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Breaking News Now - BNN, Mrs Goldcoast Dickson, Yenagoa (2024)

12/11/2021

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12/08/2021

Troops push to reclaim forests from bandits

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen Farouk Yahaya has said the Army will soon reclaim the forests occupied by bandits and terrorists, and stop the hoodlums from launching further attacks.

The Army chief was responding to Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe’s call for more troops to curb hoodlums’ attacks in the state.

Gen. Yahaya spoke when he visited Kaduna Government House yesterday, saying the best way to crush the bandits is to take the fight to them.

“We will reclaim all those forests and we will be there every time,” he said. “Sometimes, some of these things take time; if you are deploying troops, even if they are on the ground, to move them, to mobilise them, to prepare them, to train them, to provide for their requirements take some time. But, we will get there. All these are in our plans.

“Securing main supply routes is a task that must be done for people to pass and go to their locations.

“And what we are doing actually is taking the battle to the places, instead of just staying on the road to prevent happenings. This is because if you go to where they are, you will disrupt their activities and they will have no time to prepare.”

12/08/2021

Police arrest 28 suspects at Lagos black spot
•30 held for flouting orders in Lekki

Police have The suspects, the police said, were arrested on Tuesday in the Canal area of Ago-Okota, a suburb.arrested 28 suspected miscreants in a night raid of a black spot in Lagos.

A statement by spokesman Adekunle Ajisebutu said the raid was consistent with the determination of Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu to rid Lagos of miscreants and criminal elements.

He described the raid as well-coordinated, intelligence-driven and purposeful, adding that it was carried out by the operations department of the command.

For rebuilding kiosks and shanties along the Lekki Coastal Road, 30 persons were yesterday arrested by officials of the state Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force).

The agency also impounded 57 motorcycles alleged to have plied Costain Road in contravention of the State Traffic Law.

The area was last week cleared of all illegal structures alleged to have impeded work on the road billed to serve as an alternative to the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The demolition of structures, followed a three-day removal notice served on those considered to be illegal occupants.

But less than a week after the area was cleared, an inspection team that visited the area yesterday discovered that people had started encroaching and kiosks, shanties were being re-erected at Marwa Ghetto.

10/08/2021

Obi to Southeast: convince Nigeria why you should produce next president

Southeasr must convince other regions of its readiness to produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor in 2023, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, said yesterday.

The governors in the 17 states in Southwest, Southsouth and Southeast have met twice in Asaba, Delta State and Ikeja, Lagos State to affirm their demand that the South should produce the next president.

Their position subsequently got the backing of senators and House of Representative members from the regions. But the position has not been micro-zoned to any of the three zones.

Speaking on Arise TV yesterday, Obi said the Southeast must advance a “convincing argument” to the rest of Nigeria on why the region should take the slot.

According to him, beyond having compelling points, Southeast embrace the politics of “engagement and consultation, and not confrontation”.

Obi, who was presidential running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019, said: “We need to convince the other people why it should be us. And you know we have a convincing argument for that. But it needs to be convincing. We are not going to hold a gun in their head and say you must come here.”

“Politics is about engagement and consultation, and not confrontation. You consult and discuss with other people and say, ‘this is how we need to do it for us to have peaceful coexistence’.

The decision will be done within the party. It’s not a question of my view or anybody view; it’s that of the party. Even if we say it should come to the South and the party zones it to the north, there’s nothing that can be done.”

“These are major parties with a lot of members and stakeholders who will sit down and discuss at round tables. Politics, for me, is something you sit down at a roundtable, discuss and agree with each other.”

The former governor faulted attempt by the President at stimulating the economy through construction and revitalisation of infrastructure, saying building infrastructure will not automatically boost the country’s economy.

Obi said: “You can’t use infrastructure to drive economic growth. You invest in education and the SME (Small, Medium Enterprises) sector instead to deal with poverty. Taking people out of poverty is not magic.”

10/08/2021

BREAKING: EFCC quizzes ex-Bayelsa Gov Dickson

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has quizzed a former Bayelsa Governor and senator representing Bayesla West Seriake Dickson.

According to a source, Dickson presented himself to the EFCC following an invitation by the agency.

The source said the ex-Governor was grilled over allegations bordering on abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds during his eight-year administration in Bayelsa State between 2012 and 2020.

The source said: “The former governor who arrived the headquarters of the EFCC in Jabi, Abuja at about 11am was questioned by a team of operatives investigating the allegations against him.

“Though the details of the allegations against the governor were sketchy as of press time, the allegations relate to issues of assets declaration and misapplication of intervention funds and other assets belonging to the Bayelsa State government.

The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the invitation of the former Governor.

The reaction of the former Governor was being awaited as at press time.

10/08/2021

Six suspected IPOB members die in Anambra gunfire – Navy

Naval Outpost Onitsha, Anambra State has described as false alleged killing of two of its personnel during a gun duel with suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the State.

Some publications had reported two Naval personnel were killed at Awkuzu during a gun duel with suspected members of the pro-Biafran group.

