Panic As Dreaded Bakassi Boys Return To South-East After Years Of Redundancy

A group of vigilantes in the South-East, Bakassi Boys, after years of redundancy, has returned to some areas of Awka, Anambra State capital, Daily Trust reports.

Their members were viewed in two moving vans, singing and warning criminals, but who brought them could not be ascertained.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ikenga Tochukwu, said he was not aware of the development.

He said, “I received this as information from you. I don’t have any such details before me. Meanwhile, I will make enquires, please."

But the police spokesman quickly added, “We are ready to work with any stakeholder in security," when responding to the question as to whether the police would partner with such a group.

Meanwhile, a source said, “The boys came primarily for alleged cult groups which have taken over Awka town in recent time without any response from the police. I think they were invited by traders.”

A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some security men had stormed the state, but failed to confirm if they were sent by the government.

The source said, “That is the only thing I can tell you, for now. Let’s see how things work out in the days and weeks to come.”

The Bakassi Boys are usually armed with machetes and guns, with all manner of charms worn around their body.

Their targets are petty thieves, armed robbers, ritual killers, murderers, corrupt persons, and generally, anyone considered evil.

Secondary School Boy Kill Girl For Refusing To Be His Girlfriend

The police on Tuesday charged the minor with murder.

A15-year-old boy, who allegedly beat a teenage girl to death for refusing his love advances, has been placed on remand by an Abeokuta Magistrate's Court pending legal advice by the Ogun State Department of Public Prosecution.

The police on Tuesday charged the minor with murder, News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Magistrate Dehinde Dipeolu, who did not take the minor's plea, ordered that he be remanded for 30 days in the Boaster Home Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

 Dipeolu adjourned the case until July 16 for a mention.

The prosecution counsel, Inspector Olu-Balogun Lawrence, told the Court that the minor committed the offence on February 24 at about 1:30 p.m. at Nawar ud-Deen Grammar School area in Abeokuta.

 Lawrence said the 15-year-old beat the 14-year-old girl to death.

He said the boy and the deceased were students of Reverend Kuti Memorial Grammar School and Nawar ud- Deen Grammar School.

 Lawrence said the minor accosted the victim on her way home from school and asked her to be his girlfriend, but she refused.

"As a result of the beating, the victim was taken to the General Hospital at Ijaye for treatment and was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, where she died," he said.

 Lawrence said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 316 and, 319(1) of the Criminal Code, Law of Ogun, 2006

Pastor kidnapped by Boko Haram eight months ago freed in Borno

 

After seven months in Boko Haram captivity, a pastor with the Church of Christ in Nations, Rev Polycarp Zongo, has regained his freedom.

Zongo, who presides over a branch of the church in Jos, Plateau State, was kidnapped by the terrorists on October 19, 2020.

He was on a journey to a ministers’ conference in Gombe State when he was abducted by the insurgents.

About 12 days after the abduction, his church members and well-wishers gathered on the church premises at the Low Cost area of Jos in jubilation when the news of his release filtered in, but the information turned out to be untrue, a development which left the people and his family members traumatised.

Zongo’s abductors, according to the President of COCIN, Rev Dachollom Datiri, had demanded a “huge” ransom, which the church could not afford, and since then, the leadership of the church had been calling for his unconditional release until Monday, when the pastor eventually regained his freedom.

A peace advocate and President of the Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, Rev Gideon Para-Mallam, confirmed Zongo’s release to punch correspondent in Jos on Tuesday.

Para-Mallam, who said he had spoken to the pastor, added that he was freed in Maiduguri, Borno State, by his abductors alongside others victims.

Para-Mallam stated, “I just spoke with him. His release, this time, is true.

“He was released on Monday night by his abductors in Maiduguri and I was told that he would soon return to Jos any moment from now. We really thank God for sparing his life after several months in captivity.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Cross River State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Benedict Ukpepi, has regained his freedom 84 days after he was abducted.

The state Vice Chairman of the union, Lawrence Achuta, announced Ukpepi’s freedom in a statement on Tuesday.

Baba Ijesha to remain in custody, as court denies rejects bail application

 

A magistrate court sitting in Lagos State, on Wednesday denied the embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, bail in the ongoing trial over alleged sexual assault.

Baba Ijesha was arrested and detained by the Lagos State police after he was alleged to have sexually molested a minor since she was seven years.

