Vikings rookie Jackson dies in car crash

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Khyree Jackson has died in a car crash at the age of 24.

Rookie Jackson and two former high school team-mates, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr, died early on Saturday morning in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The Dodge Charger they were travelling in collided with another vehicle that was trying to change lanes at high speed.

“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.

“Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his team-mates to him.

“In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.”

A Vikings statement read: “We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident.

“Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, team-mates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”

Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL Draft in April but had yet to play a game.

Police arrest notorious kidnapping kingpin in Yobe

Yobe State Police Command said its operatives have arrested a notorious kidnapping kingpin on a wanted list.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to the statement, on July 5, 2024, at about 1300hrs, detectives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) arrested one Usmanu Garba, 30, of Katarko Village, Gujba local government area, while on his way to spend his share of proceeds from a kidnapping operation.

It said that the suspect is a member of a gang specialised in armed robbery, kidnapping, and cattle rustling in Gujba and neighbouring towns.

“The gang was responsible for the recent kidnapping incident that occurred in Babaram Muktum, a Fulani settlement in Gujba LGA, where the gang kidnapped a resident and collected a ransom of N1.6 million.

“They also robbed the victim’s father of his mobile phone before releasing the victim. Other syndicate members are on the run, and the command is intensifying efforts to apprehend them,” it said.

The command said the suspect confessed to the crime and is cooperating with detectives as the investigation deepens.

The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to be vigilant and report suspicious movements, activities, and events.

Man plunges into Osun river

Security agencies in Osun State have confirmed that a man identified as Femi on Saturday committed suicide by jumping into the Osun River from the Gbodofon Bridge in Osogbo.

It was gathered that Femi, who earlier had complained of hardship and unfair treatment, ended his life by jumping into the river.

The spokesperson of Osun State Fire Service, Ibrahim Adekunle, said operatives of the agency were called for an emergency rescue operation when the victim jumped into the river around 10:30 am on Saturday.

Adejunle said, “We responded, but the river is overflowing and the current is strong at the moment.

“We made efforts and we are still looking for the person, but we are yet to recover the body. From what we were told, the person involved is a man.”

Also, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in the state, Kehinde Adeleke said the victim was identified as Femi.

Adeleke added that he had earlier made an attempt to commit suicide, but was chased away by some people who suspected his movement on the bridge.

“On July 6th, 2024, at exactly 10:30 am, a man identified as Femi, the only son of his parent and a native of Ilesha jumped into Gbodofon River.

“According to an eyewitness, before he jumped into the river, he kept saying that a group of people had beaten him mercilessly at a (fast food joint) in the Ogo-Oluwa area, which led him to decide to end his life.

“During the investigation, we interviewed a man who witnessed the incident. He mentioned that Femi initially attempted to commit suicide, but was chased away.

He later came back, saying he was tired of life. Shortly after, he went to the top of the Gbodofon Bridge and jumped into the river.

“As of Saturday evening, the body of the said man has not been recovered but effort is ongoing,” he said.

Earlier, an eyewitness, a vulcaniser who craved anonymity said, “I was at a spot close to the bridge working on a customer’s tyre when I looked towards the Gbodofon Bridge and I saw a man walking down from Old Governor’s Office end of the Osogbo/Gbongan.

“He stood right in the middle of the bridge and took a plunge into the Gbodofon River. People around were seized with fear after the incident.”

Rwandans in Nigeria celebrate 30 years of liberation

On Saturday, the Rwanda High Commission in Nigeria in Abuja celebrated the 30th anniversary of its liberation, known as Kwibohora 30.

The celebration marked a significant moment in Rwanda’s history, symbolising the end of genocide and the defeat of the oppressive regime that orchestrated it on July 4, 1994.

While Rwanda has made remarkable progress in these areas, the journey towards building a prosperous and unified nation is still ongoing.

Christophe Bazivamo, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, reflected on the challenges Rwanda faced after gaining independence on July 1, 1962.

“While we acknowledge our independence day on July 1, Kwibohora, July 4 holds a deeper significance for Rwandans as it marks the day we reclaimed our nation, our dignity and our right to chart our own path.

“We honour the resilience of the Rwandan people and the bravery of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, highlighting their sacrifices in the struggle for freedom and peace. We express gratitude to those who fought for Rwanda’s liberation and honoured the heroes who laid down their lives for a free and united Rwanda,” he said.

