ENUGU—Police in Enugu State have commenced investigation into alleged theft of a two-year-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Nkwegwu, residents of Orie Engine, Umumba-Ndiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The victim, Chinemere Nkwegwu, was stolen in their house by yet-to-be identified persons on July 30 at about 3.15p.m.
Mother of the baby said: “I left him at the balcony of their room to get water for his bath within the compound.
“On getting back, I could not find the baby where I left him. I conducted a thorough search within the compound, to no avail. We have made several efforts at finding the baby which, at this point, have not yielded fruits.”
Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident, lamenting that theft of babies was an emerging trend, assuring the parents of speedy investigation to recover the stolen baby.
Wednesday, 12 August 2015
Ooni for burial on Friday
Following the formal announcement of the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, by the Ife Royal Traditional Council, the first son of the late monarch, Prince Adetokunbo Sijuwade, has said the remains of the Ooni will be buried on Friday.
The prince said this during a meeting with Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Government House, Osogbo on Wednesday.
Tokunbo and one of his siblings, Princess Aderounmu Fadeyi, accompanied the chiefs to meet with Aregbesola at the Government House, Osogbo, where they made the official announcement of the transition of the Ooni.
The chiefs were led to the meeting with the governor by the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola and the Obalufe of Iremo, Oba Solomon Omisakin.
Tokunbo said, “We are here to tell you that Baba (Oba Sijuwade) is gone. His body will arrive tomorrow (Thursday) and will be buried on Friday by 10am.”
Singing dirges, the Obalufe announced that the monarch had “joined his ancestors” as he broke the news.
In an emotional laden voice, Oba Omisakin, said it was sad that the monarch had left the world to be with his forefathers.
Trying to defend the rebuttal of the chiefs since the demise of the monarch on July 28 in a London hospital, Omisakin said there were procedures to be followed in announcing the death of a monarch of the calibre of the departed Ooni.
He said, “Baba has gone to be with his ancestors. We have our ways of saying different things in the palace. For example, you cannot say the oba is drinking water when he is doing that in the actual sense. There is a way to say that.
“If the oba is sleeping, you cannot say it that way, we also have a way of saying it. We have different ways of saying things.
“He was a great philanthropist and we will all miss him sorely.”
Oba Ijaodola thanked the governor and the people of the state, adding that they were happy that the Ooni lived a good live and would be missed by virtually all those who came across him while alive.
Aregbesola, who commiserated with the family and chiefs of Ife, said the Ooni did not die but had gone to join his ancestors.
The governor said that death was not the end of human existence according to the Yoruba belief but a transition to another realm.
Aregbesola eulogised the late monarch, saying he was a promoter of peace and that he did well to promote Yoruba culture and tradition.
The governor, who had during the special sitting of the House of Assembly, said that the late monarch sent him a text message before he travelled out, opened up on the content of the text message.
Reading out the message, which he said the Ooni sent to him on Thursday, July 23, the governor said, “Your Excellency, I ‘m still not feeling too good, so, I am travelling abroad for further medical attention this week. I place you and your government under God’s continuous guidance.”
He said Ooni’s death was a great loss to the state and the Yoruba race but stressed that the “Ooni was not dead” because it was a taboo to say the monarch was dead in Yoruba land.
It was gathered that the departed monarch would be buried beside his predecessor, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, in a mausoleum inside the palace.
A reliable palace source disclosed to our correspondents that the tomb had been prepared in readiness for the burial, which would be done in secret.
It was also gathered that some of the family members of the departed monarch had moved to his residence along Ife-Ede road, near the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Some others have moved to various residences of the monarch in Ife town.
One of our correspondents learnt that an interdenominational service would be held for the monarch on Friday inside the palace.
“The interdenominational service is for Yoruba sons and daughters from every walk of life to come and bid our revered monarch goodbye,” the source, who is an Ife chief, said.
The prince said this during a meeting with Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Government House, Osogbo on Wednesday.
Tokunbo and one of his siblings, Princess Aderounmu Fadeyi, accompanied the chiefs to meet with Aregbesola at the Government House, Osogbo, where they made the official announcement of the transition of the Ooni.
The chiefs were led to the meeting with the governor by the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola and the Obalufe of Iremo, Oba Solomon Omisakin.
Tokunbo said, “We are here to tell you that Baba (Oba Sijuwade) is gone. His body will arrive tomorrow (Thursday) and will be buried on Friday by 10am.”
