Judiciary

Police Drag Commercial Driver Before Court

By Web News 616

A 49-year-old commercial driver Olalekan Adedeji has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo for allegedly causing the death of six passengers. 

The suspect was arraigned on six counts charge including dangerous driving and driving without road documents. 

The prosecutor, Inspector Jacob Akintunde informed the court that, “on 17 July 2021 around 6:45 PM along Ilesha/Ife expressway, Osu in Osun State, Adedeji drove Yotang Luxurious bus with registration number Lagos KRD 28 XZ in a dangerous manner which caused the death of six passengers in a Toyota Hiace with registration number Niger MNA 214 XY of Royal Top Transport Company and also damaged the vehicle valued N29 million. 

He added that Adedeji drove on the highway without an insurance certificate and expired roadworthiness. 

The offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under section 139, 142 and 548 of RTA laws of Nigeria 2015.” 

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge as his counsel, Mr V. C Dadi urged the court to admit the defendant to bail in the most liberal term. 

The prosecutor opposed the bail noting that six passengers were killed and property worth millions was damaged. 

The presiding magistrate, Mrs Modupe Awodele granted the bail to the defendant in the sum of N5million with two sureties. 

She adjourned the matter to September 9, 2021, for mention. 

Adenitan Akinola

Security

Suspected Cultists Hack Teenager to Death in Osogbo

By Web News 830

There was confusion at Olugona area of Osogbo capital of Osun State as suspected cultists hacked a 17-year-old boy named Olalekan Quadri to death. 

Radio Nigeria gathered that the diseased was on Monday night chased to the scene and attacked with machetes. 

When Radio Nigeria visited the area, residents who were in panic were shouting one Afeez popularly known as ‘Terror’ as the one who allegedly masterminded the killing of the teenager. 

One of them who identified himself simply as “Julius” alleged that the fellow called Terror was one of the leaders of Eiye confraternity who had been terrorising the area for sometimes now. 

He said the alleged Afeez led his members in the killing of the boy in the area and hurriedly left the scene.

When the spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola was contacted, she confirmed the killing of the teenager, with a promise that effort was being intensified to arrest those connected with the killing.

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Osogbo Court Arraigns APC Chieftains

By Web News 551

The Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC) caretaker Committee, Osun State, Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile, ex-APC chair, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, two former commissioners, two former cabinet members under the administration of Mr. Rauf Aregbesola have been  arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court. 

Ex-commissioner for Works and Transports, Engr. Kazeem Salami, ex-Commissioner for Youth,  Sports and Special Needs, Biyi Odunlade, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation, Mr Gbenga Akano and two other APC members,  Alaba Popoola and Azeez Adekunle were arraigned on three counts of felony, conspiracy and assault. 

The police prosecutor, Mr John Idoko, told the court that the defendants and others now at large on August 14th, 2021 at about 1:30 PM in Ogo-Oluwa area conspired among themselves to unlawfully assault one Hamzat Lukman Babatunde by hitting him with stones on his head, which caused him harm. 

He added that the defendants also assaulted one Ajetumobi Muideen ‘m’ by hitting him with parts of broken plastic chairs on his head, which caused him harm.” 

Police Inspector Idoko said the offences committed were contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 355 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. Il laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

Meanwhile, they all pleaded not guilty to the offences the police pressed against them. 

The defence counsel, Mr Muftau Adediran and Abdulfatai Abdulsalam prayed the court to grant bail to all the defendants in the most liberal terms. 

Presiding magistrate, Dr Olusegun Ayilara admitted Salinsile, Adebiyi, Salami, Odunlade and Akano to bail in the sum of N5millon and self-recognition while Popoola and Adekunle were granted bail with a sum of N5million and one surety who must be a civil servant in the state. 

Dr Ayilara adorned the case until September 24, 2021, for mention. 

Recall that while the Appeal Committee of APC Ward Congress was sitting on August 14th, 2021at the APC state secretariat Ogo Oluwa, supporters of Governor Gboyega Oyetola and that of immediate past Governor and Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola clashed, resulting in one person sustaining head injury.

