HIGHWAY ROBBERY/EXTORTION: POLICE ARREST 3 FOR ILLEGAL REVENUE COLLECTION

In line with the effort of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command Lagos,AIG Abdulmajid Ali,to curb touting,extortion and illegal revenue collection on the major highways within the zone, the zonal command has arrested three suspects at Berger Area,boundary between Lagos and Ogun States,on Saturday,for extortion and illegal revenue collection at the Lagos end of Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

The Zonal Command has received series of petitions and complaints from various transport Associations/Unions for illegal toll or revenue collections and,even,extortion by some touts or hoodlums,who disguise as government agents/officials,along highways within the zone particularly on Lagos/Ibadan,Sagamu/Ijebu Ode/Benin Expressways and at various points in Lagos and Ogun States.

In response to people's complaints and intelligence reports,the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of zone 2 Command,AIG Abdulmajid Ali,has directed police operatives attached to the Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence of the zone (ZCIID) to curb such illegal activities and apprehend anyone or group of persons engaging in such criminal acts on our highways. Hence,the arrest of the trio,AJALA KABIRU,OLASUNKANMI POPOOLA and KAZEEM HASSAN.

AIG Ali has also challenged government revenue agencies(agents) and departments to always issue marks of identification or personal identity cards to their staff or operatives for easy identification so as to assist the police and other security operatives in the course of their duties of law enforcement and maintenance of law and order.

The AIG Zone 2 Command, therefore assured the general public of thorough cleansing of the zonal command and provision of adequate security of lives and property for all and sundry within the zonal command. He urged members of the public to reach him on his mobile line,08055885544, whenever the needs arise.

Chairman Of Pickpockets Arrested In Oshiodi

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Police Command have arrested a self-acclaimed chairman of pickpockets in Oshodi, Ibrahim Kasali and 20 other suspects alleged to be involved in stealing and robbing innocent members of public in the area.

Folakeinvestigates gathered that the suspects were arrested when the operatives stormed the popular busstop at around 4:30 pm at the weekend.

Eyewitnesses said that the operatives combed Mosafejo, Bolade, Oshodi Oke and Oshodi under-bridge and arrested the hoodlums and social miscreants, who were waiting for early morning rush to pickpocket passers-by and passengers.

Kasali, the prime suspect, who is popularly known as the  Ibrahim Babangida of Oshodi was nabbed during the operation while being chased by passengers of a bus which he boarded to pickpocket.

It was gathered that Kasali is feared by his colleagues for his ruthlessness and popularity.
An eyewitness was quoted as saying that “some colleagues of the pickpocket chairman earlier arrested gave him out as their leader and that he is the one that goes around collecting stolen items and sharing the proceeds from the sale of these items to his colleagues-in-crime after selling them”.
Kasali added that one of his accomplices also arrested, Ibrahim Yusuf, 18, from Ogun State was released from prison for the eighth time.

However, Folakeinvestigates gathered that on completion of the preliminary screening, four out of 21 arrested suspects who could provide satisfactory information about their identity were released.

Amongst the suspects arrested were: Bello Fatai, Oladimeji Ajisafe, Hassan Adeyemi, Jubril Olamilekan and Babalola Ahmed. Others were, Junior Vincent, Rilwan Oyinsola, Sadiq Taofeek, Kazeem Taiwo, Mutiu Rasheed, Ayodele Adeeko and Sola Omonije to mention but a few.

While confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Dolapo Badmos, re-assured people of Lagos, of maximum security in place in the state, adding that the suspects would face the full wrath of the law.
The suspects have been transferred to the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment for prosecution.

IMF Completes Review Mission to Senegal

 International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Ali Mansoor to Dakar from August 17–30, 2016 to conduct Article IV consultations and discussions on the third review of the three-year arrangement under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI) approved in June 2015 has been completed.

At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Mansoor said that the macroeconomic framework remains stable with robust growth.  And that budget execution in the first six months is satisfactory even though customs revenues are below the program target. He added that the implementation of the PSI remains satisfactory with respect to almost all quantitative criteria and indicative targets for end-June 2016.

Mr. Mansoor stated further that the outlook for 2016 and 2017 remains positive with a projected growth rate above 6 percent, driven by a more efficient agriculture, the recovery of industry and continued momentum in the service sector.   

