AT least five persons were killed on Wednesday in a
ghastly road accident in Port Harcourt, the Rivers
State capital when a Mercedes Benz 190 saloon car
collided with a Nissan car.
Two persons were also injured in the accident, which
took place at Rukpokrushi along Airport Road at
about 2.05pm.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Christian,
blamed the accident on over-speeding and
impatience on the part of the drivers of the vehicle.
Christian explained that there was no immediate
effort to rescue those involved in the accident as two
of the victims who were still alive eventually bled to
death.
"People watched when the accident happened; even
some security agents could not come to the rescue of
those that were seriously injure. At least two persons
would have survived the accident if people came
immediately to rescue them," he said.
Two persons that injured in the accident were taken
to a nearby hospital for treatment just as many
bystanders watched in the disbelief the lifeless
bodies of the victims.
The State Sector Commander of the Federal Road
Safety Commission, Dr. Kayode Olagunju, who
confirmed the incident, said a Mercedes Benz 190,
ash colour with Registration Number AG 783 GBB
and black Nissan vehicle with Registration Number
AJ 877 DEG were involved in the road crash.
"Five persons were killed and two others injured in a
road crash that occurred at Rukpokrushi along
Airport Road, Port Harcourt at about 2.05pm today
(Tuesday).
"Two vehicles were involved; a Mercedes Benz 190,
ash colour with Registration Number AG 783 GBB
and a black Nissan vehicle with Registration Number
AJ 877 DEG," the FRSC state sector commander said.
Though he did not say the reason for the crash,
Olagunju urged motorists to shun over-speeding and
always consider other road users when driving.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Boko Haram attacks heighten terrorism in Africa –US
United States has attributed the increase in terror
attacks in Africa to the activities of Islamic sect, Boko
Haram, in Nigeria.
It said Africa experienced 978 attacks in 2011, an
11.5 per cent increase over the previous year,
attributing this to the aggressive attacks of Boko
Haram, which it said conducted 136 attacks in 2011,
up from 31 in 2010.
In a global report on terrorism released on
Wednesday by the State Department's Coordinator
for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Dan Benjamin, the
US said attacks in 2011 were more than 10,000 in 70
countries, resulting in more than 12,500 deaths.
According to him, the victims of terrorist attacks
remain overwhelmingly Muslim.
He explained that majority of attacks occurred in
three countries – Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan,
which together accounted for 85 per cent of attacks
in these regions.
He explained that the figure was a drop of 12 per
cent from 2010.
Benjamin explained that the largest number of
reported attacks occurred in South Asia and the Near
East.
"More than 75 per cent of the world's attacks and
deaths occurred in these regions. Although it's worth
noting that both Afghanistan and Iraq saw declines in
the number of attacks from the previous year – 14
per cent in the case of Afghanistan, 16 per cent in
the case of Iraq," he said.
The ambassador said the United States was "very
concerned" about the activities of Boko Haram and
other groups, adding that it had been working to
address the issue of insecurity in northern Nigeria.
He said, "This is a top priority for the Department.
We're concerned about Boko Haram's activities.
We've been engaging with the Nigerian government
in particular at the highest levels to move them
towards greater engagement with communities that
are vulnerable to extremist violence by addressing
the underlying political and socio-economic problems
in the north."
On the move to designate Boko Haram as a Foreign
Terrorist organisation, Benjamin described it as a
"laborious process" which must be able to stand up
in court and takes a long time.
"I don't want to preview any designations or non-
designations beyond that. I will point out, though,
that we have designated, under Executive Order
13224, three leaders of Boko Haram. We did that
back on June 21,2012. And this allows us to focus on
those individuals who are most responsible for
violence, for threats against the U.S. and its citizens."
attacks in Africa to the activities of Islamic sect, Boko
Haram, in Nigeria.
It said Africa experienced 978 attacks in 2011, an
11.5 per cent increase over the previous year,
attributing this to the aggressive attacks of Boko
Haram, which it said conducted 136 attacks in 2011,
up from 31 in 2010.
In a global report on terrorism released on
Wednesday by the State Department's Coordinator
for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Dan Benjamin, the
US said attacks in 2011 were more than 10,000 in 70
countries, resulting in more than 12,500 deaths.
According to him, the victims of terrorist attacks
remain overwhelmingly Muslim.
He explained that majority of attacks occurred in
three countries – Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan,
which together accounted for 85 per cent of attacks
in these regions.
He explained that the figure was a drop of 12 per
cent from 2010.
Benjamin explained that the largest number of
reported attacks occurred in South Asia and the Near
East.
"More than 75 per cent of the world's attacks and
deaths occurred in these regions. Although it's worth
noting that both Afghanistan and Iraq saw declines in
the number of attacks from the previous year – 14
per cent in the case of Afghanistan, 16 per cent in
the case of Iraq," he said.
The ambassador said the United States was "very
concerned" about the activities of Boko Haram and
other groups, adding that it had been working to
address the issue of insecurity in northern Nigeria.
He said, "This is a top priority for the Department.
We're concerned about Boko Haram's activities.
We've been engaging with the Nigerian government
in particular at the highest levels to move them
towards greater engagement with communities that
are vulnerable to extremist violence by addressing
the underlying political and socio-economic problems
in the north."
On the move to designate Boko Haram as a Foreign
Terrorist organisation, Benjamin described it as a
"laborious process" which must be able to stand up
in court and takes a long time.
"I don't want to preview any designations or non-
designations beyond that. I will point out, though,
that we have designated, under Executive Order
13224, three leaders of Boko Haram. We did that
back on June 21,2012. And this allows us to focus on
those individuals who are most responsible for
violence, for threats against the U.S. and its citizens."
Van Persie has ‘signed’ for Juventus – Italian agent
forward Robin
van Persie has
already signed
a contract with
Juventus,
according to a
bizarre claim
by FIFA agent
Fabio Parisi,
who is based in
Milan and
represents the
Nigerian
defender Tayo
Taiwo.
Parisi is of a mind that the Italian champions have
agreed a deal with the Dutch forward "for some
time" despite his contract with Arsenal not due to
expire until next summer.
Juventus, Manchester United and Manchester City
have been heavily linked with a move for the 28-
year-old Euro 2012 forward.
Amid reports that Juventus will try to sign City
forward Edin Dzeko if they fail to land Van Persie,
Parisi told an Italian television station, "I think
Juventus have had a signed contract with Van Persie
for some time locked away in a notary's desk.
"It is just my opinion, but I think there's an eight out
of 10 chance the Dutchman will join the Bianconeri.
"Juventus want to win and he is considered the ideal
addition to achieve that. I don't think Edin Dzeko is
the right player for the Bianconeri."
