A senior lecturer at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, was, on Friday, stripped following accusations of making sexual advances towards a female student, The Nation reports.
The lecturer, whose full name remains unknown, reportedly angered female undergraduates from the institution’s English Department, where he teaches, upon learning of his alleged misconduct.
They insisted on his public humiliation, declaring that “his actions have caught up with him.”
Stripped down to his boxers, the lecturer was spared further embarrassment by the collective efforts of the school’s security unit at the Adankolo mini campus.
During questioning, the lecturer implicated his colleagues, suggesting that they provided him with names of students to “pass or fail” based on their relationships with such female students.
When contacted, the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Iyke, confirmed that the management was aware of the incident and had initiated an investigation.
Claim: A WhatsApp user has circulated a fabricated image to depict the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello dressed in a blue women’s attire to escape the arrest of financial crimes by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Verdict: MISLEADING. Findings reveal that the Images of Governor Yahaya Bello dressed in a woman’s dress were manipulated. The original image was the late wife of former senate president, Ken Nnamani.
Full Text
On April 17, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, traced Governor Yahaya Bello to his Wuse residence in Abuja to arrest him for alleged money Laundering.
But the arrest was outsmarted by Yahaya Bello with the support of the incumbent Governor of Kogi state, Usman Ododo
Subsequently, on April 18th, 2024. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC declared former Governor Yahaya Bello wanted.
The EFCC has charged the former governor with financial fraud to the tune of 84 billion naira, in an amended charge.
Bello was accused by the EFCC of diverting 80 billion naira of state funds in September 2015, four months before he assumed office, he assumed office as governor in January 2016.
The EFCC also had sued Bello before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja for alleged N84 billion money laundering.
The story took another dimension when Some youths in Kogi State protested the planned arrest of former Governor Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The youths, under the auspices of the Coalition of Civil Society for Democracy, and Africa Youths Coalition for Justice, gathered in their scores and barricaded the Lokoja-Abuja Road which caused gridlock on the federal highway.
On Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urged the Federal High Court Abuja and parties to help determine the whereabouts of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is facing an N80.2 billion money laundering charge alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, and others.
EFCC lawyer, Kemi Piniero (SAN), told Justice Emeka Nwite not to hear any application from Bello’s legal team until he shows up in court to take his plea.
The EFCC had obtained a warrant of arrest from the court against Bello. However, his whereabouts are unknown and has been declared wanted by the police and immigration service.
Ever since he was declared wanted, manipulated images have circulated on WhatsApp groups allegedly that former governor Yahaya Bello was dressed like a woman to flee the country to outsmart his arrest.
Image Source: Screenshot of the WhatsApp post
The Vitality of the post on WhatsApp group and statues on April 24, 2024. make Dubawa verify it.
Verification
We conducted a Google Reverse image search on the image used to depict Yahaya Bello dressed like a woman and we discovered that the original image was that of the late wife of the former senate president, Ken Nnamani, Jane Nnamani posted online on May 7th, 2023, by an online blog Nigerianewsleader
Image Source: NigeriaNewsleader
We also found the same image in the story published by Qed. ng over the death of the former senate president Ken Nnamani’s wife in May 2023.
According to the publication by the online blogs, the image was used to announce the official burial of Ken Nnamani’s wife.
Conclusion
Our findings show that the image purportedly used to depict Yahaya Bello dressed in a woman’s Attire is a manipulated image of Former Senator Ken Nnamani’s Late wife. The image circulating on WhatsApp is misleading.
The researcher produced this fact-check for the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship, in partnership with Olufisoye Adenitan, FRCN positive fm Akure Ondo state Nigeria, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the bimodal voter accreditation system BVAS ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Imo state.
The INEC National Commissioner in charge of South East, Kenneth Ukeagu stated this while speaking with newsmen after monitoring the mock accreditation exercise held in select polling units across the state.
He explained that the ease at which the eligible voters who came out for the exercise were accredited was a clear indication that the people of Imo state would witness seamless voting during the poll.
Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Sylvia Agu said she was impressed with the exercise noting that it took seconds for the BVAS to accredit the prospective voters..
Kogi
INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu says that the Commission will deploy Eight Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS fo easy Accreditation at Ganaja village polling unit in Ajaokuta area of Kogi State
Professor Yakubu stated this in Lokoja, Kogi State when he visited the area to assess the progress of the Mock Accreditation exercise taking place in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States ahead of the November 11th Governorship elections.
He said the reason for deploying the eight machines was that Ganaja polling unit was the largest polling unit and most densely populated in Nigeria with 13,000 registered voters.
He explained that after the governorship election, the Commission would redistribute the voters to other approximate locations.
