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Police Officer on Death Row Cries for Justice: NGO Makes Case for Board of Mercy in Osun to Review Cases

Published

3 months ago

August 25, 2024

Eric

By Hezekiah Olujobi, CJMR

Wrongful convictions are a significant global issue with serious consequences for individuals, families, and society as a whole. When someone is wrongfully convicted, it means that an innocent person has been found guilty of a crime they did not commit.

This can occur due to various reasons, including errors in the criminal justice system, misconduct by law enforcement or prosecutors, mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions, and inadequate legal representation.

The consequences of wrongful convictions are far-reaching and can have devastating effects. Innocent individuals may spend years, or even decades, in prison for crimes they did not commit, resulting in the loss of freedom, damage to their reputation, emotional trauma, and the loss of relationships with family and friends.

Additionally, the true perpetrators of the crimes remain free, posing a continued threat to society.

Without advocacy groups dedicated to addressing wrongful convictions, these injustices may go unnoticed and unaddressed.

In 2023, the Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation (CJMR) presented a case to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, involving two individuals who were wrongly sentenced to death for a murder case. The real perpetrators of the crime confessed to the CJMR, leading to the release of the innocent individuals after 24 years of wrongful imprisonment.

In this case, the CJMR conducted a thorough review to determine the veracity of the accused person’s claims.

The analysis and review revealed an injustice against a junior police officer serving in Ikire Police division in Osun State by a senior police officer serving in Ibadan Oyo State. The Police officer who is a native of Ikire was traveling home for Sallah festival and he ran towards a lone armed robber who jumped on the road and robbed him of his 4,500. In this review.

Pastor Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi the Executive Director for the Centre for Justice Mercy & Reconciliation
shed more light on the possible innocence of Mr. Victor Akpoyibo. Follow us to learn more and judge for yourself whether Victor Akpoyibo deserves to remain in prison for the next 24 hours.
The timeline of events leading to Victor Akpoyibo’s arrest for armed robbery is as follows:

1. On 25/11/2001, during the Sallah festival, a senior police officer named Folorunsho Adisa was robbed at gunpoint on Apomu High way road while traveling to Ikire.
2. The victim, PW1, also a police officer an inspector by rank lodged a complaint at Apomu Police station after being robbed of 4,500 Naira.
3. PW1 proceeded to Ikire Police station to file a similar report and inquired about missing arms, suspecting a police officer was involved in the robbery whereas he did not claim he saw the armed robber in Police Uniform rather in a mufti Khaki.
4. While in Ikire town, PW1 encountered Victor Akpoyibo at Sango Roundabout wearing a police uniform with a Corporal rank.
5. PW1 identified Victor based on his uniform and name tag, leading to Victor’s arrest at Ikire Police station.
6. Victor was detained, prosecuted, and sentenced to death for the armed robbery solely on the evidence of the PW 1 without any concrete exhibit.
7. Despite Victor’s appeals, including a failed appeal at the Court of Appeal, he remained in prison for 23 years.
8. Victor sought mercy and appealed for freedom through the Center for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation, highlighting discrepancies in the evidence and requesting a review of his case for possible release.

Shedding light on his innocence:
According to the review and analysis of the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation an Organization that specialized on innocent people behind the Bar in Nigeria.

It is evident from the record that the incident took place during the Sallah festival when the senior police officer was traveling to Ikire for Sallah, en route from Apomu to Ikire instead of driving directly from Ibadan to Ikire. Shortly after branching to the Apomu road, he encountered an armed robber, operating alone, who stopped him at gunpoint at around 8:00 am and robbed him of Four thousand five hundred Naira (4,500.00).

After lodging a complaint at Apomu Police station, he proceeded to Ikire police station to file a similar report. In the process, he stumbled on a man seemingly look as the armed robber that robbed him few hours ago and he laid his hand upon him, got him arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to death. This policeman was alone victim, a lone witness and alone investigator that could arrest his accused within a few hours after the incidence.

