Ekiti Gov Honours Late CJ With N300m Transformer Project

  Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the sum of N300m for the purchase of transformers for the various communities unable to connect to electricity in Ekiti East Local Government Area in honour of the state’s late Chief Judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye. Oyebanji, who said that that was Adeyeye’s last request, said, “The project is a reflection of the late jurist’s commitment to service and community development and a way to perpetuate his legacy in the local government and beyond”. A statement from the Chief Press Secretary in Ado Ekiti on Sunday stated that Oyebanji disclosed on Friday during the funeral service for the late CJ in his hometown, Araromi Ugbeshi, in the Ekiti East LG. The governor said, “When I was coming here today, and I saw the light in some of our communities, I remembered what he (Adeyeye) told me when I became governor.   “He (Justice Adeyeye) said, ‘I’m not a politician, but I listened to your campaign promises; you said you are going to connect Ekiti East and Gbonyin to electricity; I came to remind you.’ “Within one year we got it done. He came back to say, ‘Thank you, but it’s not done completely; there are still some communities where transformers are not good.’ He gave me the list, and by the time he passed, we had not been able to do it because of resources. “So, when I knew I would be coming here today, I called the man in charge of electricity to get me the list of those communities and he brought it to my office yesterday. It is going to cost us N300m and I have approved it just to honour our departed CJ,” the governor said. Oyebanji described the late CJ as “a distinguished legal luminary whose contributions and influence in the judiciary and development of the state are invaluable”. The acting CJ, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, who spoke earlier at a valedictory court session for the late CJ at the State Judiciary Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, described him as “a jurist per excellence”, adding that he was “a visionary, who pursued effective justice delivery and a strong, virile and efficient judiciary with determination, vigour and passion”. Ogunmoye extolled the virtues of the late Adeyeye, adding, “But suffice to say that his death at this time is a robbery to us all – his family, the legal profession, his community, the state, and nation, considering the benefits that could have continued to flow from his fine and exemplary character and his wealth of experience.” The acting CJ enumerated Adeyeye’s achievements in office, including the hitch-free appointment of four judges, the take-off of Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, the commencement of construction of additional court halls, digitalization of the judiciary registry and issuance of several practice directions, and as well commitment to judges’ welfare. Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, described the late CJ as “an embodiment of dedication, resilience and a man of sound character, a no-nonsense jurist. “Justice Adeyeye used the instrumentality of the law to uplift and protect humanity. His lordship was a man who strongly believed in the sanctity and protection of human rights. His contributions to the Judiciary in Ekiti state are unprecedented,” Apata said.  

(Photos): NDLEA Arrests Engineer, Seizes 1,323kg Of Cannabis In Multiple Operations

  Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a suspected drug trafficker, Egwu Phillip Inya, a building engineer, while attempting to receive illicit drugs concealed in imported pressure machines. This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, and shared on the Agency’s website on Sunday. According to the statement, the arrest occurred on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Okeyson Motor Park in Enugu. Inya, 42, was apprehended when he arrived to collect three pressure machines containing 7.4 kilogrammes of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis. The statement said, “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, arrested a suspected drug trafficker, Egwu Phillip Inya, who claims to be a building engineer while attempting to take delivery of illicit consignments concealed in pressure machines imported from South Africa. “The 42-year-old was arrested on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Okeyson Motor Park, Enugu, when he showed up to collect three units of pressure machines, inside which were hidden parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, weighing 7.4 kilogrammes.” The illicit consignments arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on November 29, 2024. Acting on intelligence, NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command tracked the shipment through customs clearance to a logistics warehouse outside the airport. The intended collection point was unexpectedly moved to Enugu, where Inya was arrested during a follow-up operation. The statement added, “The consignments arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos import shed on November 29, 2024. Following credible intelligence, officers of the MMIA Strategic Command of the Agency monitored the shipment through the clearing process to a logistics company’s warehouse outside the airport, where it was to be collected by the consignee. “However, the importer changed the point of collection to Enugu at the last minute. As a result, NDLEA operatives, in a follow-up operation in Enugu, arrested Inya when he showed up to collect the consignments.” In a related operation on December 6, NDLEA officers in Adamawa State seized 511,000 pills of tramadol from a Siena vehicle near Hildi, Askira Uba. The vehicle’s occupants abandoned the car after noticing they were being pursued by NDLEA operatives. The statement said, “No fewer than 511,000 pills of tramadol were recovered from a Siena vehicle at Hildi, Askira Uba, in Adamawa State by NDLEA operatives on patrol along the road in the early hours of Friday, December 6. The occupants of the vehicle made a detour upon sighting the NDLEA team and, after a distance, abandoned the vehicle with the consignments when they realised the operatives were on their trail.” In Ekiti State, two suspects, Olanrewaju Alale, 48, and Babatunde Kayode Ijadahun, 55, were arrested on the Ise-Emure Road while transporting 1,323 kilogrammes of cannabis in a J5 bus. The statement added, “In Ekiti State, two suspects, Olanrewaju Alale, 48, and Babatunde Kayode Ijadahun, 55, were arrested along Ise-Emure Road in a J5 bus marked EPE 958 XJ while transporting 108 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 1,323 kilogrammes to Owo, Ondo State. From there, they claimed the consignment would be moved to the North for distribution. Another suspect, Adekunle Yusuf, 33, was nabbed by NDLEA operatives with 704 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance, concealed in white sacks on Friday, December 6, at Idere Road, Igboora, Oyo State.” Further arrests took place in Lagos State. On December 6, NDLEA operatives apprehended a 65-year-old grandmother, Ramata Bola Adeyemo, at 62 Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, recovering 20.6 litres of codeine-based syrup. Additionally, on December 5, Alhaji Lawan Manga was arrested on Ogundana Street, Ikeja, with 4.7 kilogrammes of cannabis and 1.3 kilograms of tramadol. The statement said, “In Lagos, a grandmother, 65-year-old Ramata Bola Adeyemo, was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday, December 6, at 62 Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, where 20.6 litres of codeine-based syrup were recovered from her. “Also arrested in Lagos was Alhaji Lawan Manga, who was picked up at Ogundana Street, Ikeja, on Thursday, December 5, with 4.7 kg of cannabis and 1.3 kg of tramadol.”

Hon Segelu Mourns Late Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello

  A Germany-based Nigeria-born business entrepreneur, Hon Olayinka Segelu, has expressed grief over the demise of renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello. The popular Islamic scholar died on Friday at the age of 84. Hon Segelu, a governorship aspirant for the 2027 election in Oyo State, described the highly revered cleric as a fearless preacher who was always standing on the side of the truth. In a statement he personally signed and make available to newsmen in Ibadan, the business tycoon said the death of the Islamic figure was a great loss to Oyo State and Nigeria at large. Hon Segelu’s statement reads: “I express my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello on the shocking and painful death of the great and prominent Ibadan-born Islamic scholar. “I grew up to know Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello as a bold, courageous and fearless preacher with great wisdom and a very deep understanding and wide knowledge of Islam. He lived a life worthy of emulation, and dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity. “The well respected cleric inspired many with his style of preaching. He was a great source of inspiration to many. He never shied away from speaking the truth to power. He would always say things as they are without minding whose ox is gored. He never compromised his integrity. He was an embodiment of the virtues of Islam such as honesty, generosity, forgiveness, humility, discipline and compassion. “Praise be to Allah, he was blessed to attain the ripe age of 84, departing this world on a Friday, a day of great significance. May Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and provide comfort to us all as we navigate this profound loss.”

Newly-wed, 16 Others Injured In Third Mainland Bridge Accident

  A newly wedded couple who were returning from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry alongside 16 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries following a multi-vehicle collision on Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State on Saturday. This was confirmed in a statement by the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, on Saturday. Taofiq stated that the accident occurred when an LT bus developed brake failure while at speed and collided with a mini truck. The impact of the collision was said to have led to the occupants of both vehicles sustaining varying degrees of injuries including fractured limbs. He identified the vehicles involved as a mini truck with number plate AGL 22 YE and a commercial LT bus with number plate BFG 204 XF. Taofiq said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, in collaboration with emergency response agencies, today orchestrated the successful rescue of 18 individuals involved in a serious vehicular collision on the Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki. “Among the victims were a newlywed couple returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry. “The accident, which involved a mini truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF), was attributed to a brake failure on the LT bus, which was travelling at excessive speed. The bus collided with the mini truck, which was moving slowly due to mechanical difficulties. “A total of 16 passengers seated in the rear of the LT bus, 11 women and 5 men, sustained significant injuries and were swiftly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for urgent medical care.” He added that two of the victims suffered severe injuries after being trapped in the wreckage of the LT bus and “Were extricated with the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and concerned bystanders. These victims were later rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialised treatment.” Reacting to the incident, the LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy for the injured victims while urging road users to always exercise caution on the highway. Bakare-Oki who spoke through Taofiq stressed that the ongoing enlightenment by the LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps is aimed at promoting safety on Lagos roads ahead of the festivity. “Expressing deep sympathy for the injured, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, wished them a speedy recovery. He also underscored the importance of observing speed limits and maintaining vehicles in optimal condition, particularly the braking system, to prevent such tragedies. “Mr Bakare-Oki further highlighted the intensified public enlightenment campaigns led by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps, which aim to educate motorists—especially commercial bus operators—on safe driving practices before, during, and beyond the festive season,” Taofiq stated. Emergency responders at the scene of the incident, according to Taofiq, were LASTMA personnel, LASEMA, LASAMBUS and the police.

