Judiciary

#EndSARS Victim Appears Before Police Brutality Panel

By Web News 630

A victim of #EndSARS protest, Chief Tunde Mustapha, has appealed to Oyo state government to come to his aid by renovating his damaged building which was vandalized by unknown hoodlums during the protests in Iseyin.                  

Chief Mustapha made the appeal while appearing before the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Other Related Matters to defend his petition.

The 86-year-old man said his house situated at No. 2, Omoloju Area, Iseyin, Oyo State was vandalized by unknown hoodlums who besieged his one-storey building occupied by staff members of Bank of Agriculture and Nigeria Immigration Service.

He said the hoodlums broke the house with harmful weapons and carried away properties belonging to the occupants.        

The petitioner presented a compact disk containing the video of what transpired on the ill-fated day, which was done by his son, Kamil Mustapha, alongside photographs of the vandalized building to the panel.

Chief Mustapha’s estate valuer, Seyi Adebayo, put the cost of the damaged properties at three million, thirty six thousand, two hundred and fifty naira.

The panel, discovering irregularities in the valuer’s report therefore adjourned the hearing to 10th March, 2021 for necessary amendment in the report and further hearing.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Religion

Last Sunday: Churches Experience Large Turnout Of Worshippers

By Web News 689

Many Churches in Ibadan experienced a large turnout of worshippers who were full of praises for witnessing the last Sunday of the year.

Our correspondent who monitored the situation in Ibadan reports that the worshippers not only sang and danced, but also appreciated God for surviving hurdles of the #EndSARS protest, COVID-19, and the prolonged ASUU strike. 

At the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Imole, Molete Baptist Church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Agbowo, Saint Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola and the Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, Agbowo, members expressed gratitude to God for overcoming numerous challenges during the course of the year.

The situation was the same at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekotedo Dugbe, Ibadan.

In an interview, the District Coordinating Council Superintendent, CAC, Oke Imole, Pastor Adebiyi Adams and pastor-in-charge of Region Eleven of GOFAMINT, Pastor Ademola Akangbe said 2020 was a turbulent year and appealed to government to be more truthful and implement people-oriented policies in 2021.

Rotimi Famakin

Politics

JUST IN: Buhari Reacts to Fresh #EndSARS Protest

By Web News 586

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said his administration will deal decisively with “any act of hooliganism hiding behind peaceful protests.”

He said although his government believed in the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests, such must be done responsibly.

Buhari stated these while virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 from the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At a time when there are reports of possible repeat of the recent #EndSARS protests, Buhari regretted the violence that trailed the last protests.

He said, “Let me also mention the EndSARS protest which was recently hijacked by hoodlums which resulted in loss of lives and property in many situations across the country.

“I want to reiterate our government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests.

“However, this must be done responsibly in accordance with the laws of the land.

“I also want to state that any act of hooliganism hiding behind the peaceful protests, will be highly dealt with decisively to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.

“On this note, I commend the Nigeria Army for their efforts to swiftly restore law and order in many states during the last scale of criminality that ensued in the wake of the EndSARS protests.”

 PUNCH/Positive FM

Security

IGP Visits Ibadan, Reviews Damaged Police Properties

By Web News 930

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr Muhammed Adamu has visited Ibadan the Oyo State capital.

The IGP is in the ancient city to assess level of destruction during the recent #EndSARS protests.

On the entourage of the IG is the Assistant General of Police, South West and also in charge of Research and Planning, Leye Oyebade.

The team arrived Ibadan at exactly 1.20 pm in a police-owned aircraft.

Fifteen police stations and outpost were burnt, one hundred vehicles belonging to the force were affected while five officers were killed during the protest.

Abisola Oluremi

Crime News

#ENDSARS: CAC President Calls for Peace

By Web News 1666

President, Christ Apostolic Church, Pastor Henry Ojo has called on Youths in the country to end siege they are laying on the country

Pastor Ojo made the appeal in Ibadan while commenting on the effects of the protest by some youths in the country

The CAC President who commended the youths for waking up the nation’s leaders to their responsibilities urged them to embrace dialogue for their efforts to yield positive results.

Pastor Ojo frowned at killing and looting emanated from the peaceful protest urged them to prioritize peace while defending their right.

The Cleric condoled the family of those who lost their lives and also sympathised with those who lost property during the protest calling on those who are perpetrating the evil act to stop.

He also called on Nigerians to come together and prayed for the progress of the nati

Security

Gov. Fayemi Appeals for Peace in Ekiti, Southwest

By Web News 765

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has appealed for peace in Ekiti as well as the Southwest on the heels of the #ENDSARS protest, which rocked the country.

He made the call during a broadcast today in Ekiti

Text of the State Broadcast by

His Excellency

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON

Governor, Ekiti State, Nigeria

On EndSARS Protest

Entitled:

APPEAL FOR PEACE IN EKITI AND SOUTH-WEST

October 23, 2020

Ekiti Kete, I address you today in respect of the current security situation in our State, south-west zone and Nigeria as a whole which has necessitated the imposition of curfew. The events of the last one week has been deeply troubling and of a great concern to me and many patriotic citizens of our dear State.

