Four Kogi University Lecturers Dismissed Over Sexual Misconduct

  The Governing Council of the Federal University, Lokoja, has approved the dismissal of four lecturers on account of examination misconduct and sexual misconduct. Our correspondent gathered that the governing council gave the approval at its Second Council Meeting on Thursday. This is coming on the heels of the investigation following allegations of examination malpractices and sexual harassment levelled against the lecturers last year. The council, under the leadership of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, appreciated the university management for following due process in the investigation that followed the allegations of examination misconduct and sexual harassment against the lecturers. Ndoma-Egba said, “The council will not tolerate any unethical conduct in the university” and urged the university to quickly process the remaining cases of misconduct pending, especially the one in the Faculty of Science that is trending in the media. While cautioning staff members and lecturers against all forms of molestation of students, the council said no misconduct would be swept under the carpet. It also urged the students always to speak out when they are molested.  

Ondo Prophetess Arrested Over Mother, Child’s Death In Church

The Ondo State Police Command, on Tuesday, said it had arrested one prophetess, Mrs Folashade Adekola, over the death of a woman, Jumoke Adesuwa and her newborn baby inside the church. Our correspondent gathered on Tuesday that the deceased bled to death from complications after childbirth inside the suspect’s church located in the Oke-Aro area of Akure, the state capital. The baby was said to have also died immediately. It was also learnt that the suspect was arrested by the men of the command after the deceased’s brother reported the matter at the police station. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the incident, said the prophetess was arrested and taken to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation. “The case was reported by the deceased’s brother, that the sister died after childbirth in the church and the prophetess is already in custody. Investigations are still ongoing,” the PPRO said. A source in the family who spoke to PUNCH Metro on the condition of anonymity, because he was not permitted to speak with the media, narrated that someone from the church called the family to inform the deceased’s husband that his wife had been delivered of a baby. The deceased’s husband called a family member and both rushed to the church. He said, “When we got there, they were told that the baby died after childbirth but that the mother was alive. On sighting the deceased, we saw her in a pool of blood, bleeding profusely. So, we rushed her to a nearby hospital. “Due to her condition, she was rejected at three hospitals and she died in the process of reviving her in the last hospital that admitted her. To our surprise, we got to the church to collect the baby’s remains and found the corpse in a room. The condition of the room was very worrisome as it did not look like a delivery room. “We approached the Oke-Aro Police Station in Akure to report the case which led to the arrest of the prophetess in charge. The remains of the woman have been deposited at the mortuary.”   Punch

US Places $25,000 Bounty On Fleeing Nigerian On Murder Trial

  The United States of America has offered a $25,000 reward for anyone who could provide it with information that could facilitate the arrest of a Nigerian, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, who is reportedly facing trial for the alleged murder of his child. PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement credited to the Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal, Don Freeman, and obtained from the agency’s website on Monday, that Olawusi has also been named among the 15 most wanted fugitives in the US. Freeman noted that Olawusi, who lived in Rhodes Island, US, was arraigned on two counts bordering on first-degree murder caused by inflicting bodily injury to a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He added that the incident occurred on April 3, 2017, after police operatives and firefighters found the three-month-old child and rescued him at the hospital where it was discovered that the child had suffered injuries in 18 parts of his body. The discovery was said to have led to the arrest of Olawusi. Upon his arrest, Olawusi was charged in court on April 20, 2017, but his whereabouts became unknown after he was released the same day while the trial was pending. Freeman added that the infant died six months after being hospitalised as a result of the injuries he had allegedly sustained from his father’s abuse which prompted the prosecuting department to include a murder charge in the ongoing trial. He said, “A man wanted in Rhode Island on charges of murder, inflicting serious bodily injury to a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted fugitives list with an up to $25,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest. “Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, was charged in Providence with first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child after Providence Police and Fire personnel found his three-month-old son bleeding from the mouth and nose at a residence on April 3, 2017. “The child was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated to regain a pulse. An examination at the hospital noted 18 injuries at various stages of healing, indicating a pattern of long-term abuse. These injuries included a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, significant brain injury, and fractures of the child’s ribs, clavicle, legs and arms. He was placed on life support but died six months later. “Providence police arrested and charged Olawusi on April 20, 2017, with first-degree child abuse. He was released the same day and subsequently fled. The murder charge was added following the infant’s death on October 31, 2017.” The US Supervisory Deputy Marshall noted that after frantic efforts to locate Olawusi, it was discovered that he had fled the country on June 20, 2017, while stressing that further investigation revealed that he was receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria. He added that the suspect has been placed on the wanted list because he could pose a danger to children and other members of the public and the US would deploy all its resources to ensure that he faces justice. “Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice. We have placed Mr Olawusi on our 15 Most Wanted list due to the heinous crimes he’s committed and the threat he continues to pose to the public. The USMS will exhaust all resources necessary to bring him to justice for his family and the community. “Olawusi, who uses the alias Olekun Olawusi, stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Information regarding his whereabouts may be reported to the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App,” Freeman concluded.  

