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  • JAMB to prosecute student who allegedly falsified results to emerge 2023 UTME highest scorer

    JAMB to prosecute student who allegedly falsified results to emerge 2023 UTME highest scorer

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has exposed a pupil, Ejikeme Mmesoma, who reportedly inflated her result and announced herself as the top scorer for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    Mmesoma, a student of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Nnewi, Anambra State, had announced that she scored 362 in this year’s UTME, declaring herself as the overall best candidate in the exam.

    Innocent Chukwuma, Founder of Innoson Motors, had awarded her a N3 million scholarship for her “exploit”.

    The Anambra State government was also planning to honour her for allegedly emerging as the top scorer.

    But in a statement on Sunday Fabian Benjamin, JAMB spokesperson, revealed that the student actually scored 249 in the exam.

    Fabian said the student manipulated her result to deceive the public to fraudulently obtain scholarship and other recognitions.

    “The attention of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has been drawn to several publications in both print and online media celebrating certain candidates for being high scorers in the 2023 UTME.”

    “The Board is constrained to set the records straight and wishes to state unequivocally that many of the results which many of these candidates are parading are fake. In many instances, some of these candidates had actually obtained far lower scores than they are claiming and had used some funny software packages to manipulate their results to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

    “The most pathetic of them all is the case of Miss Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma, who claimed to have scored 362 in the 2023 UTME and was awarded a N3m scholarship by Chief (Dr.) Innocent Chukwuma. She was even set to be honoured by the Anambra State Government when one of its top officials put a call through to JAMB to confirm her claim, only for the Board to reveal that Miss Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma had actually scored 249 and not the 362 she claimed. ”

    The board noted that it also identified the case of another fraudulent candidate who claimed to have scored a 380 aggregate score in the last UTME.

    “A similar case was that of one Atung Gerald in Kaduna, who claimed to have scored 380. His ethnic group had taken the issue up, requesting that he be given special recognition, only for the Board to disappoint them with the incontestable fact that Atung never obtained the 2023 UTME application documents, not to talk of sitting the examination.”

    “The Board would, therefore, want to advise the public to always cross-check these claims by candidates with the Board before rushing to honour them with undeserving awards, as certain software has been created to fake their version of their results and put same out in the public space for fun, and this is what the sponsors of these candidates are using to defraud good-spirited Nigerians such as Dr Innocent, the founder of Innoson Motors, who sincerely desires to celebrate academic excellence by investing in the education of a young Nigerian.”

    Speaking on the punishment for Ejikeme, the board noted that it would withdraw her result and also prosecute her.

    “We commended the likes of Dr. Innocent Chukwuma and wish to encourage other Nigerians, who desire to invest in the future of genuine youngsters, never to be discouraged but to always ensure that they get the authentic results from the Board as done by the Anambra State Ministry of Education; otherwise they will be celebrating criminality as this is just another new fraudulent method in town. However, these candidates only succeed in manipulating what they are holding, as the authentic results are with the Board and would be transmitted to their schools of choice at the appropriate time.

    “It is to be noted that Miss Mmesoma had sent a message to the Board’s platform to request her UTME result, after which she manually inflated her scores and pasted same on the 2022 UTME result sheet. Unknown to her, the Board had changed the design of the 2023 UTME result sheet. Her original result remains 249, as nothing can change that.

    “With this her ignoble act, Miss Mmesoma would be prosecuted and her original result withdrawn. This is not all, as the Board would, in due course, investigate all candidates laying claims to higher scores than they actually obtained. Once discovered, such candidates’ original results would be withdrawn forthwith, and they would be handed over to relevant security agencies for prosecution.”

    Daily Trust

  • PEPT: Obi-Datti campaign raises alarm over attempts to alter FCT results

    PEPT: Obi-Datti campaign raises alarm over attempts to alter FCT results

    As President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) open their defence on Monday at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja, the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation on Saturday warned the electoral umpire against tampering with INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) to give 25 per cent of the votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and their presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, had closed their cases penultimate Friday.

    But a statement issued on Saturday by the Obi-Datti Campaign Organisation alleged that INEC was trying to yield to pressure to tinker with the results of some states, including the FCT to enable the ruling APC to be in good standing.

