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Hoodlums attack #EndSARS protesters in Lagos

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By OZIEGBE OKOEKI

Hoodlums on Thursday stormed Lagos Government House, Alausa and attacked #EndSARS protesters.

They arrived in BRT buses chasing the protesters away with clubs and cutlasses.

The hoodlums were also reported to have stormed the Berger end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway to disrupt the peaceful protests.

According to the protesters, who slept overnight in the area, the hoodlums arrived around 8:00 am in large numbers.

They were said to be well-organised and armed.

An eye witness said they came in about 20 buses.

“We managed to copy one of the bus serial number: S/N 240171,” a protester said.

Debo Adebayo, popularly known as MC Macaroni, in a series of tweets, also recounted how they were chased away.

As the time of this report, the protesters have regrouped and returned to the entrance of the Lagos Assembly. (The Nation)

FG announces reopening of NYSC camp

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The Federal Government has announced the re-opening of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps across the country.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare.

The orientation camps are scheduled for reopening on November 10.

“The Resumption of the NYSC Orientation Camp for prospective Youth Corpers has been approved and opens on November 10th, 2020. Full COVID-19 Protocols will be enforced,” Dare posted on his official Twitter handle.

The Resumption of the NYSC Orientation Camp for prospective Youth Corpers has been approved and opens on November 10th 2020. Full COVID-19 Protocols will be enforced.

— Sunday Dare (@SundayDareSD) October 15, 2020

The Federal Government on March 18 ordered the closure of the NYSC orientation camps nationwide due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NSCDC) on Wednesday announced that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has increased to 60,834 with 52,143 patients discharged. Also, 1116 fatalities have so far been recorded. (Channels TV)

#ENDSARS: Keyamo loses driver

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The Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced the death of his driver late Yohanna Shankuk.

Late Shankuk died yesterday as a result of #ENDSARS protest that rocked Abuja yesterday. Narrating the incident Keyamo said: “I regret to announce that my driver, Mr. Yohanna Shankuk, died yesterday in Abuja as a result of the protests.

“A vehicle that saw advancing protesters at Berger roundabout, made a U-turn, took the one-way back and ran over him as he was making his way on foot to my private office.” (Vanguard)

Gunmen kill 3 worshippers, injure 2 in Kogi

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Gunmen in the early hours of Thursday invaded Okofi community in Kogi, killing three persons and injuring two others.

Eyewitnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Thursday that the attackers invaded the community when the Muslim faithful were observing the early morning prayers in the community’s only mosque.

Okofi community is in Kogi Local Government area of the state.

Confirming the incident, the state police command spokesman, DSP William Aya, said that those killed include the Chief Imam of the community and two other worshippers.

He also said that two other persons were critically injured in the attack and were taken to hospital for treatment.

“The commissioner of Police, Mr Edeh Ayuba, has directed the Divisional Police Officer to move to the area where the sad incident occurred to avert further break down of law and order,” he said.

Aya said that a Deputy Commissioner of police in charge of investigation had been ordered to move to the scene to investigate the attack and identify the perpetrators. (NAN)

EndSARS: Obiano sacks security aide

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By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Mr James Nwafor, Senior Special Adviser on Security to Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has been sacked. His sack came on the heels of the demands made by #EndSARS protesters in Awka, the state capital, on Wednesday, October 14, 2020.

Nwafor was formerly the Commander of SARS in Anambra and had severally been accused of killing and maiming many youths in the state.

Addressing the protesters on Thursday at the Government House, the Governor said he would take their demands to President Muhammadu Buhari, while also fulfilling the ones within his power.

He said: “I am very happy with the way you have conducted yourselves. You have conducted yourself creditably.

“I have a list of all your demands. Some of them have already been met, like the SARS being disbanded. That has already been met, and some are still in the pipeline which I am going to present to the President. The other ones are the ones I can handle myself.

“Your first request is immediate prosecution and removal of James Nwafor, the immediate release of all protesters in police custody; that will be done.

