25102020 - Looting spree in 9 states

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PAGE 30—SUNDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 25, 2020 INAUGURATION—From left: Newly appointed Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Ayobami Arigbabu; Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Sakako-Oyedele; Governor Dapo Abiodun and his new Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Waheed Odusile, after both commissioners were sworn into Ogun State Executive Council . CHILLING ACCOUNT OF RIGHTS ABUSE: How police degraded Nigerians — Ojukwu, NHRC Executive Secretary Amid nationwide out rage against the police, especially the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), for their brutality, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, has painted a gory picture of rights violation by the security agency vested with the mandate of protecting Nigerians. “It is a notorious fact that within the Nigeria Police, the people most of the time don’t get a fair deal, just for the fact that the people are powerless and police is all powerful and even where they oppress you, they are the people who will prosecute you in court and so, if they oppress you and decide not to prosecute you in court, there is nothing you can do”, Ojukwu told Sunday Vanguard in an exclusive interview. “So what has happened is first of all, the issue of bail; bail is a right as long as it is not a capital offence, but that is not the case. If you are being investigated and you need bail, you have to pay for it. “If you don’t have the money to pay, you will be subjected to all kinds of inhuman and degrading treatment, that is a violation of peoples right. “In the first place, you start from the beginning of the investigation. How do people get investigated by law enforcement agents? Most times, it is through a simple petition and the Constitution says if you are accused of any offence you are innocent until proven guilty. “But the pattern of investigation presupposes that you are already guilty and you have to now prove your innocence. “Otherwise if there is a petition against anybody, there should be investigation, preliminary investigation to find out whether the allegations have any basis for you to now ask further questions, that is the presumption of innocence. So, there is an allegation, the law should presume that these allegations are not true and give you a fair hearing, give you a fair opportunity, carry out some basic investigation to find out whether there are any of the allegations in that petition that warrant further questions or even asking you but that is not the case. “You see that once there are allegations against anybody, the first level of investigation is arrest and you are put behind bars and once you are put behind bars a whole lot of scenario plays out. “If you are able to be extorted and you pay some money, maybe you get your freedom and then you start following up. Then there will be other levels of extortion, if you are able to pay your way too, the matter would be looked upon on the facts of it and then you may not end up being charged to court. “So even if where you are innocent, you have already been subjected to some discomfort in terms of your arrest and detention and then having to pay money to get your freedom. “That means you are already adjudged guilty and you now have to pay money, that is a violation of your rights. “But if you are unfortunate and probably you don’t have the money, a lot of other scenarios also play out. “If you are not able to bring money for bail within the constitutional period of 48hours, they also get jittery, they get jittery and in order to justify holding you beyond the constitutional period, they throw you to the court and then when it gets to court at times even with the arraignment, you are, of course, now formally charged and then remanded in prison custody, you are no longer in police custody and of course the case is adjourned and you start struggling to get a lawyer to apply for your bail and all that. “Then if there is no evidence, you will see the case will be adjourned and adjourned, police will keep on adjourning the case because they have no evidence maybe for another 6 months. “You are on a journey until the magistrate now strikes out the case for want of evidence and you must have suffered that six months in detention for offence you have not committed and you know our people, because of poverty, the ability to now bounce back and claim for their rights for compensation and apology is not there, they say, well, ‘I leave it to God’ and they go home and that has been the pattern. “Well, there are also criminals. There is no doubt about that but they are also not spared even though somebody is a criminal, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. “But at times, the investigation process is more brutal in the sense that probably you are going to be tortured to confess. “So you go to court, more than 80% of the cases brought to court are all confessional statements. “Now, it may be or may not be true but any evidence obtained through torture is not a valid evidence and the law was not very clear on the consequences of torture. “The only thing it said was that if it gets to court and there is an allegation of torture for #EndSARS: Uzodinma unveils N6bn special youth empowerment programme overnor Hope Uzodim Gma has rolled out a N6billion package for accelerated youth empowerment programme in fulfilment of his promise to Imo State the youths during the #EndSARS protests, even as he has relaxed the 24-hour curfew in the state from 6pm to 6am. The governor disclosed these