One injured as three-storey building collapses in Lagos
An unidentified woman sustained injuries after a
three-storey residential building at 3, Anikantamo
Street, Lagos Island, collapsed on Wednesday.
Our correspondent learnt that the building, which is
said to be about 10 years old, houses over 30 people.
One of the occupants of the building, Gabriel Areo,
said they were warned by officials of the state
government in 2011 of the imminent collapse but
the landlord promised to renovate it.
He said, "In 2011, some government officials came to
the house and gave a warning that the building
might collapse. The landlord promised that he would
renovate the building and even collected two years
rent from us. He however did not keep his promise.
"In the morning, I just went out briefly and by the
time I came back, I just saw that the building had
collapsed. I thank God that no one died but I've lost
most of my belongings."
Officials of the National Emergency Management
Agency and the Lagos State Emergency Agency as
well as policemen immediately rushed to the scene.
The Public Relations Officer, NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim
Farinloye, said rescue operations had ended and that
the injured woman was responding to treatment.
"The occupants of the house are being assisted to
retrieve their belongings while the next building to
the collapsed one will be demolished to guard
against further threat," he said.
Another resident, Godwin Onasanya, a printer, said
he had over N400, 000 deposited in his room meant
for customers' jobs.
"I had N400, 345 in my room and now that the
building has collapsed, I don't even know what to do
next. I will not go anywhere, I'll wait until all the
rubble have been excavated because I cannot allow
anybody make away with all my money," he said.
three-storey residential building at 3, Anikantamo
Street, Lagos Island, collapsed on Wednesday.
Our correspondent learnt that the building, which is
said to be about 10 years old, houses over 30 people.
One of the occupants of the building, Gabriel Areo,
said they were warned by officials of the state
government in 2011 of the imminent collapse but
the landlord promised to renovate it.
He said, "In 2011, some government officials came to
the house and gave a warning that the building
might collapse. The landlord promised that he would
renovate the building and even collected two years
rent from us. He however did not keep his promise.
"In the morning, I just went out briefly and by the
time I came back, I just saw that the building had
collapsed. I thank God that no one died but I've lost
most of my belongings."
Officials of the National Emergency Management
Agency and the Lagos State Emergency Agency as
well as policemen immediately rushed to the scene.
The Public Relations Officer, NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim
Farinloye, said rescue operations had ended and that
the injured woman was responding to treatment.
"The occupants of the house are being assisted to
retrieve their belongings while the next building to
the collapsed one will be demolished to guard
against further threat," he said.
Another resident, Godwin Onasanya, a printer, said
he had over N400, 000 deposited in his room meant
for customers' jobs.
"I had N400, 345 in my room and now that the
building has collapsed, I don't even know what to do
next. I will not go anywhere, I'll wait until all the
rubble have been excavated because I cannot allow
anybody make away with all my money," he said.
Money ritual: Islamic clerics extort N30m from businessman
arrested two Islamic clerics, Fatai Bamidele and
Lateef Ahmed, for allegedly obtaining N30m from
Lawal Sulaiman, a Lagos-based businessman, under
false pretence.
Police authorities said the suspects obtained the
money from Sulaiman with a promise to perform
ritual to make him wealthy and invincible.
Sulaiman said he was hypnotised and held in
captivity for three months by Ahmed in Kwara State.
He denied approaching the clerics for money ritual,
saying he only sought protection from evil forces.
He said, "I supply fireworks and Bamidele's shop is
very close to mine. I've known him for years and I
trusted him to the extent that I discuss my personal
problems with him.
"One day, he told me that he had a bad dream about
me and that I would need special prayers. He said I
would need to buy a ram and 40 Qurans for 40
Imams who would pray over the matter. I paid N125,
000 into his bank account to facilitate it.
"After the prayers, he said a superior Imam in Kwara
State needed me to come down to Ilorin to eat the
heart of the ram. Initially, I was reluctant but he told
me it was a matter of life and death. So, I went."
The 31-year-old victim said when he arrived Ilorin, he
met Ahmed who gave him the heart of the ram to
eat.
He said after eating it, Ahmed showed him some
charms and objects and told him to keep what
transpired between them secret.
Sulaiman said, "After I ate the ram's heart, Ahmed
showed me the charms and other objects. I lost my
senses
"I came back to Lagos and on several occasions, I
gave them different sums of money. Sometimes, I
would pay cash, some other times, I would pay into
their accounts."
Sulaiman said when he became broke, he
complained to Bamidele about his finances but he
advised him to return to Ilorin and talk to Ahmed.
He said the major chunk of the money he gave to the
suspects were deposits made by his customers
Sulaiman said, "On getting to Ahmed's place, I
remained there for three months. He kept on
controlling me and I wasn't myself. Sometimes, he
would put my phone on private number and tell me
to call my relatives and tell them not to look for me
as I was abroad.
"He continued to extort money from me until one day
when he told me to go back to Lagos to bring more
money. When I returned to Lagos, I became myself. I
called the two suspects, recorded our conversations
and then reported to the police."
The suspects however said they collected N10m from
Sulaiman and not N30m.
Ahmed, 45, said, "Sulaiman told me he wanted to be
rich and wanted his creditors to forget his debts.
"I informed him that there are two types of money
rituals. There's the one that a ghost will bring money
at once and there's another one that he will be
getting the money daily. Sulaiman said he wanted
the latter and gave me N10m as a gift.
"I did not abduct him. He was hiding because he said
he owed people. The ritual takes a year to perform
and it would have ended in October if not for my
arrest."
Bamidele, who accused Sulaiman of greed, said his
share of the money was N2.5m.
"After I did the first set of prayers for him, he said he
wanted to become very rich. That was when I referred
him to Ahmed. Nobody defrauded him. It was all a
gift," he said.
The Commissioner of Police for the command, Mr.
Ayotunde Ogunsakin, who confirmed the incident,
said the suspects used the money to buy expensive
cars and renovate Ahmed's building in Ilorin.
He said, "During investigations, it was discovered
that out of the N10m, Ahmed gave Bamidele N2.5m
while he kept N7.5m.
"Bamidele bought a Nissan Infinity Sports Utility at
N1m, while his accomplice bought a Ford SUV at
N1.4m and used the remainder to renovate his
house. They will soon be charged to court."
Ogunsakin added that one of Sulaiman's creditors
had written a petition to the SFU.
"The petitioner alleged that Sulaiman collected
goods worth N13.2m but had not paid him since
October 11, 2011," he said.
Policeman protests towing of car, shoots at LASTMA office
A policeman, Solomon Awodogan, on Wednesday
allegedly shot indiscriminately at the Iponri office of
the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to
protest the towing of his vehicle by the agency's
officials.
PUNCH Metro learnt that LASTMA officials had towed
the vehicle after it was parked on the Bus Rapid
Transit lane.