“As for compensation of the family of SARS victims, the Attorney General and the leadership of police will look into this and make recommendations to me. I support your protest; police brutality and extortion is not allowed anywhere. Any Police that does that, quietly copy his name and let us know.”

The protesters afterwards marched to the popular Aroma Junction where they blocked the expressway, denying motorists access to the road.

The protesters had on Wednesday blocked the Anambra State Government House and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, insisting that Obiano must address them, but they were not addressed, leading the protesters to stay at the venue late into the night.

Governor Makinde loses mother

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Mrs. Abigail Makinde, mother of Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, is dead. She passed away in the early hours of today, Thursday, October 15, 2020.

A statement signed on behalf of the family by Jagun Olubadan, Barr. (Chief) Muyiwa Makinde, said: “Though Mama gave no indication of any sickness, she slept peacefully in the Lord at the age of 81, in the early hours of the day at her Ibadan home, 7B, Oyeleke Street, Ikolaba, Ibadan.

“While we appreciate the Almighty for sparing her life thus far, we must confess that we will sorely miss her counsel, motherly role and impact on the lives of her children and the grandchildren.

“We will equally miss her impactful role as a stabilizing force in the family, her community and especially Oyo State, which is currently being governed by her son and our brother, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

“We sincerely appreciate the prayers and condolences of our numerous well-wishers.”

Police brutality: How I was hung upside down – Adegboruwa SAN

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Human rights lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has condemned the brutality meted on protesters by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, the lawyer narrated out how he hung upside down for participating in a protest against the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.

“The Police has not changed in terms of interfacing with protesters. I was part of a similar protest in 1993 when we were demanding for the actualisation of June 12,” he said.

“When we got to the Ojota Bridge, we were rounded up and taken to Area F where they had a place called ‘German Cell’.

“I was hung from the head down with a rope, beaten up with late Chima Ubani. It is just by the grace of God that I didn’t die.”

He also has asked the Federal Government to engage the #EndSWAT protesters in the country, adding that there were genuine needs to address their concerns.

“Government should engage them in terms of genuine attempts at addressing the issues,” the lawyer said.

“The first thing is to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The people have become victims of police brutality.”

While commending the protesters for the orderly manner they have been conducting themselves, the legal practitioner said they were demanding for the nation’s restructuring.

He, therefore, called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to respect the rights and values of the protesting youths.

“This current protest is just about the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).  #EndSARS protest is translating into a demand for restructuring.

“#EndSARS protest is translating into some kind of vote of no confidence in the responses of government.

“The universities have been closed for months. EndSARS protest is also a declaration of demand for the reopening of the educational sector. It addresses blackout, lack of electricity, virtually all issues in our national life,” he added.

Thousands of youths across the country have in the last one week been protesting against the harassment and extrajudicial killings perpetrated mainly by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

The police authorities have since disbanded the unit and announced the Special Weapons and Tactics unit as its replacement.

However, the protests have continued with many demanding for more reforms. (Channels TV)

Nigeria to Benefit from $13.2tn Global 5G Technology Rollout – Report

Digital Economy: NCC, CBN, DSS working for safety of Nigeria’s cyber space

By Dele Ogbodo

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said studies revealed that Nigeria will benefit from $13.2 trillion worth of goods and services at the global rollout of 5G technology by 2035.

Addressing wide spectrum of Journalists at the 2020 National Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) via webinar, on Wednesday, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/CEO, of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, acknowledged that the Commission is responding to the challenge of new financial technologies and electronic innovations in the financial systems.

He said: “According to a landmark economy study conducted by QUALCOMM, 5G will affect the global economy and drive growth exponentially.5G’s full economic effect will likely be realized across the globe by 2035 – supporting a wide range of industries and potentially enabling up to $13.2 trillion worth of goods and services. This impact is much greater than previous network generations.”

