Metro Files

1. ALL matters instituted in the courts by the Governor of RiversState, Sir Fubara, and his team, in respect of the political crisis in Rivers State, shall be withdrawn IMMEDIATELY 2. ALL impeachment proceedings initiated against the Governor of Rivers State by the Rivers State House of Assembly should be dropped immediately 3. The leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly as led by the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule shall be recognized alongside the 27 members who resigned from the PDP 4. The remunerations and benefits of ALL members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff must be reinstated immediately and the Governor of Rivers State shall henceforth not interfere with the full funding of the Rivers State House of Assembly 5. The Rivers State House of Assembly shall choose where they want to sit and conduct their legislative business without interference and/or hindrance from the Executive arm of government 6. The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, shall re-present the state budget to a properly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly. 7. The names of ALL commissioners in the Rivers State Executive Council who resigned their appointments because of the political crisis in the state should be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for approval 8. There should NOT be a caretaker committee for the local governments in Rivers State. The dissolution of the Local Government administration is null and void and shall not be recognized   578 Views

In the early hours of today, Friday 1st December 2023, around 3.30am, gunmen attacked the residence of INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State. The armed men engaged the security personnel in a gun battle for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived. While no lives were lost, property was destroyed in the ensuing gun battle. A team of combined security personnel have been deployed to protect the residence.This incident occurred a day after a mob besieged INEC’s state office. 375 Views

Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja, on Wednesday, sentenced a bricklayer, Gabriel Awaye to life imprisonment for defiling a 13-year-old girl in his room. The judge sentenced him after finding him guilty as charged by the state government. The prosecutor had alleged that Awaye committed the offences on June 2, 2021, at Agbawaye Street, Command area of Agbado Oke-Odo in Lagos. His offences, according to the prosecution, contravened the provision of Sections 127 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. In her judgment, Justice Soladoye, said the prosecution proved the ingredients of the two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault against the defendant. The judge held that the survivor was lucid and unambiguous while giving her evidence before the court, noting that her testimony corroborated with other prosecution witnesses. “The prosecution witness one (the survivor) testified before this court that she was at her grandmother’s place when her friend, Rofiat told her that her sister sent for her. “The witness narrated that when she got to the place, she did not meet her sister, but saw the defendant who pushed her on the mat and sodomised with her. “The evidence of the defendant is laced with lies as he tried to detach himself from the offence by saying the mother of the survivor tried to have sexual relationship with him. To the mind of this court, the prosecution witnesses were truthful in their testimonies and their evidence were corroborated.” The judge, upon evidence before the court, found Awaye guilty of the two-count charge. “The survivor identified the defendant as the man who defiled her while she was 13 years old. The defendant is hereby found guilty and is sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the two-counts. “The defendant, by his audacious sexual recklessness, was not fit to be in the community of civilised people, and should be locked away for life. “He should have his name registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register,” the court held. The Lagos State Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency reiterates the State\’s Zero tolerance stance and insists that there is help for survivors even as we remain committed to ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. 450 Views

As the NLC embarks on the proposed nationwide strike over the humiliation of its leader, Ajero, the Transmission Company (TCN) has refuted the news making the rounds that it has shutdown the National grid. In a Press Release made available by the Head of Public Affairs of TCN, it states that the news alleges that there will be a national blackout is false and totally misleading. 533 Views

Food security and sustainability have been a major issue all over the world hence the importance of Agriculture to mankind. However, in its effort to enhance and encourage the practice of agriculture among the Nigerian youths, Intergenerational Rescue Foundation (IRF), the US based Non-governmental organisation, is set for the official launching of AGROWEEN in Nigeria. The launch of AGROWEEN, the laudable initiative that is strategically-positioned as a social education hub, with prospective chapters in interested and eligible educational institutions is scheduled for Monday, November 20th, 2023, at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja,Nigeria by 11.00a.m. AGROWEEN is aimed to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG), end hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition and promote sustainable Agricultural practices. The event that will have important personalities, Stakeholders, Farmers and students in attendance, will be anchored by the ace humour merchant, Gbenga Adeyinka the first, and is expected to be chaired by the chairman of LASACO plc, Chief Mrs Teju Phillips. AGROWEEN\’s official launch is also in preparation for the Agroween Agric Festival, a big event to be held next year 2024. The festival will be an all fun and grand bazaar; where eligible institutions will exhibit their farm products and other agricultural produce and equipment. Basic schools, Secondary schools and higher institutions with Agricultural background and practices are eligible. The programme is to encourage the youths to develop a keen interest in Agriculture as a way of enhancing food production and boosting the economy. Membership registration is already on, as there are lots to be gained as a member. Intergenerational Rescue Foundation (IRF) Inc, a non-profit organization where compassion meets empathy for all. The humanitarian and community-structured programmes aim to proffer natural and lasting solutions for the Old, Young and Next generation. To learn more about the activities of IRF and to access the Membership Registration Form, interested institutions can visit www.intergenerationalrescue.com for immediate action or send an email to info@intergenerationalrescue.org for further information and enquiries 647 Views

In line with the newly-reviewed procedures on arrest and bail of suspects by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed that sting operations at night time be stopped in all the Commands of the EFCC. He gave the directive in Abuja on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 in reaction to the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal of the Commission in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Already, many of the suspects duly profiled by the Command have been released, while profiling of suspects yet un-released will be completed, without further delay. The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its adherence to the rule of law, in the exercise of its mandate.   460 Views

