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Tag: kogi

  • FG demands immediate probe of Kogi jailbreak

    FG demands immediate probe of Kogi jailbreak

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State.

    The minister described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured Nigerians that all escaped inmates would be recaptured using advanced biometric technology and other security measures.

    In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the government’s determination to uncover the circumstances surrounding the prison break.

    He also directed the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility and conduct a comprehensive security audit.

    “We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” the minister stated.

    He further assured Nigerians that the authorities would leave no stone unturned in tracking down the fleeing inmates.

    “All necessary measures, including our robust biometric database and existing technology solutions, will be deployed to recapture every escaped inmate,” he added.

    In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Tunji-Ojo reiterated his commitment to ensuring accountability within the correctional system.

    “The jailbreak at Koton Karfe is unfortunate, but we will get to the root of it. We will not allow breaches like this to go unchecked. Every fugitive will be found and brought to justice,” he wrote.

    Meanwhile, the minister assured the public of strengthened security at correctional facilities across the country to prevent future occurrences.

    He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Correctional Service would be held accountable for lapses and that corrective measures would be swiftly implemented.

    The Koton Karfe jailbreak is the latest in a series of prison security breaches in Nigeria, raising concerns over the safety and management of correctional facilities.

    However, Tunji-Ojo maintained that his ministry is committed to enforcing stricter security measures.

  • JUST IN: Commissioner confirms 12 inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak

    JUST IN: Commissioner confirms 12 inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak

    Twelve inmates escaped in an early morning jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, on Monday.

    Kogi State Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured citizens that the government, working with security agencies, would take steps to prevent a recurrence.

    According to him, law enforcement agencies have re-arrested one of the escapees.

    “The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.

    “This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system,” Fanwo said.

    The commissioner said Governor Usman Ododo has asked security agencies to ensure such security breaches do not happen again.

    “We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” he warned.

    “There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo added.

  • YUSUF ALI: Senator Natasha Akpoti’s macabre dance in ‘brekete’ Family Radio

    YUSUF ALI: Senator Natasha Akpoti’s macabre dance in ‘brekete’ Family Radio

    By Yusuf Ali

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent engagement with Brekete Family Radio raises serious concerns about adherence to Senate protocols. The Senate is a hallowed chamber governed by strict standing orders, and any discourse concerning its rules and procedures should remain within its confines, not in a market place. Senators are therefore under strict obligation to uphold these principles to preserve the integrity of the legislature and promote institutional values.

    In her misleading remarks, Senator Natasha alleged that she was deliberately “boxed into a corner” to prevent her from appearing on camera. This claim spurious and baseless. Senators are captured on camera during plenary sessions based on their positive contributions on the floor of the Senate, a process overseen impartially. The Senate President has no authority to deny any senator visibility on any of the media platforms.

    The Senator further claimed that she was denied approval for international travels. This assertion is a blatant falsehood laced with invidious postulation to veil glaring deficit in representation. All senators receive running costs specifically designed to cover such expenses. This provision ensures equity and independence for all lawmakers in carrying out their responsibilities, both within and outside Nigeria.

    Senator Natasha also alleged persecution based on her gender. This accusation lacks merit. Other female senators have not raised similar concerns, and the Senate President has demonstrated leadership that is inclusive, regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity. Gender inclusivity remains a hallmark of the 10th Senate’s conduct under the current leadership.

    Though politically motivated for vain glory, Senator Natasha’s claims regarding the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project in Kogi State are riddled with inaccuracies and disrespect to public sensibility. Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe representing Cross River North in a press statement he personally signed in Abuja on Sunday to set the record straight, clarified that the five mini LNG plants in question – Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete – are private sector-driven initiatives and not federal government projects.

    Senator Jarigbe who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas Resources spoke in response to recent misconceptions and inquiries raised by concerned Nigerians regarding the siting of the five mini LNG plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, following allegations made by Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Similarly, Rt Hon Francis Ejiroghene Waive has clarified that the CNG project is an economic initiative facilitated by existing gas infrastructure, not a product of political maneuvering that Senator Natasha seeks to pursue.

    Hon. Waive emphasized that the development of five CNG plants in Kogi is a result of its strategic location along the gas pipeline, which ensures seamless distribution to the northern region. The project falls under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Gas, contrary to Senator Natasha’s assertion that it is within the purview of the Local Content Committee.

    Hon. Waive expressed concern over attempts by Senator Natasha to claim undue credit for the project, accusing her of misleading the public to advance a political narrative. He warned that such misinformation is harmful, as it seeks to discredit the efforts of lawmakers from the Niger Delta who have diligently worked to promote economic growth in their region and beyond.

