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My Encounter with CSP Umar Balla: A Testament to Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force

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My Encounter with CSP Umar Balla: A Testament to Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force

My Encounter with CSP Umar Balla: A Testament to Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force

 

As a journalist, this marks my first opportunity to write a column focused on the Nigerian police.

My motivation for this piece stems from a recent encounter with Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Umar Balla, a senior officer in the Nigerian police force.

My Encounter with CSP Umar Balla: A Testament to Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force

At the time of writing this, CSP Balla serves as the Divisional Police Officer for the Ketu Police Division, located in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The events unfolded around 11:30 AM on Saturday, January 25th.

As an automobile dealer, I had dispatched my brother, an employee at my dealership, to take one of our cars to the Ladiipo market for repairs. The car, a second-hand vehicle, had previously lost its number plate, to the former owner of the car, leaving us to use our dealership’s number plate, which it certificate, unfortunately had expired last December. Although we had renewed it, my brother had forgotten to bring the updated documentation.

When my brother reached the police checkpoint at Ketu bus stop, he was stopped by officers and asked to present his driver’s license, which he did. However, he was also asked to provide his dealership identity card and certificate. He presented the expired certificate but couldn’t produce his identity card, which he carelessly left in the office before embarking on the journey and this was ultimately used against him.

He called me, and I spoke with the officer who explained the situation. I thanked him for his diligence, emphasizing that if the vehicle had been stolen, this is how the perpetrators would be caught. I informed him that the certificate had expired and that I could send the renewed copy and my brother’s identity card via WhatsApp. Despite my reasoning, the officer insisted on taking the car to the station.

At the station, after several hours of pleading, the officer directed my brother to return to our office in Ikorodu to retrieve all relevant documents for the car. Fearing dismissal from the company for his oversight, my brother rushed back to Ikorodu. By 5:30 PM, he returned to the station with the necessary papers, only to be told that I needed to be present in person, despite having explained my absence from Lagos.

After leaving the station around 8 PM without the car, I had to inform our potential client that the vehicle would not be available for inspection, attributing it to circumstances beyond our control.

On Sunday, I set aside other commitments and traveled to Lagos to resolve the situation at the police station on Monday morning. Arriving at the Ketu police division at 10:34 AM with my brother, we went directly to the officer’s office, only to find that he was not yet there. Efforts to obtain his contact from other officers were unsuccessful.

After two hours of waiting, I decided to call CSP Umar Balla directly, a man I had never spoken to before. To my surprise, he exhibited remarkable professionalism and integrity. He informed me that he was at Mile 12 for an important meeting but would return to the office shortly.

True to his word, eight minutes later, CSP Balla called me to meet him in his office. Upon my arrival, he promptly instructed his secretary to escort me to the unit where my car was held and ordered its immediate release at no cost. I was taken aback, completely speechless. When I reached for my wallet to express my gratitude, he firmly declined any offer of money, cautioning me never to pay a dime to any officer.

In conclusion, I felt compelled to share this experience to highlight the commendable individuals within the Nigerian police force. It is essential to recognize and celebrate their integrity and professionalism, rather than focusing solely on the negative narratives often associated with law enforcement.
Story by Chief Rahman Niyi Ismail CEO JOURNAL GLOBAL AUTOS LIMITED

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NADECO Chieftain Blasts Babangida: ‘Shameless, Unremorseful Over June 12 Annulment’

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NADECO Chieftain Blasts Babangida: ‘Shameless, Unremorseful Over June 12 Annulment’

NADECO Chieftain Blasts Babangida: ‘Shameless, Unremorseful Over June 12 Annulment’

A chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Ayo Opadokun, has launched a scathing attack on former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), over his recent admission of wrongfully annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Opadokun labeled Babangida’s so-called confession as pretentious, dubious, and devoid of any genuine remorse.

Babangida, in his newly released 420-page autobiography, Journey in Service, acknowledged the annulment of the historic election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola. However, Opadokun dismissed the admission as a desperate attempt at revisionism, accusing the former military ruler of seeking to manipulate history rather than confront his role in one of Nigeria’s darkest political betrayals.

‘Babangida is Dancing on the Graves of Innocent Nigerians’

Speaking on Wednesday, Opadokun did not mince words, condemning Babangida for what he described as shameless posturing and a calculated effort to rewrite history.

“The so-called admission is not only pretentious, but it is also deeply dubious and entirely lacking in remorse. In his 420-page book, General IBB engages primarily in revisionism, obscurism, and escapism. He has not disclosed anything new,” Opadokun declared.

Beyond the annulment itself, the NADECO leader lashed out at Babangida for showing no remorse for the bloodshed and national chaos that followed his decision. He accused the former dictator of “dancing on the graves of innocent martyrs” who died fighting for democracy.

“He is shamelessly dancing on the graves of innocent Nigerians who were killed simply so he, a military dictator, could cling to power and continue looting public funds for himself, his family, and his allies,” Opadokun fumed.

‘June 12 Bloodshed is on Babangida’s Hands’

Recalling the violent aftermath of the election annulment, Opadokun painted a grim picture of military repression, extrajudicial killings, and state-sponsored violence against pro-democracy activists. He pointed to the assassination of Kudirat Abiola, the widow of the acclaimed election winner, as a chilling example of the brutality that followed Babangida’s decision.

“In Ikorodu, when we attempted to bury three young victims, security forces overpowered us. They ordered us to tell the families to retrieve their loved ones’ remains without any ceremony. They even slapped mourners to silence them,” he recounted, emphasizing the merciless crackdown on dissenters.

