NEWS
Constituency Project: ICPC Hands over Hospital Worth N150m to Varsity
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says its has recovered and handed over a hospital worth N150 million to the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi.
Mrs Azuka Ogugua, ICPC spokesperson in a statement on Monday, said the recovery of the hospital was part of the commission’s Constituency Tracking Initiative launched in 2019.
She said that the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Group (CEPTG) of ICPC had in the course of the Phase Two of its tracking exercise traced the hospital project to Ebunwana Community in Afikpo-South Local Government Area of Ebonyi.
She added that the hospital, fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, was conceived as a medical outpost of FUNAI and meant to serve as a teaching hospital for its medical students.
“The project, which was appropriated in 2019 and completed in March 2020 at the cost of N150 million, was facilitated by the then Senator representing Ebonyi-South Senatorial District, Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji.
“However, after the completion of the project the local community unofficially took over the hospital even though it was not meant for it and went ahead to rename the facility.
“The community also appointed a consultant to manage the hospital on a profit-sharing arrangement between the community and the consultant.
“Following the illegality that enshrouded the constituency project, the commission stepped in to ensure that the hospital was handed over to the institution for which it was appropriated and executed, ” she said.
ICPC’s spokesperson added that the project has been recovered by its team and handed over to the university community on March 25.
According to her, investigation is ongoing to unravel how the local community got access and took control of the hospital without any official ceremony.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Constituency Project Tracking Initiative was launched by ICPC in 2019 and focuses on determining how well money allocated to critical sectors by the government is spent.
The initiative, according to the commission, has led to multiple recoveries of items, hospital equipment, vehicles, and funds worth billions, as well as the return of assets and equipment to communities for whom they were meant.
The initiative has also forced many contractors who hitherto had abandoned projects to return to the site to complete them.
The first phase of the exercise was held in 2019 across 12 states and the FCT and saw the tracking of 524 projects.
The second phase in 2020 had about 822 projects tracked in 16 states.
The commission in August 2021 announced the commencement of its third phase with the tracking of a total of 1,251 projects, including 1,024 constituency projects, appropriated for in 2019 and 2020.
The tracking is currently taking place in 17 states, including the FCT. (NAN)
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
In a remarkable display of swift and effective action, the Osun State Amotekun Corps has successfully recovered a stolen Toyota Matrix vehicle and six LG 42-inch televisions following a violent robbery incident at a hotel in Ode-Omu.The recovery operation, which took place in Ogere, Ogun State, was carried out after a high-risk gun duel between the robbers and Amotekun operatives, with the support of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ogere Command.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, when a group of armed robbers stormed a hotel in Ode-Omu, where victims from Lagos had lodged overnight to attend a funeral ceremony.During the attack, the assailants carted away a Toyota Matrix vehicle valued at approximately N7 million, along with six LG 42-inch televisions worth over N3 million.The victims promptly reported the incident to the Amotekun Corps Command in Ayedaade Local Government, Gbongan. Acting swiftly, operatives from the local and state commands launched a coordinated tracking operation.The hot engagement received from Amotekun operatives diverted the hoodlums to Ogere in Ogun State, where they abandoned the stolen vehicle in the nearby bush, with other stolen items. Some of the perpetrators are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.Speaking on the operation, Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Chief (Dr.) Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, confirmed the recovery and commended the courage and precision of the operatives.“The success of this operation is a clear indication of Amotekun’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens in Osun State,” Omoyele said. “We also acknowledge the support of the FRSC Ogere Command for their collaboration in achieving this feat.”The recovered items were brought back to Osogbo and formally handed over to their rightful owners on Monday by the Corps’ Operations Commander, Olagunju Joseph, at the Amotekun Headquarters Operation Base.Olanrewaju Omololu, the owner of the recovered Toyota Matrix, expressed profound gratitude to the Osun Amotekun Corps. “They acted swiftly without demanding any money from us. Their grassroots presence and effectiveness are commendable,” he stated.Similarly, owner of the stolen televisions, Oyelami Nurudeen praised the operatives for their prompt response and urged residents of Osun to trust and support the Corps in its tireless efforts to combat crime.Commander Omoyele also used the opportunity to caution the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities.“Security is a collective responsibility; our doors are always open to reports and intelligence from the public.”Osun Amotekun will continue to work relentlessly to ensure that criminals find no safe haven in our state” he added.The Osun Amotekun Corps remains committed to its mandate of protecting lives and property across the state, reinforcing its reputation as a responsive and proactive security outfit.From Francis Sadhere, Delta
In a decisive move to curb potential threats to public safety, the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Weyinmi Agbateyiniro has announced an indefinite ban on all forms of rallies and protests within the council area.The announcement came shortly after a high-level security meeting held at the Warri South Council Main Secretariat on Monday.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Agbateyiniro explained that the decision was taken in response to growing concerns over the likelihood of public gatherings escalating into violence or disrupting public order. “As from today, all forms of protests and rallies are hereby banned indefinitely across Warri South Local Government Area,” the Chairman declared. “This is a proactive measure to safeguard lives, properties, and ensure continued peace in our communities.”While affirming the administration’s respect for the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, Agbateyiniro emphasized that the prevailing security situation necessitated tighter regulation of public gatherings.He clarified that individuals or groups intending to hold protests or rallies must now seek official approval from the local government.“The right to protest is not abolished, but it must now be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law,” he stated.“Anyone or group planning such activities must get the necessary permission from the local government before proceeding,” he added.As the Chief Security Officer of the local government, the Chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring that Warri South remains a safe environment for residents and businesses.“Our focus remains on peace, stability, and economic growth. We are working closely with security agencies to ensure Warri South remains safe and open for development,” he added.Agbateyiniro also appealed to youth groups, civil society organizations, and community leaders to support the new measure and help educate the public on the importance of maintaining peace.The ban is to remain in place until further notice. Authorities have warned that violators will face strict legal consequences.Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperative as the local government intensifies efforts to strengthen the area’s security framework.
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists across the state, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of firearms and ammunition.According to a press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, the arrests were made through a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out by various tactical units within the Command.
In a major crackdown on kidnapping, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested three suspected members of an interstate kidnapping syndicate on May 16 and 17. The suspects — Idirisu Yakubu (21), Bello Amodu (40), and Umar Mohammed Beto (38) — were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.The gang is believed to have been responsible for kidnappings in Delta, Rivers, Enugu, and Imo states. Following their arrest, the suspects led police to a bush along the Ughelli-Ozoro Road in Delta State where officers recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of live ammunition and a pump-action shotgun with seven live cartridges. Investigations into the syndicate’s operations are ongoing.In another operation, the Eagle Net Surveillance Team based in Ughelli arrested a 53-year-old suspect, Benjamin Benemor, in Warri South Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence, officers searched his residence and uncovered a deadly arsenal which included one English Beretta pistol with magazine, an English double-barrel pump-action gun, an English single-barrel gun, two locally made firearms, and a battle axe. Fifteen live cartridges were also seized from the scene.Further demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive policing, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) intercepted a Jetta vehicle along the Asaba-Benin Expressway on May 15. Two suspects — Blessing Ngbajime (49) and Okpako Oghenhovo (27) — were arrested, and one fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from the latter. Investigations are currently underway.Reacting to the successful operations, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commended the officers for their professionalism and dedication.He reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property across Delta State.“These achievements demonstrate our readiness to confront all forms of criminality head-on. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information that can assist in maintaining peace and order,” Olufemi stated.The arrests and weapon seizures come as part of the Command’s intensified efforts to rid the state of criminal syndicates and maintain law and order.
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