₦airaland Forum

Fear continues to pervade the atmosphere in Imo State as gunmen in the early hours of Thursday attacked the Mbieri Divisional Police Headquarters situated in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent gathered from an indigene of Mbieri that the fleeing gunmen struck around 1am and immediately released the suspects in custody in the police facility.

The gunmen also took away the phones belonging to suspects and the police operatives at the Division.

But a police source at Division told our correspondent that the gunmen were repelled by the policemen on duty.

The police source said “We resisted them but they overpowered us. They had more sophisticated weapons. They took all the phones they saw, released the suspects when they gained access and vandalised the police building.”

The source confided in our correspondent that the attackers kidnapped one police officer and injured two other cops.

A community leader, Nokey Ebikam, told our correspondent that the police divisional headquarters was not burnt.

According to him, the gunmen didn’t raze the police facility but freed the suspects in detention after vandalising the Division.

Another indigene of the area, Darlington Irobi, confirmed the attack on the police facility to our correspondent.

He also disclosed that the suspects were freed by the rampaging gunmen.

Police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the attack on the police station when he was contacted by The PUNCH on Thursday morning.

He also confirmed that while one police officer was missing, two others where injured owing to the resistance put by the policemen on duty.

Ikeokwu, also confirmed that some suspects detained in the police facility were freed by the attackers.

He, however assured that the police authority in the state had commenced investigation into the attack, immediately.

The PUNCH reports that six Divisional Police Headquarters had been attacked between February and April apart from the state Police Command headquarters and Owerri Correctional Center which were attacked on Monday, respectively, with 1,884 inmates released and over 50 vehicles burnt.

The gunmen also attacked a military base at Ukwuorji on the Owner-Onitsha Expressway, burnt a soldier in a car and razed four other operational vehicles belonging to the military.

The other Police divisions attacked in the state within two months are Obowo, Aboh Mbaise, Ihitte/ Uboma, Isiala Mbano and the Ehime Mbano Divisional Police Headquarters.

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has announced the appointment of the Acting Chairman of the Niger State Revenue Board, Alhaji Ahmad Garba Gunna (Dan Majen Kagara), as the new Emir of Kagara.

The appointment of the new Emir follows the death of the former Emir, Alhaji Salihu Tanko Kagara, on March 1st, 2021 after a protracted illness in Minna, the state capital.

The Governor, through the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mallam Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, made the announcement in Minna on Wednesday after receiving the reports of the 14 kingmakers, headed by Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad (Madakin Gunna).

Bello said the appointment of the new Emir was in accordance with section 3 subsection (1) of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) law, Chapter 19, the law of the Niger State.

He said, “having received the advice of the Niger State Council of Chiefs as required under section 7, of Cap 19, I hereby appoint you, Ahmad Garba Gunna as the 2nd Emir of Kagara”.

Until his appointment as the 2nd Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Gunna, 46 years old, was the Acting Chairman of the State’s board of internal revenue.

The Village Head of Yakila in Gunna District and Dan Majen Kagara emerged as the new Emir of Kagara after defeating five other contestants in an electoral college conducted by the 14 kingmakers of the Kagara Emirate.

Others who contested with him are Alhaji Muhammad Salihu Tanko, (Bunun Kagara) the son of the late Emir; Alhaji Garba Bako (Dan Galadiman Kagara); Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Kusherki (Katukan Kagara) and Alhaji Idris Aliyu Jibrin (Barajen Kagara).

The South-West based socio-political group, Afenifere, has denied supporting the presidential bid of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, or any aspirant for the 2023 presidential election.

This is coming on the heels of a viral statement by the leader of South West Agenda, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, purporting that his group secured the support of Afenifere for its candidate during a visit to Pa Reuben Fasoranti, erstwhile Afenifere leader, on Tuesday.

However, Afenifere denied endorsing any candidate in a statement by its Director of Communications, Sola Lawal, titled, ‘Afenifere denies endorsing presidential aspirant’, on Wednesday.

Lawal stated that the group is still mourning the demise of its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, in whose honour the group suspended all engagements.

Lawal also pointed out that 96-year-old Pa Fasoranti had taken a “deserved rest when he formally handed over to Chief Ayo Adebanjo three weeks ago after leading the group for 12 years and so the former couldn’t have spoken for Afenifere during the SWAGA visit to his Akure home.”

The group further said it has “temporarily halted all activities in honour of Odumakin who is still lying in the morgue, cold and lonely”.

“The Adeyeye foray into Afenifere space at this period of huge loss and intense mourning is disrespectful , insensitive and unwarranted,” Lawal added.

“Being a former Afenifere top notch and, infact , Odumakin’s immediate predecessor in office as spokesperson for Afenifere, Adeyeye should cease all activities and join us in mourning at this trying times.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says it is difficult to find a loyal ally after leaving seat of power.

Mr Jonathan made this known in Bauchi, while inaugurating the 6.25Km Sabon Kaura-Jos by-pass road constructed by the Bauchi state government.

“There are people who act like they can’t eat without you when you’re in a position of power. But once you’re no longer in that position, they move on and act like you no longer exist.

“It is a very big day for me and you know why? Because it’s not easy for somebody to work with you in Nigeria then after leaving office, that person still continues with that kind of strong fraternal relationship with you.

“I have been in government for a reasonable time and I’ve served at quite a number of levels starting from deputy governor.

“Most of my experience is that after leaving office, some people just forget that you even exist.

“However, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi is a good brother and I’m quite pleased that he invited me to commission the first major project that he has completed, that’s a big honour,” he said.

He appreciated the people of Bauchi state for voting Mohammed as their governor and commended his good strides and total commitment in changing the face of the state.

