May 2023 ~ Sanmi Alake Blog

Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Terrorist blows up self, others attack DSS, army, police with bombs in Kaduna

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday said a terrorist blew up himself, while others attacked its operatives, police and the army with bombs in Kaduna State.

Peter Afunanya, DSS’ spokesman, in a statement informed the public that the Service and troops of the Nigerian Army and Police Force, in the early hours of Monday, simultaneously raided hideouts of insurgents/terrorists in parts of Kaduna and Kano States.

“During the raid in Kaduna State, the terrorists deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against the fighting forces. One of the terrorists who wore suicide jacket blew himself up.

“While three (3) suspects were arrested, items recovered upon a search on the group’s accommodation, after Police EOD had diffused other IEDs, were: two (2) suicide jackets, one (1) AK-47 rifle, a pistol and one (1) laptop,” he said.

Afunanya added that in Kano State, two suspects were arrested while recovered items included a pistol, 11 mobile phones, two hand grenades, one fully charged AK-47 magazine, two empty AK-47 magazines, one Peugeot 307 car and an ID card belonging to a suspect that escaped.

“Intelligence had earlier revealed that high profile terrorist targets were regrouping in the North West to carry out dastardly acts in the area. Notably, the steady Military operations in the North East have necessitated the insurgents’ escape to the North West and Central zones where they are establishing active cells.

“The Service commends the Nigerian Military and Police for their resilience and support which led to the success of the operation. The sustained interagency synergy is, without doubt, a game changer in the counter-threat actions.

“Also, the Service wishes to state and very clearly, that it will continue to collaborate with sister agencies to rid the nation of criminal elements particularly at this transition period and even beyond.

“This is more so that certain persons are desperate to undermine the process. But the Service will resist this and ensure a seamless event.

“It will always cooperate with stakeholders to achieve a peaceful environment critical to the pursuit of legitimate businesses by law abiding citizens and residents,” he stated

A man who has been falsely parading himself as a Police Inspector while operating as a commercial motorcyclist with an unregistered motorcycle has been arrested in Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Spokesperson for Lagos Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of the fake police Inspector on Tuesday.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspect was operating with his unregistered motorcycle for commercial transportation around Ikorodu when he was confronted by policemen on patrol on Sunday evening.

He said that a patrol team, who suspected him to be fake, stopped to question his identify on Sunday at about 10:22p.m.

“The suspect impersonated and claimed to be an Inspector of Police. The suspect has no fixed police formation and the identity card found on him was not genuine.

“The suspect is in police custody and his motorcycle impounded; to be taken to the Taskforce.

“The suspect will be charged to court for impersonation soon,” he said.

(NAN)

The Lagos State Safety Commission has warned members of the public not to pay any money into individual accounts other than designated government accounts.

The commission said its attention had been drawn to certain impersonators that portrayed themselves to be staff or consultants of the agency.

Director-General of the Commission, Lanre Mojola, in a statement, said the warning became imperative in view of reported cases of unscrupulous individuals parading themselves as officials of the Commission, thus extorting unsuspecting members of the public.

According to Mojola, the state government does not operate individual accounts and that anyone asking to pay money into such accounts should know that the agents or officials do not represent the Commission.

The Director General lamented the activities of unscrupulous members of the public carrying out unlawful activities on behalf of Safety Commission and extorting members of the public.

Mojola also said the Commission had put in place stringent measures to curb activities of some compromised consultants, saying that the Commission has had to institute legal actions against impersonators and terminate consultancy of any consultants found wanting. He mentioned that that a particular impersonator was put behind bars recently for a number of years.

He added that all its consultants have authorized identification cards and must always be worn whenever they were carrying out an audit or inspections.

The Director-General called on members of the public to report promptly to the government activities of unscrupulous officials, consultants and those impersonating its officials through its hotline 07000SAFETY and 08181002233

He said the Commission is responsible for the issuance and withdrawal of overall safety compliance certificates, conducting and reviewing risk assessment reports, conducting investigations on safety issues and making recommendations where necessary and coordinating all government matters relating to the safety of lives and properties in the state.

