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

Makinde Set To Enforce Traffic, Waste Management, Street Trading Laws After 18 Months Of Sensitization

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that the state government is ready to enforce existing laws around traffic, waste management and street trading as contained in the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027, Section 6 tagged Rule of Law. The governor, who stated this in his newsletter released on Thursday, noted that after about 18 months of sensitisation, his administration will be taking action against anyone who is found to be running foul to these laws. He explained further that the Rule of Law Authority will be working with existing agencies to enforce the laws, urging the residents of the state for support and cooperation. “It is imperative to let our people know that we will be taking action against anyone who is found to be running foul to these laws, so that our actions are not viewed as something that is sudden. “The Rule of Law Authority will be working with existing agencies to enforce these laws. We ask for your usual support and cooperation as we take these steps that will further support sustainable development in our dear State,” Makinde stated. While saying that his government would be providing a sum of N500m as ‘enterprise support’ for youths trained in Nasarawa under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), he added that the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), which is partnering with his administration, would provide an additional N1 billion. “And now to the questions. I will answer questions from Temiloluwa, who asked for an update on youths trained in Nasarawa under the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), and Samuel, who asked about our promise on intra-city rail as contained in our roadmap. “Regarding enterprise support for YEAP beneficiaries, I can confirm that we will be providing this next month. Our administration is providing N500 million for this purpose while First City Monument Bank (FCMB) which is partnering with our administration will provide an additional N1 billion,” he stated.  

Investigate Human Killing Claim on Fresh FM, ICIR Charges Police IG …. Says Isese Detests Human Killing, Engages Lawyer To Write Radio Station

  The President of the International Council for Ifá Religion, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode has said that there is nothing like human sacrifice in Yoruba Traditional Religion. He said this in his response to a viral video circulating on the internet which was recorded at a popular Radio Station in Ibadan, called Fresh FM recently. In the video, only the owner of the Radio, Yinka Ayefele is seeing interviewing a man whose face was not shown and the interviewee said he had killed many people for Òrìṣà. In a Press Release on Thursday, the President of ICIR said the claim was fabricated with the aim of tarnishing the image of Yoruba Traditional Religion. “Our attention has been drawn to a viral video, allegedly made in the Yinka Ayefele studio of Fresh FM in Ibadan where a man whose face was not shown said he had killed many human beings for Òrìsà. “It has been said before and we will continue to reiterate the fact that Yoruba Traditional Religion which is called Isese abhors human Killing and true Isese worshippers are repulsed upon seeing human blood. “Those behind this campaign have used every means to tarnish what the Creator gave us to worship him, but we will continue to speak against it; using human parts or blood for money or whatever ritual is alien to our religion and we will continue to fight against it. “We are surprised that a respected Radio Station in Ibadan can be used to launch this campaign of calumny against us and our cherished Isese, but we are using this opportunity to call on the Inspector General of Police and the Oyo State Police Command to immediately launch an investigation into the man’s claim to unearth the truth and arrest him and his sponsors.” He further said that the ICIR has instructed its lawyer to work with Yinka Ayefele in order to get the identity of the self-acclaimed ritual killer for the security agencies to do the needful. “We also advise Isese adherents to be calm and patient as we are sure that we will get to the bottom of the fabrication,” he urged. Signed: Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, President, International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Ile-Ife. Thursday, 31st October, 2024.

Tributes As Nollywood Mourns Passing Of Charles Olumo, “Agbako” At 101

  Social media has been filled with tributes for the late veteran Nollywood actor Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo or “Agbako,” as fans and colleagues share memories of the iconic performer. On Thursday, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) announced the passing of Agbako in a statement on Instagram by its president, Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr. Latin. He wrote, “#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.” Actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed Agbako’s demise as he wrote: “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 101 years, ba wasa ba. R I P.” Actor Kunle Afod said, “Good night pa Charles Olumo (Baba Agbako), the oldest actor. 101 years, Sun re ooo, O dabo, O di Oju Ala.” Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, wrote, “Awwwwwwww may his soul rest in peace. Wow. Oluwa tobi loba” Film Maker / Movie Distributor, Kazim Adeoti, wrote, “May his soul rest in peace. Orun ‘re o Baba.” Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omo Butty, wrote, “Rest well sir. No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want to see them go! Kudos boss Afod for all you do.” Agbako, born in 1923, was a beloved figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his powerful portrayals of characters like chiefs, warriors, and villains. Starting his career in stage plays, he seamlessly transitioned to film as the industry evolved, becoming a key figure in Nollywood’s early days. With memorable roles in classics such as Ogbori Elemosho and Atorunmo, Agbako’s performances captivated audiences for decades and earned him a place as a Yoruba film legend. Agbako clocked 101st this year. •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.”

JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Oluyede As Acting Chief Of Army Staff

  President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. This was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga explained that Oluyede would assume the role pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently abroad for medical treatment. The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). “Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.” Prior to this appointment, Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old Oluyede shares a long history with Lagbaja, as both are members of the 39th Regular Course, commissioned as officers in 1987, with Oluyede being promoted to Major General in September 2020. Oluyede’s extensive career includes numerous command roles, beginning as a Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, advancing to Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion and later serving as a Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He has been a part of several notable operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade. Over his career, Oluyede has received multiple honours which include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, recognition for Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute, acknowledging his dedication and achievements in various fields of service. Punch  

BREAKING: Court Grants Rep Ikwechegh N500,000 Bail For Assault

  A Kuje Magistrate Court on Wednesday granted bail to a House of Representatives member for Aba North and South, Alex Ikwechegh, in the sum of N500,000. Ikwechegh was arraigned for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, outside his Abuja residence. The Counsel to the bolt driver, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed to PUNCH Online, that Ikwechegh, the defendant in the matter will be arraigned Wednesday by noon time before the court. The lawmaker went viral in a video on social media for allegedly assaulting the bolt driver. In the video, the lawmaker could be heard threatening the driver and assuring him that he could make him disappear without a trace. Details shortly…

How I Balance Motherhood, Career – Tiwa Savage

  Afrobeat singer Tiwa Savage has revealed the challenges that come with being a single mother in the entertainment industry, acknowledging the importance of support in her life. During a recent interview on the Big Friday Show, hosted by BBNaija alumnus Tacha, Tiwa spoke about her forthcoming new album, creative process, and journey as a mother. Speaking on mothering her son Jamil, she emphasised how important her mother is and how other people in her corner help her. “It takes a village, raising my son as a single mum. I always need my mum. I call on my mum, she’s very instrumental, and we have a nanny that has been with us since he was three months old, and he’s nine now, so she has been with us for nine years,” she said. She also mentioned her son’s godmothers, who help out when she travels for work. Tiwa noted that being a mother doesn’t stop when kids become adults. “I look at my mum, and she still mothers me at this age. She still calls to ask if I’ve eaten and tells me to drink lots of water and rest. When she sees things online, she still worries about me at my big age. Our jobs don’t end.” Tiwa celebrated women’s ability to multitask, balancing full-time motherhood and career responsibilities. “And for me, I think as women we can juggle lots of things at once; that’s our superpower. I can literally be a full-time mum and a full-time career woman.”   The Nation

Police Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Recover AK-47 Riffle, Ammunition

  Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to Unity Division foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt on Monday at the Neke-Uno axis of the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road. The suspects, according to Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu State police spokesman in statement said after an intense gun duel, fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning one AK-47 rifle, two magazines containing a total of twenty-two (22) rounds, and a chain of thirty-nine (39) live ammunition. He said “Further operations to hunt down the fleeing suspects the same night, led to a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, reportedly kidnapped on October 26, 2024, escaping from his abductors’ custody. “The Command refutes viral reports alleging the kidnapping of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer travelling from Benue State along this route, clarifying that no such incident has been recorded anywhere in Enugu State. Additionally, claims suggesting the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road is unsafe for travellers are unfounded and the product of scaremongering, which should be disregarded. “Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the deployment of additional personnel and resources to bolster both overt and covert police operations along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, reassuring the public of security and safety on the road and across the State.

JUST IN: Senate Begins Screening Of New Ministers

  The Senate has begun the screening of would-be ministers submitted to it by the President, Bola Tinubu. The exercise began with the screening of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, from Plateau State. Yilwatda, who was a nominee for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was also a former Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Presiding over plenary, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, sought the Chamber’s permission (in the absence of questions from Lawmakers) for the nominee to “take a bow and go.” After which the nominee was excused from the chamber   Details Later …   INDEPENDENTNG