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Kano police bust kidnapping, armed robbery, syndicates, arrest 10, rescue 21-yr-old kidnapped victim

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The Kano State Police Command said it has arrested 10 notorious suspects for alleged criminal cases of kidnapping and armed robbery, attributing the remarkable success to the command’s intensified measures to address identified emerging threats in the state.

Narrating how the command achieved the breakthroughs, its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, stated that the arrests, which also led to the rescue of a 21-year-old kidnapped victim, recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as a cash sum of N4.85m, resulted from four well-coordinated operations.

According to the PPRO, at first instance, following a distress call received from a good Samaritan on March 18, 2025, at about 11:00pm, that some suspected armed robbers stormed a residence at Badawa Layout, inflicting injuries on the occupants, and were attempting to dispossess the victims of their valuables, police detectives raced to the victim’s rescue.

Two suspects, 29-year-old Awwal Hassan Ibrahim and Suleiman Umar, 24, both from Jos Plateau State, were caught at the scene, during which a Beretta pistol, loaded with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition was recovered in their possession.In another operation on the same day, which followed credible information that some suspected criminals, in possession of arms, were sighted driving a car, a team of detectives, dispatched to track down the suspects, arrested one Shuaibu Yakubu, 25, alias Dan Bula Bula, of Kadawa Mil-Tara Quarters, Kano.A further search of the suspect’s operational red Pontiac Vibe car, led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition, even as the suspect confessed to have involved in series of armed robbery incidents in Kano and Abuja.Also, on March 19, 2025, at about 01:15 pmthe command’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), while on an intelligence-led operation, arrested two suspects, Friday Bitrus, 38, and Daniel Samuel, 25, both of Zango Quarters, Kano, and recovered a locally-made pistol, with two live cartridges, and a sharp Axe from them.In the same vein, following a reported kidnapping incident received from a resident of Zakirai Town in Gabasawa LGA on March 8, 2025, to the effect that his 21-year-old son, Muhammad Bello, had been held captive, and a ransom of N15m demanded, a team from the Anti-kidnapping Squad, led by CSP Bala Shuaibu, was detailed to rescue the victim and arrest the culprit(s).

Crime PuzzlePoliceKano police bust kidnapping, armed robbery, syndicates, arrest 10, rescue 21-yr-old kidnapped victim Felix Mordi 21/03/2025IMG-20250321-WA0004ShareThe Kano State Police Command said it has arrested 10 notorious suspects for alleged criminal cases of kidnapping and armed robbery, attributing the remarkable success to the command’s intensified measures to address identified emerging threats in the state.Narrating how the command achieved the breakthroughs, its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, stated that the arrests, which also led to the rescue of a 21-year-old kidnapped victim, recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as a cash sum of N4.85m, resulted from four well-coordinated operations.According to the PPRO, at first instance, following a distress call received from a good Samaritan on March 18, 2025, at about 11:00pm, that some suspected armed robbers stormed a residence at Badawa Layout, inflicting injuries on the occupants, and were attempting to dispossess the victims of their valuables, police detectives raced to the victim’s rescue.Two suspects, 29-year-old Awwal Hassan Ibrahim and Suleiman Umar, 24, both from Jos Plateau State, were caught at the scene, during which a Beretta pistol, loaded with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition was recovered in their possession.In another operation on the same day, which followed credible information that some suspected criminals, in possession of arms, were sighted driving a car, a team of detectives, dispatched to track down the suspects, arrested one Shuaibu Yakubu, 25, alias Dan Bula Bula, of Kadawa Mil-Tara Quarters, Kano.A further search of the suspect’s operational red Pontiac Vibe car, led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition, even as the suspect confessed to have involved in series of armed robbery incidents in Kano and Abuja.Also, on March 19, 2025, at about 01:15 pmthe command’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), while on an intelligence-led operation, arrested two suspects, Friday Bitrus, 38, and Daniel Samuel, 25, both of Zango Quarters, Kano, and recovered a locally-made pistol, with two live cartridges, and a sharp Axe from them.In the same vein, following a reported kidnapping incident received from a resident of Zakirai Town in Gabasawa LGA on March 8, 2025, to the effect that his 21-year-old son, Muhammad Bello, had been held captive, and a ransom of N15m demanded, a team from the Anti-kidnapping Squad, led by CSP Bala Shuaibu, was detailed to rescue the victim and arrest the culprit(s).ALSO READ IGP Egbetokun honours late COAS, Lagbaja, cancels personal, social engagementsConsequently, through technical-based operation and intelligence-driven investigation, five suspects, connected to case, comprising three males and two females, were arrested within a week – from March 11 to 18, 2025, while the victim was rescued on March 17.They were identified as Tukur Lawal, aka Maikudi, 20; Ado Usman, aka Ruwa, 30; Sunusi Surajo, 27; Ummulkhairi Ibrahim, (f), 19 and Habiba Shuaibu, (f), 18.A dane gun, used in the operation, and a sum of Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N4,850,000:00) were recovered from the suspects.“All the suspects are currently undergoing investigations at the command’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigations”, the PPRO stated.Meanwhile, according to the command’s spokesman, the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, on assumption of duty on March 17, 2025, complied with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to all police commands and formations to develop action plans, aimed at minimizing crimes, spurring the CP to re-jig the command’s intelligence and operational capabilities.CP Bakori has, however, commended the gallant officers involved in the operations, and assured the public that the command would spare no effort in ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the state.