The General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Babatunde Edu,
said after the shooting, the policeman got itno his
vehicle and sped off.
Edu said, "The policeman reportedly stormed the
Iponri office of LASTMA, shot sporadically and forcibly
ran away with his apprehended vehicle. The red
Mercedes Benz with number plate JV 23KJA was
apprehended at Oyingbo for parking on the BRT
dedicated lane, thereby violating the BRT traffic law.
"The owner of the vehicle deliberately parked on the
dedicated lane without recourse for the established
law as it became an impediment for BRT buses to
move on the lane. This led to the towing of the
vehicle. The Mercedes Benz was booked in
accordance with Lagos State Traffic Management
Regulation law.
"The suspect, who later traced the vehicle to the
Iponri office of the agency, wore a cream top on his
police trousers and started shooting into the air
indiscriminately to scare away the officers and the
security men on duty and succeeded in taking away
the vehicle from the yard."
Edu expressed disappointment that a law
enforcement agent could break the law with
impunity, adding that such acts of indiscipline could
lead to the breakdown of law and order.
Edu said the policeman, whose address was traced to
10, Abolade Street, Mushin through the aid of the
auto inspector computer software, would be
sanctioned accordingly so as to serve as a deterrent
to others.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the State
Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said she was unaware
of the incident but promised to find out.
allegedly shot indiscriminately at the Iponri office of
the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to
protest the towing of his vehicle by the agency's
officials.
PUNCH Metro learnt that LASTMA officials had towed
the vehicle after it was parked on the Bus Rapid
Transit lane.
The General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Babatunde Edu,
said after the shooting, the policeman got itno his
vehicle and sped off.
Edu said, "The policeman reportedly stormed the
Iponri office of LASTMA, shot sporadically and forcibly
ran away with his apprehended vehicle. The red
Mercedes Benz with number plate JV 23KJA was
apprehended at Oyingbo for parking on the BRT
dedicated lane, thereby violating the BRT traffic law.
"The owner of the vehicle deliberately parked on the
dedicated lane without recourse for the established
law as it became an impediment for BRT buses to
move on the lane. This led to the towing of the
vehicle. The Mercedes Benz was booked in
accordance with Lagos State Traffic Management
Regulation law.
"The suspect, who later traced the vehicle to the
Iponri office of the agency, wore a cream top on his
police trousers and started shooting into the air
indiscriminately to scare away the officers and the
security men on duty and succeeded in taking away
the vehicle from the yard."
Edu expressed disappointment that a law
enforcement agent could break the law with
impunity, adding that such acts of indiscipline could
lead to the breakdown of law and order.
Edu said the policeman, whose address was traced to
10, Abolade Street, Mushin through the aid of the
auto inspector computer software, would be
sanctioned accordingly so as to serve as a deterrent
to others.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the State
Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said she was unaware
of the incident but promised to find out.
Subsidy scam suspect denied bail over‘criminal history’
One of the suspects of fuel subsidy fraud, Oluwaseun
Ogunbambo, was on Wednesday refused bail by a
Lagos High Court in Ikeja due to his history of
unresolved criminal allegations and his multiple
identity.
Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo ordered that Ogunbambo
be remanded in Ikoyi Prisons pending the
determination of the case. He said the trial would be
given an accelerated hearing.
Onigbanjo said the evidence adduced by counsel for
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
Messrs Rotimi Jacobs and Mr. Francis Usali, was
sufficient enough to deny the bail.
Onigbanjo said the most compelling grounds for
refusing the bail were "his multiple identity and his
propensity to get multiple passports each time one
was seized."
The court also hinged the decision to deny him bail
on "previous and unresolved criminal allegations".
Onigbanjo said the suspect's criminal history had
"cast a huge question" and doubt on his claim that
he would not "take flight" and be available to attend
trial.
Jacobs, while urging the court to refuse the bail, said
Ogunbambo had a criminal record of obtaining
separate loans of N230m and N430m from Stanbic
IBTC Plc in 2010 with forged document.
Jacobs said Nigerian and British passports were
seized from him in 2010 when he was granted
administrative bail during his investigation for the
alleged crime.
"He was invited and released on bail but jumped bail
and that has stalled the trial since 2010," Jacobs
said.
Meanwhile, Ogunbambo's counsel, Mr. Babajide
Koku, had asked the judge to grant bail to his client,
promising that the accused person's passport would
be deposited with the court.
But Jacobs rejected the argument on the grounds
that seizure of the accused person's passport was no
longer sufficient to guarantee his attendance to trial.
He said, "The EFCC is still in custody of his two
passports – British and Nigerian – but he is still
travelling out the country.
"Even if he deposits a passport with this court, this
will not guarantee his presence because he will go
and get another one.
"He uses different names and changes names as he
likes.
"In the UK passport his name is Benson Oladayo
Adetokunbo Shobowale. But in this case, he is
Oluwaseun Ogunbambo."
Apart from using forged documents to obtain loans
from the Stanbic Bank, Ogunbambo was also said to
have been caught with cash at an Irish airport, a
matter which he said was still under investigation.
Ogunbambo, was on Wednesday refused bail by a
Lagos High Court in Ikeja due to his history of
unresolved criminal allegations and his multiple
identity.
Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo ordered that Ogunbambo
be remanded in Ikoyi Prisons pending the
determination of the case. He said the trial would be
given an accelerated hearing.
Onigbanjo said the evidence adduced by counsel for
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
Messrs Rotimi Jacobs and Mr. Francis Usali, was
sufficient enough to deny the bail.
Onigbanjo said the most compelling grounds for
refusing the bail were "his multiple identity and his
propensity to get multiple passports each time one
was seized."
The court also hinged the decision to deny him bail
on "previous and unresolved criminal allegations".
Onigbanjo said the suspect's criminal history had
"cast a huge question" and doubt on his claim that
he would not "take flight" and be available to attend
trial.
Jacobs, while urging the court to refuse the bail, said
Ogunbambo had a criminal record of obtaining
separate loans of N230m and N430m from Stanbic
IBTC Plc in 2010 with forged document.
Jacobs said Nigerian and British passports were
seized from him in 2010 when he was granted
administrative bail during his investigation for the
alleged crime.
"He was invited and released on bail but jumped bail
and that has stalled the trial since 2010," Jacobs
said.
Meanwhile, Ogunbambo's counsel, Mr. Babajide
Koku, had asked the judge to grant bail to his client,
promising that the accused person's passport would
be deposited with the court.
But Jacobs rejected the argument on the grounds
that seizure of the accused person's passport was no
longer sufficient to guarantee his attendance to trial.
He said, "The EFCC is still in custody of his two
passports – British and Nigerian – but he is still
travelling out the country.
"Even if he deposits a passport with this court, this
will not guarantee his presence because he will go
and get another one.
"He uses different names and changes names as he
likes.