Adenitan Akinola

Crime

Chaos As Policeman Shoots Okada Man In Osogbo

By Web News 910

There was tension in Osogbo capital of Osun State on Tuesday evening as a mobile police officer allegedly shot a commercial motorcyclist identified as Saheed Olabomi. 

According to sources, the incident happened around 5:10PM along Old Oba road via Oke-Onitea Junction, Ring Road Osogbo. 

It was learnt that there was gridlock around the area and some riot policemen wanted to maneuver their way through, however, a sand-carrying truck blocked their path, forcing them to angrily stop it and started to beat the driver. 

Unfortunately, the gun one of the officers was holding accidentally discharged and hit a commercial motorcyclist on his head. 

Our correspondent who visited that scene observed blood stain on the road as motorcyclists gathered in the area in solidarity. 

Radio Nigeria gathered that the motorcyclists stormed the government house, Oke-Fia to protest but security operatives attached to the place dispersed them. 

The passenger, Olabosipo Tajudeen, who the Okada rider was conveying when the incident happened spoke to Radio Nigeria the scene of the crime, saying he picked him from Lameco. 

He narrated thus; “When we got to this place there was a gridlock. A tipper driver blocked the road. This made it difficult for us to pass. The men of anti-riot police intended to arrest the tipper driver but he was arguing on why they wanted to arrest him. Later, they were able to arrest him and drag him into their vehicle. As they were about to leave the scene they shot into the air and the bullet hit the motorcyclist.”

A family member of the motorcyclist, named Mojeed Oyedele who spoke with Radio Nigeria at the scene of the incident confirmed that his brother was not dead but in a coma.

The issue degenerated as motorcyclists stormed the popular Oke-Fia Junction and made bonfires on the road causing heavy gridlock in the area for about two hours. 

When contacted, the Osun State Police Spokesperson, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident, but said she had not being briefed on the details.

Adenitan Akinola

News

Osun Govt Releases Over Nine Hundred Million Naira For Pensioners’ Arrears

By Web News 622

Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has released the sum of Nine Hundred and Nine Million Naira N 909,000,000 to further offset pension arrears of retired officers of the State civil service.

In a press release in Osogbo, the Head of Service, Dr Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade announced that the sum of Five Hundred and Eight Million Naira N 508,000,000 of the released sum was approved for the payment of retired civil servants, while an additional sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira N 150,000,000 was approved for the payment of retirees under the contributory pensions scheme.

Dr Oyebade added that an additional Fifty Million Naira N 50,000,000 was approved for the payment of gratuities of retired officers under the old pension scheme.

He said, the Governor equally approved the immediate payment of Contributory Pensions to all retired officers in the State, whose accrued pension rights were between Five Hundred Thousand Naira N 500,000 and One Million Naira N 1,000,000 whose final certificates of clearance dates fall within August 2017 and 31st December 2020.

The Head of Service also stated that, apart from the pensions paid to retired teachers in the Primary School and retired Local Government Staff on the Old Pensions Scheme, the Governor approved the release of Two Hundred and One Million Naira N 201,000,000 to settle part of the gratuities of these retired officers in teaching and local government service.

According to the release, the list of beneficiaries of the approved sum has been pasted on the notice board of the Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, the State’s Pension Bureau and the Office of the Head of Service.

Adenitan Akinola

Crime

Tension As Soldiers Storm Police Post, Free Arrested Colleague In Osogbo

By Web News 764

Gunshots rented the air in Obelawo area, along Ikirun road, in Osogbo, capital of Osun State on Tuesday night as three soldiers allegedly invaded a police post in the area to free their colleague detained by policemen. 

Some residents of the area told Radio Nigeria that the gunshots led to palpable tension in the area as residents scampered for safety not to be hit by stray bullets. 

One of them who simply identified himself as Alaska told our correspondent that policemen in the station had arrested some suspected cultists and kept them in the custody. 

He said one of the suspected cultists arrested was related to a soldier.

