The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Precious Igbonwelundu

  • Oshodi serial pickpocket arrested

    Oshodi serial pickpocket arrested

    A serial jailbird, Sadeeq Wasiu, 18, alias Omo Eye has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) for allegedly snatching a phone.

    He was said to have snatched a mobile phone from an undergraduate at Oshodi Underbridge and was fleeing when the operatives caught him.

    Wasiu, said to be on the wanted list of the police, had allegedly masterminded four previous phones theft and two attempts to snatch bags from passersby.

    It was gathered that the suspect has been jailed seven times and each time he was released, he ended up committing another crime.

    Teenage WasiuDuring interrogation, Wasiu said he was released from Potoki Prison, Badagry in January.

    He said: “I was 15 years when I came to Lagos to work as a conductor in 2014. My parents were not aware I am in Lagos.

    “My popular name is Eye (bird). I steal phones from people at Oshodi. We were three in my group; Ahmed alias Oyi, Tombolo and I. We have stolen more than 45 phones as a group and I have stolen countless numbers of phones personally.

    “I used to sell the phones at Idi-Oro, Mushin. I sell the phone according to their make. I sell some N10,000 and N8,000. I have gone to jail seven times.

    “I sell Indian Hemp too. I buy it from Spider in Lagos Island and I resell in small raps to over 50 of my colleagues in Oshodi. I can buy N4,000 and resize into small wraps and sell for N8,000.”

    The command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmus, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed his arrest, adding that the suspect has been transferred to the Taskforce on Environment for further action.

  • Isheri kidnap: Police confirm suspect’s arrest 

    Isheri kidnap: Police confirm suspect’s arrest 

    The Nigeria Police have confirmed the arrest of one of the suspected kidnappers of Isheri North GRA landlord, Dr Dayo Adekoya.

    Force Headquarters spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) confirmed the suspect’s arrest on the telephone on Wednesday.

    Joseph Omoni, 38, was apprehended around 4:00 am on Tuesday, at Ogijo in Ogun State by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police’ (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

    Omoni, an Ondo State indigene, allegedly confessed to being among the gang that killed broadcaster Aisha Alli-Balogun Abiose and kidnapped nine persons including the deceased’s daughter.

    The suspect also confessed to being among those who invaded Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), adding that he got N2million as his share of the ransom paid.

    For the kidnap of Adekoya where three persons were killed and two others injured, Omoni, the police said confessed to getting N250,000 as his share of the ransom, adding that so many people partook in the loot.

    Omoni, it was gathered, took policemen to two houses he and another gang member called Chairman built at Century Village in Ogijo, from proceeds of kidnapping and they were sealed.

    In his confessional statement, Omoni said: “I got N250,000 from the ransom of the Isheri North estate secretary kidnap because the sum paid was too small, but for the Nigerian Turkish International College, I got N2 million. I was also involved in the kidnap at Ikorodu road where Aisha Balogun, a popular TV presenter was killed. We didn’t know her until we read in the papers that she was a presenter. I think that incident happened in December, I got about N1m from the ransom.

    “I cannot say what really happened during the estate secretary’s kidnap, but we exchanged fire while escaping with the man. We read in the papers that three security men were killed. Well, I cannot say that I regret everything. I was able to build houses with the money I got from the Nigerian Turkish school. I bought tiles, windows and other accessories to complete my house at Century village, in Ogijo community,” he said.

    It was learnt that the police were working hard to arrest other fleeing culprits, who are said to all be natives of Ondo State.

    Meanwhile, kidnappers of two guards and five Eliasa farm workers in Epe have demanded N50million for their release.

    Their demand was said to have been communicated to the farm manager through the mobile phone of one of the victims.

    Reacting to the kidnap in the area, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police  (AIG) in charge of Zone II, Kayode Aderanti assured the victims would be rescued alive.

    He said: “We are going to rescue the victims alive. We are doing everything to police that area because the major problem in that part of the state is its porosity.

    “We will police that area 24 hours daily and my advice to business owners, school operators in that area is that they should be security conscious and do their background check of anybody they want to employ.

    “We are also going to do our own job to see to the release of the victims without paying a dime to the abductors.”

  • Gambia: Jammeh was ready for war – Troop commander

    Gambia: Jammeh was ready for war – Troop commander

    The Nigerian Air Force’ (NAF) contingent to The Gambia yesterday disclosed that ousted ruler Yayha Jammeh was ready for war but for the intimidating air power deployed by the subregion.
    Leader of the contingent, Air Commodore Tajudeen Yusuf stated this in Lagos after the arrival of 77 airmen and 20 officers, who were among the over 200 personnel sent to country to deploy force and install the  country’s democratically elected President Adama Barrow.
    With the different NAF air lifts and aircrafts flying over, as well as that of other countries, The Gambian military were said to have downed their weapons for fear of retribution, given the small strength of their military power.
    They arrived in NAF 918 C-130 aircraft and two Alpha Jets at about 6:18pm and landed the 203 NAF Airlift Group.
    According to Yusuf, what they saw at the state house in The Gambia and Jammeh’s country home showed he was ready to die and even cause the death of innocent people.
    The contingent was received by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum, on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar.
    Yusuf said: “We conducted the operation with deterrence and diplomacy. When we gained access to the state house, from what we saw, Jammeh was prepared for war.
    “But for the airpower that we showed, as we were the first country to show up at The Gambia, he would not have stepped down.
    “For now, we have won the battle but it’s left for the political leaders to win the peace and stabilise the country. The forces we left there are to basically stabilise The Gambia and integrate their forces in the security arrangement.
    “They will continue to be there until stability is achieved and the ECOWAS leaders decide that all security forces of other nations stand down.”
    Asked if any casualty was recorded, Yusuf said no, adding that they have advised Barrow on how to sustain the peace and stability achieved in The Gambia.
    While receiving the contingent Abubakar said the NAF would have applied force if Jammeh hadn’t opted to back down, adding that they were prepared for it.
    He stated that the troops left behind would remain there to ensure stability, adding that others would arrive today.
    He said: “Prior to your departure, the CAS addressed and emplored you to represent Nigeria well. Thus, the discipline and professional conduct you all maintained was highly commendable and worthy of mention.
    “Also, your cooperation with sister services and other military forces of other ECOWAS countries is also commendable. We are glad that democratic order has been maintained in The Gambia and stability achieved through your efforts. You have proven to be good ambassadors of NAF and made Nigeria proud.
    “Note that the ability of NAF to provide Airpower at home and project same seamlessly in other countries is an achievement buoyed by the support of President Muhammadu Buhari.
    “Yes, we would have applied force to restore peace. We went with our fighting forces.”
    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” tag=”Gambia” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]
  • Photos: Nigeria’s military contingent to Gambia returns

    Photos: Nigeria’s military contingent to Gambia returns

    NGR Troop from Gambia

     

    NGR Troop from Gambia1

  • Lagos Police vows to stop Tuface’s planned protest

    Lagos Police vows to stop Tuface’s planned protest

    • Says criminals plan to hijack protest in Lagos
    The Lagos State Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni on Wednesday said he will not allow the planned protest against the Federal Government slated for February 5 to hold in the state.
    Popular musician, TuFace Idibia who joined the call for protest by some concerned Nigerians over the state of the nation, had used his social media platforms to appeal to his supporters to join the movement.
    But Owoseni, who had earlier stated that there was no official request from the protesters notifying security agencies of their plan, said Wednesday that intelligence report indicates that criminals might hijack the process.
    According to the police chief, the command wasn’t ready for that kind of demonstration and as such would not allow it to hold.Tuface-Idibia
    He said no matter how good an intention is, hoodlums would always find a way to harass, rob and attack innocent members of the public, who may wish to go about their Lawful duty.
    Owoseni said: “Information reaching us revealed that some hoodlums are planning to hijack the peaceful protest. And as such, we won’t allow it to hold in Lagos. We know that Tuface do not have the capacity to contain such a crowd and we will not fold our hands and watch while things go out of hand.”
    At a press conference held earlier in the week, Owoseni said: “The Civil Society had said that they do not need police permission to carry out any peaceful protest, but they should also be aware that there might be those who share an opposing view. This set of persons may want to disrupt the peaceful demonstration and would want to attack demonstrators.
    “This is why we advise individuals or group of persons who may wish to embark on civil demonstration to inform the police so that adequate security arrangement would be provided.”
  • Police arrest couple for murder

