Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from November 8, 2016

LAGBUS resumes operation after protest

LAGBUS Kazeem Ugbodaga Red buses operating under the LAGBUS Asset Management have resumed full operation after Monday’s protest occasioned by the Lagos State Government’s ban on them not to ply BRT lane on Ikorodu corridor. Managing Director, LAGBUS Assets Management, Idowu Oguntona on Tuesday at a news conference in Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria said the crisis which led to the protest had been resolved and that the various franchisees had resumed operation. He said nine LAGBUS drivers and ticketers arrested during the protest had been released by the police and that the situation was now normal. Oguntona said the management of LAGBUS Asset Management and stakeholders had brokered truce and resolved the crisis. “Despite the various stakeholders engagement sessions, our bus captains reacted to the directive on the restriction of movement of LAGBUS branded buses on Ikorodu corridor by boycotting work due to security concerns, including potential wrath of passengers and roa

Ambode hails Oshiomhole, gives scholarship to best graduating students

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday applauded Governor Adams Oshiomhole for the people-oriented projects commissioned at the twilight of his administration. He said the completion of the projects at a time Nigeria was facing economic challenges was an eloquent display of astute, prudent and visionary leadership. Ambode, who spoke when he commissioned the newly rebuilt Itohan Girls Grammar School, Sapele Road, Benin City, to mark the end of Oshiomhole’s administration, also announced full university scholarship to two best graduating students of the school. Alluding to the fact that education is the bedrock of the society, Ambode said the commissioning of secondary school with modern facilities and top class university underscored the importance which Oshiomhole attached to education. “Governor Oshiomhole understands leadership and the needs of his people. He understands the concept of inclusive governance and making sure

Celebrating Music Legend, Laolu Akins @ 70

Notable for his simplicity and modest life style, the sage music producer, Laolu Akins who will turn seventy on Friday, 18 November, 2016 has announced that there will be no ceremonies during his seventieth birthday. “Church’s thanksgiving only, ‘cause the Lord has been faithful. No ceremonies planned”, the veteran music expert disclosed. However, KAYODE APONMADE in this piece warmly chronicles the career, past and present achievements of the versatile and multiple award- winning songwriter, composer, prolific instrumentalist and music Producer, Olaoluwa Akintobi famously called Laolu Akins who turns 70 on Friday, 18 November, 2016 as he gracefully begins the journey of another decade. Charitable Akins is revered worldwide not only for his age, agility and simplicity, but for his inexhaustible achievements, intelligence and wealth of professional experience, passion for the youth, subtleness and pleasant disposition to issues. The outstanding agile musician, composer and repertoi

Hurray! Midnight Crew Is 15 Years Today

The best musical gospel group in the land and perhaps the longest surviving musical group, Midnight Crew are 15 years today. What started as a dream to put the praise of God on the lips of men at Yaba College of Technology when the quartet were students have become more than a reality and their music has led many to the saving hands of the Lord Jesus Christ delivering many from suicide attempts and putting joy in the hearts of many. What started as a little beginning on November 8, 2001, has now become the award winning Midnight Crew including Gospel Artiste of the Year: Gospel Music Awards (ITALY), 2013, Group/Duo of the Year: MEGA Awards, 2013 and Best Juju Song: MEGA Awards, 2013 among 15 awards so far. The group made up of Pat Uwaje-King, Mike Abdul, Gbenga Oyebola and Odunayo Ojo-Onasanya are indeed full of gratitude to God. “It can only be God that we are still waxing stronger for fifteen eventful years. We give him all the praise and glory. We thank our families, loved on

