The police in Ogun State have arrested the Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Oludare Kadiri.
Kadiri was said to have been arrested on Friday over an alleged attack on some politicians in his constituency, Oru-Ijebu, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed Kadiri’s arrest to Daily Post.
Oyeyemi disclosed that Kadiri was arrested following a petition against him.
He was said to have led some thugs to the house of a constituent, beating him and vandalising his house.
“He was arrested because a case was reported against him by some people in his area. He was alleged to have led some thugs to attack one Honourable at Oru-Ijebu.
“The house of the Honourable was vandalised and some things were damaged there.
“During the APC registration exercise, he was alleged to have attacked a Supervisory Councillor in Oru-Ijebu and he led some people to beat up the man in the presence of the police.
“That’s why he was invited for questioning and we are investigating him,” Oyeyemi said on Friday evening.
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, has reacted to the fresh abduction of Nigerian school girls. Recall over 300 students in the early hours of friday were abducted from their school hostels in Zamfara.
Bobi while reacting to the abduction says it's becoming too many.
He says in Nigeria terrorists are the ones abducting, while in his country Uganda -- where he almost won the Presidential election - the Government are the ones doing the abduction.
He therefore called on leaders to Bring Back Africans.
Reacting hours ago, Bobi on twitter wrote;
''In Nigeria, people are being abducted by a terrorist group while in Uganda, people are being abducted by the government.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Friday, called for the arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, for saying journalists are criminals for calling bandits criminals.
The union expressed reservation on Gumi’s remarks during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday where he labelled journalists as criminals for calling bandits criminals.
In his interview, Gumi said: “You are emphasising on criminality, I don’t know. Even the Press (journalists) are criminals too because they are putting oil into fire [sic]. These people are listening to you, don’t address them as criminals”.
“It is instructive to note that one of the gangs that were recently interviewed by Nigerian journalist, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz and published in Daily Trust of today where the bandit leader insisted on being introduced properly as “Kachalla Halilu Sububu Seno, Leader of all Terrorists. He is the Leader. Yet Malam Gumi insists they are not criminals.”
In his reaction to the statement, Chris Isiguzo, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), in a statement issued on Friday said, “We do not see any correlation between journalism and criminality.”
The statement in part reads; “This unnecessary and unprovoked attack on members of the media by a hitherto respected cleric who decided to embark on strange errands, is unacceptable and it is becoming clearer now that he is pursuing a different agenda.
“We equally recall a recent statement credited to Sheik Gumi where he was inciting bandits, by encouraging religious biases among soldiers on the battlefield.
“We are more shocked that the same Sheik Gumi who has used the media to speak to leaders and to advance the course of his mission to the bandits across the Northwest, is at the same time attacking the Journalists for simply describing bandits as criminals.
“Sheik Gumi’s attempts to seek amnesty for killers and abductors of innocent citizens, especially school children is most unfortunate.
“We invite Sheik Gumi to explain to Nigerians why despite his recent negotiations with bandits in Zamfara State, the criminals have continued maiming, killing, raping and kidnapping innocent citizens, including the 300 female students just abducted in the same State.
“In saner climes, Sheikh Gumi, a non-state actor involved in negotiations with criminal elements, should have been behind bars, but alas, thanks to the weaknesses of our leaders, he continues with his reckless comments and forays into bandit territory unabated.
“By insulting the Press as “Criminals” Sheikh Gumi has exposed himself the more as an intolerant person who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the media. It is instructive to remind Sheik Gumi that by embarking on such an errand and choosing to speak for the bandits, the Press will continue to scrutinise his activities and also hold him accountable for his actions as enshrined in the Constitution.
“His reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and we demand a retraction of his untoward, irritating and awkward utterances which negate simple decorum and civility. We, therefore, caution him to remember that “riding the tiger might be an exhilarating experience but the consequence is bound to be unpleasant. He should thus be guided.
“We equally invite the global community to document the utterances and actions of Sheik Gumi and to hold him to account for any bandit related mishap that may happen to Journalists around the country.”
A Nigerian, Julia Oparah, has been named the provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of San Francisco (USF) in the United States.
Mrs Oparah is currently the provost and dean of the faculty of Ethnic Studies at Mills College where she had served as a member of the faculty for almost 20 years before being named provost and dean of the faculty in 2017.