    The statement, which was signed by the Head of the Media Office of the campaign organisation, Mr. Diran Onifade, quoted the Campaign Manager of the organisation, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze as saying in a tweet that intelligence reports showed that INEC was trying to tinker with the declared results of the February 25, 2023, presidential election.

    Onifade said: “According to our source, INEC is tempering with the machines used in the election to adjust FCT results to give the APC candidate, the much-needed 25 per cent, which he did not get as per the initial INEC declaration and for which he is being challenged at the Presidential election tribunal.

    “It’s not clear how the electoral commission can brazenly carry out such bizarre action but given the abracadabra they did to announce the APC Candidate winner by 4 a.m., there is nothing to be taken for granted.

    “Obaze warns that INEC and the ruling APC may be taking the adherence to the rule of law and due process disposition of Nigerians in general and the ‘Obidient’ movement in particular for granted, but it would be courting catastrophe for them to want to pour salt into an open wound inflicted on Nigeria’s electorate.

    “The former United Nations diplomat reminded INEC that what they are trying to do is tantamount to raising a dead horse and that whether reports were fake or real, the commission should know the level of public confidence in them has long eroded,” Onifade added.

    The PDP and the LP, as well as their candidates, have since closed their case against Tinubu and the APC, while the ruling party, its candidate, and the electoral umpire will open their defence on Monday.

    Before the commencement of the hearing, the two political parties and their candidates had disclosed that they had lined up 150 witnesses for their cases.

    While Atiku and PDP said they would line up 100 witnesses to give evidence in support of their joint petitions challenging the outcome of the election, Obi and LP told the court that they would call 50 witnesses.

    However, while closing their cases on June 21, the two political parties and their candidates ended up presenting 40 witnesses in total.

    Atiku and PDP called 27 witnesses, while Obi and LP called 13.

    Arise News

  • IPMAN refutes claims of plan to sell PMS at N700/L

    IPMAN refutes claims of plan to sell PMS at N700/L

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has denied reports that it planned to increase the pump price of petrol to N700 per litre nationwide.

    This is as a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) said it would resist the planned increase in the price of petrol being allegedly worked on by IPMAN.

    Chairman of IPMAN, South-west Zone, Dele Tajudeen, spoke in Ibadan at the weekend

    Tajudeen said the price of the product would not be more than what it is currently being sold for.

    “Even in the PIA bill, it has been clearly stated that the subsidy must be removed,” he said.

    “So, I want to commend the president for removing the subsidy and I want to say that we are totally in support. This is because the subsidy was a scam.”

    The association’s South-west chair urged Nigerians to be at rest as the commodity would not be out of reach for the masses.

    “I want to disabuse the mind of the people that they should not panic about it; there is no cause for alarm, we are in control and there is nothing like that,” Tajudeen said.

    “So, people should be rest assured that there is no way they can buy petrol more than the price it is being sold now.

    “If we look at the price from NNPC retail limited, which is an integral part of NNPC limited, they have more advantages than independent marketers and major marketers.

    “So, it was the retail price that they announced [and] they have never given a specific price to the independent marketers.

    “However, I have read what somebody put into the paper, it is just speculation, it is not a reality. Nothing like that I want to assure the masses.

    “There is no way the price can go to N700 as we speak, because even if the foreign exchange (FX) is N700 or N800 that has nothing to take the price of petroleum from N500 to N700.”

    Tajudeen said the product has been deregulated, noting that the slight increase and differentials in pump prices were due to the cost of transportation as it is related to location.

    “If you are moving products within Lagos the price may not be more than N300,000 but if you are moving up to Ibadan or there about it could be as much as N500,000,” the IPMAN chair explained.

    “And if you are going to Ilorin, it could be as high as N700,000, which would account for the difference in prices.

    “I want to say with all sense of authority that as of today within Lagos metropolis nobody should sell more than N515 to N520 per litre.

    “Though NNPC has given us the price, the reality of it is that we buy from the market; because NNPC limited is not the only source for our product, we get it from private depots.