According to the detailed court proceedings faithfully recorded by the judge, “PW 1 Proceeded to Ikire Police station where he lodged similar report. He inquired from the policemen at Ikire Police station if their arms were missing because he saw a seemingly looking policeman on the highway robbing people. The policemen at Ikire police station told him that there was nothing of such and their arms were intact.
From Ikire Police station, PW1 proceeded to Ikire town with a view to borrowing money to enable him buy sallah things for his father.
At Sango Roundabout PW1 was surprised to see the accused person wearing Police Uniform with Corporal Rank. He then parked his car and greeted him. He also inquired from him if he was heading for the Police station so that he could drop him there. Instead of accepting the offer the accused person challenged PW1 for asking him such questions. Pw1 then showed the accused person his ID card and told him that he was his boss and that was the reason he had the gut to ask him questions. However, when the accused person sighted PW1’s ID card and purse, he started begging him to please forgive him.

According to the record of the high Court record of proceedings

From Sango Roundabout, PW1 drove straight to Ikire Police station to inquire if they had any policeman who went by the name of VICTOR AKPOYIBO, the name tag he saw on the accused person’s uniform. When it was confirmed that the accused person was serving at the station, PW1 inquired further about the, accused person’s duty post. He was told To the that the accused person was supposed to be on morning duty but had not reported for work as at the time PW1 lodged his complaint at the station.

PW1 then informed the policemen on duty that he had seen the accused the person at Sango Roundabout and that accused person was the same person that robbed him earlier that morning at Apomu Junction. Soon thereafter, the accused person arrived the Police station on a motor- bike and was promptly arrested after PW1 had identified him as the person that robbed earlier in the morning at Apomu Junction.”

This was how the man Mr. Victor Akpoyibo began his journey to death row. The young police officer was arrested, detained and sentenced to death.

He appeals against the judgment but the appeal failed at the Appeal Court. In 2014, he also filed an appeal against the judgment at the Supreme Court but his appeal is yet to be mentioned.

Having spent 23 years behind bar Victor Akpoyibo approached the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation to seek appeal through the office of the Board of Mercy to obtain his freedom.

As a mediator between the State Government of Osun State and Victor Akpoyibo, it is our duty to be sure that there is possibility of his claim of the innocence and base on merit to propose for the freedom of Victor Akpoyibo.

We have painstakingly gone through the whole records of courts that convicted Victor; we can equivocally say that Mr. Victor Akpoyibo merit mercy with our intervention.

From the record of the Judgement of the High Court delivered by the Hon Justice W.O Akanbi on 22/7/2010 two issues were raised for the conviction

0.1. The graphic description of the PW1 Folorunsho Adisa on the defendant about the cloths he wore on the day of the robbery incidence as blue jeans and multi-colour T shirt

0.2. The type of gun held for the operation AK-47 gun. (Which was never recover nor even exist).
It was cleared, that the judge convicted the defendant solely on the evidence of the PW1 on count one

CONTENTION BETWEEN THE Defendant AND Respondent COUNSELS.

0.1. Defendant submitted that the description of the cloth by the PW1 was different from the exhibit tendered before the court. The defendant said Kahki is different from blue jeans. Yet, the court went ahead and convicted him.

0.2. No gun was recovered from the defendant during the search as the police officer at Ikire rebuffed the claim of the PW1 by his own word. Yet, the court went ahead and convicted him.

THE Exhibit before the court for conviction.

The exhibit of substance of cocaine was dismissed by the court.

The exhibit of Kahki trouser instead of blue Jeans trouser and multicolour T-Shirt was admissible for his conviction.
The exhibit of gun. None
The exhibit of the PW1 was the solely evidence relied by the court to convict the appellant.

WHAT IS THE STRENGHT OF THE EVIDENCE OF THE PW1?
The evidence was that after he was robbed in Apomu he came to Ikire same day within a short period he caught the man who came to robbed him on Apomu High way in the morning. How credible and reliable were his evidence? According to the record of the Court “ PW 1 Proceeded to Ikire Police station where he lodged similar report. He inquired from the policemen at Ikire Police station if their arms were missing because he saw a seemingly looking policeman on the highway robbing people. (But in this evidence, he never discloses himself as the victim of the armed robbery)

This piece of evidence raises a lot of doubt in my mind and you will agree with me that same with you. If his experience were to be true that truly he was robbed the record would have been “because I saw a seemingly looking policeman on the highway who robbed me, not “robbing people.” When he said “robbing people” the question is who are the people that were robbed?

Why did he refused to disclose his identity as the victim of the armed robbery?
From critical evaluation of his evidence before the court he went to the police station twice to lodge complain.

The first complaint was to make an enquiry if there were missing guns because he saw a man seemingly like a policeman with a gun robbing people.