This was revealed by the President of USF, Paul J. Fitzgerald, on Thursday.
“Our community has identified a leader in higher education with extraordinary scholarly, administrative, and service credentials to lead USF as provost,” he said.
He said she will begin her tenure on July 12.
Mr Fitzgerald said he was delighted to welcome Mrs Oparah and her family to USF and that ”he looked forward to working with her as a partner in mission while continuing to build on the planning and implementation that had taken place across the campus during this challenging year of the COVID-19 pandemic”.
Also speaking, the outgoing Interim Provost of USF who chaired the search committee, Tyrone Cannon, said Mrs Oparah ”rose to the top of a deep and distinguished pool of candidates”.
“In both her scholarship and administrative decisions, she has exhibited a deep commitment to collaboration and partnership, gender and racial equity, global social justice, and the transformative power of education,” he said.
Years after completion of his tertiary education as a graduate of English studies and literature, transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi has enrolled at Baze University, Abuja, as a law student.
Mr. Amaechi received a bachelor of arts degree (honours) from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987.
It is not clear the exact year the former Rivers governor enrolled in the private university popular with children of Abuja elite, but sources told Peoples Gazette that he is in 200 level going to 300. Some of the students who saw him on Thursday said they drew inspiration from his decision to acquire more knowledge even as he could be considered to have done significantly well for himself as a citizen.
The minister, who has been hailed as one of the most active amongst President Muhammadu Buhari‘s cabinet members, was said to have sought permission from the president prior to enrolment, pledging that it would not affect his ministerial duties.
Following Bobrsiky and Nkechi Blesisng's online dragging, social media users have added a new name for Mompha. It's Bisexual.
Recall yesterday Nkechi had accused the cross dresser of dragging a man with her.
Bob later mentioned Mompha and asked Nkechi to stop.
Well Nigerians picked the name and have now said they never knew Mompha was both doing men and women.
Now Mompha has responded, LMAO. Again, Mompha aslso dropped a comment under an IG post admitting the two are his friends but said they are both mad at the moment, lol.
She announced this on her Instagram page this morning. Want to understand better? Carefully read her announcement;
''I AM NOW A PROUD NIGERIA CHRISTIAN PILGRIM COMMISSION(NCPC) AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE BUILDING••
Yesterday 25th February 2021 yours Director, Socials & Empowerment @cymsnigeris was warmly received by Rev. Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) at his Headoffice Abuja @pamyaks, where we had an extensive deliberation on NCPC vision, dissecting the values for National development and youth involvement in peace building in line with the NCPC's mandate.
I was Accompanied by Amb. Chris Odey @goodwillambassadorevents The Tonto Dikeh Foundation, Project Coordinator,
As a humanitarian, i also felt it is imperative for a few youths to have a feel of this laudable initiative through The Tonto Dikeh Foundation in partnership with NCPC where 10 Nigerians will be sponsored on this year's Pilgrimage activities sponsored by @officalthetontodikehfoundation
Finally, I wish to announce my position as the new Ambassador of the Commission for Peace Building.
Need your prayers as we embark on Peace building across the six (6) geopolitical Zones of the Nation because peace is indispensable.
🙄🤣 Ghana’s security forces have raided and shut down the office of an organisation that supports the LGBTQI+ community.
“This morning, our centre was invaded by National Security. To this day, we no longer have access to this space, and our safety is threatened,” the LGBT+ Rights Ghana group announced via its Twitter handle.
The rights group has called on human rights organisations to speak up and condemn the attacks against it.
The centre was launched and opened on January 31 in a ceremony that received a European Union delegation and other foreign embassies.
It has faced opposition from the church groups, politicians, and anti-gay rights organisations that demanded that the government shut the centre down, arrest, and prosecute those involved.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference asked that the EU not impose their values and beliefs on Ghanaians, saying it was against homosexuality.
The President of the Conference, Reverend Philip Naameh, accused the LGBTQ+ community of using the centre to try to lure in youths.
In Ghana, same-sex relations are criminalised, and queer people face up to three years in jail.
Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved that schoolchildren in public schools can use hijab.
According to a statement by the Secretary to the Kwara government, Mamma Jibril, the government held a meeting with religious groups to reach an agreement.
Mr. AbdulRazaq, presided over the meeting held on Wednesday and ordered all 10 schools shut should be reopened on Monday.