Earlier, Mr Mohammed said that the project was among the first set of legacy projects embarked upon within his first 100 days in office.

He aid that the project was awarded to an indigenous company, Habib Engineering Limited at the cost of N2.2billion and was completed within six months.

“We embraced good governance as a deliberate policy for the development of the state and in order to create the desired positive impact on the lives of the people of Bauchi state.

“Your excellency, you know very well, I did not know this culture, you taught me how to do this in your cabinet,” he said.

Mr Mohammed, who revealed that the state government had constructed over 100kms of both urban and district roads across the Geo-political spread of the state, named the commissioned road after the former President Jonathan.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the road we are about to commission today is an example of a road in need and a road indeed and I’m glad that no one else but you, your excellency, would perform the first commissioning ceremony since I assumed office as a governor.

“Furthermore sir, I humbly seek your kind consent to recognise your indelible contribution to the progress and development of our dear nation, Bauchi state and indeed myself, to name this very road after your good name as Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan drive,” he said.

NAN

Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has urged secessionists to quit their agitations.

The rights activist said the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorate by Lord Luguard in 1914 cannot be reversed.

Recall that Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho had vowed to ensure the split of Nigeria to enable the Southwest establish the Oduduwa Republic.

Another agitator and a former militant in the Niger Delta, Asari-Dokubo had announced himself as the leader of a new Biafran Customary Government, citing “injustice and marginalisation” against the Igbo’s as his reason for making the declaration.

However, in a tweet on Tuesday, Shehu Sani asked, separatists, to desist from calling for a break up of Nigeria, saying their agitations can never be achieved.

“Separatists should bury their hatchets in concrete. What God and Lugard have put together no man should put asunder”.

“Let’s be together in good health and in sickness; in Ebola times and in COVID times; in Fresh air and in Next level and in extra levels”.

In a statement, which CP Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, issued on his behalf, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police in Imo to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing-out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

Details later…

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and other Police Tactical Squads to Imo State to strengthen security in the State and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the State.

The IGP gave the directives following the attack on security operatives and formations including the Imo State Police Command Headquarters and the Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in Owerri in the early hours of today, Monday, 5th April, 2021.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The attempt by the attackers to gain access to the Police armoury at the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by Police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking-in and looting the armoury.

The armoury is thus intact! Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a police Constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, one of the operational vehicles of the attackers has been recovered by the Police and is currently being subjected to forensic scrutiny and investigations.

The IGP, who condemned the attack on the security outfits, has further directed the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command and a new Special Investigation Team (specifically set up to deal with cases of incessant attacks on security formation/operatives in the region), to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing-out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. The CP is to harness the security reinforcement squads and other operational assets at his disposal to take the battle to the door-steps of the attackers and prevent any further attack anywhere within the State and its environs.

The IGP, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders in Imo State, the South-East and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criminality. The IGP calls on citizens to avail the Police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals. He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the Force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety, security and socio-ecomomic wellbeing of Nigerians.

CP FRANK MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER FORCE
HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA

You think the Nigerian Police force cannot fight back? They can, they have the capacity, but they won’t because they are happy about the destruction going on in our land, coming from us. They are aware of the type of lawlessness this will bring upon Igbo land and when it comes tomorrow, we have no excuse to call upon them for help.

Tomorrow if the fulani invaders we feared most lands here we have no single right to call on any security agency for help. Worst it, we lack the capacity to fight back.


If destruction of Igbo land will grantee us Biafra Ojukwu could have liberated us. For 3 years there was genocide here, ala Igbo was truly destroyed. It rather brought us to this state of slavery that we’re yet to survive.

May this destruction going on now never come upon your household In Jesus Name l pray.
That’s my prayer for even those of you supporting this. Just imagine someone going to set your family property in the village or town on fire? Just imagine that? That’s the situation we’re being dragged to. It always starts with popular places then gradually when the anarchy triples down, local destructive tendency will take place.

Rwanda is speeding upon Igbo land.
I come in peace my brothers. I love Igbo land and my Igbo people too much for me to keep quite in times like this.

Over 1500 inmates were said to have been freed in the incident suspected to be carried out by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

A source said on breaking into the prison facility with the aid of explosives, the gunmen jocularly told inmates, “Go home, Jesus has risen. You have no reason to be here.”

A prison break is an unlawful act under the Nigerian laws; below are some jailbreaks that shook the country.

1. Edo Prison Break

Edo state witnessed simultaneous attacks on two of its correctional centres in the wake of the #ENDSARS protest in October 2020.

About 2000 inmates were said to have been freed by some hoodlums who took advantage of the #ENDARS protest. One of the escaped inmates headed straight to the house of someone who testified against him and hacked the person to death.

2. Ikoyi Prison

Just like Edo State, the Ikoyi Correctional Service in Lagos State was also under attack during the #ENDSARS protest but the officials were able to contain it.

It was reported that several prisoners were shot while they were trying to breach the gate of the prison. While no inmates reportedly escaped, a section of the Correctional Centre was set on fire in the jail break attempt.

3. Koton-Karfi (Kogi State)

The 2014 jailbreak in Koton-Karfi, Kogi state still remains one of most talked about in the country as 132 inmates were freed in the daring attack.

The prison break saw armed gunmen use dynamite to blast open the detention facility. A raid on the same facility in year 2012 also led to the escape of over 100 inmates.

4. Minna

In June 2018, the then medium-security prison in Minna, Niger State was overrun by gun-wielding criminals. Over two hundred inmates reportedly escaped as the gunmen were reported to have used four vehicles and ordered residents in the area to go into their houses, presumably to avoid civilian casualties.

One of the officials who was resuming for duty and the driver of the motorcycle he was on were murdered by the gunmen.