Review of Pathogenic Contaminants of Fish and Sea foods

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By Prof. John Abiodun Daramola

 

Overview of finfish, shellfish and contamination

Fish and shellfish are very important proteinous portion of the human diet worldwide. They come in extremely varied food products with numerous fish species, from marine and freshwater, from cold temperate and warm tropical waters, farmed or wild and processed or preserved in different ways. The above variations affect the microbiology of the fish, shelf life and safety.

Proper handling of fish between capture and delivery to the consumer is a crucial element in assuring final product quality. Also the standards of sanitation, method of handling, the time and temperature of holding fish are all significant quality factors. With a few exceptions, freshly caught fish are considered free of pathogenic bacteria of public health significance. The presence of bacteria harmful to man generally indicates poor sanitation in handling, processing and the contamination is almost always of human or animal origin.

On the other hand, food is considered to be microbiologically unsafe owing to the presence of microorganisms which may invade human body (e.g Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, etc) and also those that produce toxins ingested with a food such as Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum and Bacilus cereus (Ofred, 2009). A number of microbiological tests of fish and fish products are used by authorities to check that the microbiological status is satisfactory. The purpose of these tests is to detect pathogenic bacteria or indicator organisms of faecal pollution such as Escherichia coli or other types of general contamination or poor handling practises (coliform bacteria, faecal streptococci, total viable count). However, microbiological testing can be costly and time consuming.

The microbiology of fish and fish products is complex and covers a wide range of both quality and safety related issues. When fish are alive, the muscle tissue is considered to be sterile, but after death, the barriers to microbiological invasion begin to break down and bacteria are able to grow more freely, although will be rarely found within deep muscle tissue. After the fish is caught and dead, the microflora may begin to change due to the varying environmental conditions.

Meanwhile, the term fish processing refers to the processes associated with fish and fish products between the time fish are caught or harvested and the final product delivered to the customer. The central concern of fish processing is to prevent fish from deteriorating and this should remain the underlying factor. Fish processing can be subdivided into fish handling-which is the preliminary processing of raw fish and the manufacture of fish products. Another natural subdivision is the primary processing level involved in the filleting and freezing of fresh fish for onward distribution of fresh fish and the secondary processing that produces chilled, frozen and canned products for the retail and catering outlets. Canned fish are fish which have been processed, sealed in an airtight container such as a sealed tin can and subjected to heat. Fish products are preserved using almost every food processing technique that has ever been developed (drying, smoking, freezing, canning, fermenting, high pressure processing) and of course, there is the increasing trend towards the consumption of high quality raw fish in the form of sushi.

