Category: News

The three suspects who killed a naval officer, Sub. Lt. Samuel Akingbohun in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, have narrated how they carried out the crime.

The suspects, Ayomide Sambo, 20, Johnson Adeleke, 20, and Francis Shagari, 17, who were paraded at the police headquarters, Akure, the state capital, said they used an iron rod to hit the officer on his head and scrotum, during fisticuffs.

Speaking when being paraded by the police, Ayomide stated that the deceased naval officer had slapped and head-butted his friend, Johnson Adeleke, while trying to claim the right of way.

He recounted that he, alongside Johnson, as well as their third friend, Francis Shagari, became infuriated and decided to trail the naval officer to a junction in the community, where they attacked him with the iron rod.

The suspect added that after committing the crime, they tried to escape from the community before they were arrested.

“When we came across the naval officer, we were en route to get a power bank. He was coming from the opposite direction, and the area from where he was coming was not good. My companion shoved the officer while we were both trying to move on the good part of the road.

“The naval officer then head-butted him and slapped him out of annoyance. We started pleading with the naval officer. My friend claimed that the naval officer was a fake military guy after he had left.

“We then took a bike, followed him to the intersection, and confronted him. My friend and the naval officer got into an argument. I picked an iron rod during that time and started hitting him with it.”

The other suspect, Johnson Adeleke, who denied involvement in the beating and killing of the officer, said, “When I was on my way to remove my power bank, I mistakenly hit my elbow on the navy office. He slapped me and gave me a head-butt. At that moment, we didn’t know that he was a naval officer.

“I was already out of Idoani in a bid to escape when my mother’s elder brother called me to report to the station.”

Also, the third suspect, Shagari Francis, stated that “I didn’t hit the naval officer, I was just following them. I was arrested when my mother took me to the station to ask if I was part of them.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Friday, has confirmed that three people lost their lives, while one other was injured in an accident on Friday along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The accident involved a Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number, BDG 426 HT and a DAF truck, marked, RNG 558 XC.

Speaking through its Spokesperson, Florence Okpe, in Abeokuta on Friday, the commission said the accident occurred around the Total petrol station located on the highway.

Okpe disclosed that seven persons, comprising four male adults, two female adults and one child were involved in the accident, which she blamed on speeding on the part of the Sienna driver.

She explained that the Sienna driver rammed into the DAF truck coming out of the trailer park.

“The injured victim was taken to Isara General Hospital, while the corpses were deposited at FOS morgue, Ipara,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Sector Commander has cautioned motorists to avoid speeding and to use a common sense speed limit.

Benue Lawmaker, Hon Philip Agbese, representing Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, has applauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, over his recent appointments. 

Agbese said Abbas has again proven to be a nationalist, unifier, and bridge builder by picking his aides across the six geopolitical zones. 

The Speaker, announced 33 more appointees to add to two special advisers.

In reaction, Agbese hailed Abbas for adhering to the principle of federal character by equally distributing his appointment between zones.

He noted that by doing this, the Speaker has complied with the tenets of the proportional sharing of all bureaucratic, economic, and political positions at all levels of government.

The Benue lawmaker added that the appointment represented the local idiosyncrasies of the six geo-political regions, every stratum of persons in the society, and all the religious and ethnic lines of the country.

Quoting from Section 318(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Agbese said Abbas has shown a distinctive desire to promote national unity, foster national loyalty, and give every citizen a sense of belonging. 

He, therefore, expressed optimism that the Speaker will continue to entrench fairness and equity in the selection of principal officers for the House of Reps as well as committee chairmen and members. 

“Rt Hon Abbas’ recent appointments didn’t come as a surprise. He is pan-Nigerian, unifier, and bridge builder,” Agbese said. 

“Every stratum of the Nigerian society was represented. The local idiosyncrasies of the 6 geo-political regions and all the religious and ethnic diversity of the country were effectively captured. 

“I’m optimistic that he will continue in this line. Nothing beats an inclusive government. At this critical time, all hands must be on deck irrespective of tribe, religion, and region”.

He, however, urged Nigerians to support the Speaker and the 10th National Assembly in their quest towards a prosperous and safe Nigeria.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that 11 persons were killed in multiple crashes on the Ore-Benin Road.

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Bisi Kazeem in Abuja.

The statement said that the unfortunate fatal crash occurred on kilometer 20 OVIA BRIDGE inward Benin, Edo State at exactly 9:04 a.m. on June 26, 2023.