5. Bauchi Prison

The Bauchi prison break was an attack was an attack where members of the Boko Haram militant sect released 721 prisoners.

The attack occurred on 7 September 2010, and was carried out by approximately 50 gunmen. It was reported that out of the 721 prisoners who escaped, 150 were members of the Boko Haram sect.

The proscribed Indigenious People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied responsibility for Monday’s attacks on Imo Police Headquarters and Correctional Centre where over 2,000 inmates were freed.

Its Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful said the attacks were not carried out by operatives of Eastern Security Network (ESN).

He said: “The attention of IPOB has been drawn again to the fallacious and fabricated news that IPOB and ESN are involved in the attack of prison and police headquarters in Owerri Imo State.

“IPOB and ESN are known groups not unknown gunmen. ESN is in the bush chasing Fulani terrorists, why linking IPOB and ESN to this attack. IPOB and ESN were not involved in the attack in Owerri Imo State. and the recent attack on Onitsha Owerri road at Ukwuorji junction. It is not our mandate to attack security personnel or prison facilities.

“The Nigeria Government and her compromised media outfits should stop linking IPOB and ESN to the multiple attacks going on in Nigeria now. IPOB was formed on principle of peace and we are still in it. Unknown gunmen is a different people which we don’t know them and they not IPOB or ESN security outfit.”

Meanwhile, soldiers have taken over the Okigwe roundabout and road leading to the Correctional Centre diverting traffic flow.

Two suspected kidnappers have been arrested by the personnel of the Ondo State Security outfit codenamed Amotekun after a failed abduction of three church travellers during the Easter festivity.

The suspects were arrested along Ifira-Akoko-Idoani road in Ose council area of the state.

Vanguard gathered that the three travellers rescued by Amotekun personnel include Adewale Adebisi, 52; Miss Ahan Mary, 21 and Miss Ladi Bude, 23.

They were reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint while travelling with other church members from Benue State to Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Reports had it that the unsuspecting driver of the bus decided to stop on the highway after they were flagged down by the abductors, who pretended to be motorists whose vehicle had a mechanical fault.

The victims, it was gathered, were marched into the forest thereafter while some motorists, who watched from a distance on the highway and suspected that the three persons might have been kidnapped, telephoned the security outfit.

The personnel of the corps reportedly stormed the forest where they rescued the three victims and arrested two suspects.

Contacted, the state commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects and the rescue of the three travellers.

Adeleye said they were rescued by his men after combing the forest where they were abducted.

According to him, “We thank God for the release of the victims though our men are still on ground combing the bush. Our personnel responded immediately after the distress call and were able to rescue the victims.

3 army impostors, police officer arrested in Delta

In a related development, troops of the 63 Brigade, Asaba, Delta State, have arrested three army impostors, a serving mobile police officer and one other person, along the Kwale-Ogwashi-Uku Road for allegedly harassing commuters with “the intention of kidnapping or robbing their victims.”

Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the brigade, Captain George Okupe, who disclosed this in a statement, said the “shabbily dressed” serving mobile police officer and the others were “inside a registered dual coloured (ash and blue) Peugeot 608 saloon car with number plate LND 436 EX LAGOS” when they were apprehended.

The statement listed the suspects to include “Sergeant Stanley Okolukw Agwuchi (F/NO: 505161) serving in Ogwashi Police Division; Mr Augustine Emmanuel, from Ejeme Aniogor in Aniocha South of Delta State, who claimed to be a photographer and Mr Nwaka Onyeachonen from Ejeme Aniogor parading himself as a sergeant, age 36 years.

Others, according to the statement, were “Mr Uzamaka Julius impersonating a major with a fake Army identity card, age 29 years from Obowu in Imo State and Mr James Benefit from Abia State, parading himself as a private soldier, age 28 years.”

During preliminary investigation, it was discovered that Mr Ogodo is a deserter private soldier while Mr Onovughegor is suspected to be an internet fraudster.

Police begin manhunt as kidnappers abduct Ekiti farmer

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State police command, yesterday, said it has begun a manhunt for the abductors of a farmer, Isaac Agbanigo, who was kidnapped in Ikere Ekiti, Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Agabnigo was said to have been abducted in the presence of his family members while returning home from his farm at Ajengbede, along Ikere-Ise road around 4 pm on Saturday.

The Police, in a statement, said they have launched an investigation into the matter to fast track quick rescue of the man from captivity.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the victim’s wife told the police that she, her husband and their children were about to enter their vehicle to return home after finishing their farm work when they were accosted by seven armed masked men.

Abutu said the police have commenced a serious manhunt and investigation to unravel the identities and apprehend those behind the abduction of Mr Agbanigo.

Save us from Police, land grabbers’ menace, Ogun community begs IGP, Gov Abiodun

Residents of Feru community in Ado-Odo/Ota area of Ogun State have cried out to the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to save them from the activities of land grabbers and invasion of their land by armed policemen.

The residents also alleged that the menace of the two bodies had brought untold hardship on them as the road linking their community with neighbouring villages has been severely damaged by land grabbing activities.

The community, through their representatives during a press conference in Egbeda area of Lagos, alleged that the land is owned by Onigbeyin and Odunfa families but armed Policemen have occupied the place in the last 90 days.

Secretary to Onigbeyin and Odunfa Families, Mr Agboola Bashiru, said on January 20, 2021, the road linking Feru community with Lafenwa, Itele and some parts of Lagos, was maliciously vandalised by some criminals and suspected land grabbers with the help of policemen.

He said: “For the past 90 days, our community has been under siege from some hoodlums led by some land grabbers. These people emerged out of the blues, without any conscience, to lay claim to some 166 acres of land in Feru village, which in fact, belongs to the families of Onigbeyin and Odunfa.