According to him, the soldier came to the station in the afternoon on Tuesday to secure administrative bail for his brother during which argument ensued and the soldier was also taken into custody with the cultists. 

He stated further that three armed soldiers dressing in camouflage vest invaded the police post around 8PM to forcefully free their colleague that was detained. 

Another source, named Kazeem, alleged that the policemen started shooting to the air to scare the soldiers but when they observed that they were resolute, they fired bullets to the direction of the three soldiers.

He said the policemen fled as the soldiers chased them away from the station. 

Spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, when contacted, confirmed the incident to our correspondent. 

Mrs Opalola said some armed men who claimed to be soldiers from Ede Barracks took the suspected cultists away to Ede Military Barracks.

She however added that some arrests had been made.

Adenitan Akinola

Politics

Protesting Youths, CSOs, Demand A Better Nigeria In Osogbo

By Web News 641

Youths under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society, CSOs, Osun State in their scores on Saturday morning converged at the popular Oke-Fia Roundabout for Democracy Day, June 12 Rally amid heavy security in the state capital. 

The youths started converging around 7:30 am beside the patrol vehicle of the Amotekun Corps and the NSCDC with banners and placards demanding for better Nigeria and for a country that works for all. 

There was heavy security presence in Osogbo as patrol vehicles of security agencies were stationed at major junctions including the State Secretariat, Ola-Iya, Aregbe, Oke-Fia, Dele Yes Sir and Old Garage Area. 

Also the Military and police were on patrol around the state capital. 

Shops and businesses were closed as there were fewer activities of commercial buses and motorcycles in the state capital over speculated violence that may accompany the June 12 Rally especially the threat of Yoruba nation agitators. 

One of the leaders of the youths, Comrade Waheed Saka, told journalists that the demand of the protesters was for a better country that worked for all.

Adenitan Akinola

Crime

Yahoo Boys Attack EFCC Operatives In Osogbo

By Web News 857

There was tension in some areas of Osogbo, Osun State capital early Tuesday morning as some youths suspected to be internet fraudsters, (Yahoo boys) allegedly resisted arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the EFCC operatives came into the state capital to arrest suspected fraudsters but were waylaid on their way out after arresting some suspects and seizing about 20 exotic cars.

An operator of a kiosk around LAMECO area said the operatives, had to run into safety to avoid being mobbed by the angry youths, who set bonfire at LAMECO Junction in the state capital.

Confirming the incident, Osun Police Command spokesperson, Mrs Yemisi Opalola said they had been trying to control the situation from further escalation.

Adenitan Akinola

Transportation

Osun FRSC Warns Motorists Against Dangerous Driving

By Web News 1249

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Osun State Command, has appealed to motorists to do away with reckless and dangerous driving that could lead to loss of lives and properties during and after the Salah celebrations.

Osun State Sector Commander, Mrs Kudirat Ibrahim, gave the advice in a statement by the command spokesperson, Mrs Agnes Ogungbemi, in Osogbo.

Mrs Ibrahim noted that the command has deployed some officers to the all the nooks and crannies of the state, to ensure easy flow of traffic and to caution motorists against dangerous driving.

According to her, any motorist that intentionally disobeyed the road traffic regulations would be fined or allowed to face the wrath of relevant traffic laws.

The Osun State FRSC sector commander said the command is collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure the safety of citizens in the state within the period of celebrations.

Adejoke Adebisi

Crime

Mother, Pastor, Trade Blame Over Missing 18-Year-Old

By Web News 782

A middle aged mother, Mrs Bukola Ayeni and a Pastor identified as Ola John are trading blames over the whereabouts of an 18-year-old girl, Mariam Rauf who allegedly went missing in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State. 

It was gathered that Mariam who is a student of Baptist Girls School, Osogbo left home on the 29th of March this year without disclosing her destination to anybody. 

However, it was suspected that she has relocated to the eastern part of Nigeria to start a new life and selling herbal medicine. 

The worried mother while narrating the situation to journalists in Osogbo said, said her daughter was bed-wetting which made to seek help from, Pastor John who was introduced to her by a friend.

