The three people detained in connection with the murder of Sub-Lt. Samuel Akingbohun, a naval officer, in ldo-Ani, Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State, have explained why and how they killed the officer following an incident.

The accused, Ayomide Sambo, Johnson Adeleke, and Shagari Francis, all 17, admitted to killing the officer in an interrogation when they were being paraded by the state police command. They did this because the officer had attacked one of them.

The three suspects have just graduated from the town’s high school.

They described how they struck the dead officer’s head and scrotum with an iron rod.

Ayomide Sambo, 20, described how the naval officer headbutted and slapped his companion Johnson Adeleke when they were battling for the right of way in the neighborhood.

We pursued him and cornered him at a crossroads, where we assaulted him with an iron rod because we were so irritated.

“When we came across the naval officer, we were our route to get a power bank. He was coming from the wrong direction, and the area from where he was coming was poor.When my companion shoved the officer with his shoulder, we were both trying to move in the right direction.The naval officer gave him a headbutt and a slap out of anger.

“We began pleading with the naval officer. It was bogus military people, my friend claimed after the naval officer had left.At that point, we borrowed a bike, followed him to the intersection, and confronted him.

“The naval officer and my friend started fighting. It was in the process that I picked up an iron rod and began to hit him all over his body. My friend also collected the iron rod from them and started hitting him.
“But the two of my friends are now denying it and saying that I was the only one that hit him with the iron rod.

“We have never seen the officer before. That was the first time we set our eyes on him. Even the Okada rider that carried us was saying that where my friend hit him with the iron rod was dangerous.

“We were arrested while trying to flee from the town. I was first arrested, while the other two were arrested the following day after I told the naval officers their whereabouts. The two of them are now saying that I was the only one that hit him.”

The second suspect, Johnson Adeleke, aged 20, however denied his involvement in the beating and killing of the officer.

Adeleke said: “When I was on my way to remove my power bank, I mistakenly hit my elbow with the navy officer. He slapped me and gave me a headbutt. At that moment, we didn’t know that he was a naval officer.
“After the fisticuffs, we took a bike and traced him. After catching up with him, I confronted him, but he refused to say anything.

“The friend of the naval officer used his elbow to hit Ayomide, it was at that point that Ayomide picked up the iron rod and started hitting him. I did not hit him at all, it was Ayomide that was hitting him.

“I was already out of Idoani in a bid to escape when my mother’s elder brother called me to report to the station.”

The third suspect, Shagari Francis, 17, in an interview said: “I didn’t hit the naval officer. I was just following them. I was arrested when my mother took me to the station to ask if I was part of them.”

Funmi Odunlam, the command’s spokesperson, commented that the accused would soon be charged in court for prosecution following a police probe.

“At the moment, three suspects are in custody, and during questioning, we realized that one of those mobilized to the scene was one Ayomide Sambo. When he got there, he carried an iron rod, hit him on the head and his testicles, and then started stoning him,” Odunlami added.

Later, he lost consciousness and was taken to the local hospital, where the doctor pronounced him dead.

The All Progressives Congress, which is now in power in Ebonyi State, has been accused by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party of targeting several of its members who gave testimony as witnesses before the Abuja-based Election Petitions Tribunal.

The charge was made in a statement that was made public on Thursday and was signed by Augustine Nwazunku, the chairman of the PDP’s caretaker committee for the State.

According to the statement, suspected APC hitmen attacked the PDP witnesses who gave testimony before the electoral tribunal in Abuja as they were returning to their individual houses.

“Some were brutally attacked by APC hired thugs, with their families, essentially chased out of their homes while business interests of our members’ farm were poisoned with yet to be verified chemical. Over twenty thousand fish fingerlings were physically damaged in some of the episodes of attacks,” the statement read

The PDP further charged APC chieftains and leaders with intimidating PDP supporters who were getting ready to testify as witnesses before the Tribunal by visiting villages and local governments.