He was later granted bail on May 17, after spending about 25 days in police detention by magistrates in charge of prison decongestion.

However, he has remained in police custody despite the bail.

During the trial on Wednesday, June 16, Kayode Olabiran, his counsel, desired the court to release his client, citing his deteriorating health.

Olabiran stated that the controversial nature of the case has made it difficult to secure his release despite his bail as intending sureties were scared of the likely consequences.

But in his ruling, P. E Nwaka, the judge, held that the court can not grant the actor bail because the matter is beyond its jurisdiction.

The judge also explained that the case has already been filed before the high court.

Also speaking, Yetunde Cardoso, the superintendent of police in charge of the case, said the matter is now beyond the police.

“Mr Olanrewaju was actually granted bail during the JUSUN strike and based on the conditions given, he couldn’t meet them and he was properly charged today (Wednesday).

“Just like the court stated, the case has already been filed before the high court and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) of Lagos State Ministry of Justice has taken over the matter from the police.

“So presently, we have handed over to the DPP so the case is before them (DPP). It has nothing to do with the police anymore, it’s now left for the DPP to handle it,” she said

Instagram deletes Adamu Garba’s account

 

Former Presidential Aspirant, Adamu Garba’s Instagram account has been deleted.

This occurred shortly after Google deleted his Crowwe app from the Google Play Store.

The reason for deleting Mr Garba’s account was unclear but Instagram is known for banning accounts that violate its policy or reported for spam, fraud, or a fake account.

Nigerians had taken to google play store to drop horrible reviews on the instant messaging app, which imitates Twitter.

They also reported that Crowwe’s Terms and Conditions were plagiarised word for word from another app, Spotify.

Google in a response to the reports, yanked the Crowwe app from play store.

“Google removes from the Play Store, applications that are perceived to have violated its policy.

“Once your app is removed, the published version of your app won’t be available on Google Play until a compliant update is submitted,” the app store policy said.

BREAKING: Ahead Buhari’s Visit, Boko Haram Terrorists Set Military Base On Fire In Borno

The Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Tuesday razed a military formation in Kwamdi village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack comes two days to the planned visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the State, which is the epicentre of insurgency war in Nigeria. 

Ahead of his election in 2015, Buhari had promised to defeat Boko Haram but six years into his government, that promise has not been fulfilled.

In February 2020, residents of the state booed the President as his convoy drove in and when it was leaving Maiduguri, state capital, during a condolence visit.

The residents were heard shouting in Hausa “Bama so, ka samu a kunya.” Meaning “We don’t want you, because you have disappointed us.”

Thursday will be the first time the President will visit Borno since the February 2020 incident.

According to Daily Trust, Boko Haram terrorists overran a military formation in the Southern part of the state on Tuesday evening and carted away weapons belonging to the military during a gun duel.

The fighters were said to have stormed the area in 10 utility vehicles, and burnt down one Ammour Personal Carrier (APC) and a gun truck.

According to a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), Hamidu Abu, the deadly group targeted soldiers camp but not residents.

He added that the base was razed down as several valuables were stolen by the assailants.

“They came at about 4pm and due to the sand storms, it was difficult for soldiers to repel them. They burnt down the base including APC and four other vehicles.

“I can’t ascertain if there was any causality figure,” Abu said.

Culled from Sahara Reporters.com

INEC announces dates for Ekiti, Osun gubernatorial elections

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced dates for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

The Commission disclosed that the election in Ekiti State will hold on Saturday, June 18, while that of Osun State will hold on July 16.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced this on Wednesday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He said, “In keeping with our policy of announcing the dates of elections in advance to enable early and effective preparations by all concerned, the Commission has approved that the Ekiti State Governorship election will hold on Saturday, June 18, 2022, while the Osun State Governorship election will hold one month later on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

“Looking to the near future, the Commission is preparing to conduct the remaining off-season end of tenure elections ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“Already, activities listed in the timetable for the Anambra State Governorship election are being implemented. So too are those of the FCT Area Council election holding on February 12, 2022.”

Meanwhile, Yakubu appealed for rancour-free primaries and peaceful electioneering campaigns, noting that the timetable and schedule of activities for both elections can be found on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

CBN agrees to mint currency for Gambia

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has agreed in principle to mint The Gambian Dalasi.

The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, agreed to the currency minting proposal from the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Buah Saidy, who led a delegation to visit him on Tuesday.