    “So, whatever we buy is what we put on our own margin and sell.

    “But as of today, the highest you can get anywhere should be around N550; Lagos, N510 per litre, Ogun state between N500 and N520.”

    Tajudeen, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard the speculation and not to engage in panic buying

    Meanwhile, a coalition of CSOs has said it would resist planned increases in the price of petroleum being allegedly worked on by IPMAN.

    The CSOs made their position known in a statement jointly signed by the Convener, Dr Basil Musa; and Co-Convener, Malam Haruna Maigida, in Abuja on behalf of others.

    Others who signed the statement were officials of the Oil and Gas Transparency and Advocacy Group, Civil Society Coalition for Economic Development (CED), Centre for Citizens Rights, Centre for Good Governance Advocacy and Action against Corruption in Nigeria, among several others.

    The CSOs said that information reaching them was to the effect that IPMAN was planning to increase petrol price to N700 per litre, a move which they vowed to resist by picketing IPMAN members’ filling stations across the country.

    They accused the IPMAN of inflicting pain on ordinary Nigerians through their unilateral adjustment of the price of petroleum.

    They described the planned increment as unacceptable and called on the federal government to stop IPMAN from its alleged profiteering at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

    Arise News

  • Grandmother of teen killed by police calls for calm, as France prepares for sixth night of violence amid Macron meeting with top ministers

    Grandmother of teen killed by police calls for calm, as France prepares for sixth night of violence amid Macron meeting with top ministers

    The grandmother of the 17-year-old boy who was fatally shot by a police officer in a Paris suburb has called for an end to the violence that erupted in the aftermath of his death, as French authorities gear up for a sixth night of rioting.

    Victim Nahel Merzouk’s grandmother appealed to protesters on Sunday, telling CNN’s affiliate BFMTV: “They should not damage the schools, not break the buses, it was the moms who take the buses.”

    “I’m tired,” the grandmother, identified by BMFTV as Nadia, said, adding that Nahel’s mother, “doesn’t have a life anymore.”

    Meanwhile, security forces will again have more than 45,000 police and gendarmes deployed across France on Sunday night following the violent public unrest, the government said.

    Many of the people detained since the protests began on Tuesday are minors, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said Saturday, adding that the average age of the more than 2,000 detainees is 17 years old.

    The situation across France so far on Sunday has been less tense than Saturday, with only sporadic protests reported, but the violence normally kicks off after sunset, according to CNN producers in France.

    French President Emmanuel Macron will meet the country’s prime minister, interior minister and justice minister at 7 p.m. local time (1 p.m. ET) to take an update on the latest on the nationwide protests, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.

    ‘Assassination attempt’

    Early Sunday morning, the mayor of a Paris suburb said his home was attacked, calling it “an assassination attempt” on his family.

    “At 1:30 a.m., while I was at the city hall like the past three nights, individuals rammed their car upon my residence before setting fire to it to burn my house, inside which my wife and my two young children slept,” said mayor Vincent Jeanbrun of L’Haÿ-les-Roses, a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, in a statement.

    “While trying to protect the children and escape the attackers, my wife and one of my children were injured.”

    Jeanbrun said that he had “no words strong enough to describe his emotion towards the horror of this night” and thanked police and rescue services for their help.

    The Créteil prosecutor’s office has classified the incident as an “attempted murder,” prosecutor Stéphane Hardouin told reporters Sunday.

    Firefighters and french police operate during clashes between protesters and police, after the death of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager killed by a French police officer during a traffic stop, in Nanterre, Paris suburb, France, June 28, 2023.

    Hardouin said the initial findings of a police investigation suggest that a flaming car “was launched to burn down the pavilion,” entering Jeanbrun’s property at around 1:30am local time.

    “Hitting a low wall, the vehicle stopped… before it could reach the veranda of the house. Only the front gate was hit, along with the family’s vehicle,” the prosecutor said in a news conference outside the mayor’s home.

    He said the mayor’s wife and two children, aged 5 and 7, fled through the back garden. While running away, the mayor’s wife hurt her shin which “appears to be broken,” according to the prosecutor.