The multiple crash involved, 19 people comprised of 10 male adults, eight female adults, and one female child.

The corps said that out of the number, 11 persons were killed comprised of three female adults, seven male adults, one female child were killed, while eight persons sustained various degrees of injuries.

“A total of three vehicles were involved comprising of a Dangote trailer at the rear, one Kia saloon car with registration number LSD553HY which was brushed aside and a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number KET779AV in front,” he said.

Reacting to the accident, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dauda Biu, advised drivers to avoid being careless whenever they notice mechanical faults in  their vehicles.

Biu also reiterated the need for drivers to ensure routine and regular maintenance of their vehicles.

This, he said, was to avert unwarranted road traffic crashes that could lead to loss of human lives and damage to properties.

Biu said that investigation conducted revealed that the multiple crash occured as a result of mechanical deficiency (Break Failure) which resulted in loss of control.

He said that the injured were evacuated to the Saving Grace Hospital, Ovbiogie in Benin, Edo, while the dead had been deposited at University of Benin Teaching Hospital mortuary.

The Corps Marshal directed that a technical investigation should be conducted into the immediate and remote causes of the crashes.

This, he said would be with the aim of prosecuting erring offender(s) in order to protect the rights of the crash victims accordingly. 

A two-story hotel has collapsed in the Ada-George area of Port Harcourt, leaving four injured persons now receiving treatment in hospital.

According to media reports, the building belonging to 1708 Hotel, Rumuoke by Okilton Junction, off Ada George, collapsed at about 6.15am on Thursday.

The incident occurred when some residents of the area were still asleep, and occupants of the building who were mainly site workers, were getting ready to resume for the day’s activities.

Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Mr Emeka Woke, while inspecting the level of damage and cause of the incident, said that the government would take every measure to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the collapse.

“Early this morning, the governor, Siminialaye Fubara, was informed about this building collapse and he directed that I immediately visit the site on his behalf and assess the extent of damage and report back to him.

“Having seen the building, the first thing we did was carry out a personnel audit and from available records, no life was lost but we have been told that four persons sustained some injuries and taken to the hospital for treatment,” he said.

The commissioner said that the governor also directed that the premises of the collapsed building be sealed off pending investigation.

He, however, noted that rescue operations were ongoing at the site, basically to evacuate the rubbles.

Mr. Isa Aghaebne, an engineer handling the integrity test on the collapsed building, said a structural integrity test will commence on Friday (today).

He, however, noted that the collapse might possibly be due to foundation failure or failure of the structure itself.

“We can’t ascertain now until we have concluded an integrity test which is expected to last for about two weeks,” he said.

The collapsed building is part of an expansion of the existing building.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to continuously work and quicken the process of Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.

Tinubu made the pledge on Thursday at the palace of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, during a private visit.

The president, who urged Nigerians to be united, stay positive and focused, solicited for the support and prayers of Nigerians in steering the ship of the nation ‘to the promised land’.

Earlier, Gov. Dapo Abiodun commended Tinubu for swinging into action upon assumption of power.

Abiodun noted that the various pronouncements made so far by Tinubu had defined his government and renewed the hope of Nigerians.

The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, former Governor Olusegun Osoba and former Deputy Governor, Salmot Badru, all prayed for Tinubu’s success as president.

In his remarks, Alake commended the president for his determination and resilience in getting to power and for deeming it fit to pay a ‘thank you’ visit to the state.

Present at the palace to receive Tinubu were former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, a former Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, Senator Shuaib Salis, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District and some traditional rulers.

The president had earlier in the day visited the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at his private residence in Ijebu-Ode.

Tinubu appreciated the traditional ruler and the people of Ijebuland for their support during the 2023 presidential elections.

He said that his visit was to thank the royal father, the chiefs and the entire people of the state for their love and support toward his emergence as president.

The president described Oba Adetona as a man of uncommon courage whom he owed lots of appreciation.

The Awujale, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction with the various programmes already initiated by the president and sought for support from all the citizens.

While expressing confidence in Tinubu’s capacity and capability to take Nigeria to the promise land, the royal father prayed God to grant the president guidance, good health and wisdom.

Tinubu arrived Ijebu-Ode at 10.17am in company of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategies, Dele Alake. 

Following the recommendation by the Presidential Committee on Salaries, the Federal government has washed its hands off the funding of Professional Bodies and Councils.

The move which is expected to take effect in 2024, will see Ministries, Departments, and Agencies coughing out monies to pay professional bodies for their staff.