Singing dirges, the Obalufe announced that the monarch had “joined his ancestors” as he broke the news.
In an emotional laden voice, Oba Omisakin, said it was sad that the monarch had left the world to be with his forefathers.
Trying to defend the rebuttal of the chiefs since the demise of the monarch on July 28 in a London hospital, Omisakin said there were procedures to be followed in announcing the death of a monarch of the calibre of the departed Ooni.
He said, “Baba has gone to be with his ancestors. We have our ways of saying different things in the palace. For example, you cannot say the oba is drinking water when he is doing that in the actual sense. There is a way to say that.
“If the oba is sleeping, you cannot say it that way, we also have a way of saying it. We have different ways of saying things.
“He was a great philanthropist and we will all miss him sorely.”
Oba Ijaodola thanked the governor and the people of the state, adding that they were happy that the Ooni lived a good live and would be missed by virtually all those who came across him while alive.
Aregbesola, who commiserated with the family and chiefs of Ife, said the Ooni did not die but had gone to join his ancestors.
The governor said that death was not the end of human existence according to the Yoruba belief but a transition to another realm.
Aregbesola eulogised the late monarch, saying he was a promoter of peace and that he did well to promote Yoruba culture and tradition.
The governor, who had during the special sitting of the House of Assembly, said that the late monarch sent him a text message before he travelled out, opened up on the content of the text message.
Reading out the message, which he said the Ooni sent to him on Thursday, July 23, the governor said, “Your Excellency, I ‘m still not feeling too good, so, I am travelling abroad for further medical attention this week. I place you and your government under God’s continuous guidance.”
He said Ooni’s death was a great loss to the state and the Yoruba race but stressed that the “Ooni was not dead” because it was a taboo to say the monarch was dead in Yoruba land.
It was gathered that the departed monarch would be buried beside his predecessor, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, in a mausoleum inside the palace.
A reliable palace source disclosed to our correspondents that the tomb had been prepared in readiness for the burial, which would be done in secret.
It was also gathered that some of the family members of the departed monarch had moved to his residence along Ife-Ede road, near the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Some others have moved to various residences of the monarch in Ife town.
One of our correspondents learnt that an interdenominational service would be held for the monarch on Friday inside the palace.
“The interdenominational service is for Yoruba sons and daughters from every walk of life to come and bid our revered monarch goodbye,” the source, who is an Ife chief, said.
Bribery: EFCC recommends Yobe gov, Gaidam’s ADC’s trial
The Yobe State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday admitted the Economic and Financial Crime Commission’s report of investigation into the allegation that the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abu Zarma, was bribed by Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, in the wake of the April 11, 2015 election.
EFCC’s investigator, Christopher Odofin, told the tribunal on Wednesday that though, his team’s investigation had yet to be completed, it had been discovered that Gaidam’s Aide-de-Camp, Zakari Deba, actually paid N15m into Zarma’s account but that the REC instructed his bank to reverse the transactions.
Odofin said part of the recommendations, which the commission had reached was that Deba, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, should be prosecuted.
The Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate in the state, Adamu Waziri, had filed their petition before the Justice Mojisola Dada-led tribunal, seeking the nullification of the April 11 poll, which they alleged was marred by electoral malpractices and corrupt practices.
The petitioners had alleged and tendered exhibits of how N15m was allegedly lodged in two tranches by Gaidam’s Aide-de-Camp, Zakari Deba, into Zarma’s account with Diamond and Zenith banks.
Odofin, an investigating officer attached to the Economic Governance Team 7 of the EFCC, told the three-man panel that the N15m was actually lodged into Zarma’s two accounts with Zenith and Diamond banks, but that the lodgments were reversed some days later, when the REC protested.
Odofin appeared before the tribunal in response to a subpoena directed at the EFCC Secretary, Emmanuel Aremo.
The EFCC investigator, who said he was part of the investigating team handling the case, said though the exercise had not been concluded, the team had made substantial discoveries and had also made some recommendations.
He said his team discovered that on April 8, three days to the April 11, 2015 governorship election, Deba (Gaidam’s ADC and the fifth respondent to the election petition) caused a Diamond Bank’s Assistant Branch Manager (Damaturu), Bamaji Mohammed Kukawa to pay N7m and N8m into Zarma’s accounts with Diamond and Zenith Banks respectively.
