LASTMA To Arraign Impersonators Accused Of Extorting Motorists, Earning N250K Weekly From Impounded Vehicles
AdminThe Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has said it will arraign an alleged serial impersonator for collecting N140,000 from owners of vehicles impounded for traffic infractions.
The suspect was also said to be making about N250,000 weekly from illegal deals.
This is according to LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, who, in a Tuesday statement, noted the suspect was apprehended by the monitoring and surveillance team of the agency at Oshodi.
He added that the suspect, Femi Adegbemi, 56, was apprehended after the agency received complaints of extortions from owners of inter-state commercial buses, impounded and ticketed for traffic infractions around Moshalasi by Alaka area of Surulere.
“The arrested suspect collected N140,000 from owners/drivers by promising to help them get their impounded vehicles released from the agency’s custody.
“It is disheartening getting complaints from road users, particularly owners of impounded vehicles on activities of these unscrupulous elements impersonating and extorting money from them.
“He (the suspect) confessed that he collected N140,000 from owners of the impounded inter-state commercial vehicles.
“Adegbemi, who also confirmed to be living at 9, Anifowose Street, Somolu, confessed further to be making an average of N250,000 every week from the illegal deal with his other colleagues,” the statement added.
Mid-January, LASTMA in an enforcement operation impounded 30 vehicles for illegal parking at Apongbon and Glover Road, Ikoyi area of Lagos.
Adebayo noted that the enforcement actions were conducted following the directive of the state governor’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa.
US NTSB Releases Images From Scene Of Fatal California Helicopter Crash, Claiming Lives Of Wigwe, Wife, Son & Ogunbanjo
AdminThe US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released photos of its investigators combing through wreckage at the site of the February 9th helicopter crash that killed four people, including leading Nigerian banker Herbert Wigwe.
The Airbus EC130 helicopter went down close to the California-Nevada border near Halloran Springs, killing Access Bank CEO Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi Wigwe and former Nigerian Exchange Group Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Recall that Michael Graham, a board member with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), provided an update on Sunday when he said they had visited the site and outlined the activities conducted on the first full day of investigation at the accident site. These included aerial drone mapping, site documentation, and a detailed examination of the debris field by the airworthiness group.
The debris field, approximately 100 yards in length, had contained all major components of the helicopter, including rotor blades, transmission, engine, tail rotor, landing gear skids, and various avionics components.
Analysis of flight track data revealed that the helicopter had been traveling along Interstate 15 at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 feet above ground level before initiating a slight right turn south of the interstate. Subsequently, the data had indicated a gradual descent and increasing ground speed, with the flight track ending approximately 4 miles from the wreckage location.
The wreckage site had indicated that the helicopter had impacted the terrain in a nose-low and right bank angle. Various electronic devices and onboard equipment had been recovered for further examination and analysis. The NTSB had planned to coordinate the movement of the wreckage to a secure location on Tuesday for further investigation.
As part of the investigative process, a preliminary report on the accident had been expected within 30 days, with a full NTSB investigation lasting 12 to 24 months before a final report is issued. Further updates on the investigation will be provided by the NTSB headquarters in Washington, DC.
Court Sentences Two For Murdering Music Manager Odunlami Over £125,000 Patek Philippe Watch — Which Turned Out To Be Fake
AdminEmmanuel Odunlami attended an exclusive event in London to celebrate his 32nd birthday, donning an imitation Patek Philippe Nautilus watch. The gathering was adorned with luxury, as Odunlami sported a Dior jacket and a Goyard bag, while other attendees showcased Rolex timepieces.
However, tragedy struck when a security guard at the high-end event, Kavindu Hettiarachchi, noticed Odunlami’s watch and alerted a group of robbers. Louis Vandrose, Quincy Ffrench, and Jordell Menzies swiftly acted on the tip-off. Menzies aggressively approached Odunlami, fatally stabbing him in the heart with a lock knife as the victim attempted to retreat.
Amid the chaos, Ffrench swiftly seized the watch, confirming “got it” before the group fled the scene in a Mercedes, leaving Odunlami’s prized possession unrecovered.
In sentencing, Judge Field described the crime as a meticulously planned and sophisticated operation, in which the culprits played significant roles. Vandrose and Ffrench were convicted of manslaughter and robbery, while Menzies received a life sentence with a minimum of 31 years for Odunlami’s murder.