EFCC: Two Chinese, Others, Arrested Over Illegal Solid Mineral Export

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Enugu Zonal Directorate, reported that its operatives have arrested two Chinese nationals, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, for allegedly attempting to export solid minerals without a permit. The commission stated that it received intelligence from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on November 3, 2024, regarding the illegal activity, adding that two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Agu, were also apprehended. This was disclosed via a statement posted by the anti-graft agency on its X handle on Friday. The statement partly read, “While Jiang was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the others, including two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu, were arrested at the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. “Their arrests followed intelligence received by the commission through FAAN on November 3, 2024, regarding Jiang, who was intercepted at the hold baggage screening point, where suspicious stones believed to be solid minerals, wrapped in three separate pieces, were discovered in his luggage. “Preliminary investigations revealed that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, is the employer of the other suspects. Investigations further indicated that Jiang was attempting to travel out of the country with the solid minerals for testing purposes in China. “Further investigation revealed that none of the four suspects possessed a permit to export the solid minerals to China. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.” In a related incident, the commission also announced the arrest of two Nigerians on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in Abuja on suspected charges of money laundering and internet-related crimes. The statement read, “The suspects, Joshua Ndu and Michael Uchenna, were arrested at Al-Gamji Estate in the Guzape area of the FCT, following intelligence linking them to criminal activities. “Items recovered from Ndu include a Mercedes Benz E350 (2019 model), a Range Rover (2016 model), an Apple laptop, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Cartier wristwatch, and two necklaces, while items recovered from Uchenna include an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an Apple MacBook Pro. “The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”    

Seven Arraigned, As OYRTMA Officers Attacked By Tricycle Riders In Ibadan(Photos)

  Adeleke Maria   Two officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Oyedepo Samuel and Waheed Quadri, were assaulted by tricycle riders and hoodlums while performing their lawful duties. The Officers were recently attacked with iron rods, stones, and sticks at the Water Corporation gate Ibadan which inflicted severe injuries on them. According to eyewitnesses, the officers had apprehended a commercial tricycle parked on the road, obstructing traffic. However, while transporting the tricycle to the Agodi Gate command unit, they were ambushed by a group of tricycle riders and hoodlums. Fortunately, a good Samaritan intervened, rescuing the officers from the angry mob. The injured officers are currently receiving treatment at the State clinic, Secretariat, Ibadan. Speaking in Ibadan, the Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.) said seven suspects were arrested in connection with incident. He condemned the attack, stating, “It’s a pity that our officers, who work tirelessly to ensure sanity and orderliness on our roads, are being assaulted and harmed.” Adesagba emphasized that the Authority will not be deterred from performing its legitimate duties. Major Adesagba assured that the perpetrators have been arrested and are currently in custody at Idi-Ape police station. “The perpetrators will face the full weight of the laws, Adekoya warned”, he said. Meanwhile, the suspects were arraigned at the Magistrate District Court 1, Ibadan North East, on Wednesday, on charges of assault. Each suspect was granted bail with one surety and a bond of ₦100,000. However, since they were unable to meet the bail conditions, they were remanded in Agodi Prison pending further hearing. The case was adjourned until November 17, 2024.

