metro
Soldier kills truck driver for resisting extortion in Borno
Soldier kills truck driver for resisting extortion in Borno
The killing of a truck driver by a soldier at a military checkpoint at Dikwa along the Maiduguri – Gamboru -Chad Republic road in Borno State over extortion on Tuesday is brewing a serious crisis between the military on one hand and the state government and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers on the other.
The truck driver, Mohammed Bello, of Bulsbulin ward, Maiduguri metropolis, was reportedly conveying humanitarian goods from Maiduguri to N’jammena, the capital of Chad, when he met his death at the military checkpoint.
“The driver was carrying humanitarian goods to N’jammena, Chad, not even anywhere in Nigeria,” the Borno State NURTW Secretary, Ahmadu Miss, disclosed at a news conference in Maiduguri, Thursday, saying, “The goods had been cleared by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and he was carrying the clearance papers.”
Musa narrated further: “The soldiers at the checkpoint asked for the papers; he promptly presented them; but in receiving the papers, a soldier asked: ‘Are we going to chop papers? Take your paper and bring out money’. The driver said nobody gave me any money to give you.”
He went further: “The soldier then started beating him and his assistants even when they were right inside the truck. When he alighted, the soldier continued beating him until he breathed his last.”
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Addressing newsmen over the matter, the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, said: “The Borno State Government sees this as a heinous incident, and a brutal one for that matter. It is an incident which the government of Borno State and its people cannot condone.”
He continued: “We also condemn such an incident and hope that it does not happen again. It is condemnable in strongest terms and we hope it does not recur” stressing that, “Anything that will prevent the free movement of our people doing their lawful business must be avoided.
“Let me assure the NURTW leaders that the Borno State Government will take all actions to ensure that anyone found culpable will be brought to book under the laws of Borno State and Nigeria.”
Tijjani said already, the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army headquarters and the state government were deepening discussions to ensure that the NURTW members and other travellers plying the Borno routes were not extorted of their lawful earnings and also to ensure that the free movement of motorists, traders, farmers, herders and other travellers was not hindered by any security agent over any extortion.
Speaking on behalf of the NURTW, its Secretary, Ahmadu Musa, complained that, “The extortion of our members on this road (Maiduguri-Gamboru-Chad road) is just damn too much.”
In a swift response, the 7 Division confirmed in a statement issued to newsmen, on Thursday, that “The alleged incident occurred on December 26, 2023, along Dikwa-Gamboru Road at a checkpoint where soldiers are deployed for their routine duties.”
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The statement, signed by Lt. Col. Ajemusu Jingina, the Division’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, said: “On receiving a complaint of the unfortunate incident, the Division swiftly swung into action and commenced investigation.
“Furthermore, engagement has been established with the NURTW towards a peaceful resolution to the incident. The Division has assured both the family of the deceased and the NURTW of its commitment towards ensuring that justice is served to the family and no stone would be left unturned in this regard.
“In the Division’s effort towards ensuring that the family of the victim gets justice, the soldier in question has been arrested, and an investigation has commenced.
“It’s also worthy to mention that the Division does not tolerate any form of unprofessional conduct from any personnel as we operate within the ambit of the law.
“The Division wishes to once again reassure the members of the general public that we will remain resolute and professional in the joint effort to tackle insecurity in Borno State.”
Investigations by PUNCH Metro reveal that there are no fewer than 33 roadblocks/checkpoints along the about 200-kilometer Maiduguri – Gamboru road; and a out 20 along the 180-kilometre Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak (Niger Republic border) road.
Soldier kills truck driver for resisting extortion in Borno
metro
Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life
Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life
A dispute over a ₦4,000 debt has turned deadly in Ogun State, as the Ogun State Police Command arrested a man, Lekan Lasisi, for allegedly killing his stepbrother during an argument in Abule Tuntun, Odeda Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on December 19, following a heated confrontation between the suspect and the deceased over the latter’s repeated habit of incurring debts, according to police sources.
Lasisi reportedly became enraged after being confronted by several of his stepbrother’s creditors, who allegedly demanded that he settle the outstanding debts on behalf of the deceased.
According to the suspect, the disagreement escalated when his stepbrother allegedly attempted to attack him with a cutlass. In response, Lasisi claimed he brought out a locally made gun, stating that he is a hunter, but the weapon accidentally discharged, fatally wounding his stepbrother.