Opadokun argued that Babangida should be held accountable for treason, given the far-reaching consequences of his actions. He recalled watching an interview with Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), where Nwosu confirmed that collation had been completed and that Abiola had indisputably won the election—even defeating his opponent, Bashir Tofa, in his home state of Kano.

“There is nothing new in what Babangida has said. It was already public knowledge that Abiola won, as polling unit results were displayed up to the state collation centers. Even his former political adviser, Professor Omo Omoruyi, affirmed this in his own book,” Opadokun added.

‘Babangida’s Betrayal Will Never Be Forgiven’

Opadokun went further to blame Nigeria’s stagnation on prolonged military rule, stating that the military’s intervention in politics—beginning with the January 15, 1966 coup—marked the country’s decline.

“The military’s reckless interference has stunted Nigeria’s growth. Their forceful takeover in 1966 arrested our national development and reduced us to nothing,” he lamented.

Rejecting any notion that Babangida’s admission could lead to reconciliation, Opadokun insisted that the former dictator remains morally culpable for the lives lost in the aftermath of June 12.

“Too many lives were lost because of him. Too much blood is on his hands, yet he still pretends to be a statesman,” he said.

Concluding, Opadokun declared that Babangida’s legacy will forever be tainted by the annulment of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, and that his latest remarks were nothing more than a failed attempt to sanitize his image.

“History will not absolve Babangida. He stole democracy from Nigerians and plunged the nation into darkness. No amount of revisionism can change that,” Opadokun asserted.

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African Woman’s Shocking Bride Price Demand Sparks Online Frenzy

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African Woman’s Shocking Bride Price Demand Sparks Online Frenzy

African Woman’s Shocking Bride Price Demand Sparks Online Frenzy

A young African woman has sent social media into a meltdown after revealing the jaw-dropping price a suitor must pay to win her hand in marriage.

In a now-viral TikTok video, the woman confidently laid out her hefty bride price in her native language, while a man in the background translated for global audiences. Her demands? A staggering 200 camels, 200 cows, and 400 goats or sheep—a price tag that has left many netizens in disbelief.

African Woman’s Shocking Bride Price Demand Sparks Online Frenzy

As the clip spread like wildfire, social media erupted with mixed reactions, ranging from shock and amusement to outright criticism.

🔹 GODS GLORY: “What makes her that expensive?”
🔹 Vincentmarko: “Doesn’t make sense. After marriage, you come and live in a thatched house.”
🔹 fxqueenNamibia: “In my country, this one is just for free…😫😩.”
🔹 comment necessary 💞💞: “They are very expensive because they still follow African culture. They don’t copy like us.”
🔹 Ak Gerald khasim 🇺🇬🇧🇭: “And America thinks Africans are poor 😄😄 I pity.”
🔹 pretty_zeeyah: “So can she still divorce the man? If yes… will she return everything or?”
🔹 botul: “Some of you are just jealous you can’t afford her. And the ladies hating are just mad they went for free. 😂😂😂
🔹 diing.1of1: “They’ve never heard of South Sudanese marriages. 😭😂
🔹 princessneema158: “What is she bringing to the table after all this? 🤔

The viral video has reignited debates about traditional African bride prices and whether they reflect cultural pride or excessive demands. While some admire the woman’s boldness in setting her worth, others argue that such exorbitant demands make marriage an impossible financial burden.

What do you think? Is she right to demand such a high bride price, or has she set the bar unrealistically high?

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Experience Divine Encounters at February Open Revival – Hosted by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Oladapo

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Experience Divine Encounters at February Open Revival – Hosted by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Oladapo

 

Sango Ota, Ogun State – In a divine call for unity and spiritual awakening, Oneness in Christ in partnership with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle is set to host a powerful February Open Revival themed “Come and See.” The much-anticipated event will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 20 Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer, Sango, Ogun State.

 

The revival will be hosted by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Oladapo, a revered spiritual leader known for his deep prophetic insights and dedication to the gospel. The event promises to be a life-transforming experience, with guest ministers including Dotvocals and Evangelist Lanre Matthew, who will be ministering through worship and the Word.

 

 

The theme, “Come and See,” is an open invitation to all believers and seekers to experience the power of God in a fresh and personal way. Drawing inspiration from John 1:46, where Philip invited Nathanael to witness Christ for himself, the revival aims to rekindle faith, ignite miracles, and bring spiritual renewal to all attendees.

Speaking about the event, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Oladapo shared,

“God is calling His people to a new level of faith and manifestation. This revival is a divine appointment for healing, breakthroughs, and spiritual empowerment. No one who comes with an open heart will leave the same.”

What to Expect
The February Open Revival will feature:
✅ Anointed Worship led by Dotvocals, setting the atmosphere for divine encounters.
✅ Powerful Teachings and Prophetic Ministration from Evangelist Lanre Matthew and other seasoned ministers.
✅ Healing, Deliverance, and Breakthrough Prayers for individuals and families.

This revival is open to everyone—believers, those seeking answers, and anyone in need of a fresh move of God in their lives. Whether you are longing for a deeper relationship with Christ, healing from afflictions, or direction in life, February Open Revival is your moment to “Come and See” what God is about to do.

Mark your calendars and invite others to join this life-changing experience.

For more information, contact CCC Living Grace Tabernacle or reach out to the event coordinators.

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