Hon. Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Victims Of Ibadan Building Collapse

  A governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 elections in Oyo State, Hon Olayinka Segelu, has commiserated with victims of the building collapse which occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the Jegede Olunloyo area of Ona Ara Local Government Council of Oyo State. Ten persons were confirmed dead by the police with eight others said to have sustained different degrees of injuries. Hon Segelu, the Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman, politician and ICT consultant, in a statement he issued, expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident. His statement reads: “It is with deep sorrow and great sadness that I received news of the tragic building collapse that occurred in the Jegede Olunloyo locality of Ona Ara Local Government Area (LGA). The loss of ten precious lives and the injuries sustained by many others is a heart-wrenching tragedy that has cast a shadow over our town. “I commend the Oyo State Fire Service for their swift response, particularly Chief Fire Superintendent Jimoh and his team, who demonstrated remarkable courage in rescuing survivors from the rubble. Their efforts, along with those of local residents who acted heroically, exemplify the spirit of Ibadan in times of crisis. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and assure them that our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time. The emotional pain of losing loved ones is immeasurable, and we stand with you in solidarity. “I applaud the state government under the able and dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his commitment to conducting a comprehensive integrity test of buildings around the vicinity to forestall future occurrence and safeguard our citizens. “Let me also appreciate Dr. Temitope Kolapo Glorious, the Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, for his efforts at promptly activating a coordinated emergency response. “It is crucial that we learn from this tragedy to prevent such incidents from occurring again. “As your gubernatorial aspirant, I pledge to prioritize safety and infrastructure integrity across Oyo State. The loss we have experienced today highlights the urgent need for rigorous building regulations and monitoring to protect our communities. “The Ministry of Health’s coordinated efforts to ensure the medical care and safety of the affected individuals are equally commendable, and I call upon all relevant agencies to remain vigilant in their duties. “Let us come together as a community to support those affected by this tragedy. I urge everyone to contribute where they can, whether through donations, support, or simply by offering comfort to those in need.”

Zenith Bank Staff, Two Others Shot Dead

  The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, confirmed on Thursday the deaths of Mr Victor Udensi, a Zenith Bank staff member from the Umuahia branch, along with two others in Umuahia on Monday. The CP, who disclosed this while parading some suspects at the police headquarters in Umuahia, assured the public that the perpetrators would soon be brought to justice. He explained that Udensi had stopped at the Isi Court Axis of Olokoro in Umuahia South around 8 pm after the day’s work when he was accosted by three armed men operating in a Keke. They attempted to force him into the boot of his car. However, Udensi resisted, and as he tried to escape, the assailants shot him in the back, leaving him in a pool of blood. The attackers then unsuccessfully tried to start his car and instead accosted another unsuspecting driver in a Camry. “When they attempted to forcefully take his car key, the driver resisted. The armed men, however, shot him, killing him instantly,” Isa said. While fleeing towards Ubakala, the gunmen encountered a Keke they felt was obstructing their escape and fatally shot the driver. An eyewitness reported that passersby rushed Udensi to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after treatment began. The CP further stated that the police had launched a manhunt for the assailants. The PUNCH

Ibadan Building Collapse: Oyo Police Command Confirms Casualties, Promises Adequate Security Of Residents In Affected Area

  Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan under the leadership of the state commissioner of Police, CP Sonubi Ayodele has on Thursday confirmed the building collapse incident that have claimed no fewer than 10 lives in Ibadan metroplis. A statement issued to the effect by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso confirmed that 10 persons have lost their lives to the sad incident. SP Osifeso noted that eight victims are currently receiving treatment following various degrees of injuries sustained at the cause of the incident. A copy of the statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State stated that; “Today being Thursday 31/10/2024 around 0200hrs, a Storey building located around Ojugbede Jegede Area, Ogbere collapsed leading to the immediate loss of (10) Ten Lives while (8) Eight others are currently battling with various degrees of life threatening injuries. “Adequate security has currently been emplaced in the Area to prevent hoodlums from taking over the incident scene and as well protect the lives and property of other residents within the Jurisdiction. “Investigation is ongoing at the moment to unravel the possible circumstance that could have led to the incident. “Updates would be provided accordingly, please.”

Three Dead In Helicopter Accident In Port Harcourt.

  Three persons have been confirmed dead after a helicopter ditched into the waters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Channels Television reports that the accident occurred at 11:22 am on Thursday, along the waterways in Port Harcourt. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig. A total of eight persons were on board, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi. The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, the authorities said, adding that rescue efforts have been activated.