“We later discovered that the purported 166 acres were dubiously sold by criminal elements through one Adeoye to a popular church for a paltry sum of N74,700,000. All documents evidencing the transaction are not only fake but fraudulently forged to execute their sinister motive,”

The Abubakar Shekau-led faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlussunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, has released a footage of it shooting down the missing Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet Aircraft.

Recall that the jet had on Wednesday evening lost contact with radar in Borno state.

The aircraft was on a mission to provide support for troops on the ground fighting Boko Haram insurgents.


Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson, in a statement on Friday, said the whereabouts of the two flying officers piloting the jet were unknown.

Boko Haram in a video released on Friday claimed its members shot down the jet.

According to HumAngle, the group also showed fighters carrying RPG and artillery equipment, as well as a corpse of the pilot and the aircraft’s debris.

In February, an aircraft of the Air Force crashed at the Abuja airport — with all seven personnel on board dead.

Chef, model and estranged girlfriend/fiancée of Davido, Chioma Avril Rowland, popularly known as Chef Chi or Chioma, has finally removed all the pictures of her baby’s daddy from her Instagram Page

Davido is rumoured to have ditched Chioma and was spotted kissing Mya Yafai in viral pictures last week.

Mama Ifeanyi decided to take a big step by ridding her Instagram wall of all of Davido’s pictures.

However, she graciously left one, which is the picture displaying the DMW boss with their son, Ifeanyi.

The picture was used as the cover photo for the singer’s album “A better time.”

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In pursuit of our desire to ensure the safety of lives and property in Rivers State, we today re-launched Rivers State's security outfit tagged C4I.

Personnel of the outfit which comprises of 400 policemen and 200 civil defence personnel have in the last month been specially trained in relevant skills to ensure they carry out their duty efficiently.

We have made appreciable success in the area of security but we wouldn't rest on our oars. With C4I we intend to take it a step further by adopting a proactive policing approach and nipping the effort of criminals in the bud.

C4i vehicles branded with their Local Government Areas of responsibility have been deployed to each Local Government Area in the state. To further boost our security in the riverine areas, in the next few weeks the state government would donate a total of fifteen gunboats to the Navy, Army and Police in Rivers State.

We appreciate the Inspector General of Police represented by AIG Zone 16, Austin .I. Agbonlahor and other service Commanders that attended the launch. My charge to security agencies is for them to abstain from politics but focus on their primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of people of the state.

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A security guard assaulted by the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, in Abuja on Monday, has narrated his ordeal to PREMIUM TIMES.

The victim, Clement Sargwak, tracked down by our reporter on Wednesday, is a 22-year-old employee of Jul Reliable Guards Services Limited, posted as a security guard to Banex Plaza, in Wuse, Abuja, where he was attacked by Mr Umar on Monday.

Mr Umar was caught in a viral video clip slapping and kicking the security guard following an altercation between them over the space where the CCT chairman parked his car on the premises of the plaza.

The CCT, in a statement, on Tuesday, denied the assault allegation, insisting that it was Mr Umar that was assaulted by “some miscreants” who gathered at the scene of the incident.

In what appears a bid to justify Mr Umar’s attack on the security guard, the statement stated that Mr Sargwak was ‘rude’ in ordering the CCT chairman to remove his car from the parking space “for no reason”.

Mr Umar’s conduct has been widely condemned with many Nigerians calling for his prosecution.

Sargwak’s ordeal

But narrating his ordeal, Mr Sargwak, who had a bruised lip, said in pidgin English that he was assaulted after informing Mr Umar that his car was wrongly parked.

He said, ”I work as a security man stationed at the car park section at the old Banex Plaza. I was on duty when a man (Mr Umar) arrived in his car at the plaza and I noticed he parked his vehicle wrongly.

“Then I approached him to inform him about his wrong parking, because he had parked by the roadside obstructing other visitors arriving at the plaza.

”After I informed him about his wrong parking, he came out and slapped me, when he slapped me the driver also came down and slapped me and they tore my uniform and they stepped over me severally.”

Responding to the allegation that he threatened Mr Umar, Mr Sargwak said, ”It was even the ‘Oga’ by himself (Mr Umar) that went to his car to pick up an iron rod in an attempt to hit me on my head.

“A tenant at the plaza quickly held his hand and pleaded with him on my behalf not to hit me with the metal.

”I later ran to meet my supervisor to come to my aid. I was unable to find my supervisor. But I later got my head guard to report my situation. On getting there, my head guard called the Banex police.

“I was slapped and kicked again by Mr Umar, policeman.”

Mr Sargwak said Mr Umar called the policemen and State Security Service (SSS) operatives attached to him as security details from home and waited for them to arrive.

He said on the arrival of the security details, a policeman among them also slapped him “on the order of Mr Umar”.

“When the police from Banex arrived at the scene, they tried calming the situation after speaking with him without success. The Oga called the police and SSS stationed at his residence and ordered the driver to go pick the security officers while he waited for them.

”When the man arrived with the security men, the Oga slapped me again in front of the police and ordered a police officer to also slap me which he did and thereafter ordered me to kneel down and I obeyed. As I went on my knees, the Oga also kicked me in my face and hit my mouth. I fell and my head guard then took me to my M.D’s office. That was when the Maitama Police Division came and took us to their station,” Mr Sargwark said.

Two witnesses, who declined to give their names for fear of possible victimisation, told PREMIUM TIMES how Mr Umar assaulted Mr Sargwak in defiance of pleas from people around.

Bailed by plaza’s lawyer

He said after spending some time at the Maitama police division, the Banex plaza’s lawyer arrived to free him.

