Connect with us

Uncategorized

Kidnapping, Banditry: DSS Officer Testifies Against NSCDC Officials in Court.

Published

on

Share

Mr Stephen Okolo, a Department of State Service (DSS) official, has said that the deployment of technology aided the arrest of three security personnel facing charges of kidnapping and banditry in Oyo State.

Okolo said this in his testimony before Justice N.E. Maha  of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, on Monday.

He was giving evidence as first prosecution witness (PW1) in the trial against the three officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and one other.

The three NSCDC’s officers are, Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale and Asmau Omar while the fourth defendant, Emmanuel Olatunji, is an unlicensed arms dealer.

“My lord, following the increase in the cases of kidnapping and banditry in Okeogun area of Oyo State and parts of Kwara, the DSS fashioned out how to address the issue by deploying our technical expertise, that is equipment.

“With sustained surveillance, we were able to detect, trace, and arrest  the criminals involved.

“My lord, two kingpins; one Baguda and the other Banshile, who were the most dangerous terrorists operating in that axis were identified in the process.

“The operation which led to the arrest of one Lawan Buhari, and one of the NSCDC’s  officials believed to be supplying ammunitions to the terrorists commenced in January 2023.

“Further operation led to the arrest of the other three defendants; Okesola, Olatunji and Adewale,” Okolo told the court.

The PW1 tendered before the court, a bag containing 1000 rounds of live ammunition as an exhibit collected from Buhari,.

He said the  command was able to break the chain of supply of ammunition to terrorists, which reduced the high rate of kidnapping and banditry in the areas.

In his own testimony, Lawan Buhari, the PW2, said that he received thousands of naira supplying AK47 guns and bullets to the defendants who sent same to their terror links.

“Before I was apprehended and detained at the 81 battalion barrack at Mokola, I was serving with the Operation Burst security outfit where the trio approached me to start supplying them arms,” Buhari said.

The DSS prosecution Counsel, Mr T.A. Nurudeen told the court  that the defendants were arraigned on a 15-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, terrorism, unlawful arms dealing, aiding and abetting terrorism.

The four defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Maha adjourned the suit until Feb. 11 for continuation of trial. (NAN)

Uncategorized

NAFDAC Inaugurates Drug-free Club in FCT School

Published

on

Share

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a ‘Drug-Free Safety Club’ in schools as part of its campaign for a drug-free society.

Report s that the inauguration ceremony and campaign against illicit drugs were held on Friday at Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.

The initiative is tagged ‘Catch Them Young’.

The NAFDAC Director-General, Prof.

Mojisola Adeyeye, said the idea was to guide students against social vices.

Adeyeye, who was represented by Dr Paul Kamai, Deputy Director in charge of Narcotics in the FCT, said many social vices occur in Nigerian society today, hence the need to guide the younger generation early.

“There is a high rate of alcohol and drug abuse in society. What we are doing here is just to pass this information to the young ones and to ensure they stay clear of illicit drugs in order to be reasonable and good members of society.

“We are trying to pass the information to the young, and that is why it is tagged ‘Operation Catch Them Young’—for them to stay clear of drug and alcohol abuse.

“We do this by convincing them to take a look at those who have fallen prey to drug intake and how they behave on the streets.

“Members of this club are expected to talk to other students about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse because hearing it from their peers will help ensure society is free from drugs.

“We are going to continue this campaign by coming to this school from time to time, and we are sure they will adopt the habit of staying drug-free,” Adeyeye said.

Mrs Ibrahim Fadilah-Tukur, the Pioneer Principal of the school, welcomed the NAFDAC team for the official flag-off of the club in schools while urging students to take ownership of the campaign against illicit drugs.

She said the safety club was a welcome idea for the school, adding that GSS Gwarinpa Estate shares the same vicinity with Gwarinpa Market, making it more porous and vulnerable to social vices.

“Already, we have clubs and societies in the school. With the introduction of the Drug-Free Safety Club, it is a good development for the students.

“Some of these students will be ambassadors for the campaign, and they will take the message to other students. They will also go out to the market square to campaign against drugs.

“My message to the students is for them to be good ambassadors of the school as well as good ambassadors of the club,” she said.

The Head Boy of the school, Victor Eugene, said some students were prone to the misuse of drugs, even as common as paracetamol at home.

He commended NAFDAC for the initiative, adding that drug abuse was becoming prevalent among youths in society.

“Any drug we see, we will confiscate. As far as this club against drugs has been inaugurated, we are like a junior NAFDAC, we will do our best,” he said.

Also, the Social Prefect of the school, Adah Victory, said her duty as Social Prefect was to enlighten students about different social activities in the school.

Victory said she would use her position to contribute to the campaign and ensure that drugs are not abused in the school.

“I can also push for this campaign through letter writing to our teachers in order to invite other schools for a programme on drug abuse,” she said. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Lagos Assembly confirms DSS release of lawmakers

Published

on

Share

The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed that the Department of State Security (DSS) has released the detained lawmakers after hours of interrogation over the speakership crisis.

The Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee on Information, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, confirmed the development to newsmen in Lagos on Thursday.

Report says that two lawmakers, Lanre Afinni (Lagos Island 2) and Sylvester Ogunkelu, were detained on Thursday morning by DSS officials in the state.

The lawmakers were interrogated over the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by a majority of members on Jan. 13 and replaced by Mojisola Meranda.

They were allegedly detained for breaking into a House store where the mace was kept, enabling lawmakers to sit and impeach the former speaker.

In solidarity, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and other members stormed the DSS office to secure their colleagues’ release.