Last week, 10 schools were shut down by the government over the hijab controversy.
Read the full statement below:
Position of Kwara State Government on the Hijaab Question in Public Schools
Sequel to recent developments in our state over the status of the hijaab in public/grant-aided schools, the state government has consulted widely with thought leaders and leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities with a view to clarifying issues and reaching a consensus. The last of such meetings was held on Wednesday February 24, presided by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
At least 10 schools of interest were earlier shut down to maintain peace and public order as well as prevent mischief makers from taking undue advantage of the development.
The state government has considered submissions of all major interest groups on the matter. It has also thoroughly considered the education law of Kwara State, the prevailing court judgments and current global trends of multiculturalism in evolving a consultation-based decision that will bring lasting peace and understanding to our communities. The government has also paid particular attention to the ‘declaratory’ nature of the subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal and their purports.
‘Consequently, the government hereby acknowledges and approves the right of the Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab, and directs the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up with a uniform hijab for all public/ grant-aided schools, which will be the accepted mode of head covering in schools. Any willing schoolgirl with the approved (uniform) hijab shall have the right to wear same in public/grant-aided schools.
Also, the government affirms the right of every child in public schools to freedom of worship.
The government hereby directs that the affected 10 schools should reopen to commence classes on Monday 8th March 2021.
Similarly, the government has carefully noted submissions regarding ownership of grant-aided schools and related issues. While the status of these schools is the subject of judicial determination, this and other related matters will soon be subjected to a technical committee to advise accordingly. The government reassures all members of the public that it will act in good conscience at all times.
The government asserts that there is no victor or vanquished on the hijaab question. It urges the two faith communities, especially the leaders, opinion moulders and media personalities to act with restraint and great responsibility in their public utterances and actions, and continue to live in peace and harmony with one another. The government commends all the thought and religious leaders on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment to peace.
Travelers were this morning stranded as Ghanaian airport workers began strike this morning.
Travelers who have to fly via the International airport of the country, the Kotoka International Airport are seen stranded and wandering as workers at the airport began their indefinite strike.
The strike action is in protest against the failure of the state-owned company’s board to publish and implement the findings of an investigative committee set up to probe an allegation of mismanagement against the current Managing Director, Yaw Kwakwa.
Scores of travellers were abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Thursday along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.
A source told The Punch in Maiduguri that the insurgents ambushed commercial vehicles plying the highway on Thursday afternoon and abducted many passengers.
One of the travellers, who escaped, said the vehicles were stopped by the insurgents around 1pm, with passengers dragged out and taken away into the bush.
He said the heavily-armed insurgents took position on the highway at Garin-Kuturu near Auno, in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, few kilometres from Maiduguri, the capital.
He said some of them came out of their vehicles and ran back towards Damaturu where they were coming from.
“After the insurgents were cleared off the highways, we trekked back to join them,” he added.
Another traveller said, “We are very close to the scene of the attack, but the sound of gunshots alerted us and our driver reversed the vehicle.”
A credible source within the military told a Punch correspondent, on the telephone that the Nigerian Army engaged the Boko Haram members for about an hour, dispersed them from the highway and escorted travellers into Maiduguri.
Tragedy struck in Imo State on Tuesday after a man, Victor Ikegwuonu, 25, was allegedly stabbed to death by his wife’s lover, Emeka Ezuruike.
Punch Metro gathered that the deceased allegedly caught Ezuruike kissing his wife.
The incident happened at Umudike Umuna, in the Orlu Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased hailed from Ndibuche Arondizuogu in the Ideato North LGA of the state, while the suspect is a native of Ubomiri-Emuoba in Rivers State.
A source said, “The deceased saw the suspect kissing his wife while carrying her on his lap. He confronted him and an argument ensued between them. The altercation degenerated and led to a fight. The suspect took a weapon and stabbed Victor (Ikegwuonu); he died on the spot.”
A spokesperson for the state police command, Orlando Ikeokwu, said three suspects had been arrested.
He noted that Ikegwuonu was stabbed in the left upper rib, which resulted in his death.
According to Ikeokwu, the remains of the victim were deposited in the morgue of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu.
A coalition of Christians in the North under the auspices of the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association has said that the United Nations needs to urgently intervene in Nigeria’s situation in order to prevent a “full blown” war in the country.