Professor Yakubu who said one of the challenges facing the location was flooding, pointed out that an alternative arrangement had been made incase there was flood.
He said they were taking proactive measures to ensure that voters had a pleasant voting experience on election day.
Professor Yakubu said to reduce crowd on Election day at Ganaja polling unit with over 11,000 voters, the Commission set up several desks with many voting locations on election day.
The INEC electoral officer, Datchan Manchan said they had all the non sensitive materials for the election and that preparations are going on well ahead of the Governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting a mock accreditation in the three States where the Governorship elections will take place on November 11th, 2023.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu is on his way to Lokoja to monitor the progress of the exercise.
Earlier, Professor Yakubu made a brief stop at INEC Kotonkarfe Local Government Office.
The Electoral Officer, Alhaji Hassan Musa told the INEC Chairman that they had received all the non sensitive materials for the election.
He also said they were collaborating with the security agencies to ensure a hitch free exercise and therefore solicited for more security personnel on the election day.
INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu promised the staff that all they needed would be provided but advised them to be of good behaviour on November 11th.
Professor Yakubu later inspected the materials and also mandated the Electoral Officer to ensure that polls are opened b 8AM on Election day.
Ogochukwu Okoronkwo and Chinazo Ilechuckwu; Editing by Oluwaseyi Ajibadeand Annabel Nwachukwu
A middle-aged man suspected to be a manhood thief was caught and beaten to a stupor in Lokoja, Kogi state
According to an eyewitness account, Idris Abubakar, the incident happened on Tuesday when the suspect visited a shop behind Dunamis Church in Lokoja to buy bread.
The sources added that confusion started when the shop owner felt a shock in his body and thereafter touched his manhood, only to discover that his manhood had disappeared.
Upon screaming and crying for help, neighbours and passersby attacked the suspect and gave him a thorough beating of his life.
The eye witness further said the suspect confessed to the crime after the thorough beating and expressed joy that the manhood of the shop owner has been restored.
Similar incidents have reportedly occurred in Karaworo and Ganaja areas in the State capital, with each suspect receiving mob actions.
Also, on Wednesday early morning in the Adankolo area of Lokoja, a boy selling doughnuts was said to have screamed after the disappearance of his manhood after being paid by a man who bought doughnuts from him.
The said man could not be found after the incident.
Likewise another case at Ganaja Village a passenger cried out after being touched by a fellow passenger in a Tricycle, aka Keke, with the suspect already beaten blue and black but yet to accept responsibility for the action.
Two suspects are said to be in A’ Division custody of the Nigeria Police, Lokoja, after being almost lynched by a mob around Old Market of Lokoja in the evening hours of Tuesday.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, said the Police had received the report and are working on it.
He cautioned the public not to take the law into their own hands, warning that once there is such allegations, the people should report to enable the Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegation.
Kogi says it is working vigorously to rescue three children kidnapped at a housing estate in the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
The abductors have made a demand of N100 million ransom for their release.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, declared in a statement he issued on Saturday that the government remained committed to the security of the people.
He stated that the government was working alongside security agencies, and vigilance groups to ensure that the abducted children are rescued alive and the assailants brought to book.
“There is already a massive deployment to the area to achieve results.
“Kogi is known for distinguishing herself in ensuring the security of lives and property of not only the residents but also of travellers crossing the state.
“In as much as we activate dynamism in our security architecture and strategy, we recognise the fact that some cowards will sometimes try to undermine our efforts.
“What we have always done in such circumstances is to go after the criminals, apprehend them and bring them to justice,’’ he stated.
The commissioner assured that the state government would not shirk its responsibility and would continue to work with security agencies to retain its position as “the safest state in the country’’.
Kogi also condemned the attack on a ceramics company, also in Ajaokuta on Friday night.
Fanwo noted that police investigation had started on the attack.
“Security has been beefed up around the area and the affected company is cooperating with law enforcement agents to unravel the attackers.
“We urge the people of Ajaokuta and indeed, Kogi, in general, to go about their normal businesses as we have put in place, stringent security measures to ensure the safety of all,’’ he added.
Fanwo enjoined community leaders, political actors and everyone to contribute to the state’s security architecture geared at keeping the state safe.
The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed the Local Government Autonomy bill into law.
The bill was passed at Wednesday’s plenary following its consideration to alter the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended which seeks to abolish the Joint Account of the State and Local Governments.
The bill also seeks to create different accounts for local governments where they are expected to receive their allocation from the federation’s account.
The lawmakers, in their various contributions, unanimously threw their support behind the bill, describing it as timely.
The Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Alfa Rabiu who presided over Wednesday’s sitting noted that the bill will enhance democracy and provide financial independence at the Local Government level.
