Adamawa Police Arrest Three Notorious For Kidnapping, Armed Robbery On Nigeria/Cameroon Border

Three persons were on Saturday arrested for alleged armed robbery and kidnapping by the police in Adamawa State.

Three single barrelled guns were said to have been recovered from them, according to the spokesperson for the police command in the state, DSP Suleiman Nguroje. 

He said, "The Adamawa State police command, on 20/03/2021 apprehended three suspects responsible for the kidnapping of Engineer Elan Jobbo, a principal of VTC Jabbi Lamba; Alhaji Jauro Mamburso and Alkani Zumbe, all of Girei and Song Local Government Area, sometime in May 2020.

"The suspects are Usman Sale, 40 years old, a resident of Muleng, Song LGA; Lawali Sale, 37 years old, a resident of Bah-Usman village, Fufore LGA and Yerima Alhaji Dadi, 36 years old, a resident of Bah-Usman Village, Fufore LGA.

"They were apprehended at their various hideouts in Muleng  and Chigari villages of Song and Fufore local government areas, following credible information and intense search by the police and vigilantes of Song Division," he said.

Nguroje disclosed that the suspects have been notorious for armed robbery and kidnapping across the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, has directed further investigation into the case to bring up more human and material evidence for proper prosecution.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to tackle criminal activities and other related offences the Commissioner of Police has deepen intelligence and also strengthened security in the state.

He has also deployed Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) and Anti-Kidnapping unit of the command to go after the kidnappers in their hideouts everywhere within the state, according to Nguroje.

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 21, 2021

Attack On Ortom: Police IG Deploys Special Investigators To Benue

The Inspector–General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has deployed a team of specialised investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Abuja to Benue State.

The development follows the attack on Governor Samuel Ortom on his way from his farm at Tyo-mu on the Makurdi-Gboko road on Saturday.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu

Adamu, who condemned the incident, said the deployment is to provide additional investigative support for the state police command.

Adamu, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, directed the Benue State Commissioner of Police Command to take adequate measures towards strengthening and improving security in the state, particularly around the governor of the state.

While calling for calm, the IGP assured that the Force will continue to do its best to stabilise the security situation.

The statement read: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered full-scale investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack and reported attempt on the life of the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Chief Samuel Loraer Ortom, at his farm on the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital, on Saturday, 20th March, 2021.

“The IGP has also specifically directed the CP to carry out painstaking investigations into the incident and ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons indicted in the course of the investigations.

“Meanwhile, in order to ensure a speedy, thorough and conclusive investigation into the matter, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of a team of specialised investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Abuja to Benue State to provide additional investigative support to the Benue State Police Command.” See Also Politics Attack On Convoy: Why I Was Targeted By Miyetti Allah To Be Killed— Ortom 0 Comments 5 Hours Ago

Police Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 21, 2021

2023 Presidency: Doyin Okupe Apologises To Igbo Over Comment North Must Forgive Them For Killing Ahmadu Bello

Doyin Okupe, a former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan has apologised for his comment on the 2023 elections and Igbo presidency.

Calls for a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction has continued to generate heated controversies as the country's next general elections move closer.

But in a Twitter post on Saturday, Okupe said an Igbo president cannot emerge in 2023 except there's a national consensus. 

He had also claimed that the South-East will not produce a president until forgiven by the North for the killing of Ahmadu Bello in 1966.

“A national consensus for Igbo presidency cannot evolve until the core North forgives the Igbos for the killing of Sardauna of Sokoto by Nigerian soldiers of Igbo extraction in the 1966 coup.

“If this consensus emerges, in the interest of equity, fairness & national unity, I will shelve my ambition & support whoever is chosen as a candidate by my party. However, if this national consensus is not achievable, I WILL RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2023 by God’s Grace.”

His comment has generated a backlash with many people accusing him of trying to smear the Igbo presidency campaign due to his presidential ambition.

In a follow-up post, however, Okupe expressed regret over his initial comment.

