NewsmakersNG
Matilda Omonaiye/

Police authorities have dismissed an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and four other policemen from service for alleged extortion.

According to a third quarter report released by the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) of the Nigeria Police, a total of 16 officers were punished for various acts of misconduct within the period.

The ASP, Bayo Obadiah, allegedly led a team comprising three junior officers, Inspector Okelue Nkemeonye, Sgt Braimah Sunday and Sgt Yusuf Olukoga, who falsely paraded themselves as operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ikorodu, Lagos, on June 21, to extort innocent citizens.


ACP Abayomi Shogunle
According to the officer in charge of PCRRU, ACP Abayomi Shogunle, their dismissal followed an orderly room trial at the Zone ‘2’ Command Headquarters, Lagos, where they were found guilty by the adjudicating officer.

The report says a sum of N200,000 they took from their victims was also recovered from the dismissed police officers.

The report further says a total of N834,000 extorted from the public was recovered from indicted police officers during the same period.

According to the report, Lagos State recorded the highest number of complaints against the police with 180 out of the 764 reports received during the period.

The report reads: “Still in the pursuit of implementing the ‘Change Begins with Me’ campaign of the Federal Government and in line with the...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/11/07/extortion-police-dismiss-asp-3-others/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/11/05/unjust-sack-court-orders-fayose-to-pay-n234m-says-action-is-executive-rascality/

Ladipo Sanusi/

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has been ordered to pay over N234million to 21 employees of four commissions that he unjustly sacked.

The matter was decided in Akure, at the Ondo State Division of National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), at the weekend.

Justice Oyeyibola Oyewumi ordered Fayose to pay a total sum of N234, 010, 982.24 million to the employees who he illegally terminated their appointments on October 20, 2014.

I FIND THAT THE DISSOLUTION OF THESE COMMISSIONS AND REMOVAL OF THEIR CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS… IS AN ACT OF EXECUTIVE RECKLESSNESS, EXECUTIVE RASCALITY, A GRAVE DISREGARD TO THE GOVERNOR’S OATH OF OFFICE WHICH HE SWORN TO UPHOLD, DEFEND, AND PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

The Court gave the verdict while delivering judgement in separate suits filed by the sacked members of the commissions against the Governor of Ekiti State and the Attorney-General of Ekiti State.

The aggrieved members of the Commissions are: Mrs. C. B. Adelusi: Chief Gbenga Agbonna: Chief O. K. Aina, and Barrister Dele Oloje, who are of Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission.

Chief Ranti Adebisi: Chief Reuben Akomolafe: Chief Jacob O. Adewunmi: Princess Omotunde Adelabu: Hon. Kola Fakiyesi: Mrs. Dupe Bakare, and Mr. Olorunfemi Babalola of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

Alhaji Sulaiman Afolabi O.: Elder S. O. Bankole: Chief Kemi Olaleye: Elder Yemi Alade: and Chief Sesan Fatoba, of Ekiti State Civil Service Commission.

Chief George Femi Ojo: Chief Esan Abejide: Hon. Foluso Ibirinde: Hon. Bayo Akinnola: and Hon. Kupolati Olaiyan, of Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission.

The affected members through their lawyers, led by Femi Falana SAN, approached the court to reverse their unlawful sack, and reinstate them into the Commissions.

The claimants anchored their prayers on the ground that the tenure of their appointment is statutory.

The defendants, that is, the governor of Ekiti State contended that the claimants’ sack was in order.

Delivering judgement after listening to both parties in the suit, Justice Oyewunmi, described the action of the governor as amounting to Executive recklessness.

The trial judge held that: “It is trite that where an appointment of...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/11/05/unjust-sack-court-orders-fayose-to-pay-n234m-says-action-is-executive-rascality/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/11/02/police-smash-lagos-gangsters-robbing-nigerians-on-jiji-online-marketplace/
Segun Atanda/
The police in Lagos have smashed an organised crime ring through which Nigerians buying phones on the internet were being robbed on a daily basis.
Two of the gangsters, now in police net, told NewsmakersNG how they were robbing victims who responded to iPhone sales adverts placed on one of the country’s biggest classified websites and online marketplaces which brings buyers and sellers together – www..
Thirty-five-year-old Alade Olalekan and Olumide Oluwole, 31, contrived a means of returning fake money to those who they lure to the Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, to make payment for iPhones advertised on Jiji.
According to them, as soon as they receive cash payment on the street where they have arranged to meet the prospective customer, they cause distractions by raising an alarm that Police Task Force Officers are coming.
As the buyer is wondering what’s going on, the gangsters would hastily end the transaction by returning the wad of naira notes collected, without the customer suspecting that they had cleverly replaced the money with brown paper covered with two or more notes. Then, they run away as if task force officers were coming for them.
By the time the customer realizes the scam, there would be nobody to hold.
“We make up to N60, 000 each time we do this. We started about six months ago,” Olalekan said. “I will just log in my e-mail address and enter their () site to place goods. We place big phones online at cheap rates. I’ve opened three accounts. At times, they will ban my account and I will open another one.”
According to the suspects, more victims fall into the trap at the end of every month when workers have just received salaries.
Lagos police boss, Mr Imohimi Edgal, told NewsmakersNG more about the scam and how his men smashed the syndicate.
He says in a statement: “On Monday October 30, 2017 at about 15:00hrs through the Trust-Built Community Police & Safety Partnership, intelligence report was received from a concerned citizen who had previously been defrauded.
The victim, who was defrauded through a phone contact number 08081273170 gotten online at www. website after purchasing an iPhone6 (64gb) for the sum of N70,000 and was to make a physical payment before receiving the product, was lured to make the payment to one of the suspects at Awolowo way around computer village, Ikeja.
“After the victim had made the payment, she was manipulated to believe that task force officials were after them. In that confused state, the cash she handed over to suspected fraudsters was later exchanged with neatly cut-to-size papers covered with three genuine N1000 notes presented as the complete money. It was hurriedly refunded to her. On further confirmation of the money, it was discovered to be a scam of ordinary paper notes.
“The victim reported to the police and gave full information which led to the tracking of suspected online fraud syndicate by Lagos police personnel of the SIB who...(See gangsters pictures and more) http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/11/02/police-smash-lagos-gangsters-robbing-nigerians-on-jiji-online-marketplace/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/11/01/revealed-truck-driver-who-killed-8-new-yorkers-in-terror-attack/