Hettiarachchi was also found guilty of manslaughter and robbery and received a 13-year sentence, while Vandrose and Ffrench were handed 15-year terms.
The loss of Emmanuel Odunlami deeply affected his loved ones. His fiancée, Rajbir Kaur, spoke of her devastation, emphasizing the profound impact on their children and the dreams they would never share. Odunlami’s mother, Christiana, expressed her ongoing anguish, describing the void left in her life since her son’s untimely death.
The Nigerian Police High Command has confirmed the arrest of a former officer of the Nigerian Air Force who was allegedly supplying military uniforms to popular notorious terrorist Bello Turji.
While parading the suspect and other criminal elements at the headquarters of the Special Tactical Squad-Intelligence Response Team in Abuja on Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner of Police and police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the dismissed officer, Ahmed Mohammed, had served in the Air Force for a brief period of five years before being court-martialled for an undisclosed offence.
According to Awojobi, Mohammed had been involved in supplying military camouflage and other equipment to bandits operating in Zamfara State.
The police mouthpiece explained that the suspect introduced the sales of military camouflage and other equipment to one Mushiri Abubakar, who in turn supplied these items to various criminal gangs.
Notably, they had previously supplied military camouflage to the notorious bandit, Bello Turji, and his gang members, who have been causing havoc in the state.
The police said 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms and 10 pieces of camel pack were recovered from both Mohammed and Abubakar during their arrest.
Other items recovered from them include 2 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 T-shirts, 2 belts and 3 anklets, adding that they were intercepted when they were transporting the items from Kaduna to Zamfara for bandits.
Items recovered from the suspects
The senior police officer said, “On 20/12/2023 at about 1230hrs, the operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state, precisely Shinkafi LGA.
“In the process, a spot search was conducted, and the following items were recovered: 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets.
“The two suspects were arrested. The Mushiri Abubakar is a childhood friend of one Air Force personnel attached to the Air Force base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar.
“Further investigation revealed that same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the Notorious Bello Turji.”
Furthermore, the police spokesperson informed reporters that the law enforcement agents had made the decision to dismantle the criminal organization, specifically targeting those individuals who were providing weapons and ammunition to the bandits.
The spokesperson emphasized that the bandits would be rendered powerless without access to firearms and other ammunition, and highlighted the importance of dismantling the network responsible for supplying them with sophisticated weapons in order to instill fear in innocent citizens.
Alleged Memo From APC Asking Police To Arrest, Silence 16 Notable Individuals In Kano Surfaces
AdminAn alleged memo from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has shown how the party tried to use the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and silence 16 notable persons in the state.
The culprits were reportedly inciting people against the APC via social media posts.
According to SaharaReporters, the letter was dated 5th of January, 2024, and signed by State Secretary of APC, Ibrahim Zakari.
In the letter, Zakari allegedly asked the Nigerian Police Force to arrest the sixteen individuals and charge them to court according to terms provided by the party.
The letter reads: “On behalf of the Kano State APC Chairman, we request that the individuals listed in the table below be traced and arrested immediately after the Supreme Court’s verdict on Friday, January, 12” 2024, which will declare Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as winner.
“We also request that your department should, as a matter of urgency, file charges and accuse them of using the social media in uttering unguarded statements capable of promoting violence and inciting people against the APC government. We have enough record of such posts. The name of the court you should convey their cases will be sent to you in due time. Please let us know what it will take.
1. Salisu Yahaya Hotoro
2. Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu
3. Kabiru Sa’idu Dakata
4. Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
5. Nasiru Zango
6. Sufyan Safjamil Kabo
7. Hajiya A’in Jafaru
Darmanawa
8. Alhajiji Nagoda
Hon, Ibrahim Zakari,
9. Ibrahim Zakari Zawaciki
10. Sani Musa Danja
11. Hon. Auwalu Lawan Aranposu
12. Sunusi Osca
13. Kwankwason Dakata
14. Ishak Abdul
15. Aminu Abdullahi Kima
16. Habu Tabule
“Home and office addresses of the listed persons will be sent to you alongside another list, thank you.”