He wrote: "OPEN APOLOGY TO THE IGBOS. I tender my unreserved apology to the Igbos & other Nigerians who felt offended by my post on the Igbo presidency and the North. I never intended to hurt or demean the Igbos. Instead, I wanted to help actualise the dream. I regret the said post & I am truly sorry."

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 21, 2021

Register Within Two Weeks Or Be Expelled From Our Land, Ekiti Tells Herdsmen

Ekiti State Government has given farmers and herders another two-week window to register with the state government or be ready to be expelled.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Olabode Adetoyi, who disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, said the registration would commence on Sunday.

In February, it will be recalled that the state government had conducted a two-week registration of farmers and herders, but not all those involved seized the opportunity.

Commenting on the development, Adetoyi said the exercise became imperative to ensure that all farmers and herders could be accounted for.

He added that the registration was also aimed at ensuring peace between the two groups and bringing incessant clashes between them to an end.

According to him, the exercise was in line with the provisions of the National Livestock Transformation Programme of the Federal Government.

Adetoyi said incessant clashes between farmers and herders posed dangers to human and food security, hence the need to take proactive measures to curb the menace.

Special Adviser to Governor Kayode Fayemi on security matters and Chairman, Herders-Farmers Peace Committee, Ebenezer Ogundana, had earlier warned that whoever failed to register would be treated as a criminal.

Director-General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Mobolaji Aluko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that identity cards would be issued to registered farmers and herders free of charge.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Boko Haram Kills Nigerian Soldier Abducted During Raid Of Military Base In Borno

Militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have reportedly killed a Nigerian soldier captured during Tuesday's raid on a military base in Damasak town, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.

A military source confirmed this to NaijaGistReporters on Saturday. 

The soldier, whose name is yet-to-be-revealed, has now joined the list of countless men of the Nigerian Army who had lost their lives due to insurgency in the North-East region.

In a video shared online by Amaq News Agency, a news outlet linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the insurgents killed many other soldiers in the attack. 

They were seen shooting sporadically in all directions.

A resident, who had earlier spoken with NaijaGistReporters, said the gunmen came in different groups and could not be counted.

He added that some Nigerian soldiers were killed while others fled into the bush.

"Hundreds of them cam with guns, trucks, and grenades and started firing from different directions. The soldiers ran away and left us on our own. They didn't shoot at them (insurgents) at all. Though some soldiers were killed, I can't say how many," he told NaijaGistReporters.

‪It was learnt that the insurgents also burnt a Nigerian army tanker and some buildings in the military base.‬

The attack on the base took place just days after Boko Haram fighters ambushed a military convoy in Gudumbali, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Over 15 soldiers, including the commanding officer, 123 Special Forces Battalion, Major U.I. Urang, were reportedly killed during the incident.

Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, have killed thousands and displaced millions in northeastern Nigeria.

The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency has been largely defeated and frequently underplays any losses.

In the past months, soldiers have been targeted by the insurgents. 

Many soldiers and officers have been reportedly killed since January 2021.

Boko Haram Military News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Four Officers Injured As Gunmen Raze Imo Police Station, Free Prisoners

Gunmen have razed the Isiala Mbano Police Divisional Headquarters located at Umuelemai in Imo State.

The gunmen, who invaded the divisional headquarters armoury on Saturday night, freed suspects in the detention facility and carted away arms.

It was gathered that the gunmen on arrival condoned off the divisional headquarters located at Umueze Road and opened fire.

According to Punch, the gunmen sacked police officers on duty, freed suspects, invaded the facility's arms storage department before setting it ablaze.

Four policemen allegedly sustained gunshot injuries from the invaders.

It was also stated that the culprits did not flee immediately but stayed by and supervised the burning of the police facility.

The source said, "The gunmen came, condoned off the divisional headquarters and immediately opened fire on the policemen on duty. This was after they had freed all the suspects and collected all the arms. Afterwards, they set it ablaze using petrol to ignite the fire. This is very unfortunate."

The Interim Management Committee chairman of Isiala Mbano LGA, Chika Okoroike, confirmed the attack. He said that he was facilitating the rescue mission.

He blamed the removal of soldiers from Anara town 24 hours before the attack.