You would recall that on October 9, 2020, some concerned youths organised what was clearly a peaceful protest in Ado-Ekiti, just like their counterparts in other parts of Nigeria. The protest was commendably peaceful and their demand was justified. The main crux of their demand was to put an end to police brutality which was exemplified by the defunct State Anti-Robbery   Squad (SARS), a department of the police which had become notorious for very many professional misconduct.

This protest lasted for about eleven days without any security threats either to the protesters or the public. In fact, I instructed the security agencies to ensure that none of the protesters was molested. You would also recall that I addressed the protesters who picketed the roads leading to the Government House on October 16, 2020 while I was on my way to the Ekiti House of Assembly for the State of the State Address I told them that I was fully in support of the protest and their main demand. Even though an attempt was made to attack my convoy later at the House of Assembly, I held the view that the attack had nothing to do with the peaceful protesters I had earlier addressed, but rogue elements trying to take advantage of the situation.

Things took a dangerous turn over the weekend  as miscreants took advantage of the protest to launch an unimaginable level of violence on the public here in Ekiti and also in other contiguous states. Although, violence relating to the protest in Ekiti has been limited due to the proactive steps taken by government, the experience in other parts of the south west, especially Lagos has been horrendous and deplorable.

On Monday, 19th October, 2020, I met with the President in my capacity as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to deliver a clear message from my colleagues on the need for a broadcast and careful handling of the protest which was degenerating in many States..

Now that the President has spoken acknowledging the demands and explaining what government is doing about them. I want to thank the leadership of the protest movement in Ekiti for calling off the protest. The import of the protest has been largely achieved. The Federal Government has banned the SARS department in response to the five demands made by the EndSARS movement and those held in SARS detention centres have been released.  In Ekiti, as in many States of the Federation, a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to look into the cases of abuses, extra-judicial acts and general misconduct which led to the protest, has been set up. A restitution fund to compensate for the losses of the victims of such abuses is also established while other demands like increase in salaries of police officers  is being attended to. 

I urge our youths who want nothing but a nation that serves and benefit all to show restraint in the way they pursue their demands. I fully understand and endorse the far-reaching message that the EndSARS protest articulated. It is generally a protest not just against brutality by police officers, but a wakeup call to all of us in positions of responsibility and the entire citizenry to have a new direction in the manner we handle the governance of the nation. It is a collective reminder to us that the urgency to act more decisively on how to improve the lot of our people is now. We must not let this seed to be emasculated in the crevice of violence that has attended the protest. This message has been well made. It is time for meaningful engagement. To this end, I am announcing the expansion of the mandate of our Youth Development Council with a view to deepening the State’s engagement  with our youths and ensuring speedier implementation of the Ekiti Youth Agenda in partnership with all critical stakeholders  in the youth constituency.

As a result of those who unleashed mayhem and brigandage on private and public property, the state government was compelled to impose a 24 hour curfew on the State. While calm has been restored  in most parts of the State, we have decided to watch development over the weekend before deciding on next steps. It is for this reason that I have extended the 24 hour curfew on the State until 0600hrs on Monday, 26th October 2020. This painful action was taken in the best interest of ourselves to ensure that the crisis does not escalate since criminals enjoy mimicking violent occurrences in other places. It is my hope that we will not have cause to extend the curfew any further. I want to urge all our traditional institutions, religious bodies, politicians and community leaders to use this weekend to engage the youth in their respective communities to give peace a chance. To this end, the curfew will allow an exception for Friday Jumat and Saturday and Sunday worship in churches.

In the meantime, security agencies have been instructed to exercise judicious restraint in response to the tense situation. The intention of Government is to ensure peace, under no condition should indiscretional responses be allowed to escalate the situation. I therefore appeal for the cooperation of our people and the security personnel who are doing a tremendous job to ensure that we live in peace.

As for those who may still want to test the resolve of government by engaging in violent action leading to a breakdown of law and order, I urge you to think twice because I will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against such errant conduct.

Finally, let me commiserate with those who have suffered losses as a result of the wanton destruction that occurred in the State.  May the Good Lord heal our land and give us strength to bring joy and succour where there is sadness, despair and despondency. 

Thank you

Alale Ekiti a gbe a.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON

Governor

Security

#ENDSARS Protest: Ogun NLC Sues for Peace

By Web News 969

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ogun State Council has renewed the appeal to youths in the country to sheath their swords and allow government at all levels to address their demands.

Chairman of NLC in Ogun State, Mr Emmanuel Bankole, who made the call in a statement in Abeokuta, expressed regret that the peaceful demonstration was being turned to a bloody encounter, especially the reported killing of protesters at Lekki Toll Gate.

While appealing to stakeholders, especially parents and guardians to assist in calming down the youth, Mr Bankole said the use of brute force on unarmed protesters was a flagrant violation of every known Convention and term of engagement in management of civil protests.