    Hardouin also said forensic police have found a fire accelerant in a bottle of Coke. He didn’t specify which substance the accelerant was.

    “Every effort will be made to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” the prosecutor concluded.

    France has been rocked by a wave of protests following the death of Nahel, a 17-year-old of Algerian descent who was shot by a police officer in Nanterre earlier in the week and whose funeral took place on Saturday at a mosque in the Paris suburb amid a heavy security presence.

    The youth’s death has reignited a debate on policing in France’s marginalized communities and raised questions over whether race was a factor in his death.

    A GoFundMe page in support of the family of the police officer accused of fatally shooting the teenager had reached almost €650,000 ($710,000) on Sunday afternoon.

    The page was started by a far-right TV pundit and claims the policeman “only did his job and is now paying a hard price for it.”

    The officer has been charged with voluntary homicide and placed in preliminary detention, the prosecutor of Nanterre said earlier in the week.

    In comparison, another crowdfunding page in support of Nahel’s mother had raised over €97,000 ($105,000) at the time of writing. The page reads Nahel “leaves behind a mother torn apart by the loss of her only son. She needs our support to face the long trials that lie ahead.”

    Hundreds detained

    While the French government has deployed security forces and riot police across the country, the unrest continued with another night of protests on Saturday.

    More than 700 people were detained across France overnight, according to a provisional tally from the Interior Ministry.

    The statement added 45 police officers and gendarmes had been injured overnight, while 74 buildings including 26 police and gendarmes stations were damaged and 577 vehicles set on fire.

    The previous night, more than 1,300 people were detained and 2,560 fires reported on public roads.

    Meanwhile, China has warned its citizens in France to remain vigilant after a bus carrying a Chinese tour group in the southern city of Marseille had its windows smashed, resulting in multiple minor injuries, the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement Sunday.

    China’s Consulate General in Marseille has lodged an official complaint and urged French authorities to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and property amid the unrest.

    The ministry did not say when the incident took place or how many people were injured. It said all the tourists on the group have since left France.

    CNN

  • SERAP urges Tinubu to publish details of N400bn fuel subsidy savings

    SERAP urges Tinubu to publish details of N400bn fuel subsidy savings

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his good offices and leadership position to “urgently publish details of spending of about N400bn so far saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol.”

    SERAP urged him to “provide details of the plans on how subsequent savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, including specific projects on which the funds would be spent, and the mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that any such savings are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

    According to reports, the Federal Government has saved N400bn within the four weeks following the implementation of the policy on the removal of payment of subsidy on petrol.

    In the letter dated 1 July 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Your government has a legal responsibility to ensure that the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent solely for the benefit of the 137 million poor Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the removal.”

    SERAP said, “Prevention of corruption in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and preventing and addressing the challenges caused by the removal are serious and legitimate public interests.”

    According to SERAP, “Nigerians have the right to know how the savings are spent. Publishing the details of the spending of the savings would promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”

    The letter, read in part: “SERAP is concerned that the savings from subsidy removal may be embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

    “Opacity in the spending of the savings from subsidy removal would have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”

    “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

    “Unless the government is transparent and accountable to Nigerians in how it spends the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, the removal will continue to undermine the rights of Nigerians, and increase their vulnerability to poverty and social deprivation.”

    “Transparency would ensure that the funds saved from the removal of subsidy are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust and confidence that these savings would be used to benefit Nigerians.”

    “The implementation of the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and spending on the programme have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.”

    “Publishing the details of the spending of the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy would also ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of the funds.”

    “Transparency and accountability in the spending details of the N400bn saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on petrol, and on the spending of subsequent savings from the removal would mean that the savings can help poor Nigerians to overcome the effects of such removal.”

    “It would also help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians.”

    The lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and the resulting human costs would directly threaten fundamental human rights that your government has an obligation to protect.”

    “Your government has the legal obligations to address the effects of subsidy removal on the human rights of 137 million poor Nigerians, and to prevent and address some of the direst consequences that the removal may reap on human rights, especially given the disproportionate impact on these Nigerians.”

    “SERAP also urges you to promptly instruct Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the spending of all savings from subsidy removal.”