Okoroike said that he made fervent moves to make sure that the military men posted out of Anara town on Friday without any reason returned, but all to no avail.

The police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, also confirmed the attack on the division.

This makes it the fourth police divisional headquarters that had been attacked since February after Obowo, Aboh Mbaise and Ihitte/Uboma divisions were attacked, respectively.

Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

INEC Suspends Ekiti By-election Over Violence

The Independent National Electoral Commission has suspended the Ekiti East constituency I bye-election over an outbreak of violence in various polling units in the Local Government Area.

At least three people, including a female police officer, were killed in the violence unleashed on voters and security agents on Saturday.

There are allegations that the thugs, who unleashed violence on voters and security personnel at different polling units, were sponsored by the All Progressives Congress.

INEC resident electoral commissioner for Ekiti, Tella Adeniran, disclosed suspension of the election in a statement.

The statement read, "The situation is such that a conducive environment no longer exists for further electoral activity at the PUs and the Collation centres.

"Given this development, the commission has suspended the election forthwith."

"The safety of electoral officials, security personnel and election materials, as well as the credibility of the process, cannot be guaranteed

"It is unfortunate that despite the commission's effort in giving Nigerians free, fair, credible and inclusive election, some people appear to be unprepared for an improved electoral process."

The Ekiti East constituency seat became vacant following the death of Juwa Adegbuyi, the former representative.

Elections News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Ekiti By-election Killings Is Terrorism, Evidence Nigerians Have Rejected APC — Fayose

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has described the killing in Omuo Ekiti on Saturday by suspected political thugs as “clear evidence of terrorism against citizens, who have rejected the party in government.”

Fayose said killing innocent people just because of the House of Assembly by-election was barbaric and shameful.

Ayodele Fayose

He said: “I thought we have gone past this barbarism in Ekiti State, especially when we are confronted with national insecurity to which the government have no solution.

“What was witnessed today in Omuo Ekiti is nothing but terrorism against the people of Ekiti, knowing that time has caught up with them and they are no longer popular.

“This will remain guilt in the conscience of the perpetrators and their sponsors perpetually for killing their people just because of a mere House of Assembly bye-election.

“Most importantly, everything that goes round in life comes round. Therefore, the perpetrators of this despicable act should remember that there will be consequences for all actions because the blood of the dead will surely speak and fight back.

“To the police in Ekiti, they know what to do and the people behind all these, if only they chose not to look away. Ekiti shall be free again if we collectively confront and win this battle against fake apostles of democracy.”

At least three people, including a female police officer, were killed in the violence unleashed on voters and security agents during the by-election for Ekiti East Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly.

Five other persons are reportedly receiving treatment at a private hospital as a result of the incident.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Marwa To Parents: NDLEA Drug-free Certificate Should Be A Requirement For Marriage

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has said young Nigerians will soon be required to obtain a drug-free certificate from the agency before getting married.

According to him, parents will be asked to list such documents certifying their children's spouses free from illicit drugs as part of the requirements for approving their children's marriage.

Marwa disclosed this on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti at a colloquium tagged: "Walk Away from Drugs" organised by Ekiti State Ministry of Justice.

According to him, the measure has become imperative, considering the worsening menace of drug use in the country.

He said: "In Nigeria today, there is no challenge that is more worrisome than drug abuse.

"For instance, insurgency, kidnapping and banditry are seen as peculiar to certain parts of the country, but drug abuse has no boundary or respect for ethnicity or religion.

"The menace is so worrisome that within the last two months, more than N60 billion worth of illicit drugs have been seized and perpetrators arrested and prosecuted.

"If access to drugs is prevented, criminality can be reduced by 50 per cent," Marwa said. He called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to campaign against the use of illicit drugs."

The anti-drug agency boss suggested that parents should include drug certificates as part of the criteria to give their daughters and sons hands in marriage.

"This will be the beginning in reducing drug usage and its prevailing economic effects on the nation," he added.

Declaring open the event, Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, restated his administration's commitment to reducing drug abuse. 

Drugs News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Alake Of Egbaland Tackles Igboho, Others, Warns Against Calls For Nigeria's Breakup

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has appealed to those calling for Nigeria's secession to shelve the idea.

