₦airaland Forum

The issue of domestic violence is becoming rampant and they up in different dimensions every other day, with some leading to gruesome deaths.

Another of such was reported by a Facebook user, Ibe Caleb, after a demented man butchered his pregnant wife because he suspected she was cheating on him even with the advanced stage of her pregnancy,

But what manner of anger could lead a man to do this to a woman he once claimed to love?

Eniola Akinkuotu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to invite the immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; and a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, over the car gifts they allegedly received from oil baron, Jide Omokore.

Already, the EFCC has detained the Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, since Tuesday for allegedly receiving 23 exotic cars (worth N302m) from Omokore.

However, a source within the PDP told our correspondent that the vehicles distributed by Omokore to several party leaders were far more than 23 as the vehicles were meant to be distributed across the country.

Omokore, who is an ally of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been in detention for over a week.

His firm was one of the companies that allegedly received multi-billion dollar public assets without due process by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2011.

His company, Atlantic Energy Limited, is accused of lifting crude oil, but only remitting a fraction of its worth to the government.

According to detectives at the EFCC, the funds used for the purchase of the vehicles were sourced from crude oil receipts, which Omokore failed to remit.

The vehicles were said to have been given to key PDP chiefs who played key roles in mobilisation in their respective states.
The commission, it was learnt, has been unable to arrest Mu’azu as he has been out of the country for some months.
He is believed to be in either Dubai or Singapore.

The source said, “Mu’azu’s name has also been mentioned in the car issue but he has been out of the country for some months and we cannot get him now.”

Mu’azu is also to have been invited by the commission to explain the N10bn given to PDP delegates to the National Convention that picked Jonathan as the party candidate in 2014.

The N10bn was said to have been received through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Similarly, Obanikoro has been in the United States – since the defeat of Jonathan. He is said to be undergoing an academic programme in the US.

The former minister, who is an American citizen was said to have received five vehicles from Secondus.

The source said, “Some of the vehicles were given to Secondus but other PDP leaders received the vehicles, which were mostly Sport Utility Vehicles. We were told that Obanikoro received five of such vehicles.

“Obanikoro and members of his family have been out of the country since last year but we hear he goes to Ghana and returns to the US. The two of them, Muazu and Obanikoro, are needed to make clarifications on the cars.”

Spokesman for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said he was not aware of the moves to invite Obanikoro and Muazu.

However, Obanikoro said in a statement that he never received any vehicles from anybody during the last beneral elections.
In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Jonathan Eze, the former minister said he was busy preparing for his final exams and did not have time to be responding to frivolous accusations.

He said, “This is another malicious lie from the pit of hell. My principal never collected any car or cars from Jide Omokore. In fact, we doubt that he can utter such a statement because Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has never had any transaction with him. Those behind the desecration of his name should get busy with worthwhile things just the way my principal is busy studying.

“It is another lie that he was seen in Ghana a few weeks ago, I make bold to say that Senator Musiliu Obanikoro never travelled to Ghana but he is intellectually engaged in the US preparing for his examinations.

“Nigerians should please note that all these lies are figments of the imagination of a few who are bent on pulling him down after his clear records of public service. Senator Obanikoro is a full time student and as such he does not have the luxury of time to travel or hold meetings with anyone while academic activities are ongoing.”

Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday said one person was killed when hoodlums clashed in Oja’ba area of Ibadan.

However, some of the residents of the area claimed six persons were killed during the clash.

Trouble began on Tuesday evening when a group named Idowu Boys, with support from Zaccheus Boys, threatened to attack an unnamed group.

A resident of the area said Idowu Boys and the unnamed group had engaged in a deadly street fight in the past.

The source said, “Idowu Boys said they had an unfinished business with the other group after a recent clash. The members said they would attack the group after joining forces with Zaccheus Boys on Tuesday evening, so there was commotion in the area. We had to close our shops and stayed indoors because of what happened in the past.

“From what I heard, Idowu Boys said the other group killed one of their members recently and that they were prepared to take their revenge on them. They ambushed them around Gege, leading to a fight that left three dead. We later heard that six persons eventually died in the clash.”

Another eyewitness said the hoodlums initially fought with broken bottles and sticks, but resorted to the use of guns and other weapons as the fight progressed.

The Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said police had restored calm in the area.
He said, “Only one person died. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a 24-hour security coverage of the affected areas with a view to protecting lives and property. Some arrests have been made. Normalcy has returned.”

Samson Folarin

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the Baale of Odumade/Solumade Phase 2, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ikorodu, Safarudeen Odumade.

Odumade is being hunted by the police for allegedly beating a truck pusher, identified as Abdullahi Mohammed, to a coma.

The traditional ruler was said to have summoned the victim after he passed his palace, and failed to pay obeisance to him as demanded by culture.

PUNCH Metro gathered that Mohammed, however, ignored the Baale and continued with his journey.
He was said to have pursued the victim and beaten him to stupor.

The younger brother of the Baale , who is also reported to have fled the area, was alleged to have joined in beating the victim till he passed out.

A resident, Bisi Odunuga, said Hausa friends of the victim threatened a showdown with the Baale before the intervention of a police officer.

She said, “The man was pushing his truck from Bayeku to Igbogbo on Wednesday.

When he got to Ilado, the acting Baale beckoned to him to pay obeisance to him, but he ignored him and continued on his way.

“The Baale was upset and chased the truck pusher. He then engaged him in a fight.

