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REVEALED: How #EndSARS Coordinators Shared Millions — Beneficiary

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A social media user, Princess Banke Oniru, has alleged that some coordinators of the protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force shared millions of naira severally.

Nigerians attracted global attention after they took to the streets across the country in late 2020 protest to call for the disbandment of SARS, accused of extrajudicial killings, extortion, and torture.

At the twilight of the protest in October 2020, unarmed protesters waving Nigerian flags were allegedly killed after soldiers and police invaded the Lekki Tollgate, the main convergence point of the protest in Lagos State.

While there had been several controversies around the funds generated for the protest, with Feminist Coalition (FEMCO) facing public scrutiny over the group’s alleged inability to properly account for the funds received, some details emerged on Sunday about how funds from the government were allegedly shared by acclaimed coordinators of the protest.

Taking to his X account on Sunday, Oniru explained that while initial funds offered by the Lagos State Government were rejected, coordinators later shared several millions of money from the government.

She claimed she initially refused the largesse but later asked her assistant to pick it from a popular social commentator, Sarah Ibrahim, and she (Oniru) shared the money accrued to her as giveaways.

Oniru, with tweets from the handle @HRH_bankeoniru on X, wrote, “Following the EndSARS unrest, and during the panel of inquiry, the Lagos State Government’s initial funding offer was met with resistance.

“@sarahibrahim and associates then consulted Mr. Femi Falana regarding the substantial sum proposed for advisory purposes. Despite Mr. Falana’s counsel to accept the funds as a gift, I deemed it incongruous to accept financial compensation from those we were opposing, fearing it may undermine our integrity.

“The first funds Sarah called me to pick up was N1.5m. The second was N1m. I have proofs. Messages to back it up. The #endsars coordinators shared millions of money severally. Going back and forth to pick a Ghana must-go filled with cash at Alausa Ikeja.

“On two separate occasions, I entrusted my personal assistant to collect money from Sarah, ensuring she took photographs for evidentiary purposes. Afterward, I shared images of the funds received on EndSARS United and Competent Nigerians platforms for public dissemination as giveaways. Adeshina Ademola Ogunlana of blessed memories was the only lawyer that stood genuinely for the endsars. He can never be bought.”

‘Lagos offered N100 million’

But countering the claim, Ibrahim explained that Oniru displayed “severe ingeniousness” in her allegations, adding that though the Lagos State Government reached out to her and offered N100 million, she never accepted the offer.

Tweeting from @TheSerahIbrahim, Ibrahim in a lengthy post on X, said that after consulting her lawyers, she asked the government to use the funds in supporting Lekki Toll Gate victims’ families, and those who are injured.

She wrote, “So yes, I was reached by the Lagos State Government to offer N100 million. A meeting they were trying to have for months but I kept refusing because I was rightfully pissed at them.

“Finally, I attended one of the meetings after speaking with my lawyer Fusika SAN, who then took me to also consult jointly with Falana SAN, on what to do. At one of the meetings, I attended with @akintollgate where one of Sanwo Olu’s commissioners apologised for what happened at the Toll Gate and wanted us to make amends.

“He spoke like a father, he was nice and very understanding and wanted us to make peace with the govt, and move on. Truthfully, his words calmed me. After all was said and blame passed back and forth, he stated there was a financial offer to us to cover for all we must have spent and gone through during the period, an amount of N100 million. Immediately I refused, I didn’t want to involve myself with it. And I spoke with Akin who agreed with my thought on it. I only requested that prosthetics be done for those who were amputated so that we can help them move around.”

She claimed that upon rejecting the monetary offer, she started getting calls from families of victims and she had to change her stance.

“So after, I started getting calls from the victims, I was pissed. I went to the lawyers and told them what was happening. The govt informed me that the money was in cash and it was to be given to me, that I should come and pick it up and do with it what I wish. So speaking to Falana SAN, he then said if the govt is remorseful and wants to finally help those they shot and killed at the toll gate, let me not block it but allow it to happen.

“I told Falana SAN that I personally did not want anything to do with the money and I did not want to go pick it up like the govt wanted, and I wanted to stay out of it, and he immediately right there and then, wrote a letter for me and told me to give to the commissioner stating that the govt should do it the right way. The govt stated that the money was in two ranches of N50 million each and so there were two letters one stating N50 million and another stating the total of N100 million.

“I insisted that the govt should just give out the compensations as instructed by the panel, rather than this ‘backyard assistance’ like my dad called it.”

Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, was yet to respond to a WhatsApp message on Monday morning seeking the government’s reaction to the alleged funds paid to victims’ families and protest coordinators.

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

Lagos Announces 15-Month Traffic Diversion For Mile 2 Interchange Construction

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The Lagos State Government has announced a 15-month traffic diversion at Mile 2 for the construction of the new Transport Interchange Terminal.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Osiyemi noted that the diversion would integrate rail, bus, water and non-motorised transportation.

He said the 15-month traffic diversion for the construction would begin on November 11, 2024 and end on February 16, 2026.

Osiyemi, however, enjoined motorists to use alternative routes.

“Motorists heading to Oshodi from Apapa will have thorough traffic and vice versa.

“Motorists heading to Badagry from Apapa will continue their journey on Apapa – Oshodi Expressway and take a turn into Akinwande Road to link Coker and access Lagos – Badagry Expressway to continue their journeys.

“Motorists heading to Lagos from Badagry will also have thorough traffic and vice versa.

“Motorists heading to Apapa will be diverted into Durban Road to link Amuwo Odofin Estate and connect Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to continue their journeys,” he said.

He assured that the diversion routes had been well marked with signs to assist motorists navigate their destinations.

Osiyemi added that officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would be on ground along the affected routes to oversee traffic flow.