The monarch warned that those beating the drum of war in Nigeria are calling for chaos in the country and in Africa at large.

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Oba Gbadebo spoke when he played host to the National President of the National Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Musa Maitakobi, the Chairman of RTEAN in Ogun State, Titilayo Akibu, and other members of the association in his palace in Ake, Abeokuta.

The visit was part of activities marking the first anniversary of Akibu as the state chairman of RTEAN in Ogun state.

Alake's statement was against the declaration of Yoruba nation and South-West secession from Nigeria by a Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho.

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The monarch said Nigeria could not afford to go through another civil war, stressing that no country in the world will be willing to have over 250 million Nigerians as refugees.

The monarch said Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe, political or religious afflictions, must work together for the country's greater good.

Alake said if Nigeria fails as a country, the entire black race has failed, insisting that Nigeria is better as one united nation than breaking up.

He said in a report by Punch, "Nigerians, wherever we go in Nigeria, we must see ourselves as nationals of the same country, people of the same blood.

"We must work together to make Nigeria great because we must not fail, Nigeria must not fail, if Nigeria fails, the black race has failed and may it never happened.

"Where will over 250 million people go to? If they enter the next country, we will eat all their foods within two days; there will be no food for anybody in that place again. That is why we must remain where we are and make Nigeria work and work well."

 

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

N5bn Scandal: How AGF Malami, Senate President Are Frustrating Stella Oduah's Trial

The Accountant General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and Senate President Ahmed Lawan are allegedly using their powers to frustrate the trial of former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah over a N5bn scandal.

It has also been alleged that the prosecutor, Hassan Liman, is a close friend of the AGF and Senate President.

L-R: Ahmed Lawan; Stella Oduah; Abubakar Malami.

Oduah, who the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission indicted in 2014, alongside the Nigerian subsidiary of Chinese construction giant, CCECC, in alleged fraudulent cash transactions of about N5billion, had refused to appear in court with the backing of the AGF and Senate President.

The EFCC was set to arraign Oduah on February 22, 2021, in the Federal High Court, Abuja, for alleged financial impropriety, but the defendant had refused to appear in court.

Justice Inyang Ekwo had earlier fixed the date for February 9, 2021, but rescheduled because the former minister was yet to be served with the court processes.

A source told NaijaGistReporters, “She was to be arraigned on February 9, 2021 but she didn't come to court on the excuse that she had not been served the papers; the court then adjourned to February 22 for her arraignment.

“That date is also past now, but she was not arraigned. Malami is working with Senate President Lawan to frustrate her trial. She uses Senate President and AGF to either scuttle frustrate the trial or water down the trial."

Oduah, who now represents Anambra North in the Nigerian Senate, was removed as the Minister of Aviation by then President Goodluck Jonathan following a scandal over N255million armoured cars, which she made the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), an agency under her supervision as Minister of Aviation, buy for her at inflated prices.

On December 17, 2020, EFCC filed 25 counts against Oduah (1st defendant), CCECC Nigeria Limited (9th defendant) and seven others comprising persons and firms.

One of the other defendants in the case, Gloria Odita (2nd defendant), is said to be an aide to Oduah when she was Minister of Aviation. She is said to be the company secretary for Sea Petroleum & Gas Company (SPGC) Limited, a firm founded by the former minister.

The rest of the defendants are an employee of SPCG and aide to Oduah, Nwobu Nnamdi (3rd defendant), Chukwuma Chinyere (4th defendant), Global Offshore and Marine Ltd (5th defendant), Tip Top Global Resources Limited (6th defendant), Crystal Television Limited (7th defendant), and Sobora International Limited (8th defendant).

The EFCC, in the 25 counts, accused them of conspiracy to commit money laundering, transferring, taking control and taking possession of proceeds of fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering and opening anonymous bank accounts.

Specifically, the prosecution alleged in two of the 25 counts that Oduah and Odita opened anonymous “private banking nominee” dollar and naira accounts with First Bank, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 11(4) (a) of the same Act.