The NCC, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Department of State Security (DSS), he said have firmed up synergy at ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s ICT space, even as the economy migrates to significant online and electronic financial transactions.

These innovations, Danbatta, said are driven by the availability of a robust communications infrastructure made possible by NCC continuous quest for investment in the sector.

He reiterated: “collaborative partnership between the NCC and the CBN has been very effective, leading to the emergence of various brands of electronic transaction models which have totally reformed banking in Nigeria making it possible for instant cash transfers which have cut out waiting times at banking halls and simplified online transactions.

“Between 2015 and 2020, much has been done to put Nigeria on the global map of nations that are electronically driven while delivering financial intermediation.

“Together with our stakeholders from the banking sector, the NCC is actively involved in the application of various electronic portals that continue to drive transactions off banking floor and onto handheld devices or personal computers.”

He admitted that the Commission’s interventions have continued to lift the Nigerian economy and create hope for financial inclusion based on the seamless implementation of the Commissions Strategic Vision Plan.

On fight against COVID-19, he stressed that it is pertinent to note that NCCs Emergency Communications Centers (ECC) have been crucial in the government’s fight against the pandemic, explaining that over 1,209 COVID-19 related calls were made between March and June 2020 from the 19 ECCs across the country.

The EVC, underscored, investment in infrastructure even as it is the future in which Broadband penetration would be ubiquitous, adding: “QoS will be assured and available spectrum would be optimized with full benefits.”

Moreover, he said, there would be more investment opportunities in the industry, greater strategic collaborations and partnerships, enhanced consumer protection and empowerment, as well as an environment of fair competition and inclusive growth.

The next thing I want to talk about is

Danbatta, admitted however that there are nexus of controversies surrounding 5G technology and COVID-19.

According to him, it is normal for the emergence of new technologies to be followed by such disagreements and the debate, he admitted is mostly useful for the Commission to examine the pros and cons.

He said: “The socio-economic benefits of the expansion in telecommunications capabilities embarked upon by the Commission would be of immense benefit to the country, especially with the roll out of the 5G technology, which currently is being test run in about 40 countries. This will be a significant upgrade for networks and will be the backbone for the ICT industry post-pandemic recovery.

“According to the ITU, 5G technology is expected to connect people, things, data, applications, transport systems and cities in smart networked communications environments. 5G is meant to seamlessly connect a massive number of embedded sensors in virtually everything through the ability to scale down in data rates, power, and mobility – providing extremely lean and low-cost connectivity solutions.

“The Commission is vigorously working to establish a policy for 5G with multi-sector Stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), The Academia, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Industry Consultative Advisory Forum (ICAF) and a host of others.

“Our goal is that when the Federal Government is able to establish a policy that will drive 5G, all the benefits of 5G will be properly harnessed by Nigerians.”

He added that the Commission is also working to ensure the safety of 5G networks in Nigeria by having multi-stakeholder approach in environmental impact analysis on the use of 5G and the Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) impact on humans in Nigeria, stressing, that once this is done, Nigerians can safely utilize 5G and reap all the economic, human and material benefits of 5G.

According to him, the economic benefits to 5G to Nigeria post corona virus pandemic will be huge, especially as almost all businesses and activities of government are migrating and offering their services online. 5G will enable a new kind of network for Nigerians designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices. It will usher in the era of Internet of Things (IoTs) and faster innovation in Artificial Intelligence applications.

“Nigeria’s vibrant youth population stands to benefit immensely from the deployment of 5G as it will offer technopreneurs, technology enthusiasts, SMEs and Tech-startups the platform to expand and network with other global players on a scale that has never been witnessed before.

“With high speeds, superior reliability and negligible latency, 5G will expand the mobile ecosystem into new realms.5G promises to impact every industry, creating safer transporting systems, improving access to healthcare for our rural populace, increasing output from the agriculture sector, and digitized logistics among others.

