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Operatives from the Enugu State Police Command, in their ongoing battle against kidnapping, killed two suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout on Thursday.
The operatives also rescued one victim and recovered their weapons, according to a statement on Friday, by the Command's spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.
Ndukwe said, "On October 17, 2024, around 8pm, operatives from the Enugu State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response and Special Intervention Squads, raided a kidnappers' hideout in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, following a diligently gathered actionable intelligence.
"Upon the operatives' arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries."
He revealed a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate had been launched, noting that Enugu State would no longer be safe for the criminals and their collaborators.
He added, "A male victim, identified as the personal assistant (PA) to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27, 2024, in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed.
"During the operation, the police recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and one hundred and twenty-five rounds of live ammunition.
"Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had demanded a ransom of N40,000,000 for the release of the victim. The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu metropolis and its environs.
"Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them."
Ndukwe also disclosed that the buildings the criminals used for the criminal acts, including the present one, had been destroyed by the Enugu State government.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives' efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state.
He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts
Nigerians in the United Kingdom have been thrown into mourning following the death of a woman, Mrs Olubunmi Okeniyi, nearly a month after she relocated to the European country.
The woman, who relocated with her two children to join her husband, Jacob Okeniyi, reportedly died on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
A statement by the Nigerians in the UK on X claimed that Olubunmi arrived with her two children in Sunderland on September 16, 2024.
The tragedy brought to the fore concerns about the welfare of many Nigerians relocating to the UK.
Members of the Nigerian community in the UK decried the spate of deaths of fellow compatriots shortly after they landed in the European country.
Early this year, another Nigerian, Saheed Wahab, died a day after relocating to the UK for his master’s degree.
Similarly, an unnamed Nigerian man reportedly died of a heart attack after he slumped and died in Hull City, two months after joining his wife in the UK.
In the message announcing Mrs Okeniyi’s demise, the community sought financial support after setting up a GoFundMe account to assist with burial expenses.
“With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mrs Olubunmi Okeniyi, who tragically passed away on 13/10/24, at 4:30 pm in Sunderland, UK,” it wrote.
“Mrs Olubunmi, who arrived from Nigeria with her two sons on 16/09/24, is survived by her husband, Mr Jacob Okeniyi.
“We are urgently seeking donations to assist with her immediate burial, as her husband cannot afford the costs.
“Please support by donating through the link below.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, providing more information about the incident, an X user, Godwin Ejeh, said the deceased was 49 years old and died of breast cancer.
According to Ejeh, who posted a statement purportedly issued by the Chairman of the Nigerians in the Sunderland community, the victim was sick back in Nigeria before joining her family in the UK.
She reportedly started the treatment for cancer upon arrival, but doctors advised that she was unlikely to survive it and that palliative care should be commenced.
“But due to their status here, the above care had to be carried out at home with medical personnel visiting her at home to give her care,” Ejeh wrote.
On the day of her demise, Mrs Okeniyi reportedly called her husband that she wanted to urinate. He and the children helped her to the commode after caregivers visited their home to offer normal routine care and left.
“As she was passing urine, her countenance changed immediately and they assisted her back to the bed and quickly called back her caregivers, who were already on their way. They rushed back but unfortunately, Mrs Okeniyi gave up the ghost around 4:30pm,” Ejeh added.
Ejeh said as of 10pm on Wednesday, the victim’s husband confirmed that a total of £5,800 had been raised.
“GoFundMe as of this evening stood at £3,557,” he added.
The Senate has announced that the Federal Government is expected to submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) following President Bola Tinubu’s return from his current overseas trip.
The MTEF serves as a crucial legal framework that outlines the budgetary template for the nation and is typically submitted to the parliament ahead of the annual budget presentation by the President.
President Tinubu has been on a two-week vacation since October 2, initially travelling to the United Kingdom before continuing to France.
During his absence, the House of Representatives expressed concerns regarding the government’s delay in submitting the MTEF and the proposed 2025 budget, citing a violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
In a motion presented by Representative Clement Jimbo, lawmakers highlighted the absence of the 2025 Budget Estimates, stressing that the National Assembly is only two months away from the conclusion of the 2024 fiscal year.