“The IMF team welcomes the authorities' determination to continue to conduct a sound fiscal policy, including maintaining their original budget deficit target of 4.2% of GDP in 2016. The budget deficit is projected at 3.7% of GDP in 2017. The mission and the authorities agreed that the real challenge for Senegal is to maintain sustainable and inclusive growth so as to create jobs for the youth and significantly reduce poverty. In this context, the discussions focused on economic policies and structural reforms that would enable Senegal to maintain the growth momentum, strengthen its inclusiveness and improve the resilience of the economy to domestic, regional and international shocks. This requires the maintenance of a stable macroeconomic framework and the acceleration of reforms to improve productivity and the business environment, and promote the private sector.

“The mission welcomes the authorities' commitment to continue to implement the Plan Senegal Emergent (PSE) while maintaining a sustainable level of debt. This requires restoring fiscal space through improved revenue mobilization and rationalization of government consumption. Accordingly, the mission encourages the authorities to accelerate the modernization of Tax and Customs administration. Additional efforts are also needed to improve the management of public finances and economic governance and to build capacity to improve the quality of public investment. In this regard, the mission noted the authorities' determination to continue the computerization of financial processes and administration, including the Treasury and to further strengthen public debt management capacity.” Mansoor said.

While welcoming the progress achieved in the process of accession by Senegal to the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) expected by end of March 2017, the mission reiterated the importance of accelerating the implementation of structural reforms, essential for the growth of private investment and the success of the PSE. These include measures to improve the business climate in order to open and provide quality economic space to investors, including small and medium enterprises.

In view of the completed mission, the IMF Executive Board is tentatively scheduled to discuss the report on the 2016 Consultations under Article IV and the third review under the PSI-supported arrangement in December 2016.

“The mission met with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, Ministers in charge of Economy, Finance, Planning, Budget, and other senior government officials and representatives of the banking sector, private sector, civil society and development partners. The mission thanks the authorities for their warm hospitality, their close cooperation and frank atmosphere that prevailed throughout the talks.” Mansoor stated further.

IMF Launches Japan-Funded Project

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on August 29, 2016, launched a three-year capacity development project to improve the external sector statistics in Central and West Africa. Introduced at the African Training Institute (ATI) in Mauritius, this project has been made possible by the generous support of the Government of Japan. Its opening workshop at the ATI brought together mid– and senior–level central bank officials of 17 Francophone beneficiary countries.[1] Representatives of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) also participated in the workshop.

Folakeinvestigates gathered that the project aims to enhance external sector statistics quality and close data gaps in key areas such as the balance of payments statistics, the international investment position, and external debt statistics. It will support beneficiary countries’ efforts to improve the accuracy, timeliness, comparability, and reliability of external sector statistics for better policy analysis and economic decision-making, thereby also informing IMF surveillance. The project will also facilitate greater regional economic integration in the CEMAC and the WAEMU regions.

Mr. Louis Marc Ducharme, Director of the IMF’s Statistics Department, emphasized: “Timely and high-quality external sector statistics are essential for policymakers at both the national and regional levels to better understand countries’ external positions, risks, and vulnerabilities as a basis for designing and implementing sound macroeconomic policies. The project will provide the participants with opportunities to discuss common challenges, share experiences, and promote peer-to-peer learning, with a view to enhancing their external sector statistics.”

Mr. Vikram Punchoo, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, said at the opening ceremony: “Recently, Mauritius benefited also from a similar project. As a result, the Bank of Mauritius further improved the coverage of the balance of payments statistics and started the compilation of its international investment position and external debt. The project also facilitated the authorities’ subscription to the Special Data Dissemination Standard in 2012.”

Safety of Lagos: AIG Ali holds talk with Oba of Lagos, Smith

In actualizing his plans to provide adequate security for lives and property of the good people of Zone 2 Command, both in Lagos and Ogun States, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2,AIG Abdulmajid Ali, has paid visits to Oba Rilwan Babatunde Aremu Akiolu,the Oba of Lagos and retired Inspector-General of Police, IGP Musliu Smith on Tuesday in Lagos.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police AIG Abdulmajid Ali, who was accompanied by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Finance and Administration, ACP Janet Agbede, Assistant Commissioners of Police, X-Squad and Operations, Officer in charge of the Zonal Monitoring Unit, CSP Muideen Adisa and Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Muyiwa Adejobi, discussed religiously, security issues with the Oba of Lagos and retired IGP Smith.

The Kabiesi, Oba Akiolu, while receiving the AIG in his Lagos palace, appreciated AIG Ali for his doggedness and commitment in fighting crimes and social vices in the zone. He however promised to support the police in all ramifications. Oba Akiolu also lamented on the activities of land grabbers and urged the AIG to flush them out of Lagos and Ogun.