As part of the curative measure, the pastor said she needed to be sleeping in the church which she agreed with and missing girl spent most of her time in the church while she only came home to dress for school. 

Mrs Ayeni alleged that she informed Pastor John that her daughter had absconded, but said he accused her of victimising the missing girl.

The mother alleged that the pastor was not interested that whether her daughter was found, insisting that the Pastor incited her daughter against her on the grounds that she did not take good care of her.

However, when Newsmen contacted Pastor Ola John, he denied knowledge of the girl’s whereabouts, adding that he had reported the incident to the Oke-Baale Police Station in the state capital.

Pastor John explained that he offered to help her while in trouble, adding that he is also worried like her mother.

As at the time of filing this report, spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola asked for more time to respond to the issue, when contacted.

Adenitan Akinola

Transportation

Many Die in Osogbo Lone Accident

By Web News 784

Eight persons have died in a lone accident involving a palm oil-laden truck that plunged into a ditch in the early hours of Saturday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the accident occurred around 2 am on Saturday when the truck was ascending the November 27 overhead bridge opposite NECO office. 

It was gathered that the truck could not ascend the bridge and in the process of rolling back, the break failed which resulted in the driver losing control and the truck falling into the ditch.

When our correspondent visited the scene one of the survivors who did not mention his name said, they were about 50 that were involved in the accident. 

However, an official report by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Osun State Command, made available to Radio Nigeria indicated that 61 persons were involved in the lone accident.

According to the report, 36 people that sustained varying degree of injuries had been rushed to UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital and State Specialist Hospital in Asubiaro.

The report blamed the accident on overloading which restricted the truck from ascending the ramp, thereby rolling back and falling into the ditch.

The truck had been moved from the scene while other passengers numbering about 14 were still on ground to monitor the packing of kegs of palm oil that littered the road.

Adenitan

News

Police Investigates Involvement in Death Of 24 Year Old Boy

By Web News 1030

Osun State Police Command has begun investigation into the death of a 24 year old graduate, Taiwo Kajogbola allegedly knocked down by a police patrol vehicle at Osunjela, some metres away from Osogbo the state capital.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola told Radio Nigeria, Gold FM that the state commissioner, Mr. Wale Olokode had directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated for justice to prevail

This follows the call by sympathizers and passersby to establish the allegation of a hit and run incident leveled against some police officers as confirmed by the elder brother of the deceased Mr Azeez Korede

He explained that his brother, Taiwo was returning to Osogbo en route Osunjela on a motorcycle around 7:00 PM after dropping food stuff for his parents to break the current Ramadan fast

The sympathizers and passersby thereafter claimed that the police immediately distorted the sport and left Taiwo in his pool of blood having realized the gravity of the incident

The passersby who shared the grief of Kajogbola Family said efforts to rescue the victim was unsuccessful as he gave up the ghost before getting to the nearest hospital

Isaac Haastrup

Security

Olasupo Babatunde Ajani Resumes Office as AIG Zone 11

By Web News 786

A new Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11, Mr Olasupo Babatunde Ajani has resumed duty at the Zonal Headquatres in Osogbo, Osun State.
Nigeria Police Zone 11 comprises of Oyo and Osun States.
Mr Olasupo Ajani is taking charge of the vacant seat of the AIG at the Zonal headquarters since the retirement of Mr Agunbiade Olasore in January this year.
Before his deployment, Mr Ajani who was promoted to the position of Assistant Inspector General in year 2020 served as the AIG in charge of Police Investment,Force Headquarters,Abuja.
Before then he had served in various police formations including peace keeping mission in Kosovo,Eastern Europe, Police Special Fraud Unit and as the Commandant of the Police College, Ikeja Lagos.
Mr Ajani was also actively involved in putting an end to the Ife/Modakeke war and was honoured with the Osun State Merit award in year 2005 for his role in ending the communal hostility.
The new Zone11 Assistant Inspector General of Police bagged a Bachelor degree Combined Honours in Education from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

Adenitan Akinola

Crime

Armed Robbers Kill Security Guard in Osogbo

By Web News 725

A 40-year-old night guard identified as Mathew Olamilekan has been reportedly shot dead by suspected armed robbers who attacked a shop in Osogbo capital of Osun State.

Radio Nigeria learnt that the gunmen stormed shops opposite Technical College along the capital area in Osogbo to cart away goods. 

One of the sympathizers met at the scene, who was simply referred as Taye said Olamilekan could have tried to prevent the attack on the shop but the armed robbers overpowered him and shot him dead. 

They later broke into the shop and made away with valuables worth millions.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident.

Mrs Opalola hinted that One Basirat Quadir reported that unknown thieves attacked her shop and carted away 100 pieces of imported power bank valued N3.5 million, golds value yet unknown and baby golden bed. 

She explained that on a visit to the scene, the body of the diseased was removed and his corpse deposited at the UNIOSUN Teaching hospital morgue, while effort to arrest the perpetrators was ongoing.

Adenitan

Judiciary

Osun Court Remands Septuagenarian For Impersonation

By Web News 642

Osun State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo has ordered the remand of a 79 years old man, Okoye Charles in Ilesha Prison for allegedly impersonation. Police prosecutor, Inspector Adeoye Kayode alleged that the accused, Okoye Charles falsely presented himself as an Assistance Commissioner of Police  when he visited the Dugbe Police station in Osogbo,where he harassed officers on duty to allow him see the DPO.
The Prosecutor also Stated that the defendant made the false pretense in other to get free accommodation at dugbe.
However the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by the police 
The offence according to the charge sheet, was contrary to section 484(d),249(d)and 484 of the criminal code cap 34 Vol ll; law of osun state, 2002.  
The presiding magistrate, Mr Ishola Omishade, refused to grant him bail and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ilesa prison and adjourned the case to March 1, 2021.

Adenitan Akinola

Economy

We are committed to lifting Nigerians out of poverty – Minister

By Web News 573

The federal government says its social intervention programme is aimed at enhancing financial capacity of vulnerable ones as well as reducing poverty among Nigerians.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umaru stated this in Osogbo at a day training for independent monitors in the state.

The minister who was represented by an aide, Mrs Kemisola Olasekomi said the trainees would be charged with the responsibility of monitoring the activities of beneficiaries of social intervention programmes in the state.

Hajia Umaru who noted that the monitoring teams were drawn from all the local government areas of the state, urged them to discharge their duties without sentiments and emotions.

She maintained that government was keen to promote sustainable economy and good governance to make life more bearable for the less privileged.

In a remark, Osun State Commissioner for Federal Matters, Mrs Idiat Babalola lauded the federal government for its initiative, saying the composition of the monitoring team would go a long way in the institutionalizing the social intervention programmes.

Mrs Babalola expressed optimism that the social intervention programme would reduce poverty in the state and open the state to economic advancement.

Some of the trainees promised to ensure effective monitoring of the programme in the state.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Transportation

NURTW Protests at Ilesa Roundabout, Osun

By Web News 1733

Business activities were this morning disrupted by some members of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, at Ilesa Roundabout protesting the alleged assault of the secretary of the Osogbo Unit of the union, Mr Bayo Innocent.

Eye witnesses explained that the crisis brewed when an apprentice of
a private outfit allegedly injured the NURTW member during traffic
congestion.

Speaking with Gold FM, the Osogbo Unit chairman of the union, Mr Suji
Adeyeba condemned the attack and said the state chairman of the union,
Chief Lekan Salami had intervened and pleaded with the aggrieved
members to allow peace to reign.

Also speaking, the operator of the private outfit, Elder Felix Akpà
thanked the union leaders for resolving the crisis amicably, noting
that the victim who suffered a head injury had been treated and
remained stable.

Efforts to speak with the Police on the incident as at the time of
filing this report proved abortive.

Isaac Haastrup

Security

NPF Zone 11 Gets New AIG

By Web News 2703

A new Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr Agunbiade Oluyemi Olasore has assumed office at the Nigeria Police Zonal Office, Zone 11, Osogbo, Osun State.