    “SERAP notes that the removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect poor Nigerians, undermining their right to adequate standard of living.”

    “Your government has a positive obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by the removal of subsidy on petrol. Your government also has legal obligations to effectively address the aftermath of subsidy removal.”

    “SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of public funds and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public trust and confidence in governments at all levels.”

    “The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol would be spent.”

    “By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent.”

    “The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”

    “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” in the country.”

    “Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’”

    “Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”

    “Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”

    Channels TV

  • Artificial Intelligence Forces Twitter to Restrict Number of Posts Users Can Read

    Artificial Intelligence Forces Twitter to Restrict Number of Posts Users Can Read

    Elon Musk says Twitter will limit the number of posts users can see a day to limit ‘extreme levels’ of data scraping by AI companies

    Elon Musk said Twitter had to take “drastic and immediate” action to restrict access to tweets because AI companies were stealing its data.

    Elon Musk said forcing users to sign in to view tweets was a temporary measure.

    Elon Musk said Twitter users will have to temporarily sign in to view tweets to stop AI data scraping.

    Musk also said Twitter would place limits on the number of tweets people can read per day.

    He said “drastic and immediate action” was needed to curb the “extreme levels” of scraping.

    The Twitter CEO said Friday that the company would require users to sign in to view tweets, and would not allow tweet previews when links were shared with others. Then, on Saturday, Musk announced that Twitter will temporarily limit how many tweets users can read per day.

    Musk said both changes were meant to address “data scraping and system manipulation.”

    Hundreds of companies were “scraping Twitter data extremely aggressively,” Musk said on Friday, adding that social media companies without an authentication process were at risk of becoming “bot-strewn hellscapes.”

    Verified users, which are largely accounts subscribed to Musk’s troubled Twitter Blue program, will be able to read 6,000 posts per day, while unverified and newly created unverified accounts will be able to see just 600 and 300 posts per day, respectively, Musk said on Twitter.

    It’s unclear how Twitter will count a post as read, whether it will mean just scrolling past a tweet, or actually interacting with the tweet in some way. However, it appears that the change could be what caused thousands of users to have problems seeing new tweets on their feeds Saturday morning.

    The decision was met with confusion and seemingly, new motivation to seek out other platforms, as Elon, BlueSky, Jack Dorsey, Tumblr, Twitter Blue, Mastodon, and Hive were all trending Saturday afternoon.

    Musk tweeted Friday that the requirement to sign in would be “unlocked shortly” and that it was vital to take swift action to prevent the data scraping. He said Twitter had to fire up backup servers to cope with increased traffic on the site.”It is rather galling to have to bring large numbers of servers online on an emergency basis just to facilitate some AI startup’s outrageous valuation,” he said.The billionaire called for other solutions after Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted that Twitter was “account walled” and that browsing the site “feels horrible.”

    Musk replied by saying that the data scraping was affecting users’ experience. “What should we do to stop that? I’m open to ideas,” he asked. Sweeney suggested banning scraping in Twitter’s terms of service, protecting itself with infosec engineering, and taking legal action against companies commercially abusing the site on a large scale.

    Musk responded and said: “1. Scraping is already disallowed by T&C. 2. The scraping orgs dgaf & mask their IPs through proxy servers or through orgs that appear legit. For example, a recent massive scraping operation originating from Oracle IP addresses was just using their servers as a laundromat. 3. We absolutely will take legal action against those who stole our data & look forward seeing them in court, which is (optimistically) 2 to 3 years from now.” The SpaceX founder shut down OpenAI’s access to Twitter in December because he reportedly felt the company wasn’t paying enough for it to license the platform’s data, per The New York Times. OpenAI was paying about $2 million a year to scrape Twitter’s data to help build its AI chatbot, according to the report.Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

    Business Insider

  • Gunmen attack Ogun church, kill pastor, Kidnap worshippers

    Gunmen attack Ogun church, kill pastor, Kidnap worshippers

    Gunmen invaded a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ogun State, killed a pastor and abducted some worshippers.

    The incident occurred at Abule-Ori in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state, this weekend.