Odofin added that on April 9, Zarma complained to both banks, in writing, that wrong deposits were made into his accounts, to which the banks’ management’s asked him to issue cheques in the amounts deposited, to enable them to reverse the transactions.
He said their investigation also revealed that Zarma equally wrote, on April 29 to the Chairman of INEC, complaining about the strange cash deposits into his accounts.
“From our investigation so far, we found that there was clear and concerted attempt by Deba and Kukawa to financially induce Zarma to get favour.
“We recommend that Deba and Kukawa be prosecuted for attempting to bribe Zarma,” he added.
Odofin said the conclusion and recommendations contained in the report were based on their findings to far.
He said the investigators did not recommend Zarma for prosecution.
The tribunal adjourned till Thursday for further proceedings.
EFCC’s investigator, Christopher Odofin, told the tribunal on Wednesday that though, his team’s investigation had yet to be completed, it had been discovered that Gaidam’s Aide-de-Camp, Zakari Deba, actually paid N15m into Zarma’s account but that the REC instructed his bank to reverse the transactions.
Odofin said part of the recommendations, which the commission had reached was that Deba, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, should be prosecuted.
The Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate in the state, Adamu Waziri, had filed their petition before the Justice Mojisola Dada-led tribunal, seeking the nullification of the April 11 poll, which they alleged was marred by electoral malpractices and corrupt practices.
The petitioners had alleged and tendered exhibits of how N15m was allegedly lodged in two tranches by Gaidam’s Aide-de-Camp, Zakari Deba, into Zarma’s account with Diamond and Zenith banks.
Odofin, an investigating officer attached to the Economic Governance Team 7 of the EFCC, told the three-man panel that the N15m was actually lodged into Zarma’s two accounts with Zenith and Diamond banks, but that the lodgments were reversed some days later, when the REC protested.
Odofin appeared before the tribunal in response to a subpoena directed at the EFCC Secretary, Emmanuel Aremo.
The EFCC investigator, who said he was part of the investigating team handling the case, said though the exercise had not been concluded, the team had made substantial discoveries and had also made some recommendations.
He said his team discovered that on April 8, three days to the April 11, 2015 governorship election, Deba (Gaidam’s ADC and the fifth respondent to the election petition) caused a Diamond Bank’s Assistant Branch Manager (Damaturu), Bamaji Mohammed Kukawa to pay N7m and N8m into Zarma’s accounts with Diamond and Zenith Banks respectively.
Odofin added that on April 9, Zarma complained to both banks, in writing, that wrong deposits were made into his accounts, to which the banks’ management’s asked him to issue cheques in the amounts deposited, to enable them to reverse the transactions.
He said their investigation also revealed that Zarma equally wrote, on April 29 to the Chairman of INEC, complaining about the strange cash deposits into his accounts.
“From our investigation so far, we found that there was clear and concerted attempt by Deba and Kukawa to financially induce Zarma to get favour.
“We recommend that Deba and Kukawa be prosecuted for attempting to bribe Zarma,” he added.
Odofin said the conclusion and recommendations contained in the report were based on their findings to far.
He said the investigators did not recommend Zarma for prosecution.
The tribunal adjourned till Thursday for further proceedings.
6 suicide bombers arrested as insurgents kill 6, abduct 4 women in Borno
By Ndahi Marama
MAIDUGURI — NO fewer than six people were killed on Tuesday evening, while four women were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents, who invaded Bale Mamman village, near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
This came as six suspected suicide bombers were, yesterday, arrested by members of the civilian JTF and paraded at Sector 4 located at Milk Shop in Maiduguri.
Bale Mamman village is Shuwa Arab and herdsmen community located on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the state capital.
Although there was no official confirmation from the Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderemi Opadokun, as his phone lines were not reachable at press time, many residents of Maiduguri metropolis could not sleep on Tuesday night, following the sounds of gunfire from the affected area.
A reliable security source, who is not authorised to speak to the press, said: “The notorious and acclaimed Islamic militants (Boko Haram) stormed a remote village of Bale Mamman, in the outskirts of Maiduguri last night (Tuesday night) in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, killing six civilians and succeeded in abducting four women.”
A resident of the area, who fled to Maiduguri but did not want his name in print for security reason, said the terrorists came at about 6:30p.m. and killed six people before abducting four women.
Another resident, who simply gave his name as Ali Bale, said: “We fled into bushes last night (Tuesday) when we heard sporadic gunshots targeting anybody on sight.