Rotimi Morgan/

The 29-year-old man who drove his truck into cyclists and pedestrians in Lower Manhattan, New York, is from Uzbekistan, says U.S. authorities.

He is Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov. He came to the U.S. in 2010 under a Diversity Visa Programme. He was born in 1988. According to reports, he has a Florida driver’s license but he might have been staying in New Jersey.

He was once booked in St. Charles Missouri for a traffic offence last year October.


Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov pinned to the ground by policemen
He rented a Home Depot pickup truck and mowed down pedestrians and cyclists along a busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial Tuesday, killing at least eight and seriously injuring 11 in what the mayor called “a particularly cowardly act of terror.”

He was later shot in the abdomen by police after jumping out of the truck with what turned out to be a fake gun in each hand and shouting what witnesses said was “Allahu Akbar!,” Arabic for “God is great,” authorities said.

He has undergone surgery and is expected to survive.

Ninety-seven per cent of Uzbeks are muslims.

Read more on the attack:http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/31/terror-alert-as-truck-driver-crushes-8-on-new-york-bike-path/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/11/01/i-kidnapped-my-boss-in-law-to-raise-money-for-my-father-in-laws-burial/

Pat Stephen/
A 38-year-old man has told the police in Lagos how he allegedly masterminded the kidnap of his boss’ brother-in-law to raise money for his father-in-law’s burial.
William Owolabi told policemen attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad how one Hilary Azuka, 36, and his girlfriend Rebecca Omokaro, 32, were kidnapped at the Oniru area of Lagos.
Owolabi and two other suspects were paraded on Tuesday by the Acting Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Imohimi Edgal.
Edgal told reporters at the parade: “On the 21st day of October 2017, at about 2:30am, four armed men later known to be kidnappers trailed Hilary Azuka and one Rebecca Omokaro to their house at Plot 2, Block 7 Elegba Festival Drive, Oniru private estate on Victoria Island, Lagos.
“The kidnappers tied the legs and hands of the victims with cello tape and also plastered their mouths with cello tape. They took them with their Ford jeep with Reg No. LND 995 ES to their hideout at Agodo Alara, Ogijo, in Ogun State. Upon information received by this office, SARS detectives swung into action and arrested one William Olowolabi, Ayo Akinola and Segun Teluwo. Investigation conducted so far revealed that the group demanded N20million as ransom from the victims before they will release them.
“The mastermind of the kidnapping is one of the victim’s elder sister’s driver known as William. Police recovered one locally made short gun, one battle knife, nylon cello tape, four ATM cards and one Ford Jeep with Reg No. LND 995 ES. Diligent investigation will be conducted and the suspects will be charged to court.”
The prime suspect, Owolabi, told journalists that he planned the kidnap to raise money for his father-in-law’s burial.
He said, “It started last month when I told my boss who is a white man that I needed a loan of N100,000 for a burial, but he said there was no money. I discussed with a friend of mine, one Akin Adedamola and he told me that...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/11/01/i-kidnapped-my-boss-in-law-to-raise-money-for-my-father-in-laws-burial/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/30/why-everyone-must-join-the-police-now/

Ronke Kehinde/

“Evil is powerless, if the good are unafraid,” former US president, Ronald Reagan once said.

This view was somehow echoed today as police spokesperson, SP Dolapo Badmos, called on Nigerians to fearlessly join the police in policing the community.

Badmos made the clarion call during an interview programme – ‘Your View’ on TVC Talk Show early today.

“We all must be involved in the security of our environment,” she said. “We are all police. The difference is that most people are in mufti while some of us are in uniform.

“We should trust police and be familiar with the local police. The AIG Adamu Ibrahim has informed all DPOs to paste their numbers at the station. People can walk into the station to pick the numbers.”

She added, “Just yesterday there was a distress call that some people were using Sienna bus to rob. Immediately we all got out, the Commissioner of Police and everyone. Eventually we got them apprehended.

“However, people should avoid going to strange police officer on the road to give information, he may be a fake police officer. Insurgents and armed robbers put on uniform.”

Badmos urged everyone to be security conscious especially in this yuletide period.

She also urged the general public, especially women, not to put their hand bags on car seats.

