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Monday Elela, the father of a 14-year-old boy, Tope Elela, who was allegedly killed and buried has confessed that he killed and buried his son for always engaging in housebreaking, stealing, and other criminal activities.
Elela who lives in Ajowa Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State descibed the deceased son as the black sheep of the family among his seven children.
The father and his wife were alleged to have killed the Tope Elela following which they were arrested by police.
Speaking with journalists when being paraded by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi at the police headquarters in Akure, Elela disclosed that he buried the boy in a shallow grave under a banana tree behind his house after he gave up the ghost.
“I did not know that the boy would die when I beat him in the night after he escaped from the custody of the State Security Network codename Amotekun,” Elela said.
He added that he usually hand over the late son to Amotekun or vigilante groups whenever he was arrested for stealing or other criminal activities for punishment.
Elela, however noted that his wife took to her heels alongside other children when he got to know about his arrest.
“The deceased had escaped from Amotekun’s detention and was embarrassing the family as a result of criminal activities he engaged in. When he came back, we beat him and went to sleep. The following morning, his siblings discovered that he was dead and I decided to bury him under a banana tree,” he narrated.
Elela was paraded alongside 24 other suspects by the Commissioner of Police for various crimes including murder, cultism, house breaking and stealing.
The CP also paraded those who allegedly took part in the recent cult clashes that left five persons dead in Owo, Owo local government area of the state.
Among those paraded include one Olamide Ogunseyila, a 28 years old man who confessed to being a member of a cult group.
Also, Gbenga Bisi, a 25 years old wife of Steven Dada, also known as “Ogodo,” who is currently on the run was apprehended alongside Gbenga Esther, ‘F’, age 20 years at a hideout where the Police found a double-barrel, cut-to-size gun, two expended cartridges, and additional ammunition.
The CP named others as 61-year-old man, Ijarotimi Taye who was discovered with physical injuries around his body and could not give a satisfactory account of how he got the injuries, raising suspicions about his involvement in criminal activities.
CP Afolabi added that the duo of 30-year-old Bero Adeola, and Olabode Ojo (a.k.a Paw paw), who claimed that his brother’s wife and child were killed in the melee were arrested in their hideout in Akure.
“They both confessed to being cultists belonging to the Aye group and claimed it was the Eiye and Aiye groups that were fighting.
“The suspects claimed they left Owo because of the fight because they did not want to be part of it,” the police CP said.
He further added that Ijalade Olorunfemi, ‘m’, aged 42 years, and Ayodele Olayemi, ’m’, aged 20 years have also been implicated as cultists through ongoing investigations.
“The remaining suspects are currently undergoing thorough interrogation to ascertain their roles in the crisis while the Command is intensifying efforts to apprehend Steven Dada (alias “Ogodo”) and any other individual connected to these criminal activities,” the police commissioner said.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has charged troops to make a difference in the operations against insecurity in 2025.
The CDS charged them to intensify their efforts in combating criminals and to pursue and neutralise threats wherever they may hide.
Gen. Musa gave the directive during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration and award evening for soldiers, ratings, and airmen in Abuja on Sunday.
The CDS stated that there was a need for a more proactive approach in addressing security challenges across the country.
He said, “We are not where we want to be, but we’re heading there, and I can assure you that by working together, we shall overcome all acts of evil.
“Our task is to look for the bad guys and take them down. Is that clear? I’ve encouraged all our commanders, this year, we must make a great difference in all our operations. We must step out of the temple, look for the criminals wherever they enter, and go after them.”
General Musa said military work was no longer all about court martial but to also appreciate excelling officers.
“I choose to say thank you for the job you are doing. We appreciate every one of you. For us, anyone who has signed to put his life on the line for his nation deserves commendation, so we commend all of you.
“I want to tell you that we appreciate everything you are doing, all the sacrifice, leaving your families behind, staying in the trenches, doing so many wonderful things. Most times, we don’t tell you thank you enough, but this is one way of saying thank you and we appreciate you. And to whom much is given, and to tell you that we will do everything possible to ensure that we take care of you, we look after your welfare, that will make you work better.
“So, for those of you here, let me start from this end. So I say congratulations to all of you. We appreciate you. You know in our system, the more you do, the more we want. So this is just the beginning. This is the first time we’re doing this.