The Chairman of the association, Rev. Luke Shehu, stated this at a press conference in Jos on Thursday. Shehu decried the injustice going on in the country and the government’s lack of interest to address the problems.
“Following Nigeria’s slide into being a failed state and on the precipice of anarchy, absence of social justice, the rule of law, denial of minority rights and freedom of practice of religion as well as persecution coupled with absence of institutions to check government abuse or to uphold the tenets of democracy, we kindly request that the United States Government through the appropriate process assign a special envoy to Nigeria with immediate effect to forestall a total breakdown of law and order leading to war.
Shehu said, “Unless the Nigerian Muslims and politicians are telling Nigerians that the Constitution is inferior to the Sharia law, we must expunge the 1999 Constitution smuggled in by the fraudulent military government under retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1999. He did a great disservice by being part of Nigeria’s problem today.
Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria, on Thursday, said it was disheartening to see that states with highest Christian population in the North had faced severe persecution in the past six years.
The President of CAN, Dr Samuel Ayokunle, stated this during the breakfast meeting of the association held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has sentenced a travel agent, Babawale Ponle, to two years’ imprisonment for misappropriating N10m worth of airline tickets.
Ponle, who is the Managing Director of Travel Doctor Limited, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on four counts bordering on stealing and issuance of dud cheques.
It was gathered that Ponle was given the tickets on credit by a travel company, Sound Travel Services Limited.
The prosecutor, Samuel Daji, said Ponle committed the offence between March and December 2012.
According to the EFCC, Ponle issued two dud cheques to Sound Travel Services Limited in the sum of N3m and N7m.
The offences contravened Section 285(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2015 and Section 1 of the Dishonoured Cheques Offences Act.
However, during his defence, Ponle told the court that he sold the tickets on credit.
Delivering her judgement, Justice Taiwo, who noted that the prosecution proved that the N10m was diverted for personal use, found Ponle guilty of the charges.
She said, “This court is mindful of the fact that this case emanated from a business arrangement between the defendant and the complainant. However, the defendant, since 2013, failed to pay anything to the complainant. The court is satisfied that he used out of the N10m for his personal use.
“In the light of this fact, I hereby sentenced the defendant to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of N250,000. On the two counts of issuance of dud cheques, I hereby sentence the defendant to one year in prison or a fine of N200,000.”
The judge, however, noted that the court would not order restitution because the complainant had already been awarded restitution via a civil suit.
A 33-year-old man, Emmanuel Oshiotu, and his 25-year-old lover, Amaka Okafor, were on Thursday found dead in their one-room apartment in Uvwie community in the Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The corpses of the lovers were sighted by neighbours in their apartment located at Ojigbo Crescent, Off Sapele-Effurun Road, Uvwie.
A neighbour of the deceased, who declined to be named, said, “Around 5am, we heard Emmanuel shouting for help and on breaking the door, found him vomiting white foam while his lover’s lifeless body lay a few distance from him.”
The cause of their death could not be ascertained by anyone as of the time of filing this report but witnesses said a can of insecticide and a knife were found besides their bodies.
The discovery made neighbours and the police suspect suicide.
It was further gathered that the suspected suicide theory was reinforced by one of the latest posts by Emmanuel on his Facebook page depicting someone facing frustration.
The neighbour said the lovers were rushed to the Central Hospital, Warri, where they were both confirmed dead on arrival and their bodies deposited in the morgue.
Ex-BBN star, Nengi is finally speaking up about her beef with Davido.
Recall the two had unfollowed each other on Instagram with speculations that all might no longer be well with their friendship. Shrotly after the news went wild, Davido followed her back.
Now Nengi is also promoting the Jowo Video that brought them together. She shared excerpts from the video on her Instagram page, and asked her fans to support by viewing the link.
Some gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted over 300 schoolgirls at Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe in the Talata-Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
A staff of the school, who begged for anonymity, said the bandits arrived in the school around 1am on Friday with Hilux vehicles and motorcycles and forcefully evacuated the students.
He narrated that some of the bandits were in uniforms and pretended to be security personnel, then later broke into the students hostels and abducted more than 300 students.
The Zamfara abduction occurred some eight days after gunmen kidnapped dozens of students and workers of Government Science College in Kagara, Niger State. Just not again!!!
