News

Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recovers Pump Action Gun, One Cut To Size Gun, A Tricycle, Announces Death Of Armed Suspect

Published

10 months ago

March 5, 2024

Delta state police command have arrested two suspected armed robbers terrorizing innocent tricycle passengers along the PTI Junction to Orerokpe and recovers a pump action gun, one cut to size gun and a tricycle and announced the death of an armed suspect who engages police in a gun duel at Okpanam town.

According to the Police Public Relations Officers to the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, the arrests of the hoodlums came following the reassurance by the Delta State Police Commissioner, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda to leave no room for criminality to grow and thrive in Delta State while affirming the Command’s resolve to pursue and prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law.

According to Edafe, following a complaints on the robbery incidents at Redeem Road, Okpanam town, and other parts of the State, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi issued a firm warning to DPO’s and Area commander’s in Asaba on the need to step up and nip the ugly trend in the bud.

He stated that In line with the directive, on March 4, 2024 at about 0255hrs, while working on a distress call, the DELTA HAWK Team collaborating with the Okpanam Divisional Police Headquarters, proceeded to Marble Hill Junction in response to a distress call about an ongoing armed robbery operation at Play Learn Academy School.

The officers mounted surveillance within the scene of the robbery, where they sighted an Okada rider and two occupants.

Upon sighting the team advancing towards them, they took to their heels and immediately started shooting at the police operatives_and the during the gun duel, one of the suspected armed robbers sustained gunshot injuries, while one English Pump action gun, and one cut-to-size single barrel gun with three cartridges were recovered.

The injured suspect was taken to the Hospital where he died while receiving treatment. Efforts are on top gear to recover more firearms and further arrest other fleeing suspects.

In another development, on March 1, 2024, at about 1950hrs, following information from a lady (name withheld), a female resident who reported that at about 1915hrs of same date, while she boarded a tricycle (Keke) from PTI Junction to Orerokpe Community with two other passengers including the driver, that while approaching Okudiete Community in Okpe LGA, the three boys suddenly attacked and pushed her out of the moving tricycle, making away with her phone, handbag containing money and other valuables.

The victim immediately boarded another tricycle and reported the incident to Orerokpe Police Division. Upon receipt of the report, the DPO Orerokpe CSP Paul Oboware deployed his Visibility Patrol Team on a stop and search duty at Oha-Junction.

Sequel to the tip-off, the patrol team swiftly gave the robbers a hurt chase and succeeded in arresting two of the suspects. Meanwhile, one of the hoodlums escaped through the bush, and all items robbed from the victim were recovered from the robbers including a tricycle with REG NO: ASB56QD.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are notorious robbers who specialize in robbing unsuspecting passengers of their personal belongings while in transit on a tricycle. Similarly, efforts are ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspect and to discover other associates of the syndicate.

CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reassured the steadfastness and commitment to uphold law and order in Delta State. He further appeals to the public to be law-abiding and live within the ambit of the law, urging that anyone with information on crime can always reach out through the CONTROL ROOM numbers: 08036684974; 08125958005; 09053872287, that callers may opt to remain anonymous. He noted that while the police command has the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and properties, the citizens in turn have the responsibility of helping the police achieve their mandate by reaching out to the police.

News

Photos) Obi Visits IBB, Reveals Their Discussion

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

(By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, paid a visit to former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, Obi confirmed the visit, which followed his earlier meeting with Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.

The discussions with IBB reportedly centered on national issues, with Obi also taking the opportunity to wish the elder statesman a happy new year.

Describing Babangida as a “father figure” and “wise man,” Obi expressed his admiration for the former leader’s insights and guidance.

He wrote:
“From Jigawa State, I traveled to Minna, Niger State to pay a visit to a father figure, elder statesman, and leader, the former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his residence in Minna. The visit was an opportunity to wish him a happy New Year and to exchange thoughts on national issues.

“General Babangida’s wisdom and perspectives remain very important, and I always deeply appreciate the chance to visit him and listen to his invaluable advice and words of wisdom.

“A new Nigeria is POssible!”

News

After Obasanjo’s outburst NNPCL invites him to PH Refinery, Speaks on ‘Halting Crude Oil Supply to Dangote

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery and assess its operational status firsthand.