"In the UK passport his name is Benson Oladayo
Adetokunbo Shobowale. But in this case, he is
Oluwaseun Ogunbambo."
Apart from using forged documents to obtain loans
from the Stanbic Bank, Ogunbambo was also said to
have been caught with cash at an Irish airport, a
matter which he said was still under investigation.
Directors flee as Oyo uncovers N2.6bn pension scam
Oyo State Government says it has uncovered a
pension fraud in its Local Government Service
Pensions Board totalling N2.6bn.
Chairman of the board, who is also Head of the Local
Government Service Commission, Chief Lasisi
Ayanjoko, said interim investigative report on the
account of the board between September 2010 and
March 2011, revealed the fraud.
"Ten civil servants were involved in the scam," he
said.
But he did not reveal the names of the indicted
suspects because of ongoing investigations.
Ayankojo said eight of the alleged perpetrators of the
fraud were being detained by the police, adding that
the two others had absconded.
He said, "Upon the receipt of the report of on the
account, the board met Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who
ordered that the board should get to the roots of the
scam immediately.
"The board discovered this fraud after complaints by
local government workers and retirees who claimed
that the government had not paid their pensions.
"When we received the complaints, we set up a
committee to look into the issue, but in the process
we found out that monies were indeed collected by
civil servant intermediaries working in the
commission and never remitted to the pensioners."
Ayankojo said the total amount of the money
involved in the scam was collected through cheques
made out in the names of the affected civil servants,
rather than being paid into their accounts.
Ayankojo said the two suspects who had absconded
were the then Executive Secretary and Director,
Finance and Administration of the board.
He alleged that between September, 2010 and
November 2010, the duo withdrew the sum of
N680.4m meant for pensioners from the local
government staff account.
He added that they also allegedly withdrew the sum
of N1.3bn from the teachers' account.
Ayankojo explained that the wanted officers,
alongside seven other top civil servants of the board
also collected the sum of N173.8m from the
pensioners' accounts between September 2010 and
March 2011.
pension fraud in its Local Government Service
Pensions Board totalling N2.6bn.
Chairman of the board, who is also Head of the Local
Government Service Commission, Chief Lasisi
Ayanjoko, said interim investigative report on the
account of the board between September 2010 and
March 2011, revealed the fraud.
"Ten civil servants were involved in the scam," he
said.
But he did not reveal the names of the indicted
suspects because of ongoing investigations.
Ayankojo said eight of the alleged perpetrators of the
fraud were being detained by the police, adding that
the two others had absconded.
He said, "Upon the receipt of the report of on the
account, the board met Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who
ordered that the board should get to the roots of the
scam immediately.
"The board discovered this fraud after complaints by
local government workers and retirees who claimed
that the government had not paid their pensions.
"When we received the complaints, we set up a
committee to look into the issue, but in the process
we found out that monies were indeed collected by
civil servant intermediaries working in the
commission and never remitted to the pensioners."
Ayankojo said the total amount of the money
involved in the scam was collected through cheques
made out in the names of the affected civil servants,
rather than being paid into their accounts.
Ayankojo said the two suspects who had absconded
were the then Executive Secretary and Director,
Finance and Administration of the board.
He alleged that between September, 2010 and
November 2010, the duo withdrew the sum of
N680.4m meant for pensioners from the local
government staff account.
He added that they also allegedly withdrew the sum
of N1.3bn from the teachers' account.
Ayankojo explained that the wanted officers,
alongside seven other top civil servants of the board
also collected the sum of N173.8m from the
pensioners' accounts between September 2010 and
March 2011.
Driver killed in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway robbery
An unidentified commercial bus driver was confirmed
dead while three passengers were critically injured
following a foiled robbery at Sapade Junction on the
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday.
Spokesman for the Ogun Police Command, Muyiwa
Adejobi, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the
driver died when 10 armed robbers, who had laid
ambush on the expressway, shot sporadically in a bid
to escape from the police.
Adejobi said policemen from Ishara Division swung
into action when alerted and were able to dislodge
the bandits who were armed with AK 47 riffles and
other sophisticated weapons.
He, however, said the Police Commissioner,
Ikemefuna Okoye, had given directive to fish out the
robbers who escaped with bullets wounds.
Adejobi said the police boss warned that the
command would not tolerate any incident of robbery
in the state.
Also speaking on the incident, Ogun Sector
Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr.
Ayobami Omiyale, said the commercial bus involved
in the incident was marked Lagos XZ 271 FKJ.
Omiyale said the white bus was heading to Ibadan
from Lagos when the incident occurred at about 10
am.
"The robbers shot sporadically at the driver and of
course, he swerved into the bush before he died,
leaving three of the passengers injured and in critical
condition," he said.
He said the rescue team of the FRSC responded on
time, took the victims to the hospital and control led
traffic on the busy expressway.
The FRSC boss said the body of the driver had been
deposited at the mortuary of Olabisi Onabanjo
Teaching Hospital, Sagamu where the injured were
also receiving treatment.
dead while three passengers were critically injured
following a foiled robbery at Sapade Junction on the
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday.
Spokesman for the Ogun Police Command, Muyiwa
Adejobi, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the
driver died when 10 armed robbers, who had laid
ambush on the expressway, shot sporadically in a bid
to escape from the police.
Adejobi said policemen from Ishara Division swung
into action when alerted and were able to dislodge
the bandits who were armed with AK 47 riffles and
other sophisticated weapons.
He, however, said the Police Commissioner,
Ikemefuna Okoye, had given directive to fish out the
robbers who escaped with bullets wounds.
Adejobi said the police boss warned that the
command would not tolerate any incident of robbery
in the state.
Also speaking on the incident, Ogun Sector
Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr.
Ayobami Omiyale, said the commercial bus involved
in the incident was marked Lagos XZ 271 FKJ.
Omiyale said the white bus was heading to Ibadan
from Lagos when the incident occurred at about 10
am.
"The robbers shot sporadically at the driver and of
course, he swerved into the bush before he died,
leaving three of the passengers injured and in critical
condition," he said.
He said the rescue team of the FRSC responded on
time, took the victims to the hospital and control led
traffic on the busy expressway.
The FRSC boss said the body of the driver had been
deposited at the mortuary of Olabisi Onabanjo
Teaching Hospital, Sagamu where the injured were
also receiving treatment.
Jonathan’s aide stands surety for subsidy fraud suspect
Intergovernmental Affairs, Mrs. Mariam Ali, has
volunteered to be the bail surety for one of the
suspects of fuel subsidy fraud, Christian Taylor.
Taylor was on July 26 arraigned along with Mahman
Ali, who is son of Mariam and a former Chairman of
the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmadu Ali.
Counsel for Taylor, Mr. Kolade Obafemi, said Mariam
had "prepared" to be the surety for the accused.
