TheNewsGuru

Tag: kogi

  • Bandits kill 19 persons in Kogi communiuty

    Bandits kill 19 persons in Kogi communiuty

    Bandits killed 19 persons and injured several others at Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi on Thursday.

    A community member alleged that a running battle between militia groups in parts of Benue and some bandits led to the onslaught on the sleepy towns of Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji and environs.

    “They destroyed farm produce with ease in an attempt to draw the communities into the conflict,’’ he said.

    Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Special Adviser on Security to Gov. Usman Ododo confirmed the incident on Friday when he spoke with NAN in Lokoja.

    He said the governor had ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.

    “The killing of 19 innocent and armless residents of the community by alleged hired militiamen is very callous, unacceptable and condemnable.

    “The area is now calm, however, following the deployment of security operatives, who are keeping vigil there,’’ he said.

    Omodara said property; especially houses, vehicles, and crops were destroyed in the attack.

    He called on people of Agojeju-Odo and neighbouring communities to remain calm as government and security agencies were on top of the situation.

    Police spokesman in Kogi, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, also confirmed the attack and assured that security operatives were keeping vigil over the community to forestall further attacks.

    “A tactical response team of the police, the military, and members of vigilance groups has been deployed in the area. Normalcy has since returned to the troubled community.

    “Investigation into the incident has started to bring the perpetrators to book,’’ Ovye-Aya assured.

  • Insecurity! Police rescue 16 abducted passengers in Kogi

    Insecurity! Police rescue 16 abducted passengers in Kogi

    The Kogi State Police Command has rescued 16 kidnapped victims in the state.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya.

    Aya said the rescue operation was consequent upon the kidnapping of 11 passengers from Peace Mass Transit Bus and five others from a Sienna bus along Ette Enugu Ezike Road on February 25, 2024.

    “The Joint Kogi Police and Military team from Enugu State promptly swung into action, trailed and rescued all the victims from the bush unhurt,” he said.

    He added that “efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspects and bring them to deserved justice.”

    The state Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, while commending the joint security team, reiterated the command’s determination to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminalities in the state.

    He appealed to the people of the state for their continued collaboration with the police and other security agencies in ensuring adequate security of lives and property.

  • Kogi governorship poll: Court strikes out APP’s petition challenging Ododo’s election victory

    Kogi governorship poll: Court strikes out APP’s petition challenging Ododo’s election victory

    The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, struck out the petition filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) against the election victory of Gov. Ahmed Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 11 governorship poll in the state.

    The three-member panel chaired by Justice Ado Birnin–Kudu struck out the petition following its withdrawal by counsel for APP, Daniel Edeachi.

    The application, seeking the withdrawal of the petition was not opposed by lawyer to Gov. Ododo, Ibrahim Muhammed, SAN; counsel to APC, DC Denwigwe, SAN, and that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kanu Agabi, SAN.

    The tribunal, in a ruling upon review of the affidavit of no objection filed by lawyers to the respondents, consequently, struck out the APP petition.

    Hearing in the remaining three petitions continues.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that APP had, in the petition number: EPR/KG/GOV/02/2023 filed on Dec. 1, 2023, before the tribunal, challenged the declaration of Ododo as the validly elected governor of Kogi in the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship poll conducted by INEC.

    The party had sued Ododo, APC and INEC as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

    However, in its motion on notice dated and filed on Feb. 15, the party sought two orders, including an order granting leave to the petitioner/applicant to withdraw the Petition No: EPT/KG/GOV/01/2023 and an order striking out or dismissing the petition, having been withdrawn by the petitioner.

    Giving eight-ground of argument, APP said though it filed the petition to challenge Ododo’s victory, the party said upon the re-evaluation of the grounds and facts of the petition, it “is not reasonably convinced about the sustainability of the grounds of the petition as presently constituted before this honourable tribunal.

    According to the party, the withdrawal of the petition is based on the perceived unsustainability of the grounds of the petition and to avoid overburdening this honourable tribunal with numerous petitions.

    “The petitioner or its officers have not connived nor colluded with any party or person for the withdrawal of this petition but based on the overriding interest of justice.

    “The petitioner or its officer have not made or entered into any undertaking or agreement with any party or person for the withdrawal of this petition.

    “It will be in the interest of justice to grant leave to the petitioner to withdraw this petition and to strike out same in view of the withdrawal,” it averred.