    Commander of the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzallo while confirming the incident on Sunday morning said his officers rescued the seven church members and killed one of the kidnappers during the operation.

    According to So-Safe’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Moruf Yusuf, Ganzallo, the incident occurred at about 12am on Saturday, July 1.

    Ganzallo said, “The special operation team of the Corps, Owode-Egba Zonal Command, under ACC Jimoh Rasaki Omoniyi, received a distress call that some of the members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Desires of Nations Parish, under Ogun Province 22, Abule-Ori in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area were attacked during a vigil, while seven members of the church were kidnapped and the pastor killed.”

    According to him, officers of the Corps were charged to go after the suspects as to rescue the victims unhurt, stating that “the officers swung into action immediately.”

    Ganzallo further disclosed that the efforts of the corps yielded a positive result as the seven victims were rescued unhurt while one of the kidnappers was killed and many of the suspects sustained serious injury during a fire exchange.

    He added that the joint team of the police and the So-Safe Corps have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspected kidnappers.

    He noted that the body of the dead kidnapper had been deposited in a nearby morgue.

    Daily Trust

  • Anambra, Borno, Ebonyi, Kwara, 4 other states get new Police commissioners

    The Police Service Commission (PSC), has approved the appointment and deployment of eight Commissioners of Police to State Commands in the Country.

    The Commission also commended the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun for adhering to its latest Policy on gender sensitivity in his recommendation.

    The Commission however expects that the Inspector General in his subsequent proposals will include more Officers of North East and South East geopolitical zones that are yet to record the benchmark of 15 percent as decided at its last Plenary Meeting .

    The newly appointed State Commissioners of Police are; Godwin Aghaulor now Cp Bornu State Command; Adelesi E. Oluwarotimi, CP kwara State Command; Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, CP Oyo State Command; Augustina Ogbodo, CP Ebonyi State Command and Samuel Titus Musa, CP Kebbi State Command.

    Others are Aderemi Olufemi Adeoye, CP Anambra State Command; Stephen Olarewaju, CP Imo State Command and Alamatu Abiodun Mustapha, CP Ogun State Command.

    PSC chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, said the postings as recommended by the acting Inspector General of Police was on the average, fair and Commended the IGP for the inclusion of women.

    Dr. Arase advised that the acting IGP should consider the disadvantaged geo-political zones while forwarding subsequent proposals for Commission’s ratification.

    Sun

  • Enugu gov’t warns residents against erecting structures on waterways, as NiMet warns of flooding

    Enugu gov’t warns residents against erecting structures on waterways, as NiMet warns of flooding

    …sets up taskforce on erosion challenges

    The Enugu State Government has commenced the reinforcement of different means to address the imminent erosion and environmental challenges the state is predicted to face within the next couple of months, even as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA) warned that parts of the state would be affected by flooding ranging from low to moderate-risk flooding.

    This development was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday in Enugu at a meeting with stakeholders and members of the taskforce constituted to assist the government to control and mitigate the impact of the flooding.

    While addressing members of the taskforce drawn from different professional agencies in the state such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA), Enugu State Ministry of Health, Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, town planning authority, the chairmen of the affected council areas, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others, the SSG warned residents against erecting structures on waterways, dumping of waste and refuse on drainage and deliberate obstruction of canals.

    He noted that the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah was worried by the predictions and immediately directed that taskforce that would protect the lives and property of the citizens be constituted in order to swing into action not only to forestall the environmental disaster but to also draw up a sustainable plan on strategic engagement of future disasters.

    According to him: “The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in its 2023 seasonal climate prediction predicted that the rainfall onset will be a lot more intensive this year, and in most parts of the country. Enugu State is among the states predicted to experience extended rainfall and will likely record 1300 millimeters to 2000 millimeters of rainfall this year.

    “Also, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, in its annual flood outlook, listed Enugu State among the 224 local governments that fall within the moderate flood risk areas.

    “Flood is one of the most devastating disasters in the world and a common frequent threat to life, property, economy and environment. Sequel to this comment, His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State has considered it very pertinent to establish a taskforce for drainage, clearing of debris, dredging of waterways, and identification of buildings constructed on waterways. And when we identify these buildings; to take necessary actions.