He advised motorists to cooperate with the interventions put in place to minimise inconveniences.

“Motorists are implored to be patient as the closure is part of the traffic management plans for the construction of the Transport Interchange Terminal project by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority,” he said.

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Editor Embarks On Book Tour, Announces Abuja Reading Event

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Author and accomplished newspaper editor/ journalism prizeman, Dayo Oketola, is set to embark on an international book tour taking off on November 15 with a book reading and signing event in Abuja.

Oketola has authored a book titled, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’, presented to the public on September 17, 2024, at the Muson Centre in Lagos during an Exaugural Lecture marking the end of his tenure as Editor, The PUNCH.  The book was unveiled by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other dignitaries.

The author expressed heartfelt gratitude on the incredible support and accolades that have followed the release of the book and announced an international book tour, beginning in Abuja and continuing to Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, as well as the UK, US, and Canada, among other locations.

He said, “The book reading and signing event, hosted by RovingHeights Bookstore in Abuja, will mark the start of the international “Catalyst Book Tour.” This tour will include readings, book signings, fireside chats, and interviews, serving as a platform to share insights from my 20 years in journalism while celebrating my contributions to the telecom industry’s knowledge base. It will also provide a chance to connect with friends, colleagues, critics, and fellow book lovers, both locally and internationally.”

Speaking on the book, the author explained that the 352-page compendium structured into 14 chapters celebrates remarkable industry achievements while critically addressing the persistent gaps that hinder its full potential.

 

He said,  “Blending personal narratives with meticulous industry analyses, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’ offers a profound exploration of Nigeria’s telecommunications evolution,  which began with the introduction of GSM in 2001, to the vibrant and competitive industry we witness today.  It also highlights the bold initiatives that opened the sector to private investment, leading to over $70 billion in capital inflow and the creation of over 500,000 jobs in over 20 years.

“From emphasising how advancements in telecommunications, fintech, and infrastructure have catalysed Nigeria’s national development, the book delves into strategic planning and governance, showcasing successful projects that highlight the importance of foresight in harnessing technology for societal growth. Through real-life stories and case studies, readers will witness the transformative power of innovation in various sectors, from agriculture to education, among others.”

In the chapters dedicated to inclusivity in technology, the author confronts the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and women. By exploring initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, the book advocates for equitable access to technological advancements, emphasising the need for diverse voices in shaping the digital future.

According to Oketola, the book further examines the roles of regulatory agencies in shaping the telecoms and fintech sectors. It identified both the successes and failures of existing regulatory frameworks, shedding light on how these have influenced industry innovation and equipping readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities at play in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

The author equally investigates the operational challenges faced by NigComSat-1R, Nigeria’s multi-million dollar communication satellite, while looking into the future by examining the government’s initiatives aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s digital economic potential through broadband expansion, infrastructure development, and the rise of 5G technology.

According to him, the book is a collector’s item for ICT sector stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, lecturers, STEM students, university libraries and those interested in understanding the dynamic intersection of technology, policy, and social impact in Nigeria.

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BIG STORY

NDLEA Intercepts UK, UAE, Australia-Bound Illicit Drugs Concealed In Body Cream, Artwork

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully thwarted attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle cocaine, cannabis, and tramadol to Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

On October 28, 2024, NDLEA officers intercepted drug shipments concealed within body cream containers and pieces of artwork at various courier companies in Lagos State.

Additionally, on October 29, 2024, the agency seized 754,000 pills of tapentadol and acetaminophen at the Apapa seaport during a joint operation with Nigerian Customs Service and other security agencies.

In another operation in the Federal Capital Territory, 24-year-old Mujahid Hamisu was arrested with 147,000 tramadol pills concealed in plumbing materials along the Kwali-Gwagwalada-Abuja Expressway.

Hamisu was on his way from Onitsha, Anambra State on November 2, 2024.

Another suspect, Seun Abimbola, 47, was nabbed by NDLEA operatives the same day with 512 grams of methamphetamine during a raid operation at Giri Junction area of the FCT.

In Kogi State, NDLEA officers on patrol along Kabba-Obajana Highway arrested Mercy Ameh, 28, in a commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Abuja while a search of her luggage led to the recovery of fake Naira notes worth N4,353,200.

Another suspect, Shaibu Dahiru, 27, was nabbed in a vehicle going from Lagos to Katsina along Lokoja-Okene-Abuja Road on October 30 with 68 blocks of cannabis weighing 27.400kg.

A notorious drug dealer, Usman Abba (alias Timaya), who has been on the watchlist of the Katsina State Command of the NDLEA was on October 30 arrested at Liberty Hotel, Kofar Kaura with consignments of Arizona, a strain of cannabis.

The same day, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa State arrested a suspect, Augustine Dike, 31, with 50.3 grams of methamphetamine at Quarisa Hotel, Jimeta.

In Taraba State, operatives on November 1 arrested Danlami Fakwa, 46, at Sabon Gari, Jalingo Local Government Area with 49.795kg cannabis, while a total of 561kg of the same substance was recovered from a Sienna bus at Ogbese village in Ondo State on October 28.

A suspect Kabiru Yusuf, 25, was on October 2 arrested in possession of 51,813 pills of tramadol and exol 5 at NDA Bus Stop, Kaduna, just as raids in Edo State led to the seizure of 603.6kg cannabis at Farm Road, Ekiadolor and 308.4kg of same substance at Uroe community.

Meanwhile, across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week.

Instances include WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Sanganare, Adamawa State; students of College of Arts and Islamic Studies, Tungan Magajiya, Niger State; students and staff of Regina Catholic International College, Obehie, Abia State; students and teachers of Akinmorin Grammar School, Oyo, Oyo State; as well as students and teachers of Redeemer’s International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

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