TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ekiti State

  • Police arrest two, recover stolen vehicle in Ekiti

    Police arrest two, recover stolen vehicle in Ekiti

    The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects concerning the theft of a Toyota Corolla 2009 model, stolen from its owner’s compound in Ilomu Ekiti.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, Ekiti State Command, in a statement, revealed the suspects, identities as Taiwo Johnson and Ibrahim Aderinto, adding that their arrest came after the command’s Anti-Vehicle Theft Section trailed them on January 21, 2025.

    “The operatives trailed and arrested the suspects at Kajorepo, Ibadan, Oyo State, after the complainant reported that unknown thieves stole his vehicle from his compound on January 1, 2025,” it noted.

    During the investigation, the suspects later confessed to the crime and led the operatives to recover the stolen vehicle.

    CP Eribo urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police, emphasising the importance of community security.

    He further advised car owners “to be conscious and practice all car security measures such as registering with the Force Central Motor Registry, installing tracking devices, parking in the best places possible, and installing tyre locks,” among other preventive steps.

    The arrests highlight the command’s continued efforts to combat vehicle theft and improve public safety.

    The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation, the statement noted.

  • Ekiti Airport ready for commercial operations – Keyamo

    Ekiti Airport ready for commercial operations – Keyamo

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Tuesday said that the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti, is ready for full commercial operations.

    The Minister disclosed this to newsmen shortly after inspecting facilities at the airport, accompanied by Gov. Biodun Oyebanji and top government officials of the state.

    According to him, the airport is 99.5 per cent completed and full commercial operations will soon start.

    The Minister also disclosed that the runway was of international standard, and has an apron, large enough to park many 737 small-body aircrafts, thereby, making it adequately comparable to airports in the developed world.

    “I landed here to show the world that it’s now safe for landing, which is why Aviation 001 had to land here, it’s a testament that I have confidence in the facilities here for public use.

    “The commercial airlines will start coming in, anytime from now,” he said.

    Oyebanji, in his comment, thanked the Aviation Minister, legal icon, Afe Babalola, and President Bola  Tinubu for making the dreams of the founding fathers, and the entire Ekiti people, come to reality, with their unwavering support towards the completion of the airport project.

    The Governor said that the state economy would benefit a lot from the project as jobs would be created, through agriculture, commerce, and tourism.

    He also said that it would add value to properties in the area, because of the anticipated in flow of traffic.

    “It is a dual-purpose airport, it’s going to serve agro-allied products as well as commercial passengers,” he said .

    The Minister, who landed at the airport on Monday, also departed through the same airport on Tuesday, with the same aircraft, shortly after inspecting the airport project with the State governor.

  • Gov Oyabanji appoints new Chief of Staff, others

    Gov Oyabanji appoints new Chief of Staff, others

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has approved the appointment of a member of his cabinet, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as his Chief of Staff.

    Adebayo, who is currently the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, is to assume the role of Chief of Staff with effect from January 2, 2025.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Adebayo is expected to bring in his wealth of experience in finance, management and planning to bear in the coordination of activities of the Governor’s office.

    Adebayo, who hails from Usi-Ekiti, joined the Oyebanji administration as a Special Adviser Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management in November 2022.

    He was later inaugurated as Commissioner in charge of the ministry in August 2023.

    He holds a Bachelor of Science second class upper degree in Forest Resources Management and a Masters of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.

    He also has an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA.

    Similarly, the Governor has also approved the appointment of Mr Femi Ajayi as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

    Ajayi, a one-time Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, is presently the Special Adviser to the Governor, Independent Project Monitoring Office.

    He takes over as Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Budget and Economic, which has now reverted to its original name, effective January 2, 2025.

    The governor has also created the Office of Special Services to be headed by Prince Wole Ajakaiye as Special Adviser, who was the Director General/Special Adviser SDGs.

    The Office of Special Services will be in charge of SDGs, Independent Project Monitoring and other functions as determined by the Governor.

    In a related development, Gov. Oyebanji has also approved the appointment of Mr Tajudeen Akingbolu as the Director General, Ekiti State Transport Agency.

    Akingbolu, a former member of the State House of Assembly, is to manage the newly floated agency effective from January 2, 2025.

    Gov. Oyebanji wished all the appointees success in their respective assignments, even as he urged them to justify the confidence he reposed in them by ensuring more effective service delivery.

  • BREAKING: Dele Farotimi granted bail

    BREAKING: Dele Farotimi granted bail

    Human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi has been granted bail by a magistrate’s court sitting in Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Farotimi had been remanded in a correctional centre after he was first granted bail by a Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti in another case of cyberbullying and defamation.