Mr Agunbiade Oluyemi Olasore hails from Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.

He attended the University of Ibadan where he read Physical and Health Education and was a classroom teacher at Sekona Grammar School, Osun State before he joined the Nigeria Police Force.

Mr Olasore had served in many police formations across the country including Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kogi and Kebbi States as Commissioner of Police before his elevation as an Assistant Inspector General.

The new Zone 11 AIG also attended many professional courses within and outside Nigeria including United Nations Peace Keeping Missions where he was an instructor.

Adenitan Akinola

Judiciary

Osogbo Court jails man for Defrauding foreigner

By Web News 626

Osogbo Court jails man for Defrauding foreigner

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal office, has secured the conviction of one Oteyowo Akinkunmi Samuel over internet-related fraud.

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State pronounced the 32-year-old, who claimed to be a graduate of civil engineering, guilty of a one-count amended charge of criminal impersonation. handed him fourteen months custodial sentence.

He was charged for defrauding one Warren Doht, an American, of a total sum of N19,664,128.50 (Nineteen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Eight Naira, Fifty Kobo).

The convict had, however, approached the Commission for a plea bargain agreement which formed the basis for the amended charge with which he was arraigned and convicted of on Monday.

After pleading guilty to the amended charge, prosecution counsel Murtala Usman urged the court to convict him accordingly.

Apart from the jail term, the court also ordered Oteyowo to restitute the N19,664,128.50 to the victim of his crime.

Sunday Ogunyemi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal office, has secured the conviction of one Oteyowo Akinkunmi Samuel over internet-related fraud.

Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State pronounced the 32-year-old, who claimed to be a graduate of civil engineering, guilty of a one-count amended charge of criminal impersonation. handed him fourteen months custodial sentence.

He was charged for defrauding one Warren Doht, an American, of a total sum of N19,664,128.50 (Nineteen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Eight Naira, Fifty Kobo).

The convict had, however, approached the Commission for a plea bargain agreement which formed the basis for the amended charge with which he was arraigned and convicted of on Monday.

After pleading guilty to the amended charge, prosecution counsel Murtala Usman urged the court to convict him accordingly.

Apart from the jail term, the court also ordered Oteyowo to restitute the N19,664,128.50 to the victim of his crime.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Crime

Hoodlums Disrupt Business Activities In Osogbo

By Web News 1553

There was pandemonium on Tuesday morning at Ota-Efun Area of Osogbo as suspected thugs went on rampage over the alleged death of their leader.

The deceased, Ismail Daduro popularly known as “Jumong” was said to have given up the ghost following a protracted strange illness.

He was said to have been taken to different places to seek deliverance before his reported death on Tuesday morning.

Radio Nigeria gathered that members of his group went on rampage at the hearing of Daduro’s death in faraway Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

According to a witness, gang members of Daduro’s group started destroying property and molesting people at Ota-Efun in Osogbo claiming that their leader was killed. 

They also told traders not to open their shop for business today and tomorrow.

It was also learnt that Ota-Efun Motor Park was not spared in the dastardly act as several vehicles were reportedly damaged.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Osun State Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola said police had been deployed to the area to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

Mrs Opalola said normalcy had returned to the area with the presence of the Area Commander, Divisional Police Officer, DPO of Ota-Efun Police Station and the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command.

She enjoined residents of the area to go about their daily activities without fear.

When Radio Nigeria visited the scene, mobile policemen were seen patrolling the area, while vehicles destroyed littered the popular Ilorin Motor Park in Osogbo.

Adenitan Akinola

Economy

ESPW is a short-term measure against unemployment – Aregbesola

By Web News 1337

The Federal Government says, the the 774,000 jobs being created at the local government level is to provide a short term measure for the unemployed youth to cushion the effect of COVID-19.

The Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola stated this during the launch of the Extended Special Public Work Programme in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Correspondent, Adenitan Akinola completes the story.

