Category: Metro

  • MURIC warns against tenure extension for IGP

    MURIC warns against tenure extension for IGP

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned against tenure extension for Inspector General of Police (I-G) Kayode Egbetokun.

    The Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, in a statement on Monday, said the extension could erode efficiency, breed division, and diminish public confidence in the police force.

    According to him, the amendment to the Police Act that paved the way for Egbetokun’s tenure extension is a cause for concern.

    The amended Section 18(8) of the Act allows the I-G to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment, rather than retiring at the age of 60.

    Akintola noted that the police force had made significant strides in improving security in recent times, with hundreds of kidnap victims rescued and several high-profile crimes solved.

    He, however, feared that the tenure extension could undermine this progress and create divisions within the force.

    “MURIC’s intervention is significant, given the organisation’s focus on promoting and protecting the fundamental human rights of Nigerian Muslims.

    “While the issue of the I-G’s tenure extension may not be directly related to Muslim rights, it has a bearing on the security and welfare of all Nigerians, including Muslims.

    “The move has sparked debate, with some arguing that it is necessary to maintain continuity and stability in the police force, while others see it as a violation of the Police Act,” he said.

    Akintola advised Egbetokun to bow out now, before the controversy gets messy and his clean record was tarnished.

    “Real heroes leave the stage while the ovation is loudest,” he said, suggesting that Egbetokun should take a dignified exit rather than risking his legacy. (NAN)

  • Scores killed, others injured as suspected herdsmen invade Ebonyi community

    Scores killed, others injured as suspected herdsmen invade Ebonyi community

    ABAKALIKI—Suspected herdsmen have reportedly invaded Amegu Nkalaha Community in Ishielu Local Government Area, of Ebonyi State and killed scores of residents, with many others escaping with various degrees of injuries.

    Vanguard gathered that the number of casualties could not be ascertained at the press time but the suspected herdsmen invaded the community with cutlasses and gun killing many and destroying houses.

    The Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Mrs. Ifeoma Agwu said the causality figure was yet to be ascertained as evacuation of dead bodies were still ongoing and deposited at the mortuary.

    “We are taking the victims’ bodies to the mortuary right now. I cannot talk much on it now. We will give more details later”, she said.

    A member of the community and former EBSU ASUU chairman Prof Ndubuisi Idenyi who confirmed the attack said, “My Village Amegu Nkalaha was attacked today by herdsmen.

    “Many have been killed and houses razed, what a black Sunday!”

    Prof Idenyi said the herdsmen attacked the community in the early hours of Sunday, killing and injuring unconfirmed number of people as well as burning down houses.

    “I don’t have the number of casualties right now. We are still tracking and bringing out the dead bodies especially those killed in the farms,” he said.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu when contacted on incident said he was not aware of the incident and promised to revert.

  • ‘The Man Died’ shines with awards, PAFF nomination

    The feature film inspired by Wole Soyinka’s prison notes of same title- The Man Died, has been nominated for the award of “Best Feature Narrative” at the 33rd Pan African Film and Arts Festival.

    The award event scheduled for February 4-17 in Los Angeles, USA, is themed, Dream Beyond.

    The news about the nomination was contained in a letter signed by Miki Goral, the festival’s Filmmaker Liaison & Research Director, on behalf of the PAFF directorate.

    “I am happy to inform you that The Man Died has been nominated for the “juried Best Feature Narrative at the Pan African Film Festival, “it stated.

    The Directorate had also hinted earlier that the 105 minutes feature will be screened on February 12 and 14 at the Culver Theatre, Culver city, California. It is the film’s first appearance in the United States, having toured London, UK twice, North Africa twice, among others.

    The film has so far won three awards, including the latest at the 14th Luxor African Film Festival in Upper Egypt, earlier this month, where it won “Best African Film That Tackle An Important African Issue.”

    Before Luxor, the film had clinched Best Screenplay awards at both the African International film Festival, AFRIFF, (November 3-9, Lagos), and at the 35th Carthage International Film Festival, held November 14-21 in Tunis. It also won Best Audience Choice Award at the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival, ENIFF, Enugu, November 27-30.

