Tinubu Orders Immediate Release Of Minors Arraigned Over Protest

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  President Bola Tinubu has directed that all the minors arrested and facing prosecution in court over their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest should immediately be released without prejudice to the law. President Tinubu also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to see the welfare of the minors. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents, in Abuja. The Minister said that the President said that all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest, detention and prosecution of the minors be investigated and anyone found culpable, would face appropriate disciplinary action.  

Army Arrest 24 Suspected Oil Thieves, Recover 700,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude

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  Operatives of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army working closely with other security agencies have arrested 24 suspected oil thieves, recovering 700,000 liters of stolen crude in the Niger Delta Region. The army in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma on Sunday disclosed that the feats were achieved following successful operations conducted from October 28 to November 3, 2024, several. According to Danjuma, the operations led to the deactivation of 29 illegal refining sites and destruction of 14 boats used for stealing crude. The Army highlighted that in Rivers State, it’s troops intercepted one massive wooden boat ladened with over 150,000 litres of stolen crude around Kula general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), as six suspects connected to the crime were also arrested. Around Kula general area, one massive wooden boat with over 50,000 litres of crude was intercepted in addition to the deactivation of three illegal refining sites with several large cooking pots containing over 20,000 litres of stolen AGO. Danjuma further noted that the troops around Kay and Abesa areas in Akuku – Toru LGA, destroyed 10 illegal refining sites, confiscating over 400,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). At Rukpoku pipeline, following credible intelligence, the troops intercepted two spatially constructed tanker truck with the capacity to carry 15,000 litres each stealing products at the pipeline. The army also disclosed that it’s crackdown on criminals was also extended to the notorious Imo River stretch, Bille in Degema, Egbelom Forest and Obiafu Oil Field, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA with several arrests, deactivating illegal refining sites and effecting several seizures. In Bayelsa State, along Boma creek in Southern Ijaw, the troops deactivated two illegal refining sites, with a storage facility containing over 2,500 litres of stolen crude, as well as intercepted two wooden boats with over 2,500 litres of stolen products. The 6 Division Spokesperson further stated that in Southern Ijaw, at Obughene creek, one illegal refining site with a storage facility containing over 4,500 litres of stolen crude was handled accordingly, while in West Boma creek, one illegal refining site was destroyed with over 3,000 litres of stolen products recovered. In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry with Reg Nos AYB 704 FQ and KY 379 EB loaded with illegally refined AGO concealed in 60 nylon bags and 25 nylon bags respectively, estimated to be over 3,000 litres, adding two persons were arrested in the vehicles. According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, the troops along road Ikot Abasi – Abak, intercepted one Toyota Camry with Reg No KTS 277 LN loaded with 30 nylon bags of illegally refined AGO, adding that the driver was also arrested. In Delta State, several operations were conducted, where troops intercepted a tricycle at Beneku, conveying stolen iron pipes at a Community in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA. The pipes were suspected to be stolen from Oando non operational pipelines. One suspect, Stanley Asikewe who is notorious for illegally cutting iron pipes along side the tricycle operator, Jerry Okwuagu have been taken into custody. The troops acting on tip off discreetly swooped on on an illegal storage dump at Patani town, in Patani LGA. of Delt dump contained over 40 jerricans of 25 litres of stolen products. Likewise at Uro Community waterways in Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted one wooden boat conveying over 200 sacks of premium motor spirit. According to the army the occupants of the wooden boats fled on sighting troops. Around Opete Sand beach at Aladja general area in Udu LGA, troops discovered one makeshift shop by the River bank stocked with several jerricans of stolen AGO. All the people arrested have been handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution, while products confiscated have been handled accordingly inline with subsisting operational mandate. Lt Col Danjuma relayed the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam’s commendation of the troops for their successes, urging them to continue to sustain the tempo in order to clear the region of criminal elements. Major General Abdussalam also called on critical stakeholders, particularly the community leaders to take ownership of the fight against illegal oil bunkering in the region..   •INDEPENDENTNG.