“One of the younger brothers of the Baale, who stood afar observing the incident, later joined in the fight and assisted his brother to beat up Mohammed.

“By this time, the scene had turned rowdy and a crowd formed around the place.

Some of the victim’s friends quickly mobilised themselves and joined to avenge the assault on their friend.”

The resident said a policeman, who was repairing his vehicle by the roadside, decided to make peace and urged that Mohammed should be taken to a hospital for treatment.

By Thursday, news was said to have filtered in that the victim was dead, prompting his friends to mobilise the second time to unleash havoc on the suspect’s office, which was under construction.

The men, who were said to be armed, reportedly chanted solidarity songs as they threatened a showdown.

It was gathered that the situation almost degenerated into an ethnic clash, but for the intervention of policemen from the Igbogbo division who dispersed the rioters.
It was later discovered that Mohammed was alive.

A woman, who claimed to have spent only a few months in the community, said there was still tension in the area.

She said, “I originally did not know what happened until a relative of mine called and said we should be careful with our movement in the community because of what the Baale did. I was also told that the police had increased surveillance in a bid to capture the Baale , so we are all being careful.”

The lawyer for the Odumade family, Gabriel Orban, told PUNCH Metro that he had not been able to reach the family to be briefed on the details of the case.

He, however, described the Baale as peaceful and said the allegations were false.

He said, “I have not been privileged to meet the Baale to know what actually transpired.

I have only heard in rumours that there was a misunderstanding that resulted in a fight. I can’t say whether the Baale was involved.

“I have related with the Odumade family members for years and I can vouch for their virtuous behaviour and peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.
She said, “The police are on the trail of the Baale over the fracas that broke out after it was reported that he seriously assaulted a cart pusher named Abdullahi Mohammed.

Fracas broke out in the community when news filtered in that Mohammed was dead.

“The police from Igbogbo division swung into action, but upon investigation it was discovered that the victim was still alive. He is being treated at a private hospital in the area, while the Baale is still at large.”

Widow of a slain commercial motorcyclist aka Okada rider Monsuru Fowotade Alapini, has said she advised her husband against going out that fateful day.

Alapini was stabbed on the chest by some suspected cultists in Oworonsoki, Lagos, on Valentine’s Day and died on his way to Gbagada General Hospital.

The widow, Damilola said her late husband complained of hunger on returning home, adding that after eating he went out against her advice.

Damilola said: “We were together at home in the evening of February 14 around 6pm. He just returned from work where he went to supply sand and said he wanted to take a shower; so I helped him take a bucket of water to the bathroom. Later, he said he was hungry and we sent someone to buy beans and bread. After eating, he said the food did not satisfy him and that he would go and get beans from a woman that sells it downstairs.

“I told him not to go because I had a dream that some people were fighting him before he came in that evening. He said he was not going out, that he was just going downstairs.

“Later, I heard he went towards the place he works because some people wanted to open a hotel there. I also heard that a woman who owns a shop around that place told him to wait for her there but someone called him on the phone.

“Someone had also called him on Saturday morning when he was at home and when I asked him who the person was, he said the person was one of his friends. When I asked which of his friends, he said it was Ganiyu. Ganiyu works with Sondoko. I told him not to go.

“That Sunday night, I was inside watching a movie. I just stepped out to the balcony when I heard noise that he has been killed. That was around 7pm.

“I was told that the child of one of those that killed him was celebrating his birthday that day. He went to the birthday because his friend called him and when he got there, the Sondoko guys sent a little boy to tell him to get up from the chair. He told the boy that he did not meet anyone when he sat there and the men immediately surrounded him.

The person that stabbed him came from behind and stabbed him in the chest.

“They took him to a medical centre but he was rejected and they took him to Gbagada General Hospital. He died before they got to Gbagada.”

A distraught Damilola described her husband as an easy going person, saying: “He is someone who does not fight and abhors violence. I don’t think anything has linked him with those men before. The only thing I know is that his younger brother was attacked by Sondoko’s men last year
. Likewise, his elder sister was once beaten mercilessly and her shop was demolished.”

She called on government to bring her husband’s killer to justice, saying her husband did not have any relationship with the Oloworo of Oworonshoki, Oba Bashiru Saliu, and Balogun of Oworonshoki Alhaji Mustapha Ajisegiri, who are quarrelling over the stool.

Also yesterday Ajisegiri denied that he and Oba Saliu were behind the fracas that led to Alapini’s death and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

He urged the police to bring the perpetrators to book.

Last weekend, Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni claimed that Alapini was killed during a clash between some thugs known to the monarch and Ajisegiri.

Denying the allegation while briefing reporters at his residence, Ajisegiri said he knew nothing about the clash.
Ajisegiri, 78, confirmed that he and the monarch were quarrelling over the stool, adding that the matter is in the court.

He said he was not in Lagos during the fracas, adding: “I travelled to treat myself in Abeokuta, so I wonder why I should be mentioned as one of the sponsors of the violence that I knew nothing about”.

lalasticlala

A 35-year-old suspect, Ogaga Apomu, has told police in Lagos that he spent the money he realised from robbery to sponsor his brother’s education. Apomu and two others, Daniel Yakubu (34), and Daniel Yuana (28), were arrested by police detectives for terrorising residents of Festac Town in Lagos State.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, paraded the suspects before journalists at Command Headquarters, Ikeja. The commissioner said the suspects had been on the wanted list of the command since October 13, 2015 after they carried out robbery operation in Festac Town.

