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Nigerian Navy Accused Of Aiding Land-grabbing, Terrorism In Ogun Village

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As you read this, a 12-month old infant forcefully taken from her mother is yet to be found, dead or alive, several months after she was snapped from the mother, Lateefat Adenekan who recently visited Fowowawo village, near Magbon Etido, in Obafemi Owode Local Government area of Ogun State. She had innocently travelled to see her kinsmen without prior knowledge of land-grabbers invasion of the hitherto peaceful village.
One Sufi Taiwo Ogunleye with the backings of some naval officers he contracted have allegedly continued to unleash terror on the villagers as they extort locals and grab their lands at will, even when there is an existing court judgment against that.
According to the Baale, Chief Waheed Muraino, who himself has been forced on self-exile, the naval officers have refused to vacate Fowowawo while they continued extorting innocent villagers, torturing those who are not ready to comply by their directives. He said some villagers have been maimed as a result of the torture while some others have been extra-judicially killed.
He said: “The kidnap and disappearance of Lateefat Adenekan’s 12-month old baby is not the only evil that the uniformed men and those who brought them to our village have visited on our people. Lateefat’s uncle, Nurudeen Adenakan who confronted them, was not only maimed but was eventually killed.”
Chief Muraino said trouble started in 2015 when the Ogun state high court under Hon. Justice Akinyemi ruled in favour of the Olasile family as the rightful owners of the land making up the Fowowawo village near Magbon Etido against the defendants, the Ogunleye’s family represented by Sufi Taiwo Ogunleye, labi Ogunleye and Ayinde Ogunleye. The case had lingered in court since 2009 before the judgment of 2015, -a six year period.
According to Chief Muraino, “Since that judgment, the Ogunleye Family has not allowed us rest in the village. Sufi Taiwo Ogunleye has not ceased wagging war against the entire villagers. It was during one of the invasions that they kidnapped the 12-months old baby that has not been found till date. That abduction led to the continued torture of one Nurudeen Adenekan by the armed officers with all sorts of chemical which eventually led to his death in November 2020 at the Olabisi Onabanjo University teaching Hospital [Muraino brandished the death certificate]. This is the death certificate issued. Nurudeen was the uncle of the mother whose baby was stolen.
“Since January this year, Sufi Taiwo Ogunleye has continually led some naval officers into the village, starting from the 5th or 6th January 2021. We reported at Elewe-Iran police command but it appears like the police were overwhelmed with the involvement of the naval officers, although they tried their best.
“Later, we approached 174 Battalion in Odogunyan (as the one in charge of Berger to Shagamu) thinking the uniformed men were men of the army, but on coming around, they discovered they were naval men. That was when we petitioned the naval base in Apapa reporting the matter and seeking their intervention but they told us the men were only sent to secure pipelines in Arepo but we all know that Fowawawo is far from Arepo.
“They have seized more than 10-acres of farmland and they keep excavating sand to sell just as they never stopped extorting motorists. All efforts to seek an intervention have not yielded desired result.
“For instance, last month or thereabout, one of our brothers, Michael Sotinoye and three others were arbitrarily arrested at around 12 am led by naval Officer, Albert Abraham as assisted by Taiwo Sufi Ogunleye. The boys spent more than 12 days in their captivity as they were locked inside a container. As I am talking to you, Michael Sotinoye is still at the hospital.
“Albert Abraham led other naval officers and Sufi Ogunleye to forcefully grab about two acres of land from a farmer, Seyi Sodipo who had legally bought the land from the Agbeje family with all documentations intact. The uniformed men invaded the farmland with rifles and caterpillar to take two acres from the five acres he used for farmland. Two weeks after, they returned to take the remaining three acres.

“I as the Baale have not been spared. They are also threatening to deal with me for asking questions and insisting that the court judgment be respected.” Chief Muraino told our correspondent, adding that they have written petitions to the Senate, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministry of Defence, Headquarters of the Nigerian Navy, office of the Chief of Naval Staff, among others, but the actions have yielded little or no result.

Efforts to speak with the Ogun state naval commandant Ofem Ubi, under whose purview Obafemi Owode falls, did not yield a result as he immediately cut the call as soon he was told the caller was a Journalist. For Officer Albert Abraham, he initially rejected the call and ignored a message sent to his phone but later promised to speak with our correspondent later via a text message. Up till the time of filing this report, he has not called back and has not been picking his calls.

PS: (for the editor/ publisher)
If you need more editorial information, please call 08055441309 or 09090870065.
Albert Abraham (08059630179)
Commandant Ufem Ubi (08037033711)

 

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In Search of Justice: Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu’s Plea for Recognition and Dignity

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In a world where the bonds of love and faith should transcend earthly judgments, Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu finds herself battling not only for justice but for the affirmation of her dignity and place within her late husband’s legacy.

Alhaja Enitanwa, the widow of renowned business mogul Lanre Shittu, faces an overwhelming injustice as she appeals a ruling by the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court. This court dismissed her case by claiming it lacked the jurisdiction to do so.

This judgment, for Alhaja Enitanwa, represents a painful contradiction. The Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court had been specially designated to hear cases rooted in Islamic law—a foundation of faith and tradition that defined her marriage to her beloved husband. How, then, can this same court deny its duty to preside over the case she brings forward, a case so deeply tied to her faith and rightful place within her family?

At the heart of her appeal is a plea for recognition, not only for herself but for every Muslim woman whose rights are meant to be upheld by the legal protections guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. Her counsel, Barrister Kayode Ademiluyi, stresses that this Constitution embraces Sharia law as a personal and protected path for Muslims, enshrining the rights of individuals like Alhaja Enitanwa to have their marital bonds honored by the law.