    Senator Natasha also lied during the Brekete Family Radio interview when she claimed that she only started shouting because her suspension was being read out by the Senate President. A video of the plenary clearly shows that there was no mention of suspension until after Senator Natasha had been ranting from someone else’s seat, in flagrant disregard for the laid-down procedures of the Senate.

    How could Senate President Akpabio have been reading her suspension at that point? She should stop lying. The records show she had already started shouting “Order 10 of Privileges” before Akpabio directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove her from the chamber to maintain order. It was only after this that she began demanding to see the section of the rules authorizing suspension. Senator Natasha should be humbled to stop the red herring and learn the rudiments of democratic representation.

    The video of the plenary is publicly available, and Nigerians can see the truth for themselves. The Senate rules are clear: a senator may only speak from the seat allocated to them. Senator Natasha’s conduct violated these rules, and her claims on Brekete Family Radio only compound the situation with falsehoods.

    Senator Natasha’s remarks on Brekete Family Radio not only violate Senate protocols but also propagate misinformation and unfounded allegations.
    Lawmakers must remain committed to the principles of truth, integrity, and decorum to foster public trust and uphold the dignity of the legislative arm.

    Yusuf Ali is a Development Communication Specialist

  • FRSC confirms 7 dead, 1 injured in Kogi auto crash

    FRSC confirms 7 dead, 1 injured in Kogi auto crash

    An auto crash involving an articulated vehicle in Kogi has claimed the lives of seven people, including four students from the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), while another student sustained injuries.

    Mr Samuel Oyedeji, the FRSC Kogi Sector Commander, revealed the details to NAN in Lokoja on Monday, attributing the accident to brake failure.

    The accident caused a severe traffic gridlock on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja road, leaving travellers stranded for hours.

    The university students, aggrieved by the tragic loss of their colleagues, blocked the highway in protest. Among the deceased were three female students, one male student, and one male student who sustained injuries.

    Oyedeji explained that the articulated vehicle, reportedly from the southern part of the country, was en route to Abuja when the incident occurred at Felele on the highway.

    He said the accident took place around 3:40 p.m., when the truck, carrying timber logs, lost its brakes, veered into the opposite lane, and crashed into a shuttle bus carrying FUL students.

    The sector commander confirmed that both the driver of the shuttle bus and one other passenger were among the seven fatalities.

    “Our officers, in collaboration with the Police and the NSCDC personnel, carried out the rescue operation.

    “The injured student has been rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja for medical treatment.

    “The seven bodies have been deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital,” Oyedeji stated.”

    Oyedeji also disclosed that the truck driver fled the scene, likely out of fear of being arrested.

    He urged motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey to avoid endangering lives.

    The highway was eventually reopened after intervention from the State Police Commissioner, Mr Miller Dantawaye, the State Security Adviser, Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, and the Vice Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi.

    The officials addressed the students, urging them to remain calm and refrain from further actions that could cause additional hardship to the public, already mourning the tragic accident.

  • Ohinoyi of Ebiraland sack: Court orders stay of execution

    Ohinoyi of Ebiraland sack: Court orders stay of execution

    The High Court in Lokoja on Thursday ordered a stay of execution of the judgment sacking the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ahmed-Anaje.

    Justice Umar Salisu gave the order following an application for stay of execution on his earlier judgment that removed Anaje as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

    NAN reports that the traditional ruler was removed by Justice Salisu in his judgment in a case filed by  Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf and Abdulrahaam Suberu,  challenging  the Ohinoyi’s appointment by the former governor of the state, Yahaya Bello.

    The State Attorney General, Muiz Abdullahi (SAN), and the Ohinoyi, who filed the application for stay of execution, had told the court that they have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

    Abdullahi, prayed the court to grant an order for stay of execution in the judgment delivered on Feb. 3, in Suit No. HCO/05C/2024, pending the determination of the appeal lodged to the appellate court.

    “We also pray for any such orders or other orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of the application,’’ he pleaded.

    Responding, Mr Sani Abbas, who represented the Claimants/Respondents, did not object to the application.

    In his ruling, Justice Salisu, granted the prayer.

    ”In view of the circumstance, the application is hereby granted. The order is that the status quo remains pending the determination of the appeal filed before the court of appeal,” he held.

    “The defendants have argued that there are still live issues pending before this court and the appeal court in relation to Suit No.HCO/12C/2006.

    ”It is therefore logical that all issues connected to these cases, the instant case inclusive should be preserved until the outcome of the case is determined either by this court or Court of Appeal,” he held.

    In its appeal, the state government prayed the appellate court to give an order setting aside the decision of the lower court.

    The state also prayed the court to dismiss the suit of the 1st to 3rd Respondents at the trial court for lacking in merit.

    The appellants, however,  claimed that the ruling in HCO/12c/2006 that is Exhibit 1, relied upon by the 1st to 3rd Respondents was an interlocutory ruling in respect of processing, nomination, selection and appointment of some set of persons at the time, as Ohis to the five districts of Okengwe/Okene, Eia, lhima, Adavi and Eganyi.