2Face, Juliet Ibrahim, Tony Elumelu Nominated For African Merit Awards

Veteran Singer, 2Baba Innocent Idibia, Tony Elumelu, Ghana Actress, Juliet Ibrahim, and one of the biggest entrepreneur in Africa, will be honoured at the 2016 edition of the African Merit & Humanitarian Awards, slated for December. Other nominees for the award according to the organizers includes: Jimi Agbaje, Stephanie Linus, Ezinne Akudo, Liya Kebede, Alley Gray, Donald Gardon, Kenyan Singer Jaguar, Autism Light Inc, HealthPlus, McBrown Family Foundation, Yvonne Nelson, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi, Strive Musiyiwa, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu and others. The nominees would be honoured for their contributions to the peace and development in Africa. ‘’We believe that this recognition will always be the push for them to achieve more in their various fields. “After looking critically at the various achievements of these sons and daughters of Africa, there is no better way to appreciate them than giving them a boost,’’ the organizers said. The categories include lifetime achiev

Breaking: Supreme Court confirms Dickson as Bayelsa Governor

The nation’s apex court, Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the election of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State. The panel of justices led by Tanko Ibrahim affirmed the judgments of the Bayelsa State Election Petitions Tribunal and the appellate court. The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in he election, Timipre Sylva, had challenged the victory of Dickson, alleging that the election was marred with irregularities. Sylva asked the tribunal to declare him the duly elected governor. But having lost at the tribunal and appellate court, Sylva headed for the apex court. ‎

President Buhari departs for Abuja from Benin

Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, presents a gift to President Muhammadu Buhari. With them is Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, during the President’s visit President Muhammad Buhari on Tuesday afternoon departed for Abuja from Benin Airport after his two-day official visit to Edo. The President’s aircraft, a Nigerian Air Force plane, with the registration number 5N-FGT, was airborne at 1.45 p.m. The President had arrived at the airport from Iyamoh, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, in a Nigeria Air Force helicopter, in the company of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo at 1.30 p.m. President Buhari was in the company of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who both arrived from Iyamoh in the same helicopter. At the airport, the President was received by a guard of honour mounted by officers of both the Nigerian Air force and the Army. There was heavy security presence provided

Bye-Election: Segun Adewale calls for unity in Lagos PDP

Segun Adewale popularly known as Aeroland Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Lagos Chapter, Segun Adewale, says the party can win the forthcoming bye-election in Ifako-Ijaiye federal constituency, if its factions unite. Adewale, in a statement by his media office, lamented the lack of unity in fielding a commonly acceptable candidate by a rival faction, led by Moshood Salvador. “I am concerned because I do not what happened in Edo, or currently happening in Ondo State, where our party has two candidates from two factions for the same election replicate itself in Lagos. “I am also concerned because we owe the good people of Ifako Ijaye Federal Constituency quality representation at the National Assembly as enshrined in our party manifesto. “We can’t sacrifice our goodwill we enjoy in Ifako-Ijaiye on the altar of internal party squabbles, which can be resolved amicably,” the statement said. Adewale said his peace offer to the Salvador group is without prejudice to a court ruling

Boko Haram: Reps urge FG to immortalize slain Lt. Colonel

An archive photo showing army chief presenting merit award to Late Lt Colonel Abu Ali The House of Representatives on Tuesday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late Lt. Col Abu Ali by promoting him to the rank of a Colonel. The House also urged the Federal Government to promote the six soldiers, who were killed alongside Ali to their next ranks accordingly. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki (APC-Sokoto). Moving the motion, Dasuki urged the Federal Government to offer Ali’s wife automatic employment and the children educational scholarship up to university level. In his prayers, the lawmaker advocated for accelerated disbursement of all benefits accruable to the families of the deceased. It will be recalled that Ali and six others were killed by the insurgents on Nov. 4 while prosecuting the war against terrorism in Mallam Fatori in Borno. Contributing to the debat

