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Subsidy Removal, Hardship Drove Me into Armed Robbery, e-Hailing Driver Confesses

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By Eric Elezuo

The Police in Lagos have arrested and paraded 29-year-old bolt driver, Adeniran Jeremiah, for alleged armed robbery, who confessed that the increase in fuel pump prices caused by Fuel Subsidy removal was responsible for his joining a gang of armed robbers.

Jeremiah was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command following the launch of Operation Flush by the Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, to mitigate poockets of crime in the metropolis. Team lead of a three-man gang of robbers who specialised in robbing night crawlers, especially ladies, Jeremiah blamed his woes on hardships caused by fuel subsidy removal.

His waterloo occurred during their last operation on a lady, who was disposed of a huge amount of money, phones, and other personal effects on her way to the popular Afrika Shrine.

However, luck ran against Jerimiah, when he was recognised by the victim, who met him while shopping in a mini supermarket and raised an alarm.

Jeremiah, during his parade at the Police Headquarters, Ikeja, explained how he got into the business of robbery to members of the press.

The suspect responded as follows to various questions posed by press:

“I am an accounting graduate from North American University, Cotonou, the Republic of Benin. I took to Bolt driving because of a lack of jobs, but I was able to take care of my bills, making about 15 trips daily, until the recent removal of fuel subsidy and the rise in fuel pump prices made life unbearable.

“After things became hard and unbearable for me, I decided to join another company called Rider. Thinking I would get relief from the rider company, yet the increase in fuel pump price continued to soar from N400 to almost N600, so I was working hand to mouth.

“It was then that I started thinking of different approaches to business to alleviate my suffering. It was while I was thinking about what to do to meet up with my daily target that the devil sold me the idea of robbing passengers. I contacted two of my friends and told them my idea, and they agreed with me that the idea was beautiful.

“We strategized on how we would carry out our operations. My gang members would pose as passengers in the vehicle, while I would pretend as if I didn’t know them. So when we arrived at a lonely place, I would pretend that I had a flat tyre, so I would alight from the car, pretending to be checking the faulty tyre, and then my guys, who were armed, would order me to go to the back of the vehicle. They would also do the same to our victim, but when the victim resisted, I would join hands with my guys to force the victim to submission. We started robbery operations one month ago, and we have made up to N2.1 million because we have so far shared N700,000 each.

We used to collect expensive phones and other personal effects.

“We don’t rob any person we see on the road; we size up our targets, and the most vulnerable are the ladies, who visit clubs at night. On the fateful day I was arrested, I narrowly escaped being lynched if not for the divine intervention of good Nigerians, who pleaded that I should be handed over to the police. I went shopping in a mini supermarket in Ikotun, where a female victim we robbed penultimate Friday recognized me and raised the alarm that I was among the people who robbed her.

I was not masked during the robbery operation, so she recognized me, and I couldn’t deny it, but God saved my life as I was immediately taken to the police station.

“My regret is that I was impatient, as I was in the fast lane to beat the economic hardship imposed on us by the fuel subsidy removal. My advice to the youths is that they should be patient to see if the government will give us palliative, but to be candid, taxi drivers, especially Uber, Bolt, and Riders, are not finding the fuel subsidy removal funny as we don’t make gains and we can’t take care of our daily needs.”

The Lagos State Police Commissioner, who spoke through the Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, however, warned passengers to be careful of the kind of vehicle they board at night, as robbers masquerade as drivers.

“Once a driver stops at a lonely place at night and begins to tell stories of vehicle breakdown, know that danger may be lurking around and know whether it is possible to raise the alarm. Ensure to insist that they stop at the next checkpoint or where there are people,” he said.

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We Killed Ogun Broadcaster Just to Teach Her a Lesson, Three Suspects Confess

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The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, announced the arrests on Thursday while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Ojajuni said investigators uncovered the suspects through intelligence-driven operations, technical tracking and forensic investigations launched after the double murder.

Oyesiku and Adetayo were discovered dead at the retired broadcaster’s home in the Owode-Egba area of Ogun State on June 21. Her Lexus RX 330 was also missing from the residence.

The police commissioner said officers at the Owode-Egba Police Station received a report around 4pm on June 21 over unusual developments at the deceased’s residence.

“Preliminary information indicated that the front door of the residence had been partially damaged while the security house within the compound was found locked, prompting immediate police intervention,” Ojajuni said.

He said detectives who arrived at the scene found Adetayo dead inside the security post, while Oyesiku’s body was discovered in the living room of the main building.

“The crime scene was scientifically processed. Preliminary investigation further revealed that a Lexus RX 330 vehicle belonging to the deceased was missing from the compound, raising suspicion of robbery and murder,” he added.

According to Ojajuni, the stolen vehicle was traced and recovered a day later through intelligence and technical tracking efforts.

He said investigators also recovered a handwritten note at the crime scene, which later became a key piece of evidence.