The Commander Officer, Adekunle Okeniyi, in a statement, however said six suspected IPOB members died while others suffered serious injury during a repel attack by the troops.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Naval Outpost, Onitsha has been drawn to some false publications that on the 9th August 2001, two naval personnel were killed at Awkuzu during a gun duel with suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra state.

The Naval Outpost Onitsha clearly refutes this fake news and wishes to state categorically that none of own personnel suffered any casualty during the gun duel.

“Rather, the troops fought gallantly and were able to repel the attack which resulted in the loss of six suspected IPOB members while others suffered serious injury.

“For the avoidance of doubt the Naval Outpost Onitsha calls for an immediate halt to the circulation of this fake news and wishes to advise the general public to disregard this fake news.”

09/08/2021

Gunmen abduct Swiss expatriate, driver, kill one in Ogun.

Breaking News Now - learnt that the Swiss expatriate was in a convoy es**rting him to Ilaro while returning from Olabel farm where he works when the hoodlums opened fire on the Police es**rt attached to the farm.

The unknown gunmen succeeded in abducting Andred and his driver while two staff members of the farm sustained gunshot injuries.

One of the staff members, Micheal Kujore, died as a result of the gunshots before he was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The other staff member is said to be receiving treatment at a hospital in Ilaro.

A source informed, “On sighting the policemen attached to the man, the gunmen opened fire on them, and in the ensuing shootout, a Swiss expatriate attached to the farm, Andred Beita, and his driver, who was simply identified as Ifeanyi, were abducted by the kidnappers.

“Two staff of the company, Ishaya Ibrahim and Michael Kujore, sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to hospitals.”

The case was said to have been reported at Itori and Ilaro Police Stations.

When contacted the State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

He told BNN that the police engaged the hoodlums, leaving two of them dead.

“The information is true. The police engaged the kidnappers leaving two of them dead. But, they whisked away from the Swiss expatriate and his driver. The police recovered one AK 47 rifle and nine rounds of ammunition from them.

“We are on the trail of the hoodlums. They will be brought to justice in due course,” says the PPRO.

09/08/2021

Ex-Foursquare Church’s G.O. Badejo dies at 74
•Buhari, Fayemi, PFN, others mourn.

A former General Overseer (G.O.) of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Dr. Wilson Badejo, is dead.

He was 74.

The National Secretary of the church, Rev. Yomi Oyinloye, announced Badejo’s demise in a statement yesterday.

Badejo, who was the church’s G.O. between 1999 and 2009, died on Saturday after an illness.

Oyinloye said the church was greatly saddened by the loss but encouraged members to take solace in the fact that the late Badejo lived a fulfilling, God-fearing and impactful life.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday commiserated with Foursquare Gospel Church and all Christians over Badejo’s death.

In a statement in Abuja by his spokesman Femi Adesina, the President described the departed as “a dedicated servant of God, who led the Foursquare Gospel Church for 10 years”.

He noted that the deceased was “committed to standing in the gap for not just his organisation but also for Nigeria”.

President Buhari urged the family to take solace in the fact that their father, a veterinary doctor, author, cleric, and public speaker, set a standard to be emulated by all and sundry.

Also, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi described the late Badejo as an exemplary leader.

In a condolence message yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the governor said: “Dr. Badejo’s death is a great loss not only to the Foursquare Gospel Church, which he once headed, but to many people whose lives were positively impacted by him.

“He was a fearless preacher of righteousness, teacher and a worthy mentor to many. He will be sorely missed.

“On behalf of my wife, Bisi, government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the family of Dr. Badejo, the Foursquare Gospel Church and the Christian community across the world.”

Also, President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, described the death of Dr. Wilson Badejo as shocking and great loss to the Christian community.

In a condolence message in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the PFN said Badejo gave his all to the service of the Lord throughout his life.

“Rev. Badejo was a strong-willed man who pursued righteousness till he breathed his last.”

“For everyone, death is a garb that will be worn by all at the appointed time.

“Though humanly speaking, one wouldn’t have wanted him to go now, however, God is the ultimate decider of ‘when’ for everybody,” the statement said.

Commiserating with the family, Foursquare Church and the Christian body in the country, Oke prayed God to grant everyone concerned the fortitude to bear Badejo’s transition to glory.

Yeah! That's a sad one. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.

09/08/2021

Good morning!!

Southeast governors, IPOB clash over ‘ghost’ Monday

Southeast governors yesterday urged residents to ignore the sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The group had urged Ndigbo to stay home to protest the arrest and detention of its leader Nnamdi Kanu.

It said the 6am to 6pm shutdown would be observed every Monday “until Kanu is freed”.

But there appears to be a division within IPOB as its leaders issued counter-directives yesterday.

Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, in a statement, announced the cancellation of the directive.

He said it was in order not to disrupt the National Examination Council (NECO) examination for secondary school pupils.

The younger Kanu said a new date for the commencement of the sit-at-home would be announced.