Others are the formulation of policies, providing advisory and being the regulatory body on safety-related issues; coordinating and monitoring the activities of relevant organizations involved in safety services in the State; appointing consultants when required to enable the commission carry out its functions under the provision of the law and foster and maintain effective interaction, networking, and collaboration on safety issues with relevant government agencies.

BREAKING: Alleged N6bn Fraud: EFCC Re-Arrests Mompha

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday May 15 said that social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha (alias Mompha), charged with N6 billion money laundering has been re-arrested.

A statement from the commission says during a hearing on Mompha’s case on June 10, 2022, it informed the court that Mompha was in possession of another passport aside from the one submitted to the court, as part of his bail conditions and that he had used same to travel from Ghana to Dubai on April 11, 2022 via Emirates Airlines in violation of the court order. Consequently, Justice DadaMo revoked the N25 million bail variation granted to Mompha and also issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear in court.

The EFCC had also declared him wanted. The Commission says since June 16, 2022, Mompha absconded from the trial and that it continued with efforts to secure his arrest and appearance in court.
Following his continued absence in court and the inability of the prosecution as well as the defence to produce him in court, Justice Dada had, on September 22, 2022, ordered that the trial would continue in absentia.

At today’s proceedings, the counsel for the EFCC, S.I. Suleiman, informed the court that the prosecution, in collaboration with its international partners, had secured the arrest of the defendant.

The EFCC counsel, Mr Suleiman Suleiman, told an Ikeja Special Offences Court that the prosecution in collaboration with its international partners had secured the arrest of Mompha.

“The prosecution will like to bring to the knowledge of my lord that in collaboration with our international partners, we have been able to apprehend the defendant. We plan to take him into custody and to produce him before the court.
The counsel for the defendant reached out to me seeking for an adjournment that he will be absent today in court,” Suleiman said.

Justice Mojisola Dada, thereafter, adjourned the case until July 3 for continuation of trial.

No fewer than 43 persons and nine vehicles were involved in a multiple-road crash that occurred Monday morning in Ogun State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the accident happened at the Magboro axis of the Lagos-Ibadan highway.

A truck was said to have rammed into other vehicles on the road after it suffered brake failure.

The FRSC spokesperson in Ogun, Florence Okpe, confirmed to DAILY POST that nine vehicles were involved in the accident.

Our correspondent reports that most of the vehicles were badly damaged following the crash.

Okpe confirmed that four persons were injured in the accident that caused a gridlock on the axis. She, however, assured that “no life was lost in the incident.”

Ogun Government has given operators of eateries and fast food outlets in the high – brow Oke-Ilewo axis of Abeokuta, the state capital a seven-day ultimatum to stop fouling their immediate environment with unhygienic pollution or face total closure and possible prosecution.

Ogun Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya handed down the ultimatum after an inspection visits to some of the affected eateries and food outlets.

Oresanya said told the operators that they must immediately improve on their operational hygiene so as to safeguard their customers and residents of the state from the risk of food poising resulting from their present condition.

Oresanya said it was discovered during the visits that accumulated fats, oils and grease and other food materials in confined chambers were not scooped daily, thus allowing their breakdown by microbes which releases toxic waste.

“Aside from this, it was discovered that they were discharging their untreated waste water directly into the public drain, open holes were also seen within their septic tanks holding faecal matters, general poor house- keeping as well as evidence of rat infestation within their stores areas.

Oresanya added that already the state government have taken evidences against the concerned eateries and food outlets in case they need to be prosecuted for poisoning and possible escalation to other federal agencies should they fail to correct and improve on all anomalies pointed out to them within the stipulated days.

Oresanya, assured that Ogun State government monitoring team will continue to enforce the state sanitation laws.

He therefore urged all eateries and food outlets to be on the right side of the law as government will always protect the interest of its residents when it comes to public hygiene and safety.

Four staff of ZEFA Microfinance Bank situated at Anime Ijoko Lemode area of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State are now in police net for allegedly pushing the wife of a debtor to death in the course of recovery of debt owed to the financial institution.

The four bank staffs identified as Badmus Olalekan, Ajibade Oludare, Eniola Aduragbemi and Femi Oloko were arrested following after a daughter of the deceased reported the death of her mother in a struggle with the staff of the bank at Agbado Police Division.