The ambassador also added that true liberation involves healing, reconciliation and rebuilding.

“Rwanda’s innovative approach to justice, including initiatives like the Gacaca courts and the “Ndi Umunyarwanda” programme, has played a crucial role in healing the wounds of the past and fostering national unity.

“Today, Rwanda stands stronger and more united than ever before. Significant progress has been made in reducing poverty, expanding access to healthcare and education, and empowering women. With an impressive annual economic growth rate of 7 per cent, Rwanda has emerged as a key investment destination in Africa.

“We want to invite individuals to #VisitRwanda through #RwandAir to explore the country’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife and vibrant culture.

“For investors, Rwanda offers a supportive business environment and a government committed to facilitating growth and development,” he added.

Furthermore, the ambassador acknowledged the valuable collaborations with nations like Nigeria that had contributed to Rwanda’s progress. He expressed gratitude for the partnerships that had supported Rwanda’s development and emphasised the importance of strengthening those relationships for mutual benefit.

Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar commended the people of Rwanda on their liberation, growth and achievements over the past three decades.

Mr Tuggar, represented by Safiu Olaniyan, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Rwanda and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Borno declares Monday public holiday for Islamic New Year

The Borno State Government has declared Monday as a public holiday in recognition of the Islamic New Year of Hijrah calendar.

The acting Governor of the State, Umar Kadafur, announced that Monday would be observed as a public holiday throughout the state.

Mr Kadafur said the decision was in honour of the Islamic New Year, which begins on the first day of the month of Muharram.

According to him, the public holiday aims to provide the Muslim community with the opportunity to reflect on the significance of the Hijrah and to celebrate the Islamic New Year in unity and devotion.

He said that the Hijrah marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.

Muharram is also one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar, as ordained by Allah (SWT) in the Holy Quran.

The acting governor extended his best wishes to the Muslims in Borno State and around the world, expressing hope for a peaceful, harmonious, and productive new Islamic year.

He urged the Muslim Ummah to uphold values of moderation, piety, tolerance, respect, dignity, and patriotism, which resonate universally.

Mr Kadafur also encouraged Muslims to coexist peacefully with the followers of other faiths, fostering bonds of fraternity, generosity, and mercy that unite humanity.

Four arrested in Kaduna for vandalising TCN’s towers

The Transmission Company of Nigeria said the Police Command in Kaduna state has arrested four suspected vandals who were caught destroying transmission towers installed in some parts of the state.

TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

The general manager said that among the instruments recovered from them were shovels and diggers.

Mbah said that TCN appreciated the efforts of the police and assured its continued collaboration with security operatives in safeguarding transmission infrastructure nationwide.

”The suspects will be prosecuted soon,” she said.

Police kill betting agent in Ogun

A trigger-happy police officer has reportedly shot dead a betting agent identified as Anuoluwapo Abiodun in the Imala/Elega area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Abiodun, a graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, reportedly operated a betting shop in front of a popular hotel in the area and was closing his shop for the day when he was gunned down on Friday night.

An eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity alleged that the officers were drunk and coming out of the hotel when one of them shot the deceased.

Our correspondent further gathered that the officers immediately escaped into the hotel and called for backup before they later escaped from the hotel, about three hours later.

“The guy (Abiodun) owned a shop opposite the hotel. The police were chasing someone or on a raid and there was an accidental discharge, the stray bullet hit the guy and the guy died immediately.

“The youths in the area tried to hold down the policemen and they ran into the hotel. They had to reinforce to get more police officers to come and rescue them before they were able to escape later around 11 pm. The incident happened around 8 pm.

“As they (police officers) were trying to disperse the protesting youths, they kept shooting sporadically. In fact, fear gripped everybody,” an eyewitness said.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident.

“We are very much aware of the incident and the Commissioner of Police has detailed the SCID to commence investigation,” she said.

ECOWAS heads meet as Tinubu’s leadership tenure ends Tuesday

As President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS elapses on July 9, 2024, presidents and representatives of 12 member states will converge on the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, for an Extraordinary Summit on Sunday, July 8.

The meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am, would likely see the West African leaders pick a new chair to steer the affairs of the bloc for the next year.

However, there are indications that leaders may extend Tinubu’s tenure to give him time to possibly win back Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso into the bloc.

