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I Did Not Kill Chief Ope Bademosi, Alleged Killer Tells Police

Published

6 years ago

November 3, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Togolese cook of late Chief Ope Bademosi, who was suspected to have killed him, has told the Police that he was not that one the killed the Ondo chief.

The suspect, a Togolese by nationality named Sunday said that he could not have been the one who the chief as both of them were subjected to the same torture by those who killed him.

Narrating his experience to the Police during his interrogation, the cook said he was in the kitchen when about four men walked into the house through the front door drawing his suspicion because under normal circumstance, everyone enters through the kitchen door.

“As they opened the kitchen where I was, I shouted, who is that, but my question was answered by a blow to my neck. Then one of them drew me down and began to ask, ‘where is chief, where is chief’? I couldn’t answer instantly because I never knew him as chief because I call him oga.

“Then he asked again, where is chief? I summoned courage and asked them what is happening. One of them again answered me with a blow to my face. Then I pointed to chief’s room to them. They also asked about his wife, and I told them she just left.

“Then they took me to the visitor’s room and threatened me with a weapon, saying they were not there for play, and they will kill me if I am not careful. They attempted to keep me in the room but one of them warned against it saying I will shout and attract people’s attention. So they took me with them to chief’s room and started banging on the door. As chief opened the door, they landed him a blow that made him scream. I also tried to scream but they warned me not to try it, and started playing loud music.

“Then they attempted to keep me in the wardrobe, and one of them suggested I be kept in the toilet. Then they started beating chief up mercilessly,” he said.

When the Police inquired how he managed to know they were giving him blows since he was in the toilet, he explained that the presence of mirror everywhere in the house helped him to see everything happening in the room.

He continued: “After the initial beating, they brought him to the toilet where I was, and started asking for money. Chief told them that there was no money, but he can make a transfer to them immediately, but they rejected the offer, saying they would be arrested. They continued threatening that if he fails to bring money they would kill both of us. Before you know it, one of them stabbed chief on the chest. Then I screamed, and I was beaten.”

At this point, the Police asked the where about of the knife they used, and the cook explained that, the invaders only brought pepper spray while they knife was taken from their kitchen.

“The stabbing was too severe, and my attempt to shout was punctuated by beating. The beating changed everything about me, and I shouted aula, aula, aula. They took my cloth and tied chief around the neck to his hands and told him that he would die there, and they would wait for the wife to return, and kill her too. That frightened me!

“They asked what I do in the house, and I told them I was a cook, and one of them said that today, they will show me how to use a person’s meat to prepare ‘asu’. At this time chief told them that there was money in his room. When they realised the money was not much, they continued to ask for more money, but he told them that there was no more but he could make a transfer, they should just spare his life. They would not bulge, tied him tighter, and he was gasping for breath. I can’t tell exactly when they finally killed him because they dragged him away from the toilet where I was, and as at that time, he was still alive,” Sunday narrated

When he was asked how the marauders left, he pointed accusing fingers at the ‘gateman’ saying he must be part of them, adding that when he passed the gate, the gateman saw him and asked him what the matter was. But he couldn’t give a straight answer as to why he has to leave with Chief Bademosi’s personal effects instead of his own though he claimed he was running out hopefully he could see ‘madam’ (Chief’s wife) on the way and warn her.

Chief Bademosi was brutally murdered on Wednesday morning in his Onikoyi Lane, Park View Estate, Ikoyi by yet to be identified persons.

The main suspect, Sunday, who absconded after the incident, and was arrested in Ondo, claimed he was not the one that killed him.

Investigation still continues.

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Akwa Ibom Gov Disburses N750m Business Grant to 15,000 Youths

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Eric

In a historic move to tackle unemployment and empower Akwa Ibom’s youth, Governor Umo Eno has disbursed ₦750 million in unemployment business grants to 15,000 youths across the state. This innovative programme provides ₦50,000 monthly grant to 5,000 beneficiaries, with plans to expand the initiative to a total of 60,000 youths drawn from all 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) over the next 12 months.

Speaking during the official presentation of the grants at Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, Gov Eno described the initiative as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building.

He urged beneficiaries to utilize the grants for productive ventures that will enhance their personal growth and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on creating opportunities that enable youths to thrive and unlock their full potential, adding that this programme is part of a broader charter to highlight and support the immense talent and resilience of Akwa Ibom youth.

Gov. Eno also announced plans for civil service recruitment through the State Youth Employment Portal.

He encouraged youths to register on the portal, which has been designed to simplify access to jobs and other employment-related initiatives, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in public service recruitment.