Procedures for ensuring fish and seafood safety

The same rules about food safety and preparation apply to fish as with any other food products. If fish is left out on a work surface for any period of time, then it will decay or “go off” very quickly. Raw and cooked fish must not come into contact with each other due to the risk of cross contamination. This means using separate utensils and chopping boards for raw and cooked fish and wiping them down after use. Fish needs to be cooked thoroughly and at the correct temperature. One exception to this is sushi. The sushi is a popular Japanese dish which consists of raw fish, e.g. salmon, rolled in rice and seaweed. It is available in restaurants and as ready prepared packs in supermarkets. Generally, this is safe to eat as long as the fish used has been cooked or if raw, has been frozen beforehand in order to kill off any parasites.

Despite the wide range of canned fishery products that are available, there are relatively few operations which are unique. The correct pre-process handling techniques and refrigerated storage conditions of all fish for canning have much in common (in fact, there is very little difference in the handling methods of fresh fish and processed fish). Similarly, with the seaming, with retort operating procedures and post-process handling of containers, the methods adopted are independent of the type of the product. The purpose of retorting-that is to achieve a shelf-stable and safe product by the application of lethal heat remains the same for all canned fishery products. It is understandable that there are common guidelines which discourage manual handling of all processed wet containers and recommend that all retort cooling water be chlorinated.

There is a direct and unavoidable relationship linking raw material quality and end product quality and this holds as much for the production of canned fish as it does for fish which is bought fresh and prepared at home. Because handling conditions immediately after catching are responsible for rapid loss of the “fresh” quality, the quality of canned fish suffers whenever the raw material is temperature abused or physically damaged between catching and thermal processing. This means that the quality criteria considered desirable by cannery management when they assess their raw materials ought to be the same as those chosen by consumers when they purchase fresh fish. Fish for canning can be trimmed to remove bruises and other localised flesh defects. As the quality of fish deteriorates from the moment of death, all that can be hoped for by good handling is to retard the rate at which undesirable, quality degrading, changes occur.

All of the pre-treatments ought to be carried out under conditions of good manufacturing practise, which means that the rudimentary steps of process hygiene should be implemented. Satisfactory control of contamination from operating surfaces and raw materials is achievable with regular cleaning (i.e., by washing the product, cleaning the line and ancillary equipment) and limiting the duration of exposure at temperatures suitable for growth of spoilage microorganisms.

In summary, seafood safety tips involve carefully buying from a reputable seller, keep seafood cold and live shellfish alive, refrigerate live shellfish properly, do not cross-contaminate and cook seafood thoroughly (Schmutz et al., 2020).

Professor John Abiodun Daramola is the HOD, Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology as well as the Director, Centre for Agricultural Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CATES) Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Imo Police Command defends criminal unit Tiger Base

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The Imo State Police Command has taken note of the recent media report titled “Investigation Exposes Alarming Abuse of Detainees at Police’s Tiger Base,” authored by one Juliana Francis, which makes serious and unfounded allegations against the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Owerri and, by extension, the Imo State Police Command.

The Command categorically rejects these allegations and asserts that the information presented in the report is misleading, lacking in facts and does not reflect the true operations of the Command.

It is crucial to emphasize that the author did not take the necessary steps to verify the allegations with the Imo State Police Command before publishing.

The allegations, attributed to complainants using pseudo names, have been investigated and found out to be misleading and unfounded. This raises concerns about the credibility and reliability of the information provided and; also calls into question the journalistic standards behind the report.

In contrast to the allegations, the Imo State Police Command affirms that all suspects are treated in accordance with legal protocols and their rights respected. Hence, claims of unlawful detentions, torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings in the command are untrue.

The Imo State Police Command is dedicated to ensuring that all its divisions, tactical units, and formations uphold the rule of law and accountability. The Command is open to receiving genuine complaints against any tactical unit through its Complaint Response Unit.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma assures the public that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated and confidentially treated; and any officer found culpable will face severe disciplinary sanctions.