They urged the President to adhere to Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which mandates the timely preparation and submission of the MTEF and budget estimates.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that although the executive has not yet provided a specific date for the submission of the MTEF document, there is optimism that ministries and agencies will begin the process promptly upon the President’s return.
Adaramodu also indicated that Tinubu is expected to present the 2025 budget in early November, which would provide a clearer picture of the government’s financial plans moving forward.
The reason President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not intervene to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has been revealed.
Bello, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was a member of the defunct Tinubu/Shettima campaign organization that worked for Tinubu’s election in 2023.
Despite claims from some that Bello was being targeted by the EFCC, the President has consistently emphasized that the commission must fulfill its legal mandate, while encouraging Nigerians to support its anti-corruption efforts.
A member of President Tinubu’s inner circle explained to Western Post that the President’s decision not to intervene stemmed from a desire to send a clear message that his administration would not tolerate corruption in public office, regardless of ethnic or political connections.
The EFCC, led by Ola Olukoyede, accused Bello of N110 billion fraud, after initially filing 19 charges against him, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu for alleged money laundering offenses totaling N80,246,470,088.88.
In updated charges dated September 25, the sum allegedly laundered increased to N110,446,470,89.00. Bello and his co-defendants were accused of purchasing 12 properties in Abuja with the laundered funds.
The defendants were also charged with criminal breach of trust over the same amount.
The EFCC declared Bello wanted, and the Nigerian Immigration Service placed him on a watchlist after attempts to arrest him and his repeated absence from court proceedings.
In September 2024, Bello’s Media Office claimed EFCC operatives attempted to arrest the former governor at the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro.
Following Bello’s visit to EFCC headquarters, his media director, Ohiare Michael, alleged the operatives were trying to forcefully arrest him.
Explaining why President Tinubu didn’t interfere, presidency sources said the President aimed to send a clear message to corrupt officials that such behavior would no longer be tolerated.
According to the sources, Tinubu is determined to break the pattern where political allies evade prosecution despite evidence of misusing public funds due to party affiliations.
“Tinubu’s decision to let the EFCC proceed with Bello’s prosecution demonstrates a shift towards a more unbiased approach to tackling corruption,” the source, who requested anonymity, told Western Post.
He added that the President won’t “allow selective prosecution of individuals based on political loyalties.”
“Tinubu did not intervene to stop the anti-graft agency from carrying out its duties, especially considering that Bello is a key member of the ruling All Progressives Congress because upon assuming office, he emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
“By allowing the EFCC to operate without interference, the President is sending a clear message that his government will not condone corrupt practices, irrespective of political affiliations or status,” the source added.
Another presidency official said Tinubu’s administration is committed to fighting corruption at all levels of government.
“Tinubu’s desire to uphold the independence and integrity of critical institutions like the EFCC was why he didn’t interfere. Don’t forget that the EFCC chairman had also confirmed in one of his public engagements that the President had never interfered in their operations.
“This autonomy is crucial in strengthening public trust in the nation’s institutions. As an anti-corruption body, Tinubu recognises that the EFCC must be empowered to act independently. So, stopping or interfering in the arrest of Bello could cast doubts on the administration’s anti-corruption fight,” the source added.
“By allowing the EFCC to pursue its mandate, the President is reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that his longstanding belief in democratic principles is upheld, even when dealing with close political allies.
“By not intervening in Bello’s arrest, Tinubu reinforces the idea that political office should not be a shield from legal scrutiny. The EFCC’s action against Bello can be seen as part of Tinubu’s broader effort to demonstrate that elected officials and public officeholders must be held accountable for their actions,” the source added.
The Labour Party presidential flagbearer during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has faulted the foreign trips embarked upon by both President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He said the trips, coming when the country is grappling with domestic challenges, were concerning.
The PUNCH reports that Tinubu departed for the United Kingdom on October 2, 2024, for a two-week working leave. He later left the UK for France on Friday, October 11, for “another important engagement,” his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, tweeted.
Meanwhile, Shettima left Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden on a two-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.
