News

Govenor Adeleke begs banks to reopen closed branches in Osun

Published

10 months ago

July 15, 2023

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to bank Chief Executives to reopen closed branches in towns across Osun State.

The Governor assured the banks that there is now a new Sheriff in town.

Newsmen recalls that in the wake of the July 16, 2022 gubernatorial election in the state, many bank branches closes shop over insecurity.

A Civil Society Organisation, Urban Alert had also in 2022, raised alarm over the shut down of many bank branches in the state.

Urban Alert had blamed the development on the lack of political will by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to confront the situation.

The group had claimed that banks in the West and Central part of the state were closing shop due to the challenge of insecurity, adding that the only town in Osun Central where banks were safe to do business was the state capital, Osogbo.

Also,reporters had reported of attacks on banks in Okuku, Ikire, Ikirun, Iree, Ejigbo and other towns.

The attacks on bank branches in these towns also came with attendant loss of lives of bystanders and personnel of the Nigeria Police.

Speaking at the commissioning of the rebuilt Ede branch of First Bank of Nigeria on Friday, Governor Adeleke said his administration has reworked the security architecture of the state to secure major towns and villages.

“The conditions responsible for the closing of Bank branches at Ila, Iree, Ikirun, Iwo and other areas of the state no longer exist. Osun is secured for banking operations.

“I call on top bank managements, reopen your branches. Osun is under-banked, even with digital applications, physical offices are still needed in many towns.

“I recently launched a sustainable industrial policy for the state. I call on banks to partner with us for implementation. We want to grow the private sector. This is good news for financial institutions.

“We are receiving high volumes of investors’ interest to enter the Osun market. We are creating the enabling environment. Bank chiefs should join us.

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metro

EFCC probes 13 suspected oil thieves in Lagos

Published

2 mins ago

April 30, 2024

NewsDirect

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Command, has commenced investigation of 13 suspected oil thieves who were handed over to it by the Nigerian Navy in Lagos.

This was disclosed on the X handle of the EFCC on Tuesday, April 30.

The commission revealed that the suspects, alongside the vessel, were intercepted and arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy for alleged oil bunkering and Automatic Identification System, AIS, infractions.

The post reads in part: “Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of 13 suspected oil thieves and a vessel, MT SWEET MIRI, handed over to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos State.

“The suspects are: Abu Smith, Pascal Anyafulu, David Ali, Mba Okpanu, Chukuma Friday Obiazi, Miye Victor and Richard Kofi.

“Others are Monday Aidenagbon, Dele Olayemi, Boma Robinson, David George, Onos Edemefe, and Suleiman Aremu.

“The vessel was laden with about 1,322 metric tonnes of substance “confirmed to bear the attributes of crude oil without any document permitting her to be in possession of the substance.”

The commission’s Head, Extractive Industry Fraud Section, EIFS, Moses Awolusi, assured the Navy that the suspects and the exhibits would be subjected to further investigations and prosecution.

He also commended the Navy for its collaboration with the EFCC and the good working relationship both agencies had enjoyed over the years.

metro

Man with sword arrested after stabbings, attacks on police officers

Published

7 mins ago

April 30, 2024

NewsDirect

A man with a sword has been arrested following reported stabbings and attacks on police officers in east London.

The Metropolitan Police said officers got reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Hainault around 7:00 am (0600 GMT) on Tuesday.

The force said there were reports of people being stabbed during the incident in the Thurlow Gardens area.

A man with a sword has been arrested following reported stabbings and attacks on police officers in east London.

The Metropolitan Police said officers got reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Hainault around 7:00 am (0600 GMT) on Tuesday.

The force said there were reports of people being stabbed during the incident in the Thurlow Gardens area.

It said the suspect was understood to have attacked other members of the public and two police officers.

The police added that the 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was put in custody.

The Metropolitan Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said, “This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned.

“I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm.

“People will want to know what has happened, and we will provide more information as soon as we can.”

The force said it was awaiting an update on the condition of those injured in the attacks.

Transport for London’s website confirmed Hainault Tube Station was closed “due to a police investigation in the area”.

In a post on social media site, X, formerly known as Twitter, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and MP for Ilford North, Wes Streeting, wrote, “A critical incident has been declared in Hainault.

“There are station and road closures in place. The police, ambulance service, and fire brigade are responding.

“One male is detained.”