Oshiomhole accuses Obaseki of 'attack' on his home

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole on Sunday accused the Edo State government of orchestrating Saturday’s siege to his Benin home.

There is a frosty relationship between the party chair, who is the immediate past governor and his ‘godson’ — Governor Godwin Obaseki— ostensibly over the governor’s second term bid.

Explaining the Saturday night ‘attack’ on the chairman’s home, Oshiomhole’s spokesman Simon Ebegbulem told The Nation on the telephone: “The National Chairman was in Benin on Saturday to attend a birthday party. While he was still at the party around 8pm, the state government sent thugs to his house. They were over 50 singing war songs.


“They blocked the entrance of his gate until the security people there called those with him (Oshiomhole) to alert him about what was happening. That was how APC youths were swiftly alerted and they stormed the house with policemen.

“The thugs fled when they saw the youth and policemen. We are wondering what thugs will be doing at the residence of the national chairman at that time of the night.

“If the national chairman had arrived there without knowing, they would have attacked him. We are accusing the state government because the governor has been clamping down on all those opposed to him.”

Ebegbulem claimed that the action at Oshiomhole’s home, was part of the resolution reached at the last Exco meeting that all opposing anti-Obaseki second term bid be attacked.

But Governor Obaseki denied having anything to do with the attack. The governor’s spokesman Mr. Crusoe Osagie said: “It is a lie. There was no attack. Nothing happened in the area where Oshiomhole lives.

“The Edo State government has said it has no knowledge of the purported attack on the person or residence of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. We have no knowledge of the attack. We have also reached out to the police, and they affirmed that they do not know about such an attack.”

Edo Police Commissioner San Mallam Abubakar also denied there was an attack. The police chief said some persons at the party chairman’s home planning a protest were dispersed.

However, the APC and Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege condemned “the attack” and called on the police to investigate it.

Black woman killed in own bedroom by Texas police

A black woman was shot dead by police through her own bedroom window in the early hours of Saturday morning, after a request to check on her welfare.

Atatiana Jefferson, 28, had been living at the residence in Fort Worth, Texas with her eight-year-old nephew.

A neighbour had called a non-emergency police number after growing concerned that her front door was open at night.

Police have released body cam footage of the incident, which shows an officer shooting within seconds of seeing her.

The clip shows police searching the perimeter of the residential property, before noticing a figure at the window. After demanding the person put their hands up, an officer then fired a shot through the glass.

The Fort Worth Police Department said in a statement that the officer, who is a white man, had "perceived a threat" when he drew his weapon.

He has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, officials added.

The shooting happened at about 02:30 local time (07:30 GMT) on Saturday morning.

Although it is edited, the body cam footage does not appear to show the officers identifying themselves as police.

It does not show footage from inside the property but includes images of a weapon that police say they found inside the bedroom.

It is unclear if Ms Jefferson was holding a weapon at the time, but firearm possession is legal for people aged over 18 in Texas.

Police said officers provided emergency medical care to Ms Jefferson at the scene, but she was declared dead at the property.

The 28-year-old had been playing video games with her nephew before she went to investigate the noise outside the window, according to a lawyer representing her family.

"Her mom had recently gotten very sick, so she was home taking care of the house and loving her life," lawyer Lee Merritt said on Facebook. "There was no reason for her to be murdered. None. We must have justice."

Ms Jefferson was a university graduate who was working in pharmaceutical equipment sales, he added.

The shooting comes less than two weeks after an off-duty police officer was jailed for shooting a black man, Bothan Jean, dead in his own Dallas apartment less than 35 miles (55km) from Saturday's incident.

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke, himself from Texas, has spoken out about Ms Jefferson's death.

"As we mourn with Atatiana's loved ones, we must demand accountability and promise to fight until no family has to face a tragedy like this again," he posted on Twitter.

The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) labelled Ms Jefferson's death "unacceptable".

Cooking gas cylinder blast kills 10 this morning in India

At least 10 people died after a cooking gas cylinder exploded in a house in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials say.

The building collapsed due to the blast, which took place in a two-storey building in Mau district this morning (monday).

Rescue efforts are ongoing as officials fear that more people could be trapped in the debris of the building.

Neighbours told local media that they heard a loud explosion and the building was engulfed in fire soon after. Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Remember the orphan r-ped by pastor, native doctor and neighbour? She has given birth

A 12-year -old girl (names withheld), who was repeatedly raped by a popular Pastor, a native doctor and a neighbor, has given birth to a baby girl at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).

The three suspects have been arrested by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and would be arraigned in court next week.

It was gathered that the pastor is 30, the herbalist 59 and the neighbour 30.

A source at NAPTIP said all of them confessed to repeatedly have carnal knowledge of the girl.


Sources at the ISTH said the young mother was admitted for a case of pre eclampsia (one of the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy) and she was booked for an emergency cesarean section (CS).

The source said she was delivered of a baby girl.

It was gathered that the raped victim lost her father at five and was asked to stay with the Pastor when she was six years old.

The Pastor was said to slept with her repeatedly until she was taken away to stay with the native doctor, who also took his turns on her.

She was said to have been taken to stay with her aunt and a neighbour raped her severally until she got pregnant.

A doctor at the ISTH, Dr. Eugene Usifoh, in his Facebook page described the situation as terrible, causing him to shed tears.

“You know what? She is just 12 years old, yes a minor who hasn’t even seen her first menses and since ovulation occurs before menstruation, she probably ovulated and sadly her first ovulation got her pregnant at this tender age.

Read Also:Timi Dakolo thanks Nigerians, starts movement for rape survivors
“I really don’t know the kind of supervision she got from her care givers but one thing I know is that they failed to protect her, they failed to shield her from the wickedness of this world, they failed to perform their duties as care givers and guardians, as such, life got her scared. Imagine being a mother at 12.

“A devastating tale, however, the abused child has the tendency to be abused again, if she isn’t rescued now, she’ll probably have 3 or more babies before she becomes an adult and that’s if she lives up to adulthood and survives the complications of pregnancy as well as those of sexual abuse and every other difficulties which she would surely face. Think about the risk of contacting sexually transmitted infections/disease or VVF.

“Therefore, we are appealing to all well meaning Edo sons, daughters and Nigerians at large for their assistance in order to save this helpless girl and her two (2) days old baby.

“Spread the word, there’s a 12 years old in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Edo state that needs to be rescued.

“Whoever this may get to, please help save this young mother and her baby, help give them a better life.”

EX-CATHOLIC MARRIED PRIEST DEDICATES HIS CHILD IN AKWA IBOM

Rev. Patrick Henry Edet, the ex-Catholic Priest who got married in 2018, dedicated his child today in church two years after cutting off ties with the largest Christian church.



Edet and his wife Inyene, dedicated their daughter christened  Mbiet -Yaweh at Grace Family aka Commonwealth of Champions, IBB Avenue in Uyo. The dedication ceremony was attended by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

I r-pe minors to cool off tension, suspect says

An 18-year-old , Mizanbilu Yusuf, has been arrested by the Niger State Police Command for allegedly r*ping a nine-year-old girl.

The suspect confessed to have r^ped a number of minors in his area in Kafin Koro community in Paikoro local government area of Niger state.

Yusuf was arrested after he had r*ped his victim whom he dragged to the bush before defiling her.

The father of the victim reported him to security agencies attached to the Kafin Koro Division of Paikoro local government area.


When paraded in Minna, Yusuf confessed that he started the act of defiling minors in his community when he was 17, adding that a number of girls had fallen into his trap.

“I have been in the act and I enjoyed doing it. I do it when I am aroused to have s-x and since I do not have a girlfriend, I decided it would be easier to have carnal knowledge of minors in my area to cool off tension.

“It is quite unfortunate that I found myself in this hopeless act. I want to warn other teenagers to shun this wicked act. It may destroy their future.”

He also pleaded for forgiveness from the families of the girls he had defiled.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Abubakar, said that the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation adding that he was a serial rapist.

He also said that he had been charged to court.

Ekiti PDP splits ahead of council polls

The crisis rocking the Ekiti State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) worsened over the weekend as members and stakeholders of the party were sharply divided over the December 7 councils elections in the state.

The unfolding events appeared to have split the rank and file of the opposition party as some stakeholders called for outright boycott of the election, while others advocated participation.

The leadership of the party in Ado-Ekiti had said it would boycott the council polls over alleged plot by Governor Kayode Fayemi to rig the elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).


The splinter group in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti by Hon. Yinka Olomofe, on behalf of the Ado-Ekiti Council Stakeholders, directed its member to distance themselves from a ‘predetermined exercise.’

But the Forum for the PDP local government party chairmen dismissed the announcement with a wave of the hand, affirming the party would participate in the council polls.

The Forum said the decision was hinged on the resolution reached by the party’s State Executive Committee during a joint meeting of the State Working Committee and the Local Government party chairmen held on September 25, 2019.

The Forum, in a statement signed and issued on Sunday in Ado Ekiti by its Chairman and Secretary, Hon. Idowu Akinbode and Hon. Israel Ogudele, respectively, and 12 other members of the forum, declared the earlier announcement of non-participation in the council polls as null and void.

It said the decision to participate or not to partake in the conduct of the elections can only be determined by the State Working Committee in collaboration with the local government party chairmen.

The Forum called on party members and all the party’s candidates to disregard the purported non-participation and continue with their campaigns and all other due processes as outlined by the electoral body.

It charged the EKSIEC to provide a level playing ground for all participating political parties, advising the electoral body to shun all illegal activities that could cast a pall of darkness on the credibility of the elections.

Meanwhile, the PDP State Chairman, Chief Gboyega Oguntuwase, said: “The position of the extended EXCO, the SWC with all party chairmen of all the local governments, we met and we discussed extensively on what the PDP should do concerning the local government election.

“We all resolved that in the overriding interest of the party, so that there will be activity in the party, so that Ekiti people will have option, so that the fundamental provision of the constitution that we all have right to vote and be voted for would not be blotted out by unnecessary emotions and sabotage that we should participate in the elections.

“Any chairman of any local government that is making any announcement to the contrary, no matter who is backing him, shall receive adequate query and punishment for leading a rebellion at the appropriate time. I, as the state chairman, confirm that we shall take part in the elections.”

SANWO-OLU DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY ON BAD ROADS IN LAGOS

 
The Governor has met with contractors and has asked them to start working without any delay.


Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has declared a state of emergency on bad roads in the state.

The governor is said to have ordered massive construction on dilapidated highways and carriages within the state starting from Monday, October 14, 2019.


This was announced in a statement on Sunday, October 13, 2019, by Jubril Gawat, the governor's Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on New Media.

.

Gawat said Sanwo-Olu has met with contractors and they have been asked to mobilise to their respective sites without delay.


The statement reads, “Governor Sanwo-Olu this evening declared a state of emergency on various dilapidated highways and carriages within the State.. orders massive construction on critical roads starting tomorrow Monday, 14th October 2019 as he met with contractors today.

“This afternoon, we have just concluded meeting with various reputable construction companies and all of them have been given the brief to immediately commence major construction work in various parts of the State.

“The exercise will begin tomorrow with palliative work on the selected roads, which are both on the Island and Mainland divisions of the State.

“The contractors have been given the mandate to start mobilising to their respective sites without further delay. Their activities must first give our people an immediate relief on the affected roads.



“To complement the major construction work on the highway, Governor @jidesanwoolu said @LSPWC_Official would be carrying out repairs of 116 inner roads across the State, in addition to over 200 roads already rehabilitated by the Corporation in the last 3 months”.