Justifying both trips, the Presidency on Wednesday said the absence of Tinubu and his deputy does not pose any vacuum in Nigeria’s leadership. It said the two principal officers are “fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while away.”
But reacting to the Presidency’s justification on Friday in a post on his X, Obi, who is also a former Anambra State governor, maintained that it was disturbing that Tinubu and his deputy weren’t in the country at a time when citizens need them most.
He wrote, “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa, there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media yesterday, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.
The President had told us he would only be gone for 14 days. The 14 days have passed now, and we are waiting to see him in the country. One would have expected him to return earlier than expected, considering the volume of work that needs to be done in a troubled nation like ours.
“The untold hardship that has been unleashed on our people as a result of some of his administration’s policies is unimaginable and we need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation.”
According to him, since the President is reportedly in Paris, France, which is just about 833 nautical miles from Stockholm, Sweden, one wonders why he did not just attend the 2-day working visit to Sweden.’
Obi added, “He could simply have done it on his way back from France with his new powerful jet, which would have taken him a little over 2 hours. This would have saved time and the very scarce national resources we need critically at this time.
“Instead, he delegated the Vice President, who needed to travel 3055 nautical miles, over nine hours, and (about 4 times the travel time from Paris) Abuja, Nigeria, to Stockholm, Sweden, to represent him at the event.
“It would take about 4 times the time and distance it takes to travel from Paris to Stockholm to travel from Abuja to Stockholm. This does not represent the kind of fiscal responsibility and common sense that is expected of leaders whose people are facing severe hunger and poverty.
“This is the time to show true and committed leadership to the people by making decisions that prioritize the well-being of the people and effective management of the nation’s scarce resources in alleviating the sufferings of the people.”
Meanwhile, the trips mark the second time both officers have been concurrently absent from the country since assuming office 17 months ago.
Between late April and early May 2024, while Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Shettima left Nigeria, first to Nairobi to attend the International Development Association Heads of State Summit.
After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. However, the VP cancelled his trip midway and returned to the country.
Tinubu returned to Abuja on 8 May.
NIPCO Gas Ltd management has attributed the explosion at its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, to the actions of unauthorized CNG technicians.
Recall that an explosion had occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, injuring about three persons.
But a statement by the management of NIPCO blamed the explosion on the activities of fake installers of CNG cylinders.
It said preliminary findings showed that the explosion occurred when the vehicle arrived at the station for CNG refueling.
The statement read, “Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle—later identified as a fake and fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG—exploded after filling with just around 4 SCM of gas. The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident.
“While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries. One person suffered a leg injury, and another sustained an eye injury. Both victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Based on the attending doctor’s recommendation, one of the individuals will require surgery at a different hospital.
“Our team is ensuring they receive the necessary care and treatment. The incidence has been reported at the local police station and the police has taken the custody of fake cylinder pieces and the car involved in the incident.
“This incident underscores the dangers of unauthorized CNG installations by unqualified technicians using non-compliant cylinders, which we have always campaigned against.
“We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence and reinforce our commitment to public safety across all operations.
“As a precautionary measure, the operations at the affected station are suspended to express our solidarity with those impacted by the incident.
“We remain resolute in our efforts to provide safe and reliable infrastructure for the growth of CNG as an alternative automotive fuel in Nigeria. We assure the public and our valued customers that safety remains paramount in all our operations.
“NIPCO Gas Ltd. will continue to uphold the highest industry standards to ensure the well-being of all stakeholders.
"Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Popular content creator Jadrolita alias Jarvis has revealed the shocking reason behind her sudden break from her iconic AI robot content.
The talented actress was previously criticized by trolls for allegedly abandoning her signature character to become Peller’s girlfriend.
In a heartfelt video confession, Jarvis shared the unsettling truth: a tumour in her jawline forced her to pause playing the robotic character. She revealed that she initially mistook the bulge for a dental issue until her doctor ran a diagnosis.
Jarvis disclosed that she underwent a procedure where doctors opened up her jaw to examine and determine the tumor’s nature. According to her, this procedure was to ascertain the type of surgery that would be carried out.