In his response, IGP Musliu Smith showered encomium on the police boss and deliberated on many germane, fundamental and topical issues as affect Lagos and Ogun States respectively. He also promised to give adequate support to AIG Ali and the zonal command generally as all hands must be on deck to sanitize the zone.

AIG Ali therefore promised to be more proactive and not to relent on his effort to kick against crimes, particularly cultism and land  grabbing. Abdulmajid Ali also reiterated his zero tolerance for corruption and improper behavior in the police.

Meanwhile, the Police Operatives attached to the Zonal Intervention Squad of the Zone 2 Command Lagos have arrested a pastor and one other for cross border banditry at Madoga, a border town between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The Commander of the Zonal Intervention Squad, who had received a piece of information on the criminal activities of some armed robbers that have been terrorizing innocent Nigerians in Lagos and Ogun states and operating between Nigeria, Republic of Benin through Togo were coming into Nigeria to rob a businessman, deployed his men and arrested Razak Raheem, a.k.a ARO, 48 and Joseph Olude, 45, who is a pastor of ELEHIM Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ihumbe in Ogun State.

Items recovered from them included one AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition and 16(sixteen) extra life AK47 ammunition, one locally made gun with life cartridges, one long barreled gun loaded with life cartridge and 3(three) loaded Dane guns.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Abdulmajid Ali has directed that the fleeing members of the armed robbery Gang be apprehended without delay. And that the Commander Zonal Intervention Squad expedites actions on his investigation and charge the suspects to court as soon as possible.

The police boss however, assured the general public in the zonal command, Lagos and Ogun States, that officer and men of the command to deal with any criminal that is caught perpetrating evil.

"Officers and men of the command have been given teeth to bite and they will bite hard at any criminal caught in the act or planning to perpetrate any evil act within the zonal command". AIG Ali said.

Legionnaire nabbed for stealing

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a legionnaire impersonating official of the Lagos State Task force on Special Offenses to rob motorcycle riders popularly called "okada" in Agege and its environs.

 Umam Hermid, a Lieutenant of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Command, from Borno state was arrested on Friday evening around 10:30 p.m. by RRS security operatives in Agege after dispossessing one Amin Al–Hassan of his motorcycle.

 Hermid with his accomplice, Tijani Bashir, who is now at large, had accosted their victim, Al–Hassan, at Total Filling Station, Agege and told him that they were policemen attached to the Lagos State Task force on Special Offenses. They told their victim that they were impounding his motor cycle for plying restricted area and for operating at prohibited hour.

Bewildered, Al–Hassan began to plead for negotiation but Hermid, the ring leader told him to bring N20, 000:00 but Al–Hassan could only produce N5, 000:00, an amount the Hermid rejected.

“When he refused to accept the N5, 000:00, he mounted the bike and rode it towards Iyana Ipaja. I begged him but he told me to get down from the bike because I sat behind him while his partner rode the bike that they came with. ‎He rode through Agbotikuyo road, Agege.  When we got to Mulero, I forced the bike to a stop by removing its key from the ignition, and I got down. 

"We were arguing when two passers-by joined us and they requested for his identity card when he told them that he was a policeman with the Lagos State Task force. Reluctantly, he flashed his ID card before them but one of them was so swift to snatch it from him. Then, he began to chase the guy, who quickly ran towards RRS patrol team nearby.  That was when he was arrested him and the dagger he was holding was also collected from him". Al- Hassan narrated. 

At the RRS headquarters, three other victims from whom Hermid and his accomplice had collected motorcycles weeks before he was caught on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 came with particulars of their bikes, alleging that Hermid, along with an accomplice, whose description fitted that of Tijani Bashir, took their bikes.

The victims, Shuaib Abdullahi, Umaru Hassan and Salisu Umaru stated that the suspects collected their motorcycles in a spate of three weeks, and that one of his victims was shot at a close range in the cheek at Shoretire Street, Agege.

One of the victims, Shuaib Abdullahi explained that the arrested suspect at around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 17, 2016 took his bike, FKJ 259 QA, Boxer model, from him under the pretext that he was taking him to Task force Office.

"He drove me to Ile–Zik before threatening me to get down or he would kill me at the deserted place. I requested for his number and he gave me a fake number. I called the number immediately he left but the number didn't go. I got imformation about his arrest and that is why we have come to RRS to collect our okada from him", Abdullahi said.

The suspect however, didn't deny the allegations of the three other victims when they confronted him.

Speaking on the development, the Police PPRO, SP, Dolapo Badmos confirmed the arrest of the suspect, stressing that his arrest might help shed more light on reported cases of motor cycles theft in Agege and its environs.
The suspect has been transferred to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigations.