“As a group fighting for the liberation of her people from oppression from her enemies, we realised that it would amount to assisting the said enemies to inflict more harm on our children if we do not suspend the sit-at-home order to allow Biafra students to take their exams,” he said.

But, IPOB, in a statement by its Head of Directorate, Chika Edoziem, said the planned “lockdown” of “Biafraland” will go on.

He said in a statement: “The Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra categorically and unequivocally state that our sit-at-home tomorrow (today) will go ahead as planned.

“Any information to the contrary must be ignored as the work of our detractors.”

IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, added in another statement that the sit-at-home was not suspended.

“We wish to remind every Biafran that the sit at home order remains sacrosanct on Monday,” he said.

He urged residents to disregard any statement that did not emanate from him.

IPOB threatened that “anybody who ventures to come out tomorrow (today) will regret his or her life”.

Governors dismiss IPOB’s directive

Anambra State government warned that employees who stay off work today risk forfeiting their August salary.

In a circular to the heads of ministries and parastatals by the Head of Service, Harry Uduh, the government asked commissioners and permanent secretaries to monitor compliance.

Police spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, assured residents of their safety.

He said the command, along with sister agencies, would ensure no harm would befall any citizen going about their business.

But some residents, who pleaded not to be named for safety reasons, said they would most likely comply.

A trader said: “I have my family to take care of. If I die now, who will take care of them?”

A government worker said it would be better to lose a month’s salary than to lose his life when he was about to retire.

“No one will like to disobey the government directive, but it is a difficult situation for workers in Anambra,” he said.

The Drivers Welfare Association (DWA) Patron, Pastor Obinna Anisiobi, said the exercise would be futile.

He said: “This year’s harvest season has just begun and farmers need the assistance of drivers to convey their farm crops to various markets…”

08/08/2021

Sit-at-home: We’ll carryout all sacrifices for Nnamdi Kanu’s release – IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Sunday, vowed to carry out any sacrifice that would ensure the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

IPOB made the remark while maintaining that its Monday sit-at-home order is sacrosanct.

The group said the Southeast would be shut down every Monday from 6 am to 6 pm until its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is released.

Kanu has been detained by the Department of State Services, DSS, in Abuja since he was rearrested and repatriated from an unknown African country.

His detention was on the order of an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.

Following his continued stay in DSS detention, IPOB declared a daily Monday sit-at-home order.

The aim of the order is to enforce the release of the pro-Biafra agitator.

However, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, urged the people of the Southeast to comply with the peaceful protest.

In a statement he issued, Powerful, IPOB urged people of the Southeast to stay indoors to avoid confrontation with security operatives.

The statement reads partly: “The entire Biafra land will be locked down every Monday from 6:00am to 6:00pm beginning from tomorrow, August 9, 2021until our leader, Nnamdi Kanu who was abducted in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria and locked up in DSS dungeon in clear violation of international laws is freed.

“Consequently, there will be no movement throughout Biafra land on Mondays until our leader who is suffering for our freedom is released. This protest is peaceful but firm. Everybody is advised to stay indoors in total compliance.

“We want his immediate release and our total freedom, and cannot hesitate to pay any sacrifice needed to achieve this including locking down the entire Biafra land on Mondays.

“All residents and visitors in Biafra land are advised to comply with the order. Nobody should go out to avoid any clash or intimidation by the wicked Nigeria security agents.

07/08/2021

Nigerian Muslim Activists Wear T-Shirts To Juma'at Prayer In Abuja.

A group of Muslim activists on Friday attended a Juma'at prayer at the Central Mosque Gwagwalada Area Council of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, wearing T.Shirts with inscriptions .

The activists, who had earlier observed their prayers inside a mosque near Aguma palace, later joined other muslim faithful at the overflow of the Central Mosque to observe the Juma'at prayer.

The youths decried the inadequate water supply and electricity in the area as well as the corruption, insecurity and bad governance ravaging the country.

The activists, who dared security operatives in the area, insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari must resign from office for his incompetence and hardship he had brought upon Nigerians.

The youths were seeing exchanging greetings with their friends shortly after the prayer.

It would be recalled that five activists and worshippers were arrested and brutalised at the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (Glory Dome) by the church security on July 4.

They were thereafter handed over to the operatives of Department of State Services for wearing T.Shirts.

The overzealous security operatives seized their mobile phones and forced them to delete the Facebook live stream.

They were detained in an underground cell at the DSS headquarters for more than 30 days and also prevented them from seeing their lawyer and families.

The activists insisted that they committed no offence for wearing the T.Shirts.

Global human rights body, Amnesty International, had called for the release of the activists saying that they were exercising their rights as enshrined in the 1999 constitution.

Also, despite the rulings of the Federal High Court and the Magistrate Court ordering the release of the activists from detention, the DSS had continued to hold them after they had met their bail conditions.

The secret police later on Tuesday bowed to the pressure from Nigerians and released the young Nigerians.