Taylor, who his lawyer said was a Sierra Leonean,
was on July 26 arraigned before the court and
granted bail on the condition that one of his sureties
must be his blood relation who was resident in Lagos.
But the defence urged the court to vary the condition
on the grounds that it would be difficult for him to
secure a blood relation that was resident in Lagos as
his surety.
Obafemi urged the court to accept Mariam, being "a
responsible Nigerian instead of Taylor's blood
relation", as the surety.
"The proposed surety, Dr. Mariam Ali is a responsible
Nigerian. She is the Special Assistant to the President
on Intergovernmental Affairs," he said.
The judge, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, however,
despite opposition to the application for bail
condition variation, accepted the defendant's
proposition of Mariam as a surety.
EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, had opposed the
proposition on the grounds that Mariam had not
made any deposition before the court and that the
accused was trying to misrepresent the fact of his
nationality.
He alleged that Taylor had in a written statement
claimed to have hailed from Okpe Local Giverment
Area of Edo State and that he had stated in his asset
declaration form that his father, too, was from the
state.
The judge, however overruled Jacobs, saying, "the
essence of granting the bail was to ensure that the
accused attended trial."
Taylor and Ali along with their company, Nasaman Oil
Services were arraigned on July 26 before Onigbanjo
on three counts among which was fraudulent
collection of about N2.23bn from the Federal
Government in the name of subsidy for importing
various litres of PMS.
Date for commencement of trial had been fixed for
October 30.
Meanwhile, Abdulahi, son of Ibadan-based politician,
Arisekola Alao, was again on Wednesday granted bail
by Justice Habeeb Abiru of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja
in a charge involving fraud in subsidy payments.
This came even as the EFCC also arraigned Walter
Wagbastoma, Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Fakuade Babafemi,
Ezekiel Ejidele, along with Ontario Oil & Gas Nigeria
Limited before the same court for similar offences.
They were granted bail, shortly after the accused
pleaded not guilty to all the nine counts contained in
their charge.
The counts include obtaining about N1.6bn from the
Federal Government under false pretence by
purporting the money to be payment for subsidy on
certain litres of fuel which they allegedly failed to
supply.
Abiru granted bail to Alao, who was on July 26,
arraigned along with his company, Axenergy Limited,
on seven counts of obtaining about N1.5bn from the
Federal Government purportedly as subsidy payment
for certain litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Alao faces separate charge along with Mahmud
Tukur, son of the incumbent national chairman of the
ruling Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur,
Alex Ochonogo and Eterna Oil and Gas Limited,
before Onigbanjo.
They were all granted bail on July 26 after their
arraignment.
Their trial will commence on October 24.
SSS parades suspected killers of Oshiomhole’s aide
State Security Service on Wednesday in Abuja
paraded six suspects for alleged involvement in the
murder of Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, who was the
Principal Private Secretary to Edo State Governor
Adams Oshiomhole.
The suspects – Mohammed Abdullahi, Raymond
Origbo, Chikezie Edeh, Saidu Yakubu, Sani Abubakar
and Hassan Bashiru – were arrested in addition to
those held by the police.
Deputy Director, Media and Public Relations, SSS, Ms.
Marilyn Ogar, who briefed newsmen, alleged that
Oyerinde was murdered by Abdullahi, Origbo and
Edeh.
The other suspects, Yakubu, Abubakar and Bashiru,
were alleged to be buyers of stolen goods, who
regularly buy stolen articles from the robbery gang.
They were reported to have bought items stolen from
Oyerinde's residence including four BlackBerry
phones, one Ipad (sold for N10,000), one laptop, and
wedding ring. The gang allegedly took unspecified
sum of money belonging to Adeyinka Oletubo,
brother-in-law to the late Oyerinde.
Abubakar, 35, said he bought three BlackBerry
phones and one Nokia C5 phone from Origbo for
N52,000 and resoled at N57,000.
Ogar stated that investigations revealed that the
careless statements by Oyerinde's security guard, Ali
Ihade, at various times about his master's position in
government attracted the attention of the prime
suspect, Abdullahi, who hatched the robbery
operation.
Ogar said, "On the day of the robbery, Abdullahi
specifically instructed other gang members to tie up
Ihiade before they entered Oyerinde's residence so
that Ihiade would not see his face.
"According to the robbery gang, Oyerinde was shot
and killed by the prime suspect, Abdullahi, when he
(the deceased) ran into his bedroom and attempted
to go underneath his bed.Abdullahi said he believed
Oyerinde was reaching out for a gun under the bed
and therefore shot him."
She stated that the murder weapons comprising
three guns used during the robbery had been
recovered.
The suspects, she added, would be handed over to
the police for prosecution.
The suspects denied knowing Rev. David Ugulor, who
was arrested by the police in connection with the
crime.
Origbo said Edeh took them to the house, adding
that their plan was to rob Oyerinde, insisting that
Abdullahi shot the former labour activist thrice.
Meanwhile, members of civil society organisations in
Edo State, on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest
along major streets of Benin against the continued
detention of Ugolor.
The protesters also marched to the Anthony Enahoro
State Assembly Complex and Dennis Osadebey
Government House, in the Government Reservation
Area.
Ugolor, Executive Director of African Network for
Environmental and Economic Justice, was arrested
last week Friday in Benin after a suspect arrested by
the police named one 'David' as the sponsor of
Olaitan's assassination.
The protesting groups expressed sadness over what
they described as the inhuman condition Ugolor has
been subjected to since his arrest.
paraded six suspects for alleged involvement in the
murder of Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, who was the
Principal Private Secretary to Edo State Governor
Adams Oshiomhole.
The suspects – Mohammed Abdullahi, Raymond
Origbo, Chikezie Edeh, Saidu Yakubu, Sani Abubakar
and Hassan Bashiru – were arrested in addition to
those held by the police.
Deputy Director, Media and Public Relations, SSS, Ms.
Marilyn Ogar, who briefed newsmen, alleged that
Oyerinde was murdered by Abdullahi, Origbo and
Edeh.
The other suspects, Yakubu, Abubakar and Bashiru,
were alleged to be buyers of stolen goods, who
regularly buy stolen articles from the robbery gang.
They were reported to have bought items stolen from
Oyerinde's residence including four BlackBerry
phones, one Ipad (sold for N10,000), one laptop, and
wedding ring. The gang allegedly took unspecified
sum of money belonging to Adeyinka Oletubo,
brother-in-law to the late Oyerinde.
Abubakar, 35, said he bought three BlackBerry
phones and one Nokia C5 phone from Origbo for
N52,000 and resoled at N57,000.
Ogar stated that investigations revealed that the
careless statements by Oyerinde's security guard, Ali
Ihade, at various times about his master's position in
government attracted the attention of the prime
suspect, Abdullahi, who hatched the robbery
operation.