According to him, the robbers stole millions of naira and goods. The suspects were arrested by men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), who acted on information, while attempting to carry out another robbery operation. Yakubu told our correspondent that he was invited by his younger brother to rob the place where he was working. He said:
“Initially I declined, but when I realised that the salary I was earning was not enough, I went back to him and look for some other people to join in the operation. I needed money; that was why I went to him. Our first robbery operation was at a super market in Festac Town where my younger brother was working.

It is Ogaga who brought the guns we used for the operations.” Apomu said they carted away about N1.2 million from the supermarket. He said: “The gun we used for the robbery, I got it from a friend of mine, who resides in Cotonou.

They came to Nigeria to rob. After their operation, they left the gun in my possession, since then I have been using it for robbery. “I used all the money I made from the robbery operation to sponsor the education of my younger brother at the village. I started robbery operation since 2011 from Delta State before I came down to Lagos.

“I have some other important things I can use the money for, but because we are just two from our parents and because of the love I have for him and because I want him to succeed that was why I am sending every money I made from robbery to him to further his education.”

Apomu added that his parents did not know that he was an armed robber. “I worked as a painter in Lagos before I joined the robbery gang. I went into robbery because the money I was making from the painting job was not enough.

I don’t know how my younger brother would feel if he hears about my situation,” he said. On his part, Yuana said he was working as a stock keeper at the supermarket which they came to robbed. He said: “I was the one who invited them to come and rob the supermarket.

I persuaded my brother, Yakubu, to assist me look for people who will rob the supermarket. He declined but later came with Apomu and two others who are now at large. Surprisingly after the operation, they ran away without giving me out of the stolen money from the supermarket.

“After Ogaga and Yakubu had been arrested, they brought policemen to my house where I was also arrested. I am disappointed. God should forgive me.” Owoseni said two locallymade pistols and charms were recovered from the suspects.

By Caleb Ayansina

Abuja—Ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor in July, tension is already mounting within the Christian community following alleged plans by President Muhammadu Buhari and All Progressives Congress, APC, to install a Northern successor.

This appeared to be a repeat of what transpired during the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Already, APC, is said to be interested in sponsoring a pro-Buhari clergy from the North to avoid any radical opposition to his administration from the Christian community.

A group of Christians under the umbrella of Christ Redeemers Union, yesterday, claimed that the Presidency was interested in CAN election for some selfish reasons.

But the Presidency debunked the allegation, saying Buhari did not interfere in an internal affairs of any organisation.

Reacting, the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Communications), Mr. Femi Adesina, dismissed the allegation, saying Buhari does not interfere in the internal affairs of any organisation.

He said: “It means that some Nigerians don’t know their President; Your President, Muhammadu Buhari did not interfere in things like that; so they need to know the person who is their President."

The National Director of CRU, Dr. Ebenezer Olusola Abednego, who disclosed this to newsmen, in Abuja, said that Christians would resist any plan by the Presidency to instal its in CAN Presidency.

Olusola explained that the APC government was desperate to ensure the emergence of its candidate in CAN who will lead the Nigerian Christians community.

“We have it on good authority that any leader being installed by the Presidency in CAN would avoid any virulent criticism of the Buhari government and this has informed their desperate to install a leadership that will not be critical.

“But we are vehemently opposed to government meddling into a purely religious affairs and should the Presidency succeed in installing an APC/Buhari stooge in CAN, we will pull out of CAN. We are ready for them, we have it on good authority that some Muslim leaders from the North are behind the plot. But by the power in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, every knee shall bow and they won’t succeed.”

Reacting to this, the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Communications), Mr. Femi Adesina, dismissed the allegation, saying Buhari does not interfere in the internal affairs of any organisation.

He said: “It means that some Nigerians don’t know their President; Your President, Muhammadu Buhari does not interfere in things like that; so they need to know the person who is their President.

“The people making the allegation can’t insist that they are correct because that is the man for you and Buhari doesn’t interfere in anything. If he doesn’t interfere in State elections where his own party, APC is having candidates, how will he interfere in CAN elections? They don’t know their President.”

Lack of funds is stalling Nigeria’s effort to trace and recover its stolen monies, and prosecute former government officials responsible for the heist, the presidency has said.

A letter by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption (PACC) to a United Kingdom-based anti-corruption organisation, Global Witness, soliciting assistance in raising funds, revealed that due to the fall in crude oil prices and the general economic downturn, the government lacked the needed funds to pursue recovery of loots.

The letter, dated February 15, 2016, was signed by the Executive Secretary of PACC, Bolaji Owasanoye, and directed to the Director of Global Witness, Simon Taylor.

It stated that the commitment of the government to tackle Boko Haram insurgency, fight corruption and improve the livelihood of Nigerians through job creation, was being hampered by dwindling oil revenue and mounting debts.

Mr. Owasanoye, a professor, argued that the economy could not be revived simply by improving revenue generation, without wiping out corruption and recovering money stolen former officials.

He said ongoing investigations into the diversion of arms funds by the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, and ex-military chiefs, show that significant amount of the money needed by the government to alleviate poverty were still in “the pockets and bank accounts of looters of public funds”.

He said intelligence reports and court rulings elsewhere have shown that there were more funds to be recovered from the immediate past Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, the fraudulent sale of OPL 245 by Malabu Oil and Gas, a company owned by “a well-known money launderer”, Dan Etete, assets traced to former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, and former military ruler, Sani Abacha.

