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Police commence investigation into Rivers explosion

Bankole ABE
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Police commence investigation into Rivers explosion

THE Rivers State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the explosion that claimed many lives in the state on Sunday, October 1.

The explosion occurred at an illegal oil refining site in Ibaa community, Emuoha Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Force, pipeline vandalism was the primary cause of the fire, and the investigation was intended to identify the criminals and bring them to justice.

This information was contained in a statement titled WRivers State Police Command Addresses Fatal Pipeline Fire Tragedy,” released on Wednesday, September 4, and distributed to reporters by Grace Iringe-Koko, the state police command’s spokesperson.

On Monday, October 2, the state spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Olufemi Ayodele, said 25 injured victims were rescued while 18 persons were burnt beyond recognition.

However, the Police said 20 people were injured, and 15 others were burnt to death, even as reports claimed about 35 died.

The Police, in the statement, described the explosion as devastating.

“On Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 23:30 hours, the Rivers State Police Command received distress information about a tragic fire explosion at Ibaa community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. Regrettably, 15 individuals, among them a pregnant woman, lost their lives in this devastating incident, while an additional 20 people suffered various degrees of burn injuries.

“These casualties were a result of an explosion at an oil pipeline owned by a major oil company, which had been illegally accessed for crude oil extraction within a forested area,” the Police stated.

The Force noted that its patrol team from Rumuji Division promptly arrived at the scene, documented the incident with photographs, and facilitated a dignified evacuation of the deceased for proper burial by their families.

It stressed that those who sustained burn injuries were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

“The Rivers State Police Command has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the root cause of this pipeline vandalisation with the intention of bringing the culprits to justice,” the statement added.

The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Nwonyi Emeka, implored parents and guardians to take responsibility for guiding their children and wards from activities that could disrupt the quest for peaceful and sustainable development throughout the state.

Mohbad: Police declare Primeboy wanted

Bankole ABE
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Mohbad: Police declare Primeboy wanted

THE Lagos State Police Command has declared Owodunni Ibrahim, aka Primeboy, wanted over the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.

The declaration followed Primeboy’s failure to honour an invitation sent to him by the Police since the commencement of the investigation into the circumstances leading to Mohbad’s death. 

The Spokesperson of State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, October 4.

 The Police said Primeboy is approximately 1.64 m tall, male, dark-complexioned with tribal marks and Yoruba by tribe. The Force also gave his last known address as 3rd Power, Oke Eletu, Ikorodu. 

Notice from Police declaring Primeboy wanted

“If seen, contact the nearest police station or call 0803 688 5727. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, hereby offers a handsome reward of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira Only) to anyone with useful information leading to his arrest,” the Police added.

The ICIR reported on Tuesday, October 3, that the Lagos State Police Command arrested Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, and took him into custody for interrogation over the singer’s death.

The command’s spokesperson, Hundeyin, announced this on his X handle.

He said, “Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities…”

Naira Marley is one of the people suspected to have had issues with the late 27-year-old before his death.

Mohbad was affiliated with Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Music, from which he departed in October 2022.

Apart from Naira Marley, the Lagos State Police Command had arrested a music promoter, Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, known as Sam Larry, who many accused of having a rift with Mohbad.

Police arrested him at the Murtala Muhammad Airport after he arrived in Nigeria from Nairobi, Kenya, at about 10 p.m. on September 28 and took him into custody.

However, Naira Marley and Sam Larry have sternly denied having a hand in Mohbad’s death.

In a statement shared by Naira Marley on Tuesday, September 26, through his official Instagram account, he said people had accused him of being responsible for Mohbad’s demise. He argued that, like everyone else, he had been shocked by the tragedy.

He also emphasized that while he had disagreements with the late singer, they never escalated to harbouring ill wishes towards anyone, and they were actively pursuing a legal resolution to their disputes.

Similarly, Sam Larry distanced himself from any link with Mohbad’s passing.