Answering question on the right of police officers to search through citizen’s phone and to arrest people with tattoos on their bodies, she said that Police had no right to search through phones.

Parents including some police officers have the mindset that people with tattoos on their body are criminals. But that does not apply in some cases.

“People should report misdeeds of police officers and also report good deeds too,” she said.

Badmos also urged those who notice anything unusual to call 767 or 112 or any DPOs number close to them...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/30/why-everyone-must-join-the-police-now/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/27/exclusive-prof-ogundipe-is-new-unilag-vc/

Segun Atanda/

After a tough contest involving eight candidates, a Professor of Botany, Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), Academic and Research, today emerged as the 12th Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos.

Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), Academic and Research, now succeeds Prof. Rahamon Ade Bello, the 11th VC who will leave the 11th Floor of the Senate Building on the 11th day of the 11th month of 2017, when his 5-year tenure will end.

NewsmakersNG exclusively learnt of Prof Ogundipe’s appointment after the Senate meeting lasting about 11 hours today.

Ogundipe, who was appointed as Professor in 2002, had served as the Director of Academic Planning and he is a member of many scientific organisations.

He is a life member of International Society of Plant Morphologist, Fellow of Cohort 9 of the Leadership for Environment and...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/27/exclusive-prof-ogundipe-is-new-unilag-vc/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/25/oando-counters-secs-directives-with-court-order/

Segun Atanda/

Oando Plc has obtained a court order restraining the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from implementing the technical suspension of the trading of its shares by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

NewsmakersNG learnt that the ex-parte order from the Federal High Court is restraining NSE and any other party working on their behalf from implementing the SEC directive technically suspending the trading of Oando’s shares, pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

The order also restrains the SEC and any other party claiming through or working on behalf of the regulator from conducting any forensic audit into the affairs of the Company pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

The SEC had on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, issued a public notice stating amongst other things that it had issued a directive to the NSE for a full suspension in the trading of Oando shares for a period of 48 hours followed by a technical suspension until it is further directed and announced that a forensic audit into the affairs of the Company be conducted by a team of independent professional firms.

Oando, in its official statement signed by its Chief Compliance Officer & Company Secretary, Ayotola Jagun, described the SEC’s directives as illegal and invalid, and one calculated to prejudice the business of the Company.

The company noted that in view of the development, the NSE and the SEC are legally obliged to comply with the interim orders pending the substantive determination of the suit.

Jagun added that Oando found it necessary to go to court for several reasons.

The statement reads in part: “Having declared to the public that it has acted drastically to suspend the shares of Oando PLC due to its “weighty” findings in the course of its investigations, SEC then concludes that a forensic audit is necessary in order to investigate whether its findings are true. This is a clear contradiction.

“How did the SEC arrive at its findings if it cannot be sure of the veracity or otherwise of those findings, and how did it ascribe the appropriate level of weight to be given to those findings, enough to warrant an immediate suspension followed by a technical suspension of the shares of the Company, if those findings are still mere allegations at this point?

“The Company has fully co-operated with the SEC since the commencement of this investigation in May 2017 and provided all information requested. It is evident that submissions made to the SEC have not been duly considered due to the conclusions reached and actions taken, as all of the matters raised have been responded to in great detail with all supporting documents requested by the SEC. The Company repeatedly, through its Chairman, requested an audience with the SEC to enable it present its case before the Commission but to date, no invitation has been extended to the Company.

“Each of the alleged infractions has a penalty as prescribed by the respective provisions of the ISA, SEC Code, SEC Rules and Regulations, NSE Listing Rules and CAMA; none of them whether singularly or together warrants the suspension of free trading in the securities of the Company or the institution of a forensic audit.”

In addition, the statement noted that...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/25/oando-counters-secs-directives-with-court-order/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/23/two-in-soup-for-cloning-gov-ambodes-phone-line/

Azeez Folorunso/

Two men are in trouble over alleged attempt to make N50million by cloning the telephone line of Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

Rilwan Jamiu and Balogun Stanley Oyewole appeared before Justice Sodetan Ogunsanya of a Lagos High Court, in Ikeja Division today for allegedly cloning the governor’s telephone line in an attempt to defraud the Accountant General of Lagos State.

They allegedly cloned Ambode’s Glo line and sent it to the Accountant General, Mrs Abimbola Shkrat Umar, asking her to pay N50 million into an account.

Mrs Umar told the Court: “On February 10, 2016, I received a text message at exactly 12.52pm. Initially I thought the message was from his Excellency the Executive Governor of Lagos State, because the name which I stored his...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/23/two-in-soup-for-cloning-gov-ambodes-phone-line/

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/20/police-lawyer-dcp-ibadin-floors-evans-lawyer-ogungbeje-in-n5-billion-faan-suit/
Ololade Adeyanju/

Olukoya Ogungbeje, the lawyer defending Evans the suspected billionaire kidnapper, has suffered yet another defeat in his career.

This time, Ogungbeje has lost a N5 billion fundamental human rights case instituted against the police on behalf of retirees of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

NewsmakersNG learnt that Ogungbeje was standing for some retirees of FAAN in the N5 billion fundamental rights suit against the agency over alleged illegal and forceful eviction from their quarters.

