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Crisis Rocks BBA Again: Thugs Backed By Heavily Armed Police Detachment Invades Market By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

5 months ago

November 23, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Crisis Rocks BBA Again: Thugs Backed By Heavily Armed Police Detachment Invades Market

By Ifeoma Ikem

Crisis rocked the popular Multi Billion Naira Balogun Business Association,BBA, International Market, located at the Trade Fair International Complex Lagos State, as thugs allegedly loyal to a faction but accompanied by heavily armed police officers, Invaded the Market by 3am in the morning, to enforce a questionable court Judgement forcefully foisting Chief Oscar Odogwu, as new President of the market.

Our Correspondent learnt that the Traders are protesting, even as Market Caretaker Committee Leadership Vows To throw out the Illegal Government.

Some of the Traders at the crisis ridden Balogun Business Association International Market, BBA, said that Lagos State have condemned the wee hours invasion, property destruction, colossal damages to sections of the market and wounding of market security officers by armed thugs, who were said to have been backed by heavily armed police team .

Saharaweekly reporter who visited the market around 11 am yesterday, reported that the visibly angry, obviously shaken and traumatized traders,vowed to resist the new but unpopular Chief Oscar Odogwu’s led leadership, which they said was unlawful foisted on them by the invaders on Wednesday, November 22nd , 2023.

They however commended the rare high level of maturity,civilization,Safety consciousness and law abiding attitude exhibited by the legitimate Care taker committee of BBA, led by Hon. Chief Anselem Duru,during the Wednesday 3am unlawful invasion and forceful take of the market leadership and Secretariat by Oscar Odogwu and Alex Obi – Odunukwe’s Thugs and police,who allegedly invaded the market to foist an illegal market leadership.

Speaking, one of the visibly Angry traders, Chief Polycarp Nwankwo, “the refusal by Hon. Duru Led ICC to resort to self help and confrontation with thugs, but resigned to rule of law, was the saving grace that avoided Imminent Bloodbath,Possible Breakdown Of Law And Order, As Heavily Armed thugs backed by Police Officers Besiege BBA Lagos Market Complex to Enforce Controversial court Order”

Our investigation revealed that thousands of angry Traders at the Multi billion Naira BBA International market, located at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, along the Lagos/Badagry Expressway, Lagos, were vexed over the forceful foisting of what they described as a new unwarranted and unwanted leadership on them .

They also condemned the alleged manhandling of the legitimate Chief Security Officer, CSO of the market,Chief Chinaedu Ezebuadi and his security colleagues, who were said to have been brutally beaten by the invaders,who stormed the market by 3am, early Wednesday morning using hired thugs , accompanied by a detachment of heavily armed Police officers, suspected to be from the State Command, whose mission they said was to Unlawfully foist a new leadership in the crisis ridden market.

According to our Correspondent ,there are palpable fears, with tension running high,as some breakaway members of the Association led by one Chief Oscar Odogwu, allegedly backed by over 300 armed police officers , “on a mission to enforce a dubious and questionable court order , in a very dangerous attempt to foist an unknown and unrecognized members of the Association on the teeming traders in the market, in contravention of subsisting orders and decisions of the Federal High Court”.

The traders are envisaging a total breakdown of Law and Order, if due process and rule of law that has been truncated, is not restored immediately,which they fear may lead to bloodbath, as it had once happened in the same market years ago.

They therefore called on the Inspector General of the Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and call the Lagos State Police Command to order.

Speaking, the legally recognized Caretaker Committee CTC, led by Honourable Anselm Dunu and the Secretary, Chief Leonard Ogbonnia, had Stated in an interview that the new phase of the crisis that had been rocking the market association started after Chief Okey Ezeibe allegedly took some of his loyalists to an obscure area outside the market and Conducted an illegal election in which unpopular and unrecognized persons, including Chief Oscar Odogwu,were purportedly elected as leaders of the association to the chagrin of other members who felt the reign of Chief Ezeibe as President and Board of Trustee, BOT Chairman, had lapsed and therefore, conducting an election outside the market runs contrary to their Constitution.