“We’re going to maintain this and ensure that every year we commend all those who have done. It is not only to punish people, anything little, to charge him 252 gold for Court Martial. But that if you equally do well, we should also commend you, just like we are commending them,” he stated.
For his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reinforced the importance of the military’s role in ensuring peace and stability.
He reminded troops of their oath to serve the nation with loyalty and resolve.
“We must not lose sight of the oath we took to be dutiful, faithful, and loyal servicemen and women,” Lagbaja said. “We must go wherever lawfully sent—by land, sea, or air. Therefore, we must remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, insurgency, secessionism, and other threats to our collective peace as Nigerians,” Oluyede said.
He also urged personnel to support the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, noting that their commitment was crucial to achieving national aspirations.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, assured personnel of the Navy’s commitment to their welfare and operational efficiency.
“We will continue to prioritise your welfare and provide the necessary equipment to tackle the challenges ahead,” Ogalla stated.
“The Nigerian Navy will also continue to rejig our operations by introducing new assets and improving surveillance capabilities. This will boost the morale of our gallant troops and make it easier for us to overcome the enemy,” he stated.
Ogalla added that the measures would enhance the military’s ability to neutralise threats and turn the tide against criminal elements.
Ibadan Stampede: Oyo Government Files 18-Count Manslaughter Charge Against Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat and school principal
AFOLABI
The Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count charge, including manslaughter, against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdullahi, Principal of Islamic High School, following the tragic stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children.
According to a source within the government, the charges were filed in connection with the deadly incident.
“The court will most likely grant bail on Monday, but the state government has filed an 18-count charge of manslaughter and similar offences against the defendants,” the source said.
At the Oyo State High Court on January 7, the defence team argued passionately for the release of the defendants on bail. They cited their cooperation with investigations and the fact that they posed no flight risk.
The defence lawyers also questioned the constitutionality of the defendants’ detention, describing it as a procedural irregularity.
They challenged the “holding charge” under which the accused were remanded, stating that it lacked recognition under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, led the prosecution team, opposing the bail applications.
Aikomo insisted that the accused had not provided sufficient justification for their release and dismissed claims of persecution by the state government as baseless.
“The gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims and their families necessitate the continued detention of the accused persons,” Aikomo argued.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice K.B. Olawoyin reserved his ruling on the bail applications until Monday, January 13, 2025.
The case centers on three defendants:
Naomi Silekunola: Former wife of the Ooni of Ife.
Oriyomi Hamzat: CEO of Agidigbo FM.
Fasasi Abdullahi: Principal of Islamic High School.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has claimed there is no credible evidence to support reports that 16 civilians were killed during an airstrike targeting insurgents in Tungar Kara, Maradun LGA of Zamfara state.
On Sunday, the NAF said the air strikes, conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma on January 10 was a “devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault” targeting banditry in the state.
However, reports had emerged from the community alleging that 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed during the operation.
In a report, Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region quoted intelligence sources as saying the vigilantes were misidentified as bandits after gunmen fled the area.
“So far, 16 dead bodies have been retrieved, but the total number of casualties is not yet clear,” the report noted.
NAF: OUR OPERATIONS BASED ON CREDIBLE INTEL
Following an enquiry by TheCable on Sunday, Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s director of public relations and information, denied the allegations, stating that the air force employs “every possible measure to prevent, minimise and mitigate harm to civilians in the conduct of operations”.
He added that the reports might be “emanating from terrorists and their sympathisers as a way of discrediting the military with propaganda, seeing they are now increasingly on the receiving end”.
Akinboyewa said there was no credible report of civilian casualties and that the airstrikes were based on reliable intelligence.
“Nevertheless, please remain assured that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations against bandits, terrorists and other similar threats are conducted based on credible, reliable intel drawn form multiple verifiable sources and subject to further confirmatory analysis,” he said.
“The air component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out the airstrikes in question to repel ongoing bandit attacks on villages in the area.
“As of date, we have not received any credible reports of civilian casualties being involved in this instance. As events unfold, members of the public would be kept informed as might become necessary.”
HISTORY OF CONTROVERSY
The incident is not the first time military air strikes have been accused of claiming civilian casualties.