Sequel to the viral video from Ekwutousi Philo, a skit maker, alleging that she was robbed on 20th October, 2023, along Ketu-Alapere Highway by some policemen, the Decoy Team of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has arrested Sunday Osagie, 31, who was captured in a video with the skit maker. Also arrested with the suspect is Ayodele Adeolu (45), while a ‘korope’ with the registration number LA 910 FST and a Toyota Yaris Verso with the registration number FST 656 JD have been recovered. Sunday Osagie, was a Spy/Mechanic employed by the Lagos State Government in May 2011. He was dismissed from Lagos State Public Service and dekitted in April 2023 for \”absence from duty for six months without permission, illegal duties, and extortion of money from innocent citizens\” after facing the Personnel Management Board (PMB). Commander Rapid Response Squad, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi has directed that the suspects and the recovered vehicles be transferred to the State Command for further investigations. SOURCE: LRRS 467 Views

In response to the ongoing concern over the tragic loss of lives due to the neglect of gunshot and accident victims, the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has orders full enforce of Gunshot Victims Act 2017. He issued a resounding call to all medical practitioners in Nigeria to provide prompt and compassionate treatment to all victims of gunshots and accidents, irrespective of the presence or absence of a police report. The IGP\’s directive aligns with the full enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, which mandates that all healthcare providers prioritize the immediate care and stabilization of such patients, recognizing the critical importance of timely medical attention in saving lives. The IGPs decision comes as a response to the relentless outcry from concerned citizens and the broader community, highlighting the tragic consequences of delays in treating these victims. The IGP underscores the moral duty and responsibility of medical practitioners to uphold the sanctity of life and provide life-saving care to those in need aiming to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers, facilitating a more efficient and compassionate response to emergency situations, and curbing crimes by fulfilling their obligation to invite the Police for assessment while treatment is ongoing. The Inspector-General calls on all medical institutions and professionals to adhere to these directives and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies when necessary, emphasizing the paramount importance of saving lives and promoting a safer and healthier society. 369 Views

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence has pronounced a significant verdict. The case began on November 29, 2021, with the Defendant’s arrest based on a complaint by his wife on behalf of the prosecutrix. The case involved defilement and sexual assault charges. During the trial, 10 witnesses were called, and 9 testified. The judge meticulously examined the evidence, including witness testimonies, exhibits, and final written addresses submitted by the parties. Justice Oshodi outlined the charges against the Defendant, Dr. femi Olaleye, focusing on whether he had engaged in sexual acts with the prosecutrix against her will. The court considered the Defendant’s claim that the prosecutrix was not a child at the time, which was refuted by medical evidence indicating her age. The prosecutrix’s account detailed multiple instances of abuse, including fondling, forced oral sex, and defilement. The judge found her testimony consistent and corroborated by medical evidence. The Defendant’s admission of guilt to various individuals, including the DPO at Maryland police station, was a pivotal factor. Justice Oshodi dismissed the Defendant’s statements, citing falsehood. The Defendant was consequently sentenced to LIFE IMPRISONMENT for count 1 and 2 of the charge and that same should be run concurrently.The Court further an order directing that the name of the Defendant be entered in the name of sexual offenders in Lagos State. 393 Views

A high court sitting in Lagos has sentenced Drambi Vandi, the officer involved in the killing of Bolanle Raheem, a lawyer, to death by hanging. Ibironke Harrison, the trial judge, in her ruling on Monday, convicted Vandi of a one-count charge of murder. If you recall, Bolanle Raheem, a lawyer was shot and murdered at close range on Christmas Day by Vandi, the policeman attached to Ajiwe Police Di- vision, Ajah, Lagos. 536 Views

Following media enquiries on the claim by the Lagos state police command at a press conference on Friday 6th October 2023 that it was yet to get a response from the NDLEA on social media allegations bordering on alleged arrest and detention of the late artiste, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka MohBad, the Agency will like to state that indeed its response was sent and received by the police since Thursday 28th September 2023. Indeed, to show the seriousness with which the Agency treated the issue, our formal response dated Thursday 28th September 2023 was sent by flight to Lagos, delivered and received by the police on Thursday 28th September. The summary of our response is reproduced below for the benefit of the inquiring public: “We also heard the unsubstantiated allegation on social media that Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka MohBad, was arrested and detained by NDLEA on the 24th of February 2022 and given a substance to drink. In response to this allegation, we wish to state categorically that MohBad was never arrested nor was he ever detained in the custody of the NDLEA on the said date or any other date before or after. Foregoing being the case, the issue of giving him any substance to drink does not arise.” 432 Views

Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso, recently nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has on Friday, September 22, 2023, formally assumed duty, in an acting capacity, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), pending his confirmation by the Senate. This follows the resignation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Similarly, the Deputy-Governors-Designate have also assumed duty, in acting capacities, sequel to the formal resignation of Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, Mr. Edward Lametek Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governors of the CBN. Dr. Cardoso and his colleagues subscribed to the relevant oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the Bank’s Head Office in Abuja, on Friday, September 2023, and have since settled down to the task of administering monetary and financial sector policies of the Federal Government. An Economic and Development Policy Advisor, Financial Sector Leader, former Chairman Citi Nigeria and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos, Cardoso brings over three decades of managerial experience on board. He is an alumnus of Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he studied managerial and administrative studies. He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, United States of America. It will be recalled that Dr. Cardoso and his colleagues were appointed to their respective positions at the Bank on September 15, 2023, subject to their confirmation by the Senate. 487 Views