The Customary Court Law of Lagos State further cements these rights. By law, designated courts are empowered to adjudicate in matters of Islamic law—marriage, divorce, and family bonds. Yet, for reasons unknown, the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court has chosen to ignore this mandate, casting aside the deeply personal matter Alhaja Enitanwa brought to its doors.

She seeks more than validation; she seeks justice. For Alhaja Enitanwa, this appeal is an urgent call for the court to correct a decision that, in its oversight, has left her in limbo, questioning the very foundations of her marriage and her place within a family she holds dear.

Her appeal will journey through the Customary Court of Appeal, a court of immense authority, with the power to oversee customary law matters. Here, the court will have the solemn duty to interpret her case in the spirit of fairness, upholding the principles of religious and personal freedoms granted under Nigerian law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s case is not just about her suffering but about restoring the dignity of every Muslim woman who looks to the law to honour her faith and protect her rights.

Let us remember that at the heart of this case lies a woman—a mother, a widow—whose only desire is to protect the bond she shared with her late husband and to honour the life they built together under Islamic law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s struggle resonates far beyond her plight; it is a struggle for justice, for the rights of Muslim women, and for the values enshrined in the law.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

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Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Edutainment guru and Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa, Tayo Folorunsho (Teeflo), is set to launch his highly anticipated book, The Campus CEO, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

 

 

The Campus CEO is a comprehensive guide for aspiring student entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship. Drawing from Folorunsho’s extensive decade-long experience working with various talents and luxury brands, the book offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies for success. The launch event will not only celebrate the release of this essential guide but also serve as a platform to recognize and honor his dedication and commitment to student eentrepreneursacross Nigeria.

 

Folorunsho, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, has made significant contributions to the education and entertainment/creative industries. His initiatives have empowered numerous students from selected higher institutions with knowledge, skills, and platforms, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

 

The Campus CEO promises to be an indispensable resource for any student entrepreneur seeking to make their mark. Packed with real-world examples and expert guidance, it is poised to become the go-to guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

 

Tayo Folorunsho has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and creativity within the Nigerian education and entertainment sectors. His work has profoundly impacted countless students, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of business.

 

The launch event will also feature a Celebration of Life, a book presentation, and a project unveiling, highlighting Folorunsho’s ongoing commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and his latest endeavors to further support student-led innovation and growth.

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Investigation: How Unhygienic State Of Oko Oba Abbatoir Poses Health Hazards To Lagosians

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Time was when the Oko Oba Abbatoir was the cynosure of all eyes.

The professionalism and neatness depicted by the Butchers and the distribution Unit of the Abbatoir was applauded by all.

Conveying the neatly packed Meats in an enclosed Van called ‘Eko Meat Van’ to various locations saw the Lagos State Government receiving accolades from opposition Parties, Lagosians alike for the initiative.

Years down the line, the once celebrated initiative has become a shadow of itself.

For a first timer visiting the Oko Oba Abbatoir, what greets the person is an offensive odour oozing from the Canals that passes behind the Abbatoir.

The stench is very strong. It fouls the air. It often even triggers breathing discomforts in people not used to such a sudden and unpleasant odour.

The drainage at the entrance of the facility is filthy. It is a major source of the pungent stench disturbing passersby and visitors to the abattoir.

This however poses health threats to Lagosians who inhale this offensive odour.

Aside the Canals, the environment of the Abbatoir is in a pathetic state, as dirt litters the environment with bloods of the butchered Cows stagnated at some potholes in the Abbatoir.

This is however unhygienic to the health of Lagosians who consume the Meats.

The safety of meat processed at Oko-Oba Abattoir, Agege, Lagos, has become a source of concern to beef consumers in the state owing to the unhygienic practices and poor sanitation that characterise meat processing at the facility.

Aside from the dirty drainage, the slaughter slabs where animals are slaughtered are not only dirty but also reek of the foul smell of cow dung as well as that of decomposing animal waste and blood.

The once upgraded processing equipment and units of the Abbatoir have become a shadow of itself.

Experts say poor handling of meat in abattoirs could lead to physical contamination, stressing that a situation where all manner of people accesses the slaughterhouse without check is inappropriate for a place where meat is processed for human consumption.

Investigation reveals that the handlers of the Abattoir are the one causing major problems by not allowing external body or professionals to handle the situation because of their selfish interest.

Moreso, it was also gathered that past administration has also put measures to salvage the situation but all to know avail as the activities of the centre is allegedly run by one family.

The said family is been alleged to be sabotaging the efforts of the Lagos State Government in changing the narratives in this regard, by monopolizing the administration of Abbatoir.

Sources who are in the know of the politicking happening at the Abbatoir that has made it leveraging on its past glory, say that if other Companies are saddled with the responsibilities of maintaining the Abbatoir, there will be drastic changes in the affairs of the Abbatoir, that will be a far cry from its present state.

It was also gathered that the Sub Concessionaire approved by the Ministry who has certain projects at the Abbatoir is allegedly been frustrated by the Main Concessionaire in connivance with the Commissioner.

This has further added to the pathetic situation of the Abbatoir.

Investigation also revealed that there are Shanties at the Abbatoir where some people allegedly live and pay rent to certain individuals at the Abbatoir.

This poses Security threat to the Abbatoir and residents around the Abbatoir, at a time when the economic fortunes of the nation has dwindled.

Sources revealed that the Abbatoir is porous, which exposes the State to impending danger that needs to be urgently addressed before it escalates.

No doubt, the present state of the Abbatoir is a far cry from what the Abbatoir was known for years back, leading to the call on the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu led administration, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and the Ministry Of Agriculture to wade into this issue and earnestly address the worrisome and abysmal state of the Oko Oba Abbatoir, no matter who ox is gored.

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