Police Nab Three Armed Robbery Suspects In Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three members of an armed robbery syndicate and recovered a locally-made firearm, ammunition, and other items during a raid in the Sabon Layi area. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, disclosed on Saturday that a patrol team from the ‘C’ Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Suleiman Adamu, 40, during the operation. Recovered items included a locally-made revolver, eight rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three expended shells, and two motorcycle number plates. Further investigations led to the arrest of Adamu Sale, alias Dogo, 30, from the Rafin Makaranta area. Sale was linked to multiple armed robberies in Zaranda village. According to Wakil, “During interrogation, the suspects admitted using the locally-made firearm to rob three motorcycles, which they sold to one Jibrin Mohammed, 30, of the Railway Area, Bauchi.” Jibrin reportedly confessed to purchasing stolen motorcycles, revealing that he bought one for N70,000 and sold it for N80,000 to scrap metal buyers. He also admitted to privately settling a dispute after the owner of a previously stolen motorcycle confronted him. The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Mohammed, has ordered an extensive investigation to uncover additional suspects and recover more stolen motorcycles. Punch

RCCG Free Buses Gulped N63m Fuel In Seven Weeks – Leke Adeboye

  The Pastor-in-Charge of Youth Province One, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Joseph Palace, FESTAC, Lagos, Leke Adeboye, has declared that fueling the free buses providing transportation between Lagos and Ogun States to Nigerians cost the church over N63m in just seven weeks. The initiative, spearheaded by the church, involved 10 buses shuttling commuters between key routes in Lagos, including 7up, Victoria Island, FESTAC, CMS, Ikorodu and Mowe in Ogun State. Adeboye told our correspondent on Saturday that in addition to covering transportation, RCCG ensured the welfare of drivers and volunteers who utilised the waiting period to preach messages from Open Heavens, the church’s daily devotional also cost N10m. He revealed that each bus carried 80 passengers per trip, completing two daily trips, five days a week. Also, over the period, the buses transported an estimated 56,000 people, cutting down commuting costs significantly for Nigerians of all backgrounds, including Christians, Muslims, atheists, military personnel, students, and law enforcement officers. According to Adeboye, this initiative saved each passenger an average of ₦40,000 weekly. “The buses were accessed by everyone, regardless of religion or social status. It was our way of easing the financial burden on Nigerians. Fueling alone cost over N63m. “The free buses were entered by all, Nigerians and non-Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, atheists, Twitter warriors and abusers and accusers of the church. Students, military persons and everyone from all works of life.” “The buses have also served students, military personnel, and law enforcement officers—both in and out of uniform—as well as less privileged groups like area boys and agberos, we spent N10m on this. “The free bus initiative has been open to all Nigerians and even non-Nigerians, irrespective of their faith or status. It is a testament to the church’s commitment to serving humanity without discrimination. 10 buses x 80 souls x 2 trips per day x 5 working days a week. What number did you get?, ” Adeboye said. The province, in September, announced in a statement that “The initiative aims to ease transportation costs while also providing spiritual care and guidance. The statement disclosed that buses will depart from Mowe, Ibafo, Berger, and 7UP at Car Park C (near Redemption City) to CMS, as well as from Festac, RCCG Joseph’s Palace, Apple Junction, to Victoria Island and Lekki.” Punch

