News

Ban: Lagos Okada Riders Revolt, Kill Policeman, Injure DPO

Published

2 years ago

April 6, 2023

Eric

A yet-to-be-identified policeman was killed on Wednesday by rampaging motorcyclists protesting against the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations in the Cele-Ijesha area of Lagos State.

During the clash, according to The Punch, the motorcyclists also injured a Divisional Police Officer who was said to be part of the team enforcing the ban in the community.

During the enforcement around 11am on Wednesday, it was learnt that the policemen accosted a motorcyclist plying the Mile 2-Cele axis

In an attempt to seize the motorcycle, the motorcyclist resisted and other motorcyclists who witnessed the incident intervened to support their colleague and which resulted in a clash with the policemen.

An eyewitness, who did not want his name in print for security reasons, told The Punch that during the clash, one of the policemen attempted to use his gun to scare the motorcyclist and his colleagues away, adding that the motorcyclists overpowered the policeman and allegedly killed him.

The eyewitness said, “The policemen were trying to arrest one of the motorcycle riders shuttling the Cele-Ijesha and Mile 2 areas. It was while the motorcyclist was resisting arrest that other motorcyclists intervened and demanded the release of their colleague’s motorcycle.

“When the policemen refused and tried to drive the motorcyclists away, they refused to back down and stopped the policemen from leaving the spot. Then, one of the policemen tried to scare them away with his gun but they overpowered him and killed him.”

Another eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Dehinde, said the policemen hurriedly left the scene after realising that their colleague had been killed.

He said, “Immediately the policeman was killed, his colleagues who ran away called for reinforcement and by the time they returned, the motorcyclists had fled. They were also seen brandishing different weapons while leaving the scene of the clash.”

The clash caused tension in the area as commuters and traders scampered to safety to avoid being hurt.

Before the clash that resulted in the death of the policeman, it was learnt that a joint team of police and military personnel had, during a raid, seized motorcycles from motorcyclists operating in the area despite the ban on their activities.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, while reacting to the development, said two suspects had been arrested, adding that 41 motorcycles were impounded.

He said, “While enforcing the existing ban on the use of motorcycles in parts of Lagos State, policemen attached to the Isolo Division came under attack from motorcycle riders at Cele Bus-Stop, resulting in the death of an Inspector and serious injury of the Divisional Police Officer.

“Two suspects have been arrested while 41 motorcycles were impounded. The Lagos State Police Command will not be deterred from carrying out its mandate of enforcing duly established laws.

“Also, people should stop peddling fake news as no gun was snatched during the attack.

“Citizens are urged to remain law-abiding, as riders and passengers alike arrested on prohibited routes will face the law.

“Above all, any form of attack on policemen will no longer be tolerated.”

News

Pensioners’ Welfare: Govenor Adeleke Approves N3.3bn for Retirees

Published

23 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Eric

The Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has again approved a whopping sum of Three billion, Three hundred naira only (#3,300,000,000.00) for the payment of accrued rights (bond certificates) of a number of workers who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme across the State, according to a statement esigned by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.

Of the said amount amount, N1.5 billion is for retirees at the State level comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, secondary schools and tertiary institutions while the sum of #1.8bn is for those who retired in the local government service, junior and primary schools across the State.

The statement noted that the approved fund is presently undergoing due process at the Bureau of Public Service Pension and the Local Government Staff Pension Board.

The approval, the statement further disclosed, is apart from the regular monthly payment of pension and gratuities to retired public servants under the old pension scheme across the whole gamut of the public service.

It will be recalled that workers and pensioners welfare top the 5- point Action Plan of Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration in the State.

Stakeholders admit that Governor Adeleke been keeping his promise since he came on board in November, 2022 going by his unhindered love for public servants and the entire citizens of the State.

News

We’re Winning War Against Bandits, Terrorists, Says Tinubu’s Minister

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2024

Eric

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; said on Thursday that Nigeria is winning the war against terror and banditry.

Idris made the claim during the opening ceremony of the 1st Annual International Lecture of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja

He said: “Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.

“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.

“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

“Indeed, this quote from President Bola Tonibu has amplified the resolve and determination of this administration to address the security challenges confronting us.

“By understanding the root causes, evaluating the impact on our territorial integrity, and implementing strategic policy measures, we can effectively address the challenges posed by this crisis.”

The minister pointed out that the Federal government through intelligence gathering and other grassroots measures is tackling insecurity.

News

Court Releases Ex-Taraba Governor, Darius Ishaku on N150m Bail

Published

2 days ago

October 3, 2024

Eric

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has granted a N150 million bail to a former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku.

Ishaku was arraigned on Monday alongside Bello Yero, former permanent secretary, bureau for local government and chieftaincy affairs.

Both men are being prosecuted on a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds.

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when all the charges were read to them.

At the court session on Thursday, the defendants’ respective counsels moved their bail applications.

Rotimi Jacobs, prosecution counsel, said he would not object since the defendants have been granted administrative bail.

Sylvanus Oriji, presiding judge, granted the bail application.

He held that the defendants must produce two sureties each in like sum. The two sureties must be responsible citizens of Nigeria and must be residents within the FCT, with verifiable office and residential addresses.

One of the sureties produced by each defendant must be a director in the civil service.

The defendants must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission and must deposit their travel documents to the court.

Ishaku, 70, was governor of Taraba from 2015 to 2023.

In July 2023, the EFCC invited the former governor over some financial transactions conducted during his spell in office. He was later released on bail.

On September 27, 2024, Ishaku and Yero were arrested and detained by the commission.