According to the victim “Then he left the police station thinking about where to borrow money to buy the Sallah thing for his father”.

Are you kidding me? You are a senior police officer, going home for a Sallah from Ibadan to Ikire with only 4,500 Naira and just in less than 10 minutes before you get to Ikire a one-man armed robber jumped on the road and collected the money.

Read on

“From Ikire Police station, PW1 proceeded to Ikire town with a view to borrowing money to enable him buy sallah things for his father. At Sango Roundabout PW1 was surprised to see the accused person wearing Police Uniform with Corporal Rank. He then parked his car and greeted him. He also inquired from him if he was heading for the Police station so that he could drop him there. Instead of accepting the offer the accused person challenged PW1 for asking him such questions.

Pw1 then showed the accused person his ID card and told him that he was his boss and that was the reason he had the gut to ask him questions. However, when the accused person sighted PW1’s ID card and purse, he started begging him to please forgive him.”

How possible for a police man who knew he supposed to resume duty very early in the morning and abandoned his duty post to go and rob at 8.00am in the morning? If he always had a gun with him to perpetrate a crime, I think he will never abandon his duty to go and commit a crime in the broad daylight when he supposed to have resume duty. I doubt this. What about you?

With utmost respect, let us consider another scenario. From Sango Roundabout, PW1 drove straight to Ikire Police station to inquire if they had any policeman who went by the name of VICTOR AKPOYIBO, the name tag he saw on the accused person’s uniform. When it was confirmed that the accused person was serving at the station, PW1 inquired further about the, accused person’s duty post. He was told that the accused person was supposed to be on morning duty but had not reported for work as at the time PW1 lodged his complaint at the station.
PW1 then informed the policemen on duty that he had seen the accused person at Sango Roundabout and that accused person was the same person that robbed him earlier that morning at Apomu Junction. (I think in any Government setting, there is a record book where every police officer must sign his or her resumption on duty and when he is close for the day, was there a record that shows Akpoyibo was late on duty that day)?

This statement calls for deliberation. You went to the same police station twice.

The first time to make enquiry if there were missing gun they said no. The second time you came to inform the police that you have seen the person who robbed you.

THE DEFENCE OF THE DEFENDANT. Based on the statement of the allegations, the defendant raised objection to all the allegations and challenged the court to demand for the Crime Diary in Apomu to show the truthfulness of his robbery encounter and the number of people that were robbed on that day. This is the persistent crying of the defendant throughout the trial and up till date but ignored.

In my own humble opinion if I were the prosecuting counsel or an investigative police officer, I would have equally demand for the registered record of the station to also know the duty of Victor Akpoyibo that same day. As it is said in judicial quote, justice is not one-way traffic. It is three-way traffic: – justice for the appellant accused of the heinous crime of robbery or murder; justice for the victim that was robbed or murdered whose blood is crying to heaven for vengeance and finally justice to the society at large. “Justice must not only be done, but seen publicly to have been done”

Victor headed for the Court of Appeal with expectation to get justice but justice was not available.

WHAT IS THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL?
The lead judge of the Court of Appeal in his conclusion said,

“Finally, I need to register that it is rather unfortunate that the appellant who was legally armed as a policeman for him to use same and protect the citizenry out of his wicked and selfish desire turned same into a weapon of robbery and terror against innocent citizens.”

The interpretation and conclusion of the opinion of this judge was Mr. Victor Akpoyibo robbed DSP Folorunsho Adisa with the gun that was giving to him to protect the innocent citizen; Did he actually used the gun to robbed Folorunsho Adisa on the same day of 25/11/2001? The question is was any gun in possession of Victor Akpoyibo that same day?

Do police used to carry gun A.K 47 home after closing duty of the day? If by his own evidence that when he made enquiry of his duty and they said he supposed to have resume duty at about 11.am then that is a plus to his evidence, the question Victor Akpoyibo should answer now is where was he since morning that he supposed to have resume duty? If he has not yet resume duty as at 11 am how come he was in possession of the A.K 47 for a robbery operation very early in the morning?

Hear the response of the police officers at Ikire upon enquiry of the PW1.
“PW 1 Proceeded to Ikire Police station where he lodged similar report. He inquired from the policemen at Ikire Police station if their arms were missing because he saw a seemingly looking policeman on the highway robbing people. The policemen at Ikire police station told him that there was nothing of such and their arms were intact.”

