Metro

JUST IN: Protesters Storm N’Assembly, Demand Defence Minister’s Sacking

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

Scores of pro-democracy activists on Wednesday marched to the National Assembly in Abuja to demand the sacking of the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The protesters at the complex chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners with different inscriptions such as ‘Sack Bello Matawalle now,’ and ‘Our defence budget not in safe hands,’ among others.

Among other things, the activists under the aegis of the Civil Society Advocacy Groups for Accountability and Probity also accused the minister of allegedly “romancing bandits.” responsible for the loss of lives and property worth billions of naira in the northern part of the country.

Addressing newsmen in front of the National Assembly, leader of the group, Danesi Momoh, called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to exert pressure on the President to ensure Matawalle is relieved of his job.

“A Defence portfolio to an inefficient leader was perhaps one of the biggest mistakes of this administration. But it can be corrected with the Senate giving a voice in that direction,” he said.

He added, “We call on the Senate to weigh in to ensure that he is immediately removed to restore some hope in good governance.

“Let us also assure you that we know how limited your role could be, but it is very important that in the national interest you play that role. We shall also be mounting pressure on President Bola Tinubu whose table the buck stops directly to replace him. All the Senate needs is to play its part. The Senate should help in easing him off the public office space.”

Reacting to the protest, the Director, Sergeant at Arms, National Assembly, Salihu Abdullahi, who received the petition on behalf of Akpabio, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly conduct of the protesters, adding that he will convey their grievances to the appropriate quarters.

Metro

JUST IN: Gunmen Kill Policeman, Abduct Other In Imo

Published

20 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Editor

Gunmen launched a deadly attack on a police patrol team in Imo State on Sunday, resulting in the death of a police constable and the reported abduction of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday and has launched a manhunt to apprehend those responsible.

The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. near Finas Gas Station, along the Okigwe-Umuahia Road, specifically in the Old Gariki area of Okigwe, which sources described as a “dangerous zone.”

During the ambush, Police Constable Oluebube was fatally shot, and his service rifle was stolen by the attackers.

ASP Casmir, who was leading the patrol team, has been missing since the attack, leading to fears that he may have been abducted and possibly killed. Other members of his team managed to return to base with their rifles and are currently receiving medical attention.

Police spokesman Henry Okoye stated that preliminary findings suggest the attackers are affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“An intense operation is ongoing to apprehend the miscreants responsible for the attack,” Okoye said. He added, “We are aware that some may question why IPOB is being mentioned, but we cannot ignore confessional statements by suspects who openly associate their actions with the group. As a law enforcement agency, it is our duty to report facts as uncovered during investigations.”

Metro

Police Declare Two Wanted Over Attack On Ahoada-East LGA Administrator, Theft

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

The Rivers State Police Command has declared two top officials of the Ahoada-East Local Government Area wanted over their alleged involvement in the brutal attack on the LGA’s Sole Administrator, Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor.

Declared wanted are Mr. Hector Ekakita, Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Ahoada-East LGA, and Mr. Aloni Olodi, Chief of Staff (COS) of the LGA.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police said the duo is wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy, stealing, assault occasioning harm, and attempted murder. The offenses stem from a violent incident that occurred on June 20, 2025, at the Ahoada-East Council Secretariat.

According to the statement, Ekakita and Olodi, alongside a group of about 30 others, allegedly conspired to assault the Sole Administrator, inflicted injuries on him, forcibly obtained his signature under duress, stole his mobile phones and sensitive documents, and carted away both personal and official property from his office.

The police revealed that despite repeated invitations, the suspects have failed to appear for questioning, prompting the declaration.

“The Rivers State Police Command has declared the following individuals wanted… Mr. Hector Ekakita – Chief Security Officer (CSO), Ahoada-East LGA, and Mr. Aloni Olodi – Chief of Staff (COS), Ahoada-East LGA,” the statement read.

“Their actions resulted in bodily harm to the administrator, who continues to receive medical treatment.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, has urged the suspects to report to the Police State Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, without further delay.

He also warned that anyone found aiding or shielding the suspects would face the full weight of the law.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to justice and maintaining public peace and safety,” the statement concluded.
(VANGUARD)

Metro

10 Die In Ogun Night Bus Crash

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

No fewer than 10 persons have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries in a lone crash involving a Mitsubishi bus on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Expressway.

Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) in Ogun, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

Akinbiyi said the accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday at Ome Bridge, Awa, along Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan highway in Ijebu North Local Government Area.

He stated that the lone crash involved a Mitsubishi bus, registration number EJ829-LSR, which was conveying 15 passengers at the time.

According to Akinbiyi, seven male and three female passengers died. Three others were injured, while a toddler and one adult escaped unhurt.

He said preliminary findings indicate that overspeeding and wrongful overtaking led to the accident.

“Eyewitnesses said the driver wrongly overtook another vehicle at high speed and could not regain control after noticing an oncoming vehicle.

“The driver veered off the road, hit an abandoned gravel pile beside the bridge, and plunged the vehicle into the river,” Akinbiyi explained.

He said the deceased were taken to Ijebu-Ode General Hospital’s morgue, while the injured were also being treated at the same facility.

The spokesperson urged motorists to avoid speeding and to refrain from travelling at night, stressing the importance of road safety at all times.