society

Nigerian Army Major Allegedly Storm Car Dealers Shop With Troops Brutalised Civilians By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

4 years ago

February 3, 2021

2022: CELEBRATING THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AMID SECURITY CHALLENGES

A Major in the Nigerian Military, Ahmed Dirisu, has reportedly brutalised some civilians who deals in cars in the quest to regain his funds over failed business

The officer, it was gathered, impounded two vehicles (a Toyota Camry 2003 and 2005) and some valuable items to the Military Cantonment in Ojo, a surburb of Lagos State.

The incident happened at Mebamu Vehicle Dealers Market in Ojo, where Major Dirisu allegedly dislodged the traders, carted away two fairly used Toyota Camry cars, including vehicle keys and took them to Ojo Barracks.

Saharaweekly correspondent learnt that after seizing those items, the dealers, Ephraim Uzezi, Larry Kelechi, Rukeme George and customers who were there to purchase a car were not spared as the Major reportedly assaulted and detained them for hours in their barracks.

It was also gathered that since the incident took place on 18th January, 2021, the victims were said to have made every effort to recover the vehicles but to no avail.

The victims, who said their lives were being threatened and went into hiding, therefore called on the authorities to wade into the matter before it degenerates further, and save them.

According to investigation, Major Dirisu took the decision over a failed business between him and his classmate, Mr Festus Omuokor, who is said to be a car dealer in the market, for not remitting the money of transaction worth N1.5million.

Omuokor claimed he was a dealer in the market, but unfornately he was just a salesperson who sought buyers for the car owners.

Following the refusal of the Military authority to order the release of the seized cars and other items, the owners have written a petition to the AIG Zone 2 Onikan, Lagos, seeking his intervention to prevail on Major Dirisu to release the items.

In a petition dated 25th January, to the AIG through the Chambers of Lawsuits & Action, located at Ajao Estate, signed by Barrister D. M. Anyama, they asked for the AIG to intervene in the matter.

The petition stated that the clients’ vehicles parked at Adeola Street, Signboard Bus-stop, Kilometre 22, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, were impounded by a group of soldiers on the directive of Major Dirisu of the Army Military Cantonment. And they unlawfully seized the vehicles including car keys belonging to other vehicles displayed for sale.

It stated that the clients revealed that Major Dirisu had a business transaction with one Festus Omuokor and the deal went bad and Dirisu could not recover his money from him. It further stated that Omuokor does not own any of the seized vehicles and keys to other vehicles seized by Major Dirisu, nor does the employees to the clients involved.

It noted that the impounded vehicles and items do not belong to the clients but were in their care for sales by the owners, who are now terrorizing them.

“Our clients are helpless and attempts to reach out to Major Dirisu resulted in threats to their lives as when Major Dirisu were impounding their vehicles, he brought out his service pistol and threatened to shoot the owners of the vehicles.

“They are appealing to the Military authority, other security agencies to come to their aid because of the situation they found themselves as Major Dirisu insisted that the owners of the items should bring his money before he would release the items, which do not belong to Festus Omuokor.” victims said

It was also gathered that the person involved in the transaction with Dirisu Mr. Omuokor, has been arrested by the police to be handed over to the Major. But the Major has refused to appear, insisting that all he wants is his money from the innocent traders, nothing else.

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Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: ‘End Poverty, Save Lives'”

Published

15 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: 'End Poverty, Save Lives'"

NASRE Demands Action as Food Stampede Tragedies Expose Systemic Failures”

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has condemned the rising death toll from food queue stampedes, which claimed 67 lives across Nigeria in just four days, labeling it a “heartbreaking reflection of systemic failures.”

In a statement on Monday, NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, described the tragedies as a grim consequence of worsening poverty and the government’s inability to protect its citizens.

The group first mourned the victims of a December 18 stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, where 35 children tragically lost their lives.

“This horrific incident highlights the dire need for better planning and safety measures at public events, especially those involving children,” Owodunni stated.

NASRE also expressed sorrow over the deaths of 10 people, including children, during a food aid distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja. Offering condolences to affected families, the group described the incident as a “wake-up call for the nation’s conscience.”

The association further decried the fatal stampede at a rice distribution event in Anambra that killed 22 people and injured 32 others, calling for immediate reforms in the management of relief efforts.

“These tragedies paint a grim picture of a nation plagued by poverty and failing social support systems. Acts of charity should not lead to preventable deaths. The government must revamp its approach to palliative distribution to prioritize safety and dignity,” Owodunni emphasized.

NASRE stressed that the root cause of such tragedies is deep-seated poverty and urged the government and private organizations to implement sustainable solutions.

“No Nigerian should lose their life in the pursuit of food or assistance. This is a national disgrace and a call to action for all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” the statement concluded

society

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command has left his family and the local community in shock, with accusations of police brutality emerging after the man’s tragic passing.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested on Friday, December 20, following a petition filed by his employer over an unpaid debt of N220,000. His family has accused police officers of torturing him to death while in custody, a claim that has sparked widespread outrage.

A heartbreaking video surfaced online on Sunday, showing Tunji’s grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of causing his death. In the emotional footage, his mother tearfully cried out, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. His name was Kadri. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

In response to the allegations, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement confirming the incident. The police spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that Tunji had been invited by the police on charges of obtaining money by “false pretence” and confirmed that an investigation had already begun to determine the cause of death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh AbdulQodir, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read. “The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000. Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

The case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the third time in under five months that the Kwara State Police have been implicated in the death of a suspect. Earlier this year, police officers were accused of causing the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, and Kwara State Polytechnic student Ishola Abdulqoyum, who was allegedly fatally shot by officers in September.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into Tunji’s death. The IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reassured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.

During a meeting with the family on Sunday, the IGP said, “The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The case has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kwara, as the region grapples with rising incidents of alleged police violence. As the investigation unfolds, the family and the public are closely watching to see if justice will be served.

society

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

At least seven people have died following the crash of a light aircraft in a remote, heavily forested area of Jalisco, western Mexico, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was en route from La Parota in the neighboring state of Michoacan when it went down. Jalisco Civil Protection reported the crash site was in an area difficult to access, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

In a statement on social media, Civil Protection confirmed that “preliminary reports” from the scene indicated that seven people had died. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities are working to confirm further details.

The agency also mentioned that a fire at the crash site was extinguished, and risk mitigation efforts were carried out to prevent additional damage. “We are waiting for forensic investigators to arrive to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of other victims,” the statement added.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information on the incident.