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Synagogue’s building : Assistant Commissioner of Police says aircraft flew over it before tumbling down

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An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Alaba Haruna, on Friday told a Lagos High Court that an aircraft flew over Synagogue Church of All Nations building at Ikotun-Egbe, a Lagos suburb,  just before it collapsed on Sept. 12, 2014, killing 116 people.
He said one of his patrol teams observed an aircraft flying low over the church and other buildings in the premises.
Haruna testified before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of an Igbosere High Court on Lagos Island as a defence witness in the trial of the registered trustees of the church and four others.
 The church opened its defence in a one-count charge of building without approval brought against it by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following the dismissal of its no-case submission on March 8, 2016. The other defendants are the two engineers who built the building: Messrs Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun, and their companies, Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Ltd. Apart from the trustees’ one-count charge, the other defendants are facing a 110-count bordering on involuntary manslaughter.
Newsmen report that Haruna, Area Commander of the Eastern Ports Command, Port Harcourt, Rivers, was the Divisional Police Officer at Ikotun-Egbe at the time the building collapsed.
He was led in evidence by the trustees counsel, Mr Oluseye Diyan. Haruna said: “On that fateful day on Sept.12, 2014 at 12.30 p.m., there was a radio communication from the police control room at Ikeja that they were receiving calls from the public of an aircraft flying at low altitude over the church. “I was directed by the Area Command to confirm the incident and monitor the aircraft’s activities. “I wanted to go out and direct my men to watch out for the aircraft when I received another report of an airplane flying at a very low altitude. I went outside but I couldn’t see it, by that time it had gone. “I received a call later from Insp. Lucky Ugbaja, stationed at the church that one of the church’s buildings had collapsed.”
According to him, the radio room had earlier radioed the Police Airport Command to confirm whether it was carrying out any activity in the church vicinity. Haruna said when he arrived at the church’s premises there was a large crowd and the few policemen there were trying to manage the situation. He said onlookers kept trooping in and the crowd spilled to the roads outside the church, causing serious gridlock. “We were overwhelmed,” Haruna told the judge, adding that he called for more policemen and were provided.
 According to him, the floors of the collapsed building were lying one on the other, ” the church members and others at the scene were engaged in rescue operations. “Those I met there were church worshipers; they were bringing out so many people from under the rubble. Most of the victims were alive. Some were injured, some were not. “Later the Red Cross, Life Savers, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) arrived and joined us in the rescue.” He said the rescue mission lasted about seven days.
During cross-examination by the prosecutor, Dr Babajide Martins, Haruna insisted that he could not recall any instance when LASEMA officials or the then Commissioner for Physical Planning, Mr Toyin Ayinde, were prevented by the church members from gaining access to the site of the collapsed building.
 He said:“Apart from the LASEMA GM who said he had a herculean task passing through the crowd, no other had problems passing through. When Martins asked him why he concluded that the rescuers were church members or worshipers, Haruna said: “Commonsense suggests that they were.” Following the prosecution’s application for an adjournment, Justice Lawal-Akapo adjourned further proceedings until June 28. NAN

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa endorses Laffmattazz, says Ondo State is safe for tourism and entertainment

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Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa endorses Laffmattazz, says Ondo State is safe for tourism and entertainment

 

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa has endorsed Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who received Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Nigeria (GCON) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, expressed his endorsement of the show and said the state is happy to host Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends at the FMT Events Center, Ala Quarters, Akure on Thursday, June 12.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa while pulling his weight behind the comedy event, disclosed that Ondo State is a safe haven for tourism and entertainment, thereby promising to work with the organisers to reel out a successful show.

The ‘Sho le’ crooner, Sean Tizzle will lead the repertoire of musical performances including Oyomesi, Abbey Awesome, Lekzido, Ruby, Miko Fridan and JP3PLE2.

Talented comedians on the bill are; Omobaba, Bash, Erekere, Baba Alariya, Kojah Kage, ATM, Chi Young, General Olak, Dr Spencer, Dr Arotele, MC Stylo, Taichi, Prince Phelar, Jingle, Wisdom the Mimic Guy, Honda Stevo, Odogwu, Iparipate, Emzuma and Ofak.

