Metro
I Acted in Self-Defence, Corps Member Who Killed ‘Boyfriend’ Alleges
The police in Akwa Ibom State have confirmed the arrest of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who reportedly killed a man she spent a night with.
A mob almost lynched the woman, identified as Odume Paschaline.
The incident happened in Uyo, Sunday night.
The police spokesperson in the state, Odiko MacDon, said Ms Paschaline is being treated as a murder suspect.
“She was arrested because she murdered (killed) one Akwaowo,” Mr MacDon, a superintendent of police, told PREMIUM TIMES, Monday.
“We got a distress call, we responded to that distress call at 219 Abak Road, Uyo. When we got there they were at the verge of lynching her, so we had to rescue her. Preliminary investigation revealed that she and the guy went out to the guy’s house. She said that the guy, in his house, brought out a machete and said he wants to kill her. She said she acted in self-defence, picked up the machete and used it on him.
“The CP (commissioner of police) has ordered a very ‘discreet’ investigation. As I speak, we have her in custody and as soon as we are done with our investigation, that matter will be charged to court.”
Julius Amusan, the NYSC coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, confirmed that Ms Paschaline is a corps member serving in the state.
Mr Amusan said the incident was “very sad and unfortunate”.
“We cannot run away from the fact that she is a corps member, we owe her the obligation to ensure that thorough investigation is carried out into the matter. As it is, it is a criminal offence and beyond what NYSC can handle,” he said.
The coordinator said ”(as soon as) the NYSC authorities heard of the incident, they got in touch with the police to establish if the person involved was truly a corps member.
“We have met with the police and we have established that she is a corps member, and the police have assured us they are going to carry out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
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Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, a non-denominational ministry, on Monday opened the first ever Old People’s Home and Orphanage in Imo State.
The Seraphic Home, located in Mgbirichi, Ohaji Egbema, near Owerri, was commissioned by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who described it as a watershed in the provision of care for the elderly, needy and less privileged.
Uzodimma praised the Spiritual Director of Zion Ministry, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi, for “thinking home” and bringing meaningful development to the state, adding that he was delighted with the choice of Imo State for such an impactful project.
According to the governor, “Evangelist Ebuka’s decision to expand the ministry’s operations in Imo has placed the state on a path to greater global recognition” —a vision he said he had foreseen when initially allocating land for the ministry’s headquarters in Ngor Okpala.
Evangelist Ebuka Obi, in his welcome remarks, said that the home was built to provide care for orphans and the elderly, especially those without anyone to support them. He invited the elderly with no caregivers to take advantage of the facility, which offers free accommodation and care.
“This state-of-the-art facility will provide a safe and nurturing environment for orphans and elderly individuals, offering them a sense of belonging and care. The home will provide shelter, food, clothing, education, and healthcare, and ensure that the residents receive the support they need to thrive,” Evangelist Ebuka disclosed. He said that the home would provide comprehensive care for old people and orphans free of charge, adding that more of such projects would be cited in other parts of the country.
The Seraphic Orphanage and Home for the Elderly will be a safe space for vulnerable populations to receive care and support and provide opportunities for community engagement and volunteerism and a platform for skills development and capacity building for caregivers and staff, Ebuka concluded.
Zion Ministry’s Seraphic Home foundation is a non-profit charitable organization with the objective of touching and impacting lives positively and promoting the welfare of others. It runs a whole range of programmes which support disadvantaged and impoverished families by providing scholarships for different levels of Education for over 60 children yearly as well as funding for patients who are unable to afford life-sustaining treatment and pay hospital bills for various health challenges.
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has received the approval of the appointment of 3 Assistant Corps Marshals (ACM), to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The newly appointed senior officers are to fill up existing vacancies in the South South, North East, and North West geo-political zones.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in the Corps’ efforts to enhance its leadership and operational capabilities. The Officers to fill up existing vacancies are; Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama fsi, to represent North West geopolitical zone, DCM Pauline Olaye, represents the South East geopolitical zone while DCM Attahiru T. Hassan fdc is appointed to fill up the vacancy in the North East geopolitical zone.
DCM Aliyu Datsama fsi is presently the Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Special Duties and External Relations, a seasoned road safety expert who has held several positions including Sector and Zonal Commanding Officer positions in different states and Zones. On the other hand, DCM Pauline Olaye who is currently the head, Project Implementation Office at the National Headquarters of the Corps is by virtue of her new appointment, the most senior female officer in the Corps. She has held several positions of authority including the position of Assistant Corps Marshal, Special Duties and External Relations Department, as well as Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS1HQ Kaduna.
In the same vein, DCM Attahiru Hassan fdc, is presently the Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Technical Service Department. A well grounded professional road safety administrator who has held several positions amongst which include the positions of Corps Provost as well as Sector Commander.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation while speaking on the development, stated that the appointment of the seasoned professionals will bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the FRSC’s leadership team. They are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Corps’ strategic direction and driving its mission to reduce road crashes and promote safe driving practices.
He stated that the appointment is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work which is in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed equally congratulated the newly elevated Officers for their excellent performances during the exercise, noting that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities. He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new rank calls for more focus, more dedication, commitment and passion.
He admonished those who were not fortunate in this appointment year to keep faith alive and be loyal to the system.
Speaking further, the Corps Marshal promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the Corps. As such, he beckoned on all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the Corps.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police mobile force (PMF) personnel from private individuals nationwide.
The IGP, according to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, gave the directive during a meeting with PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday.
He decried the assignment of PMF operatives to escort and guard duties for VIPs and private individuals across the country.
He also announced a series of reforms, including quarterly ethics and professionalism training, and the mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units.
In the statement, Adejobi said the move is part of the reorganisation of the Police Mobile Force (PMF).
“He expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core roles, including escort and guard duties for private individuals and VIPs, a trend which has undermined the unit’s effectiveness,” the statement read.
“To address this, the IGP has announced a series of measures including the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments, regular quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism, and mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all Squadrons for rapid tactical support.”
According to the IGP, all PMF Commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel.
Egbetokun, however, urged them to lead proactively through regular training, inspections, and mentorship aimed at upholding discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.