The ICIR reported how Nigerians protested Mohbad’s death, prompting the Police to investigate it.

UPDATED: El-Rufai’s replacement, Balarabe, collapses during screening

Mustapha USMAN
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UPDATED: El-Rufai’s replacement, Balarabe, collapses during screening

A MINISTERIAL nominee from Kaduna state, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, collapsed while being screened by the Senate on Wednesday, October 4.

The incident occurred shortly after he presented his biography and outlined his plans if he is confirmed minister.

Before he slumped, Sunday Marshall, the senator representing Kaduna South, told the Senate that all three senators from Kaduna state had no objections regarding the nominee.

Read Also:

In what appeared to be a lack of first aid in the building, The ICIR observed that when the nominee collapsed, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requested water and sugar for him and the attention of one, Wale, a doctor.

The Senate President screamed, “Give him water and sugar, water and sugar.”

Meanwhile, Akpabio ordered the National Assembly correspondents to move their cameras away from the scene as sympathisers, including senators and others, struggled to revive the nominee. The journalists were eventually ordered out of the Chamber.

Read also: Tinubu replaces el-Rufai with Balarabe Abbas

The screening proceeding was temporarily suspended after the incident, and the nominee was taken away for medical attention.

When filing this report, the nominee’s health status was unknown.

The ICIR had earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu replaced the former Kaduna state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, with Abbas after the Senate refused to confirm the former governor.

READ ALSO:

On August 7, The ICIR reported that the senate confirmed 45 out of 48 ministers nominated by President Tinubu.

Three nominees, namely, Nasir El-Rufai, Abubakar Danladi and Stella Okotete were not confirmed due to security clearance,  according to the Senate President.

Gunmen kidnap five varsity students in Katsina

Mustapha USMAN
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Gunmen kidnap five varsity students in Katsina

GUNMEN, suspected to be bandits, have abducted five female Federal University, Dutsin-ma (FUDMA) students in Katsina State.

It was gathered that the students were abducted from their residence, behind Mariamoh Ajiri Memorial International School, along Tsaskiya road, around 3am on Wednesday, October 4.

According to a report by Premium Times, a non-academic employee of the university explained that the abducted students were living in the same house.

“After attacking the house, the bandits took the five students into the forest around some off-campus houses. I learnt that vigilante members were called, but the terrorists escaped before the vigilante members arrived,” the staff member, who sought anonymity because he is not authorised to speak, said.

Confirming the incident, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, explained that the Police had apprehended a suspect in connection with the case.

“Yes, I can confirm that five students were abducted, but an arrest has been made in connection to the abduction. We’ve started investigation,” Sadik told Premium Times. 

The head of the Public Relations Unit of the university, Habibu Umar Aminu, also confirmed that the incident happened around 2am on Wednesday, adding that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.

The abduction of the FUDMA students came a few weeks after The ICIR reported that over 20 female students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State were abducted by bandits.

The bandits invaded the private hostels of the students in the Sabon-Gida community of the Bungudu Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Friday, September 22. Sabon-Gida is a few meters away from the university.

Sources in the school disclosed to The ICIR that the bandits kidnapped an estimated 25 students (largely female students) before the Nigerian Army rescued 13. 

NPFL Match Day 1 records 7 home wins, 1 draw

Dotun OMISAKIN
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NPFL Match Day 1 records 7 home wins, 1 draw

NIGERIA’s stadia returned to life over the weekend as the country’s top-flight league, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), finally kicked off.

The new 23/24 NPFL season offered fans more to enjoy as AI cameras were deployed to stream the matches live.

The ICIR analyses the outcome of the eight games played on the weekend and Monday, which produced 23 goals.

Among the 16 teams featured in the matches, Sporting Lagos, Sunshine Stars, Abia Warriors and Katsina United recorded a clean sheet.