According to Gbenga Adeyinka, Red Carpet starts by 3 PM while the main show commences by 4 PM. “Tickets are available online at (https://www.funzweb.com/events/laff-mattazz-about-time-akure-158) and https://shorturl.at/FfVZP. Physical tickets can be purchased at Madigrazz Lounge, (Akure Mall),
Iya Saheed Alamala, Isolo Street, Akure, Madison Restaurant, Akure-Owo Road, Alagbaka and Vintage Royale, Off Airport Road, Oba Ile,” he said.

The show themed ‘About Time Tour’ is powered by FIRS, ODIRS, Omni Blu Aviation and supported by Ondo State and Eleganza Industries.

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa endorses Laffmattazz, says Ondo State is safe for tourism and entertainment

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Olowu Kuta Urges Alaafin, Ooni To Foster Unity In Yorubaland

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Olowu Kuta Urges Alaafin, Ooni To Foster Unity In Yorubaland

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun iii, has urged Alaafin of Oyo, HIM Oba Abimbola Owoade and Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja ii to foster unity in Yorubaland for the development of the region.
Oba Makama spoke when he hosted Alaafin Owoade on Tuesday in his palace in Kuta.
Continuing, Oba Makama said it’s only in unity that the region would witness even development.

The monarch explained that it’s when there’s unity that the region would harness its vast potential for the benefit of all.
Oba Makama insisted that the time has come for traditional rulers in Yorubaland to come together to solve the myraids of problems bessetting it, especially youth unemployment.
He, however, urged the two monarchs to also ensure that they promote culture and tradition, which is the primary focus of traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
“We thank God for today. On behalf of our chairman in Osun state council of Obas, Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja ii, who is abroad now, I greet you. We have traditional rulers from five local governments waiting for you, Kabiyesi, for over five hours.
“I don’t know if you’ll still visit their locality during your courtesy visit.
“I watched the video of your itinerary yesterday and what Olugbon said . You have become Oba at the right time. There’s a need for unity amongst the Yoruba Obas. God has placed you and Ooni as the leaders in Yorubaland. Kabiyesi, Iku Baba Yeye, you’ll use this courtesy visit to pass a strong message. There’s a crisis in Yorubaland. God has said it’s time to come together and unite.
“The unity of Yorubaland is very paramount. Our son, Bola Tinubu, is the president of Nigeria now. There is a need to rally round him to succeed.” Olowu said.

Responding, Oba Owoade thanked Oba Makama for his good gesture and warm reception.
Oba Owoade said he has been monitoring Oba Makama for about two years now in the media and how he has been promoting culture and traditions.

Oba Owoade said he was excited with the admonition of Kabiyesi Olowu, which for him really made the visit a worthwhile journey.
“The purpose of our visit is to thank you, and like Kabiyesi Olowu mentioned, the unity of Yorubaland is paramount to me,” Alaafin added.

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I see improved security in next 2 years under Tinubu – Ambassador Buratai

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I see improved security in next 2 years under Tinubu – Ambassador Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has expressed optimism that the security situation in the country would improve in the next two years of President Bola Tinubu.

Buratai stated this in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the 2025 VON Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the former Ambassador, there is no country that does not have its peculiar challenges, including the western countries.

I see improved security in next 2 years under Tinubu – Ambassador Buratai

“However, concerning the security in Nigeria, I foresee much improvement in the next two years of President Bola Tinubu.

“Lessons have been learnt. Insecurity is not something you wished away overnight

“It will not disappear, just like other forms of crimes like rape, armed robbery, pick pockets and others.

These are societal ills that will continue to exist as long as human beings exist.

“So, insecurity is something you continue to handle as they arise.

“I believe that members of the armed forces and other security agencies including the police have taken lessons from the recent challenges.

“And I believe they will rise up to the occasion and deal with it, but also, there should be collaboration of all stakeholders; from federal agencies to the state and local governments to ensure improved security.
“If we depend too much on the Federal Government without us doing our part, that’s where this 2025 VON Forum comes handy; citizen engagement”..

Gen Buratai further explained that in achieving national security, institutional capacity building and manpower development remains very important.

He noted that there are national security policies and national defence policies which need implementation to the letter.

“When executing or implementing it, there is coordination. You need to work with others to achieve more”, Buratai said.

I see improved security in next 2 years under Tinubu – Ambassador Buratai

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