Stop Circulating 10-Year-Old Videos About Den Of Criminals In Oyo – Govt

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  It has come to the notice of Oyo State Government that some old videos about kidnappers’ dens in Ibadan are being re-circulated by mischief makers as if they are recent ones. These videos are not recent because the incidents they depict happened in 2014 and 2019. They should, therefore, be discountenanced. One of the videos shows kidnappers’ dens in Soka area of Ibadan, while the other is about an illegal rehabilitation centre in Olore, Ojoo, Ibadan. It is public knowledge that the Soka incident happened in March 2014 – more than ten years ago. The second one on a supposed rehabilitation centre in Ojoo, Ibadan, was uncovered in 2019 – more than five years ago. The intention of those circulating the old videos and passing them off as new is to create unnecessary panic in the state. The government urges the mischief makers to stop their antics while we also call on members of the public not to help them push their evil agenda of creating fear among the populace. The Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration in Oyo State remains resolute on its commitment to ensuring the security and safety of everyone in the state. Oyo State Government has invested heavily in security infrastructure and is determined to do even more to ensure round the clock safety of lives and properties in the state. The government, again, urges members of the public to disregard the videos, one of which is over ten-years old, the other more than five-years old. The people should go about their normal businesses without any form of fear.

Ipetumodu City Library, Symbol Of Educational Revival, Community Effort -IDF(Photos)

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By Adeleke Maria   The Ipetumodu Development Forum(IDF) has described the newly commissioned Ipetumodu City Library as a symbol of education of revival and community efforts. The newly commissioned Ipetumodu City Library project aimed at revitalizing educational access and fostering knowledge among students in the area. In his welcome address presented on behalf of the IDF, Barrister Banji Akinloye commended the vision and commitment behind the library project. He highlighted that the project was a collaborative effort initiated by Chief Femi Adesina, the Oluomo of Ipetumodu, with significant financial support from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and contributions from IDF. While reflecting on the history of education in Ipetumodu, Barr. Akinloye noted, “This library marks a return to the tradition of academic excellence we once cherished. It is a beacon of hope for our youth and a testament to what our community can achieve when united.” The library, located within the ongoing Ipetumodu City House project funded by IDF, represents a significant step forward for the town’s educational development. The Chairman of the Library Project Committee, Deacon Awoleke Tony, acknowledged the tireless work of the IDF team and called for further support from individuals and organizations to ensure the completion and sustainability of the project. “This library is a gift to our future generations, and we must ensure it remains a vital resource for years to come,” he stated. Engr. Kazeem Afolabi, IDF’s Social Secretary, emphasized the broader vision behind the library: “Education is a light that can guide individuals through life’s challenges. With this project, we aim to eradicate ignorance and instill a culture of learning in our youth.” Chief Engr. Iyiola Ayoola,a member of the library project committee,urged community members to make education the cornerstone of progress in Ipetumodu, saying, “We envision a town where knowledge thrives, where education drives positive change, and where youths are steered away from social vices.” SS2 student Oyebamiji Akin expressed his excitement, stating, “This library will provide countless students with the chance to enhance their knowledge and succeed academically.” The commissioning ceremony concluded with a call for continued collaboration and support to complete the project and maintain the facility for future generations. The Ipetumodu City Library now stands as a testament to collective sacrifice, community spirit, and a commitment to a brighter future. The event had in attendance, distinguished guests including His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede (Latimogun 1), the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, represented by Bayo Akinyemi; Her Royal Highness Olori Tejumade Oloyede; and Rt. Hon. Akinyode Abidemi Oyewusi, Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, among other notable leaders. Others includes, S.A (Cabinet) to the Governor on Rural and Community Development – Hon. Moji Omisore, Chief Abiodun Ogundiran, Representative of Baales, Ipetumodu CAN Chairman, Pastor Ayobami Lawrence,Chief Imam of Ipetumodu, Alhaji Arayemi Olanrewaju, Elder Johnson Akinniyi,Chairman, Gbobaniyi, Mr. John Amusan Chairman, Ipetumodu Action Council, Mr Akinyemi Ademola, Ipetumodu Action Council Secretary, Youth Leader Mr. Babalola Taiwo, Head of Local Government Administration, I.P.U National Executives, I.D.F Executives, Late Surv. Adefioye Taiwo’s family,Students Body Representatives: National Association.

FIRS Boss, Zacch Adedeji Condoles Oyo NUJ Chair Over Mum’s Death

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  The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji Ph.D, has commiserated with immediate family members and relatives of the chairman of the Oyo chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Ademola Babalola, over the death of his mum. Adedeji, in a statement by his Technical Assistant (Print Media), Sikiru Akinola, urged Dembab, as Babalola is fondly called, to be consoled by the fact that the woman lived an impactful life by raising stars like the journalists’ boss and his siblings. “My dearest Comrade Ademola Babalola, I join others in commiserating with you over the loss of your dear mother. As sad at it is, I want you to be consoled that she lived to see you and others excel. Having a son like you and the mention of your names almost on daily basis especially in the state was an encouragement for the many years of toil to see you grow. “Through you, we see the kind of mother she was and one of the ways to immortalize her is to constantly remember the values she imparted in you and pass them over to your offsprings. “So on behalf of us all the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, I offer our condolence and pray the Almighty Allah to grant your matriarch Aljannah and continue to console all of you left behind.”

