Headlines
Drama as ‘Yahoo Boys’ Release Dog on EFCC Operatives, Smash Gadgets
Detectives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan zonal office, were shocked on Wednesday when suspected Internet fraudsters unleashed a dog on them in order to prevent their arrest.
An EFCC official told PUNCH Metro on Thursday, “Upon the receipt of intelligence reports and the launch of preliminary investigations into their alleged illegal activities, officers of the commission stormed the suspects’ hideout at the Agara area of Ibadan in the early hours of Wednesday.
“But instead of allowing the detectives in after proper introduction, one of the suspects instructed the guard to release the dog to attack the men.
“The trick, however, failed. It rather tasked the detectives to display their dexterity and professionalism. They were able to dislodge the dangerous dog, carry out extensive search on the apartment and arrest the suspects.
“Again, out of desperation to conceal useful information that could help the commission in its investigation, one of the suspects smashed his android phone with the intention to destroy the gadget and deny access to the data therein.
“The attempt equally failed as the operatives took possession of the broken phone. It is now with the forensic unit for proper analysis of the recovered data.”
Confirming the development, the second-in-command to the zonal head, Bright Igeleke, who led the operation, described the experience as one of the “hazards of the job.”
The suspects are Paul Afolabi, Balogun Adebayo, Izu Chukwunalu, Abe Tolulope, Onifade Idowu, Komolafe Tosin and Igwe Otuu.
Operatives from the zone had earlier arrested four other suspects over their alleged involvement in cyber-related offences.
The suspects, Adebisi Michael, Olowolayemo Quddus, Opaaje Oluwatobi and Itowe Olutayo, are currently being interrogated and are said to be giving useful information to the operatives in the quest to unravel the extent of their illegal activities.
They were said to have confessed to using the Internet to defraud unsuspecting victims while posing as white ladies and foreign military officers.
At the point of their arrest, a Lexus car, iPhones and other brands of phones, as well as passports, were recovered from them.
Igeleke said all the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.
The Punch
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
Headlines
Breaking: Supreme Court Recognises Martin Amaewhule As Rivers Assembly Speaker, Orders CBN to Stop Releasing Funds to State
By Eric Elezuo
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has in its ruling on Friday recognised Hon Martins Amaewhule as the authentic speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, mandating him to urgently resume sitting with elected members of the assembly.
The apex court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop releasing to the Rivers State government until a proper assembly is constituted.
Details soon…
Tension escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic return to reclaim his position.
Accompanied by heavily armed men, Obasa stormed the Assembly complex in a bold move that has thrown the State’s legislature into turmoil.
In a stunning turn of events, security details assigned to the substantive Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, were abruptly withdrawn on Thursday morning, clearing the path for Obasa’s controversial comeback.
Sources revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered the withdrawal of all security operatives attached to Meranda, leaving her exposed in the midst of an intensifying power struggle.
The Speaker’s Special Adviser on Information, Mr. Victor Ganzallo, expressed concern over the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of personnel.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn.
This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” Ganzallo stated.
He further called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the State’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene urgently to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order within the Assembly.
“The withdrawal of security personnel has left the Assembly naked and vulnerable at a critical time. Urgent action is needed to restore order,” he pleaded.
With the speakership battle taking a dramatic new turn, political watchers are keenly observing how the crisis will unfold in the coming days.