    Police arrest couple for murder

    The police in Lagos have arrested a man, Segun Irein and his wife, Sola, for allegedly beating another man to death.
    They arrested on Tuesday at Babs Lawal Avenue, Radio Eruwen, Ikorodu after the victim died in the hospital.
    A fight was said to have broken between both men before Segun’s wife joined her husband in beating the deceased identified as Idowu Sholaja.
    It was gathered that Sholaja became unconscious and was rushed to Ikorodu General Hospital, where he died.
    According to a source at the station, his body was deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy.
  • Rivers Police commissioner dies at 56

    Rivers Police commissioner dies at 56

    The Nigeria Police was on Tuesday thrown into mourning following the death of Rivers State Commissioner (CP), Francis Odesanya.
    Odesanya, 56, passed on at India’s Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad-Gujarat after a brief illness.
    The news of his death shocked both officers and other ranks because not many knew he was ill.
    Confirming his death, the Force Headquarters spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris commiserates with the officer’s family.
    He said: “With a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, IGP Ibrahim Idris, regrets to announce the demise of a serving Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, who passed on at the age of 56 years after a brief illness at Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad-Gujarat, India.Police Francis Odesanya
    “The late Commissioner of Police enlisted into the Force on February 1, 1986, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and rose through the rank. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations, as well as Finance and Administration before he was promoted and posted as Commissioner of Police Rivers State on July 20, 2016, a position he held until his sudden demise on January 31.
    “The IGP and his management team, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force wish to commiserate with the Odesanya family of Ikenne, Ogun State, the government and people of Ogun State on the demise of their illustrious son, CP. Francis Mobolaji Odesanya.
    “May his soul rest in perfect peace and may the good Lord grant his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
    “A condolence register has been opened at the reception of the Force Headquarters, Abuja and Rivers State Police Command headquarters, Port Harcourt for the personnel of the Force and members of the public. Burial arrangements will be announced after consultation with the family.”
  • Teachers allegedly defile  six-year-old pupil

    Teachers allegedly defile  six-year-old pupil

    Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force attached to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police  (AIG) Zone II X-Squad unit in Onikan, Lagos, have arrested two male teachers who allegedly defiled a six-year-old girl.
    Stanley Akanno and Olakunle Hassan were arrested after the victim confessed to her mother while she was caught practising oral sex on her brother.
    But the suspects denied the allegation.
    According to the victim’s mother, the minor had told her that her lesson teacher usually played pornographic films on their laptop for her to watch and after that, they would defile her.
    She said: “I noticed that my daughter was kissing her brother’s penis. I called her and asked where she learnt the behaviour and she told me that her lesson teacher plays erotic films on his laptop and forced her to watch it.
    “She added that the teacher will then defile her. We reported the case to the police and from the investigation, it showed that she was defiled.”
    Denying the allegation, Akanno said: “I am her lesson teacher but I did not defile her. Though she is loved by all in the school she is not the only one I give after school lessons to. They should find out from her home where she was discovered to be behaving such way. My God will vindicate me.”
    Parading the suspects, AIG Kayode Aderanti said they would soon be charged to court.
    He said: “On January 10, the Zone II ‘X’ Squad arrested one Stanley Akanno and one Olakunle Hassan both teachers in a private primary school at Amuwo Odofin area of the state for serially defiling their six-year-old female pupil for some months.
    “Investigation revealed that during extra moral classes, the teachers showed pornography on the laptop to the pupil and made her practice same on them. The pupil has been taken to a government hospital where it was medically ascertained that she had been deflowered.”

  • Turkish school: Police uncover kidnappers’ location, identities

    Turkish school: Police uncover kidnappers’ location, identities

    • Kidnappers’ families in Ondo, Delta, Edo contacted

    The police have discovered where the kidnappers who abducted 10 students and staff of the Nigerian Turkish International College are keeping their hostages, The Nation gathered on Tuesday.

    A top police source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the identities of the kidnappers had also been uncovered.