Ogar said, "On the day of the robbery, Abdullahi
specifically instructed other gang members to tie up
Ihiade before they entered Oyerinde's residence so
that Ihiade would not see his face.
"According to the robbery gang, Oyerinde was shot
and killed by the prime suspect, Abdullahi, when he
(the deceased) ran into his bedroom and attempted
to go underneath his bed.Abdullahi said he believed
Oyerinde was reaching out for a gun under the bed
and therefore shot him."
She stated that the murder weapons comprising
three guns used during the robbery had been
recovered.
The suspects, she added, would be handed over to
the police for prosecution.
The suspects denied knowing Rev. David Ugulor, who
was arrested by the police in connection with the
crime.
Origbo said Edeh took them to the house, adding
that their plan was to rob Oyerinde, insisting that
Abdullahi shot the former labour activist thrice.
Meanwhile, members of civil society organisations in
Edo State, on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest
along major streets of Benin against the continued
detention of Ugolor.
The protesters also marched to the Anthony Enahoro
State Assembly Complex and Dennis Osadebey
Government House, in the Government Reservation
Area.
Ugolor, Executive Director of African Network for
Environmental and Economic Justice, was arrested
last week Friday in Benin after a suspect arrested by
the police named one 'David' as the sponsor of
Olaitan's assassination.
The protesting groups expressed sadness over what
they described as the inhuman condition Ugolor has
been subjected to since his arrest.
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Wednesday, August 1, 2012
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Download the Initial one here: www.hulkshare.com/dl/irlc56cpqs5y/In-Control-ONOS-ft-Snatcha.mp3?d=1
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Army can’t take over in Nigeria again -IBB
FORMER military president, General Ibrahim
Babangida, on Tuesday, said that Nigeria's
democracy no longer faced the danger of being
truncated by the military.
Babangida was the guest speaker at the graduation
ceremony of Course 20 and 20th anniversary of the
National Defence College, Abuja.
According to him, the training senior military officers
had received at the college and what he termed
"enlightened self-interest" would not allow military
incursion into the current democratic experience in
the country.
The former president further said that more senior
military officers were now committed to democracy,
a development which, according to him, would
facilitate national development and put an end to
coup d'etat in the country.
Babangida, who spoke on the topic: "The creation of
National Defence College: 20 Years After," charged
political leaders in the country to give more
patronage to the college and recognise it as the
leading institution providing solutions to security and
defence issues.
According to him, "the college needs to be
patronised by the relevant arms of government, as
obtainable in other parts of the world. Defence
colleges and universities are held in high esteem by
the governments which own them.
"In this respect, the National Assembly should be
interacting more closely with the NDC, so as to use
its services in their work on defence and security. The
college should also move out and be a service
provider in its area of competence to Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the
African (AU) and other institutions in Africa and
beyond.
"It is not acceptable that other similar institutions
should come into our country and region to offer
technical services when NDC is here. As a centre of
excellence, the college should be doing a lot of work
for ECOWAS and not its counterpart institutions from
outside.
"At the very least, we expect that any institution
coming in here to run courses or research should
partner with the NDC to do it."
Affirming that the college has contributed to national
development, by impacting the core values and
ethics that suppport democratic rule, Babangida said
"I can say without equivocation that our democracy
faces no danger from the military.
"This is because long before Nigeria returned to
democratic rule, military officers who passed through
this college were prepared for life of service under
civilian leadership and control."
Babangida, who stuck to his prepared speech, even
during the interview session with journalists,
credited the college for building consensus among
the senior officer cadre that had sustained
democracy and was helping in the transformation of
the military.
The lecture, which was held at the General Sani
Abacha Hall of the college, was attended by the
Minister of State for Defence, Chief (Mrs) Olusola
Obada; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal
Oluseyi Petinrin; service chiefs comprising
Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika (Army) and Air
Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar (Airforce) and other
top serving and retired officers.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Obada said that
insecurity, all over the world, was gradually
becoming the norm, adding that there was the need
for security agents to live up to their responsibilities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the commandant of
the college, Rear Admiral Thomas Lokoson, reiterated
the commitment of the college towards developing
and training strategic leaders that would live up to
the security challenges of the 21st century.
Babangida, on Tuesday, said that Nigeria's
democracy no longer faced the danger of being
truncated by the military.
Babangida was the guest speaker at the graduation
ceremony of Course 20 and 20th anniversary of the
National Defence College, Abuja.
According to him, the training senior military officers
had received at the college and what he termed
"enlightened self-interest" would not allow military
incursion into the current democratic experience in
the country.
The former president further said that more senior
military officers were now committed to democracy,
a development which, according to him, would
facilitate national development and put an end to
coup d'etat in the country.
Babangida, who spoke on the topic: "The creation of
National Defence College: 20 Years After," charged
political leaders in the country to give more
patronage to the college and recognise it as the
leading institution providing solutions to security and
defence issues.
According to him, "the college needs to be
patronised by the relevant arms of government, as
obtainable in other parts of the world. Defence
colleges and universities are held in high esteem by
the governments which own them.
"In this respect, the National Assembly should be
interacting more closely with the NDC, so as to use
its services in their work on defence and security. The
college should also move out and be a service
provider in its area of competence to Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the
African (AU) and other institutions in Africa and
beyond.
"It is not acceptable that other similar institutions
should come into our country and region to offer
technical services when NDC is here. As a centre of
excellence, the college should be doing a lot of work
for ECOWAS and not its counterpart institutions from
outside.
"At the very least, we expect that any institution
coming in here to run courses or research should
partner with the NDC to do it."
Affirming that the college has contributed to national
development, by impacting the core values and
ethics that suppport democratic rule, Babangida said
"I can say without equivocation that our democracy
faces no danger from the military.
"This is because long before Nigeria returned to
democratic rule, military officers who passed through
this college were prepared for life of service under
civilian leadership and control."
Babangida, who stuck to his prepared speech, even
during the interview session with journalists,
credited the college for building consensus among
the senior officer cadre that had sustained
democracy and was helping in the transformation of
the military.
The lecture, which was held at the General Sani
Abacha Hall of the college, was attended by the
Minister of State for Defence, Chief (Mrs) Olusola
Obada; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal
Oluseyi Petinrin; service chiefs comprising
Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika (Army) and Air
Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar (Airforce) and other
top serving and retired officers.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Obada said that
insecurity, all over the world, was gradually
becoming the norm, adding that there was the need
for security agents to live up to their responsibilities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the commandant of
the college, Rear Admiral Thomas Lokoson, reiterated
the commitment of the college towards developing
and training strategic leaders that would live up to
the security challenges of the 21st century.