The NLC Chairman in Ogun State condemned the act of arson on public and private properties as well as looting.

He expressed the hope that the findings and recommendations of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry inaugurated by Governor Dapo Abiodun would help to forestall brutality of citizenry of the State in the hands of security agents and ensure that adequate compensation was paid to victims and relatives of victims of extra-judicial killings.

Mr Bankole stressed the need for residents of the State to remain calm and corporate with security agencies to ensure that normalcy was restored to the state.

Olusegun Folarin

Politics

#EndSARS: I will ensure justice is served – Governor Oyetola

By Web News 1415

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has appealed to youth protesting against police brutality in the state to maintain calm as government is ready to accede to their demands.

Governor Oyetola who joined the #EndSARS protest in Osogbo, said their agitation for police reform was understandable owing to harassment they had being subjected to by the men of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

He noted that government had resolved that justice must be served and the families of those who had been killed by the squad must be compensated.

Governor Oyetola who maintained that the youth had fundamental rights to protest against any unpopular policy of government urged them to do everything within the ambit of the law.

Some of the protesters lauded the governor for identifying with them and urged him to take their grievances to the federal government.

Wasiu Ajadosu

News

#EndSARS: Ogun To Set Up Panel On Police Brutality

By Web News 709

A judicial panel is to be set up in Ogun State to look into all cases of police brutality against the people.

Governor Dapo Abiodun who announced this in Abeokuta explained that the eight-member panel would be chaired by a reputable retired judge. 

Governor Abiodun explained that representatives of the youths, the Civil Society Groups, students and a retired law enforcement officer would also be part of the team, stating that the assignment was expected to be carried out within 6 months. 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun speaking on the judicial panel on police brutality

Governor Abiodun also said a compensation fund would be earmarked to compensate those who had been adversely affected by police brutality in the state.

He maintained that the voice of the protesting youths had been heard and their demands would be met.  Bolanle Adesida

Security

Oyo NOA Calls for Calm in Ongoing #ENDSARS Protests

By Web News 603

The Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs Dolapo Dosumu has appealed to aggrieved youths in the country to calm their nerves in the course of their ongoing demonstrations tagged #ENDSARS against police brutality. 

In a statement by the NOA in Ibadan, she urged youths to avoid unruly behaviour that would further endanger their lives and make them face the wrath of the law.

Mrs Dosumu also wants the youths and entire citizens to believe in the newly named SWAT which would not exhibit same attitude of the proscribed body, SARS.

She, therefore, commended President Mohammed Buhari on his prompt reactions of dissolving the Police Special Anti-Robbery Unit SARS and called for immediate, total restructuring and reorientation of the entire Police force to meet the yearnings of the general public. 

TEXT

October 15th 2020
                                            PRESS RELEASE

OYO NOA DIRECTOR CALLS FOR CALM IN ONGOING PROTESTS, IMPROVED FORCE PERSONNEL

The Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu has reined in the aggrieved youths in the country to calm their nerves in the course of their ongoing demonstrations tagged #ENDSARS against police brutality and urged them to avoid unruly behaviour that would further endanger their lives and make them face the wrath of the law.
Mrs Dosunmu also wants the youths and entire citizens to believe in the newly named SWAT which would not exhibit the same attitude of the proscribed body, SARS.

She has therefore commended President Mohammed Buhari on his prompt reactions of dissolving the Police Special Anti Robbery Unit SARS and called for immediate, total restructuring and reorientation of the entire Police force to meet the yearnings of the general public.

The NOA State Director in her further reactions maintained there is need for further boosting of all police department in the country and equip them with better resources and improved welfare package that will boost their morale and motivate them to function positively to repose people’s confidence in them and further boost their hopes.
.Her words” we should thank the President for listening to the yearnings of the protesters and promptly proscribe the defunct SARS with immediate effect. This is a telling indication of transformative leadership. I only urged the young protesters to bury the hatchet and to embrace the newly introduced SWAT.” The Director added.

Signed:

Banke Adeniyi
Press Officer

Mosope Kehinde

Security

Akoko Youths Join #ENDSARS Protest

By Web News 747

Residents of Ikare -Akoko the nerve centre of Akokoland in the northern senatorial district of Ondo State woke up this morning to the mammoth crowd of youths having the #ENDSARS protest.

The youths with placards and banners with various inscriptions such as “Enough is enough ” “stop police brutality ” , ” stop killing our future leaders ” moved round the town in a peaceful protest.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, two of the protesters Godspower Oladimeji and Abiola olalekan condemned the high handedness of the police . 

According to them many youths were languishing in detentions for no just reason while many had died blamed on police maltreatment.

They called for the removal of the IGP and prompt implementation of policy on police reform.

In an interview, a resident, Mr Abiodun Mohammed expressed support for the reasons behind the strike but appealed to the youths to embrace dialogue and allow the government to implement some of the ENDSARS demands that had been approved by the President.

Ibrahim Kilani