    The location, he added, was in the creeks, but detectives who were on the abductors’ trail could not on their own access the place for fear of endangering the captives.

    “We know the exact location in the creek where the children and members of staff are kept but we cannot storm the place because the lives of the children are in danger.

    “We would not make the mistake of attempting the creek because there is no how the kidnappers will not see us coming and they may end up killing their victims. We need the assistance of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian Army, who we think, have the wherewithal to penetrate the creek through the air,” he said.

    Another police source disclosed that the identities of the abductors were known.

    He said, “We have met with families and relatives of some of the kidnappers who are currently speaking with them. We have gone to Ondo, Delta and Edo States to consult with their families. I think the families are cooperating and are assisting us in talking to them.

    “But if this option fails, we will not have any other reason not to use our plan B, which we can’t disclose but will yield positive results. The identities are well known and they know we know them. But we are using wisdom for the sake of the innocent children.

    “We are not happy that they are playing with the lives of innocent children. They are taking the joke too far and the whole world is watching. The most annoying thing is that one of the students is a sickle cell anaemia patient and she is seriously sick at the moment.”

    Also, the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) yesterday urged the police to make a formal request for assistance in the rescue operation.
    NAF Director of Public Relations (DOPRI), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said: “This is not a problem. The police should go to the appropriate authorities and put their request forward to the Air Force. It is not an issue. They know the procedures.”

    Meanwhile, the school’s spokesperson, Cemal Yigit debunked insinuations that it had foreknowledge of the abduction.

    He said suggestions that the management of the school was not serious about security issues around the school were unfounded and that nobody warned the school authority before the kidnappers’ invasion.

    “No such information. It is false,  just rumors. Don’t give credit to such information. Like the victims, the school itself is a victim as well, so the security agencies are attending to the matter to the best of their capacities.”

    Gunmen stormed the school on Friday night and abducted 10 students and staff. They include a Turkish Mathematics teacher identified as Miss Deria; the House mistress, Miss Rashida Ibrahim and the cook identified as Miss Shekura.

    Others were female students, Rebecca Agu in Senior Secondary School (SSS) 2 Nwosu Teslie in Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, Zainab Olatubosun in JSS 2, Rodia Amina and Aderitan Alnad, both scholarship students of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB and two unnamed persons.

    It was learnt on Monday that the kidnappers had reduced their demand of N1.2 billion ransom to N750 million.

    Relatives of the Nigerian victims were requested to pay N50 million each while N200 million was demanded as ransom for that of the Turkish Mathematics teacher, Miss Deria.

  • 37 Boko Haram suspects arrested in Lagos

    37 Boko Haram suspects arrested in Lagos

    The Nigerian Army (NA) on Thursday said it has arrested 37 Boko Haram suspects in the past 15 months in Lagos area.

    Outgone General Officer Commanding  (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Isidore Edet stated this yesterday at the command’s headquarters in Lagos.

    Edet, who was redeployed as Commander, Infantry Corps, Jaji in Kaduna, handed over the flagship of 81 Division to Maj.Gen. Ebenezer Oyefolu, the new GOC.

    Addressing reporters after the event, Edet said his most challenging period as GOC was when three army personnel were kidnapped by militants at Ijedodo.

    He said: “As Boko Haram is being defeated in the northeast, the terrorists run to other parts of the country. We ensure they are arrested irrespective of where they run to. Lagos is not an exception, we have continued to arrest them and hand them over to the necessary agency. We have arrested over 37 of them from August last year when I took over to this month.

    “My most challenging moment here was when three of my intelligence operators on surveillance at Ijedodo were abducted by the militants and I had to work round the clock to ensure their rescue.

    “Tackling the challenges posed by the militants wasn’t so challenging because we had to work cooperatively and collaboratively to rout the vandals in Arepo axis. For the Festac axis, the work is still on.

    “Commanding 81 Division for me, was an honour. It is the dream of every Infantry officer to rise to command a division. It was an honour I didn’t take for granted. So, I would miss the cooperation and good working relations I had with my personnel.”

    In his remark, Oyefolu said he would try to maintain the peace his met on ground, pledging to provide good leadership and professionalism.

    He also said the army would as much as possible, support the police to contain activities of militancy and other armed crimes.