Sunshine Stars 1-0 slim victory against Kano Pillars

The Akure-based team hosted Kano Pillars, who are returning to the elite cadre after spending last season in the Nigeria National League. 

After some moments of masterclass show between both teams, Oge Emmanuel’s goal for Sunshine Stars, 10 minutes into the game, secured the maximum three points for the host.

Katsina’s lone goal against Kwara separate teams

Unlike Kano Pillar, the opening matches in the league also saw one of the newly promoted clubs from the second-tier league, Katsina United, confront Kwara United.  

The match ended 1-0 in favour of the host.

Shooting Stars edge Plateau United 2-1

Another match on the opening match day was at the Lekan Salami Stadium, where Shooting Stars played host to Plateau United. 

The match ended 2-1 in favour of the Oluyole Boys.

Abia Warriors pip Niger Tornadoes 

Far from the South-West to the South-East at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia Warriors slugged it out against Niger Tornadoes. The match ended 1-0 in favour of the host.

Bayelsa United thrash Akwa-United  5-3 in goal feast

It was a harvest of goals in the South-South derby between Bayelsa United and Akwa United.

The keenly contested match between the duo at the Samson Siasia Stadium recorded eight goals, with Bayelsa United netting five.

Enugu Rangers humble Doma United 2-1

Goals from Ifeanyi Nweke and Austine Onyeamaechi secured the victory for Enugu Ranger against their visitors, Doma United.

Although the visitors’ player, Bidemi Owoku, halved the deficit after scoring a goal, it was not enough for them to cancel their host’s victory.

The match, played at Akwa United Stadium, ended 2-1.

Heartland FC, Lobi stars net two goals apiece

Heartland FC came from behind to equalise against their visitors – Lobi Stars.

The intriguing match saw Lobi Stars score two goals in the first half at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

The match progressed as what could be an away win, but the host turned the tables by scoring two goals within 14 minutes to force a draw.

Sporting Lagos overpower Gombe United with 2-0

Sporting Lagos began their campaign in the top-flight league with a victory after defeating Gombe United 2-0.

The match was played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Postponed matches

 Due to continental football engagement, two matches were postponed in the match day one. They are:

Enyimba vs Bendel Insurance 

Rivers United vs Remo Stars

Bayelsa United lead the table while Sporting Lagos occupy the second with Enugu Rangers in the third position.

The results

Katsina United 1 vs Kwara United 0

Shooting Stars 2 v Plateau 1

Abia Warriors 1 vs Niger Tornadoes 0

Bayelsa United 5 vs  Akwa United 3

Enugu Rangers 2 v Doma United 1

Heartland 2 v Lobi Stars 2

Sunshine Stars 1 v Kano Pillars 0

Sporting Lagos 2 v Gombe United 0

Ilebaye receives N120m prize, says she’s been unable to sleep

Itoro ETUKUDO
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Ilebaye receives N120m prize, says she’s been unable to sleep

ILEBAYE Precious Odiniya, winner of the All Stars edition of Big Brother Naija reality TV show (Season 8), has been awarded her grand cash prize of N120 million.

The award ceremony took place in Lagos on Tuesday, October 3, with the presentation done by Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content & West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, alongside Chinedu Oparaku, Director of Marketing at Moniepoint Nigeria.

During the presentation, Ilebaye was excited, revealing that she still couldn’t believe she won the show’s grand prize.

“I’m still trying to adapt to every moment. When I heard my name, I was super excited. I did not believe it.

“When I saw my parents, I was running to tell them I made it. I’m so excited that I’ve been unable to sleep since Sunday”, she said. 

She thanked her fans for their votes, appreciated the organisers and her fellow housemates, and pledged to make them proud.

“I want to thank you guys so much for believing in me. I’m so happy I didn’t fall your hands. I promise to make you proud and make good use of the money. I love you”, she added.

Since her triumph was announced for this season, Ilebaye has been flooded with numerous congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities nationwide.

Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello also felicitated the 22-year-old in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, on Monday.

“I am delighted to congratulate one of our own in Kogi State, Ilebaye Odiniya, for emerging as the winner of the Big Brother Naija Allstars Season reality television show. 

“Ilebaye, you are a trendsetter who has excelled in both academic and social spheres, and this victory is a testament to your brilliance, intellect, and maturity. Your determination, resilience, and poise set you apart during the three months you spent in the house”, the statement read.

Ilebaye, fondly called GenZ Baddie, emerged as the show winner, surpassing 19 other strong housemates, including Mercy Eke, Cynthia Nwadiora, Pere Egbi, and Ikechukwu Sunday Okonkwo.

In addition to the grand prize, Ilebaye was also awarded a brand-new car, an all-expense-paid trip, electronic gadgets, and a range of other prizes.

Over 4,000 people died in road crashes in 9 months – NBS

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Over 4,000 people died in road crashes in 9 months – NBS

Data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have shown that between July 2022 and March 2023, 4,525 people were killed in various road accidents.

A breakdown of the data shows that 1,476 were killed between July and September 2022, 1,608 died between October and December 2022, and 1,441 died between January and March 2023.

Also, by gender, 3,649 casualties were male, while 876 deaths were female.

In Q3 (Quarter three) 2022, the states with the highest number of fatalities were Kaduna (164 deaths), the Federal Capital Territory (109 deaths), Ogun (102 deaths) and Bauchi (94 deaths).

In Q4 2022, the states with the highest number of fatalities were Kaduna (142 deaths), the FCT (127 deaths), Niger (96 deaths) and Kano (94 deaths).

Meanwhile, in Q1 2023, the states with the highest fatalities were Kaduna and Bauchi, with 139 deaths apiece, Ogun with 113, and FCT with 100.

NBS said that according to data provided by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the number of road traffic injuries within the nine months was 27,829, while the number of vehicles affected was 14,923.

Breakdown by geo-political regions

In Q3 2022, the North-Central recorded the highest number of crashes with 1,169, followed by the South-West with 872, while the South-East had the lowest with 185.

Similarly, the North-Central recorded the highest number of casualties with 3,086, followed by the North-West with 2,608, while the South-South recorded the least with 520. 

In Q4 2022, the North-Central recorded the highest number of crashes with 1,247, followed by the South-West with 862, while the South-South had the least with 207.

The North-Central recorded the highest number of casualties with 3,536, followed by the North-West with 2,855, while the South-South had the least with 638.

However, in Q1 2023, the North-Central recorded the highest number of crashes with 973, followed by the South-West with 678, while the South-South had the least with 122.

The North-Central recorded the highest number of casualties with 2,928, followed by the North-West with 2,323, while the South-South recorded the least with 464.

Police arrest Naira Marley

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Police arrest Naira Marley

THE Lagos State Police Command has arrested and taken Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, into custody for interrogation over the death of singer Ilerioluwa Promise, known as Mohbad.

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, announced this on his X handle Tuesday night.

He said, “Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities…”

Naira Marley is one of the people suspected to have had issues with the late 27-year-old before his death.

Mohbad was affiliated with Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Music, from which he departed in October 2022.

Apart from Naira Marley, the Lagos State Police Command had arrested a music promoter, Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, known as Sam Larry, who many accused of having a rift with Mohbad.

Police arrested him at the Murtala Muhammad Airport after he arrived in Nigeria from Nairobi, Kenya, at about 10 p.m. on September 28 and took him into custody.

However, Naira Marley and Sam Larry have sternly denied having a hand in Mohbad’s death.

In a statement shared by Naira Marley on Tuesday, September 26, through his official Instagram account, he said individuals had accused him of being responsible for Mohbad’s demise. He argued that, like everyone else, he had been shocked by the tragedy.

“In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee. All manner of stories have been woven against me in respect of his untimely death. 