Naijablitznews reports this is coming barely hours after the former president’s on the reactivated refineries.

Obasanjo had granted interview on Channels Television, in which he cited advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) raising concerns about the refinery’s potential inefficiency.

SPDC, which had been approached for equity participation in the refinery, reportedly attributed these concerns to corruption impacting operations.

Obasanjo also accused NNPCL of misleading the public regarding the refinery’s performance.

In response, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and invited Obasanjo to see the progress made since the refinery’s rehabilitation.

Soneye highlighted that the rehabilitation efforts involved more than just maintenance, but a complete overhaul to meet international standards, with similar projects underway at the Warri, old Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries.

Soneye also noted that NNPCL’s transition from a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability has refocused the company on profitability, aiming to position it as a competitive global energy player. He reassured Nigerians of NNPCL’s dedication to sustaining operations that meet global standards and contribute to the nation’s energy security.

Addressing Obasanjo’s comments, Soneye acknowledged the former president’s role in national discussions and reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to a brighter future. Regarding rumors about NNPCL cutting crude oil supplies to the Dangote Refinery, Soneye dismissed the reports as false, indicating there was no need to respond to such claims.

News

Oil Prices Rise On First Trading Day Of 2025

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

On Thursday, marking the inaugural trading day of 2025, global oil prices experienced a modest increase.

Brent crude futures experienced an increase, reaching $74.80 a barrel by 0547 GMT, marking a gain of 17 cents, or 0.06%

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose by 19 cents, or 0.26%, settling at $71.91 a barrel

On Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, Brent crude oil prices increased by 65 cents, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) saw a rise of 73 cents on the same day

In 2024, global oil prices experienced significant fluctuations, driven by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and a notable decline in oil demand from China

China’s Economic Growth Fuels Optimism.

Investors are closely monitoring the expansion of China’s economy.

According to a report by Reuters, oil investors are expressing optimism regarding potential growth in China’s economy, which may lead to increased oil demand from the Asian powerhouse

This sentiment follows President Xi Jinping’s commitment to fostering growth by 2025

In his New Year’s address, the President of China committed to enacting more proactive policies aimed at stimulating economic growth in 2025

China’s factory activity experienced sluggish growth in December 2024, according to a recent survey by Caixin and S&P Global

However, there are indications of a modest recovery in the services and construction sectors, pointing to the potential impact of policy stimulus measures.

Impact of US Economic Policies

As US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20, investors are expressing concerns about the potential effects of tariffs

Due to the New Year holiday, the Energy Information Administration has delayed the release of the weekly U.S. oil stocks data until Thursday, which investors are currently anticipating

Market analyst Tony Sycamore shared insights with Reuters, noting that the weekly chart for WTI is narrowing, suggesting that a significant price movement is on the horizon

The upcoming US ISM manufacturing release is poised to play a crucial role in determining the next direction for crude oil prices.

Instead of attempting to forecast the direction of the impending break, he suggested that it would be more prudent to observe it as it happens and then align with it.

Nigeria’s oil price assumption for the year

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has established the 2025 budget based on the expectation that global oil prices will hover around $75 per barrel.

Additionally, the government has committed to increasing oil production to exceed 2 million barrels per day

Elements influencing oil prices in 2025. We project China’s oil demand to peak in 2025. We anticipate an increase in oil prices should this occur

The Economic and Technological Research Institute (ETRI) of the China National Petroleum Corporation forecasts an increase in oil demand to around 770 million tonnes in the world’s second-largest economy by 2025. India’s Demand: If demand surges in India, the country with the highest population globally, we could witness a significant increase in oil prices. Analysts predict that India is poised to overtake China as the dominant oil market in Asia.

Trump’s commitment to the slogan “drill, baby, drill” has sparked significant discussion regarding energy policies and environmental implications. Upon taking office, President Trump has committed to an immediate increase in oil production within the United States. Experts suggest that this scenario may be unlikely, as the private sector predominantly influences the oil and gas industry in America. The impact of OPEC: Last year, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) faced challenges managing oil prices despite implementing production cuts.

We cannot yet predict the potential impact on the oil market in 2025. Analysts suggest that OPEC’s influence in the global oil market has diminished compared to its historical prominence.