The Gombe State Police Command, on Tuesday, arrested 32-year-old David Ochuko, and 27-year-old Jibril Sani, for impersonating Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Naija News reports that the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mahid Abubakar, while parading the suspects at the command headquarters, said Ochuko and Sani were arrested alongside 22 others for impersonation, conspiracy and owning substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
He said, “On the 7th of February, 2024, the suspects were arrested with six blocks of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
“They were arrested along Dasa village of Dadin-kowa. They were arrested with an ASP identity card with an Army operational cap.”
Other suspects arrested and paraded for criminal conspiracy, and armed robbery, include, Yahaya Abdulkadir, Shuaibu Ahmadu, Musa Hussaini, Usman Haruna, Adamu Munkaila, Abdulmalik Mohammed, Dangunde Abba, Abdulsalam Shehu, Abdulmalik Garba, Ibrahim Yunusa, and Babangida Idris,
The PPRO said one Yahaya Garba had reported that an unknown person robbed him of his Bajaj motorcycle and injured him, while one Yahaya Abdulkadir conspired with one Shuaibu Ahmadu and robbed him.
He added that men of the Force responded, which led to the recovery of stolen property, including three Bajaj motorcycles, from the suspects’ residences.
The trio of Odoh Eric Ocheme, Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar reportedly conspired to forge former President Muhammadu Buhari‘s signature to siphon over six million US Dollars from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Naija News understands that the team of specialized investigators assigned to the extensive fraud case within the CBN has sent a formal letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) requesting the placement of the three Nigerian individuals on the Interpol Red Notice.
The letter, signed by DCP Eloho Okpoziakpo, Head of Operations at the Office of the Special Investigator, highlights the involvement of Ocheme, a CBN employee who is currently evading authorities, along with two accomplices named Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar, who are also on the run.
These individuals are suspected of fabricating documents using the name of the former Nigerian leader in order to embezzle an estimated amount of US$6,230,000 from the CBN’s funds.
The letter read: “The Special Investigator, appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Related Entities, and other Key Government Business Entities kindly requests you to place the above-named individuals on INTERPOL RED NOTICE.
“In the course of the Special Investigator’s assignment, Mr Odoh Eric Ocheme, (staff of the CBN), now at large and the other two accomplices, also now at large, were discovered to have conspired and forged documents in the name of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria with which they stole about US$6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars, in cash, from the coffers of the CBN.
“Consequent upon the above, a charge was filed, and warrants of arrest have been issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, presided over by Hon. Justice ILE. Ekwo in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/19/2024 B/w: Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Adamu Abubakar & 2 Ors for the arrest and production of the Defendants named above for their arraignment.
“The data page of Odoh Eric Ocheme’s Nigerian International Passport No. B50082800, duly certified true copies of the warrants and the Order of the Court to that effect are hereby attached,” a copy of the letter seen on Vanguards reads.
The trio had been slammed with six count charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Count six of the charges read: “That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January 2023, at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, by false pretence that one man who held out himself as Jibril Abubakar is a Staff from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and had the approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to source money from the Central Bank of Nigeria for foreign Election Observers, and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of six million, two hundred and thirty thousand United States Dollars ($ 6,230,000.00) from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)[a] and punishable under Section 1(3) & Section 10 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Cap. A6 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010.”
As part of the ongoing probe of the looting of $6, 230,000 from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Special Investigator, Jim Obazee, has asked the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to place three suspects on Red Notice.
The suspects – Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar and Odoh Eric Ocheme – have been placed under watch-list for arrest anywhere in the world.
The Federal Government had on January 18 charged them to court for offences relating to money laundering, fraud, forgery and conspiracy, among others.
The affected persons were alleged to have forged the signature of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to steal $6, 230,000 from the CBN.
The notice to the INTERPOL followed an order of Justice I.E. Ekwo, upon a motion ex-parte of January 18th, 2024, for the warrants of arrest of the suspects.
The Federal Government has also filed a six-count extradition charge against the three suspects.
The suspects were alleged to be on the run.
Obazee made the request in a February 12th, 2024 letter to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in the National Central Bureau of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) in Abuja.
The letter was in respect of a “request to watch-list and placing on INTERPOL Red Notice on three defendants involved in a case of conspiracy and fraud.”