The release stated that trouble started when the bank staffers visited the home of the deceased to ask for the payment of loan taken from the bank by the deceased’s husband but they were told that the man was not at home.

Spokesperson to Ogun Police Command SP Abimbola Oyeyemi who revealed this in a statement said investigations revealed that the bank’s staff had gone to the house of the deceased woman to recover the money being owed by her husband.

But the woman was said to have told the bank staff that her husband was not at home.

Not satisfied with the woman’s explanation about the whereabouts of her husband, the bank staffs decided to pack all the electronics in the house to their office, an action that was resisted by the deceased.

While the deceased was struggling with the Bank’s staffs, one of them pushed her and she fell down and was unconscious.

She was there and then rushed to hospital for medical attention, but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

The report was quickly lodged at Agbado divisional headquarters by the daughter of the deceased, consequence upon which the DPO Agbado division, CSP Awoniyi Adekunle, quickly led his detectives to the scene where the bank officials.

The corpse has been deposited at Ifo General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Oladimeji, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to Homicide section of the state Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation.

He also warned loan agencies to stop taking laws into their hands in the process of recovering loan from their debtors, as anyone caught in such act will be arrested and prosecuted.

President Muhammadu Buhari says he shares the joy of celebrations as 27-year-old Gourmet Chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, aka Hilda Baci, makes history by breaking the world record of longest hours of cooking.

The President in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina on Monday in Abuja, noted the antecedents of the restaurateur, who dazzled at the Jollof Face-off Competition, 2021.

He lauded her for preparing mouth-watering dishes that won the choice prize, and settled an age-long rivalry with Ghana on which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof- rice.

According to him, Baci’s drive and ambition have brought more interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food, as another cultural icon, with huge tourism benefits, hoping more young people will follow in her footsteps.

The President thanked the sponsors of Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon, government officials, including Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, celebrities from the bubbling music and movie industry, and fans of the chef for all the support that had brought glory to the country.

Buhari wished Hilda Baci more grace for a prosperous career.

Members of extended family of late Nollywood Yoruba Actor, Murphy Afolabi in Osogbo, Osun State has reacted to his death.

Afolabi, a Yoruba movie actor, producer and director, was reported to have collapsed and died in his bathroom, in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Sunday morning.

The family of the 49-year-old Afolabi, in an interview in Osogbo described his death as saddening and heart breaking to them.

Mr Yusuf Lateef, the family head of Fetuata, Afolabi’s family compound in Osogbo, said the news of the death of the actor left everyone of them crying.

He said the information they got about Afolabi’s demise was that he collapsed in the bathroom.

He said he was rushed to the hospital thereafter, where he was pronounced dead.

He said his body was deposited at the morgue and that he would be buried later today.

“Initially we were planning to have him buried here, in Osogbo but his children insisted that he should be buried in Lagos, where he resides with his family.

“As his family in Osogbo, we have been meeting and making plans concerning his burial and we will be sending representatives to Lagos this morning. (today),” he said.

He said the bond of family is very strong and that irrespective of the status anybody attained in life, they should never forsake their family, adding that as Afolabi’s family members, would see to the burial of their Kin.

Alhaji Murufudeen Lawal, Osun Governor of Theater Acts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) who was at the Afolabi’s family compound in Osun on condolence visit, said the death of the actor was a big loss to the Yoruba film industry.

Lawal said the late actor had contributed immensely to the growth of the Yoruba movie sector and that the vacuum his death had created would be very difficult to fill.

He commiserated with the family , friends and fans of the actor, asking them to take solace in the fact that life is ephemeral and that everything that happened in life is according to the will of God.

(NAN)

Another Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie has passed away.

The actor Chikezie Uwazie reportedly passed after undergoing brain surgery in the United States.

His death was announced by colleague, Obey Etok, via her Instagram page on Sunday.

She wrote, “I can’t imagine I’m posting this. Chikezie Uwazie goneeeee. After a 2nd brain surgery. Gini na emezi. I’m so shocked to get this news this evening. Just got this from our IMSU alumni platform.

“I thought you told me you were going to the States for greener pastures. You promised to come back some years back but I didn’t see you.