“Although the ignition key had been removed and the registration number plates detached from the vehicle, detectives recovered the vehicle’s registration plate concealed underneath one of the seats, which enabled investigators to positively identify and confirm the vehicle as the property of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku.

“One critical piece of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left behind by the perpetrators. The note was subjected to forensic examination and analysis, which generated valuable investigative leads that significantly aided detectives in identifying and tracing those responsible for the crime,” he stated.

The CP said further intelligence gathering led operatives to arrest the prime suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he worked as a labourer.

He added that subsequent operations resulted in the arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.

Ojajuni said Philip admitted his involvement in the crime and told investigators that he recruited the two other suspects.

He said, “Further follow-up operations by detectives of the command led to the successful arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho, thereby bringing into custody all identified suspects directly linked to the criminal conspiracy.

“During interrogation, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip made a confessional statement, admitting his involvement in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku. He further disclosed that he had recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho to participate in the crime.”

The commissioner said Philip told investigators he orchestrated the attack because of grievances he held from the period he worked as a security guard for the deceased.

“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,” Ojajuni added.

Ojajuni said the suspects struck on June 20 and first subdued Adetayo before forcing their way into the residence.

“According to the statement, they first overpowered the security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, and used him to gain access to the residence. Upon gaining entry, they attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and subsequently murdered the security guard.

“After committing the crime, the suspects fled the scene with the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 vehicle, which was later recovered through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations at the Onikolobo area of Ogun State,” the CP said.

The police commissioner also revealed that detectives recovered several items believed to be linked to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen.

“Following the suspects’ confessional statements, detectives conducted further searches at locations linked to them. During the operation, a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen and other relevant exhibits connected to the investigation were recovered,” he said.

Ojajuni noted that despite the confessional statements and evidence already obtained, detectives were still expanding the investigation.

“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that while the suspects have made useful statements and substantial evidence has been recovered in the course of the investigation, all suspects remain entitled to due process under the law.

“Investigation is ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of all suspects connected with the crime,” he added.

He assured residents that the command would pursue justice for the victims and ensure everyone connected to the killings faces the law.

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Glo Extends “Borrow Me Credit” Services for Customer Inclusion

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National telecommunications operator, Globacom has extended its “Borrow Me Credit” service in a calculated move meant to guarantee that none of its customers will ever be disconnected because of a low or zero airtime balance.

According to a statement released by Globacom in Lagos, the service’s eligibility requirements have been simplified to offer millions of active prepaid consumers nationwide quick airtime and data solutions. The company made it clear that even though there is a service fee, the main objective is still to provide instant assistance whenever the customer’s balance is low.

The enhanced “Borrow Me Credit” service also allows subscribers to “Borrow Special Data “and additionally “Borrow Airtime/Data for Others”. This allows Glo customers to act as a lifeline for friends and family members who may be out of reach or unable to recharge immediately, further strengthening the bonds of the Glo community through shared connectivity.

“Whether it is an urgent business call, a late-night research project, or staying in touch with loved ones during an emergency, Glo’s “Borrow Me Credit” ensures that a low balance never results in a zero-communication experience,” the company hinted.

The service caters to a wide range of customer needs, with airtime and data denominations available from as low as N25 up to N4,000, ensuring flexible options for different usage requirements.

Globacom added that the structure of the service is designed to ensure higher borrowing limits to customers with stronger usage profile and greater engagement on the network.

By maintaining a consistent presence on the network, prepaid customers unlock various tiers of credit and data, ranging from basic emergency airtime to substantial Data Plans “Borrow Me Credit” ensures that the service is sustainable and provides the most frequent users with higher limits to match their digital lifestyle.

All eligible Glo prepaid customers are encouraged to explore the benefits of the “Borrow Me Credit” service by simply dialing *303# and choosing from the available airtime or data options. Customers can also visit the official Globacom website for more information regarding eligibility criteria and the service charge policy.

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Bandits Invade Kwara Community, Abduct Scores, Set Emir’s Palace Ablaze

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Suspected bandits have reportedly invaded the Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, early this morning, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including women and children.

It was gathered that the attack occurred late at night when the heavily armed assailants stormed the community, firing sporadically.

According to sources in the area, the gunmen attacked the palace during the invasion, setting parts of the royal residence on fire before whisking away multiple victims.

Residents said the attackers operated for hours without resistance, leaving behind destruction and fear in the border community.

Another local source described the incident as terrifying, noting that villagers were caught unaware as the gunmen invaded the town under the cover of darkness.

Sources say Security forces have launched immediate rescue operations to free victims of the Yashikira abduction, which occurred on Sunday night.

Military and police operatives have established a cordon in the area as part of the efforts to rescue about 10 persons who were reportedly taken from the community in an overnight attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira.

The police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The development comes after bandits on Saturday night invaded a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a vigil.

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