Additionally, the governor highlighted several complementary programmes aimed at building youth capacity, including Ibom LED, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, and the Ibom Community Watch initiative. These initiatives provide vital training, mentorship, and job creation opportunities for young people, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive economy.

Describing the selection process, SSA on ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong said beneficiaries where chosen through an unbiased and thorough process.

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Ahead Christmas, It’s Glo’s Feliz Navidad All the Way on TVCs

Published

4 days ago

December 22, 2024

Eric

Celebratory seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, are times when corporate organisations churn out new television commercials (TVCs) to connect with their customers and share the fun, euphoria and uncommon conviviality of such seasons.

One such organization which has over the years used this strategy to great effect is Nigeria’s top telecommunications brand, Globacom.

The exciting commercials that the technology company keeps rolling out fan the delight and elation of the season of goodwill. The brand employs the occasion not only to promote brand awareness but to felicitate its customers and the nation at large.

It is a tradition Glo has established. Since it started operations in 2003, it has always used television commercials as veritable tools of ensuring brand presence, marketing products and services and spreading joy among its various targets.

The 2024 Yuletide adverts it rolled out recently are not different. The two unique yet powerful commercials serve dual purposes. They felicitate the Nigerian people and spread mirth, which the season typifies, around existing and prospective customers.

Expectedly, the two new commercials have dominated the airwaves, and kept viewers talking and relishing the joy that Christmas brings.

The first commercial features juju music maestro, King Sunday Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, who parades a full ensemble of dancers and a rich, talented band in the TVC tagged “Merry Christmas”. The percussions, rhythm and dance merge to foster affability and enchanting memories of the season of glad tidings.

Before the party celebration where King Sunny and his band entertain guests, the TVC takes viewers back to the 1970s and 1980s when Christmas was celebrated with so much fanfare. It paints a vivid picture of rural Nigeria during Christmas where the warmth of tradition and community fills the air. The village with lush green vegetation is buzzing with excitement, with children playing, women cooking delicious meals in open-air kitchens, the aroma of local dishes (you can literally perceive it) mixing with the sounds of Afro Juju music. Families and friends gather around, dancing joyfully to the rhythmic beats, their faces beaming with happiness as they celebrate the festive season. A woman bearing the Aso ebi for the party is shown coming down from a Peugeot 504 car which also reinforces the advert as being set in the 1980s.

The television commercial by the telecom company captures the essence of togetherness, blending the cultural richness of rural life with the spirit of Christmas, all while subtly underscoring the telecom brand’s role in connecting loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. It ends with “Better don come. Merry Christmas, Nigeria” further underscoring the reason for the commercial.

The second commercial tagged “Feliz Navidad” uses a galaxy of known artistes including Nollywood star, Timini Egbuson, as well as Uche Nwaefuna (Uchemontana), Chigozie Stephanie Alichi (Chizzy Alichi), Tomi Ojo, Eronini Osinachim, Kiki Bakare and Tope Adenibuyan (Teddy A) to pass across the message of Christmas.

At the heart of the Christmas party, the energy is electric as tap dancers take center stage, their feet tapping out intricate rhythms that blend seamlessly with the upbeat melody of Feliz Navidad. The sound of their shoes striking the floor creates a lively pulse, complementing the lively tunes of the music band performers who bring the festive song to life with vibrant instruments and harmonious vocals. Laughter and cheer fill the air as all come together to toast the season, sharing in the joy of music, movement, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit. The scene is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and festive joy, all set to the timeless sounds of Feliz Navidad.

These commercials have further endeared the Glo brand to its subscribers and the general Nigerian public as they enjoy the geniality of the season of love, hope, gifts and celebrations.

Talking about the Yuletide commercials, Ademide Gafar, an industry watcher opined that churning out great TVCs is one of the selling points of the Glo brand while John Michael, a marketing communications expert, noted that Globacom is not just a leader in the telecommunications sector but a prominent creator of unforgettable commercials. From the nation’s pride in telecommunications, it’s Feliz Navidad-Merry Christmas!

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Court Sends Woman to Prison for Abusing Tinubu’s Son, IGP on Social Media

Published

5 days ago

December 21, 2024

Eric

Olamide Thomas, who reportedly threatened Seyi Tinubu on social media, was on Friday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge.

Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through a computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”

The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, and harass the person of Egbetokun.

The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on December 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo (SAN), sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until December 30 for the commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.

Justice Nwite, thereafter, ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.