A Presidency source who preferred to remain anonymous as he was not authorised to speak on the issue told our correspondent, “Some people say he should hand over and others say he should continue. But they will decide tomorrow.”

Tinubu was elected Chairman of the Authority at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc held last July in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau.

“We will take democracy seriously. Democracy is very tough, but it is the form of government,” the Nigerian leader said after he received handover documents from the outgoing Chairman, Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Embaló.

During his tenure, Tinubu highlighted the alarming levels of insecurity and the increasing pattern of military coups in the region, stressing that these issues demand urgent and concerted efforts from all member states.

A few weeks after he assumed office, however, Nigeria’s neighbour to the north, Niger Republic, fell to putschists when President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted by members of his guard led by its commander, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

Only God can convince me to quit presidential race – Biden

United States President Joe Biden has said there is nothing that would make him consider quitting the presidential race.

After a shaky performance at the presidential debate with former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump, on June 27, there have been calls for Biden to step aside.

Some US voters, political analysts and stakeholders have also expressed concerns over the president’s health and mental alertness after the debate.

Speaking in an interview with ABC News on Friday, Biden said only the “Lord Almighty” would convince him to drop his re-election bid.

He said, “I mean if the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get outta the race’, I would get outta the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down. I mean, these hypotheticals.

“I don’t think anybody is more qualified to be president or win this race than me.

“Look, I’m running again because I think I understand best what has to be done to take this nation to a completely new level. We are on our way. We are on our way.”

Biden also dismissed criticisms that he is too old and feeble to run for president for a second time, after the White House said he is not backing down from the race despite growing concerns.

“I see all these stories that say I am too old.. was I too old to create 15 million jobs? Was I too old to erase student debt for five million Americans? Do you think I’m too old to beat Donald Trump?” he asked.

Many injured as herders, Amotekun operatives clash in Ondo

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, were at the weekend engaged in a violent clash with suspected herdsmen in Sango, Igoba, Akure, the state capital.

It was gathered that the attack occurred when the Amotekun operatives were enforcing the anti-open grazing law of the state.

During the attack, some of the operatives were brutally macheted, with the violent clash leading to a halt in vehicular movement for several hours along the Ado-Akure road.

The operatives were responding to a distress call from farmers in the area over the destruction of their farmlands and crops by the herders’ cattle when they were swooped on and attacked.

The late governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, signed the anti-open grazing bill into law on August 13, 2021, which prohibited open grazing of animals across the state.

While confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Amotekun Corps, Jimoh Adeniken, disclosed that the operatives deployed for the operation displayed courage and determination in de-escalating the volatile situation, despite the violent assault they endured.The operatives were responding to a distress call from farmers in the area over the destruction of their farmlands and crops by the herders’ cattle when they were swooped on and attacked.

The late governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, signed the anti-open grazing bill into law on August 13, 2021, which prohibited open grazing of animals across the state.

While confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Amotekun Corps, Jimoh Adeniken, disclosed that the operatives deployed for the operation displayed courage and determination in de-escalating the volatile situation, despite the violent assault they endured.

“During the operation, the corps surveillance team was led to the farms by the owners. On getting there, they met over one hundred and twenty cows ravaging the farms, and there was nobody with the cows.

“Determined to enforce the anti-open grazing law of the state, the operatives of the Amotekun corps moved the cows out of the farms, and while passing by the Sango Area, at Igoba, along Ado Road in Akure, groups of armed Fulani herdsmen attacked the officers with stones, bottles, cutlasses and guns.

“Thereafter, the corps retreated based on the order from the state headquarters of the Amotekun corps.

“Furthermore, the assailants continued to throw stones and bottles till they invaded the main road and hacked one of the Amotekun officers to a coma while attempting to disarm the officers and men of the Amotekun corps.

“Sequentially, the officers of the Amotekun Corps shot into the air to dislodge them and move back to the office.”

Four declared dead as rescue operation ends in Anambra Market collapsed building

Rescue operations have finally ended at Eke Amawbia Market, Anambra State, where a one-story building block of shops collapsed on Thursday.

The collapse of the building, which came with a heavy thud, plunged the entire area into chaos around midday.

The building had trapped some traders and customers, prompting immediate rescue operations.

Two people were rescued alive on the same Thursday, while police officers and volunteers continued to dig through the rubble until Friday to rescue victims.