    The added that the Learned Trial Judge erred in Law and reached a perverse decision when he placed heavy reliance on Exhibit P.O 4 annexed to an “Affidavit of Facts in Response to the 1s, 2nd and 3rd Defendants Notice of Preliminary Objection.

  • Kogi Govt files appeal against removal of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

    Kogi Govt files appeal against removal of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

    The Kogi Government has filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja against the removal of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed-Anaje, by a state High Court.

    Mr Muzi Abdullahi, the Kogi Attorney General, who is the 2nd claimant in the appeal made this known to NAN in Lokoja.

    Justice Umar Salisu of Lokoja High Court had on Monday in his judgment in a case filed by Daudu  Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf and Abdulrahaam Suberu as 1st, 2nd and 3rd plaintiffs and challenged the appointment of Ahmed-Anaje by former governor Yahaya Bello as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, ordered the sack of the paramount ruler.

    The plaintiffs, represented by Mr Lawal Rabana (SAN), had sued Gov. Ahmed Ododo, the State Attorney General, Muzi Abdullahi and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. Ahmed-Anaje as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants in the case which began in okene before its transfer to Lokoja.

    The three plaintiffs had pleaded with the court to make a declaration that the procedure adopted in appointing the 3rd Defendant to the throne of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was wrongful, unlawful.

    They also argued that the process was contrary to Procedure of Ascension to the Throne of Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Edict No 3 of 1997guiding the appointment of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

    Ododo and the attorney-general in their appeal, which has  Adeku-Ojiah, Yusuf and Suberu as 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents, challenged the decision of the lower court.

    In the reliefs sought, the state government pleaded with the appellate court to allow the appeal and give an order setting aside the decision of the lower court.

    They also prayed the court to dismiss the suit of the 1st to 3rd Respondents at the trial court for lacking in merit.

    They said that the ruling in HCO/12c/2006 that is Exhibit 1, relied upon by the 1st to 3rd Respondents was an interlocutory ruling in respect of processing, nomination, selection and appointment of some set of persons at the time, as Ohis to the five districts of Okengwe/Okene, Eia, lhima, Adavi and Eganyi.

    In their five grounds of appeal, they alleged that  “the Learned Trial Judge erred in Law and reached a perverse decision when he placed heavy reliance on Exhibit P.O 4 annexed to an “Affidavit of Facts in Response to the 1s, 2nd and 3rd Defendants Notice of Preliminary Objection.”

    “The Learned Trial Court erred in law and reached a perverse decision to the detriment of the Appellants when it relied on an interlocutory decision in suit no:- HCO/12c/2006 between Dr. Habibu Angulu Sani v the Kogi Govt & 5 Ors.

    They argued that the trial Judge erred in law and same occasioned a miscarriage of justice against the Appellant when he assumed jurisdiction to hear and determine this instant suit when in actual, he lacked jurisdiction.

    They also argued that the judgment  of the court was against the weight of evidence presented at the trial.

    The claimants, however, prayed the court to allow the appeal and dismissed case of the respondents and the judgement of the lower court.

  • Just In: Court sacks Kogi monarch, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

    Just In: Court sacks Kogi monarch, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

    A State High Court in Lokoja on Monday sacked the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed-Anaje.

    Justice Umar Salisu, gave the order in a judgment he delivered in Lokoja with a charge to Ahmed-Anaje not to parade himself as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

    According to reports, Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf and Abdulrahaam Suberu had in December challenged the appointment of Ahmed-Anaje by former governor Yahaya Bello as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

    Represented  by Mr Lawal Rabana (SAN), the plaintiffs sued Gov. Ahmed Ododo, the State Attorney General, Muzi Abdullahi and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. Ahmed-Anaje as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants in the case which began in okene before its transfer to Lokoja.

    The three plaintiffs had pleaded with the court to make a declaration that the procedure adopted in appointing the 3rd Defendant to the throne of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was wrongful, unlawful.

    They also argued that the process was  contrary to Procedure of Ascension to the Throne of Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Edict No 3 of 1997guiding the appointment of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

    They also sought for a DECLARATION that the purported recommendation of the 3rd Defendant by unknown king makers to the 1st Defendant as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was contrary to the clear provisions of Section 4(1) Chieis (Appoininient, Deposition and Establishment of Traditional Councils in Kogi State) Law, 2006 and, therefore, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

    “A DECLARATION that the purported Ohi’s who participated in the selection,recommendation and the process leading to the purported appointment of the 3rd Defendant as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland are non-existent, null and void.

