Metro
FG Arraigns Eight Chinese Nationals, One Nigerian Over Illegal Mining
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The Federal Government’s efforts to combat illegal mining has received a significant boost with the arraignment of several Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The suspects, including eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, were recently apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Marshals are tasked with ridding the mining sector of illegal operators.
This was disclosed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, in a statement on Friday.
He said that the Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, adding that the initiative is a pivotal component of Alake’s 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment.
“The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.
“The defendants include SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED.
“Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.
“The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
“The Minister is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately ensure that the nation reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources,” the statement read.
Metro
Danger averted as police rescued six kids from collapsed building
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The Lagos State Police Command has rescued six children from a building within an estate in the Ejigbo area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos.
He said that on Tuesday at about 12p.m., the police received information that six children were staying alone in a building.
‘The case was transferred from the Ejigbo Police Station to the Gender Unit in Ikeja after reports indicated that the children were left alone in a residential house.
“The children, aged between seven and 13 years, have been rescued and are currently in a protective shelter through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development,’ he said.
Hundeyin said initial findings revealed that their mother was currently abroad for medical treatment and had left them in the care of a caregiver.
The spokesperson added that efforts were underway to contact their mother, and investigations were ongoing to gather more details about the case.
NAN
Metro
Fire engulfs MTN office in Oyo
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An MTN booster station at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State was reportedly engulfed in flames on Saturday.
The fire, attributed to an electrical surge, erupted within the Faculty of Nursing.
According to reports, the incident took place in the early morning hours, around 4 a.m., and resulted in significant damage to the Mikano electrical generator, the control board, and other telecommunications devices at the booster station.
The state capital, Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde, and Chairman of the State Fire Services Agency, Moroof Akinwande confirmed the incident.
He said, “The state Fire Service’s prompt response doused the fire at the MTN booster station beside the Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan.
“The fire personnel, led by ACFS Olubunmi, were promptly deployed to the scene and arrived on time.
“On arrival, we met the Mikano electrical generator and board on fire. We quickly joined hands with the university’s fire marshals, and the fire was extinguished completely. The fire was caused by an electrical surge”, he explained.
Metro
Insecurity! Gunmen invade church, slash pastor’s 2 fingers
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Heavily armed gunmen reportedly stormed Elyon Paradise Ministry Church, shooting Pastor Divine Omodia and abducting six members of the congregation in Asagba Ogwashi, near Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, Aniocha south local government area of Delta State.
The attack, which took place on February 21, 2025, at approximately 10:30pm., saw the assailants round up the church premises before shooting the pastor and severing two of his fingers, causing severe blood loss.
One of the Pastors, Pastor Steve Victor Onuchukwu, who spoke revealed that since the attack, the kidnappers have not contacted the church or the victims’ families to demand ransom.
“The matter has been reported to the police, but so far, no tangible results have been achieved,” Onuchukwu stated.
“One security agency assured me they are working around the clock to secure the victims’ release, but we have no concrete updates yet.”
Concerns continue to mount over Pastor Omodia’s condition, as he remains in critical care at an undisclosed hospital.
According to Onuchukwu, medical personnel are making efforts to stabilize him.
“We rushed him to the hospital immediately, and he is currently in the operating theatre, where doctors are doing everything possible to save his life,” he said.
Meanwhile, when contacted for a statement, Delta State Police Command spokesperson Bright Edafe claimed no official report of the incident had been made to law enforcement.
“I am not aware of any such report because nobody has informed us about it,” Edafe stated.
The attack has heightened concerns over security in the region, with residents and church members demanding swift action to locate the kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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