A lecturer in the Department of English and Literary Studies at the Federal University Lokoja was allegedly caught engaging in sexual move with his 300-level female student. The lecturer, whose name was given as Theodore Shey, was said to have been under the university’s radar for some time. Source in the know said that luck ran out for him when the girl’s parents set up a trap and caught him in the act. It was learnt that messages sent by the lecturer to the girl were intercepted and reported to both the parents and the university authorities. Theodore was said to have pressurized the girl to the point of failing her in the previous examination, and that the girl’s parents set him up by asking their daughter to agree to his move. The randy lecturer, who was marched to the University campus with only boxer covering his groins, from his house, where he asked the girl to meet him for the act, has since been handed over to the Department of State Security (DSS). Source: Middle Belt Monitor.
Bandits unleashed a wave of violence on farming communities in Zamfara State, claiming the lives of at least 30 farmers and an Islamic cleric. The attacks were said to have occurred in Gidangoga village, Maradun Local Government Area (LGA), and Bilbis village, Tsafe LGA. According to sources, the bandits first struck in Maradun LGA, attacking Gidangoga village, where farmers were preparing their lands for the wet season. A renowned Islamic cleric, Mallam Makwashi Maradun Mai Jan Baki was brutally killed while working on his farm. He was known for reciting the Quran during Ramadan Tafsir at Maradun First Jumuat Mosque. . His two children remain missing after the attack. The bandits also attacked Bilbis village in Tsafe LGA, leaving 20 civilians dead. Sources reported that the farmers were attacked while clearing their fields It was also gathered that a district head, Alhaji Murtala Ruwan Bado, of Garbadu in Talata Marafa Emirate, narrowly escaped a bandit attack in the evening along Mayananchi road. The affected have called on communities authorities to take swift action to ensure justice and protect their lives. Source: PRNigeria
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has disclaimed a man who claimed, in a viral video, to be his son. Ooni of Ife, who reacted in a statement by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said that Oba Ogunwusi, being a responsible father and custodian of tradition knew and acknowledged all his children and would stop at nothing to take full responsibility for them. “Our attention has been drawn to an amateur video clip featuring a grown-up individual claiming to be a son of our father, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, the Ooni of Ife, virally trending across various online platforms. “We categorically condemn and denounce this shameless act of impersonation in the strongest possible terms. “It is imperative to clarify that the Ooni of Ife, as a responsible father and custodian of tradition, knows and acknowledges all his children and stops at nothing to take full responsibility for them (both those who are in Nigeria and outside the country).
“As all of Ooni’s children are well known to the palace and the people of Ile-Ife, the eldest child of the Ooni is Princess Adeola Ogunwusi, a Masters degree holder working and residing in Canada, followed by Princess Adewamiwa Ogunwusi, who recently relocated to further her education in Dublin, Ireland, from where she had come three years ago for her secondary school education in her home country, Nigeria. “Princess Adesewa is doing very well, Prince Tadenikawo Ogunwusi is widely known to be with his mother, hale and hearty while the newborn twins, Prince Adebisi Kehinde and Princess Taiwo Adeayo, are being planned to formally make their historic entry into the palace in a couple of days, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Ife palace. “His marauding impersonation tactics to exploit the revered status of the Ooni of Ife for fraudulent personal gains is not only sacrilegious but also criminal. “Impersonation of any member of the royal family is a sacrilege against the sanctity of the palace and the heritage it represents. “While the palace leaves no stone unturned to go after this criminal using all possible means to scapegoat him, with a view to making him face the law for necessary deterrence, we hereby urge the law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force and Department of State Security to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring the perpetrator to justice as swiftly as possible.” Olafare said anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of the man should reach out to the palace or the police. The man in the video had said: “Oba Enitan Ogunwusi is my father. “He hid me with my mother with a clear instruction that I must not reveal myself.” He said that though he is not living in penury, Oba Ogunwusi is living in affluence with his other siblings. “Anytime I desire to come to the palace, he (Ooni) would stop me saying it was not yet time. “Now is the time. “My mum might not talk, but I will say the truth. “Though I’m not suffering, there is a house, cars are there, there is money, but I’m no longer interested in them. “I want to be known as the son of the king, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.” Source: The Eagle Online.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital, has accused the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello of showing no atom of regard and respect for the court. “The defendant (Yahaya Bello) clearly has shown no atom of regard and respect for the court, and he’s taking this court for granted. He cannot sit in the comfort of his home and dictate what he wants the court to do.” Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding judge in the N80.2 Billion fraud case against Yahaya Bello, held that since the former governor has continued to disobey court orders, he would not be allowed to file any application or be heard. In a ruling today, May 10 during which he declined the application by Yahaya Bello to vacate the order which directed security agencies to arrest and produce him before the court to answer to the 19-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the judge insisted that Yahaya Bello must come to court and answer to the fraud allegations
Justice Nwite said that the application filed by the EFCC that no application be heard without the defendant being in court, was meritorious. He stressed that an order of court subsists and is binding until set aside by a superior court on appeal. Yahaya Bello, along with Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering, totalling N80,246,470,089.88k.