British banker bags life imprisonment

Murder of 2 Indonesian women A British banker was jailed for life on Tuesday for the “sickening” murders of two Indonesian women he tortured in his Hong Kong apartment. Rurik Jutting, 31, a former Bank of America employee, had denied murdering Sumarti Ningsih, 23, and Seneng Mujiasih, 26, in 2014 on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to alcohol and drug abuse and sexual disorders. Judge Michael Stuart-Moore said the case was one of the most horrifying cases the Chinese-ruled territory has known. He had pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in a case that gripped world media due to graphic video footage seen by the jury and the brutality of the killings. The jury unanimously found Jutting guilty of murder and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. His lawyers have said he will apply to serve his sentence in Britain, the former colonial power in Hong Kong, where prisoners can in some cases apply for parole after a fixed number of years. Stuart-Moore agree

Court fixes Nov. 10 to continue fraud trial of ex-President Jonathan’s aide

Waripamo-Owei Dudafa Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Tuesday, fixed Nov. 10 to continue the criminal trial of Warampo Dudafa, a former special assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Dudafa alongside one Joseph Iwejuo on 23-counts of conspiracy and concealment of crime proceeds. They had pleaded not guilty to the charges. At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, the court was constrained to adjourn the matter following the absence of the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo. Oyedepo had written a letter to the court, urging it to adjourn the matter as he was attending another case before the Lagos division of the appeal court. This letter was not opposed to by defence counsels. Justice Idris consequently fixed Nov. 10 for continuation of trial. In the charge, the accused were alleged to have on June 11, 2013, conspired to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to over N1.6billio

Ondo APC accuses Mimiko of plans to loot treasury

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has raised an alarm over contracts being awarded by the outgoing Governor Olusegun Mimiko. The party accused Mimiko of trying to siphon state fund at the tail of his eighth year tenure. The publicity secretary of the party, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya, alleged that contracts worth billions of naira were being awarded to a crony of the governor as a means to further empty the state treasury. “The outgoing Governor Olusegun Mimiko has concluded plans to award contracts worth N62 Billion between now -November 2016 to February 2017 when he would be vacating office as the Chief Executive Officer of the State. “Among the contracts to be awarded is the 28KM ABOTO-ATIJERE road, in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, to the cost of N12billion, given to ZHIJIANG Construction Company Ltd, that Governor Mimiko will sign-off this week without bidding. “The Governor’s plans is to pay 75 per cent upfron

Policeman kills colleague over N20,000 reward

Nigeria-police A policeman (name withheld) with the Bayelsa Police Command has shot dead his colleague (name also withheld) over N20, 000 largesse. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning following an argument between the officers on the sharing formula. The duo went on an operation where they were rewarded with N20, 000. The deceased was of the opinion that they should give their Divisional Police Officer (DPO) part of the money, while the other objected. While the argument ensued, the enraged police officer allegedly brought out his gun and shot his colleague. NAN reports that the deceased, a native of Ondewari community in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of Bayelsa is survived by two wives and children. His remains have been deposited at the morgue of Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa. Sympathisers were seen trooping to the deceased residence at Swali to pay condolences to his family. Some of them, who spoke with NAN, described him as a “jolly good fellow.’’ When c

CCT trial: Witness denies knowledge of Saraki earning two salaries

Senator Bukola Saraki A prosecution witness in the on-going trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki on Tuesday said that he had no knowledge that the defendant was earning double salaries. The witness, Michael Wetkast, told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) at the resumed hearing, in the case false declaration of assets, while being cross examined by the defence Counsel, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN). Part of the 16-count charge before the CCT against Saraki is that he earned double salaries between 2007 and 2011. Count 16 of the charge reads “that you, Dr Bukola Saraki while being Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 2007 to 2011 earned Salary from the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government”. The witness told the tribunal that his evidence was based on the statement of account of the defendant. “I did not investigate the Kwara State Government or its officials during my findings; I also did not speak with the state officials or with the defendant during my inve