Confirming the development, Ogundipe told newsmen that all detained lawmakers had now regained their freedom.

He said the Assembly reaffirmed that Obasa’s removal was legal and constitutional, following due process.

“Today, members of the Lagos Assembly honoured an invitation from the Lagos DSS Command in Shangisha. We provided insights into the removal of the ex-speaker.

“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following his removal.

“The decision followed the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empower the Assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without interference.

“Sections 92 and 96 outline the process for electing and removing the Speaker, and we adhered to due process.

“It is public knowledge that legislative autonomy allows state assemblies to conduct their business freely within designated chambers,” he said.

Ogundipe insisted that the former speaker’s removal was democratic and met the required legal majority.

He said any challenge to this lawful action undermines the constitutional authority granted to the Assembly.

The Assembly, he emphasised, exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of Lagos residents.

Ogundipe commended the DSS for its professionalism, especially the Lagos Command Director, for ensuring a smooth engagement.

He said the invitation allowed them to present their account of events in a professional and comfortable environment.

He also reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to legislative duties that serve people of Lagos and ensure effective governance.

Ogundipe urged all stakeholders, including the executive and the public, to respect legislative proceedings and avoid undue interference. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Forum Appeals for more  Budgetary Allocation  for Youth Development

Published

on

Share

The National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocation for youth development.

The forum called for 25 per cent increase in such budgetary allocation in the 2025 fiscal year.

The Chairman of the NYSF, Dogo Shagari, and its Secretary General, Olufowobi Desmond, made the call during the inauguration of its National Executive Council (NEC) and unveiling of NYSF ‘s sectarian in Abuja.

According to the forum, the increase is critical as it will go a long way in rescuing 60 per cent of Nigerian youths from the streets.

“It will empower them through targeted programmes in the second and third quarters of the year.

“We commend  President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to youth inclusion, exemplified by the appointment of young Nigerians to strategic roles in his administration.

“The bold step underscores his dedication to empowering the younger generation,” they  said.

The  NYSF leaders  also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his timely call for a National Youth Confab.

“This initiative represents a historic opportunity for Nigerian youth to come together to discuss and address critical national issues.

“As a body with widespread reach and credibility, the NYSF is ready to serve as the vanguard voice for youth ahead of the confab.

“We encourage all young Nigerians to actively participate in this significant event, as it provides a platform to shape policies and programmes that reflect their aspirations,”  they  said.

They promised to ensure that discussions and resolutions from the confab were preserved and implemented for the betterment of the country.

They also appreciated the Minister of Youth, Olawande Wisdom, for his “open-door policy” of promoting collaboration and inclusivity,  and pledged the commitment of NYSF to work with the ministry for more youth development initiatives.

The forum’s leaders also urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise youth-focused initiatives in their budgetary allocations.

They further called on the Ministry of Youths to appoint liaison officers across all MDAs and parastatals to monitor and ensure the implementation of youth-focused initiatives and programmes.

They said that the framework would play a pivotal role in addressing youth unemployment, reducing restiveness, and fostering national stability and progress.

They also commended the founder and national leader of the NYSF, Aare Hassan, for his visionary leadership in establishing and stabilising this forum.

“His dedication has provided a unified platform for Nigerian youth to collaborate, innovate, and champion positive change.

“The NYSF is a conglomerate of all youth interest groups in Nigeria, established as a common front to strategically advance the plight and aspirations of Nigerian youths,” they  said.

The NYSF urged all Nigerian youths to join the forum via the its website: www.nysf.com.ng “.(NAN)

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS7 hours ago

N20m Isn’t Enough to Date me, Says Bloody Civilian

Share Nigerian singer. Emoseh Khamofu, popularly known as Bloody Civilian, has claimed that N20 million will be inadequate to date...

POLITICS7 hours ago

Sen. Nwoko Dumps PDP, Defects to APC

ShareSen. Chinedu Nwoko, a.k.a (Ned), member representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has formally defected to the...

NEWS7 hours ago

KTSG Spends N9.1bn to Improve Learning in Primary Schools

Share The Katsina State Government has said that it has incurred an expenditure of N9. Your browser does not support...

NEWS7 hours ago

Edo Election Tribunal: PDP Presents more Witnesses in Petition Against APC’s Victory

Share The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday, called more witnesses at the election tribunal to challenge the victory of...

NEWS7 hours ago

World Bank Commits $1.2bn to Girls’ Education in Nigeria

Share The World Bank has announced that it has earmarked 1.2 billion dollars for investment in girls’ education across 18...

NEWS7 hours ago

APC Council Chairmen Deny Maligning Former Enugu Speaker

Share The Forum of Local Government Area Chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu has denied maligning  a former...

NEWS7 hours ago

Coca-Cola Unveils  Packaging Hub to Address Waste  Collection Challenge

Share The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising of Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd. Your browser does not support this content. and its...

NEWS8 hours ago

4 Die in Anambra Accident

Share The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra said an accident along Onitsha-Oba Expressway, Idemili South Local Government Area,...

NEWS8 hours ago

Regional Stability Tops Lake Chad Governors’ Resolutions in Maiduguri

Share Regional stability, peace and sustainable development on Friday topped the resolutions adopted at the concluded 5th edition of the...

NEWS8 hours ago

Third-Party Insurance: Feb. 1 Commencement of Enforcement Sacrosanct — Police

ShareThe Nigeria Police Force says the Feb. 1 commencement of enforcement of the mandatory Third-Party Insurance for vehicle owners nationwide...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc