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Anyone who protests Farotimi’s arrest in Ekiti will ‘suffer’ – Afe Babalola’s relative

Published

1 week ago

December 14, 2024

Dele Farotimi and Aare Afe Babalola

Anyone who protests Farotimi’s arrest in Ekiti will ‘suffer’ – Afe Babalola’s relative

Mike Oshaloni, a high chief in Ado-Ekiti and Afe Babalola’s family head, has issued threats to Nigerians planning to protest the arrest of Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer.

While entertaining questions in a video, which surfaced online in the early hours of Saturday, Oshaloni said the protesters would be prevented from exercising their rights in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.

“Farotimi wants to blackmail him (Babalola). He has blackmailed him. He has defamed his character; character assassination (sic). He has bastardised everything that stands on the name of Chief Afe Babalola and we want to resist it (sic),” said Oshaloni.

“We want to let him know that whether he did it on his own or he is being sponsored (sic), we want him to know that we are ready to confront the thing head-to-head (sic).

“Farotimi and people like Femi Falana and others are professional protesters. For little things, they want to turn the whole world upside down (sic). You see, it is only a bastard who uses his left hand to describe the house of his father.

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“There is no way I can (sic)… there is no way (sic)… after all they protested against the president of this country; let them go on. But, for them to come to Ado or Ekiti to say they want to protest, we are waiting for them, honestly speaking; unless the police stops them. We will tell them that this is the root and foundation of Afe Babalola, and we will tell them that they can’t operate. Bet me, they can’t do it (sic). If they do it, they will suffer for it. They will know that they don’t have the monopoly of violence alone. They don’t!

“I am High Chief Mike Oshaloni, the Oloti of Ado-Ekiti, a member of Ewuye Council proper. I am the head of the family of Afe Babalola, his root and foundation.”

Oshaloni went on to voice his opinion on “Freedom of Speech”.

“Freedom of speech is not absolute, I think you agree with that (sic),” Oshaloni said.

“Whatever you say, you must expect consequences for it. So, either he is doing it willingly or being sponsored, whoever is involved, they are going to regret this action.

“I am just coming from the Federal High Court. I accused the lawyer that came to (sic)… I cannot imagine lawyers coming to support Farotimi in the name of doing their job (sic), destroying somebody who is a very senior member of the association, without looking… without waiting to know the basic truth of this matter.

“It is very appalling; very disgraceful.”

Anyone who protests Farotimi’s arrest in Ekiti will ‘suffer’ – Afe Babalola’s relative

metro

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

Published

11 minutes ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully apprehended 19 individuals attempting to stow away on Europe-bound vessels.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 aboard the European-bound Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. Another four were caught on Dec. 21 aboard MT MCC YANBU.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe,” Ibrahim stated.

The Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT), operating from ATLAS COVE and using the Falcon Eye Alignment under the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, facilitated the interception of the 15 individuals near the Lagos fairway buoy.

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Ibrahim further explained that credible intelligence led to the interception of the additional four stowaways by Navy personnel deployed on escort duties aboard the vessel.

“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he added.

The first group of 15 individuals has been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred in due course.

“The presence of stowaways poses serious security threats to maritime operations, including risks of smuggling, piracy, drug and human trafficking, among other maritime crimes,” Ibrahim noted.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT will continue maintaining security along Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks to support safe maritime activities and economic growth.

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

metro

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

Published

16 minutes ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigerian military troops

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.

A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.

The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.

According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.

It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.

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The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.

“The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.

“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.

“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

(NAN)

metro

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

Published

22 minutes ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.

In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.

“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.

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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.

Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.

This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.