Vice Chancellor of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara in Kogi State, Engr. Professor Abdulrahaman Asipita Salawu has given assurance that students who were kidnapped last night, May 9 on the campus, would be retrieved from their captors unhurt. In a statement today, May 10, confirming the incident, the Vice Chancellor said: “We want to allay the fears of the public and also assure parents and guardians of our dear students that must have been involved in the incident that no stone will be left unturned till we have them back safely into our fold at CUSTECH.” He said that as at now, the number of students who were kidnapped at about 8:23 p.m when they gathered for tutorials ahead of their First Semester Examinations scheduled to commence on Monday 13th May, is yet to ascertained. “We do understand the present anxiety that this has generated based on this, parents who wants their wards out of the campus can go ahead with such a decision as lectures and examinations are kept on hold for now till further notice. “We are assuring parents and guardians who will want their children to remain on campus not to fret over their safety as the situation is under control at the moment.” The Vice Chancellor said that immediately the news filtered out about the kidnapping, the Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, the State Security Adviser, Cmdr. Jerry Omodara, together with the Management Staff swung into action. He said that they quickly deployed members of various security agencies on rescue mission. According to him, Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed that CUSTECH should remain in session and that the students abducted will be returned unhurt. “We will continue to update the public on the progress we are making for the safe return of our students involved. “Also and as always, proactive security measures will continue to be taken for the safety our dear students under our care.”
Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine said that suspected kidnappers stormed the campus of the Confluence University of Technology, Osara, Kogi state last night, May 9. It was learnt that the kidnappers, who arrived on the campus at about 8pm, left with some students who were reading in the classrooms. The number of students kidnapped has not been confirmed yet, even as the security and official reactions are being awaited.
“And what I don’t like is intimidation. If you have a problem, channel your problem to me and if I don’t solve it, then you can take another step.” This was the word of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike today, May 9, while addressing protesting Apo Mechanic traders who barricaded the entrance to his office. The traders also blocked entrance to the entire FCTA secretariat complex, disrupting the free flow of traffic along the Kapital Street and environs of the secretariat. The Minister reminded the traders that the right thing they should have done was to follow proper procedure to seek redress for any perceived grievance. He warned the protesters against resorting to such actions to resolve issues, adding that: “you can’t intimidate me.” He said that it was wrong for the traders to barricade the entrance to his office and a major street in their attempt to draw attention to their complaints. “It is wrong to barricade the road without informing me of anything. You never wrote to me that you wanted to see me and I refused to see you. And then what you did is to wake up in the morning to barricade the road, barricade the gate, and then you said you are supporting me. I don’t need that support. “What you should do, tell your people to go, then write to me that you want to see me, then we sit down and talk. “But I will not talk to you based on these things you are doing here. I’m not one of those that anybody will come and intimidate. You should know me very well. “What I don’t like is for anybody to say go there and barricade the place. I don’t like that. I see this as being sponsored, people coming to tarnish the image of the government. “We can sit and dialogue. If the government has made a promise that they will give you land, I will look at the papers and I will ask questions, why was this land not given if it was approved.”
Nextier, a research organisation, has released its first quarter 2024 Nigeria Violent Conflicts Report, showing a staggering 5,319 casualties, 3,110 kidnap victims and 1,500 incidents of violent conflict between January 2023 and March 2024. Presenting the report today, May 9, in Abuja, a Partner at Nextier, Dr. Ndubuisi Nwokolo, lamented the devastating impact of conflicts on Nigeria’s economy, education and humanitarian crises.
“Nigeria’s ongoing violent conflicts have inflicted severe wounds on the nation’s economy, impacting livelihoods, food production, infrastructure, and overall development.” He said that prolonged insecurity has eroded trust in government institutions, leading to the emergence of ethnic militias and non-state armed groups.