Missing baby found in Abuja
THE police in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Tuesday, said
that a missing baby boy of about a year old was
found at Gwako, FCT, and brought to the
Gwagwalada Police Station.
The boy was said to be found crying along the
roadside in Gwako on July 25th, 2012.
Madam Hussaina Musa, a police officer at the police
station, said the baby was brought to the station by a
motorcyclist who gave his name as David.
Musa said nobody had come to claim the child, who
could not say his name nor that of his parents.
She said the police had gone round the area to
search for the parents of the child but to no avail.
"We have gone round Gwako area searching for the
parents of the child but we could not find them.
We had no choice than to bring him back to the
station."
The officer said that the police had been taking care
of the boy.
Meanwhile, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
correspondent reports that the boy was playing
around the station premises.
that a missing baby boy of about a year old was
found at Gwako, FCT, and brought to the
Gwagwalada Police Station.
The boy was said to be found crying along the
roadside in Gwako on July 25th, 2012.
Madam Hussaina Musa, a police officer at the police
station, said the baby was brought to the station by a
motorcyclist who gave his name as David.
Musa said nobody had come to claim the child, who
could not say his name nor that of his parents.
She said the police had gone round the area to
search for the parents of the child but to no avail.
"We have gone round Gwako area searching for the
parents of the child but we could not find them.
We had no choice than to bring him back to the
station."
The officer said that the police had been taking care
of the boy.
Meanwhile, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
correspondent reports that the boy was playing
around the station premises.
Don’t pay for pre-paid metres, PHCN tells customers
THE Gwagwalada Business Unit of the Power Holding
Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has advised electricity
consumers to resist any form of extortion in the
ongoing installation of pre-paid metres at premises
in Gwagwalada.
Alhaji Aminu Bello, the manager of the unit, gave the
advice in Gwagwalada, on Tuesday, at a consultative
meeting with customers.
He said the call became necessary, following the high
number of complaints of extortion from consu-mers,
arising from the supply and installation of the
metres.
"Gwagwalada Business Unit is not directly involved
in the entire project, except to provide data on our
territorial boundary and provide or switch off power
when necessary.
"Since we have limited control over the World Bank
project, I encourage consumers with complaints of
extortion to report to the police," he said.
Bello blamed poor power supply to the area on its
distance from the national grid, calling on consumers
to be patient, as government was doing its best to
improve power supply to the area.
He urged consumers to pay their bills promptly and
to protect electricity installations to ensure constant
supply of power.
The manager cautioned consumers against sharp
practices in the use of pre-paid metres, saying that
PHCN would not tolerate any form of power theft.
Some of the consumers expressed dismay over the
failure of PHCN to provide transformers to custo-
mers, especially in rural communities.
A participant, Mr Martins Ibe, called on the Federal
Government to intensify efforts to complete ongoing
projects to boost power supply in Gwagwalada.
Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has advised electricity
consumers to resist any form of extortion in the
ongoing installation of pre-paid metres at premises
in Gwagwalada.
Alhaji Aminu Bello, the manager of the unit, gave the
advice in Gwagwalada, on Tuesday, at a consultative
meeting with customers.
He said the call became necessary, following the high
number of complaints of extortion from consu-mers,
arising from the supply and installation of the
metres.
"Gwagwalada Business Unit is not directly involved
in the entire project, except to provide data on our
territorial boundary and provide or switch off power
when necessary.
"Since we have limited control over the World Bank
project, I encourage consumers with complaints of
extortion to report to the police," he said.
Bello blamed poor power supply to the area on its
distance from the national grid, calling on consumers
to be patient, as government was doing its best to
improve power supply to the area.
He urged consumers to pay their bills promptly and
to protect electricity installations to ensure constant
supply of power.
The manager cautioned consumers against sharp
practices in the use of pre-paid metres, saying that
PHCN would not tolerate any form of power theft.
Some of the consumers expressed dismay over the
failure of PHCN to provide transformers to custo-
mers, especially in rural communities.
A participant, Mr Martins Ibe, called on the Federal
Government to intensify efforts to complete ongoing
projects to boost power supply in Gwagwalada.
FG set to issue $600m Eurobonds
Against the backdrop of controversies surrounding
the current state of the nation's economy, the
Federal Government is making arrangement to issue
a second batch of Eurobonds of at least $600 million
next year.
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and
Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who
disclosed this to a foreign news agency, Reuters in
London, on Tuesday, noted that the bonds could be
open to Nigerians in the diaspora.
She was optimistic that the bond would be a success
following interest shown by investors in the non-deal
road show with investors in February.
"We will have a larger bond issue but we may decide
that a portion of that should be directed to the
diaspora. We have to watch what is happening with
the global markets. We want to make sure that we
float this at a time when it will be successful," she
said.
It will be recalled that the government issued a debut
$500 million Eurobonds in January last year, which
were 2.5 times oversubscribed.
The minister also disclosed that the government
would announce in August the management team for
its Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which it expects to
launch by the end of this year.
According to her, the members of the SWF board had
been chosen and would be announced in August
once due diligence had been carried out.
"By September/October, we should be getting the
team in place and we should be able to launch by the
end of the year. We are in the last stage of due
diligence," she stated.
the current state of the nation's economy, the
Federal Government is making arrangement to issue
a second batch of Eurobonds of at least $600 million
next year.
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and
Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who
disclosed this to a foreign news agency, Reuters in
London, on Tuesday, noted that the bonds could be
open to Nigerians in the diaspora.
She was optimistic that the bond would be a success
following interest shown by investors in the non-deal
road show with investors in February.
"We will have a larger bond issue but we may decide
that a portion of that should be directed to the
diaspora. We have to watch what is happening with
the global markets. We want to make sure that we
float this at a time when it will be successful," she
said.
It will be recalled that the government issued a debut
$500 million Eurobonds in January last year, which
were 2.5 times oversubscribed.
The minister also disclosed that the government
would announce in August the management team for
its Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which it expects to
launch by the end of this year.
According to her, the members of the SWF board had
been chosen and would be announced in August
once due diligence had been carried out.
"By September/October, we should be getting the
team in place and we should be able to launch by the
end of the year. We are in the last stage of due
diligence," she stated.
Pandemonium as students uncover bomb at FCE, Kano
WHAT would have been another major disaster was
averted in Kano, when a time bomb planted at Block
400 of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Kano,
was uncovered before it was detonated.
A source, who preferred anonymity, said immediately
the purported bomb was uncovered at the campus,
there was pandemonium in the institution, as
students scampered for safety.
The pandemonium caused many students and
lecturers to rush out of lecture rooms, to avoid the
looming danger.
According to the state police command, in a
statement signed by its Public Relations Officer
(PPRO), Mohammed Dutse, a good Samaritan
uncovered the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at
the institution.