“I can’t believe you are gone but God knows best. Rest on Chyko.”

This sad came at a point when the movie industry were still mourning Murphy Afolabi, Alafin Oro, Saint Obi.

May their souls rest in peace.

Former President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki, has advised outgoing governors to avoid unnecessary influence on their successors after leaving office on May 29.

The former governor of Kwara gave the advice at a farewell dinner for outgoing governors organised by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Sunday in Abuja.

Saraki, former chairman of the forum also advised governors-elect not to allow people around them to push them into frosty relationship with their predecessors.

“Outgoing, governors please from June 1 you are no longer governors; please allow your successors to do the work they have to do.

“Let them call you when they want your advice. For those that are coming, those around you will always want you to have a `head-on’ with your predecessors.

“It is a big mistake. It is unnecessary. Challenges ahead are beyond that,’’ he admonished.

While congratulating outgoing governors for successfully completing their tenures, Saraki also advised them to continue to play their roles in nation building.

“It is important that you play your role because this country needs everyone across all political parties.

“As you bow out as governors, you are going into a phase that is different and challenging. Brace up for challenges ahead. Spend more time with your families,” Saraki advised.

The former Senate president also advised incoming governors to start planning for their legacies from Day One in office.

“I pray and hope you will not be a governor for the sake of being a governor. You will be a governor that will impact on the people.

“Plan for those four or eight years and keep on challenging yourselves everyday to make an impact,’’ Saraki said.

In his remarks, former Gombe State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo also urged outgoing governors to avoid meddling in the affairs of their successors.

Dankambo urged incoming governors to begin to prepare for retirement as soon as they took office.

“Prepare for visits from the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit which may ask some questions that need answers,’’ he cautioned.

In her submissions, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, said states must be made to work for their people.

“Nigeria cannot be great without the states. We know that we don’t have strong foundations but through hard work, this country can be better,’’ she said.

She called for partnership and deliberate policies to empower Nigerian women, noting that they did not have lesser brains compared to their male counterparts.

Former governor of Niger, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, advised the governors-elect to give priority to programmes and projects that impacted on the people.

He also advised them to shun those pledging to help them to loot the treasury.

“Some people will come to tell you that this is your opportunity; don’t listen to them. A former governor who made that mistake is now walking the streets,’’ Aliyu said.

He also advised incoming governors to ensure they were accessible because being a governor does not confer superior intelligence.

“Get something to do to augment your income. Don’t always stay at home. Be active. Don’t allow your brain or physical body to sag,’’ Aliyu stressed.

One of the highlights of the dinner was the launching of a book entitled: “Common Ground (Leading Charge at the Subnational”) authored by former forum president, ex-Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

Earlier in his opening remarks, chairman of the forum, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, said the event was to appreciate the outgoing governors and welcome the governors-elect.

Tambuwal said the book launched at the event would help the governors-elect in developing their plans and implementing them.

“Fayemi championed this and all our incoming governors will benefit from it,’’ Tambuwal said.

Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti was humiliated on turning himself in to the police on Monday, as he was handcuffed like a common criminal.

The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin released photos of Kuti in handcuff and splashed them on social media for the world to see.

Kuti was said to have slapped a policeman on duty few days ago in a viral video, with the Inspector General of Police ordering his arrest, investigation and prosecution.

The police stormed his apartment at Allen Avenue on Sunday to arrest him but did not meet him at home.

He surrendered himself at the Police Command in Ikeja on Monday and was quickly arrested by the police.

“Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, in the early hours of today turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, in company of his lawyer and family representative. He has been placed under arrest in line with the law.

“The Command appreciates the public for their concern and assures that the ongoing investigation will be detailed, transparent, professionally pursued; and justice will be manifestly served for all parties involved,” Hundeyin had said in a statement.

When a twitter user asked why he was handcuffed, Hundeyin replied: “Because the law empowers us to place on cuffs any suspect who has shown propensity for violence and propensity for evading justice.”

Portable - Am not a Prisoner [Official Video]

Nigeria Streep-Hop artiste, Portable has released the visuals to his single titled, “Am Not A Prisoner.”

The song was released few days after he was granted bail by the Nigerian police following his allegations.