He however explained that due to the multi-jurisdiction of the cases, and the exorbitant charges of professionals such as lawyers, forensic financial investigators, and the ability of the suspected officials to use part of the alleged stolen fund to challenge the recovery of the fund, the government needed huge flow of resources.

“However, this poses a major problem. An empty treasury means that the money is not currently available for the government to engage these professionals due to the high fee that they charge.

“Even in cases where service will be given on contingency basis the initial seed fund required to start the process is not affordable. As a result, the action the government urgently seeks to take is being stymied,” Mr. Owasanoye wrote.

He argued that the government’s capacity to pursue all potential cases would be greatly boosted by the creation of an Assets Tracing, Recovery and Litigation Fund from which lawyers, investigators and forensic auditors will be paid.

He added that the government was also working on an arrangement where professionals engaged would be paid only on successes recorded.
“Once engaged, government can negotiate with the professionals to earn only success fees. Each professional engaged will secure its own litigation funders to support their briefs,” he stated.

Mr. Owasanoye further revealed that government would not have got as much traction as it does in its drive to prosecute ex-officials, and in the recovery of funds, if it had not received a combined financial lifeline of $5 million from international organisations such as the Ford foundation, MacArthur Foundation and the Foundation to Promote Open Society.

“This fund is supporting the mandate of the Presidency Advisory Committee on Corruption which is co-ordinating the anti-corruption effort of the government and promoting improved criminal justice administration.

“In light of the very dire economic situation of the moment this support and the proposed Assets Tracing, Recovery and Litigation Fund, is crucial to government ability to get recovery assets to support social welfare projects for the impoverished majority of Nigerians.

“Furthermore, funding support will enable government to use money that would have otherwise gone to professionals for assets recovery for other social protection projects,” he wrote.

ISDM Executive Director, Mr Chima Amadi, while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, alleged that Damilola lost her first pregnancy after 10 years of marriage due to police brutality.

Cyriacus Izuekwe

A 31-year-old housewife has narrated how she was chased away from her matrimonial home by her mother-in-law because she could not bear a child five years after she got married to the woman’s son in Lagos, western Nigeria.

The woman, Mrs Adaeze Nwosu revealed this at the Ejigbo Customary court where she and her husband are seeking the dissolution of the marriage on several grounds.

The embittered Adaeze lamented that her mother in-law contributed to the collapse of their marriage after she invaded their home and asked her to leave since she could not bear a child.

She also said her mother-in-law insisted that she would remain in the couple’s home until her son, Godwin impregnated any woman so that she could a grand child.

Adaeze said true to her decision, her mother-in-law stayed and started wooing women for her husband and they were sleeping on their matrimonial bed but none of them was able to get pregnant for him after several months.

She said the trauma and intimidation became unbearable and she was forced to move out of her matrimonial home to have peace of mind.

The embittered woman said while all this was going on, her husband did not object to his mother’s meddlesomeness. Rather, he was fully obeying his mom’s directive by sleeping with the women.

She said when it became obvious that the marriage had irretrievably broken up, she suggested to Godwin to go to court for the dissolution of the marriage so that they can go their separate ways.

Both Godwin and Adaeze agreed before the court that the marriage was boring and characterized by crises and that they do not have feelings for each other anymore.

Godwin who resides at 20, Oluwale street, Ejigbo with his wife, Adaeze, filed the suit on the ground of lack of care, irreconcilable differences, incompatibility, lack of love and asked the court to dissolve the marriage.

Adaeze in responses, told the court that Godwin was right on the claims for seeking divorce and pleaded with the court to immediately dissolve the marriage.

The court had earlier adjourned the matter for counselling and when it was obvious that they would not be able to reconcile their differences, the court went ahead with the hearing.

The matter has been adjourned for judgment.

lalasticlala

The Manager of the brothel, Mr. Chinedu Emeka, who confirmed the incident, said,
“The victims confessed that they were married men who wanted fun and were having insufficient funds to make up, instead of begging our workers, they resorted to a shouting match with them and they were detained in their rooms before a good Samaritan paid for them.”

Cyriacus Izuekwe

A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged before Apapa Magistrates’ court for allegedly slashing his rival with razor blade. The two men were fighting over a woman in Ajegunle, a seedy suburb of Lagos State, western Nigeria.

The suspect, Ocholemu Godfrey, allegedly inflicted injury on Isaac Oche’s body with razor during the street fight.

The incident happened at 24, Okandu street, Ajegunle in Apapa area where both the suspect and victim reside.

P.M.NEWS gathered that Godfrey confronted Oche over suspicion that Oche was secretly dating his lover.

He accused Oche of saying negative things about him in order to take her from him.

During the encounter, there was an exchange of harsh words between Godfrey and Oche which resulted in a fight.

P.M.NEWS gathered that Godfrey allegedly used a razor blade to slash Oche all over his body and face.

He started bleeding profusely and was rushed to a hospital where the doctors confirmed that some of his veins were affected and is receiving treatment.

The matter was reported to the police and Godfrey was arrested and charged to court on a one count charge of assault under the Criminal Code.
He pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr T. A. Aborenwa granted Godfrey bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Godfrey was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail condition.

The matter was adjourned till 7 March, 2016.

