without food and water.

    “The suspect said he later trekked to Ifo area in Ogun state, only to return to Lagos looking frail for his story to look convincing,” said Famous-Cole.

    Police spokesman said the Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, has directed that Udoh and his accomplice be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others likely to cause breach of peace.

  • Badoo: Outcry as Ikorodu vigilantes kill Comedian

    Badoo: Outcry as Ikorodu vigilantes kill Comedian

    …Another suspect lynched

     

    Nigerians on social media have condemned the killing of a Comedian, Paul Chinedu alias Mc Think Twice by the Vigilante Group of Ikorodu (Onyabo) who accused him of being a member of the ritual gang, Badoo.

    Chinedu was one of three men set ablaze around Sunday at Odogunyan after they were apprehended by the vigilantes along Oju-Emuren Street.

    According to residents, the suspect who were caught around 1am, were said to have told the vigilante members that they were going to tow a broken down vehicle, but their accusers were not convinced.

    The three men were lynched and burnt, while the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) they drove in was also set ablaze.

    Chinedu, who was said to be returning from a show, had a flat tyre and sought help from the other two victims.

    It was gathered that the trio rode in the SUV and were heading to the place the Comedian’s vehicle broke down before they were stopped.

    Not convinced by their response, the vigilantes called out residents and the victims were burnt alive.

    Chinedu’s friends, who learnt of his murder lamented the barbaric action, urging the police to arrest and prosecute the culprits.

    The deceased’s friend, Ifeoluwa Olaoye berated the vigilante group for resorting to jungle justice without investigation.

    According to her, Chinedu was billed to perform at ‘Salt the Album’ launch on July 22, but was killed as a result of unverified accusation.

    She said: “After receiving calls this morning that you were part of the people burnt to death by angry mob at Ikorodu, tears roll down my cheek! They mistook you for Badoo cultist, but you were just an entertainer/MC, moving from pillar to pillar to earn a living and make it to the top!

    “The angry mob never thought twice as your stage name implies (MC ThinkTwice). I still find hard it to believe that you are no more.

    “The political elites have failed us yet we still strive to make a living without indulging in criminal act. Each time you performed on stage, I saw the next Basketmouth, AliBaba, AY in you but the only thing the angry mob could see in you was Badoo cult and they cut your dream short.

    “So disheartening to see a fellow hustler, who worked hard in order  not to be a liability or nuisance to the society, going down in such a way. May God pay back those who have done this to you because I can’t imagine how your parents and family are feeling right now.”

    Coordinator, Ikorodu Ambassadors Group, Rasheed Fatuga also condemned the killing of suspects, urging residents to be law abiding.

    While acknowledging that security agencies have failed Ikorodu residents, Fatuga appealed to the people not to allow bitterness and the thirst for vengeance rob them of their humanity.

    He said: “Are we going to just fold our arms and do absolute nothing about the security challenges we are facing in Ikorodu? No, we cannot let that happen. But we cannot turn ourselves into killers and murderers like them. We cannot let them take away our humanity. We cannot let them fill our consciences with regret.

    “We cannot let them fill our minds with hatred and fill our dreams with darkness. Let us say no to setting people ablaze, beating people to death and use of tyres to burn people.

    “It is a crime. Let’s do the right thing by handing criminals to the police, and make sure we follow it up. We are role models. The International communities and our children are are watching us.”

    Matti Olawale noted that killing suspects would create a stalemate in investigation, calling oj residents to ensure that exhibits are kept intact so that investigators can unravel those behind the ritual gang.

    He said: “We are not doing the right thing by killing suspects. It would not bring an end to the devilish act. For instance, the SUV the suspects drove had a registration number. Why set it ablaze when further investigations could be conducted to establish the veracity of the allegation?

    While Nigerians were still mourning the comedian killed in error by the vigilantes, news of another jungle justice on another victim went viral.

    Meanwhile, Ikorodu residents Monday expressed their displeasure at the police over last weekend’s raid that saw the arrest of over 100 suspects.

    According to the residents, most of those arrested were innocent people going about their lawful businesses, just as they accused security agencies of shielding those behind the ritual killings.

    Contacted, the command’s spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) said screening has commenced, adding that those found wanting would be prosecuted.

    Asked if the police had arrested those behind Sunday’s jungle justice, Famous-Cole said no, adding that they were investigating.

    He said: “Screening has commenced.  A total of 138 suspects were raided. Those found to be innocent would be released but those who are suspected of criminality would be charged to court.

    “We have not arrested anyone in connection with the killings. Investigation is ongoing.”