“5G promises to provide increased speed and bandwidth as well as providing deeper coverage to reach people in rural or challenging locations. In addition, 5G will provide strong security for the various sectors of government and private organizations.” He said.

sharpedgenews

VIDEO: #EndSARS: Lagos protesters reject food, drinks sent by NURTW chief, MC Oluomo

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Scores of protesters at Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday attacked a van believed to have been sent by Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, to deliver water and drinks to protesters.

MC Oluomo, the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos chapter, was accused by protesters of sponsoring the attack by armed thugs on Thursday.

MC Oluomo, the Lagos State government and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, were accused of sending the armed thugs to attack protesters on Thursday.

They have all denied the allegations. The transport union chief in a video he shared on social media said he supports the protest for police reform and could not have sent the thugs.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how several protesters were injured at Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, after thugs armed with guns, machetes, knives and axes attacked them.

A day after the incident, MC Oluomo attempted to redeem his image in the eyes of the protesters. He sent water and drinks, branded with his name.

Some of the protesters, unaware of who sent the packs, collected and drank from the water and drinks before a protester raised an alarm about the food.

“MC Oluomo sent them, he wants to poison us, don’t drink the water,” he shouted.

Other protesters who also checked the name on the bottles stated throwing the bottles at the white van that conveyed them.

“We don’t want any support from MC Oluomo, they are trying to break us, they want to penetrate again,” some protesters shouted.

Angered by the gesture of the NURTW leader, the protesters threw bottles and other items at the van, as the driver sped from the venue to avoid being mobbed.

The NURTW is arguably the most influential transport union in Nigeria. Its members include private bus drivers and conductors and the thousands of garage boys, popularly called ‘agberos’ who are known to assault bus drivers and commuters to demand money.

Members of the NURTW are also often used as thugs by politicians in each state. In Lagos, MC Oluomo and the NURTW are believed to have a strong relationship with the governing party in the state, APC.

After protesters rejected MC Oluomo’s gift, the #EndSARS protest continued in Alausa, Lagos, as in many states of Nigeria despite various concessions by the government.

PREMIUM TIMES reported hos the government last Sunday disbanded the notorious police unit, SARS, which was the major demand of the protesters.

The government has also pledged to ensure the prosecution of officers who assaulted and killed some protesters and ensure freedom for all arrested protesters.

On Thursday, the National Economic Council headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo approved that state governors set up independent judicial panels to probe police harassment in each state and that committees set up by state governors should have oversighton any new police unit formed.

premiumtimesng

Rape Of 13 Year- Old- Girl: Residents, Landlords Absolves Cool Tavern Hotel Of Complicity

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Residents and Landlords Association in Egan area of Lagos, have given management of  ‘The Cool Tavern Relaxation Center’, a clean bill over alleged complicity in the rape of a 13 -year – girl, Adepeju Adebayo.

Absolving the hotel management of any wrongdoing, some residents who extolled the stalling qualities of the Chairman of the hotel,  Engineer Gbenga Ajibulu, said he has contributed immensely to the empowerment of youths and development in the area.

A Youth leader and mechanical Engineer, who identified himself as  Kehinde Biodu, argued that from the standpoint of what the hotel owner had done in the training, development and engaging the youths in positive programmes that have helped in curtailing their youthful exuberance,   Ajibulu cannot be accused of creating any room for such dastardly acts perpetrated by Toheeb Mustapha and Sukomi.

This is even as the landlords Association in the area have protested in solidarity of Engineer Ajibulu while vouching on his integrity.

Speaking with our correspondent who visited the area on the investigation, the Chairman of the Landlords Association, Mr Vincent  Ejeh, blamed the suspects who he confirmed are not residents in their area for dragging the name of their peaceful environment into the mud.

” We have seven streets making up our Association and since 2019 when this Center was established,  we have not seen or heard of any untoward activity inimical or detrimental to our residents or youths”.

“The hotel owner has been magnanimous enough to allow us to be using his hotel premises every first Saturdays of each month for our meeting and as parents,  we have not seen or associated his hospitality centre with any criminal or Anti-social behaviours”.