     

  • State police: We have all it takes – Kogi security adviser

    State police: We have all it takes – Kogi security adviser

    The Security Adviser to Kogi Government, retired Navy Cdr. Jerry Omodara, says the state has the wherewithal to successfully operate a State Police.

    Omodara on Tuesday in Lokoja said that “Kogi has all it takes to set up and run a state police”.

    Omodara was reacting to the move by President Bola Tinubu and 36 State Governors to explore the option of state police in tackling the security challenges across the country.

    President Tinubu on Feb. 15, met with the state governors in Abuja, during which they considered the possibility of setting up state policing.

    Details of the meeting were disclosed by the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, who said the meeting agreed on the need for state police but more discussions were still needed on how to implement it.

    The Kogi security adviser, however, described the move as a landmark step that would drastically reduce the security challenges in the country to the barest minimum, if implemented.

    According to him, the move is timely, considering the nation’s current but surmountable security challenges.

    He, however, said that the National Assembly has greater role to play in providing the best legal framework that would make the state police work in every geo-political zone..

    He reassured the people of Kogi that the Gov. Ahmed Ododo administration remained focused and would continue to improve upon the security architecture of the state, set up by its former governor, Yahaya Bello.

    This, he said, would ensure that Kogi remained safe for all its residents and visitors.

     

  • Kogi govt clarifies alleged missing funds

    Kogi govt clarifies alleged missing funds

    The Kogi Government on Tuesday said none of its funds is missing as every of its kobo is working for the entire citizens of the state.

    The government therefore rejected the desperate attempt by “criminals masquerading as politicians” to tarnish the image of the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for selfish reasons through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged missing funds.

    The government which made the remarks in a statement issued in Lokoja by its commissioner for information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said such desperation would only leave Nigerians wondering “who exactly is afraid of Yahaya Bello.

    “This is because the EFCC has, in an amended charge, accused the former governor of diverting Kogi government funds in September 2015, four months before he assumed the position of a governor.

    “This is not only laughable but portrayed the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr President to defeat corruption in Nigeria.

    “The fact that the EFCC, in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN V Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, currently pending before Honorable Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, further amendment of the ‘Amended Charge’ to include in the count, the name of Yahaya Bello is absurd.

    “Again, describing him as being ‘at large’, is ridiculous, laughable and portrays the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr President to defeat corruption in Nigeria.

    “Being ‘at large’ of course means that a person is evading arrest or is on the run and cannot be found after an attempt to arrest.

    “For the sake of clarity, the original charge is against Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, Ali’s associate.

    “The offence which H.E Yahaya Bello is alleged to have committed upon which he has been named in the count is conspiracy to convert the total sum of N80.2 million, which offence is said to have occurred on or about September 2015 in Abuja,” it said.

    The government expressed surprise that the Count alleged that Bello’s co-conspirators are: Abdulsalami Hudu (Kogi Government House Cashier), described as being ‘at large’ too, Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman.

    It said: “In the EFCC’s desperation to nail H.E Yahaya Bello, they forgot their thinking hammer at home.

    “The Count of the offence is most laughable as the election that produced H.E Yahaya Bello, CON, as Governor of Kogi was only conducted in November 2015.

    “Indeed, H.E. Captain Idris Wada of the PDP held sway as Governor of Kogi State at the material time until he handed over to H.E Yahaya Bello on Jan. 27, 2016.

    “Bello could, therefore, not have as of September 2015 conspired with anyone, including Abdulsalami Hudu, a Kogi government house cashier, to convert any money belonging to the Kogi government.

    “It is to be noted that H.E Yahaya Bello before becoming the Governor of Kogi, had no financial dealings with the Kogi government, which could have permitted him to convert monies belonging to the Kogi government, hence, one’s dismay at the allegation.”

    The commissioner therefore warned political actors to steer clear of Kogi affairs and desist from their campaign of calumny “as the state government has not said its money is missing, and has been adjudged, both locally and internationally, as top in the area of transparency and accountability”.

    The state government asked: “Why should Nigerians trust the leadership of the agency that made such a ridiculous, shameless and indefensible allegation?”

    “The chairman of the commission should tender unreserved apologies to the Nigerian people for making us a laughing stock in the comity of nations.

    “We are calling on the President to step in to save the integrity of the EFCC from those pushing the Commission into a fight that should be left to politicians.

