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Tag: Ogun State

Ogun State

  • Abiodun vs Adebutu: Ogun tribunal set to deliver judgment on Saturday

    Abiodun vs Adebutu: Ogun tribunal set to deliver judgment on Saturday

    The Ogun State Election Petitions Tribunal has announced that it’s set to  deliver judgment on Saturday in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, to challenge the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the March 18 governorship election.

    Obioma Ezenta, the tribunal’s secretary made this known while speaking to pressmen on Thursday.

    While reacting to the development, both the ruling All Progressives Congress  and the PDP believe they will get justice at the tribunal whilst also assuring their supporters to stay calm and hopeful.

    According to the media aide of the PDP governorship candidate, Afolabi Orekoya, the party had presented its case very well.

    Orekoya said, “It is true that we have been given the reserved date for judgment on our petition against INEC, Mr Dapo Abiodun and the APC.

    We have been able to prove our case that he (Abiodun) did not win the March 18 governorship election and that INEC ought not to have made a declaration. We proved this by tendering enough documents as evidence for all the 99 polling units affected, calling 94 witnesses including INEC ad hoc staff who worked directly in some of the cancelled polling units.

    “The good thing is that during trials, all the respondents, including INEC, agreed that polling units were cancelled as a result of violence and attacks. We could also see that INEC did not deny that the documents tendered did not originate from them. One very grievous electoral malpractice that we established was the ballot papers that were marked and those with multiple impressions.

  • Impeached LG boss, Adedayo, arraigned in Ogun

    Impeached LG boss, Adedayo, arraigned in Ogun

    The Police Command in Ogun on Tuesday arraigned the impeached Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government in the state, Mr Wale Adedayo, at a Magistrate Court sitting in Abeokuta.

    Adedayo had accused the state governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, of diverting statutory Federal allocations of local government areas in the state.

    Operatives of the Police Command had on Monday arrested Adedayo at Ijebu-Ife and held him in custody at the Police Headquarters at Eleweran in Abeokuta.

    Adedayo was arraigned on a two-count charge at the Magistrate Court in Isabo, following a petition written by the state government.

    The two-count charge has it that Adedayo had on Aug. 27 at Abeokuta in the Abeokuta Magisterial District did unlawfully publish a circular to the public.

    It further has it that Adedayo through a letter addressed to a former governor of Ogun, Olusegun Osoba, knowingly and falsely accused Gov. Abiodun of hijacking local government funds.

    The charge also stated that this was likely to cause fear and alarm among the public or disturb the public peace.

    It contended that Adedayo knows or has reason to believe that such statement is a rumour.

    Adedayo was thereby charged to have committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of Criminal Code laws of Ogun State, 2006.

    After the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty of the two charges.

    The Prosecuting Counsel, Insp. Olaide Rawlings, said five witnesses would be called in the course of the trial.

    Counsel to the defendant, Mr. Kayode Akinsola, applied for the bail of Adedayo in line with the provision of Section 265, that the defendant is innocent of the charges until proven otherwise.

    He argued that the defendant had no criminal record and that he (Adedayo) would not likely jump bail, if granted.

    Akinsola said the defendant has no criminal record whatsoever and has been honouring all invitations from the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    “We want to believe that the prosecution team has concluded its investigation and that is the reason why we are in court. Hence, the defendant can not interfere with whatever they may want to do.

    “I urge the court to admit the defendant to bail, who will be willing to stand trial.”

    The magistrate, A.K Araba, in her ruling, admitted Adedayo to bail in the sum of two million Naira and two “responsible and reliable sureties” in like sum.

    The sureties, according to the magistrate must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court, and must posses landed property with evidence of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and  tax clearance.

    She, therefore, remanded him at the Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

    The case was adjourned till Oct. 20 for trial.

  • Police arrest impeached Ogun LG chairman Adedayo

    Police arrest impeached Ogun LG chairman Adedayo

    Operatives of the Police Command in Ogun on Monday arrested the impeached Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government (LG), Mr. Wale Adedayo, at his residence in Ijebu-Ife.

    Adedayo had recently raised some allegations about the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration in the State.

    He had alleged that the state government had since 2021 been tampering with funds for the state’s local governments (LGs) sent through it by the Federal Government.

    The impeached chairman had earlier been arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and later released.

    Adedayo’s action led to his impeachment by the LG’s councilors over allegations of financial misappropriation.

    Mrs Kafayat Adedayo, wife of the impeached LG Chairman, confirmed the arrest in the local government area’s headquarters.

    She said her husband was arrested by officers numbering about 10 from the Police Command headquarters at Eleweran in Abeokuta.

    Mrs Adedayo said the police officers informed her that his arrest was based on a petition written against him by the state government.

    “They came on Monday afternoon in a Mistubishi car to effect his arrest. About four of them were in uniform, while others were in mufti.

    “The police operatives said they were acting on instructions based on a petition filed against him by the state government.

    “He was taken to Abeokuta by the police,” she said.

    When contacted, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abiodun Alamutu, confirmed Adedayo’s arrest.

  • Ogun Govt. to set up special Court to try cultists

    Ogun Govt. to set up special Court to try cultists

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun says a special Court is to be established by the Ogun Government to try cult-related cases.

    Abiodun spoke after a joint security meeting, held at the Governor’s Office, in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

    He said that the state government would also set up  a Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force comprising all major security outfits, with the mandate to rid the state of the menace of cultism.

    The governor said that the state was also proposing an amnesty programme for  cultists who might wish to renounce cultism and surrender their weapons.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Abiodun had on Tuesday hinted that his administration would enact a law that would pronounce the death penalty on anyone caught engaging in cult activities in the state.

     

    NAN reports that the governor had spoken during a visit to the Palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, following days of cult-related clashes in Sagamu, which left many dead and others injured.

    The governor said that the joint security meeting focused on providing adequate measures to eradicate cultism in the state.

    “During the meeting that took place today (Wednesday), we engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the implementation of measures aimed at combating cultism in the state.

    “Our primary focus was on establishing a special court, forming a joint operational force comprising various security agencies, and implementing a death penalty for cultism offences.

    “In addition to these measures, we also deliberated on the possibility of introducing a period of amnesty.

    ” This would allow individuals who wish to surrender their weapons and renounce their affiliation with any cult-related groups and activities the opportunity to do so without fear of prosecution.

    ” We are dedicated to providing the Special Court and Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force with the necessary logistics and tools to support their operations effectively,” he said.

    Abiodun said that the overall objective of the meeting was to address the issue of cultism through a multifaceted approach.

    He added that the approach would include legal and enforcement measures, rehabilitation efforts, and community engagement through our respected traditional leaders.

    “In conclusion, we are determined to tackle the menace of cultism in our state head-on.

    “This is by employing a combination of legal frameworks, law enforcement strategies, rehabilitation initiatives, and community involvement, we believe we can bring about lasting change,” he said.

  • Ogun Govt restricts movement in Sagamu

    Ogun Govt restricts movement in Sagamu

    Following recent clashes among rival cult groups in Sagamu, the Ogun government has announced restriction of movement from 7p.m to 6a.m.

    This is contained in a statement in Abeokuta on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Dapo Abiodun, Mr Lekan Adeniran.

    Abiodun assured residents of the town of their security and property.

    He urged residents of the town to abide with the restriction order pending the time the security of the area would improve, saying police and other security agencies were on top of the situation to restore normalcy.

    “This is to notify residents of Sagamu and its environs of total restriction of human and vehicular movement as a way of taking firm control of the security architecture of the area and protect the lives of the people and their property.

    “We, therefore, implore the residents of the area to abide strictly to this restriction order and cooperate with security agencies to restore normalcy and bring perpetrators of these dastardly acts to book immediately,” he said.

  • Ogun raises alarm over Cholera outbreak

    Ogun raises alarm over Cholera outbreak

    The Ogun government has alerted the public on a possible cholera outbreak in Ijebu North Local Government area of the state.

    This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Dr Tomi Coker,  on Sunday in Abeokuta.

    Coker defined Cholera as a disease which usually occurs during rainy season, just as it may also be associated with poor environment and personal hygiene.

    “It’s commonly present with stooling with or without vomiting   leading to dehydration. Cholera can result in death if the severe dehydration is not promptly corrected,” she said.

    The governor’s aide advised the public to report all cases of stooling with or without vomiting to the nearest government health facility.

    She added that residents should strive to ensure proper personal hygiene and practice frequent hand washing before and after using the toilet.

    She also advised the public to use water from clean sources or treat their water before drinking , just as as they should ensure thorough washing and cooking of their food before eating.

    “Please report all cases of stooling with or without vomiting to the nearest government health facility and notify the LGA DSNO on 08069788449.

    “Let’s also prevent open defecation and be careful of the food and water we take, because cholera is caused by water or food contaminated with faeces,” she said.

  • Court dismisses suspended Ogun LG chairman’s suit to stop probe

    Court dismisses suspended Ogun LG chairman’s suit to stop probe

    An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu Ode on Wednesday dismissed an ex-parte application filed by Wale Adedayo, the suspended Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government asking the court to stop further investigations by councilors of Ijebu East LG probing him on allegations of financial mismanagement.

    Recall that councillors of the Ijebu East Legislative Council recently suspended Wale Adedayo in continuation of investigations over alleged financial mismanagement and ordered his vice to take over pending the conclusion of the investigation.