“Besides,  The Management of The Cool Tavern Relaxation Center was instrumental in why bad boys,  criminal elements have relocated from our area.

“This he has done by collaborating with us and has contributed immensely towards security and street lighting of the major street. In fact, Engineer Ajibulu maintains a private security Personnel from  Nelly Securities and some fierce-looking bouncers that tend to ward off criminal elements in our area.

He has also financially assisted our Association greatly in the installation of the security gate and halogen energy lighting around his facility. ”

Corroborating what Mr Ejeh said, vice chairman of the Group, Mr Magnus Nnamdi Ogbue, regretted what he called the unfortunate and Ugly incident that took place on October 6th, 2020.

Mr Ogbue, who is a retired Civil servant, praised Ajibulu, for being a humble, gentle and easygoing de-detribalized Nigerian,  who has allowed his cooperate social responsibility  to benefit the entire community.”

In an interview with Engineer Ajibulu, he denied any alleged complicity by his management, describing the incident as a one-off occurrence.

According to him,  ” The  rape gang deceived his staff by using a matured Lodger to book for the said  room,  subsequently,  the  legal lodger sought for permission to be allowed to receive his family members in his  room but unknown to the management,  they had planned to commit the dastardly act.”

“We never heard the girls’ screaming or any suspicious activity and never knew such happened until police invited us. To make matters difficult for us, the victim did not complain or report the incident to our security officers,” he said.

Lamenting, Engineer Ajibulu suspected that the incident was a plot by some of the criminal elements that fled the area after he engaged the police and other security Agencies to route them out,  “they planned the incident to tarnish the good image of his hotel”.

” You know this Egan is backward and inhabited by many questionable characters, I am of the opinion that because of the security arrangements I had put in place in the wake of 2019 when we started operations, which made them flee the area, they are trying to fight back by plotting this crime”.

He assured the Public that the Center have now tightened its security measures and operations,  noting that sure incident would never reoccur again”, he concluded.

It would be recalled that on October 6th, 2020, less than one week after the Inspector General Of Police, IGP Adamu Mohammad, vowed to apprehend fleeing suspects that gang-raped and murdered 12 – year – Old  Favour Ikechukwu at Ejigbo area of Lagos,  Another minor, a 13- year – old JSS 3 student, Adepeju Adebayo, was allegedly subjected to a  brutal and bloody rape, that left her partially paralysed in the hospital.

The said gang rape, which has elicited wide criticism and condemnation from residents,  was said to have been perpetrated at The Cool Tavern Relaxation Center,  Oremeji street,  off Isuti road,  Egan,  Igando, by two suspects,  Toheeb Mustapha and Sukomi, now on the run.

Mustapha was said to have been arrested following resilience exhibited by the Igando Divisional Police Officer,   CSP Taiwo Kasumu,   and his operatives, whose prompt response, some residents said,  led to the early apprehending of the kingpin,  also  known as ” Sir Small ” in the crime world

Our undercover reporter who visited the hotel reported that one of the fleeing gang member named Sukomi, alias “Ikamula or G33, a Motor Mechanic by profession and ex-student of Edu Grammar school,  now residing at  Ita Alhaji street,  Ikotun, had earlier booked a room in the hotel on Monday, October 5th, 2020, to prepare the ground for their dastardly actions.

On Tuesday afternoon,  while the victim’s mother had gone out in search of her family’s daily bread, “Sir Small ” said to be the gang leader and mastermind of the rape, had crept into the victim’s house and lured her into the hotel,  where they were said to have taken turns in raping her,  until she started bleeding profusely, coupled with the excruciating and agonising pain she revealed,  she felt on the lower region of her abdomen.

Sensing danger, the gang was said to have waited until night, as they quickly packaged and dumped their bleeding victim in front of her house.