    “This is because Kogi government under the leadership of Alhaji Usman Ododo will continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

    “We will also continue to promote probity, accountability and transparency, and open our books to agencies and institutions constitutionally empowered to look into them.

    “We will continue to win awards in transparency and accountability,” it added.

    According to the government, the journey did not begin today, because in 2021, the EFCC, in a desperate bid to embarrass the then government under the leadership of Bello, came out with a false claim that it had uncovered over N20 billion of the state’s bail out fund in a Fixed Deposit Account in Sterling Bank.

    “Emboldened by our innocence, we wrote a letter to Sterling Bank for clarifications.

    “The Bank came out clean that the Kogi government had no such account with it, rubbishing the blatant falsehood of the EFCC in a manner that was so embarrassing to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “But rather than apologise to us, the Kogi government and the general public, the EFCC chose to harass the officials of Sterling Bank, coercing them to do everything possible to achieve the aim of roping the Kogi Government into their ignominy ring.

    “It ended with a conspiratorial exchange between the EFCC and the CBN. Today, Nigerians are not confused about the personae of Bawa and Emefiele.

    “The sack of Bawa and the startling revelations that followed threw Nigerians into jubilation. Their hope was that EFCC will birth a new era of separating political vendetta from the actual fight against corruption.

    “But recent happenings have shown that it isn’t war against corruption anymore but a clear manifestation of hired gun approach to hack down political opponents by certain elements within and outside the anti-graft agency.

    “This betrays the determination of President Bola Tinubu, to retool the agency and make it more vibrant in preventing and fighting corruption in a genuine and objective manner within the ambit of the rule of law.”

    It noted that the current leadership of the EFCC had, unfortunately, continued to tow the path of the leadership of Bawa, “who woke up one day in August 2021, decided in his mind that the Kogi Government had N20 billion in an account”.

    It said that Bawa secured ex-parte, an Order of the Federal High Court, Lagos, empowering him to direct the Manager of Sterling Bank Plc to freeze Account No. 0073572696 with the name Kogi State Salary Bail Out Account pending the conclusion of investigation or possible prosecution.

    “There is no mandate letter from the Kogi government to open account number 0073572696 with Sterling and that ‘Sterling Bank account 0073572696’ is an internal (mirror) account operated by the Bank for purposes of managing the Kogi state salary bailout facility.

    “While the EFCC’s suit was withdrawn and the Order of Court vacated upon a challenge by the Kogi government, the EFCC continued to issue press statements on all its social media platforms, attaching the pictures of Yahaya Bello to those statements and insisting that the factual basis of their claim was genuine.

    “To cover up the falsehood and their shame, the EFCC under Bawa compelled Sterling Bank Plc and the CBN under its embattled Governor Emefiele, to write letters confirming the return of funds belonging to the Kogi State Government to the CBN, when no such funds existed.

    “The EFCC has since refused to answer to the suit filed against it since 2021 by the Kogi State Government and its officials challenging the falsehood on the issue of bailout funds”.

    The government also frowned at EFCC’s use of similar modus operandi with respect to the former first lady of Kogi, Rashida Bello, whom it named in the counts of offence and described her as being at large in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/573/2022: FRN V. (1) Ali Bello (2) Abba Adaudu(3) Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege (4) Iyadi Sadat and was alleged to have conspired to criminally misappropriate over Three Billion Naira, funds allegedly belonging to some Local Government Areas of Kogi.

    “It is noteworthy that she was never invited by the EFCC or arrested before branding her as being ‘at large’.

    “The unprecedented extent to which the EFCC is ready to go to tarnish the image of the Kogi State Government and also the image of the immediate past governor, Yahaya Bello, has left much to be desired.

    “It is in our character to fight in defence of the integrity of the government and over five million citizens, whose common patrimony the government allocates on their behalf. We are prepared to use the instrumentality of law to defend the integrity of the State Government.

    “We urge the people of Kogi to remain calm and law abiding in the face of relentless provocation by EFCC who is insisting that the money we used to build infrastructure in the state is missing. We will never lose a just battle.”

  • Kogi senator faults Ndume, justifies relocation of CBN, FAAN to Lagos

    Kogi senator faults Ndume, justifies relocation of CBN, FAAN to Lagos

    Sen. Karimi Sunday (APC-Kogi), has justified the relocation of some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos by the Federal Government.