“Unfortunately, when we came back this morning (yesterday), we discovered that all our cattle, rams and foodstuffs were looted by the attackers.”
A local vigilante, Abba Kolomi, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the terrorists killed four men and two children, abducted some women and carted away many cattle, rams and foodstuffs.
Meanwhile, the arrest of the six suspected suicide bombers in Maiduguri, is coming less than 48 hours after suicide bombers attacked Sabon Gari Market in Damboa Local Government Area, killing dozens and barely 12 hours after local vigilante in Damboa reported threat letters warning of more attacks found at the scene of the blasts.
The latest arrest of the suspects, according to sources, took place in the evening as traders and buyers were rushing home after the close of business.
A member of the civilian JTF at the milk shop in Maiduguri, Umar Hassan, told Vanguard that the suspects hid improvise explosive devices, IEDs, under the basket they used for hawking medicine.
MAIDUGURI — NO fewer than six people were killed on Tuesday evening, while four women were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents, who invaded Bale Mamman village, near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
This came as six suspected suicide bombers were, yesterday, arrested by members of the civilian JTF and paraded at Sector 4 located at Milk Shop in Maiduguri.
Bale Mamman village is Shuwa Arab and herdsmen community located on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the state capital.
Although there was no official confirmation from the Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderemi Opadokun, as his phone lines were not reachable at press time, many residents of Maiduguri metropolis could not sleep on Tuesday night, following the sounds of gunfire from the affected area.
A reliable security source, who is not authorised to speak to the press, said: “The notorious and acclaimed Islamic militants (Boko Haram) stormed a remote village of Bale Mamman, in the outskirts of Maiduguri last night (Tuesday night) in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, killing six civilians and succeeded in abducting four women.”
A resident of the area, who fled to Maiduguri but did not want his name in print for security reason, said the terrorists came at about 6:30p.m. and killed six people before abducting four women.
Another resident, who simply gave his name as Ali Bale, said: “We fled into bushes last night (Tuesday) when we heard sporadic gunshots targeting anybody on sight.
“Unfortunately, when we came back this morning (yesterday), we discovered that all our cattle, rams and foodstuffs were looted by the attackers.”
A local vigilante, Abba Kolomi, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the terrorists killed four men and two children, abducted some women and carted away many cattle, rams and foodstuffs.
Meanwhile, the arrest of the six suspected suicide bombers in Maiduguri, is coming less than 48 hours after suicide bombers attacked Sabon Gari Market in Damboa Local Government Area, killing dozens and barely 12 hours after local vigilante in Damboa reported threat letters warning of more attacks found at the scene of the blasts.
The latest arrest of the suspects, according to sources, took place in the evening as traders and buyers were rushing home after the close of business.
A member of the civilian JTF at the milk shop in Maiduguri, Umar Hassan, told Vanguard that the suspects hid improvise explosive devices, IEDs, under the basket they used for hawking medicine.
Three killed in Third Mainland helicopter crash
According to an eyewitness, the aircraft marked 5NBGD was said to be coming from one of the oil rigs in Escravos area of the Niger Delta and was said to be heading for Lagos Island when it went down around 3.p.m.
According to reports, three of those on board were confirmed dead while four wounded ones were moved to the nearby Gbagada General Hospital.
NEMA-officials-in-rescue-efforts-at-helicopter-crash-scene
The crash was said to have occurred at the back of Oworonsoki Police station after a loud bang was heard from the helicopter.
First respondents, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, its Lagos state counterparts, LASEMA, and policemen are said to have embarked on rescue operations.
According to the Divisional Police Office, DPO, Oworonshoki, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Chijioke Nduka, who led officers to the scene to rescue victims, there was a loud sound from the aircraft before the crash. He said more officers including the Area Commander Ikeja Command, were at the scene assisting operatives of NEMA in the rescue operations.
To make rescue operations easier, routes to the site of the crash had been cordoned off hence gridlock on the Third Mainland.
Buhari mourns Ooni of Ife
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President extended condolences to the late Ooni’s family, his friends, associates and subjects, as well as the government and people of Osun State on the departure of the first class monarch.
Buhari said the traditional ruler would be remembered for his worthy service and invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people.
He urged the late monarch’s family, friends, associates and subjects to be consoled by the knowledge that he lived a very fulfilled life, and has left worthy legacies for his successors to build upon.
