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Bamise: Sanwo-Olu slams critics, BRT suspends operations, family demands justice

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2022

Oluwabamise Ayanwole

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday suspended the operations of the Bus Rapid Transit due to protests against the tragic death of a female passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole.

PUNCH Metro had reported that the police recovered Oluwabamise’s corpse around the Ebute Ero area of the state.

The 22-year-old was last seen on a BRT bus driven by one Andrew Nice, who fled after voice notes and a video clip of the victim recorded on the bus indicated that she was unsafe.

Operatives of the Department of State Services later arrested Nice at his hideout in Ososa, Ogun State.

The driver was subsequently handed over to the police as he was paraded at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.

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BRT driver conflicting confessions

Nice, during the parade, denied involvement in Oluwabamise’s death, saying his bus was hijacked by three gunmen who posed as passengers.

However, in a video clip that emerged on Monday night, the 47-year-old admitted to committing “dirty acts.”

The confession was said to have preceded his parade by the police.

“I am telling you the truth, she forced herself out of that bus; she was crying for help and everything was recorded. And because of the dirty acts I had done and how stupid I am, I am afraid,” he said in the clip posted on Twitter.

Sanwo-Olu slams critics, sensational posts

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, said investigation into the case was ongoing.

Oluwabamise Ayanwole

The governor, who spoke during an event to commemorate the International Women’s Day at Onikan, cautioned those he said were twisting the story with unfounded insinuations.

He said, “I have read some narratives and write-ups on social media in the last few hours. Some people are deliberately and extremely being sensational, posting that the Lagos State Government wanted to cover something; even my person.

“These people trivialise life, which appears to me like they just want to score a cheap point. These people are of low minds and have no conscience.

“Our government will certainly not be deterred by such wicked narratives. What we are about is to ensure that we transparently get to the roots of the matter. That is why the police and the Department of State Services picked up the driver, who ran to another state, where he was arrested.

“The full wrath of the law will be applied on whoever is found wanting in this matter. And we will ensure the incident does not repeat itself.”

He also warned the public against boarding BRT buses after the close of bus services in the evening, saying vehicles that had closed for the day would indicate by switching off their inner lights.

Stranded commuters, fare hike

In an apparent step to forestall attacks on BRT vehicles by residents protesting Oluwabamise’s death, the state government suspended the operations of the vehicles on Tuesday.

At terminals in Ikorodu, Mile 12, Ketu, Ojota, none of the branded buses was seen on the road.

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When PUNCH Metro visited the BRT terminal at Ojodu Berger, stranded commuters were seen lamenting the situation.

It was gathered that commercial buses took advantage of the scarcity to jack up transport fares.

Some of the routes witnessed hikes to the tune of 40 per cent, while others went as high as 50 per cent.

Our correspondents learnt that heavily-armed security operatives were deployed in the Freedom Park, Ojota, to stop protesters from converging on the spot.

Family demands justice

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Oluwabamise’s elder sister said she went through hell before she died.

While shedding tears, she said, “I went to Akinpelu (Police Station) to report on Sunday; I reported to a policewoman and after seeing all the video evidence, she turned it down as if she never had a child before. It wasn’t as if the girl (Oluwabamise) was wise; it was the Holy Spirit that led her to get the evidence.

“Oluwabamise left her working place to help the mother of an unborn child. The boy has been delivered and now, we are going to tell the story of Oluwabamise to this boy that it was when you were coming to this world that they took her away. They used our last born for money rituals.

“The driver said some people attacked him, but after they left, you drove the bus to the BRT office comfortably. You never felt the pains of that girl when they were cutting her private parts. They did not kill her before cutting her private parts; my sister went through hell before her last breath on earth.

“You drove down and went home to meet your family, but never knew that the girl had taken all the details of you. She captured the number of the bus, the video, and the voice. When he got to their terminal, why didn’t he report to the police? He didn’t report to his bosses; he resumed work on Monday. President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Sanwo-Olu, we want justice!”

Assembly, gov’s wife assure family

PUNCH Metro gathered that after the conference, the family alongside some sympathisers staged a protest in front of the state House of Assembly.

The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, who addressed the group, promised that the legislative arm would ensure justice in the matter.

