Several people feared killed others injured as Security personnel invade kidnappers den
Several people feared killed others injured as Security personnel invade kidnappers den
Anambra State’s security outfit, Agunechemba, launched a daring assault on a notorious hideout of gunmen and kidnappers early Thursday morning, leaving several feared dead and others fleeing with injuries.
The raid, which occurred around 1 a.m. in Enugu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area, marks the latest in a series of successful operations since the formation of the security group, modeled after the defunct “Bakassi Boys” from the late Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s era.
The operation, which involved troops from “Udo Ga Achi” alongside other security agencies like the Police, DSS, and the Military, was based on actionable intelligence.
One gunman was apprehended during the raid, while multiple weapons and items were recovered, including two AK-47 rifles, eight pump-action guns, four locally made pistols, 101 cartridges, four empty AK-47 magazines, three cutlasses, a Baofeng radio, a motorcycle, and a variety of charms.
Agunechemba’s efforts have already resulted in the destruction of six known criminal camps, a sign of the group’s growing success in tackling the state’s rising insecurity.
Anambra has been grappling with violence, as gunmen and kidnappers continue to terrorize the region, with many lives lost and several others abducted in the ongoing crime wave.
Oba Akinyemi wrote in an open letter, signed by the king himself, that the title was foreign to all Yorubaland palaces and that it should be reversed to avoid any possible disturbances.
He stated that the title should have been confined to the local jurisdiction of Itori, suggesting it be named “King of Itori Street” rather than the broad and ambiguous “King of Street.”
Oba Akinyemi further criticized the decision, particularly given that Portable is currently facing trial in Ogun State High Court for alleged assault on state government officials. He argued that the title was conferred without proper consideration and at a time when the singer is embroiled in legal controversies.
The letter concluded by emphasising that the “King of Street” title, which was bestowed upon Portable during Oba Akamo’s 21st Coronation Anniversary, is entirely unknown in Yoruba royal traditions, branding it as not only illegal but also a potential catalyst for chaos if not immediately rescinded.
” Using the title “King of Street” can be interpreted as the King of all Streets in the State. This is unacceptable. Olu Itori ought to have limited the title to his domain. Kabiyesi ought to have titled it “King of Itori Street” and the musician would know that his title is only confined to Itori Kingdom.
“All streets in Ogun State have their Kings and they know how they choose them, so this generalization of the title Street should be reversed to prevent any problems in the State and beyond.
“Apart from the wrong title given to Portable, His Royal Majesty’s decision to install the musician as a Chief was not well thought out because of the unruly and questionable behaviour of the singer who is currently facing a trial in a competent court in Ogun State. Giving him a chieftaincy title is like encouraging him to wreak more havoc. An effort that will make the musician live a better life is what is necessary.
“In fact, the unruly self-made kings in the fuji industry have caused lots of divisions among themselves which is entirely different from the love and good legacy the pioneers left behind. Portable is one of the self-made kings who need to refine their lives.
“My advice, once again, is that His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulfatai Okikiola Akamo, Olu Itori should revoke the title given to the controversial musician and advocate for a rebranding of the musician so that he can abandon his shenanigans and reckless lifestyle.
“Rebranding will make the musician turn a new leaf and go higher in his musical career. The title does not belong to us as Monarchs, so revoking it will remove the stigmatization that the title has been having on the Traditional Institution.
“In conclusion, I want to use this opportunity to draw the attention of the Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland to the untraditional and illegal installation done by Olu Itori.
“Chairman sir, may your years on the throne be very long. Kindly use your revered office to request Olu Itori to correct the anomaly he has created, as this effort will remove any blemish that the controversial installation has had on our respected Institution”.
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Former IGP speaks on extension of tenure for current IGP Kayode Egbetokun
Former IGP speaks on extension of tenure for current IGP Kayode Egbetokun
Former Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, has said the extension of the tenure of the present IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, was not illegal, as long as it was based on competence.
In a statement, titled ‘’The Tenure of IGP Egbetokun: The Controversy over the Extension of Tenure,’’ Ehindero also said President Bola Tinubu reserved the right to decided who to work with as IGP.
‘’In the case of Egbetokun, I know him very well, he was the ADC to President Tinubu while I was the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 2, Lagos and Ogun states while Mr. Okiro was the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State in the year 2001.
