Connect with us

society

Bribe-Taking Policemen Allegedly Shoot At Couple, Kill Wife

Published

9 years ago

on

Police officers attached to the Isheri Osun Police Division in Lagos state have been accused of shooting at a tricycle driver Godwin Ekpo and his family, killing his breastfeeding wife Idongesit.
This incident allegedly happened as the family was returning from a church programme on Wednesday night.
According to Punch, Godwin who is currently in a critical condition at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, was on his way home from church when he met a team of police officers allegedly extorting tricycle riders who passed through Obalagbe bus stop.
In a bid to avoid them, Godwin attempted to speed past them. This got the police officers angry and one of them, a police corporal identified as Aremu Musesiu, opened fire at his tricycle with the bullet shattering his car, killing his wife who was breastfeeding their 3 month old baby at the time of the incident.
The bullet also pierced through Godwin’s neck as he turned to look at his wife and his child.
Seeing that they have caused a problem, the police officers fled the scene of the incident.
Narrating what happened, a tricycle driver, Henry Chibuzor, said “I was going home around 10pm when I saw the eight-man team asking me to stop at a checkpoint.
I was there with four other tricycle drivers. The man was coming from church with his family.
As he got to the junction, he swerved and his tricycle mistakenly brushed their patrol van. A policeman hit the tricycle’s windscreen with a baton and damaged it.
The second policeman fired a bullet which hit the woman in the neck, came out from the other side, and hit her husband too.”
He said the policemen collected N5,000 from him and also extorted money from other tricycle drivers.
Another witness, Kabiru Olaoye, while narrating what happened, said the residents quickly formed a crowd at the scene and prevented the policemen from leaving.
He added that the cops called for reinforcement, adding that officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and policemen from surrounding divisions arrived at the scene and rescued the killer-cops.
Tricycle drivers in the community yesterday staged a protest over the attack on the couple. The protesters held placards, some of which read, ‘Isheri Police, your generation will suffer,’ ‘Stop killing us,’ among others.
The protest train went to the Isheri Osun Police Station, where they met a team of armed policemen in more than six vans.
An Armoured Personnel Carrier was also mounted on the road to the station. The Financial Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Lagos State branch, Chinanzor Ifechiga, who led the protest, was brutalised and her telephone seized by the Divisional Police Officer as she was accused of filming the protest and taking pictures.
She was manhandled by eight policemen, who struggled to take the phone from her on the order of the DPO.
“The DPO said I was one of them (the police) and I should not join the protesters. Because I refused, he said I should release my phone to him.
He said he would disgrace me before everybody. He pointed a gun at me and the crowd dared him to shoot.
He then ordered eight policemen to beat me up because I refused to give him my phone. He humiliated me before the protesters.
But I am determined to get justice for the couple; and I want my phone back.”she said
Commenting on the incident, the Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the police officer who fired the shot that killed Mrs Ekpo have been arrested while the DPO of Isheri Osun had also been issued a query for disobeying the Inspector General of Police’s instruction.
Meanwhile the corpse of Mrs Ekpo has been deposited at a mortuary while the children of the couple are with the police where they being catered for.

source: The Punch

Related Topics:

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

news

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

Published

1 hour ago

on

December 21, 2024

By

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

 

 

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

 

 

In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.

 

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

 

Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.

 

 

 

“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”

 

 

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”

 

 

 

Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.

 

 

 

As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.

 

 

 

In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.

 

 

 

As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Continue Reading

society

OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 21, 2024

By

OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has successfully trained over 15,000 artisans and traders as part of its ongoing skills development initiative under the Ogun State Skills Fund (OSF).
This was disclosed by the Skills Development Specialist, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He revealed that the training program recorded 6,605 participants in Vocational/ICT skills, 4,989 in Entrepreneurship, and 5,288 in Functional Literacy Training.
Engr. Fatoki explained that the OSF training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their income and businesses. “So far, over 4,000 beneficiaries have completed their training in the first batch, while the second batch is currently underway across various trades. The third phase will target market women, artisans, and traders, bringing the initiative closer to grassroots communities,” he stated.
He encouraged artisans, market women, and traders to register for the ongoing third batch of the training by visiting www.osf.ogunstate.gov.ng. He assured that the program focuses on demand-driven skills and operates at various training centers across the state.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to the program’s success, Engr. Fatoki reassured stakeholders that the initiative is non-partisan and designed solely for the benefit of market women, artisans, and traders.
In response, representatives of various groups expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative and pledged to mobilize their members to take part in the training.
Speaking earlier, the Project Gender Specialist, Mrs. Ewajesu, highlighted the program’s goal of empowering artisans and traders with critical skills to thrive in today’s competitive economic landscape. She explained that the training also improves participants’ literacy and business management capabilities, enhancing productivity and strengthening the state’s economy.
Mrs. Ewajesu urged participants to make the most of the opportunity, noting that the skills acquired would position them for greater success in their respective trades.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba Traders’ Associations, who expressed optimism about the program’s positive impact on their communities.

Continue Reading

society

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Published

13 hours ago

on

December 21, 2024

By

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

 

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred when over 7,500 participants, far exceeding the expected 5,000, rushed to gain entry to the event.

The funfair was reportedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.

Naomi, who was arrested alongside Hamzat, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical attention. A senior hospital staff member confirmed the development, stating, “Both of them are currently at the hospital. The police have secured the premises, and no further details can be disclosed.”

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso. A police source revealed that the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the case, stating, “For further details, you’ll need to contact Abuja.”

Victims and Medical Response

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission. He added that some casualties were brought in dead and that the Oyo State Government is covering all medical expenses.

At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, five fatalities were reported, though none of the bodies were taken to the hospital’s mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the death toll.

Government and Public Reactions

In response, the Oyo State Government mandated strict safety measures for all public events, especially those involving children and the elderly. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Dotun Oyelade, warned event organisers of severe penalties for compromising public safety.

Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the tragedy as “painful and preventable,” announced the cancellation of his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims. “There will be no birthday celebration this year. I will remain indoors to reflect,” the governor stated while receiving a condolence delegation from the South-East PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Condolences from PDP and Fayemi

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its condolences to the Oyo State Government and families of the victims. PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati attributed the tragedy to economic hardships, which he said pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended his sympathies, urging authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues, as authorities work to uncover the causes of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

RSS Africa-Newsroom

RSS APO Group – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa

Trending