”When we got there with the man (Mr Umar) he was at the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) office but he later left. I was later approached by the police to call my manager from the plaza so we can be released. My manager came along with the Banex plaza’s lawyer and I was later bailed from the Maitama Police Station,” Mr Sargwak said.

Asked if he spent the night at the cell? he said, ”No I did not spend the night there. I was not even put inside the cell.”

He added, ”As we returned to the Banex Plaza in the evening at about 7p.m. I saw him (Mr Umar) with my two eyes open. They came to arrest a man, Peter Onyiuke, who had helped him pick up his phone and immediately returned; because his phone had dropped on the floor when he was beating me.

”He arrived with two Hilux vehicles filled with operatives of the SSS. He dropped them and left. SSS operatives fired some shots in the air and they took him away.”

Sargwak’s lawyer speaks

While on a visit to the plaza on Wednesday, our reporter observed that about three police officers in mufti said to be from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the Maitama Police Division were interrogating Mr Sargwak behind closed doors.

Samuel Ihensekhien, a lawyer to the owners of the plaza who also represents Mr Sargwak, told PREMIUM TIMES that the Police FCT Police Command had taken over the case.

He said, ”It was brought to my attention that on March 29, Mr Sargwak was assaulted and harmed and was on the verge of almost being killed by Mr Danlandi Umar. And he was subsequently taken to the Maitama Police Station.

“I was informed that Mr Danladi Umar went to lay a complaint there and they (the police) have taken his (Mr Sargwak’s) statement. I met with the DPO and I brought out the video recordings of what actually happened.

”They (the police) were very surprised, and the DPO saw the footage and immediately ordered he (Sargwak) be released on bail forthwith. He was then handed to the Banex manager and from there he was taken for medication.”

Mr Ihenskhien, who was displeased with the treatment Mr Sargwak got from the police, insisted that his client, being the assault victim, “should be treated like the nominal complainant”.

He said, “We do not have a problem with the police invite, but with the way the matter has progressed, he has the status as a nominal complainant, because he was the one that was assaulted.

”They (police) came this morning and about three of them in mulfti from the FCT Command and Maitama Police station with two police officers who were escorts. They took his statement again, and his photograph. I am not comfortable with that. If they want anything from him, they should invite his lawyers, not him.”

An attempted coup in Niger has been thwarted by the presidential guard and several soldiers have been arrested, AFP news agency quoted a security source as saying.

Heavy gunfire was heard around the presidential palace in the capital Niamey, before it died down in the early hours of Wednesday, residents said.

“There were some arrests among a few members of the army who are behind this attempted coup. The presidential Guard retaliated, preventing this group of soldiers from approaching the presidential palace,” the AFP quoted the source as saying.

There has been no official comment. (AFP)

…Approves Site For Fed Poly

Damaturu- Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum is in Monguno where he supervised the distribution of N325 million and variety of food to over 100,000 households displaced by Boko Haram and denied access to farmlands, businesses and other means of livelihood.

Monguno is the most populated part of northern Borno, within Nigeria’s portion of the Lake Chad region, which has faced the most severe attacks from Boko Haram in recent years.

Displaced households from local government areas: Kukawa, Marte, Ngnazi and Guzamala currently stay at government controlled camps in Monguno town.

Zulum departed Maiduguri to Monguno by road Monday, passed the night, and following day, supervised distribution of cash and food items.

Thousands of bags of food grains, sugar and wrappers were distributed to 65,000 male heads of households and 35,000 female heads of households.

Each head of household received three bags of rice, Maize grain, and beans, while each the female beneficiaries were additionally given a wrapper and N5,000.

He approved site for Federal Polytechnic
aside supervising food and cash distribution to displaced households, Zulum assessed and approved a site for the location of Federal Polytechnic in Monguno, which the Federal Government recently approved, following which the Governor paid visit to the Minister of education in January, this year, with a promise to provide land and any support required from Borno state government.

Asked if President Buhari transmitted power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Garba Shehu said the President was internet savvy.

The Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari can work from anywhere and attend to documents, as he is internet savvy.

Shehu also berated critics over insinuations that President Muhammadu Buhari embarked on an emergency medical trip to the UK, noting that there was no emergency and that it was routine medical checks.

Speaking on ChannelsTV, ‘Politics Today’ on Tuesday, Garba said: “It is a medical trip, and there is absolutely no urgency or emergency.

“The President is not in any sick condition. It’s a routine medical checkup. The President has done this with a set of doctors that he has known over many years even before he came into office in 2015 and has continued to do that without any disruption.

“For last year, 2020, he couldn’t make it because of travel restrictions that were caused by COVID-19. It’s a routine and we are hoping that the President comes back after the check-up.”

Asked if doctors visited the President during the lockdown in 2020, Garba said: “The President enjoyed good health.

“When his classmates come visiting, you will know that the President is doing well. He chose this moment because it’s like a holiday season as Friday is a national holiday. So he’s taking advantage of the Easter season.”

Asked if President Buhari transmitted power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Garba Shehu said the President was internet savvy.

His words: “He will continue from wherever he is. The requirement of the law is if the President is going to be absent for 21 days or more, then the transmission is warranted.

“So in this particular instance, it is not warranted.”

On what would be done if there was a need to assent to documents, the presidential spokesman said: “Before he left, he just finished a meeting with security chiefs.

“He had excellent chat with the Vice President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chief of Staff. So he has taken it all around.

“If it is warranted, these are transmissible by wire. The internet is there and the President is equally internet savvy.

“Therefore, work can continue without any obstruction from wherever he is.”

Asked if the President would take the second jab of COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, Garba Shehu said the President would have returned before then.

AdolfAboki:
Tinubu should stop wasting his time.. I advise my Yoruba colleagues to focus on their (online) Oodua nation and stop wasting their time.