Emefiele said Nigeria has a lot of capacity in currency printing as she has been minting since the 1960s and “we are willing to assist in printing your currency. We can be extremely competitive in terms of cost.”

The Gambian Central Bank governor said his country is running very low on currency and wants to learn how to manage their currency need annually leveraging Nigeria’s wealth of knowledge and experience.

He said currently, they placed an order for two years currency minting deal abroad but they are considering also minting from Nigeria if Nigeria is willing.

On its part, the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc said it is ready if both parties come to a deal.

IPOB: Nnamdi Kanu Reacts As Nigerian Army Begs Boko Haram/ISWAP For Reconciliation

 

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has reacted to the news making rounds on social media that the Nigerian Army is seeking reconciliation with the Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) over the constant killings and kidnappings in the country.

DAILY INDEPENDENT had earlier reported that the Nigerian army in its capacity called on the terrorists group to seize fire, put down their weapons and embrace peace, saying an end to the war is in sight.

The reconciliation call was made by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Abdulwahad Eyitayo at a party organised for journalists by the Army in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Speaking at the event, Eyitayo said that no one, including the military, was happy with the bloodshed, calling on the remnants of the terrorist organisation to take advantage of the amnesty and repent without further delay.

Eyitayo said, “We are not here for bloodletting, no one is happy that people are dying. Some of them (the insurgents) listen to the media, so it is good for us to appeal to them through the media to avoid violence, come forward to ask for forgiveness and reconciliation.”

The army moves follows a report that more than 30,000 Nigerians have been killed while over three million are displaced in the North East by Boko Haram, with many Nigerians held in their custody.

Reacting to the development on Tuesday via its official Twitter handle, Kanu said that the terrorists would be rehabilitated, recruited into the army and posted to the South.

He tweet, “Nigerian Army BEGS Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists for reconciliation.

“And after reconciliation, they will be rehabilitated, recruited into the Army & sent to the South to ‘shoot to kill’. Now you see why I keep calling it a TERRORIST army.”

Meanwhile, the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode had earlier expressed shock at the army’s decision to demand reconciliation with members of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

Reacting in a tweet, Fani-kayode said, “Nigerian Army BEGS Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists for reconciliation.

“Since when has the Nigerian Army resorted to begging murderers, killers and terrorists? How have the mighty fallen!”

Nigerian Army Seeks Boko Haram, ISWAP Terrorists’ Reconciliation

 

In a bid to curtail the constant killings and kidnapping by terrorists across the country, the Nigerian Army has called on Boko Haram and Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) to come out an seek forgiveness and reconciliation, saying soldiers and the public are not happy as people are dying daily.

The Army made the reconciliation call in a statement by General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. A.A. Eyitayo, at a feast organized for journalists by the army in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Eyitayo, who is also the commander of Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, noted that the recent military onslaught against the insurgents dealt a decisive blow on the terrorists leaving their remnants in disarray.!

He added that no one, including the military, was happy with the bloodshed, calling on the remnants of the terrorist organisation to take advantage of the amnesty and repent without further delay.

Eyitayo said, “We are not here for bloodletting, no one is happy that people are dying. Some of them (the insurgents) listen to the media, so it is good for us to appeal to them through the media to avoid violence, come forward to ask for forgiveness and reconciliation.”

Speaking further at the event, he encourage the media, and appreciate their contributions towards the fight against insurgency, while encouraging them to help the insurgents to see the light and repent from their wasteful ventures.

Eyitayo explained that their invention behind the feast that was organized was basically to stow great appreciation to the Nigerian Media, through the journalists who were present of course, for their reportage of the military activities in the state.

He added, “For the past three months since I assumed duty in Maiduguri in this capacity, there has never been any bad report. This is to appreciate the media for positive reportage.”

Recall that in recent time, more than 30,000 Nigerians have been killed while over three million are displaced in the North East by Boko Haram terrorists, the terrorist organisation also has many Nigerians held in their custody.

On April 14, 2014, a total of 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped from their school in Chibok. With 164 reunited to their families, 112 are still in captivity and many of them reportedly married off by the terrorists.

Also, on February 19, 2018, 110 schoolgirls of 11-19 years old were kidnapped from Government Girls’ Science Secondary School in Dapchi, Bulabutin, Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Five of the girls died on the same day and all others were released in March 2018 except Leah Sharibu, a Christian girl who refused to renounce her faith.