Corruption Legal Politics News Reports AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Girl, 18, Stabs Brother To Death In Ondo

Tragedy struck in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State as an 18-year-old girl, Idowu Biletiri, has reportedly stabbed her elder brother, Kehinde Biletiri to death.

It was gathered that Idowu allegedly killed her brother during a hot argument. The argument was said to have started when the deceased questioned the suspect over her whereabouts in the previous days.

The suspect was alleged to have returned home after some days that she had left home and her brother was said to have queried her, seeking to know where she had been since she left home.

A source said, “The suspect, instead of answering her brother, reportedly went into an argument with him. When the argument was ongoing, the suspect went into the kitchen, took a knife, and stabbed her brother. Only two of them were at home when the incident happened.”

The source said the suspect was consequently arrested and handed over to the police at the Igbokoda Police Division.

The Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Mr Tee Leo-Ikoro, confirmed the incident and said the command had commenced an investigation into the matter.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Female Police Officer, Two Others Killed In Ekiti By-Election

At least three people, including a female police officer, have been killed in violence that ensued during the by-election for Ekiti East Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly.

The seat became vacant following the death of Juwa Adegbuyi in February, who represented the constituency.

It was gathered that political thugs unleashed mayhem on voters and security agents on Saturday.

There are allegations that the All Progressives Congress sponsored the thugs, who unleashed violence on voters and security personnel at different polling units.

Five other persons are reportedly receiving treatment from a private hospital as a result of the incidents.

The shootings happened three hours into the poll at Ward 7, Unit 7 of the Senator representing Ekiti South, Biodun Olujimi.

The senator only escaped by whiskers as the political thugs went on a rampage in her polling units.

Elections Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Senate President Lawan Diverts Government Fund For Vulnerable Women In Yobe To Reward Female Politicians

The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, has allegedly diverted the recently launched Federal Government's conditional cash grant meant for rural women in Yobe State to reward female politicians.

A source told NaijaGistReporters that the process of disbursing the fund, which was meant for 3 400 vulnerable women in the State was marred with partiality in Yobe North.

Ahmed Lawan

The source claimed that a special adviser to the Senate President on Special Duties, Habu Kaku, substituted the names of the grant's authentic beneficiaries and replaced them with women politicians in Yobe North on the Senate President's instruction.

Kaku had also allegedly claimed that the grant is from the Senate President and not Federal Government.

The development has brought a lot of tension in Gashua, the Senate President's hometown, as those whose names were substituted, have been left in agony.

Two women, Sadiya Mohammed and Aisha Ibrahim, whose names were removed from the list and replaced with other names, described the move by the Senate President as unjust and called for the immediate reversal of their funds.

The Senate President is also accused of selecting people from his tribe and leaving others in the disbursement.

Politics Scandal News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

BREAKING: Ortom Escapes Death As Gunmen Open Fire On His Convoy

The convoy of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue was attacked along Tyomu community in Makurdi Local Government Area of the State on Saturday.

Ortom was said to be returning from Gboko when the incident happened along Makurdi-Gboko highway around noon.

 Naija Gist Reporters Media

Witnesses said there was a heavy exchange of gunfire between the attackers and the governor’s security detail.

At least two sources confirmed the attack to Daily Trust, saying the governor is about to address the media on the development.

Insecurity Politics Breaking News News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Gunmen Open Fire On Benue Man, Abduct Security Guard In Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command on Saturday confirmed a farm customer and an indigene of Benue State was killed at a farm in Fiditi, Afijio Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday when some gunmen numbering about seven invaded the farm.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the attack in a phone conversation with SaharaReporters.

File Photo: Gunmen middleeastpress

NaijaGistReporters learnt that the farm customer was shot dead when the gunmen stormed the farm. A security guard on the farm, identified as Felix, an indigene of Plateau State, was abducted.

It was gathered that the security guard later escaped from his abductor in the early hours of Thursday.

A source in the farm said the gunmen arrived at the farm when the workers were closing from work. He said out of the seven abductors, five were armed with AK-47 rifles and other guns.