Come 2023, we'll impose an Atiku or Amaechi presidency on Nigerians.

So Tinubu should stop wasting his time. Shebi you expect us to support you after the genocidal Sasha massacre? LOL... We dey wait for una...

God bless Nigeria.

AdolfAboki:
Well, we know who's already crying and calling for an online republic..

Anyway, enjoy your delusions!

God bless Nigeria.

The Kaduna State Government, on Sunday, said suspected armed bandits have killed one in Chikun local government area, just as troops rescued a kidnapped boy in Kachia local government area of the State

This was confirmed in a statement on Sunday, issued by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

He said, “security agencies have reported that a 30-year-old herder, Yakubu Aruwa was killed while grazing his cattle between Gora and Ungwan Pa area Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.

“The victim was grazing with another herder, one Muhammadu Sani, who escaped the assailants, while Yakubu Aruwa was overpowered.”

The commissioner further explained that, “the carcasses of three cows were recovered, with another three reported missing.

“In another incident, armed bandits opened fire on motorists in Udawa, Chikun LGA and killed a driver, Danladi Maisamari.

“Furthermore, troops of Operation Thunder Strike rescued an abducted boy, 15-year old Doti Haruna, one of four boys abducted by bandits from Katambi, Kachia LGA. He was rescued by the troops during a patrol to Alewa village in the same LGA.

“The rescued boy revealed that another boy, Abdullahi Babale, was released. Both boys have however been reunited with their families.”

“Further reports from security agencies and community leaders in Kizachi village, Kauru local government area have revealed two additional casualties from the attack reported on Friday.

“The two casualties are identified as Kururuwa Ali and Aweki Ibrahim Achinge.

“This now places the total casualty figure from the attack at 12 persons, as against the 10 indicated in initial reports.

“Also, a total of 74 houses have been confirmed razed, as against 56 initially reported.

“Receiving the reports, Governor Nasir El-Rufai prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls, and commiserated with their families. He also wished the injured victims a quick recovery.

“The Governor also condoled the family of Yakubu Aruwa and reiterated that reprisal is not a viable solution to any grievance.

“The killing of the herder, according to security agencies is linked to an earlier killing of a farmer, one Irmiya Godwin, who was killed by last week after working in his farm in Gora Gan general area,” the statement added.

A battle for territorial supremacy has intensified between the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP fighters and terrorists belonging to the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram faction, on the shores of Lake Chad.

Bloody rival clashes between ISWAP and some Boko Haram terrorists from the Buduma tribe in the Niger Republic has claimed at least the lives of 54 terrorists and herders within the last one months.

A credible intelligence source told PRNigeria that a group of Buduma militants, on the 3rd of March, embarked on a daring and desperate mission to loot from the ISWAP units.

The source said: “The Buduma terrorists linked to Shekau’s Boko Haram moved through a route along riverine border villages popularly known as Kabul and Kandahar in the Chadian territory, on two flying boats and attacked a location known as Chikka – a village administered by ISWAP between the borders of Nigeria and the Niger Republic.

“The Shekau-linked Buduma group on arrival on ISWAP occupied village, killing more than a dozen ISWAP fighters and abducted five of their wives. The group also looted some essential items including scarce food before disappearing in the night.”

However, the source added that ISWAP elements intercepted some of the Buduma attackers leading to a heavy gun battle at Kaduna Ruwa and Kaiga axis, with heavy casualties on both sides.

A few weeks later, precisely on March 17, the angry Buduma terrorists eliminated about 22 herders and rustled their cows for paying taxes to ISWAP rather than Shekau’s camp. They also intercepted two flying boats conveying weapons for ISWAP. They killed eight gunrunners and carted away the arms and ammunitions.

The series of attacks against the ISWAP forced the leadership to draft a plan for a decisive battle against the Buduma’s at Lelewa, Duwa, Wallal, Pepewa and Hauwa bulumwa villages in the Niger Republic.

The directive was allegedly given after an emergency meeting convened by the ISWAP leader, Muhammed Dawud, in presence of their Chief Imam Muhammad Malumma; Chief Judge, Ali Kwaya; Operation Commander, Ali Chakka and Chief Tax Collector Malame Musa Malmat.

Meanwhile, due to the intense rivalry and other factors, suspicious movements of terrorists have been noticed in some local governments in Borno State. Terrorists have been reported at communities in Mobbar and Abadam on the Nigerien border; Ngala and Kala Balge at the Cameroonian border; and Kukawa and Marte on the Lake Chad axis. Similarly, disturbing activities are being detected and monitored at Magumeri and Gubio local governments as well as in Damasak.

When Governor David Nweze Umahi in 2015 made a brassbound pledge to bequeath to Ebonyi people a road network that will be as smooth as the mat if elected as Governor in the General elections, many political watchers especially unrepentant cynics doubted the feasibility of the feat and without much ado dismissed same as one of the sugar coated white lies of politicians.

Little did they know that Governor Umahi was different in resolve and tact having been equipped under the unction of the Divine Mandate mission to bring Succour to Ebonyi people in all spheres of human existence.

No sooner, Governor Umahi took the mantle of leadership than he started matching words with action that Ebonyians today do not have cause to doubt the feasibility of any promise made by him.


He hit the ground running with the introduction of road construction Technology by Rigid pavement which has led to the construction of over 600 kilometers of roads across the 13 Local Government Areas and the Abakaliki Capital City.

Roads constrcted by this Technology have been adjudged to have the potency to last over 50 years by world class Engineers of note.

Apart from meeting his campaign promises of bequeathing roads that will be as smooth as the mat to the people, Governor Umahi has diversified road construction technique thereby cutting cost and ploughing the proceeds into construction of more roads and other groundbreaking projects.