On December 25, 2024, media reports indicated that air strikes targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group in Sokoto state mistakenly killed civilians in the Silame LGA of the state.
The military denied the allegations, with Abubakar Abdullahi, joint media coordinator for Operation Hadarin Daji, saying the strikes were based on thorough intelligence to ensure precision.
However, the Sokoto state government countered the military’s claims, stating that no fewer than 10 civilians were killed when fighter jets “mistakenly” bombed the village.
Muhammad Sifawa, secretary to the state government, announced N20 million and food relief for the victims’ families while assuring coverage of medical bills for the injured.
Two days later, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the deaths were caused by secondary explosions at a terrorist logistics base.
Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said, “When munitions hit a logistics base, secondary explosions can occur, causing unintended casualties.”
Vice-President Kashim Shettima later apologised to the affected families, describing the incident as “one of the rare but unfortunate consequences of counter-terrorism operations.”
Over the past decade, at least 19 military airstrikes in Nigeria have “mistakenly” hit civilians instead of the intended terrorist targets.
These incidents have claimed more than 400 lives, injured hundreds, and raised concerns over violations of humanitarian laws which requires minimal harm to civilians during armed conflict.
Armed bandits operating under the leadership of a notorious kingpin, Danisuhu, have reportedly imposed N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in Tsafe West LGA of Zamfara State.
The bandits also demanded for contributions like bags of soybeans while also threatening the residents with violence.
Giving a breakdown of the levy “per village,” security analyst, Zagazola Makama, said: ‘The targeted villages and their respective levies include:Gijinzama: ₦8.5M, Dakolo: ₦5M + 20 bags of soybeans, Gunja: ₦7M, Kauyen Kane: ₦5M, Kurar Mota: ₦6M, Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi: ₦2.5M, Kibari: ₦3M.
“Karda: ₦5M, Daga Ciki: ₦3M, Biya: ₦5M, Barebari: ₦6M, Kauyen Magaji: ₦7M, Kwaren Maisaje: ₦10M, Magazawa: ₦10M, Maciya: ₦5M, Unguwar Danhalima: ₦5M, Unguwar Rogo: ₦5M, Katanga: ₦5M, Magazu: ₦5M, Sungawa: ₦15M, Rakyabu: ₦15M, Yalwa: ₦2.7M, Tsageru: ₦5M, Gidan Anne: ₦7M, Kunchin Kalgo: ₦20M.”
Makama also reported that several residents of these villages have abandoned their homes, farmlands and livelihoods over the fear of violent reprisals for failing to meet the demands.
“The situation is dire.
“The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee,” Makama added.
Controversial Nigerian crossdresser, Okuneye Idris, widely recognized as Bobrisky, has made a heartfelt appeal to Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, urging him to pardon fellow entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington.
Recalls that Speed Darlington was taken into custody in October 2024 on charges of defamation and cyberstalking involving Burna Boy.
The artist was first apprehended in Lagos and subsequently moved to Abuja, where the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team held him in the Guzape district.
Following his release from police detention, he was re-arrested in November during a performance in Owerri, Imo State, shortly after his return to the country.
However, Bobrisky has appealed to Burna Boy to facilitate Speed Darlington’s release from prison.
In a series of posts shared on his Instagram story on Sunday, Bobrisky voiced his concerns regarding Speed Darlington’s well-being, imploring Burna Boy to extend forgiveness and suggesting that a 45-day prison sentence should be deemed sufficient punishment.
Bobrisky noted that none of those he is advocating for today supported him during his own difficulties.
Nevertheless, he stated that his compassionate nature compelled him to speak out regarding Speed Darlington’s situation.
Additionally, he encouraged fans to consistently provide honest feedback to their favourite celebrities whenever they overstep boundaries.
Bobrisky wrote, “I just want to mind my business this year and stay away from anything involving Nigerian celebrities, but my soft heart won’t stop me from thinking about many things.
“Please, Burna Boy, forgive Speed. Prison is not a nice place. I don’t think he has the money for the VIP section because it’s expensive.
“None of these people I’m using my platform to stand for did the same for me when it was my time. But you know what? Our hearts are different. I can’t stand seeing human beings hurt. I pray, Burna, please release him. Forty-five days in prison is enough punishment.”