He said, "They arrived in search of victims to kidnap, with one of them targeting the farm manager, Mr Adelakun Sunday, as he was about leaving his office. Mr Sunday quickly retreated to his office, locked the door, ran to his toilet and climbed up the ceiling to hide.

"After the whole struggle, three expended shells of AK-47 rifle bullets and one empty cartridge shell were found at the scene."

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Miyetti Allah Writes Police, Says 30 Herdsmen, 322 Cows Missing In Anambra

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has written to the police over alleged attacks on Fulani herders in Anambra State.

MACBAN said there had been increasing violence against herders around Ayamelum, Anambra East, Orumba South, Dunukofia LGAs.

File Photo: Herdsmen.

The South Eastern Zone Chapter reported the matter to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, E Department, Force Headquarters.

The letter signed by the Zonal Chairman, Gidado Siddiki, said the attacks resulted in casualties.

The formal complaint stated that 30 Fulani herders and 322 cows are missing.

“The lives of members of MACBAN are in danger in parts of these concerned communities.

“We, therefore, ask for your urgent interventions to forestall further loss of lives and properties,” it read.

Attacks on civilians and security operatives in Anambra have increased lately.

On Thursday, gunmen killed police officers, soldiers, burned a van and carted away their arms.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Sunday Oliseh: If You Are Not Playing In First Division In Your Club, Forget Super Eagles

Super Eagles legend, Sunday Oliseh, has lamented the fallen profile of the senior national team, saying that the 1994 African champions now lack quality.

Oliseh said unlike his playing days, the present Super Eagles side can only boast of a handful of players featuring for top-flight European clubs.

Sunday Oliseh

"The demands that we have; the qualification that you have before you can play for the Super Eagles; the bar has been reduced," the former Nigerian captain told Channels Television's Sports on Friday.

"We as a nation are now happy with mediocrity. We celebrate even third place in Africa. When you are Nigerian, you are the best. You don't celebrate even second."

While recalling how he felt when the West African side lost the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final to Cameroon, he said playing for Nigeria should be a thing of pride, insisting that the best have to be picked for national assignments.

"That is why when I coached Super Eagles, the first thing I told them was 'If you are not playing in the first division anywhere in the world, forget Super Eagles' because the best has to play here," the 1996 Olympic gold medalist added.

In the past, Oliseh noted that Nigerian players faced one another in the UEFA Champions League but admitted that the situation is not the same presently, singling out Leicester City midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi as one of the few doing well at the moment.

"We don't have a lot of top players playing at the top level at the moment," the Delta-born ex-footballer explained. "The most solid player we have now is Ndidi because he has got a lot as a player."

Nigeria is billed to face Lesotho's Crocodiles at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on March 30, 2021, the first time the three-time African champions will be playing a competitive game in the city in 20 years.
 
And Oliseh, who captained Nigeria when they lost the 2000 AFCON final in Lagos, has welcomed the move, describing fans in the commercial city as "demanding."

"You have to be at your best to play there," he said, following the decision to bring the 2021 AFCON qualifier to Lagos.

He added, "There is an advantage to it. The advantage to it is that you always bring your 'A' game when you come to play for Nigeria and you know that you have to play well and it is not a luxury playing for Nigeria; it has to be  an honour wearing the green, white green."

Sports News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Backlash Trails N2.5m Raised By Sunday Igboho's Supporters

A GoFundMe fundraiser set up by supporters of Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has been trailed by heated controversy.

A blogger, Maureen Badejo, had earlier set up a Gofundme page to raise £100,000 (N51.8m) to buy buses in support of Igboho's project of ridding the South-West of killer herders.

Igboho

This had followed Igboho's request during a virtual town hall meeting that he needs buses to "transport people" for his south-west tour.

"I need buses to transport people. I bought the three vans we use. We lost three buses that were hired on our way to Oyo," he had said at the time.

But Igboho had consistently denied requesting such donation, noting that he doesn't need funding from anyone in the diaspora.

He also dismissed claims there was any fundraiser started on his behalf, stating that all he needs is Yoruba people's support in every part of the world.

Dismissing claims of the fundraiser, he had said, "I don't need such and there is nothing like that."