The member representing Olamaboro Constituency, Anthony Ujah, explained that the bill is long overdue, saying it will reduce financial pressure on the State Governments.
While the member representing Adavi, Ibrahim Usman, stated that the bill will enhance development at the grassroots.
His Lokoja I counterpart, Umar Tenimu noted that Local Governments have not been able to meet their responsibilities due to the Joint Account.
In a swift reaction, the President, Kogi State Chapter, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Tade Adeyemi, applauded the State Assembly for the passage of the bill saying the passage would ensure security and development on the council areas.
He urged other State Assemblies to ensure the passage of the bill so as to get the required two-thirds majority at the National Assembly.
The hunter group of Nigeria alongside the Kogi state vigilante service on Monday raided a kidnappers’ den along erotic mountain where three of the suspected kidnappers were arrested and three Fulanis were rescued Information received revealed that the rescued underaged Fulanis were kidnapped from Chikara Community along Lokoja – Abuja road some 13days ago by the busted kidnap syndicate which operated within that axis.
The Spokesperson of the hunter group, Abdullahi Yahaya stated that the rescued boys were not hurt and were in perfect condition while the arrested kidnappers were handed over to the appropriate authorities, alongside confiscated weapons for further investigation.
Abdullahi Yahaya commended the state government and the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr Bashir Gegu for their support in providing logistics for their operations in the area.
Reacting to the development, Kogi State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd) noted that such security success by the operatives was a welcome development and a proof that the security network of Kogi State was strong and solid enough to quash all forms of criminal vices.
He opined that the Local Vigilantes across the state have continued to record good results because of the morale boost and support the Governor has continued to give as well as the cooperation from the citizens and synergy between the security operatives.
Omodara noted that the continued efforts of the Kogi State Government to keep the momentum as the safest state in the country were so far yielding remarkable results noting that the Governor has severally made a commitment to securing the lives and property of the citizens and make the state a no go zone for criminal elements.
He reiterated that Government at all levels would continue to make efforts towards sustaining the drive for a peaceful Kogi state by making every nooks and cranny of the state unsafe for criminal elements and their sponsors.
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria after they qualified for the 33rd AFCON tournament following their hard-fought 1 – 0 victory over fellow top spot contenders, the Squirrels of Benin Republic yesterday. The Governor in a Statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Onogwu hailed the team spirit of the Eagles. He described the team’s fixture with the Beninois team as highly scintillating, hard-fought and deserving – a reflection of the Nigerian spirit. Governor Bello also showered encomium on the coaching crew led by the team’s Technical Adviser, Gernet Rorh and other staff. The Super Eagles qualified for the African Nations Cup from group L with11 points.
It is with Shocked and Pains as Kogi State Nigeria Union of Journalists received the Sudden and untimely death of Mr. Usman Musa Public relation officer (PRO), Ministry of Water Resources, Kogi State. It’s Very Obvious that We lost Him to the Cold hands of death at the Very Crucial time we needed him Most. It is no doubt that Mr. Usman Will be greatly Miss for his Wealth of Experience, Intellectual Mobility and his In-depth Knowledge of Administration
We are Really Saddened and Wish to Convey My Condolences to the entire families of Mr. Usman Musa , the Ministry of Water Resources Over this Sudden loss.
We love him but Allah loved him Most, I Pray that Almighty Allah will Grant the families the fortitude to Bear this irreplaceable loss, forgive all his Shortcomings and Grant him Aljanah fidausi Ameen. Hon. (Dr.) Abdulmumin Danga Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources, Kogi State.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has called on Nigerians to use sports to foster national integration and peaceful coexistence in the country. Governor Bello made the call in Abuja while receiving some former super Eagles players led by Austin Eguavoen. Governor Bello said football remain a major sports that has been uniting the country. He emphasised the need for governments at all levels to pay more attention to the youth through sports and appealed to the youths. Presenting an Award of Excellence in humanity and sports development to Governor Bello, the leader of the delegation, Austin Eguavoen applauded the governor for his developmental strides in kogi state. Eguavoen added that Ex Nigerian footballers have resolved to work closely with Governor Yahaya Bello to achieve a more greater heights in government. Chief Press Secretary to Governor Yahaya Bello, Onogu Muhammad in a statement indicates that former Super Eagles players in the delegation included, Austin JJ Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Garba Lawal, Taribo West, Victor Agali and Ifeanyi Udeze.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaha Bello says his administration will continue to uphold the rule of law in selection of traditional rulers in the state.
Governor Bello stated this in Ugwolawo during the Coronation of Alhaji Akwu Obaje as the new Eje Ofu in Ofu Local Government area of the state.