It is therefore remarkable that across the country, it is only in Ebonyi State that roads are not constructed but built considering its sophisticated and formidable finishing.


The new road construction method which is the product of Governor Umahi’s Engineering prowess has continued to attract National admiration with the Federal Executive Council now disposed to adopting the Umahi template in construction of all Federal roads across the Nation.

As a Jack of all trade and master of all, Governor Umahi did not stop at magnificent road construction but has fared even better in doing other landmark projects most of which have edifying finishing like the rigid pavement road technology.

The state of the art College of Medicine Uburu is another hope of the Nation expected to finally nip in the bud Medical tourism by Nigerians when fully completed. The School has Centres for kidney transplant, cancer treatment, eye treatment and Centres for treatment of some life threatening ailments which hitherto took Nigerians to places like India and other Medically averse nations.

The Ebonyi International Airport is another gargantuan project of the Government of Engineer David Nweze Umahi waiting to take the world to the Salt of the nation on completion.


The Ebonyi Shopping mall modelled after the Dubai mall is a microcosm of the macrocosm of the goodies to come to Ebonyi through transborder business enterprises.

The shopping mall which is already above 95,% completed has a wonderful touch of autochthonous sophistry found only within the superintendence of the enterprising and sumptuous Governor David Nweze Umahi.

The supersonic speed with which works are ongoing at the sites for these edifices are simply wonderful and beyond human comprehension.

Amazed at these lofty accomplishments, some lovers of innovation across the country are already beckoning on the Governor to make himself available to stand election as President come 2023 to enable him escalate his ingenuiousness to the Centre.


With Umahi on the saddle, Ebonyi State which hitherto was like the rejected stone, has suddenly become the chief corner stone that all and sundry look up to to salvage Nigeria.

It is therefore safe to coin by way of conjecture the concept”Umahi rigid” as a way of referring to the method of road construction by rigid pavement and other solid infrastructure invented by Governor Umahi.

This coinage will in time come portray Ebonyi as giant in social engineering and development.

The feat however highlights Governor Umahi as the Lion of the Nation who like the biblical Jesus Christ is being looked up to for solution to challenges of National concern tapping from his Vast wealth of experience in Engineering, entrepreneurship and governance.


The take away therefore is that Governor Umahi is a religious promise keeper who does so selflessly not for political gains but so that he can leave enviable imprints in the sands of time.

At the end of time, Ebonyians will appreciate so heroically, the import and impact of Governor Umahi’s purposeful leadership in Ebonyi State and will then give him the saintly echelon suiting of a phenomenon of his vibrant pedigree.

If strangers could come asking that Ebonyi should loan their precious endowment in Governor Umahi to them, it therefore behooves on Ebonyians to hold tenaciously to their heritage and guard it jealously bearing in mind that Governor Umahi like a peice of gold is in high demand world over.

The time to love and cherish our transformative Governor is now!

Francis Nwaze Is The Special Assistant on Media and Publicity To Governor David Nweze Umahi

Barely 24 hours after gunmen attacked a police checkpoint at Neni, Anaocha local government area of Anambra State and killed a policeman, gunmen again attacked Ekwulobia police station in the state yesterday and killed another policeman and two officials of Nigeria Correctional Service, NCS.

While the police station was attacked at about 4:30am, the two officials of NCS were killed at about 11am when the gunmen attacked a prison vehicle conveying some inmates to court.

An eye witness said the attackers of the police station shot sporadically in the air for about 30 minutes and later made attempts to set the police station ablaze.

The two NCS officials killed were a man and woman believed to be officials of the NCS.

The eye witness said: “There was another attack on the same police station Ekwulobia around 11am. The attack was on a prison bus that was going to the police station.

“Two people were killed in the bus and it appeared the attackers were following the bus. So as the bus reached the police station, the gunmen opened fire on them, killing one woman and a man wearing prison uniforms.

“The gunmen shattered all the glasses on the bus. Those who were present when the incident happened said the attackers took away the suspects being conveyed to court and drove off.

“So, it was a double attack within six hours. People residing in Ekwulobia are now living in fear.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ikenga Toochukwu, confirmed the Ekwulobia attack, saying that efforts by the hoodlums to burn down the recently rebuilt police station were repelled by the policemen on ground.

The PPRO said it was not clear if there was any casualty, adding that the command was yet to get a very clear picture of what actually transpired.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service in the state, Mr. Francis Ekezie also confirmed that officials conveying crime suspects to court were attacked.

He said the command was still trying to get the full information on what actually happened.

“There was an attack on our men who were going to the court, but the information is still sketchy”, he said.

EFCC Arrests 18 Yahoo Boys In Ogun Hotel, Confiscate Exotic Cars | #IgbereTV

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, have arrested 18 suspected Internet fraudsters in Ogun State.

The suspects are: Ibrahim Oreniyi Atolani, Tijani Faruk Ayobami, Yisa Ademola Ibrahim, Olukoya Aliu Temidayo, Sulaimon Sharafdeen Adebayo, Adebayo Abiodun Mustapha, Lateef Aremo Shina, Ali Mukit Olamilekan and Tajudeen Taiwo Hassan.


Others are: Aina Ayomide Oluwapelumi, Adetola Yusuf Omogbolahan, Adekoya Ibrahim Olamilekan, Oreniyi Sulaimon Olalekan, Tiamiyu Olamide Babatunde, Ojetola Michael Timileyin and Ajetunmobi Bariu Toyosi.

They were arrested at Remo Majestic Hotel, Shagamu, Ogun State during an operation by Operatives of the EFCC on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

Items recovered from the suspects include exotic cars, mobile phones, laptop computers, Wi-Fi and modem devices.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has expressed concern about the activities of supposed whistleblowers who misled the agency through false information.