There are at least 36 professional associations or councils in Nigeria that are funded by the federal government.

In a memo to the Registrar of the Nigerian Council of Food Science &Technology in the Federal Ministry of Science& Innovation, dated 26 June 2023 and signed by the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze, titled ‘Discontinuation of funding of Professional Bodies and Councils from 2024 Budget, in line with the Decision of the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS)’, said that beginning from 2024, there would no longer be budgetary provision for professional bodies.

“I wish to inform you that the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) at its 13th meeting approved the discontinuation of budgetary allocation for Professional Bodies/Councils effective 31st December 2023. 

“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to inform you that, in compliance with the PCS’s directive, the Office will no longer make budgetary provisions to your institution with effect from the above-stated date and, you will be regarded as a self-funded organisation. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, you will be required, effective 31st December 2023 to be fully responsible for your personal overhead and capital expenditure,” the memo read.

Meanwhile, in a telephone conversation with NIGERIAN ANCHOR, economist, Friday Efih commended the action of the Federal Government as it was in line with the yearnings of Nigerians on the need to cut down on government expenditure.

According to Efih, the affiliation of any civil servant to any professional body should be their private business and not the responsibility of the government.

He said: “I am happy that the government is finally seeing the reason to cut waste. This was a big drain on the government purse. How can the Federal Government be paying for a civil servant who wants to belong to a professional body?

“Any civil servant that wants to belong to any professional body should pay from their pockets like every other Nigerian,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday arrived at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on his way to private visits to some traditional rulers in the state.

Tinubu alighted from a presidential chopper in Ijebu-Ode in the company of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He also had with him the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategies, Dele Alake.

The President, after arriving at exactly 10.17 am, inspected the Guard of Honor.

He was received by Gov. Dapo Abiodun, his deputy, Noimot Salako -Oyedele, a former Ogun governor, Olusegun Osoba, some House of Representatives members and several All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters.

Tinubu, thereafter, left for the residence of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, where he would have a private meeting with the traditional ruler.

Tinubu is also expected to have another meeting with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in his palace in Abeokuta the state capital later on Thursday.

The President is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Oba Gbadebo, during which issues on Nigeria’s development and growth are also expected to be discussed.

The Nigerian Navy has reshuffled the appointments of top senior officers comprising 56 rear admirals and one Commodore.

In the redeployment, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole formerly the Director of Logistics, Defence Space Administration, is now appointed as the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, Naval Headquarters while Rear Admiral Alexander Bingel formerly Director Combat Policy and Tactics is now the Director of Logistics, Defence Headquarters.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, formerly Director Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Naval Headquarters is now the Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation, Defence Headquarters while Rear Admiral Kennedy Ezete formerly Director Project Monitoring, Defence Headquarters resumes as the Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters. Rear Admiral Livingstone Izu who was the Director Manning at Naval Headquarters is the new Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters while Rear Admiral Musa Madugu formally Deputy Director Special Operation Forces at the Defence Headquarters has been appointed as the Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordinance Depot.

Rear Admiral Daupreye Matthew, the erstwhile Director of Innovation and Concept Development, Naval Headquarters is now the Director of Training, Defence Headquarters while Rear Admiral Zakariya Muhammad, the former Director of Training, Naval Headquarters has been reappointed Chief of Training and Operations.

Rear Admiral Emmanuel Nmoyem has been reappointed Director Human Rights Desks at the Defence Headquarters while Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shettima formerly Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command moves to Defence Headquarters as Director of Plans.

The former Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Monday Unurhiere has been appointed the Chief of Defence Admimistration at the Defence Headquarters while Rear Admiral Hamza Kaoje who was the Director Equipment Standardization and Harmonization, Defence Headquarters has been appointed Group Managing Director, Navy Holdings Limited.

Rear Admiral Sulaiman El-ladan who was the Chief of Naval Engineering, Naval Headquarters is now at the Defence Research and Development Bureau at Defence Headquarters as the Director Marine Research while Rear Admiral Idi Abbas formerly Director of Operations, Naval Headquarters is now reappointed Chief of Naval Safety and Standards. Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi, the immediate past Director Communications at Naval Headquarters takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command while Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande formerly the Commandant Naval War College Nigeria has been appointed Director Operations, Naval Headquarters. Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara formerly the Head ECOWAS Maritime Security Coordination Centre, Abidjan moves to Naval Headquarters as Navy Secretary while Rear Admiral Clement Atebi has been reappointed to Naval Headquarters as the Director Audit.