Speaking through his Senior Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Patrick Onogu, Governor Bello said, the role of Traditional Institutions could not be overlooked due to their significant roles in ensuring peace, unity and good governance.
He appealed to Traditional Rulers to compliment Government efforts in ensuring adequate security of Lives and Property for citizens.
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado bayero represented by the Zanann Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ahmad Sadiq urged the new Eje Ofu to rule his subjects with justice and the fear of God.
In his acceptance Speech, the Eje Ofu, Alhaji Akwu Obaje promised to work with relevant Authorities to ensure good welfare for his subjects and called for total support from the people of Kogi state.
Federal Government is set to establish Gold Processing Cluster in Kogi State.
This is part of efforts to create job opportunities in the solid mineral sector.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade made this known during a visit to Governor Yahaya Bello in lokoja the kogi state capital.
Dr. Akinlade stated that Kogi was selected for the North Central Zone owing to the abundant mineral resources in the state and the residents need to take advantage to create wealth for themselves.
The project is to be sited in Mopa Muro Local Government Area of the state.
In a remark , Governor Yahaya Bello, commended the Federal Government for showing interest in solid mineral development in the country and particularly in Kogi.
Governor Bello while noting that the state is home to all kinds of solid minerals, equally urged more investments in the nation’s steel sector.
He expressed satisfaction that the setting up of Gold Processing Cluster in Kogi state would drive more investors into the state and would surpass the highest investment inflow recorded in the state in the last quarter of last year.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bello, Onogu Muhammad indicates that the Governor mandated his deputy, Edward Onoja, a Geo-miner to oversees the State’s Ministry of Solid Mineral which will provide the needed input owing for the project
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, has said that his administration would ensure that the state owned Health and education institutions compete favourably in the country.
Governor Bello made this known while receiving a report from the committee on the proposed take-off of the College of Medicine at the Confluence University of Technology, Osara.
The Governor noted that the Committee’s estimated amount of over two billion naira as indicated in its report to facilitate the establishment of the College of Medicine would be made available for the execution of the project.
He noted that the Institution which had already commenced with three faculties had already gulped over two billion naira.
Earlier, the chairman of the Advisory Committee, Professor Mohammad Audu while presenting the report expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to serve, stating that the proposed commencement date for the College of Medicine would be the 2021/2022 Academic calendar.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Kogi Governor, notes that Professor Audu submitted that the estimated sum of two billion naira for the establishment of the College of Medicine to would to ease take off of the college.
Kogi State Government has signed two loan agreements with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Bank.
State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiru Idris signed the two loan agreements on behalf of the state government yesterday in Abuja
The World Bank loan of Sixty Two Million Dollars and International Fund for Agricultural Development loan of Ten Million Dollars was for Rural Roads, Agriculture Market and Value Chain Development
IFAD Assisted Value Chain Development Programme is an agricultural initiative aimed at reducing rural poverty, enhance food security among the poor households and promote economic growth on a sustainable basis.
The programme is essentially on the production, processing and marketing of rice and cassava in targeted LGAs in the state, made up of three basic components which are: Agricultural Market development, to support value addition, market linkages and support to market infrastructure and to build a very strong agro business and value chain orientation to farmers in rural communities.
Other component is smaller productivity enhancement while the third programme is management and coordination.
The World Bank loan for Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) will upgrade over 500kilometres of rural roads, improve agro-logistics centres as well as enhance connectivity and access to local markets and agribusiness services in the State.
The project is to be jointly funded by the World Bank, French Development Agency and the Government of Nigeria.
Hunters in Kogi state have arrested ten kidnappers and rescued no fewer than nineteen kidnapped victims at Kabba junction in Adavi Local government area following a tipoff.
The state Chairman of hunters group of Nigeria, Mr. lnusa Bature, made this known while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja Kogi state capital.
According to Mr. Bature, the suspects were linked to the recent various Kidnappings in the area.
He explained that the combined team of local hunters got a tip off that some travellers were kidnapped along the axies and they engaged the criminals in a gun battle.
Mr. Bature said during the encounter, six out of twelve kidnappers were arrested while four of them escape with bullets wound and various degree of injuries.
Narrating his ordeal one of the victims, Mr. Magaji Francis said they were travelling from Lagos State to Adamawa state and their vehicle was stopped by kidnappers at Kabba junction.
Mr. Francis said four of them were kidnapped and later communicated with their family members demanding for fifty million naira ransom before the interventions of the local security.
Some items recovered from the suspects were two toy local guns, army uniforms and Eight mobile phones
Speaking on the development the chief press secretary to kogi state Governor, Mr. Onogu Muhammad while commending hunters in the state for their efforts, assured the residents and commuters plying through the state routes of their safety as security issue remain top priority in the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello of kogi state.