In August, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly ad hoc Committee on Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), Setonji David said that the conditions of some roads in Lagos have become major cause of concern for the committee.

He vowed that the committee would not rest on its oars until Lagos roads are maintained.

Woman in a five-year relationship with Boeing 737-800 - and it's 'physical'

A woman says she’s been in a five year relationship with the love of her life - a passenger jet she calls 'darling'.

Michele Köbke, 30, from Berlin, Germany considers herself in a relationship with the Boeing 737-800.

Michele says she’s been in love with the aircraft for five years and their relationship is very much physical.


She said: “The 737-800 is very attractive and sexy to me. He’s the most beautifully built, and he’s a very attractive and elegant aircraft.”

She even nicknamed the 737-800 “Schatz” which translates into “Darling”.

But unlike regular relationships, Michele is unable to spend quality time with her boyfriend, adding:

“A relationship with a plane is not easy and at times difficult.

“I can only get close to him when I fly with him or when I can get to him in the hangar, which has only happened once in my life.”

However, she has found different ways to indulge in her affection.

She said: “I have a big model of him made of fibreglass as well as real components from him so I can act out my love to some degree.”

She showed BTV various pictures of her kissing the 737-800 and cuddling with components such as doors and panels.

Michele’s affection for the aeroplane is known as objectophilia – when sexual or romantic attraction is focused on a particular inanimate object.

But Michele doesn’t see the physical side of her relationship with the Boeing as any different to with humans.

She explained: “It’s like a normal relationship, we have relaxing evenings together and when we go to bed, we cuddle and fall asleep together”.

Michele realised she had a weakness for aeroplanes when she took her first flight in November 2013.

22 danger signs you must watch out for when using a gas cylinder

There have been many cases of gas cylinder explosions these days which leads to loss of lives and properties. Here are 22 danger signs you must watch out for when using a gas cylinder

Cooking gas cylinders must not exceed five years: most people using gas cylinders hardly remember when it was bought. It is important to keep track of the days and replace them as soon as possible.

 
Do not buy used Gas cylinders.

 
Watch out for the expiry dates: The steps to check the expiry date are very simple and basic. The expiry of LPG cylinder can be found on one of the metal strips that connect the body of the cylinder to top ring (handle). It is mentioned on the inner side of the strip. The strip has any of the alphabets from A to D painted on it along with a number. Decoding the expiry date is simple. The alphabet represents the month it expires while the number indicates the year. A year is divided into four quarters :

A – January to March

B – April to June

C – July to  September

D – October to  December

For example, your cylinder has ‘A 18  painted on the metal strip. The alphabet A represents month March and 18 indicates the year 2018.

·       Use gas cylinders in a vertical position, unless specifically designed to be used otherwise

·       Securely restrain cylinders to prevent them from falling over

·       Always double check that the cylinder/gas is the right one for the intended use.

·       Before connecting a gas cylinder to equipment or pipe-work make sure that the regulator and               pipe-work are suitable for the type of gas and pressure being used.

·       When required, wear suitable safety shoes and other personal protective equipment when                     handling gas cylinders.

·       Do not use gas cylinders for any other purpose than the transport and storage of gas.

·        Do not drop, roll or drag gas cylinders.

·       Close the cylinder valve and replace dust caps, where provided when a gas cylinder is not in                 use.

·       Where appropriate, fit cylinders with residual pressure valves (non-return valves) to reduce the            risk of backflow of water or other materials into the cylinder during use that might corrode it              (e.g. beer forced into an empty gas cylinder during cylinder change-over).

·       Ensure the valve is protected by a valve cap or collar, or that the valve has been designed to                withstand impact if the cylinder is dropped.

·       Store gas cylinders in a dry, safe place on a flat surface in the open air. If this is not reasonably             practicable, store in an adequately ventilated building or part of a building specifically reserved           for this purpose.