    The Man Died stars an array of renowned actors in Nigeria including Wale Ojo as Wole, Sam Dede as Yisa, Norbert Young (Prison Superintendent), Francis Onwochei (Prison Controller) and Edmund Enaibe as Commissioner; as well as international actors, London-UK-based Christiana Oshunniyi (Laide Soyinka), and Los Angeles, USA-based Abraham Awam-Amkpa (Johnson), among others.

    In continuation of its global tour, The Man Died, has been selected for the Jo’Burg Film Festival, holding March 11-16. It is being considered for special screenings at educational institutions in Florence, Italy; Abu Dhabi in the UAE; Oxford University, UK, as well as at New York University, Harvard University, and at Ithaca College, all in the USA, among others. This is as it is also being reviewed by at least three major global streaming platforms, and international distribution channels.

    Though yet to be officially released to the market, The Man Died, was written by UK-based Bode Asiyanbi, directed by New York and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-based Awam Amkpa and produced by Femi Odugbemi for Zuri24 Media.

    Since its “special-premiere” in July in Lagos to mark the Nobel laureate dramatist, poet, essayist and human/civil rights activist, Soyinka’s 90th birthday, the film has had a series of home runs including on October 5 at the Quramo Festival of Words, QFest 2024, Lagos; and the Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF on November 14.

    It began its global tour in London in July as part of the Wole Soyinka at 90 celebration jointly organized and hosted by the Africa Centre and the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, WSICE. It returned to same London in October as part of the African Film Festival, and also had an educational screening at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. It was screened on October 11 on the ‘Accra Streamfest’ bill of the “Labone Dialogues”, hosted by New York University, NYU Accra.

    Produced by Zuri 24 Media, The Man Died, tells the story of “Wole Soyinka’s 27 months incarceration by the Nigerian government in 1967 during the civil war. He was famously seeking a truce between Biafra and the Federal Government to allow time for a negotiated settlement of the conflict. It is fundamentally a personal account. Essentially, the subject found refuge from the brutality inflicted upon him by retreating into and living within his own mind. At times, he drifted about the frontiers of madness, hanging on to himself by a thread. At other times, he pondered, listened, and watched, like only the truly otherwise unoccupied can. Importantly, he managed to scrounge paper and a pencil from time to time and record his journey of ‘motionlessness.”

    Established in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon), the late Ja’Net DuBois (“Good Times”), and Ayuko Babu, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) has, according to its website, remained “dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. For over 30 years, PAFF has been the international beacon for the African diaspora film and arts communities. Every year, it showcases over 200 new high-quality Black films from the U.S., Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, the South Pacific, Canada, and increasingly, Asia.

  • Tackling the Ugwuakwu Erosion Menace in Anambra State

    Tackling the Ugwuakwu Erosion Menace in Anambra State

    It brings tears to the eyes when one sees the disastrous gullies of erosion eating up the road, houses and farms in Ugwuakwu village, Umuchu town, Aguata LGA, Anambra State.

    The road was abandoned by the former administration, and erosion is now destroying landmark projects by rapidly cutting off the food basket zone with many agricultural establishments and industries.

    The clear and present need is to take immediate action in reconstructing the pivotal road to avert the looming disaster.

    It is crucial to stress that this road leads to Orient Farms Ltd, Eagle Foods Industries Ltd, Efi Igbo Ranch, Emenike Pineapple Farms Ltd, Ohuche Cashew Industries Ltd and a host of other agro-based industrial companies.

    There is no gainsaying that the road is so crucial to Anambra State in order not to allow the multi-million establishments to go to waste.

    Once urgent attention is paid to the road through the completion of its construction, it would be a smooth ride from the famous Nkwo market in Umuchu to the vast farmlands and industries in Achalla and Ibughubu villages and on to Umunze town and thenceforth to Imo State.

    As they say, “a stitch in time saves nine.”