Signed by the Head of Operations, Office of the Special Investigator, DCP Eloho Okpoziakpo, the letter reads:
“Reference is made to the above subject. The Special Investigator, appointed by the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Related Entities and other Key Government Business Entities (KGBEs) kindly requests you to place the above-named individuals on INTERPOL RED NOTICE.
“In the course of the Special Investigator’s assignment, Mr. Odoh Eric Ocheme, (a staff member of the CBN) now at large, and the other two accomplices, also now at large, were discovered to have conspired and forged documents in the name of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, with which they stole about US$6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars) in cash, from the coffers of the CBN.
“Consequent upon the above, a charge was filed and warrants of arrest have been issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division presided over by Hon. Justice I.E. Ekwo in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/19/2024 B/w: Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Adamu Abubakar & 2 Ors for the arrest and production of the defendants named above for their arraignment.
“The data page of Odoh Eric Ocheme’s Nigerian International Passport No. B50082800, duly certified true copies of the warrants and the Order of the Court to that effect are hereby attached.
“The Special Investigator, therefore, prays you to use your good office to request that the defendants be placed on INTERPOL RED NOTICE, with a view to apprehending and repatriating them from any of the INTERPOL member states to which they may have flown.
“While counting on your timely cooperation in this regard, kindly accept the esteemed regards of the Special Investigator, please.”
Justice Ekwo had granted an ex-parte order for the issuance of the warrants for the arrest of the three defendants
The Certified True Copy of the order, which was made available by the Registrar of the court, Mrs. Chioma Chijioke, reads: “Upon the Motion ex-parte dated and filed 18th January 2024 praying for the following Orders:
“An Order of Court issuing Warrants for the Arrest of the defendants/respondents.
“And any further or Order(s) as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in
the circumstances.”
The Federal Government filed an extradition charge against the three defendants on January 18 before the same Federal High Court in Abuja Division.
In the case, the Federal Government, through its Prosecuting Counsel, Chief Superintendent of Police Celestine U. Odo, accused the three of conspiring to commit forgery.
It also lined up nine witnesses and 14 exhibits against the defendants
The government said the alleged offence was contrary to paragraph 3(6) and punishable under Section 192)[c] of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010.
For using forged documents to take $6,230,000 from the CBN, the government said the suspects would face trial for an offence punishable under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010.
The suspects are wanted for trial for obtaining property by false pretence, contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1(3) & Section 10 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, Cap. A6 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010.
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14 of every year, is just around the corner. February has long been recognised as the month of love as Valentine’s Day is widely observed annually on the 14th of this month. In many countries, people celebrate this occasion to tell their loved ones how they feel through beautiful flowers and gifts.
On the other hand, many Eastern countries choose not to celebrate Valentine’s Day because of different religious beliefs.
Here are the countries that don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day
1. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is well known for its long history and diverse culture with Islam as the dominant religion. The country was tolerant of Valentine’s Day celebrations for many years until 2012 when an internal decree that bans the celebration of this holiday was issued by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Enlightenment and the Promotion of Values.
Instead of observing Valentine’s Day, people in Uzbekistan celebrate the birthday of their country’s hero – Babur – a Mughal Emperor. Valentine’s Day is not illegal, but it is strongly discouraged in favour of commemorating Babur.
2. Iran
In recent years, Iranian authorities have aimed to forbid Valentine’s celebrations, calling the holiday a “decadent Western custom” and threatening shops and restaurants with prosecution if they sell Valentine’s Day gifts.
Despite this, numerous restaurants in Tehran have reported been fully booked and many shops have been seen selling teddy bears and chocolates. Because they are defying the law, establishments use lookouts to see if inspectors are on a Valentine’s Day patrol.
3. Malaysia
Malaysia is a federal, constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia, divided by the South China Sea into two regions. The constitution grants freedom of religion, but it is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country, the population of which is approximately 60 percent Muslim. The capital is Kuala Lumpur.
Since 2005, the celebration of Valentine’s Day has been banned. The Malaysian Islamic Development Department blames the holiday for everything from abortion to alcohol and takes the stance that it is a link of negative ills that can invite disaster and moral decay among youth. There is even an annual anti-Valentine’s Day campaign to reinforce the view. Anybody going out and celebrating does so at their own risk, including arrests.