·       Cylinders containing flammable gas should not be stored in part of a building used for other                 purposes.

·       Protect gas cylinders from external heat sources that may adversely affect their mechanical                   integrity.

·       Gas cylinders should be stored away from sources of ignition and other flammable materials.

·       Avoid storing gas cylinders so that they stand or lie in water.

·       Ensure the valve is kept shut on empty cylinders to prevent contaminants from getting in.

·       Store gas cylinders securely when they are not in use. They should be properly restrained unless          designed to be free-standing.

·       Gas cylinders must be clearly marked to show what they contain and the hazards associated                 with  their contents.

·       Store cylinders where they are not vulnerable to hazards caused by impact, e.g. from vehicles              such as fork-lift trucks.

"WHY I HAD A PROLONGED STAY ABROAD" - AISHA BUHARI

Wife of the President Mrs. Aisha Buhari has given reasons why she stayed for so long abroad.

She spoke on Sunday on arrival back in the country around 4.30am  Nigerian time on a British Airways flight.

On why she stayed away for so long,  a statement by her Special Assistant Media, Olabisi Olumide-Ajayi said: “Before the advent of this administration it had always been the custom for her to take a long vacation with her children but since the President was elected and due to exigencies of duty it has not been possible.



“However this year she decided to break the jinx and spend time with them, especially since Mr President has graciously appointed Special Advisers  and Personal assistants to her.”

Mrs Buhari also thanked all Nigerians  for their support and encouragement.


She said she was ready to continue her work with women and children

Present at the airport to receive her were the First Lady of Kogi, Mrs Rasheedat Bello; Wife of former Governor of  Nassarawa state, Mrs Mairo Al Makura, Chairperson of National centre for Women Development Joy Gene Nunieh; Wife of Minister for Niger Delta Affairs  Mrs Ekaetae Unoma Godswill Akpabio; D.G. Womens development centre, Mrs Mary Etta and  Senior Special Assistant office of the wife of the President, Dr Hajo Sani.

She returned home to the villa to meet Family and friends waiting.

"WE'D LIFT 100M NIGERIANS OUT OF EXTREME POVERTY" - PRESIDENCY

Nigeria's presidency has once again re-stated its vow of lifting 100m Nigerians out of extreme poverty in the next 10 years.



President Buhari's Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Social Investment Programmes, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed who spoke on behalf of the Presidency said the re-elected Nigerian leader laid the foundation to fulfill the promise in the last four years of his administration. He also outlined how they plan to achieve this.



“The first four years of the President Buhari administration has been a tedious project of setting up a foundation for the journey ahead.

“That journey on our part is to see that we empower the less privileged, the poorest Nigerians, the unemployed, and giving them the opportunity to lift themselves out of their predicaments and empowering them for self-development and fulfillment.

“The President is committed to this project, and thus has set a mandate of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of extreme poverty within the next 10 years.

“It may sound too ambitious to some or perhaps even outlandish, but with the renewed focus and commitment I have seen from the President, this is a feat that can be achieved and we must ensure that we roll up our sleeves to do just that.

 “We have set targets for ourselves. We are going to up the numbers by reaching more communities, reaching more people who are within our purview.

“Each of the clusters of the Social Investment Programmes has a target of the number of beneficiaries it must reach within a period of time given the availability of resources. We are going to make sure that we do not falter, slow down, relax or give up. We are determined.

“Also we are going to ensure that we improve on our monitoring activities – this would ensure that we take stock of where we are and what we are doing at every point in time. If we see that we are not measuring up to targets then we know that we need to scale up,” he added.

Ismaeel further explained: “I have a reason to believe that poverty should not be a permanent feature or an affliction that must remain with us. The goal set out by the President on lifting a 100 million people out of extreme poverty is a task I am personally committed and dedicated to.”

Geek Trivia: The First Post On Snopes.com Was About?