In light of this, the Commissioner of Police urges all media personnel, especially print correspondents, to verify their reports with the Imo State Police Command before publishing. The spread of unverified and misleading information erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the Force.

DSP OKOYE HENRY, Public Relations Officer
Imo State Police Command

Abia CP Disbands SWAT, Special Squad, Establishes Scorpion Tactical Team

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Abia CP Disbands SWAT, Special Squad, Establishes Scorpion Tactical Team

The Abia State Police Command has disbanded the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit and the Command’s Special Squad (CSS). In their place, a newly trained, tactical, and professional unit known as the Scorpion Squad has been established. This squad will be led by SP Ibe Daniel as Commander, with DSP Eze Augustine as 2i/c.

This decision is part of the command’s administrative and operational measures to ensure compliance with the rule of law and promotion of a professional police force in Abia State that is equipped with the necessary skills to effectively and efficiently combat crime and criminality in alignment with the vision of the Inspector General Of Police (IGP)

While addressing the newly formed Scorpion Squad, the Commissioner of Police CP Danladi Isa emphasized the importance of tact, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rules of engagement. He directed that all operations must be based on actionable intelligence and officers must adhere strictly to the command operational dress code for easy identification and accountability. He further warned that any behavior detrimental to the image of the force will not be tolerated and will be visited with appropriate sanction.

The CP further charged the Scorpion Squad to take decisive action against violent crimes in Abia state ensuring that criminal threats are swiftly eliminated and crime reduced to the bearest minimum

New AIG Zone 5, Salman Dogo Garba, Assumes Office

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By Ebinum Samuel

The new Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, deployed to the Zone which comprises Of Delta and Edo State Police Commands has assumed office today at the zone headquarters in Benin -City, the Edo state capital. The top police chief is AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, psc. He took over from
AIG Arungwa Nwazue who has gone on retirement.

AIG Garba is a native of Pakata, Kwara State. He was born on 21st July, 1966 at Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. He got his basic education at Al-Mubarak Primary School, Ilorin, he thereafter proceeded to Kabba Teachers College, Kogi State, where he got his grade two certificate. The AIG went on to attend the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.

His illustrious career in the Force commenced on 18th May, 1992, when he enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and trained at the famous Nigeria Police Academy Annex in Kaduna State.

In the course of his career, the AIG has been privileged to serve in several departments of the Force, which includes, department of Operations, Criminal Investigation department, Force Intelligence Department, Department of Finance and Administration. His career progression started when he was posted on attachment to Garki Division, FCT Police Command, Abuja in 1994. Other postings include the Divisional Crime Officer, Gwagalada division, FCT Police Command, Abuja, the Officer-in-charge of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FCT Police Command, Abuja, the Divisional Police Officer in several divisions in the FCT, Delta and Osun State Police Commands. The AIG was once second-in-command, department of Operations, Delta State Police Command, Asaba, the Chief Superintendent of Police, department of Finance and Administration, Delta State Police Command, the Officer-in-charge, State Intelligence Department, Delta State Police Command, Asaba. AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, psc was once the Area Commander, Area A, Lion building, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, the Area Commander Metro, Kaduna State Police Command, the Area Commander, Wudil, Kano State Police Command.

Other appointments once held by the AIG includes the Deputy Commissioner of Police, department of Operations, Zone 12 Police Command, Bauchi, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Anambra State Police, Akwa, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Airport Police Command, Abuja.
*AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, was also once the Commissioner of Police, General Investigation, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Commissioner of Police, Armament, department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, he was later redeployed as the 46th Commissioner of Police, Kano State Police Command.

He was promoted to the prestigious rank of an Assistant Inspector-General of Police on 12th February, 2025 and thereafter redeployed as the AIG Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City covering Delta and Edo State Police Commands.