According to him, mmediately the suspected bomb
was uncovered, the school authorities informed the
police, while the anti-bomb detecting team moved
into the scene of the incident.
The statement said the IED was then moved to a
safer place, where it was difused without causing any
havoc or injury.
The command commended members of the public
for helping the security operatives.
averted in Kano, when a time bomb planted at Block
400 of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Kano,
was uncovered before it was detonated.
A source, who preferred anonymity, said immediately
the purported bomb was uncovered at the campus,
there was pandemonium in the institution, as
students scampered for safety.
The pandemonium caused many students and
lecturers to rush out of lecture rooms, to avoid the
looming danger.
According to the state police command, in a
statement signed by its Public Relations Officer
(PPRO), Mohammed Dutse, a good Samaritan
uncovered the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at
the institution.
According to him, mmediately the suspected bomb
was uncovered, the school authorities informed the
police, while the anti-bomb detecting team moved
into the scene of the incident.
The statement said the IED was then moved to a
safer place, where it was difused without causing any
havoc or injury.
The command commended members of the public
for helping the security operatives.
1,936 killed in road crashes in 6 months — FRSC
THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Tuesday,
revealed that about 1,936 persons were killed in road
traffic accidents across the country between January
and June this year.
The corps Public Education Officer, Mr Jonas Agwu,
released the grim statistics in Abuja, the Federal
Capital Territory (FCT), while presenting the half year
report of the FRSC's operations in 2012 to newsmen.
He, however, said the figures of 1,936 persons
compared to the 2,218 in the first half of 2011
showed 12.7 per cent reduction, an indication that
the "corps was on course of meeting its set target of
reducing crash related fatalities by 20 per cent in the
year 2012."
According to him, it was a worrisome trend that, in
spite of efforts to reduce the number of road crashes
in the country, road accidents soared by about 21.6
per cent in 2012, as compared to the 2011 figures.
Agwu noted that the corps was disturbed by the high
rate of road crashes in the first quarter of 2012 and
had had to re-strategise and mandate field
commanders to reduce RTC and fatality by half in the
second quarter of 2012.
He added that the immediate outcome from this
order was that in the second quarter, crash related
fatalities had reduced by 47.5 per cent, compared to
the first quarter of 2012.
Agwu further noted that as a result of improved
enforcement, offenders and offences in the second
quarter increased respectively by 47.2 per cent and
49.3 per cent over the figures of the first quarter,
disclosing that a total of 236, 556 offenders were
arrested during the period under review.
He added that the corps increased from four to 12,
Emergency Ambulance Points in line with the pillar 5
of the United Nations' (UN) Decade of Action and the
FRSC's Strategic Goal One of reducing fatalities by 20
per cent.
Agwu also disclosed that the production of the
vehicle number plates and national driver's licences
dropped from 208, 064 to 97, 878 and 122, 873 to
26, 942 in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
He added that the National Assembly had suspended
the production of the national driver's licence and
vehicle number plates, in the months of April, May
and June 2012.
revealed that about 1,936 persons were killed in road
traffic accidents across the country between January
and June this year.
The corps Public Education Officer, Mr Jonas Agwu,
released the grim statistics in Abuja, the Federal
Capital Territory (FCT), while presenting the half year
report of the FRSC's operations in 2012 to newsmen.
He, however, said the figures of 1,936 persons
compared to the 2,218 in the first half of 2011
showed 12.7 per cent reduction, an indication that
the "corps was on course of meeting its set target of
reducing crash related fatalities by 20 per cent in the
year 2012."
According to him, it was a worrisome trend that, in
spite of efforts to reduce the number of road crashes
in the country, road accidents soared by about 21.6
per cent in 2012, as compared to the 2011 figures.
Agwu noted that the corps was disturbed by the high
rate of road crashes in the first quarter of 2012 and
had had to re-strategise and mandate field
commanders to reduce RTC and fatality by half in the
second quarter of 2012.
He added that the immediate outcome from this
order was that in the second quarter, crash related
fatalities had reduced by 47.5 per cent, compared to
the first quarter of 2012.
Agwu further noted that as a result of improved
enforcement, offenders and offences in the second
quarter increased respectively by 47.2 per cent and
49.3 per cent over the figures of the first quarter,
disclosing that a total of 236, 556 offenders were
arrested during the period under review.
He added that the corps increased from four to 12,
Emergency Ambulance Points in line with the pillar 5
of the United Nations' (UN) Decade of Action and the
FRSC's Strategic Goal One of reducing fatalities by 20
per cent.
Agwu also disclosed that the production of the
vehicle number plates and national driver's licences
dropped from 208, 064 to 97, 878 and 122, 873 to
26, 942 in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
He added that the National Assembly had suspended
the production of the national driver's licence and
vehicle number plates, in the months of April, May
and June 2012.
Policeman goes berserk, shoots 2 colleagues in Adamawa
A policeman at the Michika divisional headquarters in
Adamawa State was, on Tuesday, shot dead after
shooting two of his colleagues who are now receiving
treatment in the hospital, police spokesman,
Muhammed Ibrahim, said.
An eyewitness had told the News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) in Michika that the incident occurred around
7.00 a.m on Tuesday, when the policeman, identified
as Abba Gana, opened fire on his colleagues.
Confirming the incident to NAN, Ibrahim said an
inspector and a constable were shot in the incident.
He said the policeman, who resisted arrest, had been
shot dead, with the assistance of men of the
Adamawa special anti- robbery patrol, "Operation
Tsaro."
Ibrahim also confirmed the attack by suspected
gunmen on Mugulvu police outpost in Mubi South
Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
He said the men, who attacked the outpost with
explosives, were repelled by the police, who
succeeded in killing one of them.
NAN recalled that four months ago, a policeman at
the police divisional headquarters in Gombi Local
Government Area of the state also went berserk,
shooting three of his colleagues to death before
killing himself.
Adamawa State was, on Tuesday, shot dead after
shooting two of his colleagues who are now receiving
treatment in the hospital, police spokesman,
Muhammed Ibrahim, said.
An eyewitness had told the News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) in Michika that the incident occurred around
7.00 a.m on Tuesday, when the policeman, identified
as Abba Gana, opened fire on his colleagues.
Confirming the incident to NAN, Ibrahim said an
inspector and a constable were shot in the incident.
He said the policeman, who resisted arrest, had been
shot dead, with the assistance of men of the
Adamawa special anti- robbery patrol, "Operation
Tsaro."
Ibrahim also confirmed the attack by suspected
gunmen on Mugulvu police outpost in Mubi South
Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
He said the men, who attacked the outpost with
explosives, were repelled by the police, who
succeeded in killing one of them.
NAN recalled that four months ago, a policeman at
the police divisional headquarters in Gombi Local
Government Area of the state also went berserk,
shooting three of his colleagues to death before
killing himself.
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