The First Post On Snopes.com Was About?

Cheeze Whiz Bill Gates Charles Manson The Nigerian Scam Think you know the answer?

KANYE WEST CONFIRMS FULL CONVERSATION TO CHRISTIANITY

Kanye West has recently confirmed that he has fully converted to Christianity.



The 42-year-old American rapper and father of four made the announcement over the weekend, as he made a surprise appearance at Howard University and held a listening party of his new album, Jesus Is King.



In a video obtained by TMZ, West started by discussing a line in a Jay-Z' song, where he said, 'forced into sports or entertainment.'



'I want to let you know that I am not here for your entertainment this afternoon. We are here to spread the gospel,' West began.



He later added, 'Excuse me if I mispronounce anything. I am a recent convert. It means I recently got saved within this year.'

Emir Sanusi reportedly sacks Palace Chief for welcoming Ganduje

Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11 has reportedly ordered the sack of Maja Siddin Sarkin Kano, Alhaji Auwalu for participating in the grand reception in honour of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje last Wednesday.

The Maja Sidden Sarkin Kano, who is in-charge of decorating the Emir’s Horse, was also asked to vacate his residence of over 30 years, The Nation reports.

The paper learnt that the development has caused serious disaffection within the Kano Emirate Council.

Trouble stated for Alhaji Auwalu when he raised the portrait of the late Emir of Kano, His Highness, Sarkin Ado Abdullahi Bayero in celebration with Ganduje as the Governor’s long convoy passed through the Emir’s Palace from Kano airport towards Government House last Wednesday.


A Palace source, who craved anonymity, said Emir Sanusi who was not in Kano during Ganduje’s reception was highly angered over the action Auwalu.

The Palace source further stated: “You know what is happening between the Emir and Governor Ganduje. In fact, members of the Emirate Council were warned against attending any government function which the Emir did not approve of.

“The Emir was outraged over the action of Maja Siddin Sarkin Kano, which he considered as acts of disloyalty. This man is a very popular man within the Palace. He arranges the Horse for the Emir and he has stayed in the Palace for over 30 years.

“People around here are not happy over his plight. People are angry because they believe he is being treated unjustly. I don’t think it is a sin to join happy residents to celebrate the Tribunal victory and home-coming of Governor Ganduje.”

BBN Mike and his wife meet MC Oluomo (Photos)

Big Brother Naija first runner up, Mike Edward's and his wife, Perri Shakes meet with MC Oluomo at his residence in Lagos.

Woman collapses on TV after over-zealous hairdresser cuts off her hair in reality contest

The victim of an over-zealous hairdresser has been hailed for her 'relatable' reaction when she fainted on TV.The Turkish show Kuaförüm Sensin, which translates to 'you're my hairdresser', is a reality contest pitting makeup artists and hair stylists against one another to showcase their skills

On one of the more memorable episodes, hairdresser Bilal Ağın wanted to cut his model's hair in support of the 'Let My Hair Be Your Hair' project for cancer survivors.

The only problem with the thoughtful gesture was that he didn't run the idea past his model İlayda beforehand.

Having walked on to the show with hair flowing all the way down her back, Bilal's scissors quickly reduced her locks to a shoulder length cut, as reported by the Daily Mail .

As the hairdresser beams clutching years worth of precious growth, the model reaches to run her hands through her hair, unaware of what has happened.

It seems to take her a few brushes before reality fully sets in as to where her hair now ends and she begins to break down as the three judges look on stunned by her unexpected reaction.

As the other contestants pretend unconvincingly not to have seen it all go down, İlayda throws off her robe in protest as Bilal smiles awkwardly at the floor.

The model then attempts to make a quick exit away from the glare of the cameras, but doesn't make it to the door before collapsing into the arms of one of the show's assistants, who calls for help.

The whole time Bilal stands watching on speechless with his hands planted on his hips.

The clip quickly racked up more than 12 million views on Twitter where it was posted with the caption: "I'm SCREAMINNN why is that so relatable."