He added, “Fans, learn how to tell your favourites the truth when they are crossing the line. You all were applauding Speed when he was saying unpleasant things. Now, none of you is in prison with him.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been accused of financial irregularities by the Auditor-General of the Federation, who claims that the company diverted ₦2.68 trillion and $9.77 million over the past four years.
These allegations come amid widespread criticism of the company’s financial practices, which have negatively impacted Nigeria’s financial standing.
An analysis of the Auditor-General’s annual reports from 2017 to 2021, as reviewed by Sunday PUNCH, revealed significant financial infractions.
In 2017, ₦1.33 trillion was reportedly diverted, followed by ₦681.02 billion in 2019, ₦151.12 billion (and $19.77 million) in 2020, and ₦514 billion in 2021. These infractions reportedly violated provisions of Nigeria’s Constitution and the 2009 Act of Financial Regulations.
The reports, submitted to the National Assembly, accuse the NNPCL of disregarding good corporate governance by failing to provide justification or responses to the Auditor-General’s findings within the review period.
Financial Infractions Highlighted
The NNPCL has faced criticism from organizations like the World Bank, which described it as lacking transparency in financial dealings.
The bank’s Nigeria Development Update for December 2023 noted that the company’s opaqueness extends to subsidy arrears and the impact of subsidy removal on national revenues.
Former Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido also criticized the NNPCL, calling it “the most opaque oil company in the world.”
The audit uncovered 14 financial infractions, including unauthorized deductions of ₦1.33 trillion from the federation account, discrepancies in transfers worth ₦663 billion, incomplete information on crude oil allocations, and failure to report crude oil losses. A breakdown of these issues year by year follows:
2017
The NNPCL deducted ₦1.33 trillion from a revenue of ₦2.41 trillion without authorization, leaving only ₦1.07 trillion in the federation account.
This violated Section 162 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that all federal revenue be paid into a special Federation Account.
2019
In 2019, the Auditor-General identified seven major financial irregularities totaling ₦681.02 billion. The NNPCL reportedly remitted ₦519.92 billion out of ₦1.27 trillion accrued through the National Petroleum Investment Management Services.
Other issues included discrepancies in crude oil allocation data and deductions of $1.278 billion from joint venture royalties without justification.
2020
The Auditor-General flagged ₦151.12 billion in unauthorized deductions during the 2020 financial year. The deductions, allegedly for priority projects and handling costs, lacked evidence of approval or project details.
2021
A review of NNPCL’s SAP payment records revealed that ₦343.64 billion was deducted as operational costs from crude oil sales, with no breakdown provided.
Additionally, ₦50 billion meant for the federation account was reportedly unremitted. Deductions of ₦82.95 billion for refinery rehabilitation were also made without authorization.
Other anomalies included the misreporting of ₦3.75 billion from petrol sales and the diversion of ₦83.66 billion in miscellaneous income into a sinking fund account instead of the federation account, forcing the government to resort to borrowing.
The Auditor-General’s findings highlight significant internal control weaknesses within the NNPCL, raising concerns over the company’s financial management and its implications for the Nigerian economy.
The youth wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has named the son of President Bola Tinubu, Mr Seyi Tinubu, as the Young Person of the Year 2024, saying his contributions to improving the welfare of others and making life meaningful to the less privileged are remarkable.
In a statement by its national youth leader, Dr Dayo Israel, the APC youth wing stated that the philanthropic gestures of Seyi stand him out and qualified him for the award.
According to Israel, when disaster struck Borno State last year, it drew widespread attention and support from Nigeria’s top philanthropists and leaders from captains of industries to political figures, and the city of Maiduguri became a rallying point for collective action.
He said among those that responded, one name stood out for his quiet determination and thoughtful approach and that was Seyi Tinubu.
“Mobilising his network, Seyi brought tangible relief to displaced families, offering both financial assistance and essential supplies. His efforts went beyond charity, embodying a sense of duty and empathy. This was not an isolated act but part of a larger pattern of contributions that began long before his father assumed the presidency.
“I have seen firsthand, Seyi’s consistent and impactful contributions to humanity over the years. Even before his father ascended to the lofty position of Commander-in-Chief, he demonstrated a deep commitment to social good.