Breaking: Clinton casts vote at New York polling place

Hillary Clinton waves to the crowd after casting her vote in New York Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton arrived in Chappaqua, New York, around 8 a.m. ET Tuesday to cast her ballot in the 2016 election, shaking hands with supporters at her polling place afterwards. Earlier Tuesday morning, a Clinton campaign official told NBC News: “We are feeling confident about the campaign we’ve run and our candidate’s message to the American people. Looking forward to seeing what today brings.” The mood was “jubilant on the flight home last night after an incredible day,” the official added. It wasn’t immediately clear when Clinton’s opponent, Donald Trump, would cast his vote. Vice President Biden cast his vote in Wilmington, Delaware, just after 8 a.m., wile President Barack Obama had not voted yet as of early Tuesday. Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine said he feels “really comfortable” heading into Election Day. Speaking to reporters Tuesday morning in his hometown of Rich

Charlie Boy to lead 10,000-man protest

Charlie Boy Showbiz superstar and social activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as `Charlie Boy’, on Tuesday said that he would, on Nov.15, lead a 10,000-man anti- corruption protest within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He said in Abuja that : “In the life of every human being, there comes a moment when we must take a stand on certain matters. “Beginning from Nov. 15, 2016, we, about 10,000 ordinary people with no political affiliations, will begin a series of mass protests and will occupy the nation’s capital. “We are a coalition of people with no political affiliations and believers in the interest of our country. “We also believe in the capacity of President Muhammadu Buhari to lead us in the right direction. “This is part of our nationalistic engagement to help President Buhari root out corruption, impunity and mindless political criminality out of the Nigerian polity.’’ He said that the peaceful protest that would be tagged “Occupy Nigeria’’, would be targeted a

12-Year-old marriage dissolved over broken tooth

Broken marriage marriage On Tuesday dissolved 12 year-old marriage between one Aishat and her husband, Rilwan Atanda, for blowing off her tooth. Odunade held that it was obvious that there was no more love between Aishat and Rilwan because the duo agreed to part ways and had even stopped living together. He awarded the custody of their three children to Aishat for proper care. The court president, however, directed Rilwan to be paying monthly feeding allowance of N10, 000 for the upkeep of the children and be responsible for their education and other welfare needs. Narrating her ordeal, Aishat told the court that Rilwan blew off one of her teeth during one of his punching encounters with her. “My Lord, over a period of time, Rilwan has turned me to a punching bag during one of which he broke my front tooth. “In his usual trouble making mood and without any offence, Rilwan descended on me that faithful day when we were in Kano State and blew off my front tooth that has left a b

Nnamdi Kanu, 3 others re-arraigned on amended charges

Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader and Director at Biafra Radio The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja, re-arraigned Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOD) on an amended 11-count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony and publication of defamatory matter. Kanu, along with Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, were re-arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja and they pleaded not guilty to the amended charges. Nyako fixed Nov. 17 to hear the bail applications filed by counsel to all the defendants. Nwawuisi, who is the 4the defendant, was added in the amended 11-count charge, as he had not been previously charged with the other three in the earlier six-count charge. In the amended charge, in count one, all four defendants were accused of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act. In count three, they allegedly managed an unlawful society, while count eigh

Charlie Boy to lead 10,000-man protest

Charlie Boy Showbiz superstar and social activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as `Charlie Boy’, on Tuesday said that he would, on Nov.15, lead a 10,000-man anti- corruption protest within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He said in Abuja that : “In the life of every human being, there comes a moment when we must take a stand on certain matters. “Beginning from Nov. 15, 2016, we, about 10,000 ordinary people with no political affiliations, will begin a series of mass protests and will occupy the nation’s capital. “We are a coalition of people with no political affiliations and believers in the interest of our country. “We also believe in the capacity of President Muhammadu Buhari to lead us in the right direction. “This is part of our nationalistic engagement to help President Buhari root out corruption, impunity and mindless political criminality out of the Nigerian polity.’’ He said that the peaceful protest that would be tagged “Occupy Nigeria’’, would be targeted a