NDLEA Confiscated Cocaine Worth N4 Billion At Lagos Airport

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  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated over N4 billion worth of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday in Lagos that operatives confiscated the consignments in 845 wraps on October 29. He added that the consignments, weighing 18.72 kilogrammes, were concealed in two lavatories of an Ethiopian-bound flight and that they were found during post-landing cleaning of the cabin. Mr Babafemi said the illicit consignments were wrapped in polythene bags and hidden in the waste collectors in the two rear lavatories of the aircraft when they were recovered. He said that operatives have interrogated at least 30 suspects in connection with the seizure. “Investigations revealed that the seized drugs were conveyed from Brazil to Ethiopia through ingestion and excreted in Addis Ababa by a set of couriers. “While some other traffickers picked them up and attempted to smuggle them into Nigeria through the Lagos Airport before their attempt was frustrated with the cooperation of the airline’s authorities and other airport stakeholders,” Mr Babafemi said. He further said the agency’s operatives also thwarted traffickers’ attempt to export 2.928kg cocaine, cannabis and tramadol 225mg concealed in body cream containers, including pieces of artwork, to Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The NDLEA spokesman said the syndicate had attempted to use some courier companies in Lagos to export the drug before officers blocked them. Mr Babafemi said other consignments, comprising 754,000 pills of tapentadol and acetaminophen 225mg worth N525,000,000, were intercepted at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on October 29. He said the items were part of a targeted and watch-listed container from India, seized during a joint examination with men of the Customs Service and other security agencies.

2027: Nobody Can Set Agenda For Me – Makinde

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  Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday said nobody apart from himself can set an agenda for him on what to do next with his political career. Apparently reacting to insinuations and permutations of him declaring for the Presidential race in 2027, Makinde said he disagreed with those accusing the ruling party of interfering with other political parties in the country so as not to have a formidable opposition in the next election. Rather, he charged leaders of the leading opposition party across the board to look inward and see how they can work together and salvage the country, adding that the next election will be between the ruling party and Nigerians. He noted that the next elections will not even be about APC versus PDP, urging members of the PDP to do their bit to unite the party, unite the base, and let the people of Nigeria speak. Makinde disclosed this while commissioning the newly built Olusoji Adagunodo Southwest Zonal Secretariat. He was joined at the event by the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Iliya Damagum; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; former Governor Samuel Ortom (Benue); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); members of the National Working Committee of the party, other leaders from the Zonal and country at large. The building personally funded by Governor Makinde is named after the late Olusoji Adagunodo, a former Chairman of the party in the Southwest. The Nation reports that Makinde had on the death of Adagunodo promised to build a structure and name it after him, to keep the memory alive. He also at the event announced the appointment of the son of the late Adagunodo as his Special Adviser on Regional Integration. Speaking, Makinde thanked his counterpart from Osun State, Governor Adeleke, and a former Zonal Chairman, Dr Eddy Olafeso among others for showing political maturity and understanding in honoring the memory of the late leader by attending the event. He urged all party faithful to shun any form of discord and disunity that is hindering the party from achieving his mandate in providing the alternative needed by the people.   Nation

Attorney General Considers Dropping Treason Charges Against ‘Hungry’ Minors.

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  The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has commenced moves to drop the charges brought against the 32 minors arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Hours after the arraignment, the AGF disclosed in a statement late Friday night his interest in taking over the matter from the Inspector General of Police. He noted that there were issues his office would like to review. “There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to make an informed decision,” the AGF said. “It is not within my power to vary the court order remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January. I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office and hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation tomorrow, Saturday, November 2, 2024. “I have further directed the DPPF to immediately initiate steps to request an earlier adjournment date,” he added. A source from the Federal Ministry of Justice confirmed to our correspondent that the IG had already submitted the case file to the AGF as requested, and actions were underway to swiftly drop the charges against the defendants. The source added that the court was set to reconvene early this week, rather than on the adjourned date of January 24, 2025. “The police have submitted the case file, and the parties are working together. The court will reconvene early this week,” the source said. Also, the defence counsel for all 119 defendants, Marshall Abubakar, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, confirmed that steps were being taken to drop the charges against the children this week, especially since the AGF had requested transfer of the case file. “The government has been calling; the AGF has called. I think, most likely, by next week (this week) we will get the charges thrown out,” Abubakar said. He also confirmed that the minors among the 119 remanded protesters were in the custody of the SARS IRT, adding that they were kept in a large hall as the purported Borstal system for juvenile detention was non-existent. “The children were taken to IRT SARS. There is a big hall there where they are kept because there is actually no Borstal Centre.” Another source knowledgeable about the case told our correspondent on Saturday that the AGF’s office was considering filing an affidavit of urgency and an application on Monday before the court. The source said, “This means if the application is granted, the case will come up on Tuesday. Hopefully, the case will be discontinued.” Meanwhile, human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has raised the alarm over the whereabouts of two children arrested by the police. Adeyanju said the minors were supposed to be arraigned alongside the 76 accused persons brought to court on Friday. He noted that the two children were on the list of those earlier taken to court by the police to obtain a remand warrant a few months ago. The activist called on the attorney general to use his good offices to discontinue the case. “It took a lot of effort for us to get the children to be brought to court on Friday. Two of them who were originally arrested were not even brought to court. We don’t know their whereabouts or what has happened to them. Their names were on the warrant obtained from the court, but they were never brought to court on Friday,” Adeyanju told Sunday PUNCH. He revealed that about seven other arrested protesters were also not arraigned on Friday because they were sick and had to be taken to the Federal High Court clinic. “Their names were withdrawn from the charge sheet due to their illness. They couldn’t stand trial. Their plea was not taken, meaning they will be arraigned again. “We asked the police to release them since the court had discharged them and struck out their names from the charge, but the police refused. They took them back to the IRT,” Adeyanju explained. Meanwhile, the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria and the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos have condemned recent statements from the IG regarding the children who fainted in court on Friday. In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, NCMN National Secretary Ahmad Ashir, said, “The IG’s assertion that the minors fainting in court was staged is utterly unacceptable. Video evidence clearly shows these minors collapsing, making this allegation not only baseless but deeply insensitive. “To suggest that these minors fainted intentionally disregards the trauma they may have experienced. It’s imperative to prioritise their health and ensure they receive adequate medical care and psychological support.” A representative of the #EndBadGovernance organisers, Hassan Soweto, called for the immediate release of the children, saying, “It’s profoundly insensitive for the police to make such claims about children who have endured starvation and torture for three months. This is an outright insult.”   Punch

Libya Begins Mass Arrests Of Nigerians Following CAF Ruling.