“One example is his endless support for monthly food interventions in Lagos communities through FoodClique, which operated in my neighbourhood in Ebute Metta under the leadership of the late Bolajoko. His quiet but effective support has always been a source of inspiration to many,” he said.
Israel noted that Seyi Tinubu has consistently shown a commitment to addressing pressing social needs, often preferring action over docility.
2027: Don’t Tamper With Rotational Presidency, South Must Complete Eight Years In Power – Laolu Akande
AFOLABI
The former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, has asserted that the concept of a rotational presidency is now firmly established in Nigeria.
He emphasized that it would be challenging and an anomaly to reverse the trend of a Southern presidency in 2027.
Akande made these remarks while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.
He characterized discussions regarding political alliances and efforts to shift power back to the North in 2027 as trivial, indicating that such strategies are unlikely to succeed.
Regarding the potential for opposition parties to unite against the ruling APC in 2027, Akande expressed skepticism, suggesting that such mergers would not effectively address the nation’s challenges.
“I think it is just child’s play to terminate Southern presidency in 2027. Nigeria has gone past that.
“The South is going to get its eight years. The North will get the next eight years.
“Politicians are just going to make noise. It is not going to be possible, really, to terminate the Southern term.
“Rotational presidency has come to stay in Nigeria. There is a national consensus around the idea of a rotational presidency between the South and the North.
“Anybody trying to reverse that is just joking. It’s not going to work. All of these political mergers are not going to solve the problems of Nigeria.
“In 2014, there was a merger that led to the APC. There were a lot of expectations in this country. APC carried the national wave. Nine years after, where are we?
“We are nowhere different from where we were then because the core issues have been left unaddressed. So all of these mergers, even if they (proponents) succeed, what is going to happen is that they will just change the characters of people in the Government House.
“We need to understand that there are fundamental problems that have to be sorted out, and we cannot leave it to politicians,” Akande said.
He urged Nigerians to come together in the face of shared challenges, emphasizing that it is the politicians who are reaping the rewards of the current system.
He stated that, in preparation for the 2027 elections, Nigerians should engage in conversations focused on achieving a national consensus regarding the rule of law, combating poverty and corruption, addressing local government autonomy, restructuring, and constitutional matters.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has criticized Apple for what he described as arbitrary rules and a lack of groundbreaking innovation.
The Facebook founder disclosed this on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast expressing his frustration with Apple’s practices, particularly its approach to device compatibility and its developer ecosystem.
Zuckerberg acknowledged Apple’s initial impact on the tech industry, particularly with the invention of the iPhone.
However, he argued that the company has since failed to deliver significant innovations.
“On the one hand, [the iPhone has] been great, because now pretty much everyone in the world has a phone, and that’s kind of what enables pretty amazing things.
But on the other hand, like you’re saying, they have used that platform to put in place a lot of rules that I think feel arbitrary and feel like they haven’t really invented anything great in a while.
It’s like Steve Jobs invented the iPhone and now they’re just kind of sitting on it 20 years later,” Zuckerberg said.
He also noted that iPhone sales are struggling due to slower consumer upgrades, as newer models offer minimal improvements over their predecessors.
“I think year over year, I’m not even sure they’re selling more iPhones at this point. I think the sales might actually be declining. Part of it is that each generation doesn’t actually get that much better,” he stated.
Criticism of Apple’s business practices
Zuckerberg accused Apple of profiting by imposing a “30% tax on developers” and restricting third-party device compatibility.
“So how are they making more money as a company? Well, they do it by basically, like, squeezing people, and, like you’re saying, having this 30% tax on developers by getting you to buy more peripherals and things that plug into it,” he said.
- He specifically criticized Apple for limiting connectivity with third-party products.
“You know, they build stuff like Air Pods, which are cool, but they’ve just thoroughly hamstrung the ability for anyone else to build something that can connect to the iPhone in the same way,” Zuckerberg added.
Privacy and security debate
He disclosed that Apple always defended its restrictive policies by citing consumer privacy and security concerns.