4. Indonesia
No law expressly prohibits the celebration of the day in Indonesia. However, in some areas of the country such as Surabaya and Makassar where people have more radical Muslim views, intimidation tactics or small-scale bans are used while in Bando Aceh, there is an outright ban.
5. Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, conservative officials strictly impose the ban on the holiday. Selling roses, red products and love-themed cards are banned in advance of February 14. The phenomenon has led to the creation of a black market of Valentine’s day products.
6. Pakistan
Pakistan is another country that has mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. Pakistan has been subject to numerous riots surrounding the celebration of Valentine’s Day. In 2014, two universities in Peshawar and Pakistan clashed with each other’s beliefs over the ideology of Valentine’s Day in the eyes of Islamic Law.
Students threw rocks at one another, which eventually led to gunshots being fired from both sides, injuring three students, according to Wedded Wonderland.
A private citizen petitioned the High Court in Islamabad to have the day banned. Finally, on February 7th, 2018, the Islamabad High Court banned Valentine’s Day celebrations and media coverage, claiming that it was a Western cultural import that contradicted Islamic teachings. Not everyone in Pakistan agrees with this decision, especially university students and flower vendors who did well on Valentine’s Day.
7. India
Owing to its independent revolution from the British empire in 1947, the Indian government refused to advocate Western values and culture.
In 2015, party leader Chandra Prakash Kaushik told The Times of India “We are not against love, but if a couple is in love then they must get married … if they are not certain, they should not belittle love by openly going around together.”
8. Russia
Technically, Russia does celebrate a type of Valentine’s Day, but it is very different from the traditional holiday. On March 8, Russians celebrate International Women’s Day in much the same way that Western cultures celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Gifting each other flowers and chocolate is very common on this day, as is expecting husbands and boyfriends to do all the cooking and cleaning, letting women have a full day of rest.
Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day because of a saint, Russia chooses to celebrate the love for their women, paying tribute to women across the globe and equal rights, according to Wedded Wonderland’s report.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has given the green light to Air Peace for international flights to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, US.
This decision comes after Air Peace submitted a request to the ministry on January 12, 2024, seeking approval for flights to New York.
In a letter dated February 9, 2024, the ministry, represented by director H.T. Ejibunu, conveyed the approval to Air Peace. The letter, referencing number FMA/ATMD/0186/S.5/X/696, highlighted that the approval aligns with the existing ‘Open Skies’ agreement between Nigeria and the United States.
The letter stated, “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 12, 2024, on the above subject and convey the minister’s approval for the designation of Air Peace Limited to operate commercial international flights into and out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States of America.”
Air Peace was advised to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States for necessary documentation before commencing operations. The airline was also instructed to comply with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) 2023 part 18.5.11 and liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to fulfill requirements.
Currently, Air Peace operates regional and international flights. Some of the airline’s routes include Cameroon (Douala), Gambia, Ghana (Accra), Liberia (Monrovia), Senegal (Dakar), Sierra Leone, Togo, India, South Africa (Johannesburg), and Cote d’Ivoire and now US.
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The Federal Government plans to establish a National Commodity Board to solve the escalating food inflation in the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known on Tuesday at a two-day, high-level strategic meeting on climate change, food systems and resource mobilization held in Abuja.
Shettima explained that the board would be given the mandate to assess and regulate food prices, as well as maintain a strategic food reserve for stabilizing prices of crucial grains and other food items.
He said the event was an attestation of the government’s efforts at mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring food security for Nigerians.
Shettima noted that food security was one of the eight areas of priority declared by President Bola Tinubu as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
This, according to him, led to the declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
He highlighted ongoing policy reforms by the administration to ensure food and water availability and affordability.
“Our solution to the potential food crisis has become immediate, medium, and long-term strategies.
“The short-term strategy entails revitalizing food supply through specific interventions like the distribution of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
“It also entails fostering collaboration between the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources for efficient farmland irrigation, ensuring year-round food production; and addressing price volatility by establishing a National Commodity Board.
“This board will continually assess and regulate food prices, maintaining a strategic food reserve for stabilizing prices of crucial grains and other food items.”
He assured that the Tinubu administration was fully investing in the restoration of degraded land.