“I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased, whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me.

“Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of lleri’s death, so it is to me. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace, and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, he stated. 

He also emphasized that while he had disagreements with the late singer, they never escalated to harbouring ill wishes towards anyone, and they were actively pursuing a legal resolution to their disputes.

Similarly, Sam Larry distanced himself from any link with Mohbad’s passing.

He said, “I did not kill Mohbad; I love him too much, and God sees my heart; I do not know anything about Mohbad’s death.”

He said he loved Mohbad’s family and would not partake in what would take his life.

The socialite also responded to trending videos where he was seen harassing the deceased. He described the videos as old.

“Those videos circulating online are old, even that video that showed him and Zlatan sitting in a wheelchair. Zlatan is my witness; you can call Zlatan to ask him if I laid my hands on Mohbad. I did not. In the video of him in a club, it was his friend I was having a conversation with. 

“If you watch the video, you will see a few bouncers begging Mohbad to stop the argument because I had started settling the crisis.”

The ICIR reported how Nigerians protested Mohbad’s death, forcing the Police to investigate his killing.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also engaged the State Security Service to support the Police to conduct a thorough job on the probe.

The ICIR reported how the Police announced the exhumation of the deceased corpse for autopsy.  

Tinubu replaces el-Rufai with Balarabe Abbas

Ehime ALEX
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Tinubu replaces el-Rufai with Balarabe Abbas

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has replaced the former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai as a minister-nominee.

A former secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Balaraba Abbas, replaced the former governor as contained in a letter which the Senate President Godswill Akpabio read at the plenary on Tuesday, October 3.

Tinubu requested the Senate to confirm Abbas’ nomination and two others.

Read Also:

The others are Jamila Bio Ibrahim from Kwara State and Ayodele Olawande from Ondo State, whom he nominated on Sunday, September 17, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

On Monday, August 7, the Senate declined El-Rufai’s confirmation.

The Red Chamber also refused to confirm two other nominees – Stella Okotete from Delta State, and Abubakar Danladi from Taraba State.

El-Rufai’s rejection followed the concern a senator, Sunday Karimi from Kogi West, raised over a “serious petition” against him.

The ICIR reports that the Senate has confirmed 45 out of 48 ministers nominated by Tinubu.

This organisation further reports that Abbas will superintend over the Ministry of Environment retained by Tinubu for Kaduna State.

 

Missing genital: FCT police arrest 14 over fake alerts

Mustapha USMAN
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Missing genital: FCT police arrest 14 over fake alerts

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 14 persons for spreading false alerts and causing public disturbance over alleged missing genital cases.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba, made this known on Tuesday, September 3, while briefing newsmen at the command headquarters on crime prevention successes recorded by the Police across the FCT in the last few weeks.

He also confirmed that the 14 persons were charged to court, adding that the fake missing genital alert spurred several public reactions, including mob actions.

The ICIR sighted social media posts of purported missing genital of some young men, causing widespread concern among Nigerians in the past weeks.

However, investigations by the Police have debunked the claims.

The FCT Police commissioner explained that when the false alarmists were taken to the hospital for evaluation, medical experts’ medical tests revealed that their male organs were intact and active.

He noted that the command received over 10 cases, mainly around Garshi, Gwagwalada and the Kwali areas of the FCT. He said some escalated into mob actions by youths, stressing that no lives were lost in the reported incidents.

“The FCT Police Command has recorded over 10 cases of alleged disappearance of male organs across the territory and the escalating incidents of mob action by irate youths. It took the intervention of the Police Command to prevent the loss of lives and property and restore law and order.

“Fourteen suspects who claimed their male organs had disappeared were taken to the hospital where the medical doctor confirmed that their organs were intact and active. Consequently, they were charged in court for giving false information and inciting public disturbance.”

The Police, however, warned against engaging in actions that disrupt public peace and harmony and also warned against any act of jungle justice. 

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