According to a  resident,  who spoke to our correspondent on the grounds of anonymity,  for fear of reprisal attack, he said,     “When we assisted the Police to arrest the fleeing ”  Sir Small”, the gang leader,  he confirmed that he is a Generator mechanic and a  resident of Alfa  Igonna street,  Odo, Egan.

He claimed to have graduated from Russell Grammar school in 2018, where he said he met the girl they raped. Though he said that they were not friends back then.”

Our source also stated that the 20 years old suspect,  “Sir Small “ who confessed to the crime, denied any ritual connotation or deployment of charms or “juju” in perpetrating the crime.

He claimed he re-established contact with the victim, two years after he left school, through her phone contact that he collected from the victim’s schoolmate.

According to our source, the mastermind of the rape said he regretted his actions while the victim was protesting, however, he denied that the girl was a virgin before the rape.

At the Isuti Road Health Center, where the victim was initially rushed to,  due to what a nurse described as excessive bleeding,  Adepo was seen soaked in her own blood,  while reeling in pains.

She was said to have told her now distraught mother, that she met ” Sir  Small ” on Facebook before the incident.

A hospital source confirmed that despite the bleeding and pain the victim was undergoing, she was stitched three places on her virgina, before she was transferred to Mirabel Medical facility last Friday for further investigations and treatment.

The Igando police Division, on Monday, October 12th, 2020, arraigned Mustapha, before a Lagos Magistrate Court for defilement.

Absolving the hotel management of any wrongdoing, some residents who extolled the stalling qualities of the Chairman of the hotel,  Engineer Gbenga Ajibulu, said he has contributed immensely to the empowerment of youths and development in the area.

A Youth leader and mechanical Engineer, who identified himself as  Kehinde Biodu, argued that from the standpoint of what the hotel owner had done in the training, development and engaging the youths in positive programmes that have helped in curtailing their youthful exuberance,   Ajibulu cannot be accused of creating any room for such dastardly acts perpetrated by Toheeb Mustapha and Sukomi.

This is even as the landlords Association in the area have protested in solidarity of Engineer Ajibulu while vouching on his integrity.

Speaking with our correspondent who visited the area on the investigation, the Chairman of the Landlords Association, Mr Vincent  Ejeh, blamed the suspects who he confirmed are not residents in their area for dragging the name of their peaceful environment into the mud.

” We have seven streets making up our Association and since 2019 when this Center was established,  we have not seen or heard of any untoward activity inimical or detrimental to our residents or youths”.

“The hotel owner has been magnanimous enough to allow us to be using his hotel premises every first Saturdays of each month for our meeting and as parents,  we have not seen or associated his hospitality centre with any criminal or Anti-social behaviours”.

“Besides,  The Management of The Cool Tavern Relaxation Center was instrumental in why bad boys,  criminal elements have relocated from our area.

“This he has done by collaborating with us and has contributed immensely towards security and street lighting of the major street. In fact, Engineer Ajibulu maintains a private security Personnel from  Nelly Securities and some fierce-looking bouncers that tend to ward off criminal elements in our area.

He has also financially assisted our Association greatly in the installation of the security gate and halogen energy lighting around his facility. ”

Corroborating what Mr Ejeh said, vice chairman of the Group, Mr Magnus Nnamdi Ogbue, regretted what he called the unfortunate and Ugly incident that took place on October 6th, 2020.

Mr Ogbue, who is a retired Civil servant, praised Ajibulu, for being a humble, gentle and easygoing de-detribalized Nigerian,  who has allowed his cooperate social responsibility  to benefit the entire community.”

In an interview with Engineer Ajibulu, he denied any alleged complicity by his management, describing the incident as a one-off occurrence.

According to him,  ” The  rape gang deceived his staff by using a matured Lodger to book for the said  room,  subsequently,  the  legal lodger sought for permission to be allowed to receive his family members in his  room but unknown to the management,  they had planned to commit the dastardly act.”