    It is worthy of reiteration that the abandoned road traversing from Ugwuakwu village in Umuchu town to such agro-based industries as Orient Farms Ltd, Eagle Foods Industries Ltd, Efi Igbo Ranch, Emenike Pineapple Farms Ltd, Ohuche Cashew Industries Ltd and a host of others needs to be urgently completed

  • Suspected drunk driver kills four soldiers, injures others in Lagos

    Suspected drunk driver kills four soldiers, injures others in Lagos

    At least four soldiers are feared dead, and several others injured after a suspected drunk driver rammed into them in Lagos State.

    The soldiers, attached to Myoung Barracks in the Morocco area of Shomolu, were reportedly on their routine monthly road jog on Friday morning when the incident occurred.

    While four soldiers lost their lives, others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    Details later.

  • How armed men in NSCDC uniforms, thugs invaded Lagos hotel

    How armed men in NSCDC uniforms, thugs invaded Lagos hotel

    LAGOS—No fewer than 15 masked armed men dressed in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, and thugs posing as policemen, have invaded a popular hotel in Ago Palace Way, Lagos and subjected both their customers and visitors to hours of gruelling torture and robbery.

    They also forcefully removed a giant power-generating set inside the hotel to an unknown location.
    Armed with sophisticated weapons, they stormed Seafortunes Hotels Limited around 4 am last weekend shut sporadically before breaking into the hotel rooms to dispose of lodgers of their valuables.

    It was gathered that they were frantically asking for the owner of the hotel. They reportedly held everybody present hostage for hours before breaking into the generating set room and carrying it away with a heavy-duty crane.

    Giving insight into the horrifying experience, the Chief Executive Officer of the hotel, Nwukwa Fortune, said “Last Sunday morning, around 4 am, I got a call from one of my customers that some armed men in masks invaded my hotel. They rounded up our staff and security men. They went to the generating set and started dismantling it. They first asked after me, and after they were told that I was not around, they went to the generating set and started dismantling it. They also rounded up everybody including my customers. A neighbour whose car was blocking the access to the generating set was chased to his apartment and manhandled.

    “They brought a heavy-duty truck and carted away the generating set. From accounts given by my workers, the men that invaded the hotel were about 30. 15 of them were wearing NSCDC uniforms and masks while others were touts who initially claimed to be policemen to gain access into the hotel. “I was able to identify them as men of the NSCDC after watching the hotel’s CCTV which recorded everything that took place in the

    hotel.

    “From the investigations so far, we were able to capture one man called Nicholas who once had an issue with the previous manager of this place. The issue has two segments. The first segment was a business transaction involving one Mr Ogbonna, whom this business establishment was leased to. He was remitting a certain sum every month. So, when the said Mr Ogbonna defaulted last year, he was disengaged. The fallout of his disengagement is what we are experiencing now.

    “After he was disengaged, creditors started coming to ask for him. One of them is Mr. Nicholas who sells diesel.”

    He sold a certain quantity of diesel to Mr. Ogbonna worth about N3million. Mr. Ogbonna did not pay him before he was disengaged. After his disengagement, Nicholas came and said the hotel owes him. We told him that the management had changed, that he should go to Mr. Ogbonna to recover whatever he owes him.

    “We showed him the agreement paper between me and the said Ogbonna, showing that Mr. Ogbonna was solely responsible for whatever happened during the period. He was not comfortable with that. He petitioned this hotel to Area E Police Station. I was invited to Area E. I reported, made statement and explained that I have no hand in the said transaction.

    “At the end of the day, operatives at Area E made me sign an undertaking to look for Mr. Ogbonna. I mobilized the police to track Mr. Ogbonna. He was arrested and produced before the police. Mr. Nicholas, was asked to come as the person he was actually looking for was in Area E. But he did not come.

    “At the end of the investigation, the police, in their wisdom, charged Mr. Ogbonna to court for the unpaid diesel supplied to Mr. Nicholas among other crimes. He was arraigned in court at Apapa. After his arraignment, the prosecutor in charge, invited Mr. Nicholas to court as a principal party and complainant in the matter, he refused to show up.

    “After six months, this ininvation has all the tenets of a war, an armed invasion, in the early hours of Sunday morning.”

    invaded the hotel welding dangerous weapons including AK-47 rifles.