A source within the area told DAILY POST that the rescue operation finally ended on Friday, with four deceased persons removed from under the rubble.

“The four individuals included a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer who was said to be a father of four.

“The NSCDC officer, whose name has not been disclosed, was at the market purchasing foodstuffs for his family when the disaster struck. His eldest son, just 9 years old, and his widow, a nursing mother, are now left to grapple with the loss.

“I was standing nearby when I saw him walking towards the market. We exchanged pleasantries, and he mentioned he was buying food for his family. It wasn’t even five minutes later that the building collapsed, crushing him. It’s just heartbreaking.

“Rescue operations ended yesterday, and three other persons were also found, even though their identities have not been ascertained,” the source said.

Police put formations on red alert over cultism day celebration

The Ekiti State Police Command has banned unlawful gatherings in the state in light of information received about the planned celebration of a day by members of a particular cult group.

In a statement signed by the state Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran, the command stated it would not tolerate any criminal activity in the state.

“It has come to the notice of the Command that a group of criminally-minded individuals, particularly cultists who are members of a particular confraternity, have concluded plans to celebrate cultism on July 7, a day popularly known as 7/7. Information at our disposal indicates that on that day, new members will be inducted, covenants will be renewed, and supremacy battles will occur, usually characterized by violence and bloodshed.

“The Command therefore warns members of secret cults and other criminal elements in the state to shun such illegal and unhealthy celebrations or any actions that could cause unnecessary apprehension or alter the peaceful atmosphere currently being enjoyed in the state.

“The CP has directed all the Area Commanders, Heads of Intelligence and Tactical Units, and the DPOs to be on alert, deploy adequate operatives across their jurisdictions, especially in all identified black spots, and ensure the arrest and prosecution of anyone who undermines this directive as the peace and security of the state can never be traded for any frivolous personal gain.

“Furthermore, the command bans any form of gathering or celebration in all hotels, bars, event/recreation centers, and similar venues across the state on the 7th of July, 2024, except those authorized by the state government or the police authority.

“Parents and guardians are advised to warn their wards to be law-abiding and desist from any act that could cause a breach of peace, unlawful gathering, or assembly before, during, and after the said date, as the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is ready to deal decisively with deviants.

“Citizens are hereby implored to be security conscious.”

Father of lynched TASUED student says his son was an SUG official not a cultist

The father of Hammed Ayinla Fabiyi, the final-year student of Tai Solarin University (TASUED) who was dragged out of an exam hall and killed by alleged cultists, has denied the claim by law enforcement that his deceased son was a cult member.

On July 4, a group of suspected cultists stormed an exam hall while exams were ongoing and dragged out Hammed, a 400-level student of history at the Ogun state-owned university.

An eyewitness account and footage had it that the victim was lynched afterwards.

The attackers, all dressed in white shirts, fled the scene before campus security arrived.

The Ogun state police command stated that Hammed was a member of the Eiye cult group.

According to the Ogun State Police Command PRO, Omolola Odutola, the attackers are a group of “about six” men who belonged to a rival confraternity called the Aye.

However, the victim’s father, Musibau Fabiyi, has denied that his son was a cultist.

He identified his son as an official with TASUED’s student body during a chat with TheCable in Ogun on Friday, July 5.

The bereaved father said his son may have been killed for reasons unrelated to cultism.

“From what I know about my son, he is not a member of any cult. I haven’t even seen him with any dangerous item before,” he said.

“What I can remember is that he told me about some affairs in his school. Since he was a student union executive, he told me that one of the leaders of the union was involved in the misappropriation of funds. He was hellbent on exposing that.

“I think that is where the problem is from. My son is not a member of any cult. If he was, I would have known. I am his father.

“It is unfair how students can do this to themselves. If this was a cultism issue, there would have been threats flying around or cases of retaliation.”

Police in Niger arrest security man for planning to sell car left in his custody

The Police in Niger State have arrested a security man, Henry Musa for allegedly stealing a vehicle entrusted in his custody in Anambra State at Sabon-Wuse in Niger State.

The command in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) SP Wasiu Abiodun in Minna said the suspect was picked based on reliable information received by the police attached to the Sabon-Wuse in Tafa local government Division.

He explained that Musa was arrested on Tuesday 2nd July,2024 with a Toyota Camry vehicle bearing Reg. No. LND 851 CJ, is suspected to have been stolen from Anambra State.