There is no way the police officer could have been in the possession of A.K 47 gun as at that time in the morning, because he does not go home with gun and he has not yet resume duty the following morning because he was not even on the morning duty.

As quoted in judiciary quotes “A judgment sending a man to the gallows must be seen to be the product of logical Thinking based upon admissible evidence in which the facts leading to his conviction are clearly found and deductions therefore carefully made. It cannot be allowed to stand if found upon scraggy reason or perfunctory performance. It is so in all cases and more so in criminal cases and particularly more so in capital offence.”

Victor Akpoyibo was convicted based on fabricated testimony and police misconduct.
Presently, Victor Akpoyibo is an Inmates on Death Row in Kirikiri Maximum Custodial Centre looking forward for Justice.

We want to sincerely and respectfully plead to the Honorable Commissioner for Justice and the State Attorney General Hon Wole Jimi Bada, and all the good people at the Osun State Board of Mercy to consider the plea of Victor Akpoyibo by recommending him to the Executive Governor of the Osun State Senator Ademola Adeleke to show his compassion which he was known for to grant this man total freedom without further delayed after 23 years behind bar.

Presently, about 85 inmates sentenced to death from various high courts of Justice are on death row, some of them have exhausted their appeal to the Supreme Court, some still have their appeal pending for over 7 years.

We are appealing to the Osun State Governor to constitute the Board of Mercy for the possible case review in other to consider those that merit the Governor’s person.

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Quality Service Delivery: Bowen’s VC Commends Globacom’s Strides

Published

20 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Eric

Globacom has received commendation from the Vice Chancellor of BOWEN University, Iwo, Osun State, Professor Jonathan Oyebamiji Babalola, for consistently delivering digital services to the university over the years.

This acclamation was made by Professor Babalola during a business meeting in his office at the University of Iwo in Osun State, when he hosted a team from Globacom’s Enterprise Business Group.

The VC conveyed how much he enjoyed working with Globacom and encouraged the company to keep up its uninterrupted services to the academic community.

In order to help the university fulfill its mission of creating better products and advance the frontiers of academic development, he also asked Globacom to support BOWEN University through a number of CSR initiatives.

Speaking at the meeting, Adeniyi Odejobi, the Enterprise Business Lead, Globacom, said that the company has been a major telecommunications service provider in Nigeria, providing telephony and digital solution services for millions of people across the country as well as enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, large corporations, public sector organizations, and universities. It is also a digital solutions company.

According to Adeniyi, Glo has been at the forefront of revolutionary changes in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector for more than 20 years and is largely to be commended for democratizing the use of telephones and telephony services across the country over the years. “Because of Globacom, every Nigerian today can afford a telephone line”, he noted.

According to Adeniyi, Globacom also evolved a good number of innovations that have aided revolutionary developments in the Nigerian telecom sector, such as Globacom’s fully owned international submarine cable, Glo 1.

In order to advance the university, Adeniyi urged it to deepen its collaboration with Glo in order to offer digital services such as Glo LMS, Toll-Free Data, and Mobility services.

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Henrietta Ugboh Becomes Independent Non- Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from UBA Board

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Eric

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”

Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).

Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”

The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.

During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.

On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.

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Dusk at Dawn: The Life and Times of Nigeria’s COAS, Taoreed Lagbaja

Published

5 days ago

November 10, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Nigerians were thrown into mourning in the early hours of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the news of the death of the country’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was formally announced.

It has earlier been rumored that the COAS had died many days before the official announcement from many quarters including a popular online news platform, but both the Army and the presidency had been consistent in their denials of the late Army chief’s death prior to Tuesday.

Lagbaja goes down in history as the third Chief of Army Staff to die in office.

In the presidential statement, it was revealed that Lagbaja battled and died of undisclosed illness.

In a message announcing his death, and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, it was noted as follows:

“Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”

Described as a warrior soldier, Lagbaja followed through his military career with equanimity, excelling on all fronts he was posted to. His supervision of the Nigerian Army since June 19, 2023, when he assumed leadership has received commendations.

Earlier, when Lagbaja disappeared from public view, an online news media, reported exclusively that the army chief was dead, but the army, on October 20, 2024, dismissed the story as unfounded rumours that Lagbaja had passed on, adding that the army chief was undergoing medical treatment abroad.