Cattle rustlers kill miners in Zamfara

miners The Police in Zamfara said several people had been killed by gunmen suspected to be cattle rustlers at a mining site in Gidan Ardo village of Bindin district of Maru Local Government Area. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Shehu Muhammad, disclosed this to newsmen in Gusau in Tuesday. Muhammad, however, said the command had yet to ascertain the actual number of those killed during the mayhem. He said investigation into the killing had just begun. He said the Anti-terrorism Squad of the command had already been deployed to the area to join the Army in trailing the gunmen, and assured that they would soon be arrested. Eye witnesses in the area said the gunmen numbering over 70 rode into the mining site at around 3 p.m. and shot anyone on sight, killing over 40 persons and injuring several others. The gunmen were said to have carted away most of the mineral finds and also killed some of those that were in the mining pit. The Chairman of Maru Loc

Nigeria: A forest of thousand demons

TURNING-POINT-Bola-Bolawole “Have they released your brother, Reuben Abati?” “As at this time of speaking (Friday, 4th November), not to the best of my knowledge” “That is serious. Don’t you think he must be having a very serious case; perhaps, running into billions of dollars?” “Haba! How much is the whole ONSA bazaar – Just a little over two billion U. S. Dollars!” “Why, then, is he still languishing in the EFCC – or is it DSS – gulag?” “EFCC; they said he was yet to meet his administrative bail conditions” “Are they IMF? Why should bail conditions be made so stringent?” “It is politics. For some, the conditions are relaxed; for others, the noose is maliciously made tight” “But there is supposed to be level playing ground?” “Say that to the Marines! A hallmark of Buhari is that he thumbs his long nose at level playing ground, due process, and rule of law” “But this is a democracy and the president himself did say he is a converted democrat” “Convoluted democrat is more l

Committee recovers 9,000 cattle from rustlers

File Photo: Some Fulani Herdsmen on a Nigerian road The Katsina State Standing Committee on the Improvement of Farmers and Herdsmen Relationship had recovered no fewer than 9,000 cattle from rustlers in the state. Alhaji AbdulAziz Lawal, the chairman of the committee, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Katsina. He said that 8,700 animals that were identified by their owners had been released to them. Lawal said that cattle rustling had reduced drastically in the state following the efforts of the state government to dialogue with members of the group. He said that had also reduced cases of clash between farmers and herdsmen across the 34 local government areas of the state. Lawal said that the state government issued grazing permit to herdsmen through their traditional leaders as part of measures to curtail clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state. ‘’The grazing permits make the herdsmen to be law abiding within and outside the state. “This is part of the state

Buhari directs security agencies to ensure violence free elections

President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari, has directed security agencies to do their utmost in ensuring violence-free elections in Ondo and Rivers states. A statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, said Buhari gave the directive at a state dinner in Benin. The statement quoted the President as saying that the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo and National and State Assembly re-run elections in Rivers would serve as litmus test for the 2019 general elections. “What happened in (the last elections) Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers State disturbs me a lot. “I think we should go beyond these actions. Why do we kill each other? Putting tyres on people and setting them ablaze. “I have told the law enforcement agencies, if we can’t conduct election in one state then we should forget about 2019,’’ the President said. Buhari acknowledged the role played by outgoing Gov. Adams Oshiomhole in

Tricyclist docked for tearing police officer’s uniform

keke-marwa A tricyclist, 41-year-old Aniekan Akpabio, was on Tuesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly beating up a police officer and tearing his uniform. The accused, a tricycle rider, who lives at Block 3, Room 2, Mopol 20 Barracks, Ikeja is being tried for assault. The prosecutor, Sgt. Donjor Perezi, told the court that the offence was committed on Oct. 18 at Ikeja. Perezi said that the accused was riding a tricycle without a number plate and was stopped by the police at a check-point. “When he could not give any detailed explanation about the tricycle, a senior officer ordered one Sgt. Solomon Epson to take the suspect to the police station but on the way, the accused diverted to another place. “When the police officer tried to take over the steering of the tricycle, the accused parked, beat him up and tore his uniform,” he said. The offence contravened Sections 117 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, howev