“The APC government has threatened to deal with any Ebonyi citizen seen to be hob-nobbing with the members of PDP in Ebonyi State,” the statement added.

APC state chairman Stanley Okoro-Emegha responded to the charges by calling them false and urging the PDP to present proof of the alleged attacks on its members to the public.

The Christian Association of Nigeria called on the government to ensure the preservation of all citizens’ rights, regardless of their religious affiliations, on Thursday in response to the execution of a butcher in Sokoto State named Usman Buda who was allegedly killed for making blasphemous remarks.

In an announcement made in Abuja, CAN President Daniel Okoh offered his sympathies to the deceased’s family and friends.

According to information that has reached us, Usman Buda was brutally killed for making an alleged blasphemous remark. CAN wholeheartedly supports both the right to peacefully express one’s opinions and the freedom of religion. Therefore, we reject any use of force or “jungle justice” motivated by a belief system.

“This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for increased efforts to foster religious tolerance, peace, and unity in our diverse society. CAN will continue to advocate for the protection of all citizens’ rights, regardless of their religious affiliations.

“For a peaceful Nigeria, we implore religious leaders and adherents to encourage interfaith conversation and peaceful coexistence. Usman Buda’s family is in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

Several nations with a large Muslim population have condemned the burning of a Quran during a protest in Sweden.

A copy of the Islamic Quran was set on fire on Wednesday in front of Stockholm’s main mosque by Salwan Momika, who is reportedly an Iraqi resident in Sweden.

According to the BBC, countries in the Middle East such as Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt strongly condemned the burning.

And Turkey, a Nato member with a say over whether Sweden gains membership, called it a “despicable act”.

Turkey – which was also angered by a Quran burning protest earlier this year – said it was “unacceptable” to allow such “anti-Islamic actions” to take place “under the pretext of freedom of expression”.

Muslims believe the Quran as a sacred text from God and find it highly insulting when it is intentionally harmed or treated disrespectfully.

As Muslims worldwide observed the first day of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant holidays in the Muslim calendar, the Quran was burned on Wednesday.

According to the BBC, Mr. Momika received permission from the Swedish police to protest in compliance with the country’s free speech regulations. Police then stated that a probe was being conducted into the incident for possible racial provocation.

The protest sparked anger among other nations too.

Morocco and Jordan have recalled their ambassadors to Stockholm, and Morocco has also summoned Sweden’s charge d’affaires in Rabat.

Iraq said the incident was “a reflection of a hateful aggressive spirit that has nothing to do with freedom of expression.”

Iran echoed Iraq’s criticism, calling the act of burning the Quran “provocative” and “unacceptable”, while Egypt described it as a “shameful” act which was especially provocative as Muslims mark Eid al-Adha.

This week, over 1.8 million pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia declared, “These hateful and repeated acts cannot be accepted with any justification.”

Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister of Sweden, stated that it was “legal but not appropriate” to burn the Quran.

In recent months, riots have broken out in Sweden as a result of plans to burn copies of the Quran.

Similar protest petitions have recently been denied by the police, but judges later decided that they should be approved on the grounds of freedom of expression.

All Progressives Congress (APC) chief Veronica Adesotu has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to make sure that women are fairly represented in his administration.

Adesotu, the founder of the APC Female Aspirants 2022/2023 Forum, made the statement during a Thursday interview in Abuja with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

She claimed that by doing this, Tinubu would provide women the chance to properly fill their quota in the nation’s development.

She claimed that the APC Female Aspirants Forum included women with strong intellectual capacities who were prepared to use their knowledge and inspiring spirit to advance the country.

She added that it was essential for the country to advance and to carry out the goals of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for them to be included in the cabinet and other important posts.

She claimed that despite the doubts of certain APC female members, faithful APC members still have faith in Tinubu to win the election on February 25.

Female APC politicians who supported Tinubu, according to Adesotu, a former candidate for the Aniocha North seat in the Delta House of Assembly, should be paid with political jobs.

