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Imo police begin probe into alleged murder of Nekede lecturer
The Imo Police Command says it has commenced investigation into Monday’s alleged murder of two persons in Owerri, including a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, told journalists that the command got the report about the incident and had initiated investigation into it.
Speaking on the incident in an interview with journalists on Thursday, the polytechinic’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Ever Nwosu, said Mr Stephen Okonye, a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, was allegedly shot to death by gunmen in the state capital.
Nwosu said that Okonye was killed along with his friend, one Chimaobi Nwako, who was a member of Rain of Life Bible Church, Owerri, where Okonye also served as an assistant pastor.
It was learnt that Okonye hailed from Delta, while Nwako hailed from Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo.
“It is a very sad development and we are already investigating the circumstances surrounding the death,” Nwosu said.
It was learnt that the deceased and a student of the polytechnic, who pleaded anonymity, were returning from a church programme when they were attacked at Naze Junction, Owerri.
Nwako, who reportedly sustained severe bullet wounds in his stomach, died on Tuesday, while the student was treated and discharged on Thursday.
The Commander of the 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigeria Air Force, Group Capt. Elisha Bindul, whose office is close to the scene of the incident, said they discovered the lecturer’s body in a Lexus car a few moments after the sound of gunshots.
“It was about 8 p.m. on Monday when we heard the sound of gunshots.
“We got to the scene a few minutes later but the assailants took advantage of a traffic jam to attack their victims and escape.
“We alerted the police, who are currently on top of the situation,” Bindul said.
He urged residents of the area to go about their normal businesses without fear.
Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd., operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2), Ikeja, says there is no ticket racketeering at the terminal.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Head of Corporate Communications of the company, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Yinka-Olawuyi also described as unfounded, an allegation that unpatriotic Nigerian were using private Point of Sale (POS) machines within the terminal to carry out fraudulent payments.
She said that the company was commitment to maintaining a secure, transparent and efficient airport environment.
There is an allegation that ticket racketeering is rampant at MMA2, with one-way ticket cost being inflated to as high as N250,000 by some staff of airlines and others.
The official said that internal monitoring systems of the company did not detect any hoarding of tickets or any collusion between airline staff and touts to inflate ticket prices.
“At MMA2, all ticket transactions are conducted at the airlines’ sales booths, using their official means of payment.
“To combat any form of touting or illegal activities, MMA2 collaborates closely with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Aviation Security (AVSEC), and other relevant authorities.
“Recently, FAAN established a joint task force specifically aimed at addressing touting activities across all Nigerian airports,” Yinka-Olawuyi noted.
According to her, anyone found engaging in illegal activities will face the full wrath of the law.
She said that the company’s commitment to passenger safety was unwavering, urging that passengers to feel free to lodge complaints.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that Nigerians spends N16.5 trillion annually on fuel and the servicing of generators.
Adelabu made this known on Tuesday at the ongoing NOG Energy Week in Abuja.
The minister attributed his assertion to research in 2023. However, he did not give the exact details but rather compared the figure to the 225 per cent electricity tariff hike of April 3, 2024.
“What Nigerians spend on self-generation of power—on fueling and servicing their generators—is N16.5 trillion, according to research that was carried out in 2023. Looking at this, you will see that what Band A customers pay is still cheaper compared to this, despite having 24-hour uninterrupted supply,” he said.
He further declared that “over $1 billion in investments have been placed into renewable energy sources by foreign lenders and institutions,” adding that his ministry, under the guide and support of President Tinubu, is making giant strides in energy and gas developments.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed as the new Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB).
Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
In the statement made available to newsmen by Muhammed Ahmed, Director, Communications, HOCSF office, Yemi-Esan also handed over appointment letter to the new Executive Secretary.
She said Ahmed’s appointment was sequel to terminal leave embarked upon by the former Executive Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Mairiga, ahead of the expiration of his four-year tenure in September.
While congratulating the new appointee, the HOCSF charged her to leverage on the wealth of experience garnered over the years, towards ensuring the full realisation of the Board’s core mandate.
Before her new appointment, Hajiya Ahmed was the Board’s Director of Operations of the FGSHLB.
Bi-Courtney debunks ticket racketeering allegation at MMA2
Nigerians spend over N16.5trn annually on fuel, servicing generator – Adelabu