Fresh revelation, however, emerged that the said fundraiser has been a subject of controversy among those who inspired the initiative.

A viral video by Kayode Ogundamisi, a political commentator on Twitter, showed a dispute over money between Badejo and Yomi Koiki, Sunday Igboho's spokesman.

Badejo alleged N2.5 million was given to Igboho but he did not acknowledge receipt even after he admitted collecting another N6.5 million from a Yoruba group in the US.

"Yoruba liberation should not be a money-making venture," Badejo said in the video.

She alleged Koiki failed to acknowledge N2.5m donated for "feeding" for over two weeks after he allegedly described the funds as "no big deal."

"It is an insult to say N2.5 million feeding money is not a big deal," Badejo said.

This led to the labelling of Badejo, who raised the fund as a 'fraudster' which informed her petition to the fundraising platform.

Badejo reportedly petitioned gofundme to return the £46,933 raised for Igboho to donors.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Police Deactivate Bomb Planted In Bush In Kano

Operatives of the Kano State Police command have deactivated a bomb planted in a bush at Aujirawa Alkali village in the state's Gezawa Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on Friday, police spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawa said the explosive, which was found in the early hours of Friday, was deactivated after the police were alerted.

File photo used to illustrate story.

Kiyawa said the explosive device was successfully defused with technical equipment, adding that the area is now secured.

He said, "On receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Mr Sama'ila Shu'aibu Dikko, raised and instructed a team of Explosive Ordnance Disposal led by CSP Haruna Isma'il to move to the scene.

"The team immediately swung into action, after cordoning off the area, an Improvised Explosive Device was discovered."

The residents have also been asked to report any suspicious movement or item to the nearest police station.

Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

We Can't Pay School Fees Of Our Children Studying Abroad Because Of Dollar Scarcity—Nigerian Parents

Several Nigerian parents have lamented the delay in payments of their children's tuition in foreign institutions.

Some parents said it is now tough to access forex from banks in good time to pay their children's school fees abroad, with several dollar requests piling up in banks for weeks.

File photo used to illustrate story.

The development, they said, has made them resort to buying bitcoins and paying their wards fees through the same. Some also stated that they purchase forex through the parallel market.

Ordinarily, payment of school fees overseas through Nigerian banks are expected to be consummated within 24 hours of filling a CBN document called Form A at a commercial bank.

Some banks now delay their customers as much as six weeks to two months.

A parent, Maria Adigun, whose son is studying in a Turkish university, said she had also been experiencing what she described as "unimaginable pain" to pay her child's school fees, which had to be done in dollars.

She said in a report by Punch, "I had put in my application for the purchase of the dollars about three months ago, specifically early January, by depositing enough naira in my account. I was asked to keep checking with them to know when it would be my turn since the bank claimed that some people were in the queue before me.

"I kept checking, almost every three days since January 5, 2021, but up till March 7, there was no success. There was a day I wept openly in the banking hall because the calls I was getting from my son was affecting me psychologically.

"I would not have dabbled into sending him abroad if it were to be now, but that was what his father wanted while he was alive. Unfortunately, he died a year after my son, Ibidapo, resumed his academic programme abroad. I did not want to dampen his morale, so I had to continue paying. Now, he has two years to go."

Also speaking, Tunde Akinsola, an Ibadan-based civil engineer, said due to the forex problem, he almost ran into trouble earlier in the year over the delay in the payment of the tuition fees of his son, who is studying in Ukraine.

Commenting on the situation, economists attributed the development to activities of some players hoarding the greenback and increasing pressure by international organisations like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation on the CBN to devalue the naira was also fuelling speculation against the local currency.

A Professor of Economics, Leo Ukpong, said speculators were hoarding the greenback in anticipation of a further crash in naira against the dollar at the official and parallel markets.

He said, "Part of the reasons parents are experiencing this challenge is that some people are buying dollars and keeping them in anticipation that the CBN will soon devalue the naira. 

"They believe the naira will fall further both at the official and parallel markets very soon. You know that the World Bank, IMF and World Trade Organisation have been putting pressure on the CBN to devalue the naira. This is making people believe that the naira will fall further. 

