Court Order: Okiro withdraws from Ohanaeze Ndigbo election

The former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, has withdrawn from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential race, following a court order served on him this night.

“I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter pending before Hon Justice N. R. Oji of Enugu State High Court, which court gave the restraining order.

“Although I’ve not been formally served with the suit/processes or order, my commitment to law and order remains unwavering, despite the fact that the reliefs granted in the order against me appears to undermine my fundamental right guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” Okiro at press briefing last night.

“My dear brothers and sisters, I, Sir Mike Okiro CFR, President-General candidate for Ohanaeze Ndigbo election slated for 10th January 2025 (tomorrow) address you today with unwavering resolve.

“I have been made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which regrettably restrains me from contesting the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow.

“The court order, based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or heard from me before giving that obnoxious order, which I got from the media.

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‘I’m from Rivers’

“The facts are (a) That I hail from Egbema in Rivers State as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. (b) My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status of Rivers State. (c) I have written many books where my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column.

“A good example is my best seller, titled: “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy”. (d) Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers. (e) I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General. (f) As a student in the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected as Treasurer, and another Great UIte, now distinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected as Secretary. (g) I was representing Rivers State during the meetings of the South-South People’s Assembly under our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where Prof. Pat Utomi, another Great Nigerian, represented Delta State.

“My records and credentials speak for themselves.

Court Order: Okiro withdraws from Ohanaeze Ndigbo election

Nine dead, 21 injured in Katsina road crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed nine people dead and 21 others injured in a road crash in Dankama, Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Sector Commander, Mr. Aliyu Ma’aji, through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Shamsudeen Babajo, on Thursday in Katsina.

He said that the incident occurred when a trailer carrying cows and humans on top, separated from the main body and fell on a pavement.

According to him, the trailer driver was trying to prevent crushing a woman that fell from the top of a Golf car overloaded with beans.

The Commander revealed that the trailer driver, while trying to avoid crushing the woman, lost control of the vehicle and caused the trailer to separate from the main body.

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He said that nine people lost their lives, while 21 others got varying degrees of injury.
Ma’aji said that the injured passengers were rushed to the Primary Healthcare Center, Kaita, for medical attention.

He stated that some victims were referred to Katsina General Hospital and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, due to the nature of their injury.

The Sector Commander, therefore, warned drivers to desist from carrying animals with passengers because of the danger associated with the ugly practice.

He also urged passengers to always speak up against overloading and dangerous driving as part of measures to reduce road accidents on the highways.

Nine dead, 21 injured in Katsina road crash

(NAN)

Man in Ekiti court for sexually harassing neighbour’s wife

Police have arraigned a 42-year-old man, Ogundare Anuoluwapo over alleged sexual harassment of his neighbour’s wife.

Anuoluwapo, whose address was not provided, was charged with sexual harassment before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday l.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the change.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Alice Ojo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Dec. 8, 2024 at 5.00p.m in Ado-Ekiti.

Ojo claimed that the defendant sexually harassed his neighbour’s wife, Mrs Esther Skiru, by constantly requesting for sexual intercourse from her.

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She said that the defendant also reportedly threatened the complainant during the sexual overtures.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 270(1)&(2) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

She urged the court to adjourn the case to enable her study the file and assemble witnesses.

The defence counsel, Mrs Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to grant her client bail, promising that he would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

Adeosun adjourned the case until February 20 for mention.

Man in Ekiti court for sexually harassing neighbour’s wife