    “This is expected to serve as an emergency preparedness measure for the 2023 flooding and beyond. As a result of this, we’ve been all invited to this maiden meeting to come up with the constituted force that will be authorized to commence work immediately in the state.

    “A letter was written to us clearly caving out the risk prone areas within Enugu State. That’s why the specific local government chairmen whose areas are affected are seated here today. And we’re trying to find ways so that we don’t lose our citizens.”

    Prof. Onyia further appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the taskforce in the course of carrying out their lawful duties, identifying buildings on waterways, evacuating illegal structures and blocked drainages, adding that enforcement of building regulations, prosecution of sanitary offences, proactive response to the environment will mitigate the adverse effects of erosion, prevent outbreak of waterborne diseases and protect lives of citizens.

    The secretary of the newly constituted taskforce, Mrs Chinasa Mbah lamented that the state had been experiencing erosions such as devastating flash floods with consequences on livelihoods.

    She noted that the state was likely to experience torrents of rain from now to later December, urging residents to exercise caution on how they dispose waste, manage the environment and erect structures.

    “Our ideas about the environment should change. People have been building on erosion prone areas against warnings. Some of the buildings have already collapsed, and we are only entering the peak of rainfall in our state,” she added.

    Some of the local government areas with a high-risk of flooding include, Enugu East, Enugu South, Enugu North, Nkanu East, Nsukka, Udi, Ezeagu, Nkanu West, Igboeze North, Igboeze South, Igbo-Etiti, Oji River, Uzo Uwani, Aninri, Awgu, Isi Uzo, among others.

  • IGP Orders Withdrawal of Personnel From VIPs

    IGP Orders Withdrawal of Personnel From VIPs

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said that the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Olukayode Egbetokun’s order to withdraw Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from Very Important Persons (VIPs) and establish a Special Intervention Squad, should not be taken as a plan that will go unexecuted as many before now.

    In a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force said that unlike previous announcements that were often unattended to, Ag. IGP Egbetokun’s approach involves the formation of a committee to guide the process and explore the use of supernumerary officers, aligning with the provisions of the Police Act 2020.

    According to the communique, this committee, led by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operations, will ensure a seamless withdrawal process and address any concerns or challenges that may arise.

    The Special Intervention Squad aims to enhance Nigeria’s security framework and provide equal protection for all citizens. The team will swiftly respond to security challenges nationwide.

    In CSP Adejobi’s opinion, this inclusive approach by the IGP, involving a guiding committee and exploring supernumerary officers, showcases a commitment to transparency and accountability.

    Adejobi further stressed that this shift signifies a significant departure and promotes a safer Nigeria.

    Below is a full statement from the police spokesman.

    PROPOSED WITHDRAWAL OF PMF PERSONNEL FROM VIPS, ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL INTERVENTION SQUAD: A WORKABLE AND UNUSUAL PROCESS.

    The appointment of Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has definitely changed the rhythm of Police tradition most especially on certain administrative and operational engagements which will surely trigger a paradigm shift for the betterment of our internal security architecture. In his maiden speech, Ag. IGP Egbetokun christened himself a lion and tiger ready to devour criminals in Nigeria, and he matched his words with actions by rolling out his strategic action plans including the establishment of a Special Intervention Squad that will be deployed to the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other areas prone to terrorists attacks.

    It has however become pertinent to critically analyze the recent developments regarding the proposed withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from Very Important Persons (VIPs) to form the Special Intervention Squad announced by the Acting Inspector General of Police. One will ordinarily think Egbetokun’s pronouncement is as usual, like preceding announcements by previous IGP’s, which never saw the light of the day, or were never complied with by officers and men on the field. It is imperative to state categorically that this policy is not a regular procedure as the Ag. IGP’s approach includes the setting up of a committee to guide the process and the exploration of the use of supernumerary officers, in line with the provisions of Sections 23 to 25 of the Police Act 2020.

    The incessant abuse of police officers attached to certain individuals and companies on guard or escort duty has become worrisome and detestable, particularly to the present leadership. This necessitates the drive to not only deploy these officers for strategic police assignments, but to also sanitize the police, review the process and deployment of men on VIP guards, in order to restore the dignity of the personnel in particular, and the NPF in general.