The PRO stated that the suspect was seen at Dikko, along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in the Tafa area of Niger State with duplicate copies of the document to sell the vehicle.

According to him ” The Police operatives of the Division were quickly mobilised to the area and the suspect was taken into custody with the vehicle”

” During interrogation, he confessed that he was a security man in a hotel at Awka and that the key of the vehicle was entrusted to him by the owner But he decided to take the vehicle away, and was going to Dikko to dispose of it”.

He added that the suspect is under investigation and will be transferred to SCID for further investigation and prosecution immediately after the investigations.

Tinubu congratulates Starmer as new UK prime minister

President Bola Tinubu on Friday congratulated Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader, on his party’s victory in the United Kingdom general election.

Mr Starmer emerged as the winner of the UK general election and is set to become the country’s next prime minister.

Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Conservative Prime Minister who has already conceded defeat, said he will step down as leader of the Conservative Party before tendering his resignation letter to the King.

Mr Tinubu, in a statement, as a former leader of the opposition, noted the determination and courage demonstrated by Mr Starmer throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.

“The president states that the party’s ability to reform, mobilise, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirms the leadership qualities of Sir Starmer.

“President Tinubu also congratulates the citizens and the government of the United Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria’s long-standing partner,” said the statement.

Mr Tinubu said he looked forward to deepening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in mutual areas of interest, such as strengthening democratic institutions and building a safer and more prosperous future for the people of both countries.

The Labour Party secured a landslide victory in the UK election to end 14 years of Conservative rule.

“We did it!” Mr Starmer said in his victory speech. “Change begins now.”

Student of Federal University Kashere stabbed to death over argument on football match

The Gombe Police Command says 14 suspects have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of Abdussamad Musa, a student of Federal University Kashere.

The late Musa was a 200-level student of Criminology and Security Studies of the Gombe State varsity.

ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the command spokesman who confirmed the arrest to journalists on Friday, said four others in connection with the incident were at large.

Mr Abdullahi said the incident, which resulted from a heated football argument, happened off-campus on Tuesday night, and the knife used in the murder of Mr Musa was recovered as an exhibit.

He said the investigation had since begun, and upon conclusion, the matter would be charged to court for prosecution.

According to him, efforts are on to arrest the other four suspects who are currently on the run.

He said the command had taken adequate measures to forestall further occurrences and protect property in line with the directive of the state’s commissioner of police, Hayatu Usman.

The spokesperson advised youths and residents of the state to be mindful of their discussion in public. He said any discussion in a tense atmosphere should be avoided.

“Football is meant to entertain and not to take the lives of anyone, so we should avoid arguments that may create chaos and cause conflicts, especially amongst youths,” he said.

Janet Ibrahim, the public relations officer of FUK, told journalists that the incident occurred on Tuesday around 7:00 p.m.

Ms Ibrahim said the incident resulted from a minor disagreement between two groups after a football match off campus.

She said initially, the disagreement was resolved amicably, but the other group later attacked the compound where the deceased lived, and they engaged in a fight.

“This resulted in the stabbing of the deceased on his neck with a knife, and he was rushed to the general hospital, Kashere, where he later died due to excessive bleeding, as confirmed by a medical doctor,” he said.

She said the parents were invited, and they came on Wednesday and took part in the funeral service for the deceased around 2:00 p.m.

According to her, normalcy had since returned to the affected community.

Ms Ibrahim said that the institution does not have control over what happens off campus but was collaborating with security agencies and community leaders to protect students staying off campus.

Tanzanian artist who burned president’s picture jailed

A Tanzanian portrait artist, who was accused of burning a photo of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of $2,000 (£1,600) after being found guilty of cybercrimes.

Shadrack Chaula was arrested for allegedly recording a viral video, showing him burning a picture of President Hassan while verbally insulting her.

The 24-year-old painter admitted committing the crime and failed to defend his action in court.

His arrest sparked legal controversy, with some lawyers saying that no law was broken in burning the picture.

Some social media users have started an online drive to raise money to pay Chaula’s fine so he can be freed from jail.

In 2018, Tanzania enacted tough laws against the spread of “fake news”, which critics see as a way of curbing freedom of expression.