    Facing charges of defamation of Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in his book, titled, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”, Farotimi was granted bail by the magistrate court on Friday.

    According to the Ekiti magistrate court, the bail is subject to the following conditions: a 30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must be a property owner), submission of his passport, and a prohibition on granting media interviews.

     

    Details shortly…

  • Afe Babalola opens up on Ekiti cargo airport

    Afe Babalola opens up on Ekiti cargo airport

    Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) has described the Federal Government’s approval of an agro-allied cargo airport in Ekiti as the best thing to happen to the state in the outgoing year 2024.

    It would be recalled that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently granted license to the Ekiti state government to commence non-scheduled flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport for six months, from Dec. 13, to June 15, 2025.

    Babalola said this after receiving a letter of appreciation from Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti for his role in the realisation of the airport project, on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.

    The founder of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) said that the development was a good beginning, stressing  “if things had been like these some three years ago, Ekiti would not  be where it is today.

    ”I thank Your Excellency for your commitment to this airport project. I thank you for all you have been doing, and still doing. Without a viable and functional transportation system, a state, a country is doomed.

    ”When America was discovered, there were no roads, but gradually and eventually, the whole area was tarred, and the whole area evolved to becoming a state (country) that is a clear leader in the comity of nations today,” he said.

    Babalola said that a major constraint to people coming to Ekiti was due to bad road network.

    ”As a matter of fact, many organisations that promised to come and invest in Ekiti State cannot actualise their dream because the state is land-locked, airport-locked, railway-locked and industry-locked.

    “But all is now beginning to change, and it will change to the advantage of all of us.

    “With this airport, there will be many job opportunities for our people. People coming, in and out of the state, will buy from our various markets,” he said.

    The ABUAD founder assured the governor of the support of the people to make Ekiti one of the best and safest states to operate and invest in the country.

    “We will support you in all ways,” Babalola said.

    The letter, titled: “Letter of Appreciation”, and dated December 18, was personally delivered to Babalola at the ABUAD campus by the governor on Thursday.

    The letter reads: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I am delighted to formally express our heartfelt appreciation to you sir, for the assistance you provided to the Ekiti State Government, during the construction of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

    “I am delighted to inform you that on 11th  December, 2024, we obtained clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to commence non-scheduled flight operations for 6 months from 13 December 2024 to 15 June 2025.

    “Your financial contribution for the purchase of navigational aids (CVOR/DME), control tower communications equipment, and the construction of the car pack, was invaluable to the accomplishment, and we are immensely grateful for your willingness to help

    “Sir, I wish to notify you that the NCAA has outlined conditions for the actualisation of the full commercial flight operation status, which includes installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS), to enhance the flight operational capacity of the airport and we will count on your unflinching support.

    “Once again, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to our shared passion and goals of development and prosperity for our dear Ekiti State.

    ”You are highly appreciated sir, and please accept the assurances of my best wishes, as always.”

  • Police hold shooting exercise today in Ekiti

    Police hold shooting exercise today in Ekiti

    The Police Command in Ekiti has announced to hold a one-day shooting range exercise on Saturday.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Sunday Abutu.

    According to the spokesperson, the exercise will occur at the quarry site opposite the police headquarters, Old Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, between 6.00 a.m. and noon.

    Abutu encouraged residents, farmers, and passersby in the environment not to panic due to the sound of gunshots arising from the exercise.

    He, however, warned the people to steer clear and avoid any activity within the vicinity until the exercise was over to avoid being traumatised or hit by stray bullets.

    Abutu reassured the public of the commitment of the state Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran, to maximum security of lives and property.

    He urged all to be law-abiding and cooperate with the police always.

  • Police investigate mysterious drowning of 4 men in Ekiti

    Police investigate mysterious drowning of 4 men in Ekiti

    The police in Ekiti are investigating the circumstances that led to the drowning of four young men at a shallow river after attending an event in Okemesi-Ekiti, headquarters of Okemesi-Ido-Ile LCDA.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command , DSP Sunday Abutu, said on Monday in Ado-Ekiti that investigations were on to unravel the actual cause of death.

    The four men, who reportedly came from Lagos, allegedly drowned on Sunday, while swimming in Osun river, along Ajindo, Ikoro-Ekiti Road, Okemesi Ekiti.

    It was, however not clear, how the adults drowned, especially at a near dry season period, when the river was neither full, nor overflowing its banks.

    As at the time of writing this report, the names of the young men were unknown.

    However, it was gathered that two of the deceased, were from Aworogun household in Okemesi, while the other two were from Lagos State.