(Photos) Makinde Commissions Oyo’s First Independent Power Project

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on investors in the energy sector to partner with the state, noting that there is a huge energy market in the state. He stated this on Friday, while commissioning the first phase of the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant, the state’s first-ever Independent Power Project, at the Power House, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The governor said it had become imperative for the private sector to move in to plug the country’s energy deficiency, noting that his administration’s vision to enhance energy sufficiency in Oyo State was on course with the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant. Governor Makinde stated that the first phase of the project comprises 1 megawatt solar power and 4 megawatts of gas-fired power generator, which would be pivotal to the future development of the state. He added that his government also aims to launch a 500 Megawatts Solar Power Project in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, which will enable the state to generate its own electricity locally and also be able to export same to other countries. According to the governor, the power plant, a private investment under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model, which was started two years ago, would contribute to the overall development of the state as part of his administration’s efforts to expand the state’s economy. Governor Makinde noted that other efforts included investments in infrastructure development, interconnecting all the zones for equal development, investment in agribusiness to attract investors as well as heavy investments in security to guarantee a safe and secure environment for the people. He declared that these efforts had culminated into 90 per cent growth in the state’s economy from a N2.75 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019 to N4.05 trillion GDP as of 2022. He said: “We are here to commission the first phase of a project that I believe would serve as the fulcrum that is pivotal to the future development in our dear state. “This power plant is 100 per cent private investment, because the government doesn’t have the money to do everything. But as a government, we provided the enabling environment for investors to know that we are serious people. We have invested in road construction, interconnecting all the zones so that development spreads across the state. “We have focused on agribusiness so that investors come into our state through Private Public Development Partnership. We have invested in security so that we can see our dear state as one of the best investment destinations in Nigeria. “We have taken strategic steps to reduce our infrastructure deficit and the result has been the growth of our economy. Our GDP grew by about 90 per cent — from 2.75trn in 2019 to N4.05trn as of 2022. “But as we speak to these investors, they always talk about one aspect of the economy that should be an absolute game changer, having reliable and uninterrupted power supply. It’s a big deal. “I know where we ought to be as a nation in terms of capacity to generate and distribute electricity, but we are nowhere near that place. That’s why all over the place, we have generators. So, when we had the groundbreaking ceremony here, it became clear to us to go from growth to a game changer for our economy to go to scale, a point where you are just using what you have to stretch the envelope. “The groundbreaking was done on Saturday, 11th of December, 2021. This was two years before the Federal Government gave the go ahead for states to have powers to generate, transmit and distribute their own power. “Now, as a state, we can look at our own power requirements and bridge the gap without looking towards anyone else. And this is exactly the trajectory we are on in Oyo State. “We took advantage of the changing times and worked with the House of Assembly. In February this year, we signed the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Bill into law. So, it is in force now. “We wasted almost a year trying to get approval from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission for this power plant. But for the next power plant, it is now under our own control. It won’t take one month. I am saying to investors now that the coast is clear. “So, today, we are here to commission the first phase of the IPP. I thank our partners for believing in us, because what you have done is to put in your money with the hope that you will recover it from our monthly payment. I give you the assurance that we will not default. “With the completion of this phase, Oyo State has gone from producing electricity at the mini-grid stage to 5MW electricity with 4MW gas and 1MW of solar. You may be thinking that the 5MW is low but let us put this in perspective. Oyo State receives an average of 80MWatts from the national grid. The 5MW is roughly 7 per cent. We may be going to 500MW but, today, we have taken a step.” The governor described the IPP as a game changer, noting that there are, indeed, better days ahead for Oyo State economically. He said, “This is an absolute game changer. We signed an agreement with Shell and they have welded the first pipe and the $100m investment is well on its way. This is a direct investment that is not going through anybody. “Truly, there are better days ahead for the Oyo State economy and all of us here are playing a part in making history. As I said, we are not stopping here. Even if they want to stop us, we won’t stop because we are well on our way. So, we are seeking more investors in the energy sector from the state and there is a market for that.” Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barr. Temilolu Ashamu, said the vision … Read more

Armed Security Personnel Take Over Kano Emir’s Palace

  Armed security operatives have taken over the main Palace of the Kano Emir at Kofar Kudu in the early hours of Friday restricting people from going into and coming out of the palace. The heightened security presence comes as Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was scheduled to accompany Alhaji Munir Sanusi, the newly-appointed Wamban Kano, to his district posting in Bichi. Bichi is one of the four emirates created during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, which were later dissolved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Sources also confirmed that the Bichi Emir’s Palace is under tight security, with armed policemen deployed to the area. The reasons behind the heightened security presence remain unclear as of the time of this report. Efforts to reach the Kano State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna, were unsuccessful as his phone was unreachable. Many traditional rulers and title holders were stranded at the Kano Emir’s palace following the takeover of the palace by armed personnel. PUNCH Online observed that most of the stranded traditional rulers had to abandon their vehicles inside the palace and trekked to the central mosque for the Friday prayers. As of the time of filing this report, security operatives deployed to the palace have continued to keep vigil as human and vehicular movement had been restricted around the palace. A source at the palace told PUNCH Online that the monarch was still in the palace as most of the visitors had left the palace to attend the Friday prayers.  

