54 Human bodies recovered, others missing in another boat accident
54 Human bodies recovered, others missing in another boat accident
A devastating boat accident in Kogi State has claimed at least 54 lives, with around 200 traders reported to have been on board when the tragedy struck.
The incident occurred during a night journey along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the river, primarily affecting women, petty traders, and artisans.
Justin Uwazuruonye, the Head of Operations for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Kogi, confirmed the death toll. On Saturday, he shared with the press that, according to reports from the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, and NEMA, 54 bodies had been recovered.
Unfortunately, the absence of a passenger manifest has complicated efforts to establish the exact number of passengers on board.
Additionally, Uwazuruonye noted that the passengers were traveling at night and none were wearing life jackets.
The boat was en route to a market in Niger State when it capsised, according to Suleman Makama, Head of the Media Department at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which also confirmed the tragic incident.
In response to the catastrophe, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, expressed heartfelt condolences to the Kogi State government and the families affected by the tragedy, which occurred on November 29, 2024.
The IGP has directed the Force Marine Officer to launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
The investigation aims to pinpoint contributing factors and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future, focusing on improving safety protocols and emergency response systems for water transport nationwide.
Furthermore, the IGP reassured the people of Kogi and the entire nation that the police force is fully committed to coordinating with other agencies in the ongoing search for missing passengers.
Search and rescue operations are underway, with all necessary resources being mobilized.
The IGP also urged waterway operators, boat owners, and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the Police Force in implementing and enforcing essential safety measures.
He emphasised the need for proactive steps to protect both passengers and operators, reinforcing the police’s dedication to enhancing waterway safety, ensuring justice for the victims, and reducing future risks through stronger partnerships and preventative measures.
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Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
The police in Lagos on Friday, charged two men before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling an 11- year-old girl.
The defendants are: Prince Tomnyie, 40, a businessman, who resides at Agege, and Micheal Adenuga, 24, a furniture maker, who resides at Atere Street in Lekki.
They are standing trial on charges of defilement, and had each pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that they committed the offence sometimes in December 2024, and September 2025, at Langbasa Ajah and Igbara Lekki, Lagos .
The prosecutor alleged that the victim’s father, had taken his daughter for medical check and it was discovered that the minor had been defiled.
The prosecution alleged that the victim had told her father that his friend, Tomnyie, defiled her sometimes ago.
Ademigbuji alleged that the victim also mentioned the second defendant’s name who lives in their neigbourhood.
The offence contravenes the provisons of section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr L. A Owolabi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of of N600,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
He adjourned the case until March 5, for mention. (NAN)
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Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has insisted that bail is free, and called on the public to report any officer asking for money to release a suspect on bail.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Adeh spoke in reaction to public outcry that some police officers were demanding money to release suspects on bail in the territory.
She said the report of the erring officers would serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was fraudulent to demand for money to release a suspect on bail.
Adeh blamed the yielding to such fraudulent demand on ignorance on the part of the victims who refused to stand on their rights.
“A similar case was reported where an officer demanded money to release a suspect on bail and when the matter was reported, we requested for evidence from the victim.
“The evidence was provided because the money was transferred to the officer’s account and actions are being taken on the issue.
“So, I encourage the public to take advantage of the FCT Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) lines on 08107314192 to report such misconduct with evidence,” she said.
Adeh urged the public to always insist on their rights and refuse any form of payment to release a suspect on bail.(NAN)
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Former President sentenced to five years in prison by Court
Former President sentenced to five years in prison by Court
South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol was on Friday sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of justice.
The Seoul Central District Court found that the 65-year-old conservative, with the help of the presidential security service, had tried to prevent his own arrest and deleted multiple documents related to the investigation against him.
Yoon shocked the nation by imposing martial law on December 3, 2024, amid a budget dispute with the opposition, plunging the country into a political crisis.
He justified the drastic measure as necessary to protect South Korea’s democratic order and accused the left-leaning opposition of being infiltrated by communists with ties to China and North Korea, though he provided no evidence for these claims.
In a separate trial, prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Yoon on charges of incitement, with a verdict expected on February 19.
While the death penalty remains legally in force in South Korea, it has not been carried out for nearly 30 years.
Yoon’s actions previously alarmed international investors and led to withheld investments, damaging the reputation of South Korea as a political and economic model for the region.
Since last summer, South Korea has been led by President Lee Jae Myung, a left-leaning centrist and long-time political rival of Yoon. (dpa/NAN)
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