Breach Of Peace – Five Ogun Chiefs Bag Six months jail Term

  A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, sentenced five Egba chiefs to six months imprisonment for maliciously damaging the sealed letter and removing the caution tape pasted by the Abeokuta South Local Government on the Ogboni Igbore house. The court, however, gave the chiefs option of a N50,000 fine. The five Igbore chiefs are Anthony Ogunseye (55), the Apena of Igbore, Ajasa Enisemo (67); Saheed Sanusi (50); Oludotun Oliyide (60); and Fatai Mutairu (63). They were convicted on a four-count charge of conspiracy, malicious damage, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and stealing contrary to sections 451, 516, 249(d) and 383 of the criminal code, Vol II, laws of Ogun 2006. Delivering the judgement, the presiding magistrate, Mrs. E.O. Ogunyemi, said, “The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused are guilty as charged.” Ogunyemi added, “The evidence presented by the prosecutor is tenable, and I therefore sentence each of the chiefs to six months, with an option of a N50,000 fine each.” Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Rawlings told the court that the five defendants committed the offence on March 21, 2023, at about 12:15 pm at the Ogboni House in the Igbore area. Rawlings said the chiefs conspired among themselves to maliciously damage the sealed letter of the Abeokuta South local government that was pasted on the walls, doors and windows of the Ogboni House. She explained that the Ogboni house was sealed by the local government for security reasons following the crisis which erupted over a chieftain title in the Ogboni house. Rawlings said that the chiefs conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by deliberately removing the caution tape placed on the Ogboni house. “They also stole two billboards that were fixed on the two doors of the Ogboni Ignore house by the local government,” she said The prosecutor, however, said the offence committed contravened sections 451, 516,249(d) and 383 of the criminal code, Vol II laws of Ogun 2006. Punch

Insecurity: S/West Govs Must Remain Alert – Iba Gani Adams

  Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has called on governors in the six southwest states to be vigilant and to put in place proper structures in securing the region. Iba Adams, who made the call following the alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on the influx of bandits fleeing the military operations in the northwest, said the alarm raised by Oyo governor was real and needs urgent attention. Governor Makinde raised the alarm on Monday, during the 2025 annual inter- faith service in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement made available to the media by his Special Assistant on Media,Mr.Kehinde Aderemi, Iba Gani Adams, urged the South West governors not to ignore the alarm raised by the Oyo State governor, insisting that insecurity has been a major issue in the country,with the South West region becoming a new target for bandits and kidnappers. The Yoruba generalissimo stated further that he had raised similar alarm in the past, requesting the governors in the South West region to allow him work with the states security architectures in order to get rid of bandits and kidnappers across the region. “The alarm raised by governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was a wake- up call for all the governors in the South West.I raised similar alarm last year and nothing was done and it is sad that up to the present time nothing has really changed, except that insecurity is increasing by the day. “South West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria,(VGN), Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye,Omo Oduduwa United,and a few others under my leadership have been doing their very best in ensuring that the South West region is safe. “But now that governor Makinde had raised the alarm,there is need for urgent approach in order to address the situation before it gets out of hand. “Oyo State is the political capital of the South West region and anything that happened in the state,no doubt, has direct effect on the entire region. “So,I urge all the governors in the South West to be vigilant and do the needful by address the security situation in their respective states before it is too late. Iba Adams,while restating the need for regional autonomy and state police warned that the SSSG will not allow bandits and kidnappers turned the South West to their footholds. “We will resist any attempt to turn Yoruba land into bandits and kidnappers’ foothold,”Iba Adams said. Independent NG

Lagos Shuts 619 Facilities Over Environmental Violation

  THE Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has sealed at least 619 facilities, including Mosques, Churches, hotels, among others for various environmental infractions in 2024. General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during a media interactive session in Ikeja, Lagos. Ajayi revealed that noise pollution accounted for 528 of the closures as the agency intensified its enforcement of environmental laws. He said: “These operations are targeted households, hotels, and worship centres under the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.” While he noted significant achievements by the agency in 2024, Ajayi said the agency would double its advocacy for environmental consciousness in 2025 while focusing on stricter enforcement of existing laws. He disclosed plans to intensify action against noise pollution, enforce anti-smoking regulations by designating smoking and non-smoking zones, and advocate proper waste management through authorised disposal bodies. He explained that public complaints would be handled more effectively through an expanded complaints centre and digital channels, while academic publications and public awareness campaigns would also be increased. Vanguard

Abia Police Disband Anti-Cultism Unit Due To Misconduct

  Abia State Police Command said it has disbanded its Anti-Cultism Unit over unprofessional conduct. This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka. Chinaka also announced the demotion of a corporal to constable. The statement read, “The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, in alignment with the vision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to establish a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force, has disbanded the command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for unprofessional conduct and incivility towards members of the public. “Additionally, F/No: 527324 Corporal Okonkwo Ebuka, attached to Area Command, Aba, but on special duty at Isuochi was demoted from Corporal to Constable. “This decision followed the conclusion of an administrative action in which he was tried in an orderly room and found guilty for discreditable and unprofessional conduct and incivility to members of the public.” The statement further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police emphasised the command’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of unprofessional conduct among officers that could tarnish the good image of the Force. “Members of the public are also encouraged to report any unprofessional conduct by officers to the Complaint Response Unit Abia Command via 09031593827,” the statement added.

Three Feared Dead As Container Falls On Tricycle In Ogbomoso

Three persons have been reportedly lost their lives in Ogbomoso on Tuesday morning when a container-laden truck lost control and fell on a commercial tricycle at Takie Junction around 9:30 a.m. It was gathered that the articulated vehicle lost control while navigating a bend, causing the container to topple and crush the tricycle, known as Keke Mar’wa. Three Fear Dead As Container Falls On Tricycle In Ogbomoso An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymous said that two female passengers and the tricycle rider were trapped under the container, saying rescue efforts later confirmed all three victims had died. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to remove the container from the road to avert further accidents and restore traffic flow in the area. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while approaching the affected section of the road.

Gov Makinde Commiserates With Okere Of Saki Over Wife’s Death

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed condolences to the Okere of Sakiland, Oba Khalid Olabisi, over the death of one of his wives, Olori Waliyat Abimbola. The governor commiserated with the monarch and the people of Saki, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased Olori. He also prayed to Allah to grant the monarch and his family the fortitude to bear the loss. According to the governor, “the death of a loved one is always painful, but we can only submit to God who gives and takes life. “I condole with Kabiyesi Okere and pray that Allah SWT will uphold him and his household as well as his domain.”

Nigerians Don’t Want A One-party State, Says Makinde

  Nigerians don’t want a one-party state. They want alternatives. They want to be able to kick people out if they are not delivering on their promises. “So, there is commitment to ensure that Nigeria does not slide into a one-party state.” Speaking earlier on behalf of the NWC members, the new National Secretary of the PDP, Udeh-Okoye, commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the unfortunate stampede that resulted in death. He said, “we commiserate with Oyo State people through the governor and our wonderful leader. “We also want to appeal to the family that lost their loved ones to bear it, having it in mind that it was the will of God that they should go through that channel. “We also want to say that, we in the PDP, we are one. And when one cries, the other one also joins. And Oyo State being a PDP state, we are mourning with the state and we commiserate with the affected families and Oyo State at large. “As the new Secretary, I am bringing unity and cohesion on board. I am going to make sure that from this year onward, the party would function effectively well as the leading opposition party in Nigeria. “And by the grace of God, by 2027, we will take over Nigeria and give Nigerians the good governance they desire. “I know that Nigerians are waiting for us. Very soon, you will see the majority of them, including members of the ruling party coming back to the PDP.” The NWC members in attendance include Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman; ⁠Hon. Mrs Amina Bryhm, National Women Leader; Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, National Legal Adviser; Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary. Also in attendance were Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, National Treasurer; Obi Okechukwu, National Auditor; Hon. Barr. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Dr Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary; Dr. Bovoa Emmanuel, National Vice Chairman PDP North-East and High Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman PDP South-East.

Popular Lagos Fabric Merchant Arrested For Drug Trafficking

  Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, started the new year with the arrest of a wanted drug kingpin and Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye on Wednesday 1st January 2025 in her mansion at Okota area of Lagos following the interception of a truckload illicit drug consignment from her staff same day. The lid was however blown off her invincibility on Wednesday 1st January 2025 when NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a white Izuzu truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis and driven by one of her staff, 41-year-old Abideen Adio. Thereafter, the operatives stormed her hideout at 33 Adebayo Oyewole street, off Ago Palace way, Okota, where they arrested her. On the surface, Alhaja Ajoke is a businesswoman who imports fabrics and shoes from China but beneath is a massive illicit drug trade. She is also recognized as the Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, an influential club of society women in Lagos. Galaxy

Ghana President’s ADC Collapses In Parliament

  A dramatic moment unfolded on the floor of the Ghanaian Parliament on Friday when Colonel Isaac Amponsah, the Aide-de-Camp to President Nana Akufo-Addo, collapsed during the President’s final State of the Nation address. The incident occurred shortly after the President began his speech, highlighting his administration’s achievements in the last eight years. In a viral video seen by our correspondent, Amponsah was standing guard in the chamber when he suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed. The video also showed members of the parliament’s medical team rushing to provide immediate assistance. After receiving first aid, Amponsah was transported to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation. Visibly alarmed by the situation, Akufo-Addo paused his address briefly to ensure his ADC received urgent care before resuming his speech. The aide-de-camp of the Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, immediately took over to stand behind the President. The cause of Amponsah’s collapse and condition remain undisclosed as of the time of filing this report.

One Dead,Groom Hospitalized After Bride Allegedly Poisons Wedding Guests In Jigawa.

  A wedding in Jigawa State has turned tragic after a bride allegedly poisoned food served at the reception. The incident is said to have left the groom critically ill and one of the wedding guests dead. The incident occurred in the Jahun Local Government Area of the state. Eyewitnesses suggested to PUNCH Online that the bride’s actions may have been driven by a personal vendetta. Speaking to PUNCH Online on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the incident and said an investigation was underway. “We received a report that the bride had tainted the food served at the wedding reception, leaving the groom critically ill. “Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged food poisoning incident that occurred during a wedding ceremony in the state,” Adam said. He revealed that the two suspects are the bride and another female, adding that they are in custody and being interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Department of the command. The police spokesperson added, “We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.” According to the police spokesman, all the wedding attendants who consumed the poisoned food have been discharged from the hospital, except for the one person who was confirmed dead. “The command is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and we will provide more details as soon as possible. “For now, we can confirm that the incident occurred, and we are working tirelessly to unravel the facts. We urge the public to remain calm and assured that justice will be served,” he concluded. The identities of the deceased, the groom, and other victims have not been disclosed by the authorities.