The respondents in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1135/16, were the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris, the Lagos State Police Command and a Commissioner of Police (CP) Busari Hakeem Aramide.

Ogungbeje was floored by police lawyer, DCP Friday Toyin Ibadin last Tuesday, when the case continued before Justice AbdulAziz Anka at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

After much argument, both...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/20/police-lawyer-dcp-ibadin-floors-evans-lawyer-ogungbeje-in-n5-billion-faan-suit/
Ibadin and Ogungbeje

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/18/atikus-son-lands-in-jail-for-contempt/

Ladipo Sanusi/

For allegedly disobeying a court order, a son of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has been remanded in the transit cell of Tinubu Chief Magistrates Court, Lagos.
Aminu Atiku allegedly disobeyed an order made by Chief Magistrate Kikelomo Ayeye on October 11, over the custody of a six year-old Amir Abubakar, whom he allegedly took away from the custody of his enstranged wife, Fatimo Bolori.

In the said order in which NewsmakersNG has a copy, Chief Magistrate Ayeye had ordered the respondent in the suit marked FCL/29/2017, between U. F. Bolori Vs M. A. Abubakar, to produce one Amir Abubakar, at the Wednesday hearing of the matter.

In the said suit, the applicant had applied to court for an order of emergency, evacuation/protection, by virtue of Section 37 of Child Right Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In the application, the applicant told the court that she received text messages from her 8-year-old daughter that she and her 6-year-old brother were lacking mother care, and that she was not happy in the home.
The Chief Magistrate in her ruling stated: “Upon perusal of the phone text communication between the...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/18/atikus-son-lands-in-jail-for-contempt/

Aminu Atiku being led to the transit cell by a Prisons official today.

Lol. Let peace reign. That was a 2010 statistics that is online. Ekiti state has it now. The error is regretted. Correction effected.

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/15/okorocha-outwits-ambode/

Dipo’s Diary/

During a training session on how to run NGO, 17 years ago, at the Goethe Institut in Lagos, I learnt some tricks on how to draw mass attention in weird ways.

The training was facilitated by the late Director of Goethe Institut, Renate Albertsen-Marton, may her soul rest in peace.

Someone mentioned raining down Naira notes with leaflets containing your message from the top of Oshodi Bridge on the multitude below. It was crazy, but it was accepted as one of the extraordinary ways of getting people to notice you.

Gov Rochas Okorocha of Imo State must have attended such training, because he has a knack for courting controversy to get people’s attention.

He must have been jealous of his counterpart in Lagos, Gov Akinwunmi Ambode, who was the focus of attention for weeks since he unveiled a controversial statue of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, near Alausa in Lagos.

In Okorocha’s case, people are not talking about the technical proficiency of the sculptor or the make-up of the composition. The talk this time is the relevance of the iconic sculptural piece of South African President, Jacob Zuma, which he has just mounted in the Eastern Heartland, Imo State.

With a population of over 4 million people, the state created on February 3, 1976, by the late Head of State, Gen Murtala Mohammed, has some world renowned citizens that could have been celebrated instead of Zuma whose people in South Africa have been in the news for killing Igbo men in their midst.

He could have even looked towards Anambra and Abia states to raise a statue in honour of the late world renowned Literary Giant, Chinua Achebe, or living football legend, Kanu Nwankwo.

Okorocha could have put up a statue for the Imo State-born track and field heroine, Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, or Our Mumu Don Do activist – Charley Boy.

Others include Pop Star, Onyeka Onwenu; trailblazing blogger, Linda Ikeji; past Imo leaders, such as the late weeping Gov Sam Mbakwe, the late S...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/15/okorocha-outwits-ambode/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/15/gunmen-kill-guard-at-home-of-president-buharis-school-mate-former-igp/

Segun Atanda/

Gunmen on motorbikes in Katsina State killed a police guard and injured another in an attempt to raid the home of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and President Muhammadu Buhari’s school mate, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie, NewsmakersNG learnt today.

According to police authorities, two gunmen riding on a motorbike last night attacked mobile policemen guiding the residence of Alhaji Coomassie, a Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), who served as IGP between August 1, 1993 and May 29, 1999.

Coomassie is the Sardaunan Katsina and Chairman Arewa Consultative Forum.

The police in Katsina told NewsmakersNG that the...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/15/gunmen-kill-guard-at-home-of-president-buharis-school-mate-former-igp/

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/13/court-seizes-n1-4bn-parislondon-club-loans-in-access-gtb/
NewsmakersNG
Ladipo Sanusi/

Access Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) have been ordered to surrender N1,442, 384,857.84 Paris and London Club loans hidden in their safes.
Justice Cecelia Mojisola Olatoregun of a Federal High Court, in Lagos, today, ordered that the loans that should have been refunded be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

NewsmakersNG reports that Justice Olatoregun made the order while granting an ex-parte application filed and argued before her court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its lawyer, Ekene Iheanacho.

Apart from the order of temporary forfeiture of the stated amount, the court also ordered the EFCC to notify whoever is interested in the said money to appear before the Court and show cause why the loot should not be finally forfeited.

The Judge also directed the EFCC to publish the temporary forfeiture order in a National newspaper for the respondents or anyone who is interested in the money to appear before the Court and show cause within 14 days why final forfeiture order will not be made.

Listed as respondents in the suit are: Melrose General Services Limited: WASP Networks Limited and Thebe Wellness Services.

