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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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EFCC will bring down towers of corruption this year – Olukoyede

Published

6 minutes ago

January 1, 2025

Trends Admin

Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede

EFCC will bring down towers of corruption this year – Olukoyede

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has assured that the agency will surpass its 2024 record in the fight against corruption in 2025

Olukoyede who made the promise in Abuja on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in a New Year Message to Nigerians affirmed that officers of the Commission will be unrelenting in breaking strongholds of corrupt practices across the country in the new year.

“ Our work is more than a vocation but a patriotic calling. We know this and will always offer our best to move the nation forward. 2025 will be another year of bringing towers of corruption down. Our focus is set and our commitment is total”, he said.

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The EFCC Chairman also called on Nigerians from all walks of life to be more determined and steadfast in their rejection of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, pointing out that the progress of the country is awaiting their resolve in this regard.

According to Olukoyede, progress and robust development of the commanding heights of the economy and improvement in the quality of lives of Nigerians are hinged on rejection of corruption.

“We can make any progress and development we want for our nation to happen by our support for anti-corruption initiatives. The new year is offering us fresh opportunities to recommit ourselves to the ideals of transparency, accountability, and probity. The commanding heights of the economy and improvement in our lives can only be driven by our dedication to integrity and accountable conduct”.

The EFCC boss also wished Nigerians a happy and prosperous new year.

EFCC will bring down towers of corruption this year – Olukoyede

metro

Two online scammers arrested in Rivers for defrauding woman of N110m

Published

14 minutes ago

January 1, 2025

Trends Admin

Two online scammers arrested in Rivers for defrauding woman of N110m

Operatives of the C4i Intelligence Unit of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested two suspected online scammers, Michael Onyedikachi and Akachukwu Benedict, for defrauding a Canada-based Nigerian woman of N110m.

The spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 said the victim, Sandra Austin, a resident in Ontario, Canada, was deceived by the suspects into transferring N110m over two years.

Iringe-Koko explained that the scam began in February 2022 when Sandra received a Facebook friend request from an account named “Engineer Desmond Chibuike Okechukwu.

“Initially hesitant, Sandra eventually accepted the request, which led to frequent exchanges of messages. The individual behind the account posed as an engineer capable of assisting her in constructing properties in Nigeria,” the statement read.

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“The fraud escalated when the suspect persuaded Sandra to move their conversations to WhatsApp, where he shared photos of luxury homes he claimed to have built in upscale areas like Ajah, Lagos.

“Sandra expressed interest in one of the showcased properties, which the scammer claimed would cost N150m. Trusting his claims, she transferred a total of N110m to a provided bank account between 2022 and 2024.

After making a final payment of N30m, she was abruptly blocked from all communication channels.

The scam caused Sandra’s blood pressure to spike, requiring hospitalisation. Determined to seek justice, she contacted her family in Nigeria, who reported the matter to the police.

Following a petition to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the case was referred to the C4i Intelligence Unit in Port Harcourt for a discreet investigation.

“The suspects attempted to intimidate Sandra to deter her from involving the authorities. However, the operatives, through intelligence-led policing, apprehended two suspects,” the statement read.

The first suspect, 29-year-old Michael Onyedikachi from Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State, was arrested on 14 August 2024 in his bungalow in Ama-Okponike, Enugu.

Iringe-Koko said Michael confessed to creating the fake “Engineer Desmond” account and admitted to using downloaded images of construction projects to deceive Sandra.

“Michael spent eight months in Accra, Ghana, learning online fraud techniques. During his arrest, a shrine believed to be linked to his fraudulent activities was discovered in his residence.”

The arrest of Michael led to the apprehension of his accomplice, 29-year-old Akachukwu Benedict, from Ngo-Okpala LGA, Imo State, on 16 August 2024.

Akachukwu was found in a hotel suite in Enugu, which he had booked for a year. He admitted to introducing Michael to online fraud in 2022 and confessed to swindling an American woman out of $600 in 2021.

The suspects revealed that they used cloned SIM cards and cryptocurrency wallets to avoid detection.

Items recovered from them included a Toyota Corolla, land documents, laptops, and mobile phones.

The police stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices, adding that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

“The swift action by the C4i Intelligence Unit underscores their commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring justice for victims,” the statement concluded.

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I stand by my comments – Bauchi gov replies Presidency

Published

35 minutes ago

January 1, 2025

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed

I stand by my comments – Bauchi gov replies Presidency

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has firmly defended his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, responding to the Presidency’s demands for a retraction with a resolute statement.

“I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. It is not meant to malign, insult, or to do anything to the contrary other than mean well,” Mohammed said during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-End Review program on Tuesday.

The governor, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, criticized what he described as the Presidency’s “arrogance” and urged federal authorities to heed the concerns of Nigerians. He warned that the proposed tax reforms, if enacted, would have severe economic consequences for sub-national governments and exacerbate poverty.

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“We believe that as the leader of the federation and all other federating units, they should listen to us, not to be arrogant and showing some elements of impunity that whatever happens, they would go ahead,” Mohammed said.

The governor also described the Presidency’s approach to the tax bills as “undemocratic,” asserting that even leaders with military backgrounds would have engaged with citizens and addressed “areas of suspicion and mistrust” in such a contentious policy.

He further highlighted the regional disparity in the proposed tax reforms, suggesting that they unfairly favor one part of the country over others. “Some states should not be allowed to die because they do not have the headquarters of companies in Nigeria,” he stated.

Governor Mohammed had previously criticized Tinubu’s tax bills in the National Assembly, warning that they were effectively “calls for anarchy” and threatened a strong response from northern leaders if the legislation was passed. “They would see our real colour,” Mohammed said during his earlier remarks.

In response, the Presidency accused Mohammed of engaging in “inflammatory rhetoric” and issuing “direct threats toward the federal government,” demanding that he retract his statements. However, Mohammed remains steadfast, framing his comments as a call for equity and fairness.

The governor’s position is aligned with those of his 18 counterparts in Northern Nigeria, who have unanimously rejected the proposed tax reforms. Despite mounting opposition, President Tinubu has insisted that the reforms are essential and will proceed as planned.