But on October 30, President Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting COAS, and on November 5, decorated Oluyede with a new rank of lieutenant-general. Less than 24 hours, news filtered in that the army chief was dead. Unconfirmed report says he had been clinically dead, and was on life support, having suffered untreatable ailment, until an agreement was reached to remove the life support. Neither the army nor the president has however, corroborated the report.

With condolence registers opened in all army formations and the Defence Headquarters, many Nigerians have been registering their condolences to the President, the army, his immediate family and the country at large.

Some of the condolences messages include:

NEWS RELEASE

OSUN GOVERNMENT DECLARES THREE DAYS MOURNING FOR LATE COAS LAGBAJA

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared three days mourning for the late Chief of Army Staff of the federation, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The State government also directed that half mast flags should be flown in the state during the same period.

This was stated in the release by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who disclosed that Condolence Registers has also been opened at the government house and Governor’s office for the condolence messages of the people of Osun.

According to the information Commissioner, the death of the late COAS is devastating, a collosal loss to humanity and the nation, and we can’t forget him.

The government is sad at this irreparable loss of one of the Glory of Osun state, and we particularly condole with the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu and everyone.

The mourning period is to start today Thursday November 7, 2024 and end on Saturday 9th, while the Condolence Register is for people to pen down their memories of him, for the immortality of the late COAS, who died at age 56.

Once again, we pray God repose the soul of late Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, and grant him Aljanna Fidaus

GOVERNOR ADELEKE LAMENTS, MOURNS EXIT OF GENERAL LAGBAJA

Governor Ademola Adelele has described as a sad loss the untimely exit of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoheed Lagbaja, calling his transition “a huge misfortune”

“A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian army and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu. We lost a rare breed, a gentleman and a true patriot to the cold hand of death.

“Our late brother has a big vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army. He launched out and commenced the implementation of root and branch reform of the Nigerian Army. Within his short stint in office, he enforced professionalism and battled terrorists and bandits with terrifying fierceness.

“Our late brother was a very hardworking officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier, a replica of the traditional army officer with an ambitious plan for modernization and integration of the Nigerian Army.

“In my last encounter with him, he exuded hope and aspirations of a better Nigeria with the military as a stabilizer and unifier of the federation. In late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with the poise, the confidence and the firmness to realize the vision of a new Nigerian Army.

“Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We surrendered to the will of the Almighty creator. I commiserate with the Commander – in- Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu and the great Lagbaja family.

“We mourn together on this sad occasion. On behalf of the people and Government of Osun state, we extend commiseration to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and the two children .”, Governor Adeleke noted in a statement he personally signed.

Signed:
HE, SENATOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE,
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OSUN OSUN STATE

NORTHERN GOVERNORA MOURN LATE COAS LAGBAJA

The Northern States Governors’ Forum has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the demise of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who died on November 5, 2024, from a protracted illness.

The Chairman of the forum, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, of Gombe State, described the late COAS as a distinguished officer, who served the nation with remarkable courage and dedication.

“General Lagbaja’s life and career were defined by a commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces and an exceptional dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty amid the ongoing challenges posed by insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities”, Governor Yahaya remarked.

The NSGF Chairman also noted that the late Lagbaja embodied the values of discipline, bravery, and integrity that characterize the finest traditions of military service, adding that his leadership played a significant role in strengthening the nation’s defence framework and upholding peace and stability.

Governor Yahaya, on behalf of the Northern States Governors Forum, sent his deepest sympathies to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who have lost a remarkable leader, colleague, and patriot.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the wife of the late army chief Mariya Lagbaja, an illustrious daughter of Gombe State from Tula in Kaltungo LGA, and the entire family members as well as the government and people of Osun State where the deceased hailed from, urging them to find solace in his legacy of valour and service.

The Governor prayed to Almighty God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and provide comfort to all who mourn this immense loss.

GOV OTU MOURNS LAGBAJA’S PASSING, DESCRIBES HIM AS COURAGEOUS SOLDIER

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has expressed profound sadness over the sudden death of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who, until his passing, was Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army.

Describing the death of Lagbaja as a great loss to the Nigerian Army, the military, and the entire nation, Governor Otu, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nsa Gill, said: “The late Chief of Army Staff’s untimely departure is a devastating blow and a monumental loss not only to the military but to our nation as a whole.”

