Metro
Hoodlums Kill Ogun Monarch, Set Body Ablaze
Suspected hoodlums on Monday attacked and killed Ayinde Odetola, the traditional ruler of Agodo village in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State.
The killing was the second attack on the Odetola family in less than three months.
It was gathered that Mr Odetola and one other aide were killed within a month.
While the monarch was burnt beyond recognition, his brother, who was also attacked months ago, was allegedly hacked to death by the assailants.
The attack on the monarch allegedly happened around 11:00 a.m. on Monday.
A resident of the community, who does not want to be named for security reasons, said the only possible case of the attack is the crisis bedeviling the throne of the deceased monarch.
It was gathered that the tussle of who becomes the next Olu of Agodo is between the Ake and Owu dynasty in the village.
Confirming the incident, a sister of the late monarch, Adenike Akintade, said their younger brother was recently killed in the same manner.
“I have just been discharged from hospital early this morning, only to start mourning the brutal assassination of my brother.
“Kabiyesi called me on Saturday, urging me to reduce my activities, saying stress could contribute to my illness.
“He lost his younger brother to the imbroglio some months ago; the young man was butchered by the so-called hoodlums. Today, Kabiyesi is no more, what a world.”
Contacted, spokesperson of the Ogun state Police command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said it was only the traditional ruler who was killed.
He added that the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, was at the scene of the incident on Monday to assess the situation.
“Yes it is true. Only the Oba was killed, I am not aware of the other people claimed to have been killed. He was burnt in his car after he was killed.
“The Commissioner of Police was there today to assess the situation and as we speak the place has been deserted. But we are trailing the perpetrators and we shall bring them to book.”
Nigeria is currently battling a wave of crime, violence and insecurity across swathes of the country despite efforts by security agencies to stem the tide.
Premium Times
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has called for the dismissal of the soldier who resisted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The soldier had blocked Wike and officials of the FCTA from accessing a portion of land in the FCT.
The officer, claiming he was acting on instructions, told Wike that he would not be allowed into the property. Wike, however, questioned his authority, leading to a heated confrontation and name calling.
Reacting on Facebook, Igbokwe questioned who was behind the military officer in challenging the FCT Minister.
He wrote, “Who is this man in uniform? Of what meat is he fed? Who is beating the drum for him? This is unacceptable? His uniform has to be removed.”
The Lagos State Police Command has vehemently denied reports making the rounds that it was involved in the attempted release of a Lebanese national, who is in custody for the defilement of eight children.
The Police made the rebuttal via a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Lagos, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
In the statement titled, RE: OUTRAGE AS LAGOS POLICE ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPT TO RELEASE LEBANESE ACCUSED OF DEFILING EIGHT CHILDREN, the Police noted as follows:
“The Lagos State Police Command is not involved in any alleged attempt to release a Lebanese accused of defiling eight children.“
The story is therefore inaccurate and misleading.
The above case is being handled discreetly by the Gender Unit of the Command with the highest level of professionalism, diligence, and in line with international best practices, by specially trained gender case specialists.
Furthermore, the investigation strictly follows the standard operating procedures for cases involving children and young persons. The Gender Unit of the Command remains firmly committed to child protection and upholding due process in the pursuit of justice, without fear, favour, or sentiment toward anyone involved, whether a foreign national or Nigerian.
The case in question, which is under thorough investigation, does not involve any Lebanese, but rather a national of one of the Southern African countries. Every necessary step has been taken to ensure that justice is served in the matter. It is important to inform the public that both the biological mother of the child and the child herself made statements to the Police affirming that the child was neither molested nor defiled by the accused person.
However, the complaint by the child’s father, who has custody of the child, on his allegations against the accused person, is being carefully investigated to ensure justice in the matter and prevent any miscarriage of justice. The outcome of the investigation will definitely be made public.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed a discreet investigation into the allegations highlighted by the reporter in the report to ensure that no stone is left unturned in getting to the root of the matter . The writer of the story has also been contacted and briefed on the steps being taken by the Police to ensure that justice is achieved.
The Commissioner of Police furthermore wishes to reiterate his full confidence in the impartiality, competence, and high level of professionalism in the Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit, Lagos Police Command,Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Toyin Kazeem, who was officially out of the country on IACP in the United States when the matter was reported to the Gender Unit. Her exemplary track record, both locally and internationally, exemplifies her integrity, dedication, and commitment to handling gender-related and other sensitive cases. Under her leadership, the Gender Unit has brought pride to the Command and provided justice to numerous vulnerable persons, including women and children.
The Lagos State Police Command therefore urges the public and the media to continue to repose trust and confidence in the ability of the Command to deliver justice in all cases, particularly those involving children and other vulnerable groups. The outcome of this case will be made known to the public on completion of the investigation.
The family of former President Shehu Shagari has announced the death of his last surviving widow, Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari.
She passed away on Monday at the age of 89, after a prolonged illness.
A statement signed by the eldest son of the former president, Captain Mohammed Bala Shagari, confirmed that Saratu died at about 3 pm.
He described the late Hajiya Saratu as an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength, who lived a life of dignity and service.
The family also said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