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  Following the verdict delivered by the Confederation of African Football in response to the complaint lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation over the recent inhumane treatment meted out to the Super Eagles in Libya, members of the Nigerian community have reported mass arrests and fines in the country. The Nigerian football team was held at the Al-Abraq Airport in eastern Libya for over 20 hours upon arrival for the second leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles and Libya’s national team. The contingent was scheduled to land at the Benghazi Airport and travel for nearly four hours by road to Benina, where the match was to be played. However, less than an hour before landing, the Tunisian pilot reportedly received a directive from Libyan authorities to divert the flight to the Al-Abraq Airport, located 150 miles away from the destination. Did You Know A Tribe That Prepares Meals Using Water From The Deceased?0:06 / 1:01 The development sparked widespread outrage, forcing the NFF to withdraw the Super Eagles from the qualifying match and file an official complaint to CAF. In its ruling on Saturday, October 26, signed by its Chairman, Ousmane Kane, the disciplinary committee of the African football body awarded the Super Eagles of Nigeria three points and three goals for the abandoned match. The disciplinary board ruled that the Libyan Football Federation breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. The panel also ordered the LFF to pay a fine of $50,000 within 60 days of the notification of the decision. Displeased with the verdict, the LFF President Nasser Al-Suwai’I described it as “unjust and malicious,” alleging that the NFF’s influence within CAF played a major role in the outcome. A report on Monday by a Libyan outlet, Libyan Observer, quoted Al-Suwai’I saying the LFF would file an official appeal within hours and that if the appeal was denied, the body would resort to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to ensure “their legitimate rights are secured.” Campaign against Nigerians Following the CAF ruling, a popular Libyan news blog, Libya News Today 1, posted on Sunday, stating, “All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest the Nigerian workers who are working here in Libya without legal papers. They have to pay $500 plus taxes. “The fine that Libya is accused of will be paid by Nigerian citizens who live in Libya. We have been subjected to injustice. We have no borders with Nigeria. What benefit are they to us? They’re a burden on the Libyan people. They have to go back home.” The blog has more than 188,000 followers on Facebook and 57,000 likes. The post was accompanied by a video of a Libyan TV presenter, who said, “Anyone who is living in Libya and working without paying tax is eating haram, which means sinful money. The government should make every effort to arrest all Nigerians who are working in Libya so that they can pay a tax of $500 and regulate their stay in the country by obtaining residence permits.” Another Libyan site, Libya INF.TV, reported that Libyan stations wanted the government to start arresting Nigerian workers. “Those who don’t have Libyan papers will have to pay a fine of $500 for taxes. If you refuse deportation, no mercy. The Libyan government will pay the Nigerian government from their citizens’ money,” the post said. Mass arrests Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a Nigerian living in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, Adenaike Emmanuel, said the arrests began on Sunday after the CAF statement was released in the country. “They have already started. The news came out on Saturday, and they were saying they can’t accept it and that they are not the ones who will pay the money. They have started proving this. “Someone called me and said they had already begun arresting people in his area. The same thing is happening here in his area. The same thing is happening here in Tripoli. In some places, people were arrested on Sunday morning and afternoon. As I mentioned before, Libyans don’t hide their feelings. They believe that by doing this, they are getting their revenge,” Adenaike stated. The President of the Nigerian community in Libya, Peter Omoregbie, also confirmed the arrests in a video shared by multiple Libya-based Nigerian blogs during the week. Omoregbie, who confirmed this while making an official report at the Libyan immigration office on Monday, said, “The arrests started on Sunday night in some areas in Tedora. They are arresting innocent people. They don’t even care whether you have passports or residence permits. They just don’t care, which doesn’t happen in other countries.” When asked to provide background to the incident, he said, “The football body is an association on its own, which the government isn’t supposed to interfere with according to CAF laws. There was a football match scheduled between Nigeria and Libya on October 15. Nigeria was supposed to arrive in Benghazi, but they were diverted to another state, so the match could not take place. The Nigerian football team then returned home. Since then, CAF has investigated the issue and set up a committee to find out what really happened. “Yesterday, the verdict was issued that Libya has to pay a fine of $50,000 to CAF due to the way they treated the Nigerian football team. Now, on social media, Libyan journalists and numerous bloggers are saying that Nigeria will be made to pay the $50,000 fine by arresting all Nigerians in Libya. But in other countries, nothing like that happens. “As the community leader, I received some videos showing that the arrests started last night in the Tedora area. They said the Libyan police have started arresting Nigerians, whether they have passports or not. Some of us are already afraid, calling everywhere to ask what to do. Sometimes, as community leaders, we are helpless. Even the Nigerian Embassy’s hands are … Read more

Edo Teen Detained For Poisoning Ex-Boyfriend And Four Others.

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  The Edo State Police Command has detained a 16-year-old girl, Aisha Suleiman, who is accused of fatally poisoning her ex-boyfriend, identified as Emmanuel, and four other young men in Afashio community in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. The tragic discovery was reported on October 26, 2024, when Emmanuel’s father, Mr Elogie Ezekiel, arrived at his son’s apartment around 6:30 a.m. that day and saw some lifeless bodies in the house. Ezekiel reportedly found the body of a young man, Nurudeen, in the corridor. Moving further into the apartment, he discovered Emmanuel, 19, and his girlfriend, identified as Ada Samuel, also 16, lying lifeless on the bedroom bed. Two other friends of Emmanuel’s, Samuel and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, both siblings, were found unresponsive in the sitting room. All five were immediately transported to the hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead on arrival. Some sources in the area noted that the victims had just consumed a pot of pepper soup prepared by Suleiman for the five friends. The investigation took a significant turn three days later when police received a report that Suleiman, who was alleged to have poisoned the victims, was about to be lynched by a group of young men from the community. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, told our correspondent on Friday that police officers from the Jattu Division were quickly mobilised to the scene, intervened, and transported Suleiman safely to the station. “The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation,” Yamu added. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umoru Ozigi, has ordered a detailed investigation, instructing officers to pursue every possible lead to determine the true cause of death in the case. He also warned against any form of mob action, urging the community to allow the police to carry out their duties. CP Ozigi reassured the public that justice would be pursued diligently.   Punch  

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