“There are a lot of other companies in the world that would be able to build a very good earbud. But Apple has a specific protocol that they’ve built into the iPhone that allows AirPods to basically connect to it. And it’s just much more seamless because they’ve enabled that, but they don’t let anyone else use the protocol.
If they did, there would probably be much better competitors to AirPods out there. And whenever you push on this, they get super touchy. And they basically wrap their defense of it in, well, if we let other companies plug into our thing, then that would violate people’s privacy and security,” he said
Zuckerberg, however, dismissed this justification, arguing that Apple could address these issues through better protocols.
“It’s insecure because you didn’t build any security into it. And then now you’re using that as a justification for why only your product can connect easily,” he said.
Ray-Ban glasses integration hurdles
Mark highlighted the challenges Meta faced in integrating its Ray-Ban Metaglasses with Apple devices.
“We basically asked them for the Ray-Ban Metaglasses that we built. Can we basically use the protocol that you use for AirPod and some of these other things to just make it so we can as easily connect? So it’s not like a pain in the ass for people who want to use this.
I think one of the protocols that they’ve used, that they built, they basically didn’t encrypt it, so it’s like plain text. And they’re like, well, we can’t have you plug into it because it would be insecure. It’s like it’s insecure because you didn’t build any security into it.
And then now you’re using that as a justification for why only your product can connect in an easy way. It’s like the whole thing is kind of wild,” Zuckerberg said.
He further claimed that removing Apple’s “random rules” would significantly benefit Meta’s business.
“If Apple stopped applying its ‘random rules,’ Meta’s profit would double,” Zuckerberg asserted.
[Nairametrics]
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Naija News that the Joint Committee said the proposed ₦9 billion capital budget for the mining sector in the 2025 budget was too poor.
They stated that the allocation was drastically short of the investment required to position solid minerals as the cornerstone of economic diversification.
The Ministry had proposed a capital budget expenditure of ₦531 billion, but it was cut down to ₦9 billion.
The Chairman of the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, expressed the committee’s displeasure with the proposed allocation.
Sampson stressed that without substantial investments in exploration and other critical areas, the potential of solid minerals to drive the transition to green energy would remain unrealized.
In the same vein, the Co-chairman and House Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals, Gaza Gbefwi condemned the reduction of the proposed ₦531 billion 2025 capital expenditure proposal to N9 billion.
He described the reduction as a disservice to the sector. He highlighted that the solid mineral sector was crucial for generating revenue beyond oil.
“As a House, we will not allow the future of generations to be compromised because of misplaced priorities. We, as elected representatives, understand the urgent need to diversify our economy, and no sector holds more promise in this regard than solid minerals. If we miss this opportunity to invest today, future generations will not forgive us,” Gbefwi said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said his ministry has performed efficiently in line with President Bola Tinubu’s policy of diversification of the economy.
He highlighted attracting foreign investors and surpassing projected revenue for the ministry as an achievement of his administration.
Alake decried the reduction, stating it was unacceptable. He sought the Committee’s help in reviewing the budget for the ministry.
“We have not only succeeded in attracting global attention to Nigeria’s mining sector, but we have also seen an increase in revenue, despite receiving only 18% of our 2024 capital budget. In our budget proposals for 2025, we estimated over ₦531 billion for capital expenditure but was allocated a mere ₦9 billion.
“This is unacceptable, as it will hinder any significant investment in exploration, which is crucial for generating the geo-data that will attract major players. We seek the support of the National Assembly for a radical upward review of the budget,” he stated.
In a unanimous voice vote, Chairman of the Joint Committee, Sampson, announced the committee’s resolution to reject the proposed 2025 budgetary estimates, suspend further screening of the ministry’s budget, and invite the Ministers of Budget and National Planning, as well as Finance, to make a case for an upward review of the mining sector’s budget allocation to ensure the nation fully maximizes the potential of its mineral resources.
[NaijaNews]
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested seven suspects for allegedly killing two uber drivers in the Lekki and Ajah areas of the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olarenwaju Ishola, confirmed this on Saturday while briefing newsmen on the recent achievements recorded by the command.
He said that the police arrested a four-gang and a three-gang syndicate for allegedly killing two drivers in separate incidents.
Ishola said that the police apprehended a four-gang syndicate: Emeka Akwara, 19; David Segun, 21; Samuel Ariori, 21; and Lukman Ariori, 19, who murdered a Uber driver.