in a statewide broadcast yesterday . He said an initial take off fund of fund of N2billion of the N6billion will be immediately released to the state Ministry of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship for the training of the first first four batches of the programme. According to him, the programme will train about 500,000 youths in different skills within the next two years while providing them with capital to begin their own enterprises. Uzodinma said the first set of 5000 youths already trained in different skills will soon be given their start up capital to commence business. He commended Imo youths for making him proud by heeding to his wise counsel to them to call off the End- SARS protests, adding, “ I use this opportunity to particularly salute my beloved Imo Youths for making me very proud indeed. I have always known I can always count on you “ On the violence in the state which led to the burning of many police stations, courts, INEC offices and local government headquarters, the governor said intelligence reports at his disposal indicated that it was done by mercenaries hired by some pay masters. ALERT AFTER 20 POLICE STATIONS BURNT: Expect rise in violent crimes — Security experts By Evelyn Usman &Evelyn Usman evidence when confessional statement was taken, that there will be a trial within a trial to find out if there was torture and if there was torture the evidence is not accepted. “But the torturer goes back and continues torturing the next accused person. “But there is an anti-torture legislation now in place 2017 and under that Act, if you torture and it is established you obtain evidence through torture, you will be tried for a criminal offence, but, to the best of my knowledge, I don’t think anybody has been convicted based on that because it is also the police that are going to charge their own person for torture. So, it a vicious cycle”. On the report of the presidential panel which investigated police brutality, the NHRC chief said they were following up on the recommendation for the dismissal of 35 officers, 33 others for prosecution and payment of N264million compensation to victims. *Full interview to be published next week Mama Comfort Magbejufor for burial THE families of the late Samuel Iboyi Magbejufor of Okegborode and the late Adogba Ojagbugbe of Sapele LGA, Delta State have announced dates for the burial ceremonies of their late mother, Mrs Comfort Adarun Magbejufor (aka Agbara), aged 95. Service of songs holds on Wednesday, Oct 28 at St William Catholic Church, Orerokpe to be followed by a funeral mass on Friday, Oct 30 at St Theresa Catholic Church, Adagbarasa Elume. Mama will subsequently be interred in her home town, Jakpa Elume. The deceased is survived by her children among whom are Chief (Mrs) Blessing Affe, Mrs Patience Ogbemudia and Mr Itaire Magbejufor. • The late Mama Comfort Magbejufor Following the attacks on police stations across the country by hoodlums, who carted away weapons and police uniforms, security experts have warned of a likely increase in violent crimes. They specifically urged Nigerians to be on alert, lamenting that guns are now in the hands of wrong persons across the country. No fewer than 20 police stations were burnt in southern Nigeria by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSars protests. Speaking to Sunday Vanguard, renowned security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, said apart from rise in crimes, Nigeria is likely to experience policing problems as a result of the destruction of police stations. He said: “It is very unfortunate that we saw these attacks on police stations and personnel. Violence targeted against police personnel was not anticipated. In the runup to the breakdown of law and order, there were predictions that it might degenerate into violence. I was surprised that security agencies including the Police did not do enough in terms of threat assessment. They did not do enough to be prepared for the kind of violence we saw. There is a potential for large-scale breakdown of law and order which cannot be contained by the Police. Policing problem “Like in Ajah, Lagos State, the policemen fought the hoodlums for six hours but there was no backup. Nobody came to rescue them until the hoodlums overwhelmed them. We also saw it in many other police stations. “It portends great danger. There are a lot of police uniforms out there. There are lots of police weapons floating out there right now. They are not in the hands of law enforcement officers and these guys are perfecting their tactics of taking on the entire society. “Another implication of this is that going into the future, we are going to have a serious policing problem. Where are the personnel going to stay in the short term? “I visited Ajah Police Station and it was in a mess. There were no roofs anymore and vehicles were burnt. Targeting policemen was a strategic move to gain arms and to do so, they needed to knock out security agents.” Hoodlums Also speaking, a retired Commissioner of Police, Frank Odita, said: “It is very unfortunate that what started as a genuine and legitimate demand for the scrapping of SARS has now been hijacked by criminals who unleashed terror on the Police. “That the Police could not protect themselves or their assets speaks volumes on the level of neglect and rot in the present day Nigeria Police. How can hoodlums burn and loot police stations and barracks without resistance? If the Police charged with the responsibility for internal security cannot protect itself, how can they protect the citizens? Unless urgent action is taken to reverse this situation, we may