Recall, the popular “Zazu Zeh” crooner was granted bail by the presiding Magistrate of the court back in April.

As usual, the controversial musician delivers a nice video for the dope song.

Watch video below:-

The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has described rumours that it has suspended part-time lectures as false while urging the public to disregard it.

The institution said this in reaction to rumours that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), YABATECH Chapter, has suspended lectures.

But speaking to NAN in Lagos on Tuesday, the Deputy Registrar of the school, Mr Joe Ejiofor, dismissed the rumour

He said that the institution’s part-time programmes were fully operational and going according to the academic calendar approved by its board.

“There is no iota of truth in the news flying around that the college has suspended all part-time activities.

“It is false news and should be ignored and disregarded by the general public; we are not having any issues and our part-time activities not suspended,“ he told NAN.

He explained that YABATECH part-time programmes were in two modes comprising the weekend and the weekday mode which are being managed and supervised by the College Center for Continuous Studies.

He said that the college coordinates its part-time programme to ensure it runs through its academic calendar with no hitches.

“The calendar for 2021/2022 ended last week with the conclusion of the 2nd semester examination and 2022/2023 is expected to commence in a couple of weeks,“ Ejiofor explained.

(NAN)

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has promised to effectively play opposition roles that will keep Governor Ademola Adeleke led Osun State government on its toes following the Supreme Court verdict on July 16, 2022 governorship election of the state on Tuesday.

The party said this while insisting it cannot fault decision as it emanated from the highest court in the land as a body that solely believed in the rule of law, “even though we are not happy with the judicial decision”.

Acting Chairman of Osun APC, Tajudeen Lawal, stated this on Tuesday in Osogbo.

Lawal said the Supreme Court decisions were final, which could not be challenged in any other court of the land.

“While we are congratulating the beneficiary of the judgment, we make bold to state that we shall not be found wanting in playing our expected opposition roles to keep the government on its toes.

“The members and supporters of our party should refuse to be downcast with the current political situation in the state as the nature of politics is that one does not win all the times.

“The prevailing condition of the winner(s) of today does not make him the perpetual winner, as the political office which was contested for is a tenured one for a period of four years after which we shall have the opportunity to slug it out with those who are rejoicing over today’s victory.

“It is however, worthwhile to state that our party and our candidate, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, might have lost the election as it was pronounced by the apex court of the land, but it is visible to the court of the public that they never lost the battle.

“That Osun State is a common patrimony is the reason we are assuring the PDP and the government that we shall be meeting in the trenches when it is constitutionally ripe to do so.

“The way forward for our party shall be made available to the esteemed members and supporters soonest,” Lawal said.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had affirmed Adeleke’s victory on March 24.

The Osun tribunal had on Jan. 27 annulled Adeleke’s victory and declared Gboyega Oyetola of All Progressives Congress as the valid winner of the poll after the Independent National Electoral Commission had returned Adeleke as the winner of the poll.

(NAN)

Ahead of May 29 inauguration day, First Lady Aisha Buhari has taken her successor and wife of President-Elect, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu on tour of Aso presidential villa where she and her husband will reside for the next four years.

Aisha’s husband, President Muhammadu Buhari will hand over to President-Elect Bola Tinubu on May 29, in line with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria

The tour of the outgoing and incoming First Lady on Tuesday was therefore intended to familiarise the incoming first family with the Aso Rock presidential villa.

Aisha and Remi visited some strategic areas of the official residence of the Presidential family in the Aso Rock Villa during the tour, including the Glass House which she described as a transitional home of the first family.

She said the glass house is specifically meant for presidents during a transition period.

Journalists were not allowed access to some parts of the building during the tour.

Buhari said:”the highly secured residential area of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is strictly to serve as an accomodation for the President and members of the family,” she said.

She said that the glass house is a transit accomodation for outgoing presidents to pave way for necessary renovations on the main house for the incoming president and his family.

Responding, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the first lady for the warm reception accorded her.

Tinubu promised to work tirelessly for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The management of Plateau State University (PLASU) has conformed that some gunmen invaded its female hostel between the night of Tuesday and Wednesday in an attempt to kidnap students.