  • Police arrest five armed robbers in Lagos

    Police arrest five armed robbers in Lagos

    Police in Lagos on Monday confirmed the arrest of five suspected armed robbers terrorising motorists in Victoria Island.

    The command said its operatives swooped on the suspects following a tip-off by three victims of the robbery attacks.

    “The occupants of the car were allegedly attacked by the suspects when their vehicle broke down on June 17.

    “They reported that while they were trying to get out, the suspects driving in a Toyota Camry car with a yet-to-be identified registration number stopped and five men came out and ordered them to lie down at gunpoint.

    “The suspects robbed them of their money, phones, wrist watches, gold earring, necklaces and other valuables.

    “As soon as we got the report, a team of policemen went to the scene and the five suspects were arrested, while the driver escaped with their arms,” a senior police officer said.

    However, five live cartridges and one expended cartridge were recovered from the suspects, the police said, adding that the suspects had confessed to the crime that they meet at Ijora-Badia, a Lagos slum, to plan their operations.

    Confirming the arrests, the Divisional Police Officer, Maroko, Isah Abdulmajid, said the ages of the suspects were between 20 and 29 years.

    Also, the spokesman of Lagos police command, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the arrests and said the suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, for further investigations.

    NAN

  • Policeman allegedly uses POS for extortion in viral video

    Policeman allegedly uses POS for extortion in viral video

    …The allegation is untrue, says spokesman

     

    A video of a policeman attached to Makinde Station in Mafoluku, Oshodi Wednesday went viral after he was alleged to have used a Point of Sale (POS) machine to extort motorists.

    The cop, whose identity was unascertained, was seen at Olowora Street interrogating a motorcyclist with a POS machine on his hands.

    But the command’s spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent (ASP) denied the allegation against the cop, insisting that the POS belonged to the motorcyclist’s passenger.

    Famous-Cole said the POS was brought out of a bag carried by the passenger during investigation and that when the policeman was convinced by the explanation and documents presented by the owner, he handed it back to him.

    Famous-Cole said: “The policeman stopped a motorcyclist for routine check and the ruder had a passenger carrying a bag. He then asked about the bag and its contents. The passenger said a POS machine and some documents were in it.

    “The policeman asked how he got the machine and the passenger said it belonged to the company he works with and he had documents to back it.

    “After that interaction, he returned the POS, the bag and the documents to the owner and they left.”

    In the 30 seconds video, the policeman was seen standing with two persons, identified as a bike rider and his passenger, with the object of focus being POS machine.

    The passenger was dressed in green and yellow traditional attire with a brown and white cap, while the bike rider wore a yellow and white T-shirt.

    As the transaction was going on, passers-by, especially school children, were seen watching them in bemusement.

    Social media users who queried what the policeman was doing with a POS, wondered if he owned a registered business or organisation.

     

  • Two held for N3.7m cameras theft

    Two held for N3.7m cameras theft

    The police in Lagos have arrested two suspects for allegedly stealing cameras worth N3.7 million.

    Famous Imemisi, a resident of Ikosi in Ketu and another man were arrested by policemen at the Ago, Okota Division.

    Armed with knife, Imemisi was said to have entered some shops along Ago Palace Way, Okota, attacked the occupants and carted away Canon Cameras.

    It was gathered that he tied up a female shop attendant in one of the outlets he went to steal, before carting away cameras and laptops.

    According to a victim, Jasper Ibeh, who said six cameras were recovered from Imemisi, told The Nation that the suspect entered his studio pretending to be a client.

    He said: “The guy (Imemisi) came to my studio pretending to a client. He met a photographer, while I went to meet another client. He played along like a client. But when he saw that no one was watching him, he attacked my photographer in the studio and they were dragging.

    “As they were struggling, electricity was restored and fortunately, my neighbour entered the studio to inform my boy that they have brought light so that he would turn off the generator.

    “It was my neighbour who saw him dragging with my boy and she also heard my boy screaming for help. When she saw it was robbery, she raised alarm and people gathered. That was how he was caught and taken to the police station.”

    According to Ibeh, the suspect initially denied the offence but when other victims he stole from identified him, he confessed and fingered his alleged accomplice.

    When the police conducted a search on the suspects, Ibeh said professional digital cameras belonging to photographers in Ago were found.

    Contacted, spokesman for the command, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) said the suspects have been charged to court.

  • No bomb explosion in Lagos – PPRO

    No bomb explosion in Lagos – PPRO

    The Lagos State Police Command, on Saturday advised members of the public to disregard false reports of a bomb blast in Oshodi area of Lagos.

