News

Fuel Scarcity: Confusion As Armed Officers Shoot Man Dead During Clash At Fuel Station

Published

10 months ago

May 2, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A tragic incident happend at a petrol station owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Obalende, Lagos State, resulting in the fatal shooting of Toheeb Eniasa, plunging his family and the community into mourning.

The incident, which occurred late Wednesday, sent shockwaves through the area, leaving residents gripped with fear. According to eyewitnesses, Eniasa was waiting in line to purchase petrol when an altercation erupted.

Reports indicate that two individuals, suspected to be military officers, attempted to bypass the queue, sparking a confrontation with those waiting. Eyewitnesses confirm that Eniasa led the resistance, urging the men to adhere to the queue like everyone else.

Tragically, the altercation escalated into violence, resulting in Eniasa being shot by one of the men, who then fled the scene.

Narrating the sequence of events, eyewitnesses recounted the tragic confrontation. A resident, Mr. Amos Ayo, stated, “I saw them. They are men of the DSS. They came to the scene to buy fuel but refused to join the queue.”

He continued, “That is what they always do. It was not Toheeb’s turn yet, but he confronted them, asking them to join the queue or be polite about the way they went about the purchase.”

The tragic outcome left the community reeling, with residents recounting the chaos and panic that ensued. Another eyewitness, Capo, described the aftermath, stating, “This place (Obalende) is a very small place. Everybody knows everybody. Toheeb stays in the Dolphin Estate area. He is a Muslim. He is supposed to be buried today, but his body has been taken by the police to the morgue for investigation and possibly autopsy.”

Efforts to reach the station’s branch manager for comment were unsuccessful, but a staff member shed light on the situation, indicating that military personnel and veterans were given priority during fuel purchases.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that Toheeb Eniasa was indeed killed, and two vehicles were set ablaze. Investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators.

Responding to inquiries, DSS spokesman Peter Afunnaya denied the involvement of any DSS officers in the incident, urging further investigation to ascertain the truth.

News

Reps Direct FCT Minister to Appoint Auditor-General for FCT Area Councils

Published

40 minutes ago

February 27, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to appoint a substantive Auditor-General for the Area Councils without delay, in accordance with legal provisions.

This decision was sequel to a resolution adopted during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on Wednesday, 26th February 2025, in Abuja.

The committee noted that the absence of a substantive Auditor-General had hindered the signing and submission of audited financial reports, a process mandated by the constitution.

During the session, the Acting Auditor-General for the Area Councils, Abdullahi Ibn Salihu, made a presentation, and in response, the committee chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, emphasised the urgency of the matter, leading to the adoption of a motion for immediate action.

He said: “Honourable colleagues, I think we should also step into this. Like I said, when we resumed in October 2023, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation in Nigeria was vacant for about 2 years. The former President, President Muhammadu Buhari refused to make an appointment. And so, audit reports were not submitted. So, when we came in, myself and the Senate counterpart decided to write letters to the President and make some advocacy upon which a substantive was appointed.

“If they have the same case, I think we will also need to step in so that we can call on the Minister. We may need to write to him and invite him. Maybe he has reasons why that appointment has not been made. I think we should. We should actually have a resolution on this also”.

Earlier, during a review of the financial reports of FCT Area Councils, Acting Auditor-General, Abdullahi Ibn Salihu, clarified that most of the financial discrepancies flagged by the committee occurred under previous administrations, as he has only been in office for six months.

Key concerns raised included the failure to submit audited financial reports for 2023-2024, non-remittance of pension deductions to the Pension Commission (PENCOM), and the withholding of available audit reports from the committee.

Rep. Billy Osawaru stressed the need for strict enforcement of legal provisions against the Auditor-General’s office, insisting that such lapses must not persist.

To ensure a thorough review, a five-member sub-committee, led by Rep. Tochukwu Okere, was established to investigate and provide recommendations. Other members include Rep. Ajiya Abdulrahman, Rep. Mandara Usman, Rep. Mauruff Adebayo, and Rep. Mohammed Bargaja.

In attendance were Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, and Bwari Chairman, Hon. John Gabaya, while Kuje and Kwali were represented by their vice chairmen.

News

Day 3: Retired Nigerian police officers continue protest on Police Bills(Photos)

Published

1 hour ago

February 27, 2025

Naijablitznews

By Emmanuel Agaji

Association of Retired Police Officers, Kaduna chapter protest on Police Bills entered day three today, February 27, 2025, Thursday at the National Assembly.

Naijablitznews reports that some of the placards being displayed by the retired simply indicate that the output and input of November 19th, 2024 public hearing on the Bills should be implemented.

They equally supported the fact that the police force should exit the contributory scheme.

The very aged retired officers could be seen sighted sitting under the son bearing placards which they display for motorists to look at.

See photos:

News

Just in: Police restore Obasa’s security details, withdraw Meranda’s as ex-Lagos speaker set for return

Published

2 hours ago

February 27, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa who was impeached as speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly on January 13, 2025, is set to return.

Daily Trust understands that his security details have been restored just as those of Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, have been withdrawn.

Meranda was Obasa’s deputy before the impeachment. After his removal, the house unanimously elected Meranda, making her the first female to occupy the position in the history of the state.

Though she’s yet to officially resign as the Speaker of the House, her fate was reportedly sealed over the weekend by key All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders who intervened in the crisis rocking the House of Assembly.

Former National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Muiz Banire and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and some of the lawmakers had met over the weekend to find a resolution to the crisis.

It was at the meeting that the fate of Meranda was sealed as she was reportedly asked to vacate her seat.

There are indications that Obasa might return as the Speaker as following the resolutions reached by the leaders which largely favoured Obasa’s return.

“In truth, what they said was that Obasa’s removal was illegal and the lawmakers were directed at the meeting to go and return him,” sources familiar with the matter had said.

It was not clear yet when the House would reconvene to effect the expected changes.

Meranda had adjourned plenary indefinitely two weeks ago when there was commotion in the assembly as a result of invasion by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).