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In an interrogation video circulating on social media, Lasisi narrated that on the day of the incident, the deceased had gone to the market to sell garri. While heading to the bus stop, he was approached by a woman who claimed the deceased owed her ₦4,000.
“When my brother returned from the market, I confronted him about the debts and the shame it was bringing on the family,” Lasisi said. “He became aggressive and brought out a cutlass. I brought out my gun, but it went off accidentally. I did not intend to kill him.”
Lasisi admitted to firing the gun but maintained that the shooting was unintentional. He appealed to the government to show mercy, citing the poor health of their elderly mother and another sibling who is currently bedridden.
“I was worried when it happened. I rushed to help him immediately. I am pleading for mercy because my mother is sick and has no one to care for her,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation.
“It happened on December 19, and the matter has been transferred to SCID,” the police spokesperson said.
The incident adds to a growing list of fatal disputes over small sums of money across the country. A similar case was reported last week in Delta State, where a 47-year-old man allegedly killed his cousin during an argument over the refund of a ₦1,000 contribution following a family burial in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life
metro
Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash
Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash
Two close associates of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.
Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, identified the victims as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-standing members of the boxer’s inner circle. The organisation confirmed the development in an official statement.
“With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” Matchroom Boxing said.
The statement added that Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital for medical evaluation. “He is in a stable condition and remains under observation,” it said.
The BBC also confirmed that the deceased were key members of Joshua’s team. Just hours before the accident, Joshua had shared an Instagram story showing him playing table tennis with Ayodele, popularly known as Latz.
Victims Identified
Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade and was a close personal friend. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London and was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator, specialising in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.
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According to reports, Ghami worked with elite athletes across several sports, including the NFL, NBA, and Michigan State University’s football programme. He had shared photos from Lagos shortly before the crash and frequently appeared alongside Joshua on social media.
Latif Ayodele, widely known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer. His social media posts often highlighted his dedication to fitness and faith, as well as his professional relationship with the boxer. He was seen with Joshua shortly before the accident and appeared in a video shared online hours earlier.
How the Crash Happened
The accident occurred around 11:00 a.m. at Makun, near Danco Filling Station, before the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound lane of the expressway.
An eyewitness said the incident involved a two-vehicle convoy comprising a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another passenger beside him. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them,” the witness said, adding that rescue efforts began immediately before officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived.
Two passengers reportedly died at the scene, while Joshua sustained minor injuries.
Official Confirmation
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that two occupants died instantly, while Anthony Joshua and another individual were taken to hospital. The bodies were deposited at Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu, as investigations commenced.
Preliminary findings by the FRSC attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, noting that the Lexus SUV lost control before colliding with a stationary truck.
Joshua, who was born to British-Nigerian parents, attended boarding school in Ikenne, just a few kilometres from the crash site.
Presidential Reaction and Tributes
President Bola Tinubu later confirmed the identities of the deceased and disclosed that he had spoken directly with Joshua and his mother.
“AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” Tinubu said in a post on X.
Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, athletes and public figures. Joshua’s recent opponent, Jake Paul, wrote: “I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and everyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash
metro
Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC
Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the motor accident involving Anthony Joshua on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, describing the violations as major contributors to fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.
Two people were confirmed dead on Monday after a Lexus SUV conveying the Nigerian-British boxing star collided with a stationary truck around the Sinoma area near the Sagamu axis of the expressway. The accident occurred at about 12 noon, while Joshua sustained minor injuries.
In a statement, the FRSC said preliminary investigations revealed that the SUV was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit before the driver lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, resulting in the crash.
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- NAF Bombards Lakurawa, Bandit Camps in Zamfara after US airstrike
- Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates
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“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the statement said.
The corps confirmed that the bodies of the two deceased victims have been deposited at Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu, while the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) has been notified to support further investigation.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, on behalf of the management and staff of the agency, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.
Although born in England, Joshua frequently visits his hometown of Sagamu, Ogun State, and has remained closely connected to Nigeria. During a visit last year, he socialised with local celebrities and presented President Bola Tinubu with a signed boxing glove.
The latest visit comes just days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in an exhibition heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Centre, Miami.
Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC
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