    The decision to withdraw PMF personnel from VIPs and establish a Special Intervention Squad is aimed at ensuring a more inclusive and effective security framework that caters to the needs of all Nigerians rather than a select few. This strategic shift in approach recognizes the importance of equal access to security services for all citizens and seeks to enhance the overall safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace. The current leadership possesses the requisite zeal to enforce the directive and monitor the withdrawal process, ensuring it is seamless while gradually moving away from individual protection to collective general social safety

    By establishing a committee to guide the process headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operations, the IGP is demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and actualization of the policy for improved public safety. This committee will oversee the implementation of the withdrawal process and ensure a smooth transition while addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise. It will work in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including VIPs, to ensure that the interests and security requirements of all concerned are duly considered.

    Furthermore, the exploration of the use of supernumerary officers aligns with the provisions of Sections 23 to 25 of the Police Act 2020. This legal framework allows VIPs to employ individuals for their security and have them trained by the police as supernumerary officers. This approach not only provides an opportunity for VIPs to have dedicated security personnel but also ensures that these individuals receive proper training and adhere to professional standards set by the police.

    The introduction of a Special Intervention Squad will further enhance the capacity of the Police Force to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging security challenges across the country. This specialized unit will be adequately equipped and trained to handle critical situations and provide rapid assistance where needed. The focus on establishing this squad demonstrates the IGP’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.

    In conclusion, the proposed withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIPs and the establishment of a Special Intervention Squad by the IGP represents a significant departure from previous approaches. The involvement of a guiding committee and the exploration of supernumerary officers under the provisions of the Police Act 2020 ensure that the process will be inclusive, transparent, and effective. This strategic shift aims to create a security framework that caters to the needs of all Nigerians, promoting equal access to protection and fostering a safer environment for the entire nation.

    Channels TV

  • INEC to decide fate of suspended Adamawa REC soon

    INEC to decide fate of suspended Adamawa REC soon

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the commission will “soon” take action on the case of suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari.

    INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.

    According to Okoye, the police have concluded investigations on the matter.

    The INEC spokesman said the electoral umpire has enough proof to establish a case against Yunusa-Ari.

    Okoye also said the electoral umpire has enough proof to establish a case against Yunusa-Ari.

    He said, “I am aware that the police have concluded investigations and I am aware that in the next few weeks, Nigerians will be informed of what will happen.

    “Under the law, it is the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission to prosecute him (Ari) if a prima facie case has made out against him.”

    Recall that Yunusa-Ari came under fire after the supplementary election in Adamawa on April 15, 2023, after he announced Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the dramatic poll while the collation of results was ongoing.

    INEC nullified Yunusa-Ari’s decision and suspended him while former President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a full investigation on the electoral commissioner and the security personnel that were around him when he made the declaration.

    INEC subsequently concluded the election and announced the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the authentic winner of the drama-filled poll.

    Yunusa-Ari’s whereabouts were unknown for over two weeks but he turned himself in to the police on May 2, 2023. The police later granted him bail on May 5, 2023 while Nigerians continue to ask with curiosity what becomes of the case.

    When asked on Thursday whether INEC has enough evidence to establish a case against Yunusa-Ari, Okoye said, “Yes.”

    He said the police and the electoral commission were in talks during the probe of the embattled INEC official and a decision will be made “very soon.”

    Okoye said, “There has been some level of interface between the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission and the commission was involved in some of the processes leading to the investigation. Very soon, the commission will take action relating to the Adamawa REC.”

    Vanguard

  • Gov’t declares July 1 sanitation day in Ebonyi

    Gov’t declares July 1 sanitation day in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi Government has declared Saturday, July 1, as sanitation day throughout the state to mobilise residents of the state to clean the environment.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Victor Chukwu, the state Commissioner for Environment, and made available to journalists on Thursday in Abakaliki.

    According to the statement, the exercise will last between the hours of 7 am and 10 am with restriction of both human and vehicular movements across the state within the period.

    NAN