"As a result, a lot of people are hoarding the dollar. Imagine you buy the greenback now at around N410 and later you sell at N600 per dollar. This is part of the things creating the imbalance in the system."

Money News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters, 

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

Fuel Scarcity: Black Marketers Roam NNPC Headquarters, Sell Fuel To Motorists

Black marketers have relocated to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Headquarters, Abuja, selling fuel to motorists opposite the towers at exorbitant prices and in brazen fashion.

NaijaGistReporters observed on Friday that the black marketers, holding kegs of fuel and a short rubber pipe, sell 10 litres of fuel for as high as N4000.

As the two filling stations opposite the NNPC Towers were locked as of the time of visit, the black marketers are taking advantage of the fuel scarcity in the area and waylay desperate motorists.

 

"The fuel scarcity in Abuja has not completely subsided. Some filling stations are still either locked or refusing to sell because of some anticipated price increment. The black marketers are all over on every major road. They sell N200 and N300 per litre. They sell in front of NNPC Towers also. I bought 15 litres for N4000 yesterday," a motorist, Hassan Jameel, said.

NaijaGistReporters had, on March 3, reported that black marketers hit major roads in the FCT, taking advantage of the biting fuel scarcity to sell fuel at outrageous prices.

NaijaGistReporters observed that the black marketers operate in densely populated areas such as Kubwa, Mpape, Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Asokoro and Lugbe Gwagwalada areas, mainly in the early mornings and evenings, selling adulterated fuel to desperate buyers.

The fuel queues had worsened following the shutdown of many filling stations amid heightened expectations of an increase in the product's pump price.

Some motorists had told SaharaReporters that their troubles in getting fuel from the stations forced them to patronise the black marketers.

"We have not been advised of any increase in petrol price. Many filling stations are not selling petrol, perhaps because they have run out of stock or they are hoarding the product in anticipation of price increase," the National Operation Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr Mike Osatuyi, had said.

Later on March 12, the Federal Government said it approved an upward review of petrol price to N212 per litre.

In its template released on March 12, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency revealed that a litre of fuel would now be sold for prices ranging from N209 to N212 per litre.

This was against N186; the crucial commodity retailed for in February.

The PPPRA said the landing cost of petrol in March would be N189.61 per litre as against N163.74 in February.

News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021

South-West Has Highest Rate Of Drug Abuse In Nigeria, Marwa Says

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) has said the South-West and South-South have the highest drug abuse cases in the country.

He also said there is a link between drug abuse and insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, saying these crimes would continue to thrive until drug abuse was addressed.

Marwa, a former Military Administrator of Lagos State, said this in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Friday during the inauguration of a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts called ‘Behavioural Action Centre’, built by a group known as Ogbomoso First Initiative.

The new NDLEA helmsman said the rate of drug abuse in the South-West was 22.4 per cent, with the South-South and South-East following with 16.6 and 13.8 per cent, respectively, Punch reports.

According to him, the North-East, North-West and North-Central came after with 13.6, 12 and 10 per cent, respectively.

Marwa said, “We are facing drug challenge in Nigeria but it is a solvable challenge. To achieve this, all stakeholders must come together to solve the problem. Drug challenge does not discriminate between Christians and Muslims. No community is not affected by this debilitating issue.

“Banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and other criminal activities all have their root in the use of hard substances. Until we face the menace squarely, the problem of insecurity will continue to remain with us.”

He urged the traditional rulers, religious centres and schools to rise against this drug abuse challenge, especially among the youths.

Commending the Ogbomoso First Initiative for building the rehab centre, Marwa said it was the first rehab centre in the South-West built by individuals.

He urged governors to build at least three rehabilitation centres in their states, saying each senatorial district ought to have one.

He urged the Ogbomoso people to be the first set of people to demand drug-free certificates before giving their daughters’ hands in marriage or before allowing their sons to marry any lady. He said by so doing; youths would refrain from drugs because they would know that they would not be allowed to get married for drugs use.

Drugs Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  NaijaGistReporters,

Posted by Admin March 20, 2021