Ondo PDP crisis: Jegede knows fate Thursday

PDP-logo The new Special Court of Appeal Panel constituted to resolve all appeals in the Ondo State PDP governorship candidacy dispute has fixed Thursday for ruling on preliminary motions brought before it. Justice Ibrahim Salauwa, leading the three-member panel, on Tuesday fixed the date after counsel to parties had argued their applications. Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Sen. Ben Obi, Biyi Poroyo, Eyitayo Jegede, and Jimoh Ibrahim are all parties in the matter. The Executive of PDP South West Zone and Ondo State Executive members of the party are also interested parties. The new panel had succeeded the Justice Hannatu Sankey’s panel which disqualified itself on Nov. 2 following accusation of fraud against the members. The two other justices in the new panel are Igwe Aguba and George Mbaba. The panel is expected to determine whether Jegede should be granted leave to appeal the Oct. 29 judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja. It would also determine the legitim

2016 US Election: ‘Psychic’ Indian fish picks Trump

Indian organisers watch as fish named Chanakya swims to a portrait of US presidential candidate Donald Trump. A “psychic” fish in India on Tuesday picked Donald Trump as the next president of the United States, hours before Americans head to the polls. Chanakya II, a flowerhorn cichlid fish, was given three chances to pick between two floating sticks bearing a photo of Republican Trump or his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton. The creature, which has a bulbous forehead that resembles the extravagant coiffure of the real estate mogul, swam towards Trump all three times. Chanakya II’s first official prediction sees him join the swelling menagerie of soothsaying animals. His predecessor, Chanakya I, was famous for accurately forecasting winners in football and cricket matches, his owners at the Chennai-based NGO Indian Community Welfare Organisation said. There have been numerous “psychic” animals since Germany’s football oracle, Paul the Octopus, successfully tipped the winne

N6.8bn Fraud: Absence of counsel stalls ex NAMA boss’s trial

Ibrahim-Abdulsalam-Former-NAMA-MD A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday fixed Dec. 2 for continued trial of a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ibrahim Abdulsalam. Abdulsalam was charged alongside six others over alleged stealing and conversion of NAMA’s N6.8 billion. The other accused are: Adegorite Olumuyiwa, Agbolade Segun, Clara Aliche, Joy Adegorite and two companies – Randville Investment Ltd. and Multeng Travels and Tours Ltd. The accused are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Babs Kuewumi adjourned the case following the absence of prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, who informed the court of his non-availability, in a letter. Oyedepo informed the court that he was before an appellate court for another case. The EFCC had on April 7 arraigned Abdulsalam, three directors of the agency and the wife of one of the directors. They, however, pleaded not guilty. The charge was later

Nasarawa CJ threatens to sanction judicial officers

Justice-Suleiman-Dikko The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State , Justice Suleiman Dikko, has threatened to sanction Magistrates and Area Court Judges who unnecessarily delay cases and remand accused persons indefinitely in custody. Dikko gave the warning on Tuesday at Lafia Prison at the commencement of his four-day working tour of prisons across the state. He expressed displeasure following the discovery of some accused persons charged with minor offences who had been in prisons for over a year without conviction. “How can you keep a person accused of minor offence for over one year in prison without either convicting or releasing such a person. “If I come for any other prison visit and still find out such cases, I would be left with no option than to release the accuse for delay of justice,” he added. Dikko attributed the delay of justice administration in the state to the action and inaction of some stakeholders in the judicial system. He explained that all this measures were to

Lolo1 backlashed for dancing with Bobrisky

Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM Famous Wazobia FM OAP and Nigeria’s queen of Indigenous radio, Omotunde Adebowale-David popularly known as Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM, has been experiencing a lot of backlashing following after she welcomed Bobrisky on stage at her comedy show Oga Madam Live on Stage on Sunday night. Bobrisky who thoroughly enjoyed his time there took to Snapchat to share all the fun moments. Lolo also posted a video of them dancing on stage but got a lot of backlashes, so she told people not to judge. “I just wonder why the world has no love Jesus died for all yet we judge others please keep your hate off my page please,” she wrote on Instagram. Bobrisky also recently replied the PA to President Buhari on New Media and Subomi Plumptre of Alder Consulting who both publicly dropped out of a conference on social media because he was invited to be a panelist for the conference.