By Chinenyeh Ozor

Nsukka - Ferdral government has said it will spend zero amounts in petroleum subsidy in 2016 and would not remove the subsidy while in periods of high oil prices, expenditures were allowed to rise substantially with little ability to control spending in periods of low prices.

The minister of state petroleum resources, Dr Emmanuel Ibe kachikwu disclosed this at the 45th convocation lecture he delivered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka titled ‘the petroleum industry and the future of the Nigerian nation’ adding that government has started pumping oil from two out of the three refinaries in the country which would be used to provide oil and gas needed for the country.

The minister noted that it may sound unbelievable to people, explaining that it is part of change mantra of the present administration of President Mohammadu Buhari, meanwhile, 70 per cent of vandalized pipelines has been recovered which will supply more crude to the refinenaries.

Dr Kachikwu said that the objective of Buhari reform agenda in oil and gas industry in the country centered around having the right people doing the right hing at the right time for the purposes of moving the country forward.

“With the right people in petroleum sector there will be increase in revenue for the country via sales of petroleum products. The products will be affordable prices at the lowest minimum cost for factor inputs that will encourage economic growth and international competiveness. The reform agenda in the oil and other sectors will also provide more employment opportunities in the country, ‘he said.

The minister pointed out that what the country suffers now was poor management of the oil sector in the past twenty 25 years, adding that in the past the cost of production of crude oil as well as importation of fuel remained the highest in the world while weakness in the fiscal administration of the oil sector led to inadequate allocation and collection of oil and gas revenues for the government.

‘’In recent past, the oil and gas industry has emerged from the scourge of militancy in the Niger Delta when production was at a low of 1.6 million barrels per day in 2009 to its current levels of about 2.2 million barrels per day. Over the years, little attempts was made to diversify revenue base from huge oil and gas resource income’’ he minister noted.

He also said that the mainstream and downstream have witnessed challenges which was why government has focussed ite reforms on libralising the sectors, explaining that Nigeria has three refinaries with nameplate capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, 5,120 km of products and crude pipelines, 21 storage depots and one petroleum products import terminal at Atlas Cove all of which have suffered from vandalism and poor maintainance over the years because of lack of a cmmercially viable framework for cost recovery.

He explained that the oil boom of the 70’s, the country experinced large public spending and fiscal deficits that fuelled macroeconomic voattlity, noting that the countr’s budget increased from the 70’s onwards as expenditure rose faster than revenues.

Kachikwu urged Nigerians to support president Buhari in his fight against corruption in order retrieve the looted funds in the countryas the fight would restore the dignity of the county and banish poverty.

“The aim of the present administration is to leave a good legacy through fighting corruption and making judicious use of the country’s resources. Nigerians should give the president maximum support in his determination to rid the county of bribery and corruption’’ he said.

He expressed appreciation to University management for finding him worthy to present the 45th convocation lecture, adding that as an alumnous of the university he would continue to contribute meaningfully to the University.

In a welcome address, the Vice-chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof Benjamin Ozumba said that the 45th convocation lecture was a unique one for the fact that the lecture was delivered by an icon in petroleum industry who had within a period of time transformed the oil sector.

Prof Ozumba said that the Nigerian National petroleum corporation (NNPC) has witnessed series of transformation within a short period of time the minister assumed duty in the industry.

However, as of the close of business on Thursday, the over-recovery had dropped to N11.74 per litre.

There was tension at the 55 Battalion Bonny Camp, Lagos on Thursday following the grumbling by 200 soldiers over the alleged non-payment of their three months mission allowances.

Our correspondents reliably gathered that the 200 soldiers were part of the 800 troops that just returned from Darfur, Sudan where they had gone to for a peace keeping operation.

The soldiers after their return, it was learnt, were redeployed again to the North-East to join the battle against insurgents.

The contingent is said to be led by Lt. Col. H. Dasuki, who unconfirmed sources said, is related to the immediate former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).
They are expected to leave Lagos for Maiduguri on Friday (today).

But our one of our correspondents gathered that the soldiers said they would not proceed to Maiduguri except their allowances for the Sudan operation were paid.

This, they argued, would enable them to leave money behind for their families.
The issue had not been resolved as of the time of filling the report.

A military source said such posting without payment of allowances was not acceptable to the military high command as it was contrary to a directive from the Defence headquarters.

Reacting to the subtle protest, the Public Relations Officer of the 81 Division, Lt. Col. Kingsley Samuel, said that the soldiers who returned from foreign mission in Sudan were not involved in such a protest.

He said that that there was no grumbling whatsoever in the Bonny Camp.

He said, “There is nothing like grumbling in that battalion. It is not true.”

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The Nigerian troops of 7 Division Garrison comprising 112 Battalion and Armed Forces Special Forces yesterday carried out a joint clearance patrol on suspected Boko Haram terrorists locations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The troops, who discovered Boko Haram terrorists’ camp, patent medicine outfit and major market at Gulumba, killed quite a number of Boko Haram terrorists and recovered several items that include: two logistic trucks, 180 motorcycles, 750 bicycles and various perishable and non-perishable items such as a 100 KVA Mikano generator and grinding machine.

A statement issued by the acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman disclosed that the troops also rescued 195 persons held hostage, recovered 300 cows, 200 sheep and 130 goats rustled by the insurgents.

According to the statement, “The troops also recovered military items such as camouflage uniforms as well as rifle magazines and grenades.

“The unprecedented feat was achieved through the renewed cooperation and support of the public who provide timely information to the troops.