Lamenting the painful death of Lt. General Lagbaja while acknowledging his bravery, Governor Otu noted that “he was known for his unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership, and dedicated service to Nigeria. Throughout his distinguished career, he played a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and enhancing the security of our citizens.”

The governor praised the fallen Chief of Army Staff and his strategic vision, saying: “His relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of challenges was inspiring to all who served under him.”

As the nation mourns the loss of Lagbaja, Governor Otu urged Nigerians to celebrate the late Chief of Army Staff’s legacy of courage, bravery, and dedication, adding that “Lt. General Lagbaja’s service to Nigeria will forever be remembered, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of military personnel.”

On behalf of the government and the good people of Cross River State, Governor Otu extended his deepest sympathies to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Army, adding: “May his soul rest in peace, and may we find solace in the memories of his service to our nation.”

OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF COAS LAGBAJA

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of the Chief of the Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja who hailed from Osun State, died after a period of illness. He was aged 56 years old.

The Governor in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the death of Gen. Lagbaja as a monumental loss to the nation.

He described the deceased as a dedicated soldier, a committed officer and a tested general who fought many battles to defend the territorial integrity of the country.

Governor Oyebanji pointed out that the deceased committed his youthful and adult life to the service of the nation as a commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army and served meritoriously in many formations across the country.

According to him, history would always be kind to Gen. Lagbaja in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast as the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in which he deployed his skills and experience to ensure the routing of terrorists.

He said Gen. Lagbaja’s exploits was recognized in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) as a leading commander of the troops from the countries in the Lake Chad Basin in their quest to defeat insurgency.

Governor Oyebanji stressed that the deceased’s industry and resourcefulness were instrumental to his appointment as the Chief of the Army Staff, noting that although his tenure was brief, it was remarkable especially in the deployment of technology in soldiering.

Recalling his encounters with the late COAS, the Governor said the late Chief of Army Staff’s swift response to the security challenge in Ekiti State after the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers and the kidnapping of school children is responsible for the current peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Governor Oyebanji commiserated with the family of the deceased urging them to take solace in the worthy legacies left behind by the three-star general.

The Governor also extended his condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Service Chiefs, the Army High Command, the government and people of Osun State and the entire nation on the loss of a great patriot.

MINISTERS OF DEFENCE, BADARU AND MATAWELLE, MOURN LAGBAJA

Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawelle, commiserated with the President, military and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the army and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence as our working relationship with him is commendable. He exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

CDS MUSA MOURNS CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, LAGBAJA

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described Lt Gen Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to the country, military and his family.

Musa said Lagbaja was courageous, hardworking, reliable, loyal and a dedicated service chief.

The CDS in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, added that Lagbaja was committed to the security and well-being of the nation.

He said, “The CDS on behalf of the AFN, expresses profound sorrow over the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, yesterday, Tuesday, after a brief illness.

“General Musa conveys his deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, family of the late General Lagbaja and all Nigerians over this sad loss.

“He is described as a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled.

“Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the AFN but also to the entire nation and humanity.”

ACTING COAS OLUYEDE MOURNS EXIT OF GENERAL LAGBAJA

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, expressed deep sadness over his predecessor’s demise.

who was scheduled to see the President, spoke to journalists at the forecourt of the Aso Rock Villa, urging Nigerians to celebrate Lagbaja’s life of service.

He said, “I want to urge citizens, for someone that has given his all for Nigeria, we need to celebrate him. So, I want Nigerians to celebrate him for his good work.

“The country as a whole, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us today. But we all belong to God, and He takes when He feels it necessary for him to do so.

“So it’s on a very sober note that I am talking this moment because the entire Nigeria Army is in a sorrowful mood because we have lost our leader, Lt Gen Lagbaja. He was someone who gave his all to Nigeria.”

Oluyede described Lagbaja as a dedicated and selfless leader who was deeply committed to Nigeria and served as an exemplary figure within the Nigerian Army.

He said he was known for his courage, professionalism and attention to detail, which set a standard for others to follow.

He added that Lagbaja’s passing was a significant loss, and those who knew him prayed for his peaceful rest in the afterlife.

At 56, many believe that Lagbaja died even as his career dawn started budding, having served only 16 months into his appointment. His last public appearance, according to reports, was at the 60th birthday party of billionaire businessman, Chief Kola Adesina.