Beautician begs court to dissolve her marriage

Marriage put asunder A beautician,34, Mutiat Ogunsina, who accused her husband of constant beating and threat to life, on Tuesday pleaded with an Agege Customary Court to dissolve her 17-year-old marriage. Mutiat, an indigene of Ogun and a mother of two, resides at No. 12, Jaweshola St., Ope-ilu, Ogun. She claimed that her respondent was not caring as a husband and father. “My husband beats me constantly during which he pulls me around with my hair, uprooting it in the process. “Whenever we have any misunderstanding, he always threatens to kill me. “He has no interest in my welfare and has not been responsible for the children’s upkeep, ‘’she said. The petitioner, who described her husband as violent man, pleaded with the court to separate them, “I am no longer interested in the union’’. “I also want my husband to take full responsibility for the children’s education and to stop harassing me,’’she explained. The respondent, Sanjo Ogunsina, 43, a resident of Ijoko- lemo, Abul

Gov. El-Rufai to distribute 20,000 free prepaid metres

prepaid-metres Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State would flag-off the distribution of 20,000 electricity prepaid metres for customers in the state. This is contained in a statement issued by the company’s Head, Corporate Communication, Mr Abdulazeez Abdullahi, and made available on Monday in Kaduna. Abdullahi said the metres are part of the 50,000 the Kaduna Electric metres earmarked for distribution in its franchise states of Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi. “After the successful flag-off of the mass deployment of 50,000 prepaid smart metres in its franchise states at a ceremony in Sokoto in October, Kaduna Electric is set to launch the deployment of the metres in Kaduna state. “The Kaduna Launch, which is expected to be flagged off by State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’I, is scheduled for Wednesday.’’ “The company is expecting the delivery of more metres before year end which shall also be deployed to its teeming customers in Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi, its franch

1,600 Patients benefit from eye-treatment

Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State No fewer than 1,600 persons had benefitted from the eye-treatment sponsored by Alhaji Kasim Iliyasawa, the member representing Zaria constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. Iliya Sawa said in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday shortly after the closing ceremony of the exercise. He said that the patients were drawn from six wards of the constituency. “At the initial stage, we had targeted that only 1,000 people would benefit , but in view of the influx of people with eye problems, we decided to give chance to all the beneficiaries. “This is because we will never allow our people to go blind just because they were not targeted, hence, the need to capture all,’’ he said. He said that a substantial number of the patients had been given eye glasses, while those with different problems received drugs depending on the gravity of their illness. In line with his educational development plan, Iliyasawa said he paid the examinatio

Woman docked for inflicting wounds on 12-year-old

court A 29-year-old woman, Ogechi Irunwanu, who allegedly inflicted wounds all over the body of a 12-year-old girl, Jennifer Okafor, was on Tuesday brought before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court. ‎ The court, however, admitted her to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties, the court ordered, must be a blood relation, with evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government, and should have their addresses verified. The accused, a resident of No. 12A, ‎Nurudeen Close, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of endangering human life and unlawful infliction of wounds. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Anthonia Osayande told the court that the accused committed the offences at No. 12A, Nurudeen Close, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos at about 05.00 p.m. on Oct. 22. She said the accused said she got Okafor to her custody through a friend, who brought her from their village. The prosecutor alleged that Irunwanu inflicted wounds all over th