    The spokesman of the command, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole said in a statement on Saturday that report of the purported blast in the social media was absolutely false.

    “We would like to allay the fears of the general public with regards to the falsehood being circulated on the social media in respect of security situation at Mafoluku-Oshodi and environs.

    “Oshodi is relatively calm and not boiling as being erroneously peddled. It is mischief and callousness to put people in fear.

    “Video footage being circulated to back the false information is that of the bomb incident around Banex Plaza, Abuja in 2014.

    “The Lagos State Police Command avail this opportunity to reassure members of the public that we will continue to work in partnership with the good people of Lagos and other Security Agencies to ensure safety and security of lives and properties.

    “Always remember to say something if you see something,” the statement added.

  • Outrage as Badoo kills man, wife, children in Ikorodu

    Outrage as Badoo kills man, wife, children in Ikorodu

    …leaves teenage daughter unconscious

    For the umpteenth time, suspected members of the Badoo gang struck at Ikorodu killing a man, his pregnant wife and two children.

    They were killed at the wee hours of Monday when their Letter N Junction, Radio Area, Erunwen residence in Ikorodu was invaded.

    One of the family members, said to be an SS3 student, who survived the attack, was said to be battling for her life at a specialist hospital (names withheld).

    She was found naked and unconscious on Tuesday morning with a black cloth around her head.

    It was gathered that the assailants used mortar and pestle to smash their victims’ heads.

    Condemning the killings, Coordinator, Ikorodu Ambassadors, Rasheed Fatuga said the Badoo issue must be addressed urgently.

    He decried the passive manner the issue has been handled, calling on the police, government, traditional and other institutions to act fast before it got out of hands.

    He said: “How long will this continue, what is their mission and purpose? Why kill families? What for? What gain? So sad!

    “A kitchen mortar is a device used to prepare ingredients or substances by crushing and grinding them. It is shocking and sad to see that Badoo gang hasn’t been neutralised.

    “What happens in a community where constituted authorities cannot provide security of lives and properties? What is the function of the Ikorodu Police Divisions when they cannot give us peace of mind?

    “What is the essence of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad patrolling Ikorodu 24/7 looking for only Yahoo-Boys up and down?

    “And where are the Ikorodu Youths, that are supposed to take the Badoo issue as their priority, talk about it on social media every time, forward the news to the Lagos State Government’s platforms, stand up against these negligible acts? They are nowhere to be found.

    “Instead, they are busy carrying posters of politicians on their heads, politicians/leaders that are responsible for all this suffering in the first place.

    “Kudos to the Vigilante Group of Ikorodu, they have been awesome, but they cannot do it all. They don’t have the resources. We need to re-orientate and equip them.

    “We use this opportunity to call on our community, religious and political leaders to neutralise this ugly situation as soon as possible.

    “Also we are calling on Ikorodu indigenes/ambassadors all over the world, muslim community, christian associations, traditional worshippers, market men, women and all mothers in Ikorodu to stand up now. Remember, POSTERITY is watching you all!”

    Continuing, Fatuga said the murderous gang usually explored easy access, houses without burglary proofs and isolated.

    He said: “The Badoo gang usually looks for easy access. They look for houses without burglary proofs, incomplete, areas where there are few houses, so that even when victims scream for help in distress, they get none.

    “It hasn’t been easy identifying and detecting the notorious gang because they don’t carry weapons on them when walking. They depend and use sharp objects and equipment that can hurt victims to do their damages.

    “Always challenge and report any suspicious person(s)/activities around your environment to your landlord or Community Development Association (CDA), then they can report to the necessary authorities.

    “If you notice any stranger(s) parading around your house/area, call on your neighbours, approach them politely, ask questions, then call on elders, landlord or CDA representatives to intervene and hinder necessary actions.”

    Contacted, the command’s spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent (ASP) said investigation was ongoing to arrest the culprits.

  • We’re still investigating Lagos students’ rape – Police

    The Lagos State Police Command on Monday said it had commenced investigation into the alleged rape of some secondary school students in Ikoyi area of the state.

    Spokesman for the command, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the police had visited the affected schools and interrogated their principals on the matter.

    “The matter is under investigation. We are gathering our information from all sources.

    “So far, all we have gathered is that there is this culture of final year students tearing their uniforms and some pouring water on themselves after their final exams.

    “We are not leaving any stone unturned and anyone found culpable will face the wrath of the law,’’ the police spokesman said.
    NAN recalls that one Michael Matthew had shared on social media how some final year students sexually assaulted their female counterparts on their last day in school at Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.