    Sunday, who represents Kogi-West at the National Assembly, stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He faulted criticism by the Northern Senators Forum and Sen. Ali Ndume(APC-Borno) over the relocation, saying they were uncalled for.

    “For example, the headquarters of 96 per cent of all banks in Nigeria are in Lagos, the staff of the Banking and Supervision Department of often travel to Lagos to check their books at the headquarters,” he said.

    He added that the relocation would help save cost of running both FAAN and the CBN departments,, adding that, Lagos remained the hub of aviation in Nigeria and for operational efficiency, it was better to have FAAN in Lagos.

    “What is important to our people in the North and Nigerians as a whole is how decisions of government will affect their lives positively and put food on their table at cheaper prices.

    “They are not bothered by any ethnic sentiments on the relocation of offices of federal ministries and agencies.

    The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) had on Monday condemned the relocation

    The senators called on the federal government to consider reversal of the relocated departments or ready to face legal actions.

    Suleiman Kawu, the spokesperson of NSF, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

  • Yahaya Bello appoints Anaje as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, deposes 3 traditional rulers

    Yahaya Bello appoints Anaje as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, deposes 3 traditional rulers

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Monday appointed Alhaji Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, who is the Ohi of Okenwe, as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland even as he deposed three traditional rulers of the state.

    He also appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo-Kabir as the Maigari of Lokoja.

    The governor made the pronouncements in an address on Monday in Government House, Lokoja.

    Tijani-Anaje replaces late Ohinoyi Dr Ado Ibrahim, who died on Oct. 29, 2023 at 94 due to protracted illness.

    Gambo-Kabir replaces late Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi III, who died on Sept. 28, 2022 at age of 80.

    The governor also appointed Alhaji Dauda Isah as the Maiyaki of Kupa in Lokoja, Lokoja Local Government Area.

    He said that government had to come up with the appointments after due intervention to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterised the selection process for the three vacant stools in the state.

    Bello also announced the removal of three traditional rulers and suspension of others.

    “Having followed through our Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules and Regulations and all the due processes, we have come to the following resolutions:

    “His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah-Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who is also the Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area

    Traditional Council, is hereby removed and to be deposed to, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo is removed and to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, is removed and to be deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “Similarly, on decision of the title “Obobanyi of Ihima” which reads on the promotion letter, upgrading the stool to first class status, was done without cognisance to the fact that the title; “Obobanyi of Ihima” is a subject of litigation and the court of law is yet to arrive at the possible final decision.

    “As such, the government has, however, received several petitions, calling attention to the need to revert and maintain status quo, until the court of law decides.

    “To this end, the stool is hereby reverted to “Obobanyi of Emani” as the present occupant remains deposed.

    “Also, His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government is to be suspended indefinitely,’’ the governor said.

    He appointed Malam Saidu Akawo Salihu as the Ohimege-igu Koton-Karfe and to be turbaned immediately to avoid a vacuum.

    He added that the appointment followed the selection decision of the Odaki Ruling House dated April 27, 2012 and endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, dated May 14, 2012.

    “Finally, going by the high court judgment of 1998 which gave full recognition to Ododo as bonafide child of Ita’Azi, the father of Ebira land and Uhuodo as a distinct district in Ebira land with equal rights as others.

    “Therefore, the stool of Ohi of Uhuodo is hereby created and processes for the occupation of the stool to commence with immediate effect,’’ he said.

    The unveiling of HRH Dr Ahmad Tijani-Anaje, as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, settled the dust raised by 70 contestants, who jostled for the stool shortly after the demise of Dr Ado Ibrahim.

    Tijani-Anaje was among the lucky seven left standing after a screening committee finished its assignment and submitted the list to the governor.

    Among them is former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Philip Salawu; former Clerk of the National Assembly, Barrister Ataba Sani Omolori; and Gen. Yusuf Abubakar Amuda.

    Others are Mr Momoh Shaibu, Prof. Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik and Mr Ahmed Momoh Jimoh.

    NAN

  • Melaye denies collecting N3bn from Atiku, Dangote for Kogi polls

    Melaye denies collecting N3bn from Atiku, Dangote for Kogi polls

    The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Dino Melaye has denied collecting the sum of N3 billion from the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and Aliko Dangote for the Kogi elections.

    Melaye disclosed this at a dinner organised in his honour by members of his campaign organisation, in Abuja.