Adenitan Akinola

Lifestyle

NUP Hails Osun Government Over Distribution of Palliatives

By Web News 724

Members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, in Osun State has lauded the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for taking their welfare and well-being as a priority.

The retirees in the state also showered encomiums on the governor for counting them worthy of benefiting from the rice component donated to the state by the Private Sector Coalition Against Covid-19 (CA-COVID).

About 4, 000 pensioners in the Osun State received CA-COVID 10kg bags of rice donated to the state to cushion the adverse effects of the global Coronavirus pandemic.

Some of the retirees who addressed the journalists during the distribution at the Osun State Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, applauded the distribution strategy adopted by the state government to ensure equitable distribution of the palliatives.

A retiree, Mr Alabi Rafiu, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Oyetola for taking the general welfare of the citizens, particularly pensioners, as a priority.

Mr Rafiu who represented Local Governments and Primary Schools retirees, attributed the gesture to the love that the government had for senior citizens, particularly the retirees and the vulnerable.

Another pensioner, Mr Gbadebo Adegboye, appreciated the kind gesture of the Osun State government over the palliatives.

Mr Adegboye who spoke on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, and Secondary Schools pensioners, maintained that the gesture was a reflection of the passion which the government had for the retirees.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr Bode Olaonipekun, disclosed that the state had distributed over 30,000 out of the expected 40,000 10kg bags of the CA-COVID rice so far.

He said the state would not rest on its oars to ensure adequate distribution of the rest of the rice upon receipt, adding that the state was committed to continually upholding and guaranteeing the general welfare and well-being of the citizens.

Adenitan Akinola

Politics

OSHA Seeks Improved Funding For Agric, Mining, Tourism

By Web News 630

Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has implored the state government to invest in Agriculture, Mining and Tourism as a way to fund 2021 Budget and job creation in the state.

The speaker, Mr Timothy Owoeye made the call during the General Talk on 2021 Budget with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget at the floor of the House in Osogbo.

Mr Owoeye observed that there should be a law to allow the state government to generate revenue through Mining and invest in the tourism and agriculture sectors.

While urging the executive to always carry the lawmakers along in the implementation of the budget, the Speaker said the House will not approve budget of any ministry or agency who refused to reply its budget query.

Osun State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Olalekan Yinusa said the state government is set to partner with organisations in the tourism sector and also invest more on Agriculture to fund 2021 budget.

Professor Yinusa said major programmes such as the anchor borrowers scheme to would be put in place to fund 2021 budget.

The commissioner assured the House of budget implementation and performance in the fiscal year of 2021.

Funmi Adekoya

Crime

Man Arraigned in Osogbo for Impersonation

By Web News 699

A 62-year-old man,Micheal Oyelowo Oladeji has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for impersonating a community Leader.

Oyelowo, who was charged with four-count charges bordering on false representation, false sworn affidavit, and a misdemeanour to cause a breach of peace, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Lamidi Rasaq, alleged that the accused paraded himself as the Baale of Ogbaaga town under Ayedaade Local Government.

The prosecutor stated further that Micheal Oyelowo Oladeji from the month of November 2005 till date at Ogbaga via Gbongan in the Gbongan Magisterial District sitting at Osogbo, has been falsely presenting himself to be Baale of Ogbaga.

The charge sheet affirms that on the 17th of March, 2010 at the High court of Justice Registry Ikire in the aforementioned Magisterial District, the accused did swear a false affidavit in Suit No. ARE/25/2007 especially in paragraph 2 and 7 of the same affidavit that he was the present Baale of Ogbaga via Gbongan under Ayedade Local Government.

Defence Counsel, Mr J. A Adeboye, applied for the bail of the accused in the most liberal terms, adding that the he is a community leader and will not jump bail.

In a swift reaction, the prosecutor opposed the bail on the basis that since the arraignment of the accused person, he had never allowed peace to reign in the community by parading himself as the Baale of Ogbaaga also threatening to kill Baale Ekanade Amusan.

The presiding Magistrate O. A. Olayade granted the bail application of N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum.

She, thereafter, adjourned the matter to January 28th, 2021 for hearing.

Adenitan