LASU to resolve staff promotion, welfare issues

Lagos State University The Lagos State University (LASU) has assured its staff that all issues relating to its workers’ promotion and welfare would be resolved at its Governing Council statutory meeting of Nov. 15. The university’s latest official bulletin ‎stated that staff promotion and welfare were of utmost importance to the management. ‎ ‎“The University Governing Council at its 112th statutory meeting on Oct. 20, 2016, had considered and approved some of the matters brought before it. ‎ “Due to time constraints, the council could not consider some other issues brought before it, especially, staff promotions, because there was need to give additional information on candidates recommended for promotion. ‎ “The Governing Council, therefore, deferred the consideration of these cases to its expedient meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15. “The meeting is intended solely to clear all promotion and welfare related outstanding issues before the Governing Council,” the bulleti

Schools inspection on motorcycles will end soon -Taraba Govt

Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State Mr Anthony Jellason, the Secretary to Taraba State Government (SSG) on Tuesday, said the state would soon end schools inspection on motorcycles. Jellason made this known in Jalingo at the opening of Train the Trainers Workshop organised by the State Ministry of Education. According to him, school inspectors are noble professionals, who require official vehicles in discharging their duties. “I am not happy with inspection on motorbikes and I will like to assure you that this situation will change for the better soon,” he said. Earlier, the State Commissioner for Education, Mr Jigem Johanes, decried the lack of official vehicles for schools inspectors in the ministry. He said the Ministry, the Post Primary Schools Management Board and all secondary schools in the state had no vehicles for their activities. Johannes said that the officials were conducting inspection using their personal vehicles or motorcycles in the rural areas. He said th

Kwara governor justifies dissolution of 16 councils

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara on Tuesday said he dissolved the 16 local government councils in the state due to their inability to discharge their statutory responsibilities to the people. The governor made the allegation in his message to the state House of Assembly informing the legislature of formal dissolution of the councils. The governor’s letter read by the Deputy Speaker, Mathew Okedare, who presided over Tuesday’s plenary, said all the 16 councils failed in the discharge of their responsibilities in the last one year. Ahmed said that the councils failed to execute meaningful projects in the last three years and unable to pay workers salary for months. “I took this step following sustained complaints by the residents of poor performance of the local councils in discharging their statutory functions,” the governor said. Ahmed informed the legislature of his intention to appoint caretaker committees to run the affairs of the counc

Shell inaugurates N2.04 bn library for students

Shell logo Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) on Tuesday inaugurated an ultra-modern public library, worth 6.5 million dollar (N2.04 billion), to be managed by the Port Harcourt Literary Society. Inaugurating the library in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Mr Osagie Okunbor, said the library was accessible to all scholars and researchers. SCiN provided 5 million dollar while Port Harcourt Literary Society invested 1.5 million dollars on the library. Okunbor said the library was one out of three projects that would cost SCiN N2 billion each and which would be situated across the Niger Delta to mark the nation’s centenary anniversary. “Our choice of centenary projects and this library is a demonstration of our continued belief in the future of Nigeria and commitment to its socio-economic development, especially in the Niger Delta. “We are convinced that this library will deliver significant benefits and posit

Army nabs fake soldier in Bauchi

The 33 Artillery Brigade, Nigeria Army, Bauchi, said on Tuesday that it had arrested a fake soldier who claimed to be a serving personnel. Cpt. Sunday Akinkunmi, Ag. Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the brigade, said this in Bauchi while presenting to newsmen the suspect, Adamu Alexander, alias Dudu, 22, from Maiduguri Local Government Area of Borno. Akinkunmi said that Alexander was arrested on Nov. 4, 2016, at GSM Section, Winti Market, Bauchi, while attempting to sell a stolen Samsung cell phone note 5. He further said that the suspect was arrested in full military uniform by a detachment of officers from the brigade. Akinkunmi said that the suspect during interrogation claimed that he was a serving military man with 22 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Dikwa, Borno. “The suspect failed to produce his service identification card when asked to produce one, instead, he produced an extract from police crime dairy. “The extract was issued to him on Oct. 21, 2016, from Gwange di