Many users were quick to share in her pain.

Loved-up photos of Regina Daniels & her husband in matching outfits

The actress shared the loved up photos with her billionare husband, Ned Nwoko rocking matching outfits on her instagram page.

Love Island's Olivia Attwood engaged to footballer Bradley Dack (see photos)

Olivia Attwood is engaged!

The Love Island star has said yes to footballer Bradley Dack after he popped the question.

Sharing two loved up snaps to show off her ring on Instagram , she said: "He must be crazy... Here’s to forever . I love you BD"

The couple's fans and famous friends rushed to congratulate them.

Demi Sims commented: "He’s defo crazy but DEAD CUTE AT THE SAME TIME .. so happy for you both congrats"

"Congrats you two," Vicky Pattison said.

While Geordie Shore's Sophia Kasaei wrote: "Oh my god yessssss yesssss and yessssss"

One snap sees Blackburn Rovers star Bradley sweetly holding onto Olivia's hand - complete with shiny new jewellery - as they share a passionate kiss.

Love Island's Olivia Attwood engaged to footballer Bradley Dack

Photo: Three Okada robbers arrested in Lagos

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, have arrested three suspected okada robbers in Ikorodu area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

The suspects, Emmanuel Michael, 24, who rode on a motorcyle, in company of two other accomplices; Moses Ogeh, 27 and Ojonugwa Ojomeje, 29, were arrested in Ita-Maga area of Ikorodu after hijacking a motor bike popularly called ‘okada’ from a cyclist while impersonating police officers.


Two of the suspects: Ojomeje and Ogeh were caught in MOPOL vest and police vest and fez cap while trying to escape after collecting an ‘okada’ from a rider in Ikorodu.

The trio, operating on Michael’s ‘okada’ in the area, had around 10:00 p.m. accosted another ‘okada’ rider, stopped him and dispossessed him of his motorcycle. They were said to have told the owner that they were police officers from a nearby police station.


The victim on releasing the ‘okada’ to the robbers walked few steps away before crying out for help. This drew the attention of passers-by and the operatives of Rapid Response Squad in the area. They were chased and arrested few metres from the scene.

According to the Ojomeje, the leader of the gang, “ in July 2019, men in police uniform collected my ‘okada’ in Ikorodu Bus Stop. They told me they were Taskforce team from Ebute Police Station. They advised me to meet them there while they took the ‘okada’ away. It was after 10:00 p.m.

“I went from Ebute Police Station to Ijede, Mola and Ladigboye Police Post, there was no trace of them. It was my only means of livelihood. It was exactly a week I got the ‘okada’ on hired purchase at N280,000.

I paid only N40,000 with a balance of N240,000 to settle the owner, Chinedu. I searched for it in all the surrounding police stations but there was no record of it.

“In order to pay the balance because Chinedu couldn’t take the excuse, I borrowed my friends bike, and bit by bit, I paid another N40,000. Because the owner was deeply on my neck for the payment, I sought the assistance of my friend to help me hijack another ‘okada.”

He continued: “I had a MOPOL vest at home thrown away by a former neighbour in Obalende. I appealed to Michael to borrow me his sister’s husband police uniform. The plan was to get a motor bike for me and later on, I would pay them too after I might have finished paying my debt.

“While I put on the MOPOL vest, Ogeh, a food stuff seller put on the police vest and fez cap. At around 10:00 p.m, the three of us set out using Michael’s ‘okada’ to Ita Maga. We collected a bike but we were arrested”.

Protesting vociferously to Ojomeje’s explanation of their roles, Michael and Ogeh stated that they were charmed and made to take an oath by their ring leader. They added that they were offered kolanut to eat after Ojomeje had promised them a successful outing.

The suspects have been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Muazu Zubairu stated that the police would not relent in its efforts at bringing to book criminals who impersonate the police to give the force a bad name.