The EFCC in an affidavit deposed to by one of its investigators, Usman Zakari, stated that on May 26, 2016, the 36 state-governors through the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) engaged the services of consortium of consultants made up of GSCL consulting and Bizplus Consulting Services Limited tagged ‘GSCL Bizplus Consortium’, for the purpose of verification, reconciliation and recovery of over-deductions on Paris and London Club Loans on the account of states and local government between...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/13/court-seizes-n1-4bn-parislondon-club-loans-in-access-gtb/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/12/psc-demotes-acting-lagos-cp-imohimi-edgal/
Matilda Omonaiye/

After spending 42 days as the acting Commissioner of Police (CP) in Lagos, Mr Imohimi Edgal has lost his new rank.

NewsmakersNG learnt that Edgal has been demoted by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

According to a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, Edgal will now revert to his old rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

The letter with the heading ‘Withdrawal of Acting Appointment: AP. 25095 Mohimi D. Edgal and AP. 36665 Aji Ali Janga was signed by the Permanent Secretary at the PSC, Mr M.F. Istifanus, on behalf of the Chairman, Mr Mike Okiro.

The letter reads in part: “Our letter with Ref No PS/1924/Vol IX/ dated 22nd August, 2017 conveying the Honourable Chairman’s anticipatory approval for...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/12/psc-demotes-acting-lagos-cp-imohimi-edgal/

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/11/police-arrest-davido-accuse-singer-of-false-information-as-autopsy-reveals-cause-of-friends-death/
Police Arrest Davido …Accuse Singer of False Information as Autopsy Reveals Cause of Friend’s Death
Matilda Omonaiye/

Nigerian Hip-hop singer, David Adeleke aka Davido, has been held by the police in Lagos for giving false information following the mysterious death of a friend that was on a night out with him.

NewsmakersNG learnt that Davido is being held at the Lion Building Police Station in Lagos for questioning over Tagbo Umeike’s death.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal told journalists today at a briefing in Ikeja that the police were investigating a case of sudden and unnatural death which happened on September 3, 2017.

He said, “At the General Hospital, on Lagos Island, the Chief Security Officer of the hospital, one Oparah Moshood, alerted the Divisional Police Officer at Lion Building Police Division that an unidentified male was brought in dead in an Ash colour Toyota Hilux with registration number LXB 738EX. The victim was brought in by two unidentified male. On searching the body of the deceased, the Police found an international passport with the name Tagbo Umeike.

“You can recall that one Caroline Danjuma, an actress and the victim’s fiancé, published on her Instagram page that her fiancé died in the company of friends including one David Adeleke aka Davido. To be objective and in my usual style of fact finding, I called for a pre-investigative meeting in my conference room. In that meeting were all parties including the family, friends of the deceased, family and friends of Davido and of course that of Danjuma and the DPO at Lion Building and the investigating police officer were also present.

“The meeting confirmed the following that Tagbo Umeike on the date in question met and had drinks with friends including Davido at Sushi Bar. The CCTV camera footage of the bar was called for and it also showed that the victim had 40 ta...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/11/police-arrest-davido-accuse-singer-of-false-information-as-autopsy-reveals-cause-of-friends-death/

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/09/ogd-explodes-scores-apc-government-low-on-economy-security-speaks-on-pdp-bode-george-fayose-and-secondus-ambitions-his-stand-on-amosun/

By Segun Atanda/

Front-line national chairmanship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), has expressed shock at Nigeria’s inability to get out of economic quagmire in the face of abundant local resources.

Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, described Nigeria’s plight as that of a country that jumped from frying pan into fire.

Fielding questions from journalists in Lagos today, Daniel spoke about how to douse the fire and rebuild Nigeria into a great nation, as he condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly failing to impress most Nigerians.

He also spoke about his political root and the tutelage under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his close shave with death as a student unionist, as he explained why he is in the Chairmanship race with his long-time associate and Southwest leader of PDP, Chief Bode George and other candidates – Jimmy Agbaje and Uche Secondus, who he described as friends.

Daniel said that it was time for PDP to change the change brought by APC and Nigerians should prepare to be on the march again.

On APC’s management of the economy, Daniel said: “When we begin to look at the parameters; between the former administrations and now, I don’t think there is any cause for cheer. It does appear we have gone from frying pan to fire. By yesterday, the dollar was exchanging at N362. It was even much worse at a time. Inflation has gone real up. In the history of our country, this is the worst situation.

“The biggest challenge we have is unemployment, and that has now skyrocketed. When I became governor in 2003, we were looking for a way to tackle unemployment. There was a time I was boasting that any person from Ogun State who is jobless is lazy; that I had job for everybody, and I wasn’t just talking for talking sake. I had job for everybody within the little resources we had in Ogun State, I was going to employ everybody who wanted to work.

“We introduced ingenious ways of doing things – keeping our little resources in-house. We were not awarding any contract to foreign companies. Nobody, no foreign company got contracts in my eight years as governor. If you’re not even an Ogun State indigene, you’ll be lucky. The concept was to keep Ogun State’s money inside Ogun State and circulate it in Ogun State, and it works wonders.