be slipping into unpleasant situations.” Frightened police On his part, another security expert, Dr. Bone Efoziem, said: “Now, we are dealing with the primary stage of the crisis, which is the stage of the attack and burning down of police stations, carting away arms and ammunition and police uniforms. One of the first implications is that in the next few months, seeing somebody in police uniforms will not make the person a policeman. “Seeing somebody carrying a gun belonging to the Nigeria Police will not actually mean that the person is a policeman. . Those in possession of the arms will be carrying out crimes against the civil populace because we already have a frightened police force. I am using the word frightened because henceforth, it will be difficult to see a policeman on the street arresting someone.” On his part, President, Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative, ECAPI, Ambassador Samuel Adam, said: “There is no gainsaying that security of lives and property generally will be affected. With a lot of stations already burnt down, I expect local government chairman to quickly provide alternative operational base for areas affected. State governments should quickly provide operational vehicles to enhance patrols so that we can start confidence building.” Also, Chairman, August Eye Security Service, Dr. Roy Okhidievbie, said: “Arms and ammunitions are in the hands of people. Time and tide wait for no one, especially in security risk parameters assessments.” AFTERMATH OF #ENDSARS PROTESTS: Daylight robbers terrorise Onitsha residents By Nwabueze Okonkwo B arely 24 hours after the bloody EndSARS protests embarked upon by angry youths in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, armed robbers have started terrorizing residents of the commercial city even in broad daylight. Between the later part of Friday and early part of yesterday when the protests subsided, robbers have continued to operate freely, according to residents. The protests in Onitsha and environs had turned bloody, last week, as 10 lives were reportedly lost while protesters set no fewer than three police stations ablaze. Meanwhile, the EndSARS protesters have vowed to continue the protests until their demands were met, warning that the elders must give way for youths to take over leadership. Reacting to the development, some legal practitioners in Onitsha, Sir Ben Okoko, Sir Anayo Emejue, Ejike Efobi, Maurice Efobi, Sylvester E,ze and Chukwudi Nwokediuko, noted that protests are allowed under the law to express feelings but warned against violence during such protests. Okoko, Emejue, Efobi, Efobi, Eze and Nwokediuko pleaded with the Federal Government to address the demands of the protesting youths as, according to them, what the youths really need is job assurance, good governance, police reform, security and hope for the future.
Premier League stars plan aid for 'EndSARS' victims ENGLISH Premier League stars are engaged in talks on how to send aid to families that have been affected by violence, which trailed the ‘ENDSARS’ protests. This was after Odion Ighalo pleaded for help for those who might be in need of assistance. Top EPL stars seem to have hearkened to Ighalo’s call and are keen to send emergency aid to affected citizens. Lagos and other major cities across Nigeria were rocked by rioting after peaceful protests by youths suddenly turned violent last Tuesday night at the Lekki Toll gate where unconfirmed number of persons have been reported killed. Ighalo, Wilfred Ndidi and Tammy Abraham, have already used their platforms to speak out against the harrowing scenes that have shocked the world. Ighalo said: ‘I’m not the kind of guy who talks about politics — but I can’t keep quiet any more about what is going on back home in Nigeria. ‘I would say the government are a shame to the world — for killing your own citizens, sending military to the streets, to kill protesters because they are protesting for their rights.” Don’t go to Nigeria, Palace boss tells Eze Eze Aguero ready to apologise to lineswoman MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola has said striker Sergio Aguero will not hesitate to apologise to a lineswoman if she is unhappy about the Argentine putting his hand on her shoulder during last weekend’s 1-0 Premier League win over Arsenal. Aguero was widely criticised on social media and by pundits for putting his hand on Sian Massey-Ellis’ shoulder while he disputed a throw-in that she had awarded to Arsenal in last Saturday’s game. Manchester City rescued a point at West Ham United yesterday, and Guardiola was asked in a news conference if Aguero should have spoken to the official later and apologised. “I didn’t speak to Sergio Ighalo about this but I’m pretty sure if she felt bad he’ll apologise without a problem. All the people looking from outside judge, but I know the intention from Sergio,” Guardiola said. He confirmed that Aguero is set for another spell in the sidelines, this time with a different problem, after the Argentine striker limped out the game at West Ham. CRYSTAL Palace coach Roy Hodgson has urged Eberechi Eze to choose England over Nigeria for his international career. Eze joined Crystal Palace this season and Hodgson is hopeful that he would be invited to the The Three Lions by manager Gareth Southgate for the 2020 European Championship. “We want our players to represent England and we want them to do well,” Hodgson told South London Press when asked about Eze. Nigeria Football Federation had approached the youngster who was in the England team in their Euro Championships U- 21 qualifiers against Turkey on October 13. Hodgson