‘’If President Tinubu chooses to work with him for the duration of four years and that is backed by law, so be it. He is his choice. You cannot by any yardstick say Egbetokun is incompetent or not qualified for the job.
‘’Competence backed by law should be the overriding factor in the appointment and tenure of an Inspector General of Police. Let Egbetokun serve his four years tenure extension in peace. He deserves it by virtue of his competence, performance and academic qualifications,’’ Ehindero said.
Speaking further, he said: ‘’The extension of the tenure of Inspectors General of Police had always been controversial. My tenure extensions twice in 2005 for one year beginning from March 2006 and 2007 for three months were not without controversies.
‘’In fact, the President and I were taken to court for my tenure elongation. At the end of the day, the court ruled that it was a non-issue and dismissed the case. At that time in 2006, there were no legislations in relation to the tenure elongation of an Inspector General of Police other than the Civil Service Rules and the Police Act and Regulation, CAP 359, Laws of The Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
‘’Ever since, there had been series of legislation permitting the elongation of the service of an Inspector General of Police. You have the Police Act,2020 and the Police Amended Act 2024. The latter Act of 2024 allows the Inspector General of Police to enjoy an uninterrupted tenure of four years irrespective of his age of over sixty years or thirty-five years’ service.
‘’I agree with Mr. Okiro, Inspector General of Police Rtd when he said, for reasons of policy implementation, the need to prevent a competent Inspector General of Police from spending ten months or less than two years, as some have done in the past, because of age, the four-year tenure for the Inspector General of Police is welcomed. In which case there will be no policy somersault. ‘’As regards those officers that are aggrieved in relation to the tenure elongation, the crisis is accentuated by the bastardisation and the confusion about the date of enlistment and the date of appointment.
‘’How these could be mixed up is unfathomed by me. If you enlisted as a constable, and acquired, in the course of your service, academic credentials that qualify you to be appointed as a Superior Police Officer, your date of enlistment supersedes your date of appointment.”
‘’No doubt about this. On attaining 60 years of age or 35 years in service you must retire. The date of enlistment supersedes the date of appointment. Of course, for those appointed as Assistant Superintendent of Police who had never served in the force, the dates of enlistment coincide with their dates of appointment.
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Why I stepped aside as Lagos Assembly Speaker – Meranda’s full resignation speech
Why I stepped aside as Lagos Assembly Speaker – Meranda’s full resignation speech
I wish to let every one of you know that I have made a personal sacrifice towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly.
I recognise the role my family has played and continues to play in entrenching democracy, good governance, and the betterment of our people. I will never depart from the well-established path of honor, dignity, integrity, and service as personified by my late father.
Please permit me, dear colleagues, to restate my position as expressed in the newspaper publication, where I stated as follows: It is with heavy responsibility that I wish to resign my position as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly with effect from this day, March 3, 2025. I took this decision carefully and with firm consideration. On one hand, I accepted the position of Speaker on January 13, 2025, and on the other hand, I resigned the position as it is threatening the democracy of this House.
As good people of Lagos, our mandate is to protect the good people of Lagos State and ensure good governance.
I feel that I have demonstrated leadership and selfless sacrifice by resigning in order to protect these resources that we have suffered to build. With your unwavering support, I take this step to step down as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
I cherish the solidarity that I have enjoyed and that has been given to me by my honorable members. I do not leave out the management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly. I want to thank you for your support and collaboration.
As short as it is, this is a memorable event. I need you to permit me to resign as the Rt. Honorable Speaker, and I shall continue to serve my good people of Apapa Constituency 1 in particular and the entire Lagos State in general.
Thank you for finding me worthy to lead this distinguished and honourable Assembly. I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.
Police restore Meranda’s security detail, explain withdrawal
Accordingly, I have agreed to yet again make a personal sacrifice by stepping down as the Speaker of this great Assembly.
Dear distinguished and gallant honourable members of this 10th Assembly, occasionally, we are confronted by overwhelming challenges and conflicts, but as responsible leaders, we must not break down the legislative House that we collectively built in pursuit of justice and fairness.
For those who have been unfairly referred to for standing on the side of fair play, kindly take note that there will always be an opportunity to right any wrong.
I appreciate the spectrum of solidarity that I received through phone calls, messages, and visits throughout my short tenure.
I sincerely thank you for your understanding and support, just as we know that party decisions are supreme.
At this point, I take a bow as your Speaker, and I step down as your Speaker for this great House.