The AIG has attended several professional courses both home and abroad which have helped shaped him to the consummate, versatile, intelligent, professional and dedicated Officer he is today. Some of these courses includes but not limited are the Community Policing Course in the United States of America, the Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College in Jos, Plateau State, the Intermediate Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos, the Advanced Intelligence and Analysis Course at the Nigeria Military School of Intelligence, Apapa, Lagos State, the Strategic Leadership Command Course also at the Police Staff College Jos, Plateau State.

According to SP Tijani A. Momoh, the spokesman for the zone,the brilliant Police Officer has travelled to and worked within all Six geopolitical zones of the Country and his professionalism and dedication to service has earned him several awards and commendations.

The AIG is happily married with children and he enjoys playing basketball, traveling, and making new friends. He brings over 30 years of professional, operational, administrative, and intelligence led policing to bear and has vowed to implement a professional, proactive and people-friendly policing strategy in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

The AIG Zone 5 Benin solicits for the cooperation of the good people of the Zone, to assist the Police with useful and timely information that will help the Police in checkmating crime and criminality within the entire Zone.

Police dismiss Inspector in Abia

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The Abia State Police Command has dismissed a Mobile Police officer for unethical conduct, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining discipline within the force.

In a statement on Wednesday, the command confirmed that the officer had been de-kitted and officially dismissed after facing disciplinary proceedings.

The police authorities reiterated their stance on zero tolerance for misconduct, assuring the public that erring officers would be held accountable.

A press statement the command issued on Wednesday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO DSP Maureen Chinaka on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, read, “The public is hereby notified that Inspector Kufere Moses, formerly serving at Mopol 55 PMF Aba and attached to UBA Bank Guard in Aba, Abia State has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, effective 21st February 2025. He has also been de-kitted, and all police accoutrements have been retrieved from him.

“This action follows administrative disciplinary measures taken against him by the command for ‘discreditable conduct and offences against discipline’.

Isa reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct and assured the public that the command will not condone the activities of bad elements within the force.

“Under my leadership, the command remains committed to the Inspector General of Police’s vision of ensuring a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant and people-friendly police force”, the CP said.

All efforts to get relevant police authorities for further details on the offence proved abortive as none could be reached.

Ogun shuts school over headmaster’s alleged defilement of pupil

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The Ogun State government has shut down Perfect Light Nursery and Primary School in Eyinogbe, near Igode, Sagamu Local Government Area, over the alleged defilement of a pupil by the headmaster, Ashafa Afelaja.

The school was also found to be operating illegally, according to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, who announced the closure on Wednesday after visiting the school.

Soyombo condemned the alleged abuse and the poor learning conditions at the school, assuring the community that the government and the state police command were investigating the matter.

She added that legal action would be taken against the suspect.

She assured the community that the state government, in conjunction with the state police command, had stepped into the matter and would ensure adequate investigation, while legal sanctions would be taken against the perpetrator.

Soyombo said, “The commitment of the government towards providing conducive learning conditions for the betterment of learners in both private and public schools irrespective of their level remains uppermost in the mind of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s led administration.Related News

“I hereby urge parents to take good care of their children making sure they are not exposed to social vices.

She added that the Ministry of Education was working with the Ministries of Health and Women Affairs to conduct medical examinations and ensure the affected child’s well-being.

Other pupils from the closed school would be transferred to the nearest public primary school in Igode.

“This is to again sound a stern note of warning to perpetrators of evil acts to leave the state alone because the current administration will not take it easy with people who are not ready to abide by the rules of the land,” she said.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, had earlier facilitated the rescue and medical care of the victim, while the suspect, Afelaja, was arrested by the police for interrogation.

PHOTOS: Seven notorious Boko Haram terrorists surrender in Borno 

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Seven notorious Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Taskforce in Borno State.

A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Military Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba said the effort was facilitated by Multinational Joint Task Force, operating under Sector 3 Mongunu.

According to the statement, the terrorists who have been operating in the Damasak axis of the state laid down their arms to embrace peace.

The statement reads in part, “In a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Region, troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), operating under Sector 3 Mongunu, have successfully facilitated the surrender of 7 suspected notorious Boko Haram terrorists with large cache of arms who have been active in the Damasak axis of Borno State, Nigeria.”