He said, “The erroneous belief that it would be swept under the carpet is unnecessary. The driver has been arrested and is in custody. We are watching and must ensure justice is done in the case.”

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The governor’s wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, while also condemning the killing of Oluwabamise, described her death as sad, shocking, and devastating.

“As mothers, we are devastated; we are in shock; we are not happy. Lagos State is not known for ritual killings and we will not tolerate such.

“Investigations are going on and I am sure there will be justice. Mr Governor is not sleeping. There will certainly be justice,” she added.

The Head, Corporate Communications, Primero Transport Services Limited, Mutiu Yekeen, while sympathizing with the family of the victim, said the government directed the suspension of BRT services.

“It is a directive from the Lagos State Government that we should not operate BRT buses today (Tuesday) due to the protest planned for the girl that was missing and later found dead. The directive came from LAMATA specifically,” he said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the deployment of policemen in Ojota was to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

Punch

Related Topics:Bamise BRTT family Featured justice Operations Sanwo-Olu

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No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn

Published

4 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Trends Admin

No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn

There will be no Sallah Durbar celebrations in Kano during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festivities, the state police command has said.

It cited security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest as reasons for the ban announced on Friday ahead of the end of Ramadan fast festival holding on Sunday or Monday.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the decision while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

He said intelligence reports revealed plans by certain groups to use the Durbar to create instability.

“In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” Bakori said.

“Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”

The Police Commissioner emphasized that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders.

The police command has urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated prayer grounds and to adhere to security guidelines.

Some of the restrictions in place outlined by CP Bakori include worshippers should avoiding carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion., no horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving will be allowed, and parents and guardians must caution their children against involvement in disruptive activities.

He further warned that anyone caught violating these directives would face legal consequences.

metro

We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde

Published

14 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Trends Admin

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured Muslims in the state that he has no objections to the operation of Sharia panels, emphasizing that individuals are free to seek dispute resolution through them if they so wish.

Speaking at the 2025 Iftar event organized by the state government at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde clarified that he has no plans to challenge the legality of Sharia courts in the state. His comments were conveyed in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Earlier in the week, Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, had confirmed that a Sharia panel had already been established in Oyo town and had begun sittings. This led to renewed discussions regarding the panel’s constitutionality.

In response, Makinde reiterated his stance that the Constitution remains the supreme authority in all legal matters while acknowledging the role of Sharia panels in alternative dispute resolution.

“I read in the newspaper that I would go to court for interpretation on the Sharia panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position,” the governor stated. “My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution.”

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Makinde explained that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including the Sharia panel, could ease the burden on the courts, provided they do not conflict with constitutional provisions.

He further emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining religious harmony and unity in the state, cautioning against attempts to use religion for political gains.

“As we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation,” he said.

The governor also used the occasion to appreciate the Muslim community for their support and prayers, acknowledging the contributions of religious leaders, lawmakers, and security agencies in fostering peace and development in Oyo State.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin (represented by Deputy Speaker Mohammed Fadeyi), and other key figures from the judiciary and legislative arms of government.

We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde

metro

EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud

Published

14 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Trends Admin

EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud

Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and one Christian Taylor were on Thursday rearraigned for an alleged N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud before Justice Mojisola Dadap of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

They were re-arraigned alongside Nasaman Oil Services Limited on an amended 57-count charge, following new findings in the case.

The defendants had initially been arraigned on a 49-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents.

At the scheduled trial for the adoption of final written addresses on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel, Seiduh Atteh, informed the court of the amended charges and requested that the defendants take a fresh plea.

There was no objection from the defence counsel, Obafemi Kolade, SAN.

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Consequently, the court granted the request.

The defendants, thereafter, pleaded “not guilty” to the amended charges preferred against them.

In the amended charge, the defendants, as well as Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Olabisi Abdul Afeez, who are both at large, allegedly “fraudulently obtained money from the Federal Government on or about September 9, 2011.”

The defendants also allegedly forged a document titled: “ GASOLINE ANALYSIS” on board MT Overseas Limar, purportedly issued by Saybolt Concremat on the said date.

Following the re-arraignment, Kolade requested time for the defence to amend its written address in response to the new charges.

Justice Dada directed the prosecution to file a response before the next hearing.

The case was adjourned till April 15, 2025 for the adoption of final written addresses.