    He described the claims as the handiwork of his detractors who wanted to derail his campaign.

    According to Melaye, the speculation that he collected “N1 billion from Atiku and N2 billion from Dangote was fake news peddled by betrayers.

    “One of the lessons is that the east now know more than ever before, that they cannot become governor alone. You will have to collaborate with other zones to become governor.

    “The second lesson is also for those of us from the west. Next time, we should listen to the words of wisdom from our elders and not from commercialized characters who because of their individual and selfish interests created problems for us.

    “Because at the end of the day, what our elders have been saying that this will be the worst (election) for us, is eventually what happened.”

  • Court orders Yahaya Bello to pay N500m to Ajaka

    Court orders Yahaya Bello to pay N500m to Ajaka

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to pay the sum of N500 million to the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Murtala Ajaka, for violating his fundamental rights.

    In his decision, Justice Inyang Ekwo also ordered Bello to publicly apologize to Ajaka “for the gross and unwarranted violation” of his rights.

    Justice Ekwo equally issued an order requiring the security agencies and their heads to ensure Ajaka’s safety.

    The judge further made “an order of injunction, restraining the security agencies from arresting/abducting, detaining and/or further harassing, intimidating, shooting/threatening the applicant’s life and properties”.

    According to NAN, Ajaka sought judicial protection against Bello in an originating motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/952/2023, filed on July 11 by his lawyer, S.E. Aruwa, SAN.

    The Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Service (DSS), and the Director General of the DSS were joined in the suit as respondents.

    Other respondents are the Director of the DSS Command in Kogi, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Naval Staff.

  • Police confirm attack on INEC REC’s residence in Kogi

    Police confirm attack on INEC REC’s residence in Kogi

    The Police in Kogi has confirmed the reported attack on the residence of   INEC  Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Gabriel Longpet.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, who confirmed the attack to NAN in Lokoja on Friday, described the incident as very unfortunate and wicked.

    Onuoha, explained that the attackers came to the residence around 3.00 a.m. on Friday but met stiff resistance from security operatives.

    “The joy of it all is that the hoodlums did not succeed in their nefarious act as my officers gallantly repelled their attack and burnt the vehicle they came with.

    “Right now there are soldiers stationed in the house alongside our personnel to keep watch and ensure safety.

    “Again all the junctions around the house and INEC office have heavily armed soldiers and policemen keeping watch to forestall any eventuality.

    “We want to assure the public that there’s no cause for alarm as we, the security operatives, are on top of  situation in  Kogi, ” he said.

    Responding to the attack, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and  the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state condemned it  but traded blames.

    While the SDP called for immediate investigation into the incident to bring the perpetrators to book, APC blamed it on SDP with a call for the immediate arrest of the SDP governorship candidate, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka over the attack.

    The Director of Media and Publicity/Spokesperson for the APC Campaign Council, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, in an emergency news conference on Friday, said that aside from the INEC commissioner’s residence, there were attempted attacks on the  Government House and the party’s secretariat.

    Fanwo accused the SDP of trying desperately to cover their offences in Kogi East in the just concluded Nov. 11 governorship election in the state, and to corrupt INEC documents that could be used at the election petition tribunal.

    He called on the police, Department of State Services, and other security agencies to immediately arrest what he described as slide to anarchy in the state,  by arresting Ajaka, and his supporters,  who allegedly masterminded the attack on the residence of the REC.

    “The attack was perpetrated days after we alerted the nation of plans by the  SDP thugs to attack INEC.

    “They have finally done their worst by attacking the residence of the Kogi INEC commissioner, engaging security agents in a fierce gun battle, and eventually burning down some vehicles in the residence and in the area, ” he said.

    But the SDP through its  Director of New Media, Muri/Sam Campaign Council, Mr
    Isaiah Ijele, in a statement said:  “We strongly condemn the assassination attempt on the INEC REC.

    Ijele blamed the attack on thugs loyal to the state government.

    “We are grateful for the timely intervention of the Army, as the man and his family could have been wiped out overnight.

    “The attackers also burnt his vehicles and took other valuables. This kind of behavior is not acceptable in a democratic society.

    “Those individuals who have been involved in these attacks on INEC REC must be held accountable for their actions.

    “We call for all those who have been involved in the protests, inciting violence and making provocative statements, to be apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.