Police said Chaula used “strong words” against the president in the video he posted on his TikTok account on 30 June in Ntokela village, in the south-western city of Mbeya.

Local police chief Benjamin Kuzaga on Tuesday told journalists that the artist’s offences included burning the president’s portrait and disseminating offensive content online.

“It is not the culture of Mbeya people to insult our national leaders,” Mr Kuzaga said.
Some lawyers said there was no law that criminalises burning a picture of the president.

“Was the picture taken by a government photographer? Let them come out publicly and explain their impact on society and the nation. Who can show the law that burning a picture is an offence?” lawyer Philip Mwakilima told the Mwananchi newspaper.

But the act, which is deemed unethical in Tanzania, sparked public outrage.

On Thursday, magistrate Shamla Shehagilo found Chaula guilty of distributing videos on TikTok that contained false information in violation of the country’s cyber laws.

The court ruled that his actions constituted cyber-harassment and incitement.
Chaula remained silent when given the chance to defend himself against the charges, local media reported.

The prosecutor had urged the court to impose a harsh penalty on him in order to deter others from “disrespecting” the president.

The case has sparked a debate in the country with critics saying the sentence is too harsh and a reflection of the government’s crackdown on dissent.

President Hassan, who came to power in 2021, has introduced reforms that have opened up the political and civic spaces.

But the opposition and rights groups have expressed concerns that the country is sliding back to retrogressive policies.

Police stop 19-year-old lady from commiting suicide in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have rescued a 19-year-old lady from commiting suicide.

This was contained in a statement from the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who revealed that the incident occurred on June 29, 2024.

The rescue operation was initiated following a report from a concerned citizen to the Police at approximately 2:00 pm, indicating that a young woman was attempting to consume insecticide.

“Promptly responding to the tip-off, officers were dispatched to the scene where the girl was located and prevented from causing herself harm,” Hundeyin stated.

The rescued woman, whose identity was withheld for privacy reasons, disclosed that she had been experiencing severe emotional distress.

According to the Police statement, her distress was caused by two major issues: an unexpected pregnancy and financial fraudulent activities.

“She revealed that she was impregnated by a man who subsequently refused to take responsibility for the pregnancy. Additionally, she had fallen victim to a fraudster who scammed her of her earnings from her Point of Sale (POS) business, further compounding her emotional and financial struggles,” the statement added.

The young woman is currently receiving necessary psychological support as confirmed by the Police.

Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for her situation.

The Lagos State Police Command emphasized the importance of mental health awareness.

Hundeyin further encouraged individuals encountering similar challenges to seek help promptly, underscoring the Police Force’s commitment to public safety beyond crime prevention.

Court jails kidnappers of Bayelsa’s ex-commissioner 40 years

The Ogbia Division of the Bayelsa High Court on Thursday sentenced four men to 40 years imprisonment each for the kidnap of the former commissioner for trade and investment, Federal Otokito.

The convicts are Kingsley Obhesi, 24, Joshua Abi, 32, Gift Damene, 38, and Powell Inegite, 36.

Justice S.W. Amaduobogha convicted them on counts of conspiracy, kidnap and unlawful possession of firearms.

The judge held that the prosecution had proven the case of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms beyond reasonable doubt.

Mr Amaduobogha consequently sentenced each of them to 40 years imprisonment.

The convicts were arrested by operatives of the Operation Puff Adder unit of the police command in Bayelsa led by Supol Chris Nwaogbo.

The prosecuting counsel, Stella Jerry-Friday, told the court that the convicts on January 20, 2022, at Otuokpoti in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa kidnapped Otokito against his will.

“The captive was taken to Igbomotoru bush in the southern Ijaw area of the state with the intent to demand ransom or any other unlawful consideration and thereby committed an offence,” Mr Jerry-Friday said.

Police rescue two from collapsed building in Anambra

The Anambra Police Command says it rescued two victims of a collapsed building at Ekeoyibo Market, Amawbia, in the Awka South Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.

The command’s public relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Thursday.

Mr Ikenga explained that the command received a distress call about the incident at the market near the command’s headquarters.

According to him, the police responded swiftly and took the injured people to an undisclosed hospital for immediate medical treatment.

Mr Ikenga said that on the directive of the commissioner of police, Nnaghe Itam, the deputy commissioner in charge of operations, led operatives to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

He said the area had been cordoned off while rescue operations were still ongoing.

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