added : “We’re delighted to have him with us and I’m hoping that his U-21 career will blossom. “I for one will be hoping he continues to do well in the U-21 team and get selected for next year’s European Championship.” Mikel targets EPL return with Stoke FORMER Super Ea gles captain John Obi Mike has said his club, Stoke City are in frame for promotion back to the English Premier League. Stoke beat Brentford 2-0 in yesterday’s Championship game with Mikel in action in his favourite central midfielder position, while also doing defensive duties. “I just keep going, get ticking over and get the team to play and help the team defensively as well,” he continued. “We’re trying to find a way to play out. You could see in the game (against Barnsley) that we did that a few times, we did come Mikel out really well. If we keep playing like this I think we’ll be there. “I’m enjoying myself to be back playing the game and the aim is to help get this club where it should be, which is in the Premier League,” he said. Arteta expects tough duel against Leicester today ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta believes today’s English Premier League clash against Leicester City will be a tough game. Arteta’s side beat Leicester 2-0 in their previous meeting in the League Cup last month, a win for the Gunners will keep them ahead of Leicester who are just a point above Arsenal on the table. Ndidi “We know that it’s going to be a really competitive match against a team that’s evolved a lot in the last year or so,” Arteta said. “They had an incredible season last year and it’s always a challenge to play against them. We’re expecting a big battle.” Meanwhile Arteta believes his captain and top striker Abraham Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can cope with the pressure after facing questions over his form. Aubameyang ended a run of four matches without a goal by striking late to help Arsenal seal a 2-1 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna last Thursday, and Arteta said the 31-year-old must create other opportunities for himself to silence the critics. SUNDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2020, PAGE 31 Sports Icon list criticism throws sports minister off balance By Ben Efe SPORTS Minister, Sunday Dare has been thrown off balanced following the unexpected barrage of criticisms that trailed his list of Nigerian Sports Icons. The list was released about a week ago and there was cheers in some quarters, over the inclusion of some individuals. But the omission of high achieving sports people attracted a chorus of disapproval, which seem to have drowned the applause. It was gathered from sports ministry officials that Mr. Dare is now torn between tearing up the list or going ahead to present it to the highest authority in the land. “The Sports minister has been on the edge since the release of the list,” a sports ministry source disclosed. “It remained to be seen his next line of action, whether to present to the presidency for approval or have a review. Credibility matters a lot.” The list caused a stir most especially among football and athletics enthusiasts, as prominent names were omitted. Former Sports Writers Association of Nigeria president Fan Ndubuoke, argued that the list is flawed in many ways. Also former national decathlon champion and Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical director, Brown Ebewele faulted the inclusion of athletes who have violated doping rules. “There is no where in the world where you make dope tainted athletes Icons. It makes the list less credible,” Ebewele said. Ancelotti backs Iwobi to score for Everton EVERTON coach Carlo Ancelotti, said he has total confidence Alex Iwobi would be a top goal scorer for the Toffess. Iwobi will hopefully get a start in today’s game against Southampton and Ancelotti believes the Super Eagles midfielder can deliver. Iwobi has endured mixed fortunes since joining Everton from Arsenal for £28m on deadline day last summer, with injury and inconsistent form leaving many Blues yet to be convinced on the forward’s ability to make a lasting impact at Goodison. “He has quality, he is a strong player physically, he has ability in front,” Ancelotti said “He did well when he played against Brighton, he gave an assist to James to score. “ He didn’t play a lot, but he played in the cup, he scored goals. I have total confidence with him.” Council of sports meeting holds tomorrow Dare Iwobi THE Council of Sports meeting earlier scheduled to hold in Lagos last Wednesday but following the ENDSARS crisis will now hold between tomorrow and Wednesday, according to a source close to the Ministry. It was however gathered that the meeting will no longer hold in Lagos but by virtual attendance by members from their respective bases. The Council of Sports meeting which comprises the top echelon of the ministry as well as Commissioners and Directors of sports of the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory was to discuss the way forward for sports in the country following the lifting of the ban on sporting activities caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Part of the issues to be tabled at the meeting is the possibility or otherwise of holding the postponed National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020 this year. The biennial sports Festival was earlier schedule to hold between March 20 and April 2, 2020 but was shelved because of the Coronavirus which plagued the entire world.
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25102020 - Looting spree in 9 states

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