The statement read in part, “The President joins them (his family, friends and associates) in mourning the revered traditional ruler who will be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy service, over more than three decades, as the Chief Custodian of the traditions of the Yorubas and his invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people within and outside Nigeria.
“President Buhari believes that Oba Sijuwade’s place in posterity has already been assured by his long and worthy service to his people and country as well as his notable contributions to the development of his community, state and country as a leading businessman, administrator and inspirational traditional ruler.
“As they mourn his passing, President Buhari urges the Ooni’s family, friends, associates and subjects to be consoled by the knowledge that he lived a very fulfilled life, and has left worthy legacies for his successors to build upon.
“He prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn Oba Sijuwade and bring forth a worthy successor to take his place on the ancient throne of Ile-Ife.”
Brothers MI, Jesse Jagz to set Benin on fire
Multi-talented musicians and siblings, MI Abaga and Jesse Jagz will be performing at the Star Music Trek concert scheduled to hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin on Saturday, August 15th 2015.
The two Choc Boi Nation artistes will make a rare joint appearance on-stage at the concert tagged #BeninRocks alongside artistes such as Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Sheyi Shay, DJ Neptune, DJ Switch and hometown girl Cynthia Morgan.
This will only be the second time since their much-publicised reunion that the Jos-born brothers will perform together onstage.
Speaking on the upcoming concert tagged #BeninRocks! MI Remarked, “I can’t wait to get in front of the crowd in Benin City and show them what I have for them.
It’s going to be a party”. Following BeninRocks! The 2015 Star Music Trek will berth in Ibadan on August 22 and finally Lagos on August 29.
Wizkid, Davido set for September album release
Nigeria’s award winning pop stars, Wizkid and Davido will be releasing their albums in September. It’s clearly one of the most anticipated albums of 2015, partly because a perceived rivalry had been said to exist between the Ojuelegba crooner, Wizkid and the Aye sensationalist, Davido.
These young superstars will be releasing their respective albums next year. While Davido’s album will be called Baddest, Wizkid is yet to let the cat out of the bag, by unveiling the name of his anticipated album.
Recall that these duo in recent times have collaborated with international artistes in order to further strengthen their star power. Davido featured Meek Mill in the controversial Fans mi,while Wizkid featured Drake and Skepta in the remix of his Afrobeat tune Ojuelegba.
One of the reasons why the duo’s album release timing is generating a lot of attention is because both of them have huge following, and are said to be rivals and appeal to the same audience. The question on the lips of music pundits is this: :Whose album will rake in a lot of sales more?
OAU, banks close for Ooni’s burial rites
The monarch died in a hospital in the United Kingdom on July 28 but despite the media reports announcing the passage, the Ife Traditional Council had insisted that the monarch was alive.
However, the Head of the Oro Cult in Ife, who is also the Aware of Iwara Ife, Oba Layi Adereti, while speaking on the demise of the Ooni on Tuesday, said the worshippers of the deity would perform some rites on the passage of the Ooni on Wednesday.
Consequently, he urged residents to stay indoors between 9am and 4pm when the rite would last.
Some students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, living close to the heart of the town, told our correspondent that they would relocate to the campus till after the rites.
The management of the OAU has asked students who live on the campus to remain on the campus while it asked those living outside the campus to respect the tradition and stay indoors on Wednesday.
The university’s position was contained in a statement signed by the acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. I. M. Durosinmi, on Tuesday.
It reads, “This is to inform the generality of students that there shall be a curfew in Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 from 9am to 4pm and from 11pm till dawn.
“Students are therefore strongly advised to stay on campus while those outside the campus should remain indoors.
“The Division of the Students’ Affairs counts on the maturity and sense of responsibility of Great Ife students and appeals to all students to comply with the information and continue to keep the peace.”
Our correspondent observed on Tuesday that residents trooped to banks to withdraw money while some rushed to markets to buy foodstuffs.
Some banks in the town have also asked their workers to stay off work on Wednesday.
For instance, a worker at Access Bank in Ife told our correspondent that the bank had given its members of staff a holiday on Wednesday.
The official, who pleaded not to be named said, “We won’t open tomorrow (Wednesday) because of the rite which Ife chiefs said would be performed for the Ooni.
“We were asked to stay at home tomorrow (Wednesday) because of the rite by the Oro worshippers. We will resume on Thursday.”
It will be recalled that the Ooni was reported to have been flown out in an air ambulance following his illness but he died after receiving treatment for five days.
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