“It was this kangaroo and unlawful election in a hotel outside our market,that Oscar Odogwu and his co- travellers , used in initiating a court proceedings against individuals. For record purposes and emphasis, Odogwu’s court case was not with our organization called BBA , not with the caretaker committee.

The deceived the court, the police,collected illegal Judgement with which they came to our market by 3am in the morning , broke into the security office, destroying things, manhandling our security personnel and Unlawfully took over leadership of the market .How can police Officers invade a market at the wee hours of the day, when market had long closed to enforce a questionable court Order . IGP Kayode Egbetokun, The Judiciary,Federal and State governments, should urgently intervene, so as to restore the democratic Hope of common man and our genuine traders”, The oldest Member, BBA Board Of Trustees, BOT, Chief Nick Okeke, lamented.

Meanwhile, Chief leonard Ogbonnia, frowned at what he described as Odogwu’s group deception and love for illegalities, “considering that just on Monday all parties in several Federal High Court cases, including this invaders, were in court for peaceful settlement and resolutions of cases and issues in the market “

According to a press release signed by Hon. Dunu and Chief Ogbonnia, despatched to our Correspondent, titled: “THE EVENTS AT BBA/ICC TODAY, WEDNESDAY, 22ND NOVEMBER,

2023″, it reads:

“Greetings beloved and greet fellow members of BBA/ICC.

The Caretaker Committee of BBA uses this opportunity to address you on the

regrettable and ridiculous events of today, Wednesday, 22nd of November,

2023 when the duo of Mr. Alex Obi-Odunukwe and Mr. Oscar Odogwu broke

into the hallowed grounds of our Shopping Complex under the flag and color of

enforcing an alleged order or judgment of court.”

“It is imperative that you, resourceful and glorious members of Balogun Business

Association, hold very closely to your noble hearts the very vital information

that the purported judgment under which cover Mr. Alex Obi-Odunukwe and

Mr. Oscar Odogwu invaded the sacred grounds of our complex is one they

fraudulently contrived and invoked in a stale and illegitimate lawsuit in which

neither our dear Association, Balogun Business Association, nor members of this

Caretaker Committee are parties.”

“In other words, Balogun Business Association, either in its plain name or in its

capacity as a body corporate and registered Association, is not a party to the

suit.

And neither this incumbent Caretaker Committee No any of its members are

parties to this abusive and contemptuous lawsuit.”

Mr. Alex Obi-Odunukwe and Mr. Oscar Odogwu, consumed and propelled by a

combustible mix of inordinate ambition and desperation have done the

unthinkable by brazenly deceiving, misinforming and manipulating both the

Court and the Nigeria Police Force to levy execution of a purported judgment

against Balogun Business Association, the Caretaker Committee of the

Association and members of the Caretaker Committee of the Association who

are not parties to their contemptuous lawsuit!”

“And to make matters worse for these two desperado and their confederates

who claim to have been “elected” as members of a phantom “executive council”

of their own imagination at an hotel in Mile 2, Lagos, their illegitimate lawsuit

was wangled by them and unleashed on the Court AFTER the Federal High Court

had specifically in Suit No.”

FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021(Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & Others versus Inspector General of Police &

Others) and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021(Incorporated Trustees of Balogun

Business Association & Others versus Corporate Affairs Commission & Others)

made orders, decisions and pronouncements which effectively invalidated and

nullified the comedy of errors that masqueraded as “elections” at Villa Park

Hotel!The above two suits and the orders, decisions and pronouncements made by

the Federal High Court predated the now infamous and contemptuous lawsuit

of Mr. Oscar Odogwu, Mr. Alex Obi-Odunukwe and their confederates, and the

orders, decisions and pronouncements of the Federal High Court in the above

two cases(Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021)

are still subsisting!”

“In fact the two suits came up before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday,

20th of November, 2023 and have been further adjourned by the Court to the

19th of December, 2023!

In the circumstances, we hereby advise our beloved members, stakeholders,

affiliates and esteemed customers to remain calm and law-abiding while this

Caretaker Committee, in exercise of its lawful management and administration

of the Association and the ICC, attends to the toxic and noxious shenanigans of

these fifth columnists who by all indications are mere scouts for some ambitious

predators that have in recent times set their sights on the ICC and the Association under various covers, including false environmental and sanitation concerns.”