    On Tuesday in its ruling on the ex-parte motion argued by counsel to the plaintiff, Barrister O.T. Are, standing in for Adeyinka Kotoye SAN, on behalf of Adedayo, the presiding judge, Justice Ayodele Omoniyi, dismissed the application in “its entirety”.

    In its ruling, the court noted that the application by the plaintiff was not timely since he had received a notice on August 31 of the said resolution but waited till September 11 before filing his application.

    The judge said, “delay defeats equity.”

    The claimant was ordered to put the defendants on notice and come back for the hearing of the originating summons on September 22, 2023.

  • Alleged diversion: Release suspended Ogun LG Chairman- Falana tells DSS

    Alleged diversion: Release suspended Ogun LG Chairman- Falana tells DSS

    Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to release detained suspended Chairman of the Ijebu East Local Government in Ogun State, Wale Adedayo.

    Last week, the council chairman had accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting the statutory allocations of the 20 local governments in the state.

    He was subsequently suspended for three months on allegations of maladministration and financial mismanagement by the seven out of the 11 councilors that made up the local government legislative council.

    In a statement on Sunday, Falana said Adedayo was invited to the Ogun State Command of the secret police on Friday.

    “However, when he (Adedayo) turned up for the invitation on 1st September 2023, he was asked to respond to the petition submitted to the Command by the State Government,” the senior lawyer said.

    “In the said petition, it was alleged that Mr. Adedayo had instigated widespread acts of public disturbance and chaos in Ijebu East Local Government. Even though the embattled Council boss denied the allegation of instigating acts of public disturbance, the State Security Service has decided to detain him due to his refusal to withdraw the allegation levelled against Governor Abiodun.”

    Falana said though the Ogun State Government has denied the allegation of funds diversion, the governor should sue Adedayo for libel in the Ogun State High Court.

    “Having regards to the facts and circumstances of this particular case, I am compelled to request the Ogun State Command of the SSS to release Mr. Adedayo from custody forthwith,” he said.

     

  • Ogun chairmen prostrate to beg Gov Abiodun

    Ogun chairmen prostrate to beg Gov Abiodun

    20 Local Government Chairmen in Ogun State on Tuesday night,at a meeting held with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, apologised to the Governor for the comment of Mr. Wale Adedayo.

    In a viral video on Wednesday, the ALGON chairmen were seen prostrating for the governor.

    Adedayo in a petition on Monday lamented that the Local Government Chairmen had been unable to go ahead with projects in the past two years.

    Part of the petition reads: “Revenue sources, which the local governments should benefit from have mostly been taken over by the State Government. Motor Parks and attendant dues which should go to each local government are being centrally managed by the State Government. Primary school administration and control have been taken over too. There are many others. But, what I crave is for you to assist in helping our people. Why have they taken over revenue sources of the local government? How do they want the grassroots to breathe?

    “In Ijebu East Local Government Area, we are a complete rural section. Our people need roads, especially in the interior. They need water. The Health Centres are nothing to write home about. The primary schools are something else. It is a crying shame that, in 2023 some of our people still depend on water from the stream to drink!

    “Be assured that I am readily available to answer any question about what I have written here,”

     

  • So-Safe corps arrests fake soldier in Ogun

    So-Safe corps arrests fake soldier in Ogun

    A man identified as Sanni Ayuba was on Tuesday arrested by men of the So-Safe Corps  for parading himself as soldier working with the Nigerian Army in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    The So-Safe Corps apprehended the young man “for using fake military ID card and insignia to hijack suspected cultists in Ogun.”

    In a statement  signed  and released by the Commander of So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzallo, on Wednesady, described Sanni’s act of impersonation as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the military “as the imposter forcefully intervened to stop the arrest of some wanted cult boys at Adigbe, Opako in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.”

    The So-Safe Corps was said to have arrested two suspected cultists and handcuffed them so as to convey them to the station.

    “But to the corps dismay, Sanni Alhaji Ayuba, who was at the scene, flashed a military Identity card and stopped the officers from performing their security duties and the suspects were hijacked; they escaped with handcuffs,” Ganzallo was quoted in the statement.

    It was gathered  that Ayuba and two other men who claimed to be Naval officers left the scene in a hurry.

    Ganzallo explained that the fake soldier was later arrested and thoroughly investigated, but the two who claimed to be Naval officers escaped.

    He noted that the suspect had confessed to having been impersonating as a military officer.

    It was reported that one Army camouflage scarf, one fake Army ID card, one jack knife, one Itel phone, three ATM cards, one WAEC ID card, one dog chain with arms pendants and other items were recovered from the suspect.

    The spokesman of the So-Safe Corps, Moruf Yusuf, told newsmen that the suspect and the exhibits had been transferred to the police CIID at Eleweran, Abeokuta for further investigation and likely prosecution.