He said, “The suspected Boko Haram terrorists identified as Mallam Baba Ibrahim (19), Malam Bamai Ali (20), Mallam Jundu Ali (19), Mallam Abba Ali (25), Mallam Abubakar Mohammed (20), Tijjani Ali (20 yrs)  and Mallam Ali Mommudu (25) voluntarily turned themselves into MNJTF troops at Walada village in Damasak after sustained offensive operation by own troops.”

Recovered items

He stated that suspected terrorists confessed to having been involved in numerous terrorist activities across Northern Borno.Related News

“They expressed their exhaustion with the conflict,though they previously feared they will be killed if they surrendered,” he added.

“The  substantial arms cache and equipment surrendered by the suspected terrorists included 2 RPG tubes, 4 RPG bombs, an AK-47 rifle, an HK 21 German machine gun, and 8 empty magazines. Additionally, they handed over 2 horses, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 715 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 51 NATO rounds, 12 mobile phones, 6 small solar panels, 2 bandoliers, and 4 knives, among other items. The former insurgents are now providing valuable intelligence to the MNJTF.”

Recovered arms

Osoba urged other terrorists to follow suit and surrender their arms in exchange for peace.

“The MNJTF wishes to encourage other terrorists to take this opportunity to surrender as  laying down arms is a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace in the Lake Chad Region,” he said

He reiterated the MNJTF’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring stability throughout the area.

Trace Cdr Ajibade Becomes Ogun State CIOTA Chairman, Institute Inaugurates State Chapters

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By Ebinum Samuel

No fewer than 23 states chairmen and other executives, throughout the federation, were inaugurated on Wednesday by the national leadership of the Chartered Institute of Transport Admnistration of Nigeria, CIOTA.
The inaugural ceremony of opening state chapters of CIOTA, which was conducted in Abuja by the President, Dr. Segun Obayendo, accompanied by other national leaders was also done through virtual meeting with Zonal Executives in attendance.
TheCaveat.com.ng reports that the TRACE Area Commander, Ogun West, Cdr Ajibade Adekunle, emerged the current Chairman of Ogun State Chapter of CIOTA, and took the oath of office and allegiance alongside seven other Executive officers.
Other executive officers inducted alongside Ajibade as Ogun State CIOTA Executives include Margaret Emem Ogunbiyi, Vice Chairman, Odeyemi Agness, Secretary, Adewunmi Babatunde, Assistant Secretary, Filani Morolake Waleola, Fin. Sec. Yakub Azeez Oyegbenga, Treasurer, Jimoh Fatai Kehinde, as Provost, and Dr Taiwo Ali, as Auditor.


In his remarks, Commander General and the Chief Executive Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, Cdr ‘Seni Ogunyemi, charged the State chairmen and other executive officers to stem the rising tide of road crashes involving trailers and tankers on Nigerian roads through advocacy and enlightenment.
He gave this charge on Wednesday during the inauguration of the new Executives, while officially declaring open the temporary office of the Ogun State chapter of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, CIOTA, in Abeokuta.
Cdr Ogunyemi who is the South-West Zonal Coordinator of CIOTA said the newly inaugurated state executives should hit the ground running by embarking on aggressive membership drive to bring in more qualified transport personnel into the fold in order to bring sanity into transportation in the country.
Speaking on the enormous responsibility bestowed on him as the Ogun State Chairman of CIOTA, Ajibade said with capable egg heads executives with him he was sure CIOTA in Ogun will perform wonders in achieving a lot within a short period of time.
He spoke of plans to take CIOTA to Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, MAN as well as other governmental and nongovernmental organizations, saying CIOTA is an association that belongs to all other professions with the slogan “We are CIOTA, we are indispendable”.
In his keynote address, the committee Chairman of CIOTA, Prof Samuel Odewumi said the inauguration of the state chapters marks a significant step in deepening the professional reach, impact, and efficiency of transport administration in Nigeria.
His words: “Transport is the backbone of economic development, social integration, and national progress. Efficient transport systems facilitate commerce, ensure seamless mobility, and drive economic prosperity.
“As Nigeria continues to evolve due to urbanization, technological advancements, and infrastructural growth, the role of professional transport administrators becomes more critical than ever.
“Establishing state chapters under CIOTA represents a bold and strategic move to decentralize our operations, foster inclusivity, and promote regional development within the transport sector. Through these chapters, we aim to:
“Enhance Professionalism and Capacity Building: Our commitment to training and capacity development remains unwavering.