Ekiti Court Remands Human Rights Lawyer Farotimi, Adjourns Till Tuesday

  An Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court, Ado Ekiti Division, on Wednesday, ordered the remand of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, in the state’s correctional centre. Farotimi was arraigned in court over alleged defamation of character following his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ where he alleged, among others, that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, had compromised the Supreme Court. Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, after listening to the police prosecutor, Samson Osubu, who filed a 16-count allegations to which Farotimi pleaded not guilty, adjourned the matter till December 10, 2024. Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on Monday by policemen from Ekiti State and whisked to Ado Ekiti following which he was arraigned on Wednesday. Adeosun said, “The defendant should file a formal application for bail. The matter is adjourned till Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The defendant is hereby ordered remanded at the Correctional Centre, Ado Ekiti.” In an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, defended Farotimi’s arrest, for alleged cyberbullying and defamation. The CP said the offences allegedly committed by Farotimi included “defamation of character, cyberstalking and other things” noting that those two allegations were “fully established.” He said, “We are investigating him (Farotimi). If the suspect is arrested, we will bring him for investigation. We will conduct our investigation and will be able to know his level of culpability or otherwise.”

UK Set To Deport Renowned Nigerian Pastor, Tobi Adegboyega

  The British Government is set to deport popular pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, to Nigeria after losing his case against deportation at the immigration tribunal. PUNCH Online reports that the UK government had shut down his church, SPAC Nation, after investigations exposed a misuse of funds by the church leadership. It was gathered that the UK authorities closed the church after Adegboyega failed to properly account for more than £1.87 million of outgoings and operating with a lack of transparency. However, according to The Telegraph, an immigration tribunal ruled that he should be deported back to Nigeria after investigations. After arriving on a visitor’s visa in 2005, Adegboyega has lived in the UK unlawfully ever since. In 2019, the pastor applied for leave to remain under ECHR’s right to a family life. His application was initially dismissed by a first-tier immigration tribunal before he appealed. Having been married to a British woman, the pastor claimed deportation would breach his right under the European Convention of Human Rights to a family life and failed to consider his community work with SPAC. His legal team described him as a ‘charismatic’ community leader of a large, well-organised church who had ‘intervened in the lives of many hundreds of young people, predominantly from the black communities in London, to lead them away from trouble’. Politicians including former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and senior figures within the Metropolitan Police had ‘lauded’ his work, he claimed, but no testimony by them was submitted to the court. However, the Home Office contended ‘all is not as it seems’ and dragged him before an immigration tribunal. However, according to the judgment as quoted by The Telegraph, the tribunal said evidences against the Nigerian pastor were taken to consideration. The judgment reads, “Various manifestations of [Mr Adegboyega’s] church have been closed down, by either the Charity Commission or the High Court, because of concerns over its finances and lack of transparency. “Former members of the church have alleged that it is a cult, in which impoverished young people are encouraged to do anything they can to donate money, including taking out large loans, committing benefit fraud and even selling their own blood. “It is alleged that the church leadership lead lavish lifestyles and there have, it is said, been instances of abuse. The [Home Office’s] case before us was that all of this needs to be taken into account when evaluating whether [Mr Adegboyega] is in fact of real value to the UK.” Speaking at the tribunal, Adegboyega said that claims that his chruch was a cult was unfounded and attacks on him and the church were politically motivated. He also maintained no one had ever faced criminal charges over his church’s finances, adding that his deportation would breach his human rights. However, the tribunal was told the Charity Commission concluded “there had been serious misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity which was sustained over a substantial period of time.” The tribunal also found Adegboyega’s evidence to be “hyperbolic in many instances’ and had ‘sought to grossly inflate his influence.” The tribunal concluded, “We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the appellant be required to leave the UK. “Weighing all of the foregoing in the balance we conclude that the decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate. “Mr Adegboyega seeks to rely on family and private life relationships, all of which have been established whilst he was in the UK unlawfully, and which would survive his return to Nigeria. “The interference would therefore be limited, and lawful in all the circumstances.” Punch