“I have always insisted that if Nigerians can keep Nigeria’s money inside Nigeria, there should be no recession here. And I had the opportunity to prove it the way I did my projects, built my roads. I was asking somebody what is it that Nigerians cannot do, and someone was telling me issue of poor roads. There are also...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/09/ogd-explodes-scores-apc-government-low-on-economy-security-speaks-on-pdp-bode-george-fayose-and-secondus-ambitions-his-stand-on-amosun/

Clockwise: Daniel, George, Agbaje, Secondus

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/08/lost-in-lagos-found-in-katsina/
Segun Atanda/



Can you spot the difference in this two pictures of a girl declared missing in Lagos and a girl found days after in Katsina?

The girl on the left was declared missing in Lagos, and the other picture shows a girl found by the police in Katsina. There are similarities in their looks. Could they be the same person? This remains a puzzle.

A day after NewsmakersNG received the report of a girl that was found missing after telling her mum she was going for training at Igbogbo stadium, in Ikorodu, Lagos, the police found a look-alike girl in chains in Katsina, about 1199 miles away from Lagos.

A statement issued by the Katsina police spokesman, DSP Gambo Isah, says: “Katsina State Police Command is dra...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/08/lost-in-lagos-found-in-katsina/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/02/exclusive-oonis-new-woman-unveiled-trailed-by-scandal/

Ronke Kehinde/


The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, appears to have found love again after his recent separation from his Queen, Wuraola.

But the new love hoping to replace the Queen has a past that is now haunting her future.

NewsmakersNG learnt that Emmanuela Ropo was twice married with children and she has been in circulation for a while.

Her first marriage to one Joshua Adewale, an oil dealer, produced two children – girls, then she hooked one Femi and had her third child – a boy. She had allegedly been spotted with a popular Abeokuta-based Fuji musician, Alhaji Sefiu Alao Adekunle aka Omo Oko, who lost his wife last December, as well as a senior customs officer whose daughter got married recently at Oniru, in Lagos, and one Engr. Toye, who is allegedly a friend of the Ooni.


It has been revealed that Emmanuela, who hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State, has just ended her well documented steamy love affair with Femi, who had moved into her house at Anthony Enahoro Estate in Ogba, Ikeja. Pictures taken when love was blind have all been sent to NewsmakersNG.


Emmanuela recently stepped out with the Ooni to attend a high-society wedding in Lagos.

NewsmakersNG also learnt that one of Ooni’s sisters, Adesola, aka Yeye Two, is not... http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/10/02/exclusive-oonis-new-woman-unveiled-trailed-by-scandal/

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/28/n32m-fraud-efcc-cries-out-over-bank-robberies-with-garnishee-orders/

Matilda Omonaiye/

Nigerian fraudsters are breaking new grounds using Garnishee Orders to siphon money from banks, NewsmakersNG has learnt today.

According to the Head, Public Affairs at the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ayo Oyewole, cases of conspiracy and stealing involving the use of Garnishee Orders targeted at High Net worth bank accounts with low or no activities are being investigated.

The investigation is sequel to a series of complaints from some banks on the increase in the inflow of such court orders on a number of dormant accounts. Three of such cases, where attempts were made to steal over N32, 219, 975. 64 are receiving the attention of the operatives of the Commission to unravel the brains behind this new spate of crimes.

An Ibadan based legal practitioner (names withheld) has been arrested and is still being quizzed in connection with an attempt to procure...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/28/n32m-fraud-efcc-cries-out-over-bank-robberies-with-garnishee-orders/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/27/retired-justice-salami-heads-new-njc-anti-corruption-body/

Segun Atanda/

Retired President of the Court of appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami has emerged as head of a new body set up today to monitor looters trials in Nigeria

A statement signed by the Director of Information at the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr Soji Oye, says: “The National Judicial Council (NJC) under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Mr. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen (GCON) has approved the establishment of the Corruption and Financial Crimes Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) to be headed by Hon. Justice Ayo Isa Salami (OFR) retired President of the Court of Appeal.
2. The decision was taken on Wednesday at the 82nd meeting of the Council.
3. The body which has 15 members will operate from the Council Secretariat.

The Members include:-http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/27/retired-justice-salami-heads-new-njc-anti-corruption-body/

NewsmakersNG
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/26/police-plan-massive-security-upgrade-along-rail-lines/

Police Plan Massive Security Upgrade along Rail Lines
Segun Atanda/
Officers attached to Railway Police Command are being tuned up for better performance as upgrade in rail transport draws increasing traffic nationwide.
Anticipating crimes that come with such growth being driven by the Federal Government (FG), police authorities say they are rising up to the challenges with the installation of modern security gadgets and human capacity building.
The new Commissioner of Police (CP) at the Railway Command, Mr Leye Oyebade told a cross-section of officers at the headquarters in Lagos on Monday that they would embark on range practise as he drilled into them the standards expected by the FG and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris.
“The IGP wants the police to go along modern lines. Things must change. You must meet the standard. I won’t spare whoever fails to meet it,” he warned the officers.
Oyebade spoke about an evolving railway system that will take much traffic off the highways and be safe enough to be patronised by everybody like it is seen in UK where the former Prime Minister, David Cameron, was seen having a train ride.
He said, “It’s safer to move goods by train. The present government is transforming the railway system and if it’s going to be transformed, the police are integral part of the system. There’s going to be a security backup to ensure the success of that transformation agenda.”
According to Oyebade, who has returned to serve at the Railway Command for the third time in his 31-year-old career, the police must do much more now that the Abuja-Kaduna rail axis is up and running and the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan axis that will pose much more challenges is in sight.
He said, “We must continue to ensure...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/26/police-plan-massive-security-upgrade-along-rail-lines/

Newsmakers
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/14/igp-deploys-special-squad-as-ipob-descends-on-police-in-abia-soldiers-leave-battle-for-police/

Segun Atanda/

Ten units of Nigeria’s elite mobile police squad were deployed in Abia today by the Inspector General of Police, as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) gave the newly-appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) a baptism of fire.

Led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Taiwo Lakanu, Newsmakers exclusively gathered that the special squad was mandated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to restore order in Abia where IPOB members allegedly razed a police station and attacked officers today.

There were reports that the militants also attacked the official quarters of the CP, where some vehicles were allegedly torched.

Apparently the IGP squad is taking over from soldiers who have agreed to withdraw from Aba and Umuahia, the state capital today.

The new CP, Mr Anthony Ogbizi, who replaces Mr Leye Oyebade, called on residents to embark on profitable ventures and ensure peace in the state.

He condemned the burning of Ariaria Police Station, in Aba, and expressed his resolve to work hard to make Abia safe for all.

Ogbizi also warned against clamour for...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/14/igp-deploys-special-squad-as-ipob-descends-on-police-in-abia-soldiers-leave-battle-for-police/

Newsmakers
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/13/lagos-badoo-cult-victim-is-american-professor-who-served-tony-elumelu-foundation-see-full-profile/

Segun Atanda/

Full identity of the American man who survived a bloody attack once linked to Badoo cultists in Ikorodu, Lagos, has been revealed today.

Mr. Robert Bob Wheeler is an American Professor and the Dean at School of Business and Economics (SBE), Pennsylvania State University. He once worked with the Tony Elumelu Foundation in Nigeria as a consultant in 2015.


Mr Tony Elumelu whose foundation had engaged Mr Wheeler in 2015.
The man who tried to kill him on August 25, 2017, is now in police net after almost three weeks on the run. A video that has been circulating on social media shows the American egghead soaked in his own blood after his attacker had cracked his skull with pestle.


Further investigations by Newsmakers, through the victim’s LinkedIn page, revealed that Mr. Wheeler had worked as a corporate attorney in major firms in New York City and Washington, DC. He served as the Director of MBA Admissions at Georgetown University, and as Assistant Dean and Director of the MBA Program at The Pennsylvania State University. He was the Chief Operating Officer for Executive Education at...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/13/lagos-badoo-cult-victim-is-american-professor-who-served-tony-elumelu-foundation-see-full-profile/

Newsmakers
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/07/imo-police-solve-rev-fathers-kidnap-murder-mystery-in-5-days-arrest-ex-police-corporal-5-others-in-3-states/

Rotimi Morgan/

Five days of investigations in three states have led to the arrest of a former police corporal and five other suspected abductors and killers of a Reverend Father (Rev Fr) in Imo State on September 1, 2017.

According to Imo commissioner of police (CP) Chris Ezike, who celebrated the feat today at the state police headquarters in Owerri, the arrested suspects have told how Rev Fr Cyriacus Onunkwo was abducted, tied up, his mouth cello-taped before he was dumped in the booth of the Toyota Avalon car used by suspects.

“He apparently gasped for air and could not make it,” Ezike said, as he pointed out that the police were conducting further investigations to strengthen the interim finding with scientific examination and opinion.

Ezike identified the suspects as 32-year-old ex-corporal Jude Madu; Izuchukwu Okafor aka ‘Small’ 28; Onyema Cyril, 29; Emmanuel Ozuigbo, 29; Victor Ikechukwu Iroakanzi, 33, and Ifechukwu Nwosu, 28.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ezike gave details of the abduction and murder of Rev Fr Onunkwo of Umuotuasi Village, Osina in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State on September 1, 2017 at Banana Junction in Orlu area of the state.

He said, “On September 1, 2017 at about 2035hours, Police received a report that four armed men using a Toyota Avalon car double-crossed Rev Fr Cyriacus Onunkwo who was driving in his Toyota Corolla car with Registration Number IMO KED 290 AA, grey in colour; abducted him into their Avalon car and sped off to unknown destination.

“The incident was said to have happened at Banana Junction, Orlu. The Police subsequently declared a search and on September 2, 2017, the Divisional Police Officer at Omuma reported that an unidentified corpse of a man was seen in his area of jurisdiction and recovered to the mortuary. In furtherance thereof, Rev Fr Kenneth Obialisi and DPO Orlu were alerted and they rushed to Omuma and identified the corpse as that of the kidnapped Rev Fr Cyriacus Onunkwo...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/09/07/imo-police-solve-rev-fathers-kidnap-murder-mystery-in-5-days-arrest-ex-police-corporal-5-others-in-3-states/

Newsmakers
Ladipo Sanusi/

Acclaimed billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme George Onwuamadike a.k.a Evans, was all smiles this morning as he arrived at an Ikeja High Court to face charges for several alleged crimes.