“The Association and this incumbent Caretaker Committee is backed and

sustained not only by the subsisting orders, decisions of the Federal High Court

in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021, but by

subsisting judgments of the Federal High.

Crisis Rocks BBA Again: Thugs Backed By Heavily Armed Police Detachment Invades Market

By Ifeoma Ikem

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FRN V. Ali Bello & 3 Ors: Court adjourns to May 27 for continuation of hearing

Published

12 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Panic As The Cardoso Family Takes Possession Of Lagos Land With 300 Houses

FRN V. Ali Bello & 3 Ors: Court adjourns to May 27 for continuation of hearing

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned further hearing in the alleged money laundering charges against Ali Bello and three others to May 27, 2024.

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The Judge, on Thursday, adjourned the trial following the conclusion of evidence in chief by the second witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Olomotane Egoro.

The adjournment was to allow counsel to Ali Bello, Abubakar Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, to cross examine the witness in his testimony against the defendants.

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At Thursday’s proceedings, in the suit marked: ABJ/CR/573/2022 (FRN Vs. Ali Bello and 3 others), Egoro, a Staff of Access Bank, tendered Bank Statements of Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise and Ari Consulting and Integrated Limited and testified of cash lodgements into the accounts from 14 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The witness, who did not state the purpose for which the monies were transferred into the accounts, also testified as to withdrawals from the said accounts.

The lodgements and withdrawals were said to have been made from between 2017 and 2022.

At the end of the Witness’ testimony, Counsel to the 1st Defendant, Ali Bello (A. M. Aliyu SAN) prayed the Court for an adjournment to enable him cross examine the Witness. By agreement of Counsel, the matter was adjourned.

Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, appeared for the Prosecution.

Nureini Jimoh SAN appeared for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants.

Ali Bello and three others are facing trial on an alleged N3 billion fraud charge brought against them by the EFCC.

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STANDARD PROFILE OF BOMA FEMI JULIUS BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

Published

12 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

STANDARD PROFILE OF BOMA FEMI JULIUS

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

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Boma Femi Julius is one individual who has stood out in the dynamic and demanding realm of drilling and well engineering. With a robust educational background and extensive professional experience, Julius stands as a paragon of expertise and innovation in the field. His journey from Nigeria to international acclaim is a testament to his dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

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Education and Skill Set

Julius’ academic foundation is as solid as the wells he helps to engineer. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer and Textile Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, in 2001. Building upon this foundation, he pursued further studies, obtaining a Mini MBA in Business Administration and Management from the Tekedia Institute in 2020. His crowning achievement came with the completion of a Master of Science in Drilling and Well Engineering from the prestigious Robert Gordon University in 2021.

Armed with this impressive academic arsenal, Julius possesses a diverse array of skills that set him apart in his field. As a drilling engineer and drilling fluids specialist, he combines technical acumen with practical experience to tackle even the most challenging drilling environments. Additionally, his expertise extends to the realm of martial arts, where he serves as a karate coach, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to both professional and personal development.

Professional Experience

Julius’ professional journey is marked by a series of notable accomplishments and contributions to the industry. He has held key roles at leading companies such as Schlumberger Gabon, Baker Hughes GE Saudi Arabia, and Sterling Global Oil Resources, among others.

At Schlumberger Gabon, Julius serves as the Lead Drilling Fluids Consultant, providing invaluable technical guidance and support to Assala Oil Company in navigating complex drilling operations. His role involves supervising all aspects of drilling fluids management, from backloading cuttings waste to ensuring adherence to HSE guidelines.

Julius’ tenure at Baker Hughes GE Saudi Arabia was equally impactful, where he led drilling fluids operations to meet the rigorous standards of Saudi Aramco’s offshore operations. His expertise in hole cleaning simulation and quality assurance helped to optimize drilling performance while upholding the highest safety standards.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Globat Oil and Gas Skills/Mud School, Julius demonstrates his commitment to knowledge dissemination and professional development. Through training programs tailored to industry professionals at all levels, he shares his wealth of experience and expertise, shaping the next generation of drilling engineers and supervisors.