The Chairman of the Commission, Abdurasheed Bawa, said despite due diligence by the EFCC, scarce investigative resources have been wasted by the agency in following up false leads that frequently come to dead ends.

He said the activities of false whistleblowers detract from the noble intendment of the Whistleblower Policy of the Federal Government which seek to incentivize information leading to the recovery of stolen wealth.

Noting that the Whistleblower Policy was not designed as a tool for unscrupulous citizens to send law enforcement agencies on wild goose chase or set them against their perceived enemies, he vowed that the EFCC will not hesitate to prosecute any whistleblower who willfully provides the agency with false information.

According to a statement on Friday by the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, titled, ‘EFCC warns Whistleblowers,’ Bawa reiterated the Commission’s preparedness to work with genuine whistleblowers and acknowledged the breakthroughs which the EFCC recorded in its assets recovery drive, using information supplied by whistleblowers.

“He advised genuine informants to be cautious and ensure that they have accurate information before engaging with the agency.

“Bawa assured that the Directorate of Intelligence which was recently created, will henceforth ensure that all information received by the EFCC is subjected to rigorous due diligence before action is taken,” the statement said.

In the tome of liberation struggles, a few names resonate infinitely. One name that rings trenchant to this day is Ernesto ‘’Che’’ Guevara. ‘’Che’’ envisioned a world as recreated in the dialectics of Karl Marx – where those in the lowest rung of the social strata can command their destiny. Che fantasised about an ‘’international revolution’’ which would sweep across the world beginning from Latin America.

The Argentine revolutionary found an ally in Fidel Castro, the late leader of Cuba. But Castro found in him a useful marionette. Che was disinterested in acquiring political power. It was all about spreading the Marxist ideology for him. However, Castro, his ‘’comrade’’, had other plans. Castro desired political power, and he courted it, gaming his guerrilla leader. Che, dauntless and irrepressible, became a pliable device in the actualisation of Castro’s ambition. But he was later killed in Bolivia in circumstances that taint Castro of culpability.

https://secure.saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/Epr40G8XcAEm7Uq_0.pngFredrick Nwabufo

There is always a personal interest – most times not so kosher — in every struggle. There will always be users, and there will always be the used. To be on any of the divides is a personal choice.

However, the Cuban struggle must not be blemished or compared in any way to the barbarous gyrations for Biafra and Oduduwa Republic by some groups. I do not see the agitations for Biafra and Oduduwa Republic as a ‘’liberation struggle’’ – because there is absolutely nothing to be liberated from other than bad governance in Nigeria. If the agitations are anchored to demanding good leadership for the country and the right of every Nigerian to be treated equally regardless of religion or ethnicity, then I will rhapsodise them as ‘’liberation struggle’’.

The liberation Nigeria needs is from distressing leadership and its corollaries of corruption, poverty and insecurity. Nigeria does not need to be bifurcated into Biafra Republic and Oduduwa Republic to make progress. The ingredients for all-around development are already in profusion here. But we need leadership to put them to work.

COMMERCIALISATION OF AGITATIONS

Sectional agitations have become merchandise. This bellicose commerce is largely sustained by conspiracy theories and ethnic hate-trading. Conspiracy theories are fed to followers some of whom will give up their lives for a ‘’delusive happy-ever-after country’’. They are lied to that their adversaries are those who do not speak their language and worship like them. They are seduced with fallacies of ethnic superiority like Adolf Hitler corrupted Germans with the supremacist venom.

These followers give themselves and resources to this ill-fated cause – ‘’a kingdom of heaven on earth’’ where there will be no more night. And as they are fed more conspiracy theories, supremacist doctrines and fables of a utopian country on the horizons, they give and give to the ‘’cause’’. And of course, the ‘’promoter’’ of the ‘’struggle’’ luxuriates in the good things mammon can afford.

Also, politicians find in these ‘’agitations’’ a market where they can acquire oppositional ammunition to deploy against adversaries. So, they fund them through proxies.

I watched a video which dramatised the commercialisation of agitations. In the video posted by Kayode Ogundamisi on Twitter, there was a squabble over money between a lady and Yomi Koiki, Sunday Igboho’s spokesman. The lady said N2.5 million was given to Igboho but he did not acknowledge receiving the money even after he admitted collecting another N6.5 million from a Yoruba group in the US.

‘’Yoruba liberation should not be a money making venture,’’ Maureen Badejo, the lady in the video said.

‘’Liberation struggle’’ is the new hustle.

On Sunday, Asari Dokubo declared a Biafra government in the Old Eastern Nigerian enclave. But what I found amusing was his call, which he knotted in a Biafra flag-waving bromide, for volunteers to join the struggle.

Asari: “My brothers and sisters, the four of us will kick start the process, others will come on board. We want volunteers who are committed; we want volunteers because there is nothing anymore. We are the people who have volunteered to salvage ourselves and the rest of us.’’

The ‘’volunteers or followers’’ are the real merchandise. The more of them you can muster, they more influence and money you command.

It is worrying that the commoditisation of people’s disaffection with the government is now a thriving business. The captains of these agitations know that there is yawning discontent with the leadership, particularly in some sections of the country. So, they exploit these emotions and play on them.

Really, if Nigeria had responsive leaderships, the chances of people like Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu emerging as ethnic champions or crusaders with mass followership would be slim.

The system created these anomalies.

Nigerians must approach these agitations with sobriety and not lend themselves to anyone’s personal agenda. We must keep making demands on and holding the government to account. That is our bounden duty as citizens. Anyone advocating secession knows it is impossible in today’s Nigeria, but the real agenda is secreted underneath the advocacy.

Beware!

Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist
Twitter: @FredrickNwabufo