    “They used their machine to lift the generating set with its contents into their truck and drove off. While they were shooting sporadically, many customers disappeared without paying their bills. Some lost their phones, some were injured. It was a typical armed attack. Before the men of Ago Police Station could come, the attackers had fled. The operatives from Ago Police Station later came. Fortunately, the CCTV camera identified Mr. Nicholas and his associates. He was arrested and he disclosed where he kept the generating set. He also disclosed the identities of the men of the NSCDC.

    When contacted on the phone, the Public Relations Officer of NSCDC in Lagos, Seun Abolurin, told our reporter that “If such a thing happened last Sunday, up till now we don’t have a report of such in our state headquarters, When people wear uniforms of organizations, it does not mean they are from that particular organization. You should know that people impersonate agencies very well. They should have reported the case to NSCDC in Lagos. It will save him the stress of identification. If they reported the matter to the police, they should write us.”

    When contacted, Lagos State police spokesman, David Hundeyin said he would get in touch with the station and find out what happened.

    However, a source at Ago Palace Police Station in charge of the area where the incident took place who insisted on anonymity told our reporter that the incident was reported in their station but they are yet to ascertain whether the people who perpetrated the act are real men from NSCDC.

  • Impersonators misrepresenting us — Youth Party

    Impersonators misrepresenting us — Youth Party

    THE Youth Party, YP, yesterday, dissociated itself from a group of individuals who have been impersonating and misrepresenting the party at the Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria, FNLYLPPN.

    In a statement by its acting National Publicity Secretary, Ayo Ayodele, the party clarified that it was not affiliated with the forum and had no intention of associating with it in any capacity.

    Ayodele said that certain individuals have been falsely claiming ties to the Youth Party, leading to confusion and spreading misinformation regarding their alleged influence over the party’s political activities.

    “These individuals are also accused of collecting money on behalf of the party, a practice we strongly condemn.

    “Any financial transactions made in the name of the Youth Party are unauthorised and carry significant risk for those involved.

    “Anyone giving any financial inducement to anyone on behalf of our party does so at his or her own risk.”

    Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability, YP announced that it was taking immediate action to investigate the fraudulent activities.

    The party vowed to involve law enforcement if necessary to hold the perpetrators accountable, reassuring party members and the public that YP remains dedicated to its core values of integrity, public service, and the promotion of democratic ideals.

  • Death of 2-yr-old in school’s pool: We’re cooperating with Police — School’s mgt

    Death of 2-yr-old in school’s pool: We’re cooperating with Police — School’s mgt

    THE management of Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo area of Lagos has expressed sadness over the death of a two-year-old pre-school child, who died in the school’s pool on January 15, 2025, saying it was cooperating with the Police for a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.

    Recall that there had been controversy over the actual cause of the pre-school child, Raphaella Ogbodo, as her parents claimed that she was electrocuted and thrown into the pool to make it look like drowning.

    The school in a statement, yesterday, by its management, expressed remorse over the tragedy, describing it as devastating.

    The statement said: “It is with profound sadness that Smiley Kids Montessori School announces the tragic loss of one of our pre-school pupils, two-year-old Raphaella Ogbodo, who passed away following an incident at our swimming pool.

    “We extend our deepest condolences to the Ogbodo’s family, whose pain and grief we cannot begin to imagine. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies and government authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into it. Following this tragic incident, our school is under closure while investigations are ongoing.”

    “We understand that this tragedy has raised questions and concerns among parents and the public and we remain committed to sharing updates as new information becomes available.

    “In the meantime, we ask for patience, understanding, and privacy for the grieving family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ogbodo’s family during this time of unimaginable loss.”

  • Politicians, parental failure fuelling cult clashes in Owo – Group

    Politicians, parental failure fuelling cult clashes in Owo – Group

    The Owo Concerned Group in Ondo State has attributed the rising cult clashes in the Owo area to political sponsorship and parental neglect.

    Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting held over the weekend, the group urged politicians to desist from sponsoring violence and fueling crises in the town.