Contributions and Achievements

Julius’ contributions to the field extend beyond his professional roles, encompassing innovative problem-solving, environmental stewardship, and technological advancement. His meticulous approach to mud operations and inventory management has led to significant cost savings and improved drilling efficiency.

Notably, Julius has played a pivotal role in the successful drilling and completion of numerous high-profile projects, including those in H2S fields, HPHT wells, and deep offshore environments. His expertise in mud program development and application of cutting-edge technologies has been instrumental in overcoming complex drilling challenges and achieving operational excellence.

Professional Affiliations and Accolades

Julius is an active member of esteemed professional organizations, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Energy Institute. His contributions to the industry have been recognized through various accolades and certifications, underscoring his status as a respected leader and authority in drilling and well engineering. Julius stands among the Amazon 20 best-performing CEOs in corporate Nigeria and ranks among the top 10 notable leaders in the country’s corporate sector.

Additional accolades

His professionalism has been recognized with awards from various organizations, including:

10th West Africa Brands Excellence Awards 2021, bestowed by The Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria, for being West Africa’s Best Oil & Gas Training School of the Year 2021.

Positioning of Globat Oil & Gas Skills as one of the best managed businesses in Nigeria’s private sector 2021, recognized by Guardian Newspaper Limited.

Inclusion among the 100 Most Innovative CEOs for the year 2020 by Africa Oil and Gas Brands Awards 2020, presented by The African Brands Magazine.

Acknowledgment as Africa’s Most Innovative Oil and Gas Training Centre of the Year 2020, honored by Vanguard for Developing Careers in the Oil and Gas Sector.

Recognition as one of Vanguard’s Top 40 Best CEOs 2019, awarded by Vanguard Newspaper Limited.

Conclusion

In Boma Femi Julius, the industry finds not only a consummate professional but also a visionary leader and mentor. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his passion for innovation and knowledge sharing, continues to shape the landscape of drilling and well engineering, inspiring others to reach greater heights in their own endeavors. As the industry evolves and challenges emerge, Julius stands ready to lead the way, leaving an indelible mark on the world of oil and gas exploration and production.

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LASRRA Eases Registration with New Centre at Blue Line Rail Terminal

Published

16 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

LASRRA Eases Registration with New Centre at Blue Line Rail Terminal

…Highlights Benefits of LAG-ID Card

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The Lagos State Residents’ Registration Agency (LASRRA) has taken a significant step towards improving its database by launching a registration centre at the Blue Line Rail Terminal.

The event, which occurred at Marina, Lagos Station, on Thursday, seeks to encourage commuters who reside in Lagos State and use the corridor daily to register and validate their information with LASRRA.

The General Manager of LASRRA, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, expressed the agency’s commitment to providing convenient registration facilities for residents. Currently, LASRRA operates 62 registration outlets across the five divisions of Lagos. However, the agency plans to establish more centres to cater to the teeming population of the largest city in West Africa.

She highlighted the importance of bringing the registration process closer to residents, particularly those with busy schedules.

“By setting up centres at strategic locations like the Blue Line Terminal, LASRRA aims to ensure that all residents can fulfill their civic responsibility of registering with the agency.

“Similar registration centres will be established at other terminals across the state in the near future. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that no resident is left behind. The benefits of the LAG-ID Card, the end product of the registration process are enormous.

“Besides serving as a legitimate form of identification, the LAG-ID Card offers multifaceted usage. To check the status of their cards, registered individuals can simply dial the short USSD code *347*641#.

“It is important to note that the registration process is not complete until individuals collect their printed LAG-ID Card and receive a notification on their registered phone number for pick-up,” she noted.

The highlight of the event was when participants had the opportunity to use their LAG-ID Cards to board the train and experience a ride from Marina to Mile 2. This symbolic gesture showcased the seamless integration of the LAG-ID Card with public transportation and further emphasized the importance of registration for all residents.

She emphasized that LASRRA remains committed to its mission of capturing the information and biometrics of Lagos State residents to provide better services and meet their needs, and the launch of the registration centre at the Blue Line Rail Terminal is a significant step towards achieving this goal and ensuring the inclusivity of all residents in the state’s development plans.