She avowed that if she were to come back to her signature AI content then it would be with swollen cheeks.
Jarvis went on to question the buzz surrounding her activities.
Recall that a few days ago, Jadrolita appears to have harkened to the voices of disgruntled fans who expressed disappointment in her for abandoning her original content.
Recall that an X user identified as @unkleayo voiced his discontent over the fact that Jarvis neglected her AI niche just to become ‘Iyawo Peller’ (Peller’s wife) flocking around him every time.
His observation was subsequently given a boost from other cybernauts who reasoned in the same direction.
Following this, Jarvis took to her Instagram page a few moments ago where she posted a video of herself dressed in her signature A.I attire for the first time in a long while.
She announced her return, stating that her human side was exploring wild and that’s why she hasn’t been available.
Jarvis appreciated her fans for missing her while promising an explosive comeback.
Sharing the video, she wrote:
“I’m coming for all of you ??”
In reaction to the clip, the comment section was filled with excitement from fans and a few others who warned her against trying to pleasing the public.
Watch the video below:
Media
I have a tumor in my jawline — TikTok influencer, Jarvis explains why she took a break from playing her famous character
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) October 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/HIQM9IwqPS
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that the average price of a 5kg cylinder of cooking gas rose from N6,430.02 in August to N6,699.63 in September 2024.
According to the report, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas increased by 4.89 percent on a month-on-month basis from N15,552.56 in August 2024 to N16,313.43 in September.
The average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 76.41 percent on a year-on-year basis from N9,247.40 recorded in September 2023 to N16,313.43 in September 2024.
The NBS disclosed this in its newly released “Cooking Gas Price Watch” report for September 2024, published on Friday in Abuja.
According to the report, the September price represented a 4.19 percent increase, compared to what it was in August.
The average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased on a year-on-year basis by 59.90 percent from N4,189.96 in September 2023 to N6,699.63 in September 2024.
Analysis by states revealed that Rivers State recorded the highest average price at N7,285.71, followed by Gombe State at N7,271.88, and Borno State at N7,089.72.
Kebbi recorded the lowest price at N5,950.00, followed by Kano and Benue at N6,133.33 and N6,143.52, respectively.
The North-East recorded the highest average retail price at N6,929.02 for 5 kg of cooking gas, followed by the South-East at N6,893.47.
“The North-West recorded the lowest average retail price at NN6,382.30,” the NBS said.
The report also showed that Rivers recorded the highest average retail price of N17,992.86, followed by Gombe at N17,942.86 and Zamfara at N17,475.00, while the lowest average price for 12.5kg of cooking gas was recorded in Adamawa at N13,983.33, followed by Nassarawa and Bauchi with N14,938.50 and N15,000.00, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the South-East recorded the highest average retail price of N16,957.29, followed by the South-West at N16,665.45.
The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N15,770.75.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price per litre of kerosene increased to N1,957.44 in September 2024 on a month-on-month basis.
The increase showed an increase of 5.97 percent, compared to the N1,847.59 recorded in August 2024.
According to the NBS National Kerosene Price Watch for September 2024 on a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose by 50.68 percent from N1,299.03 in September 2023.
The report’s state profile analysis indicated that Abuja had the highest average price for kerosene in August at N2,816.67 per litre, followed by Kaduna at N2,437.50 and Akwa Ibom at N2,411.11.
“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Bayelsa at N1,416.67, followed by Borno at N1,477.83 and Ekiti at N1,635.00.”
The NBS also analysed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N2,194.05, followed by the North-West at N2,092.92, adding that the South-East recorded the lowest average retail price per liter of kerosene at N1,718.89.
The average retail price per gallon of kerosene paid by consumers in September 2024 was N6,818.1, indicating an increase of 5.84 percent increase from N6,441.94 recorded in August 2024.
On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 55.69 percent from N4,379.31 in September 2023.
Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for kerosene at N8,400 per gallon, followed by Jigawa at N8,100 and Kebbi and Ogun at N8,000, while Nasarawa had the lowest at N5,250, with the North-West averaging the highest regional price at N7,809.52.
Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan has shared the reason the founder of Mavin Records, Michael Ajereh popularly known as Don Jazzy donated ₦100 million to his Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
The VeryDarkMan unveiled his NGO on Saturday.
The NGO is geared towards transforming public education in Nigeria through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative teaching methods, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
After the launch, he received more than ₦35 million in 24 hours from different sectors.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, VDM acknowledged the donation, explaining that Don Jazzy decided to support the critic’s initiative because it revolves around humanity.
“Let it be known that on the 16 October 2024, this man named Michael Collins Ajereh aka Don Jazzy donated 100 million to give public school kids advanced education with the aim to give them a good educational foundation.
“Let it be known that Don Jazzy gave money to someone named Martins Vincent Otse aka VeryDarkMan because he believes in his work for humanity,” he wrote.
VDM disclosed that they have only met once, adding that they did not interact for long during that moment.
“I and him met once, shook hands and that was it. We no even talk for 1 minute ooo, no be say he no my background or anything.”
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two 15-year-old junior secondary school students for their alleged involvement in a robbery at a mobile phone shop in Wunti Market, Bauchi Metropolis.
The incident, reported to the Police by the shop owner on October 1, involved the theft of numerous electronic items, including 100 mobile phones, 75 MP4 players, and various accessories.
A press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakili, indicates that the complaint prompted the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State, CP Auwal Muhammad to order a swift investigation led by the Operation Restore Peace (ORP) unit, under the direction of CSP Kim Albert.
The investigation led to the arrest of suspects, identified as Hamza Sadiq and Adamu Ahmadu, both JSS 3 students at Bakari Dukku Comprehensive Secondary School.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having managed to obtain the shop key from where it was stored for safekeeping, timed the shop owner’s departure for the village market, and repeatedly opened the shop door to steal from it during the day. The suspects sold the stolen items randomly at lower prices, ranging from N8,000 to N5,000.”
The police added that “The proceeds of the crime were used to purchase clothes, food, and a smartphone, which was later stolen from one of the suspects as well.”
The police recovered 21 mobile phones, 5 MP4 players, and additional items from the suspects.
Upon completion of the investigation, both individuals will be placed in a remand home for rehabilitation.
The Bauchi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating crime and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to local authorities
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Professor Iliyasu Usman, an Igbo man, has been appointed as the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque.
Usman delivered his first khutbah (sermon) today during the Jumm’at prayer, signifying an important occasion for the Muslim community in Nigeria.
This appointment has been widely celebrated, particularly among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), which regards it as a reflection of Usman’s dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership.
In a statement, SEMON commended the inclusivity demonstrated by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
SEMON highlighted that this appointment represents not only a personal achievement for Usman but also a sacred responsibility to guide the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah.
The organization expressed optimism that his leadership would strengthen the Igbo Muslim community and promote unity within the broader Nigerian Muslim populace.
The statement reads, “We, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”
He stated that the investigation conducted by the command revealed that the video depicting individuals, including vendors, accusing Anjorin-Lawal of theft was based on a misunderstanding of the facts.
“There was no case of stealing to start with; our investigation revealed that the seller of the goods gave the wrong account number. Out of the 10 digits the person was to provide, one digit was given wrongly and our investigation revealed that Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal did the transfer to the wrong account number.
“But when it turned out that it was a mistake of facts and that they called her a thief in error, Lizzy (Anjorin-Lawal) took the assault meted out against her up and after the suspects were arrested and the case had gone to court, for reasons best known to her, she said she was no longer interested in the case and the case was withdrawn,” Hundeyin told The PUNCH.
Hundeyin elaborated that the individuals who accused Anjorin-Lawal of theft acknowledged their error while providing their statements at the police station, clarifying that it was the seller who had provided her with incorrect account information.
“Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal transferred what she was supposed to transfer, which was about ₦90,000, into the wrong account that she was given and there was a receipt; when it was becoming too hot, she again transferred money to the correct account number they gave her.
“So, she did a double transfer just to avoid trouble, even though the mistake was not hers. So, I am confirming that the police investigation revealed that there was no stealing. Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal was not culpable of stealing as she did not engage in stealing according to our investigation,” the PPRO added.