Gunmen attacked the Senator representing Imo-North senatorial district (Okigwe zone), Senator Patrick Ndubueze, leading to the unfortunate demise of one of his security personnel.
Senator Patrick Ndubueze, affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured his senatorial position after winning the National Assembly elections held on February 25, 2023.
A reliable insider disclosed to the Nation that the assailants invaded the senator’s home in the early hours of Monday, February 12.
The source also noted that despite the senator’s escape without injury, one of his police officers was tragically killed during the attack.
He said: “The news of Senator Patrick Ndubueze being attacked is true. They stormed his residence at Umualumoke and killed a policeman working for him.
“They invaded his house, and one of his policemen was gunned down in the process. It could be the same set of hoodlums that also ambushed the Correctional Service in Okigwe and set prisoners free after killing a police inspector and abducting the officer in charge of the centre.”
The source expressed concern over the escalating situation in Okigwe, likening it to a war zone and causing fear among residents, leading many youths to flee to safety.
“Okigwe has become a war zone where no one is saved. We are living in total fear. Most of our youths have run away for fear of being killed. Our security agencies are not doing enough to combat crimes in the state. Yet, there are so many of them (security men) in this area,” he lamented.
Naija News gathered that the spokesperson for the Imo state police command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and announced that the state’s commissioner of police, Aboki Danjuma, has mobilized a tactical team to track down the assailants.
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has clarified the relationship between himself and a lawyer cum politician, Daniel Bwala.
According to Atiku, in a statement released on Tuesday by his media office, and made available to Naija News, Bwala is a former spokesperson of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation and not his former aide.
The statement noted that “it is important that the media and the general public take corrective note of defining Mr. Daniel Bwala as an aide to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar.”
It added that Bwala served as a spokesperson to the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization in the 2023 election, and after the election, the need for a campaign spokesperson was terminated, and Bwala has also moved on.
The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, therefore, urged the public/media to stop defining Bwala as an ex-aide of Atiku Abubakar, but recognize him by his current vocation and alliance.
“Bwala offered his services and support to the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization as a spokesperson – and it was a position he held during the last presidential campaign.
“Subsequently, and after the election, the need for a campaign spokesperson has terminated, and Bwala has moved on with his career.
“This, therefore, serves as notice to the media and the interested public to desist from defining Bwala as an ex-aide of Atiku Abubakar.
“We duly urge the public to henceforth recognize, introduce, and define Daniel Bwala by his current vocation and alliance,” the statement noted.
Naija News reports the clarification by Atiku comes amidst the recent fraternization and declaration of support by Bwala for the administration of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bread makers and caterers in Nigeria have disclosed their plans to proceed on a nationwide strike as from February 27, 2024.
This was made known in a statement by the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCON).
The National President of AMBCON, Mansur Umar, made this known in a statement read on his behalf by the Kogi State Chairman of the association, Gabriel Adeniyi, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, their decision to go on strike is due to the failure of the federal government to implement the agreement it entered into with the association in 2020.
The association lamented the growing prices of materials used by its members and called for the immediate implementation of financial support palliatives for bakers as promised by the Federal Government as post COVID-19 support programmes for Small and Medium Enterprises for bakers who have lost over 40 per cent of their membership and still counting.
It also called for the suspension of all forms of taxation on the bakery industry for now at the Federal, state and Local Government levels.
The statement by the association said the strike was due to the “multifarious increase in the prices of baking materials such as flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, petrol, diesel all occasioned by subsidy removal and forex deregulation.”
It added that, “Multiple taxations from several federal, state, local government agencies fees and levies, hike in business activities in Nigeria are also some of the reasons for the impending strike action.”
The statement noted that, “The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria have critically accessed the state of our business operation, consequently demand the liberalisation of flour and sugar importation, reduction or total removal of import duties on major baking materials such as flour, sugar, butter, yeast etc as applicable to other commodities as have recently been done by the federal government and Provision of concessionary forex exchange to flour millers and other stakeholders as well as reduction of tariff on imported wheat and sugar.”
Other demands outlined by the association include the development of cultivation and processing of wheat and sugar cane in Nigeria, and the removal of multiple taxations at all government levels.
AMBCON also called for the setting up of a price control and monitoring committee as allowed by the constitution as amended and other conditions that will strengthen the ease of doing business in the country.