Rear Admiral Samson Bura formerly Director Search and Rescue, Defence Headquarters is now the Director of Logistics at the Defence Intelligence Agency while Rear Admiral Umar Chugali formerly Director Cyber at the Defence Space Administration takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command. Rear Admiral Oluwole Fadeyi has been reappointed Director Record Returns and Analysis, Naval Headquarters, likewise Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire reappointed Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command.

The new postings also saw Rear Admiral Eugenio Ferreira reappointed Commander Operation DELTA SAFE, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan formerly Director of Policy, Naval Headquarters redeployed to Naval War College Nigeria, Calabar as the Commandant while Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla formerly Chief Staff Officer, Logistics Command reappointed Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Oghara. Rear Admiral Kohath Levi formerly Chief Staff Officer Naval Doctrine Command resumes at Naval Headquarters as the Chief of Naval Engineering while Rear Admiral Bashir Mohammed formerly Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters is now the Director Project Monitoring, Defence Headquarters.

Rear Admiral Julius Nwagu formerly Director Campaign Planning, Naval Headquarters is now appointed Commandant Defence Intelligence College. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu has been reappointed Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command while Rear Admiral Mike Oamen who was the Director Veterans Affairs, Naval Headquarters is now the Chief of Naval Transformation at the Naval Headquarters.

Also, Rear Admiral James Okosun has been reappointed Commandant Nigerian Navy Engineering College, Sapele, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode formerly Managing Director Admiralty Maritime Services Limited takes over as Hydrogragher of the Nigerian Navy while Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu formerly Director of Ships Design and Acquisition at the Naval Headquarters has been appointed as the Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The immediate past Commander Naval Drafting, Rear Admiral Habilla Zakaria resumes Headquarters Naval Doctrine Command as the Flag Officer Commanding while Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi, formerly Managing Director Navy Exchange Limited is now the Director of Logistics, Defence Space Administration at the Defence Headquarters. The erstwhile Chief of Accounts and Budget, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Kasimu Bushi has been appointed Managing Director Navy Hotels and Suites Limited while the immediate past Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan resumes Naval Headquarters as the Chief of Policy and Plans.

Rear Admiral Abdulmajid Ibrahim, former Director Peace Keeping Operations, Naval Headquarters is appointed Director Defence Transformation at the Defence Headquarters while Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu former Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command takes over as the Commandant National Defence College, Abuja. Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, formerly the Director Marine Engineering, Naval Headquarters is appointed Managing Director Navy Building and Construction Company Limited while Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed who was Director of Recruitments Resettlement and Reserve, Naval Headquarters has been appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Space Administration at the Defence Headquarters. Rear Admiral Fredrick Damtong formerly the Director of Weapon Engineering, Naval Headquarters resumes as the Admiral Superintendent Naval Shipyard Limited.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Abdul-rasheed Haruna has been reappointed as the Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Eastern Naval Command while Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim who was Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Limited has been appointed Managing Director Admiralty Marine Services Limited. Rear Admiral Sunday Oyegade, the outgone Admiral Superintendent Naval Shipyard Limited assumes office as the Director Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral John Mamman is reappointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Western Naval Command likewise Rear Admiral John Okeke is reappointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Central Naval Command. Rear Admiral Olatunde Olodude, the former Fleet Commander Western Fleet resumes Naval Headquarters as the Director of Plans.

The redeployment also affected Rear Admiral Peter Zakaria formerly Director of Arms, Naval Headquarters now appointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Logistics Command and Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa who is reappointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Naval Training Command. Rear Admiral Abdul-hamid Baba-Inna, formerly the Director of Legal Services, Naval Headquarters is now Director of Administration, Naval Headquarters while Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, formerly Director of Maritime Domain Awareness, Naval Headquarters is now the Director of Naval Intelligence.

Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha who was the Deputy Director Defence Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser assumes office as the Director of Training, Naval Headquarters while Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, the immediate past Director of Personnel Release at the Naval Headquarters takes over as the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. Rear Admiral Olusegun Soyemi, formerly the Director Monitoring and Evaluation Analysis, Naval Headquarters is appointed Director of Policy, at Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral Abraham Zipelle, formerly Commandant Defence Intelligence College now moves to Naval Headquarters as the Director of Manning.

Furthermore, Commodore Omotola Olukoya who was the Commander Central Pay Office resumes as the new Chief of Accounts and Budget, Naval Headquarters.