“Consequently, we would like to thank all those good citizens who provide the timely information and enjoin all to see the fight against Boko Haram terrorists as a collective responsibility to enable us clear the remnants of the insurgents in the north east and other parts of the country.”

A soldier, simply identified by his name tag as Emmanuel B.J., on Wednesday battered a commercial bus driver, Mr. Moshood Olaniyi, at the Ojodu-Berger Motor Park in Lagos State for allegedly sneering at him.

The soldier initially pounced on Olaniyi and thrashed him with horse whip before he used his fists to punch him.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Emmanuel ignored pleas by passersby and food vendors at the park.

Instead, he removed the vehicle’s key from the ignition and dragged Olaniyi down from the bus and battered him the more.
The soldier held Olaniyi’s waistband and threatened to kill the driver boasting that nobody would query him if he killed the driver.

When the crowd urged the soldier to state the driver’s offence, Emmanuel B.J. slapped Olaniyi again for more than 12 times.
He said, “Who does he think he is? I will kill him and nobody will query me. I have killed many people who are older than this idiot (Olaniyi) in the past and nobody queried me for that.

“The idiot attempted to hit me while reversing his vehicle and when I asked him why, he just sneered at me. If at all he is older than me, I don’t care. I will do to him what he will never forget for the rest of his life.”

Emmanuel dragged Olaniyi to the park of commercial motorcycle operators, a distance of about 50 metres, before he released him after much pleading that lasted for about 45 minutes by eyewitnesses and other motorists.

Olaniyi was later advised to seek medical attention due to the extent of the assault.
Olaniyi, who could hardly open his mouth to talk because of his swollen lips after the soldier released him, denied that he sneered at the soldier.

He said he was reversing his vehicle when the soldier suddenly pounced on him.
One of the witnesses, who identified himself simply as Festus, said the beating was too much, adding that he did not expect that Olaniyi could still stand on his feet after the soldier released him.
Festus said it was the beating that drew his attention from where he was fixing some mechanical faults in his vehicle.

He said, “I did not know the cause of the disagreement between Olaniyi and the soldier, but from what I saw, Olaniyi was sitting in his vehicle when the soldier started beating him. I didn’t know whether Olaniyi sneered at the soldier or not.”

A bread seller at the motor park, who preferred to be addressed as Ajoke, said she witnessed the assault from the beginning to the end.

Ajoke said she joined other passersby to beg the soldier to let Olaniyi go when it appeared that he was not ready to stop the beating.

Reacting to the alleged assault, the spokesperson for 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, Col. Kingsley Samuel, told our correspondent that he had yet to confirm the identity of the soldier, but promised to investigate the assault.

He said, “We don’t know the identity of the soldier. Lagos is a big community; anybody can put on army uniform and impersonate being a soldier. We have had cases of impersonation before, but if any personnel of the organisation I work with commits a crime of that nature, the person will be dealt with.

“We have to find out if Emmanuel is a genuine soldier who is not impersonating. This is one of the things we will investigate. And if he is a soldier, we will find out the unit he belongs to. But I assure you that we will do our investigation.”

A 40-year-old man, Lukman Jimoh, aka Oyeolorun, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly killing his bosom friend, Remi Oloyede, aka Ora .

Jimoh reportedly cut off Oloyede’s ears and stabbed him in the neck and eyes during a fight on Monday on Adedoja Street, Mushin.
Residents were said to have stayed away from the duo because they both wielded bottles.

Oloyede died on the spot after losing much blood, while his corpse was deposited in a morgue in the state.

Jimoh, who after the incident was taken to a clinic for medical attention due to the injuries he also sustained, was later arrested by policemen from the Alakara division.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the men fought over the claim by the deceased that his friend betrayed him by sleeping with his wife.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the two men had been friends for a long time.

She said, “Oyeolorun (Jimoh) and Ora (Oloyede) have been friends for a long time now. They were both living on this street before Oyeolorun relocated to Sango, Ogun State, where he is staying with his family.

“But about three years ago, Oyeolorun allegedly had sexual relation with Ora ’s wife and he was very angry about it. From that time, he started looking for a way to get back at him for betraying him.

“To get even, he slept with Oyeolorun’s first wife, but Oyeolorun had already divorced the woman. Ora was still angry and seeking opportunity for a revenge.”

Another resident, Bunmi Osunde, said the two friends started having clashes over minor issues.

He said the last straw that broke the camel’s back was an issue over a handset.
Osunde explained that a resident had bought a handset from Oloyede for N1, 500 and when the buyer tried to operate it, it was faulty.

After the 38-year-old reportedly refused to refund the money, the buyer was said to have approached Jimoh to intervene.

He said, “Jimoh asked him to refund a part of the money if he could not return the whole sum, but he refused. He said even if anybody would talk to him, it could not be a man that slept with his wife.”

It was learnt that during an argument that ensued, the deceased broke a bottle, picked a splinter and extended another to the suspect, challenging him to a duel.

Jimoh, who reportedly hesitated, was said to have been compelled to strike back after the deceased attacked him.

A community member, Adewale Baloye, said people did not intervene because the duo were notorious for such fights.

He said, “It was around 2pm that I got a call that the men were fighting. When I got there, I saw a mammoth crowd on the street. I saw Ora (Oloyede) on the ground, in a pool of blood. His ears had been cut off and his eyes were gone.