However, it said the institution’s security operatives repelled an attack on the campus by bandits at the female hosteland there was no abduction.

Mr John Agams, the Public Relations Officer of the institution confirmed the incident.

Agams said that the criminals attacked the institution to kidnap students but they were repelled by the local security men in the university.

”It is true that gunmen attempted to kidnap some of our students, but the attempt was repelled by our local security men.

”In the process, one student was injured, but no student was abducted.

”The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benard Matur, is currently at the school premises and appealing to students to be peaceful,” he said.

However, the police command in the state has yet to comment on the attack on Plateau State University.

(NAN)

Former Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has prayed that the tenure of his successor, Governor Ademola Adeleke, will be prosperous for the people and the State while urging him to focus on delivery of good governance.

Oyetola said this in a statement he issued while congratulating Governor Adeleke on his victory in the battle for July 2022 governorship election at the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Oyetola in a statement personally signed by him, said although, the verdict of the Apex Court was against the wish of his party’s members and supporters, he accepted it in the interest of peace and development of the State.

“To the Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court. While I pray for your tenure to be prosperous for our people and the State, I urge you to focus on delivery of good governance.

“Politics aside, time has come to let you know that the interest of the masses must be most paramount without any restriction or discrimination whether based on political persuasion, creed or religion. Whatever personal differences we have must give way to the advancement of our great State. The security of Osun people must be guaranteed regardless of their religious and political affiliations. I pray for peace and progress in your tenure,” Oyetola added.

The former governor urged members of his political party, the APC, his supporters and those who voted him during the July 16 2022 governorship election, to accept the judgement as the will of God and move on.

“We strongly believe we presented a good case before the Supreme Court but the Court thought otherwise and has given its verdict. While the outcome is against our wish and that of our party members and supporters, we are all bound to accept it as law-abiding citizens.

“To our members and supporters across the State, I urge you all to accept the verdict of the Court and move on. The present situation is a win-win for us. It’s both a loss and victory rolled into one. While we lost Osun technically, we gained Nigeria,” he said.

Oyetola, who asked the APC members and supporters not to feel sad and depressed over the decision of the Court, encouraged them to brace up for the tasks ahead of the party. He also appreciated the leadership of the party in the State and at the national level for their commitment and support throughout the period of the legal tussle.

“I remain committed to the growth and development of Osun. I will therefore continue to work with well-meaning citizens of Osun, associations and institutions to facilitate development to our dear State. Similarly, I urge all citizens of Osun to continue to exhibit the Omoluabi ethos and uphold the dreams of our forebears for the State, irrespective of party affiliations.

One person was shot as operatives of Anambra Police Command and soldiers dispersed alleged members of proscribed Indigenous group of Brafia IPOB and Eastern security Network ESN in trying to enforce sit-at-home order and rob a bank at Nkwo market, in Ihiala part of the state on Monday.

DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the spokesperson for Anambra Police Command said members of the outlawed group armed with guns and other dangerous weapons came out in their numbers on a motorbike and started shooting sporadically, in an attempt to rob a bank and to disrupt commercial activities and vehicular movement going on in Ihiala.

But the joint operatives responded swiftly which made the armed men abandon their evil plan and took to their heels.

“Unfortunately, due to the indiscriminate shootings by the armed group, a stray bullet hit the chief security officer CSO of the bank on the leg and he has been taken to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. No life was lost,” said the police spokesperson.

He added that calm has returned in the area as Police with other security forces have intensified patrols, and improved security dominance and surveillance in the state.

The Action People’s Party(APP) on Wednesday withdrew its petition seeking to nullify the victory of the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

Counsel to APP, Mr Obed Agu said his client is desirous of withdrawing the petition at the resumed hearing of the matter at the Presidential Election Petition Court on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the motion to withdraw the application was filed on May 9.

“The petitioner/applicant wishes to withdraw the petition in line with Paragraph 29 Sub (1,2,3) of the Schedule of Election Petitions.

“The petitioner is asking for an order of court to grant it leave to withdraw the petition and an order of court striking out or dismissing the petition.”

Responding, counsel to Tinubu, Mr Wole Olanipekun, SAN, told the court that he had been served a copy of the application and was not opposed to it.
Olanipekun rather commended the party for withdrawing the petition and expressed optimism that more parties would withdraw their petitions against his client.