She asked Tinubu to choose his ministers and other key officials without regard to personal feelings, stating that only deserving, devoted party members should be taken into consideration.

Adesotu argued that Tinubu should implement policies and initiatives that would enhance the welfare of Nigerians in order to clear his name of the malicious accusations made against him prior to the elections.

She expressed optimism that like he did when he was governor of Lagos State Tinubu would make history and turn around the fortunes of Nigeria.

“In rebuilding this nation in line with his Renewed Hope agenda, let him rewrite his name in the golden book of history by enthroning good government in the interest of all Nigerians.

The APC must be viewed as the forerunner of good governance, progress, light, and growth since Nigerians are likely to witness a new order of change.The future of the nation’s youth cannot be jested with at this time; waiting is risky.

“As a good father, it is time for Tinubu to leave a good inheritance of good governance and development for Nigerians,” she remarked.. (NAN)

In connection with the suspected murder of a naval officer known only as Akingbohunmi in the Idoani community of the state’s Ose Local Government Area, the Ondo State Police Command reported the arrest of three people on Wednesday.

According to information obtained by PUNC Metro, Akingbohunmi was attacked on Monday while having a disagreement with a commercial motorcycle rider in the region.

Akingbohunmi was attacked and had life-threatening injuries. She was taken to the hospital right away for prompt treatment, but the attending physician declared her dead.

According to a source, the suspects were located and detained in a number of places both inside and outside of the community after the search team was organized by the community leaders to find them.

According to reports, the community leaders who visited the Imeri town’s Naval School, where the dead was a student, made a commitment to the administration that all suspects would be brought to justice within a day.

The source disclosed that one of the suspects was apprehended on his way to the Oka Akoko community, in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state, while he was trekking to the town to escape arrest while one other suspect was arrested at his house.

Three of the suspects have been arrested, and we are still looking for three more people who were engaged in the event, according to Funmilayo Odunlami, the state police’s public relations officer. The suspects will soon be brought to state headquarters.

According to a source, several adult males who left the town after the incident because they were afraid of being jailed haven’t yet come back.

The main opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), have accused the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of enacting anti-people policies that have made it difficult for many people to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir as Nigerians celebrate it.

The criticisms from the PDP and LP, which came on the day that President Tinubu completed one month in office, prompted an immediate response from the Presidency, which accused the PDP of being jealous of Tinubu’s accomplishments in three weeks, claiming the president accomplished in three weeks what the PDP could not do in 16 years.

Also, the ruling APC urged Nigerians to continue to support President Tinubu because he is taking courageous and decisive steps to reposition Nigeria for rapid economic growth and wholesome greatness.

Eid al-Adha, sometimes referred to as Eid-el-Kabir or the Feast of Sacrifice, is a very symbolic Islamic festival and holiday that honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in compliance with Allah’s mandate.

In the meantime, the APC congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, the Islamic festival of sacrifice, especially the Muslim faithful, and asked them to support President Tinubu’s administration because the leader is taking audacious and daring action to reposition the nation.

In addition to emphasizing the importance of self-sacrifice on Eid al-Kabir, according to APC spokesman Felix Morka, it also highlights Allah’s limitless ability and readiness to provide for humanity.

“This year’s festivities remarkably fall during a time when our dear President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking some brave and decisive steps to reposition our beloved country for rapid economic growth and wholesome greatness, in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The Labour Party has expressed its congratulations to Muslim believers throughout Nigeria as they celebrated this year’s Eid-ed-Kabir alongside Muslims around the globe.

In a statement issued by the party, which was signed by National Publicity Secretary Abayomi Arabambi on behalf of National Chairman Alhaji Lamidi Apapa, the party urged all Nigerians to stay together and keep praying for the country’s continued peace.

The event exhorted Muslims to adopt the sacrifice-centered values Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) embodied.