    They sought an order of Perpetual Injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendant, by himself, agents, servants, privies or howsoever called from recognising, dealing with or according any rights or privileges to the 3rd Defendant as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

    Gov. Ahmed Ododo, Abdullahi and Ahmed-Anaje, had objected to the claims of the plaintiff, through their Counsels, Muzi Abdullahi and Zakari Abbas, had asked the court to dismissed the case for lack of merit.

    Justice Salisu, in his judgment , upheld the prayers of the claimants and ordered the Ahmed-Anaje to vacate the throne of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland pending a fresh selection by the king makers of the Ebiraland.

    NAN reports that no fewer than 70 candidates jostled  for the stool of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi.

    They were screened by a committee to replace the late Alhaji Ado Ibrahim who died on Oct. 29, 2024 at the age of 94.

    The 70 eligible contestants were from four of the five eligible districts in Kogi: Okewe, Ohema, Erika, Aganiye and Adavi.

    Reacting to the judgment, Gov.  Ododo, called for calm in the state.

    The state Attorney-General, Mr Muzi Abdullahi, who spoke with NAN in Lokoja, over the case, said that the governor has instructed him to appeal against the court verdict.

    “We are confident that there will be a reversal of the judgement. The citizens should exercise restraint not to do any contrary to the Law.

    “We don’t agree with the judgment because the judge didn’t consider some objections we raised before him.

    “The judgment is neither here no there.

    “Tomorrow, by God’s grace. we are filing Notice and Grounds of appeal challenging the judgment of the court, ‘ The attorney-general said.

  • PSC approves appointment of new CPs for Kogi, Edo

    PSC approves appointment of new CPs for Kogi, Edo

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of Miller Dantawaye as the new Commissioner of Police (CP) for Kogi and Betty Otimenyin for Edo.

    The Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ani said the new CPs would replace the current CPs of the two states due for retirement in January.

    He said the current CP in charge of Kogi, Chukwuka Onuoha would be due for retirement on Jan. 22, while Peter Umoru, the current CP for Edo would be retiring on Jan. 25.

    He said that Dantawaye is currently the CP in charge of Information Technology (IT) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    “The new Kogi CP had served as the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Operations with the Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “The new Edo CP started her police career in Bauchi State and had served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in various divisions in Plateau and Edo.

    “Otimenyin had also served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration for Zone 13 Dunokuofia, Anambra and Zone 5, Edo,” he said.

    The PSC spokesman added that the new Edo CP is currently in charge of Administration, Force Intelligence Department FID, Abuja.

    The PSC Chairman, Mr Hashimu Argungu, called on the new CPs to be dedicated and committed to the service of the country.

    He urged them to quickly settle down in their duties and improve on the state of security in the two states.

    Argungu said the commission would continue to monitor their performance and encourage them to put in their best in the security of the states.

  • SAD: Kogi ex-deputy speaker, is dead

    SAD: Kogi ex-deputy speaker, is dead

    The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Enema Paul, has passed away. He died on Saturday in the early hours at a private hospital in Abuja, after battling an undisclosed illness.

    At the time of his death, Hon. Paul was serving as the representative for Okura State Constituency in the 8th Assembly of Kogi State.

    He had previously stepped down from his role as Deputy Speaker for health reasons, with Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola, representing the Ibaji State Constituency, succeeding him in the position.

    The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, expressed his condolences to the family of the late Hon. Enema Paul. In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Yabagi Mohammed, Rt. Hon. Yusuf described the deceased as a friend, a humble and temperate individual, and a committed lawmaker and public servant. He lauded Hon. Paul’s contributions to the state, noting his dedication to promoting unity and advancing pro-people legislation aimed at the overall development of Kogi State.

    Hon. Yusuf further emphasized that the late Enema Paul was a devout Christian who transcended religious boundaries, always prioritizing family values and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his faith. He praised the deceased for his exemplary qualities, which endeared him to both colleagues and constituents.

    The Speaker offered prayers for the strength and fortitude of Hon. Paul’s immediate family and the members of both the current and past Kogi State Assemblies, as they mourn the loss of a respected colleague and public servant. The passing of Hon. Paul has left a void in the Assembly, and tributes continue to pour in from across the political and social spectrum, honoring his memory and service to the state.

  • BREAKING! EFCC finally arrests ex-Gov of Kogi Yahaya Bello

    BREAKING! EFCC finally arrests ex-Gov of Kogi Yahaya Bello

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has finally arrested former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.

    He was arrested shortly after surrending to the anti-graft agency on Tuesday afternoon.

    He is being grilled over alleged misappropriation of funds.

    Bello went to the office with his lawyers on Tuesday morning, following the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed states’ case on the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency.

    The former governor drove himself in a black Hilux to the EFCC office with his lawyers.

    At the last hearing on November 14, the EFCC had sought for adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello, saying that the 30 days window was still running for the summons earlier issued.

    Details shortly…