” The state chapters will serve as hubs for knowledge sharing, skills development, and professional networking to equip transport administrators with cutting-edge expertise and global best practices.
“Strengthen Policy Advocacy and Implementation: The transport sector thrives on sound policies and effective implementation. With active state chapters, we can engage with state governments, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to advocate for progressive policies that will improve transport systems and infrastructure across Nigeria.
“Promote Research and Innovation: Our transport sector’s challenges require innovative solutions. Our state chapters will facilitate research, data collection, and practical strategies to address traffic congestion, safety, sustainability, and multimodal transport systems.
“Encourage Stakeholder Engagement: Transport administration is a collective responsibility. We will work closely with government agencies, private sector players, academia, and the general public to foster collaboration and shared responsibility in advancing Nigeria’s transport sector.
“Increase Membership and Public Awareness: CIOTA’s growth and sustainability depend on an active and engaged membership base. The state chapters will spearhead membership drives, awareness campaigns, and community outreach programs to ensure transport professionals recognize the benefits of joining and contributing to our institute.


SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EVENT
Milestone in CIOTA’s Growth and Expansion: The inauguration of state chapters marks a new era in the professionalization of transport administration in Nigeria, strengthening CIOTA’s presence nationwide.
Decentralization and Regional Development: By creating state chapters, CIOTA ensures localized implementation of its objectives, fostering direct engagement with state governments and transport professionals at the grassroots level.
Enhancement of Professionalism and Capacity Building: The event signals the beginning of a more structured approach to training and professional development, allowing CIOTA to provide more accessible resources for skill enhancement.
Strengthening of Policy Advocacy and Implementation: The establishment of state chapters enables targeted advocacy for improved transport policies and infrastructure, with a focus on state-specific transport challenges and opportunities.
Promotion of Research and Innovation in Transport Administration: State chapters will facilitate data collection and research efforts, contributing to evidence-based solutions for Nigeria’s transport issues.
Encouraging Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: The event fosters partnerships between government, industry leaders, academia, and the private sector, ensuring a more unified voice in influencing transport policies.
Expansion of CIOTA Membership and Public Awareness: The inauguration serves as a platform to attract new members and build a more diverse professional community while raising awareness about CIOTA’s role and benefits.
Catalyst for Sustainable Transport Development: The event aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of achieving a sustainable and efficient transport system, ensuring improved safety, efficiency, and sustainability in transport administration.
Commitment to Excellence and Integrity: It highlights CIOTA’s dedication to upholding high ethical and professional standards in transport management, shaping the future of Nigeria’s transport sector.
National Development and Economic Growth: Efficient transport systems contribute significantly to economic progress, and CIOTA’s expansion supports this objective by addressing challenges and fostering solutions at state and national levels.

Fubara’s suspension and the dangers of personalizing political power

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

Quote:

” When brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father’s estate”.

-Chinua Achebe

My dear reader, it would be recalled that over the past five decades yours truly has severally warned our crop of political leaders- through opinion essays and discussions on radio and television stations’ programs- to always anchor their official decisions on the rule of law, as the Grundnorm of our democratic process. Under no circumstance should they therefore, condescend or bow to their whims and caprices, but be propelled by pro-people policies all in line with the larger picture of the national interest.

Unfortunately, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state and worse still, the rash removal or call it sudden suspension of the state governor, Simi Fubara, the deputy governor , Ngozi Edu, and members of the state House of Assembly-all duly elected representatives of the people -by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 has blatantly violated Section 305 of the 1999 constitution, which he swore to, on oath to abide by its dictates. Though that section of the constitution, which he gleefully quoted to support his decision grants him power to declare a state of emergency in the state, it does not empower him to suspend them from office.