“On Jan. 9, the suspects ordered for an Uber at Chevron in the Lekki area – en-route Obalende. On getting to Obalende in a lonely area, they robbed and killed the driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck, unfortunately they were unable to snatch the vehicle.
“With the intervention of good Samaritan and passerby, two suspects were immediately apprehended and handed over to police and further investigation led to the arrest of other two fleeing suspects.
“The deceased corpse was deposited in the Morgue at Mainland Hospital Yaba and a Toyota Camry Big Daddy. AGL 650 HN and Knives were recovered from them, ” he said.
According to him, investigation is ongoing.
In the same vein, CP Ishola said that on Sept. 12. another three-man syndicate: Edmond Julius, 34; Abdullahi Umar, 32; and Saturday Oke, 40, was arrested for killing another Uber driver, Oluwaseyi Fowler.
“Arrested suspects confessed that they kidnapped the driver at Ajah area of Lagos, murdered and robbed him of his Toyota camry.
“They sold the robbed Toyota camry car to their criminal receiver. They led the police to recover the decomposed body of the deceased and said Toyota Camry, ” he said.
According to the police boss, the suspects have been charged to court.
He advised drivers involved in uber, taxify, Lag ride and others to be wary of their passengers.
“If possible do not carry more than one passenger at a time and insist such a fellow is searched and make him sit at the front with you.
“This is just the third of its kind reported or detected in three months. We don’t know how many that have happened, ” he said.
According to him, the command is going to summon all drivers in such activities to give them some security tips for precautionary measures.
(NAN)
The Nigerian Air Force airstrikes on Saturday mistakenly hit operatives of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard, ZSCPG, vigilantes, and some residents of Tungar Kara community in Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, following a raid by bandits in the area.
DAILY POST gathered that the incident, which claimed at least 20 lives, occurred shortly after the bandits fled the scene.
It was also learnt that local vigilantes and residents, who had mobilized to defend their community, were caught in the strike. So far, 16 bodies have been retrieved, with the final death toll still uncertain as rescue efforts continue.
The airstrike, intended to target the fleeing bandits, instead devastated the community, leaving behind a trail of grief and unanswered questions.
Residents of Tungar Kara are now calling for an investigation into the tragic error and for support to be provided to the affected families.
The military authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but the tragedy underscores the challenges of combating insecurity in Zamfara State.
[DailyPost]
Nigeria’s military personnel are now expressly prohibited from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other acts deemed contrary to the ethics of the armed forces.
The personnel are equally barred from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness on or off duty.
This directive is contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024.
A copy of the document obtained by our correspondent on Saturday partly read, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.
“He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.
“An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty.”
The condition of service also forbids the involvement of officers in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.
“An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier/rating/airman/airwoman, fellow officer’s or soldier’s/rating’s/airmen’s/air women’s spouse, “ it stated.
The military personnel are obligated to pay financial dues, including vehicle licenses and insurance on time, while they are prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties.
“An officer shall pay all just financial obligations in a proper and timely manner, especially those imposed by law and mutual contract. It is a very serious offence for an officer to be apprehended for failure to license or insure his vehicle, and other legal financial obligations. In the same vein, the issuance of a dud cheque constitutes an offence.
The document read further, “An officer shall not hold membership of any secret society or political party. He shall not participate, in any way, in activities concerned with such societies or parties even in observatory capacities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, since cultural or purely traditional religious societies are not normally secret by membership or in the conduct of their affairs, they are ipso-facto excluded from belonging to secret societies.”
Having a private business, and misuse of government property for personal gain are also prohibited for serving personnel.
“An officer shall not engage in private business. He shall not use or be allowed to use government property, his name, position and connection in any way with commercial enterprises outside employment or activity with or without compensation, which interfere or has the tendency of interfering with his official duty or which may be reasonably expected to bring discredit to the Service.
“An officer shall not accept gifts, favours, entertainments, etc, from officers junior to him in rank or from soldiers/ratings/airmen/airwomen,” the condition of service added.
The punishments or disciplinary measures against any personnel who violate the rules were, however, not stated.
[Punch]