“I quickly called a community leader and I was informed that the police were on their way. People took Ora in a tricycle to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, but the doctors turned them back at the gate, saying it was too late. They just brought back his corpse to the area and from there he was taken to a mortuary.

“The police then went to our local clinic, where Oyeolorun (Jimoh) was receiving treatment and arrested him.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing.

She said, “The scene of the incident has been visited and the suspect arrested. The corpse was deposited at the Mainland Hospital morgue, Yaba. Investigations are ongoing.”

lalasticlala

psucc:
My husband raped me.

Pls I need a definition of the word rape and how it is applied in marriage.

Paul Iyoghojie

A commercial sex worker has been arrested by the police at Ikoyi Division in Lagos, western Nigeria, for allegedly a male customer.

The suspect, Cynthia Edo, 27, allegedly stabbed Mr Kola Ayinla in about ten places all over his body with broken bottle for allegedly attempting to harm her with a charm during sex bout at a local hotel in Ikoyi.

In the ensuing commotion, the hotel management sent a distress call to the DPO in charge of Ikoyi Division, SP Tijani Mustapha to come to their aid.

Mustapha immediately despatched a team led by SGT Ijatuyi Tope to the hotel to arrest the combatants and bring them to the station.

The police arrested Edo at the scene with broken bottles and took her to the station, while the victim was rushed to the hospital where doctors are currently battling to save his life.

During investigation, the suspect allegedly confessed to stabbing her customer with broken bottle for allegedly attempting to harm her with a charm while they were having sex.

She allegedly told the police: “On 10 February, 2016, the complainant came to my hustling joint at Rumen Avenue area of Ikoyi, Lagos to approach me for till day break (TDB) sex contract.

“I agreed and charged him a fee of N20,000. He paid me and we lodged at a hotel at Ikoyi, Lagos to have the sex.

“While the sex was going on, I noticed that my customer attempted to bring out something like charm from his pocket to harm me.

“I quickly sprang up from the bed to confront my customer about what he was trying to bring out from his pocket, and in the process, an argument broke out which soon degenerated to a fight during which I broke a bottle and used it to defend myself.”

But police investigation absolved the victim of being in possession of any charm or harmful object on that day.

In his alleged statement to the police on his hospital bed, the victim allegedly said: I actually approached Edo for sex at Rumen Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos and paid her the sum of N20,000 for the till day break agreement.

“I was surprised that after one round of sex, Edo sprang up from the bed to tell me that the N20,000 I paid her had expired and that I would pay another N20,000.

“And an argument broke out between us, and before I knew what was happening, Edo broke an empty bottle of beer and started stabbing me all over my body, with blood gushing out from all parts of my body.”

But Cynthia Edo allegedly denied that money caused their fight in the hotel.

After investigation, Cynthia was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on a one count charge of felony to wit, unlawful assault on Kola Ayinla by stabbing him with a broken bottle all over his body occasioning bodily harm, an offence punishable under section 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Cynthia pleaded not guilty to the charge in the open court and the presiding Magistrate, Mr H. O. A. Amos admitted her to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Amos adjourned the case till 3 March, 2016 for mention, while the defendant was taken to kirikiri prison, Apapa, Lagos pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.

A MAJOR step to restore the strength of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – the choice of an acting national chairman – was off the target yesterday.
The main opposition party sank deeper into crisis after a section of its leadership picked former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff for the top job.

Governors elected on the platform of the party and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed Sheriff’s candidacy for the job, which former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Nuhu Ribadu turned down.

The governors and NWC members okayed Sheriff, but the Board of Trustees (BoT), chairmen of state chapters, senators from the South-south and Southeast – where the party has most of its senators – and members of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet, rejected Sheriff’s choice.
Sheriff was governor between 2003 and 2011 when the Boko Haram crisis gathered momentum.

Some members of the BoT left yesterday’s meeting in protest when they saw the direction the meeting was going.
Before the meeting ended, party spokesman Olisa Metuh told reporters that Sheriff had been endorsed. He later said that more consultations would be made.

He said all the organs of the party endorsed the former governor at separate meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.
According to him, 29 aspirants indicated interest in the race but the Northeast zonal caucus pruned the list to five.

Among the contestants were Girgiri Lawan, Mohammed Wakil, Wilberforce Juta, Abdullahi Jalo, Ahmed Gulak, Ahmed Fufai Alkali, Saidu Kumo and Shehu Gabam.
He confirmed that Ribadu did not show interest.

The party did not state the criteria used in picking Sheriff, who is one of the closest associates of former President Jonathan.
The tenure of Adamu Mu’azu, which Sheriff is meant to complete, is expected to end next month. But Metuh could not confirm the expiry date of Sheriff’s tenure, saying the decision would be made public later.
Sheriff, who defected to the PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC), failed to deliver Borno to the PDP in the last general election.

It was learnt that some forces in the party, led by Governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers), coordinated the “sudden” choice of Sheriff.

It was gathered that other PDP governors later joined the fray to form a new power caucus to “hijack the party’s leadership”.
A source said: “Without expressing interest in the office, the governors conspired and suddenly opted for Sheriff. Their ultimate target is to have the party’s leadership under their firm control.

“The governors believe that the control of the structure of the party will help them to determine those to admit and how to influence the trend of internal politics towards 2019.
“They are just out to dictate the pace for strategic reasons and part of the grand plans for 2019.

“Another reason these governors, led by Wike, Fayose, Henry Seriake- Dickson (Bayelsa) and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), opted for Sheriff because they think as a key stakeholder behind the merger of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he can help decimate the governing party.