Buruji Physically attacked me in Portharcourt - Hon. Ladi Adebutu Kessington

 Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu Kessington representing Ikene/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has said that the Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, would evolve over time and survive its present crisis to emerge a vibrant opposition that would save Nigerians from its present predicaments. 

Honourable Adebutu who spoke with Folakeinvestigates on the sideline of the Peoples Democratic Party Convention held in Port-Harcourt today Wednesday, August 17,2016 expressed that the party, having been in power for 16 years was just learning the ropes to becoming and playing the role of a strong opposition.

He decried the actions of law enforcement agencies that prevented members of the PDP from conducting its Convention at the Sharks Stadium Port-Harcourt which was the original venue earlier slated for the exercise before moving to the State party Secretariat on Aba road, Port-Harcourt where the convention  was finally held.

According to him, "the Political Party no doubt was going through a turbulent time, however, PDP's experience over the years stand it out as the Party that can deliver dividends of Democracy to Nigerians."

While condemning the physical attack  on him by a senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Buruji Kasamu who led a team of hoodlums to physically assault him at the Car Park of the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt, Hon. Adebutu expressed the shock at the debased level into which the nations' politics has descended. 

According to him, "it took the intervention of some other party members present, mostly supporters of the Party's Caretaker committee chairman, Sen. Ahmed Markafi who came to the scene and prevented what could have been a mayhem."

The two politicians have been locked in a fierce battle over the control of the structure of the PDP in Ogun State, which appears to be slipping gradually away from the vice grip of the Ogun State senator.  

Hon. Ladi Adebutu it was also gathered, had aligned with the Maikarfi led exco while Buruji Kasamu is believed to be the main architect of the Senator Ali Modu Sherrif's legal battles to take over the control of the PDP, a situation which had put the Adebutu camp in very strong position to take over the party in Ogun State.

Most party stakeholders in the state are also believed to have aligned with the Adebutu faction which they see as a final breath of fresh air towards re-positioning the party and returning to an election-winning formula.

The PDP National Executive Council (NEC), after its meeting in Port Harcourt today, extended the tenure of the National Caretaker Committee by one Year within which a fresh National Convention must be organized.

Nigerian Navy is not politically affiliated- Commodore Ezekoba

Our officer fired in self–defense

The Nigerian Navy while debunking the allegation that one of their officers shot a civilian in Idah area of Kogi state has said it is embarrassing that an attempt is being made to link a road accident to a re-run election that took place in the state.

In a press release made available to Folakeinvestigates, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ezekoba said that Lieutenant Commander Otu, whose gallantry ensured that the elections in Ofu were successful, was on his way from the Base in Idah to drop his sister at the motor park when he was involved in a road traffic accident with an Okada rider.

“The true position is that the Kogi East Senatorial and State House of Assembly elections took place on July 23, 2016. During the elections, an Internal Security Team made up of the Army, Navy and Police was deployed to Ofu to provide security. The leader of the team was Lieutenant Commander O.B Otu. As the elections progressed, thugs led by one Alhaji Audu Usman snatched electoral materials and ran into the place of the traditional ruler at Ofu.

“The Internal Security Team led by Lieutenant Commander Otu pursued the culprits, recovered the electoral materials and arrested Alhaji Audu Usman and other thugs that were attached to one of the political parties. Subsequently, they were handed over to the Police and the Commander Naval Out Post Idah reported the matter to the traditional monarch at Idah in order to sue for peace and calm.

“However, two days later, Lieutenant Commander Otu, whose gallantry ensured that the elections in Ofu were successful, was on his way from the Base in Idah to drop his sister at the motor park. In the process, he was involved in a road traffic accident with an Okada rider.” Ezekoba said.

According to NN image maker, Lieutenant Commander Otu fired his official rifle to the ground in self-defense when he was surrounded by several Okada riders who were about to lynch him.

“Otu was surrounded by several Okada riders who were about to lynch him at the scene of the accident and in self-defense, he fired to disperse the Okada riders. However, shrapnel (a metal piece from a bullet) which ricocheted from the asphalt hit another Okada rider in the leg.

“When calm had returned, the Commander of the base took the Okada rider, Mohammed Isah, to the Federal Medical Centre Lokoja where he was treated and discharged on the same day. He was brought back to Idah by the Commander of the Base. The NN is not a political affiliate of any party and remains committed to ensuring peace and tranquility throughout the country.” NN director stated.

Lieutenant Commander O.B Otu was alleged to have shot an Okada rider, Mohammed Isah on Idah road, Kogi state after recognizing him to be one of the civilians that challenged him while attempting to assist politicians in tampering with the ballot boxes.