“We never heard the girls’ screaming or any suspicious activity and never knew such happened until police invited us. To make matters difficult for us, the victim did not complain or report the incident to our security officers,” he said.

Lamenting, Engineer Ajibulu suspected that the incident was a plot by some of the criminal elements that fled the area after he engaged the police and other security Agencies to route them out,  “they planned the incident to tarnish the good image of his hotel”.

” You know this Egan is backward and inhabited by many questionable characters, I am of the opinion that because of the security arrangements I had put in place in the wake of 2019 when we started operations, which made them flee the area, they are trying to fight back by plotting this crime”.

He assured the Public that the Center have now tightened its security measures and operations,  noting that sure incident would never reoccur again”, he concluded.

It would be recalled that on October 6th, 2020, less than one week after the Inspector General Of Police, IGP Adamu Mohammad, vowed to apprehend fleeing suspects that gang-raped and murdered 12 – year – Old  Favour Ikechukwu at Ejigbo area of Lagos,  Another minor, a 13- year – old JSS 3 student, Adepeju Adebayo, was allegedly subjected to a  brutal and bloody rape, that left her partially paralysed in the hospital.

The said gang rape, which has elicited wide criticism and condemnation from residents,  was said to have been perpetrated at The Cool Tavern Relaxation Center,  Oremeji street,  off Isuti road,  Egan,  Igando, by two suspects,  Toheeb Mustapha and Sukomi, now on the run.

Mustapha was said to have been arrested following resilience exhibited by the Igando Divisional Police Officer,   CSP Taiwo Kasumu,   and his operatives, whose prompt response, some residents said,  led to the early apprehending of the kingpin,  also  known as ” Sir Small ” in the crime world

Our undercover reporter who visited the hotel reported that one of the fleeing gang member named Sukomi, alias “Ikamula or G33, a Motor Mechanic by profession and ex-student of Edu Grammar school,  now residing at  Ita Alhaji street,  Ikotun, had earlier booked a room in the hotel on Monday, October 5th, 2020, to prepare the ground for their dastardly actions.

On Tuesday afternoon,  while the victim’s mother had gone out in search of her family’s daily bread, “Sir Small ” said to be the gang leader and mastermind of the rape, had crept into the victim’s house and lured her into the hotel,  where they were said to have taken turns in raping her,  until she started bleeding profusely, coupled with the excruciating and agonising pain she revealed,  she felt on the lower region of her abdomen.

Sensing danger, the gang was said to have waited until night, as they quickly packaged and dumped their bleeding victim in front of her house.

According to a  resident,  who spoke to our correspondent on the grounds of anonymity,  for fear of reprisal attack, he said,     “When we assisted the Police to arrest the fleeing ”  Sir Small”, the gang leader,  he confirmed that he is a Generator mechanic and a  resident of Alfa  Igonna street,  Odo, Egan.

He claimed to have graduated from Russell Grammar school in 2018, where he said he met the girl they raped. Though he said that they were not friends back then.”

Our source also stated that the 20 years old suspect,  “Sir Small “ who confessed to the crime, denied any ritual connotation or deployment of charms or “juju” in perpetrating the crime.

He claimed he re-established contact with the victim, two years after he left school, through her phone contact that he collected from the victim’s schoolmate.

According to our source, the mastermind of the rape said he regretted his actions while the victim was protesting, however, he denied that the girl was a virgin before the rape.

At the Isuti Road Health Center, where the victim was initially rushed to,  due to what a nurse described as excessive bleeding,  Adepo was seen soaked in her own blood,  while reeling in pains.

She was said to have told her now distraught mother, that she met ” Sir  Small ” on Facebook before the incident.

A hospital source confirmed that despite the bleeding and pain the victim was undergoing, she was stitched three places on her virgina, before she was transferred to Mirabel Medical facility last Friday for further investigations and treatment.

The Igando police Division, on Monday, October 12th, 2020, arraigned Mustapha, before a Lagos Magistrate Court for defilement.

theleadnewsreport