Evans and five members of his gang arrived under heavy security. They were marched into the courtroom at 8.56 a.m to face Justice Akeem Oshodi of Court 18.
When the proceedings commenced, Evans pleaded guilty to conspiracy and kidnappings before the Judge.
Evans lawyer, Mr. Kayode Ogungbeje, who has been representing him in his N300 million fundamental rights suit against the police is also in court.
Ogungbeje was seen discussing with Evans before the proceedings began.

One of the charges before Justice Oshodi is on the case of kidnapping of a victim identified as Mr Donatus Dunu at Ilupeju area of Lagos, who allegedly paid N150million ransom to Evans.
According to the police Evans and 15 members of his gang are facing 14 substantive cases (10 in Lagos and four in Edo State) with 52 Charges of multiple murders, armed robberies, kidnappings, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition among other crimes.
The cases were filed by the...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/08/30/evans-arrives-in-court-smiling/

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/08/28/video-american-survives-bloody-badoo-attack-in-lagos/

Segun Atanda/

This curious video in circulation shows a white man described as an American, who allegedly survived attempted murder in the hands of a driver suspected to be a Badoo cult member in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Newsmakers learnt that he was abducted after being picked up at the airport and taken to a hideout in Ikorodu where his head was bludgeoned.

But the police in Lagos are yet to officially receive such report, according to the Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, who said he had seen the video and has sent detectives out to investigate.
Watch Video: http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/08/28/video-american-survives-bloody-badoo-attack-in-lagos/

NewsMakers
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/08/27/americans-blast-biafran-agitator-over-buhari-post-on-texas-storm-thread/

Segun Atanda/

A Biafran agitator, Bright Chimezie, was thoroughly lampooned today for posting comments on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army on a thread where Americans were sharing their experiences during the storm that ravaged Texas.

Some casualties have been reported and more than 300, 000 people have been left without power after Hurricane Harvey hit the United States with 130 mph winds roaring through Texas, battering buildings, upturning cars, knocking down trees and electricity cables.



While commentators were reacting to a post on how a hawk escaped the storm and hid inside a car, Chimezie broke the flow with a post criticizing Buhari and the Nigerian Army.

He was instantly pelted with abuses and condemnation for what the commentators saw as inappropriate post.

Then, Chimezie fought back with another post: “May God Almighty give you all the trouble Biafra citizens is facing may it extend to ur first and forth generation.”

There were also posts from some Americans blaming Trump for the storm.

See the reactions:

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/08/27/americans-blast-biafran-agitator-over-buhari-post-on-texas-storm-thread/

Newsmakers
http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/08/24/sen-misau-was-a-bad-cop-says-igp-idris/

Matilda Omonaiye/

Following his allegation that policemen pay bribe to get special promotions, Senator Isah Hamman Misau who was once in the service has been labeled as a bad cop by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris.

Idris, who accused Misau of making unsubstantiated allegations against police authorities revealed that the Senator resigned as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) when he was being tried for alleged professional misconduct.

“From available record, Senator Isah Hamman Misau, the Senate Committee Chairman on Navy was an Ex- Police Officer who left the Nigeria Police Force at the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police after being charged with several acts of serious misconducts, unprofessional wrong doings contrary to discipline, and other discreditable improper behaviors unbecoming of a Police officer and that are inimical to image of the Nigeria Police Force, which can lead to dismissal or compulsory retirement from the Force. He was under Pending Disciplinary Matter (PDM), to appear and face Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) before he hurriedly exited unceremoniously from the Force. And this can explain his ill motives against the Force,” says a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh.

The statement captioned ‘RE- BRIBE FOR PROMOTION: SENATOR ASKS DSS TO PROBE POLICE, PSC’ reads in full: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a publication on page 10 of Daily Trust Newspaper of 22nd August, 2017 captioned “Bribe for Promotion: Senator asks DSS to Probe Police, PSC” written by one Ismail Mudashir and credited to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isah Hamman Misau.

The Force wishes to categorically state that, putting into cognizance the impact of the allegations from the senator on the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force if not investigated, the Inspector General of police promptly set up a Special Investigation Panel on the 11th August, 2017 to investigate the allegations as reported on...http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/08/24/sen-misau-was-a-bad-cop-says-igp-idris/

NewsMakers
Ladipo Sanusi/

More houses worth over N2.6 billion have again been seized from former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

A Federal High Court, in Lagos, today, ordered that four buildings in Lagos, Rivers, and Abuja, valued at N2, 611, 592, 199, linked to Diezani and her associates be temporarily forfeited to the Federal government of Nigeria, for being proceeds of corruption.

Justice AbdulAziz Anka gave the order while granting an Ex-parte application marked FHC/L/CS/1279/17, filed and argued before the court by the lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Anselm Ozioko.

Respondents in the suit are: Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke; Mr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo; Chapel Properties Limited; Blue Nile Estate Limited; Azinga Meadows Limited, and Vistapoints Property Development Limited.

The properties ordered to be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) are: 21 mixed housing units of 8 numbers of four bedrooms penthouse apartment; six numbers of three bedrooms apartments; two numbers of three bedrooms apartment and one of four bedrooms apartment, all en-suite, located at 7, Thurnburn Street, and 5 Raymond Street, Yaba, valued at N937 million...

http://www.newsmakersng.com/2017/08/22/diezani-loses-4-additional-properties-worth-n2-6b-to-fg/