According to the gathering, the message of the Sallah is one of devotion and sacrifice, and as sincere adherents, we must internalize these lessons because nothing worthwhile is achieved without sacrifice.

“We will continue to pray for our leaders to do things that will take our people out of the poverty and economic crisis that we found ourselves in now, but as citizens, we also must remain committed to the ideals of nation-building.

We shall continue to challenge our leaders as a strong party in Nigeria to act morally at all times and to treat everyone equally without regard to race or tribe.

The party demanded that the government quickly implement palliative measures to mitigate the impact of the termination of the fuel subsidy because Our people cannot continue to wait indefinitely, even if we appreciate the sacrifices made by all Nigerians, most notably the masses.

The party also charged Nigerians to renew their commitment to one Nigeria and be focused on their hope for a greater country under president Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)

The party called on all political leaders in the country to pray and support one Nigeria in unity and diversity under the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in respective of political affiliation as we have no other country than Nigeria

“Eid-el-Kabir embodied love, peace and sacrifice beyond the season, and called for tolerance, synergy and cooperation among citizens for the nation to overcome its current challenges.

“We also called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful co-existence exemplified in genuine brotherliness and turn to Allah for forgiveness to rekindle the healing of the land of multi-faceted ills confronting it.

Given the resolve of well-meaning citizens, we are confident as a party that Nigeria will quickly return to the period of recovery and greatness.

“We wish all of the country’s Muslim brethren a happy Eid-el-Kabir in 2023 on behalf of everyone in the Labour Party.

Leading Nigeria, according to former president Muhammadu Buhari, is one of life’s hardest responsibilities because it requires the participation and support of all citizens.

This was stated in a Sallah greeting sent on Tuesday and signed by his spokeswoman, Garba Shehu.

However, the former president asked Nigerians to embrace President Bola Tinubu’s new administration.

Former President Buhari greeted Nigerian Muslims a joyful Eid and a successful Hajj, as well as a safe return home, in a statement titled “Ex-President Buhari Salutes Muslims on Eid Ul Adha and Wishes Muslims Successful Hajj.”

He added that “leadership is a challenging task that demands the sacrifices and support of the citizens.”

On May 29, 2023, the previous head of state, who was born in Katsina, turned over power to Tinubu after serving the obligatory two terms of eight years each.

In addition, Buhari oversaw the military of Nigeria from December 1983 until August 1985.

A daily cap of N50,000 has been imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on contactless payments made using digital wallets or bank accounts.

The apex bank also restricted contactless payments to a maximum of N15,000 per transaction. 

In a circular headed “Transaction Limits on Contactless Payments,” the CBN made this information public yesterday.
 “Following the issuance of the Guidelines on Contactless Payments in Nigeria and in cognizance of the risks associated with contactless payments, the Bank hereby defines transaction limits above which verification and authorisation are required,” read the circular signed by Mr. Musa Jimoh, Director of the CBN’s Payment System Management Department.The following transaction thresholds apply to contactless payments made in Nigeria using accounts or wallets: The maximum transaction limit is N15,000, and the maximum daily cumulative limit is N50,000.

“Higher-value contactless payments are transactions that exceed the above stated limits and shall require appropriate verification and authorisation.

“For these transactions, existing Know Your Customer (KYC)   requirements and limits on the electronic payment channels shall apply.

“Limits above this stipulated daily cumulative limit shall be conducted using contact-based technology. Please be guided accordingly.”

The CBN yesterday released ‘Guidelines for Contactless Payments in Nigeria’, which states that contactless technology “enables an alternative payment mode whereby payment instruments are used without physical touch with devices. Users have quick, convenient, and effective cashless options thanks to contactless technology. 

“Pre-paid, debit, and credit cards, stickers, fobs, wearable technology, tokens, and mobile electronic devices are examples of contactless payment instruments,” it continued. To make payments easier, contactless payment devices communicate with contactless payment terminals.