According to the National President of the Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe there are strict conditions and procedural safeguards put in place to ensure that extraordinary measures do not infringe on democratic governance and fundamental human rights. But sadly, Mister President has violated the law, which clearly spells out in Section 188 of the 1999 constitution what should be done before the removal of any elected politician from office. Similarly, Tinubu has removed the elected members of the Rivers state House of Assembly (HOA). Worse still, according to Dr. Reuben Abati, a former spokesperson to the then President Goodluck Jonathan, the president has appropriated unto himself the powers to make laws for the good people of Rivers state! That, to put it mildly spells dictatorship under a so called democratic dispensation. Abati stated so and goes further to explain that under Section 11 of the 1999 constitution it is only the National Assembly that can make laws for the state HOA, under such circumstances. Perhaps, Tinubu should have learnt lessons from former President Goodluck Jonathan. So, what did he do?

According to the Attorney General of the Federation under his administration, Mohammed Bello Adoke, when Jonathan declared state of emergency, specifically in the three embattled North-Eastern
states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe due to the monstrous rampaging monster of insecurity he made sure that no state governor was removed from office. That was in 2013..He did so well aware that a state of emergency allows the federal government to take firm control of security and impose restrictions on movement in certain areas.

Shedding brighter light on what transpired in the past, Adoke explained that though the 1961 State of Emergency Act allowed the removal of premiers under a state of emergency, both the 1979 and 1999 constitutions made no room for the suspension of any duly elected governor, his deputy or the law makers. So, bluntly put what Tinubu has done is an aberration to the rules of law. The legal luminary and respected human rights lawyer, Liborous Oshoma is of that firm opinion as made public on Channels Television morning program . And Abati has described it as an impeachable offence! But how did this come about?

Inspite of previous attempts to find a sustainable solution to the face-off between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the latter who got appointment as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja on account of his open support for Tinubu’s presidency in 2023, the president has apparently pitched tent with Wike. That is the one man who believes his political might is his legal right. Subsequent to one court judgment after another, regarding the 27 lawmakers’ validity the pendulum of the Supreme Court judgement which eventually swung in their favour triggered the shockwaves beneath Fubara’s governorship seat. With that Wike and his allies were ready to nail his political coffin. But it is legally obnoxious that Mister President has violated the constitution,all in the bid to satisfy the bold and brazen ambition of Wike to play the demi-god in the political drama as it unfolded, not minding the consequences to the traumatized people of Rivers state. That situation has set off some burning questions.

People are asking that if Tinubu could mediate in the Lagos state House of Assembly crisis, why could he not deploy similar political sagacity in that of Rivers state? Is it true that the root cause of the altercation between Fubara and Wike had to do with the former’s inability to meet the financial returns to the latter, as earlier agreed? Could it be true that it was Fubara’s traducers that are responsible for the hatchet job of the pipeline vandalism all in the bold bid to give a dog a bad name, by hanging him? Was it not in this same state that back on July 9, 2013 a lawmaker was hit severally on his head as quarrel ensued between two rival political parties, and the video clip went viral on social media? It was one nauseating event that informed my opinion essay titled: ‘ Rivers of Shame and Jungle Democracy ‘ as published by different newspapers on August 2, 2013 and on page 242 of my book, ‘ Drumbeats of Democracy’.

Going forward, as recommended by the NBA the National Assembly should act with the desired dispatch to rein in the monster of illegality gradually taking over our political space. As it aptly described the suspension saga by Tinubu, ” it is illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional”. It should not be allowed to stand. Not at all!

All sides of the matter considered, with the unconstitutional suspension of Fubara and the people – elected politicians of the state coming soon after the illegal suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Nigeria’s version of democracy has made a mockery of us as a people. The world is watching us. And this should serve as a moment for sober reflection on the part of our political leaders.