    It will be recalled that recent cult clashes claimed five lives, including a politician, a woman, and her child. In response, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, imposed a curfew in Owo to curb the violence stemming from supremacy battles among cult groups.

    Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arraigned eight suspects before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court in connection with the killings. The suspects include Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo, alias “Popo” (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga (25) and Esther Gbenga (20). They face a five-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of stolen vehicles.

    In a communiqué issued after the summit, signed by Comrades Odunayo Folahanmi, Hussein Taye Aliyu, and Damilare Aina, the group identified political patronage and parental failure as major contributors to the violence in Owo.

    Political Patronage: The group noted that politicians enabling and supporting cultists have significantly fueled lawlessness in Owo Local Government.

    Parental Neglect: A lack of proper parental oversight and responsibility has exacerbated hooliganism and cult-related activities.

    Traditional Leadership: The communiqué urged traditional rulers to foster unity and collaboration to safeguard the peace and progress of Owo Kingdom.

    The summit proposed several actionable resolutions to address the crisis: Politicians must immediately stop enabling and supporting cultists and criminal elements in Owo Kingdom.

    Religious and Spiritual Leaders are encouraged to promote forgiveness and reconciliation as pillars for community development.

    Security Measures: Prohibit the use of cross-body bags, identified as mobile armories for cultists.

    Ban informal street gatherings, known as “junction-by-junction assemblies,” to curb delinquency.

    Youth Engagement: Consolidate existing youth groups into a unified body to represent the youth constituency in Owo Kingdom.

    Parental Responsibility: Parents must proactively monitor and guide their wards, emphasizing the dangers of cultism and criminality.

    Biannual Security Engagements: Institutionalize stakeholders’ security summits as a regular event to assess and improve the security situation in Owo.

    Community Recognition: Establish mechanisms to celebrate individuals who bring honor and prestige to Owo Kingdom.

    Anti-Cultism Awareness:

    Organize a public walk advocating zero tolerance for cultism, gangsterism, and other social vices.

    The summit also called on the police to desist from unwarranted arrests and extortion of innocent residents.

    The stakeholders emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing Owo’s security challenges. The communiqué stated:

    “The resolutions articulated herein aim to galvanize all stakeholders towards restoring peace, security, and socio-economic progress in Owo Local Government.”

    The summit was attended by: Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olaide Adelami, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Kolawole.

    Traditional rulers from communities within Owo Local Government.

    Spiritual and religious leaders, youth leaders, student union representatives, trade association leaders, and members of the general public.

    The group expressed optimism that the resolutions would chart a sustainable path to ending the menace and fostering a harmonious, secure, and prosperous Owo Kingdom.

  • Gunmen kidnap Kano businessman’s daughter after collecting N8m

    Gunmen kidnap Kano businessman’s daughter after collecting N8m

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly invaded a Kano businessman residence in Garo town, Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State, abducting his daughter, Zainab after collecting ₦8 million from the family.

    It was gathered that the ugly incident occurred when the gunmen, numbering about 10, stormed the residence of the well-known businessman, Alhaji Auwal in the wee hours of Sunday.

    An anonymous source who spoke to Vanguard said the suspects invaded the house after forcefully breaking a door to the house.

    According to the source, “Three of them were armed with guns, while the remaining seven carried other weapons.

    “They gathered the entire family in one place, creating an atmosphere of fear and panic.

    “The head of the family pleaded with them to spare his family, offering to meet their demands in exchange for their safety. The gunmen demanded money, and were handed over ₦8 million.

    “Despite receiving the money, the assailants abducted the family’s eldest daughter, a secondary school graduate, before fleeing the scene,” the source said.

    The whereabouts of the abducted lady is unknown as the kidnappers were yet to communicate with the family.

    The incident happened about 48 hours after a former Gombe State Permanent Secretary and former Chairman of Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Atiku Mu’azu was abducted and killed by unknown gunmen at his Janbulo resident in Kano and after collecting N10m.

    The developments have left residents in shockwave and palpable fear.

    However, when contacted, the spokesperson of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna could not be reached as he did not respond to call put to his phone number.