“When the state fails to protect citizens, it risks losing legitimacy. As a consequence, ethnic militias and other non-state armed groups have emerged, operating in various regions.” The report called for collaborative efforts from state and federal institutions to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity while fostering socioeconomic development and enhancing security measures. Senior Policy Research Analyst, Kenn Maduagwu, said that despite a decline in Boko Haram’s insurgency, terrorism remains a significant concern in Nigeria, with ISWAP and other groups posing ongoing threats. “While fatalities have decreased in 2023, the overall toll remains significant. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement of people, which can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and push families deeper into poverty.” The report identifies Gunmen Attacks, Banditry, Farmer-Herder Conflict and Kidnapping as high-risk conflicts, while Civil Unrest, Maritime Piracy, Armed Robbery, Secessionism and Communal Clashes are classified as low-risk conflicts. To mitigate the conflicts, the report recommends strategic investments in education, job creation, and poverty reduction initiatives, particularly in high-risk regions. “The importance of proactive partnerships between law enforcement agencies and communities cannot be overstated. Enhanced intelligence gathering and apprehension efforts, along with a focus on strengthening existing operations such as Operation Puff Adder, are deemed essential in combating armed groups and banditry,” said Senior Consultant Nextier, Ndidi Anyanwu. The report also emphasises the need for conflict resolution mechanisms to facilitate dialogue between historically tense communities, particularly between herders and farmers. “Addressing land disputes and resource allocation issues, alongside investigating funding sources and networks supporting gunmen, are identified as pivotal steps towards sustainable peace,” the report stated. Addressing the multifaceted nature of kidnapping in Nigeria, Nextier advocates broad-based combative and non-combative approaches tailored to the unique manifestations across states and regions. “Criminal gangs and terrorist groups will continue to use ransom kidnap as a means to finance their operations. The current ongoing agitation and government response might persist without significant changes, potentially leading to prolonged tension and instability.” The report stressed the importance of analysing and addressing historical injustices, economic inequalities, political marginalisation, and lack of trust in government institutions. “Highlighting shared values, history and cultural diversity through education and community engagement is deemed essential for fostering national unity and resilience,” the report stated. The report highlightsled the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address the complex security challenges facing Nigeria.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has raised alarm over threats to his life and his properties. He said that he has been receiving menacing calls and messages from unknown individuals. Speaking to newsmen today , May 9, at the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu, Chief Iwuanyanwu condemned the disturbing trend of targeting and vilifying leaders who have dedicated themselves to serving the Igbo community. Chief Iwuanyanwu said that the threats escalated to the extent of one caller admitting to being recruited to burn down his residence. He expressed concern over the safety of himself and other Ohanaeze NEC members, saying that the recent dissemination of false information aimed at discrediting him and the organisation is suspect in the latest threats to his life. “I am addressing Igbo people all over the world, that if this kind of thing is not nipped in the bud, it is going to be very disastrous. “This thing didn’t start today, Joe Irukwu, Ralph Uwaechie were all maligned. As they went after Nwodo, they bombed his house. “Those of us who were close to Obiozor, you know he was a very nice diplomat. It’s this kind of thing that killed him. He’s not like people like us, I served in the army, I have thick skin. “These people have carried this too far. Sometime ago, I got some information that some people are coming to burn my house. That people said they were hired to come and burn my house. Some people also said they were hired to come and kill me. “All sorts of stories like that. And I started asking myself: what is it that I have done that would warrant that my house should be burnt; that I should be killed? “I told those people that they shouldn’t worry. Fortunately, one of them said that the person they hired said that I trained his brother in the university. “You know I had a scholarship scheme that trained over 5000 young people in the university. So, he said his brother was trained by me and so he cannot burn my house. “I feel sad that I should be confronted by some of these types of spectre of threats just because I want to serve my people. “I have looked at my past career and see how God blessed me. At 82 when I’ve retired, for me now to come back to serve my people and to find myself completely engulfed in this type of mess with Isiguzoro. “I’m somebody who is dogged and can’t easily be pushed around. God has given me the heart and determination to serve my people.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has hailed the performance of the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo in his one hundred days in office as the Governor of the state. Senator Akume, who spoke when he received Governor Ododo on a courtesy call, said with the drive and positive disposition of Governor Ododo to accord topmost priority to the welfare of the people of the state is the hallmark of good governance. He said that the record of performance of Governor Ododo has already set him on a good trajectory as an emerging leader in Nigeria. “Do not be distracted by criticisms because you have started remarkably well and I am sure you will continue this way till the end of your tenure in office, may God be with you.” Earlier, Governor Ododo said the visit was in appreciation of the support the SGF has given to him since he assumed office as the Governor of Kogi State. The Governor described Senator Akume as a patriot whose record of achievements in public office is worthy of emulation by the younger generation. He called for the support of the SGF in achieving the development agenda of his administration in Kogi state. Governor Ododo was accompanied on the visit by the state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Deedat Ozigi Salami and the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Funded Projects, Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.