“You know PDP governors from the South are now more in number than those from the North.
“The politics of choosing Sheriff is a stop-gap politics targeted at infiltrating APC. Sheriff boasts that he knows the secrets of APC.

“They want to use the ex-governor of Borno State as a rallying point for political realignment in 2019.”
A member of the NEC said: “Majority of the BOT members have rejected Sheriff and they have threatened to resign en masse. There is no way his choice can fly. He is actually not a democrat at all. We will go back to square one.”

All the state chapters of the PDP have also opposed the ‘imposition’ of Sheriff, it was learnt. Instead, they have asked the party to allow the Northeast zone to conduct a transparent election to choose the national chairman.

“These governors are playing with fire because once Sheriff is foisted, we will quit the PDP,” the source said, pleading not to be named.
A former Minister, who spoke in confidence, said: “With Sheriff, the PDP is dead because we cannot reshape or reform the party for 2019 as being envisaged.

“You will recall that at a stage the party was uncomfortable with Sheriff in 2015 because of the controversies surrounding him.
“Many of us loyal to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan may leave the party for a more cosmopolitan and democratic one.”
The Southeast and South-south caucuses of the PDP in the Senate yesterday rejected Sheriff’s choice.

Senators have decided not to have anything to do with the PDP led by Sheriff. According to a highly-placed source, the senators took the decision at an emergency consultative session in Abuja last night.

One of the senators said: “We are worried at the news of the emergence of Senator Modu Sheriff as chairman of the PDP. We are worried that some persons are not thinking of the need to move the party forward.

“We feel there is need to raise the credibility of the party after the debacle of the last general election. It is not fair that we saddle the party with the burden that the chairmanship of Senator Modu Sheriff would bring to the party at this time.”
A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the spokesman of the Jonathan Campaign Organisation during last year’s elections, in a statement said: “I do not often speak publicly about the internal affairs of the PDP because I have always chosen to remain well above the fray.

“This is because I have good friends in every single group and on all sides that constitute the party. However, given today’s events, there appears to be deep cause for concern.

“It is clear to me that, more than at any other time in its almost 17 years in existence, the PDP needs serious prayers. If we fail to provide the strong, united, progressive, credible and focused leadership and opposition that is needed to keep our country on course and our government on their toes, then God will never forgive us and He will surely punish us.

“If we insist on making the wrong choices about our leadership and if we keep taking people for granted not only will we be finished as a party but the entire country will suffer the consequences of our errors and inexplicable ways.

“May God help us and may He forgive us and deliver us from evil, greedy, corrupt, ignorant and bloodthirsty men.”
After he was declared the acting chairman, Sheriff announced that he will assume office today, promising to” lead the party to victory in 2019″.

He said that “there will be no witch-hunt. I’ll carry everyone along in the task of rebuilding the party.”

By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN — MILITARY authorities in Benin, Edo State, are on the trail of a married woman, who abandoned a 22-year-old boy in a hotel room after she gave the boy an overdose of sex enhancement drugs.

Vanguard learned that the boy raised an alarm when he started experiencing pains in his erect penis. The receptionist reportedly met the boy looking very weak.

He was then rushed to a nearby hospital.
Vanguard was informed that the said woman normally comes to the hotel with the boy after dropping off her children in school.

A source told Vanguard: “She will be in the hotel from 8a.m. till about 2p.m., when she will go and pick the children from school. She spends all the time with the boy in the hotel room.”

It was further gathered that the woman was always buying milk and sex enhancement drugs for the boy. However, on this said day, she was alleged to have given the boy an overdose, leading to the boy’s permanent state of erection.

The boy is said to receiving treatment under the watch of some military personnel, who came to his rescue.

It was learned that police have also been informed, but that they intend to allow the boy regain his strength before going after the married woman, who is said to be a mother of three and married to a wealthy man.

Cyriacus Izuekwe

Jungle justice has taken place in Ajegunle, a Lagos suburb also known as the Jungle, after an angry mob amputated a 25-year old mechanic, Seun Adisa, for allegedly stealing N10,000.

The incident happened at Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos State, western Nigeria.

Kwara State-born Adisa was allegedly caught in the early morning after robbers invaded Mokoya street in Olodi Apapa, an extension of Ajegunle in Lagos State, western Nigeria, and carted away valuables.

Adisa was reportedly caught and searched while the robbers were escaping and was found with some stolen items.

P.M.NEWS gathered that a resident brought out a cutlass and cut off his right arm and when he was about to cut off one of his legs the police came and they handed him over to them.

The police alleged that Adisa and other members of his gang who are now at large, allegedly broke into the home of Augustine
Enijore and stole the N10,000 he kept in the house including a wrist watch and necklace.

While the operation was going on, the residents mobilized and went after the gang and Adisa was apprehended and was found with the stolen money and the items.

The residents first recovered the items before one of them used a sharp cutlass and cut off Adisa’s arm.

But as he was about to cut off Adisa’s leg, the police arrived the scene and rescued him.

Adisa was brought to court on Monday with his right hand covered with bandage and when he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr T.A. Aborenwa granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

He was ordered to be remanded in custody pending when he will perfect the bail.

However, because of the injury he sustained, the prison officials rejected Adisa and insisted that they needed medical report before they would accept him as an inmate.

Adisa was taken back to police custody pending when the report will be ready.