For his part, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, told the court that he had filed an affidavit pursuant to Paragraph 30 of the first Schedule to the Electoral Act 2022.

Fagbemi said that in the affidavit, it was stated essentially that there was no collusion and that he was not opposing the application to withdraw the petition.

The deponent of the affidavit, Mr Omosanya Popoola, said he knew for a fact that the petitioners had indicated their intention to withdraw the petition by filing a motion to that effect on May 9.

He deposed that no agreement or term was reached by the APC with the petitioners in their decision to withdraw the petition.

“I know as a fact that no agreement or terms of any kind whatsoever was entered into with the petitioners and based on the above information, i sincerely believe that the petitioners were not influenced by anybody to withdraw this petition.”

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Mr Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, also informed the court that he had been served a copy of the motion.

He also said there was no collusion and he commended the APP for withdrawing the petition.

He said that his client would not ask for cost.

In a short ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Haruna Tsammani said that the panel had carefully considered the application of the APP.

He said they were satisfied that there was no collusion on the part of the respondents.

“Petition No. CA/PEPC/02/2023 is hereby dismissed,” Tsammani said.

In an interview with newsmen, Agu said that be was acted based on the instruction of his client.

According to him, I had a brief to file the petition and i also had another brief to withdraw it.

In the petition earlier filed, the APP was challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the Feb. 25 Presidential Election by INEC.

The party said it was challenging the election based on irregularities and also on the grounds that Tinubu was not qualified to contest the election in the first place.

This is the second political party to withdrawn its petition against Tinubu and the APC since the inaugural sitting of the PEPC, the Action Alliance, (AA) having withdrawn its petition on Monday.

Only three petitions are now before the court, that of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and its Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party and its Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi and that of the Allied Peoples Movement, (APM).

(NAN)

Presidential tribunal adjourns Atiku’s petition to Thursday

The Presidential Election Petition Court has adjourned to Thursday, May 11, 2023, the continuation of the pre-hearing of the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against the president-elect, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress.

In the petition marked CA/PEPC/05/2023, the PDP and Atiku are challenging the declaration of Tinubu as the President-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Listed as 1st to 3rd respondents in the petition are the Independent National Electoral Commission, Bola Tinubu, and the APC, respectively.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel for the petitioners, Chris Uche SAN, pointed out that they have filed and served a motion dated 7th May requesting a live broadcast of the presidential tribunal proceeding.

He noted that the application was a motion of priority which requires immediate attention given the national importance of the issue at hand.

“We urge your Lordship to set it down for hearing and adoption as soon as the court’s business may allow.”

Responding, counsel for INEC, A.B Mahmoud acknowledged the application which he described as “innocuous” and requested time to respond “being served yesterday.”

On his part, counsel for the 2nd respondent, Lateef Fagbemi said they received the application and “we are taking steps to respond appropriately to the application.”

Responding further, Uche SAN argued that he was just hearing that the 2nd and 3rd respondents have filed on the matter adding that in the spirit of cooperation, they are prepared to accept service in the open court.

“We pray that the parties don’t insist on the maximum length of time if we are to make progress.”

However, Fagbemi reacted to his claim and objected to it. According to him, “The motion was filed by 9:30am and not in the open court. If he said counsels should cooperate, we will follow the time and we will not flout the rules.”

Consequently, Justice Tsammani asked parties to settle all issues for objections and determination responding that the application for a live broadcast of the proceeding “will be considered together with the other issues.”

He thereafter adjourned the pre-hearing of the petition against Tinubu to Thursday, May 11, 2023, by 2pm.

In the 66-page petition, Atiku and his party argued that as of March 1 when Tinubu was declared the winner of the election, the entire results and accreditation data from polling units had not been transmitted and uploaded by INEC.

They stated that, ‘’despite the failure to so transmit and several complaints for review, the 1st Respondent’s chairman refused all entreaties and applications for the suspension of the collation exercise and a review of the complaints before declaring a winner of the election and repeatedly off-handedly dared the petitioners to go to court.”

Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Monday, 15 May 2023

Wednesday, 10 May 2023

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

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