    According to the police image maker, “A distress report received on Sunday, has it that on Sunday, a 23-year-old man and a 25-year-old man, who are natives of Okemesi-Ekiti went to River Osun Ajindo/Idoile road to swim.

    “The two men were with two of their friends that came from Lagos State to attend a burial ceremony, which took place at Okemesi.

    ”The four young men unfortunately got drowned. Their bodies have been recovered, and deposited in the morgue, while investigation is underway.”

  • Gov Oyebanji swears in Ekiti Acting Chief Judge

    Gov Oyebanji swears in Ekiti Acting Chief Judge

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Monday swore in Justice Lekan Ogunmoye as the State acting Chief Judge.

    Ogunmoye’s inauguration was sequel to the passing away of the chief judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, on Nov. 4.

    Performing the ceremony at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji said it was aimed at sustaining judicial services, as ‘nature abhors vacuum’.

    He said that the inauguration was in accordance with the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 271 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “I know we are all emotional, but this is what we have to do. Nature abhors vacuum. Condolences to all of us and may the good Lord rest the soul of the departed chief judge in Jesus’ name,’’ he prayed.

    While congratulating the acting chief judge, Oyebanji noted that the situation on ground called for sober reflection as well as personal challenge to him.

    He urged the acting chief judge to bring to bear his high level of competence, dedication, hard work and professionalism to further turn around the justice sector in the state.

    In his response, Ogunmoye thanked the governor for his appointment, pledging to dispense worthwhile justice for the sustained development of the state.

    The acting chief judge noted that judiciary had enjoyed maximum cooperation and support under Oyebanji’s administration, particularly due to the governor’s commitment and passion for the arm of government.

    He appealed for more collaboration in order for him to continue with the ‘impressive legacies’ of his predecessors and ensure prompt justice delivery.

    Ogunmoye also solicited government support to enable him to raise the justice system from analogue to digital and improve the welfare of judiciary workers.

  • Ekiti workers would be paid new minimum wage – Gov Oyebanji assures

    Ekiti workers would be paid new minimum wage – Gov Oyebanji assures

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Saturday said workers in the state service would be paid the N70,000 new minimum wage while consequential adjustment would be added to pensions.

    Oyebanji made the announcement during the 2024 Pensioners’ Day, held in Ado Ekiti, which marks the beginning of activities for the Second Anniversary of his administration.

    The governor said that his administration was resolved to make life better for the people, adding “the minimum wage has become a law binding on all states.”

    At the occasion, Oyebanji presented cheques of the value of N3.5 billion to 829 pensioners who retired between of 2014 and March 2015.

    He highlighted some of the programmes initiated for the senior citizens to include the free Health Insurance scheme for pensioners.

    Oyebanji explained that a sum of of over N70 billion has been released in defraying the payment of gratuities, and urged the retirees to continue to pray for the success of his administration

    The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Mr Kolapo Olatunji, showered encomium on the Oyebanji led government for bringing succor and hope to the retirees.

    The state Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi thanked the pensioners for their support for the government over the years.

    Also, the National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, (NUP), Mr Godwin Abumisi, who was represented by Mr Ayo Ikumapayi, and the State chairman of the Union, Mr Joel Akinola, lauded the various efforts of the governor, pledging their continue support for his administration.

  • Armed robbery: 3 to die by hanging in Ekiti

    Armed robbery: 3 to die by hanging in Ekiti

    Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced three persons to death by hanging for armed robbery and conspiracy.

    The convicts are Alexander Solomon (29), Desmond Peter (29), Eric Tile (30). The fourth defendant Promise Shie (27) was discharged and acquitted for lack of evidence.

    The three were convicted for armed robbery and unlawfully possessed firearms on July 7, 2022 along Ilumoba-Aisegba Ekiti Road, Aisegba-Ekiti.

    Justice Bamidele Omotoso said, ” I hold that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt the offence of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants.

    Omotoso said, consequently, “for the offence of conspiracy and armed robbery, you are all sentenced to death by hanging, may the Lord have mercy on your souls.”

    He, however, discharged and acquitted the 4th defendant (Promise Shie) since the prosecution failed to establish any of the offences against him.

    The convicts were arraigned on four counts charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

    The prosecutor, Gbemiga Adaramola told the court that the offence contravened Sections 6(b), 1(2) and 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions), Act., Cap. Rll, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    He said that the convicts, armed with guns, robbed one Okey Jude and Jayeoba Ayobami of laptops, phones, N540,000 cash, among others.

    To proof his case, the prosecutor called four witnesses and tendered two guns, phones, laptops, cutlass, axe, face masks, among others, as exhibits. The convicts spoke in their defence through their respective lawyers but called no witnesses.