Naija News understands that Anjorin had been accused of theft and assaulted by several traders during her visit to the market, an incident captured in a video that gained widespread attention online.
The actress has since debunked the accusation.
In February 2024, at least six traders were apprehended in connection with the assault.
These individuals were subsequently brought before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos Island Local Government, facing charges of assault and blackmail against Anjorin-Lawal during her attempt to purchase gold.
The accused—Qudus Jokogbola, Suru Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Simiat Morenike—were formally charged, while two additional suspects remain at large.
Prosecutor Sola Samuel informed the court that the six defendants, along with the two fugitives, conspired to commit the crime by forcibly pushing and dragging Anjorin-Lawal, resulting in significant bodily harm within Oba Akintoye Market in Lagos Island.
Samuel asserted that the defendants’ actions disrupted public order.
He indicated that the alleged offences violated Sections 411 and 413; 168(d) and 170(b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015, which carry corresponding penalties under the same legislation.
All defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
The defence attorney, Ade Oshodi, requested that the court grant bail under the most lenient conditions, emphasizing their status as traders.
In his decision, Magistrate A.A. Paul approved bail for each defendant in the amount of ₦200,000, requiring one surety per individual.
The sureties must be residents of Lagos and provide proof of tax payment.
The defendants were ordered to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until they fulfill their bail conditions.
![Ogun Govt Begins Teachers’ Recruitment [See Requirements]](/media/k2/items/cache/716c4d9e89a3e676c66db054634c9a2e_XS.jpg)
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s government of Ogun State has announced plans to hire an additional 1,000 educators to address current staffing shortages in state-owned schools.
The recruitment plan was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu.
The statement mentioned that applicants are required to have a minimum of a National Certificate in Education (NCE) or a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.A. (Edu)/B.Sc. (Ed)/B.Ed.) with a Second Class Lower in the appropriate subjects or courses.
Naija News reports that this recruitment effort is being managed by the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, working together with the State Teaching Service Commission, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board.
The Ogun State Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel is a unique program aimed at addressing staffing gaps in the state’s public elementary, middle, and technical schools.
“Those from other disciplines (different from education) must possess a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from reputable universities,” adding that “applicants to be considered for Technical Colleges will be expected to hold B.Sc. in Technical Education/B.Sc. in Engineering/B.Eng./HND in Engineering Fields.
“Interested applicants are to apply through the Ogun State Job Portal via www.teach.ogunstate.gov.ng between Wednesday, October 16, and Wednesday, November 6, 2024.”
According to the statement, successful applicants, referred to as TEACH Interns, will be assigned to Local Government Areas requiring their assistance and will be compensated with a monthly allowance for a period of two years.
Following this, they will undergo evaluations based on various criteria, including skill level, dedication to their responsibilities, timeliness, regard for established authority, and readiness to serve in any location assigned to them.
The 1,000 interns set to be hired represent the final group of 5,000 interns pledged by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Naija News understands that a portion of the initial 4,000 interns received job offers and now serve as full-time educators.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has authorized higher institutions of learning to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025.
The issue of the minimum age for admission to the nation’s tertiary institutions was discussed at the 2024 Policy Meeting, where it was decided that the minimum age for the 2024/25 academic session would be 16 years.
Muhammed Babaji, the Director of Admissions, stated in a press release on Thursday that candidates who meet the institution’s admission standards should not be denied admission by August 2025 solely based on age.
“The Board acknowledges that some institutions expect the 2024/2025 admission process to extend into July 2025.
“Without compromising standards or infringing on individual institutions’ admission policies, the Board has decided to allow any willing institution to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025.
“This is without prejudice to any institution that has set its own minimum age requirement of 16 years, which remains unchanged,” he said.
The statement also requested institutions to gather information from their Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) and submit a list of candidates who will turn 16 between January 1 and August 31, 2025, who are eligible for admission, within a week of the announcement.
He noted that this effort aims to ensure fairness, as those whose 2024 admissions extend until August 2025 should not be unduly favored.
The Board reiterated that any institution that insists on maintaining a minimum age of 16 years as of 2024 is free to do so.