Alleged Extortion: Refund ₦30,000, pay victim compensation or I drag you to PSC, IGP, Delta CDHR tells Anambra Policewoman

The Delta State Branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR has ordered one Supol. Bola serving with the Nigeria Police Force, CPS Awka Division in Anambra State to refund the sum of thirty thousand naira(₦30,000) she allegedly extorted from a victim, Samuel Nwabueze recently.

Delta State CDHR Chairman,Comrade(Elder)A.P. Edariese made the call during a press briefing held at Owhase, Udu Local Government Area.

He noted that the victim was arrested for three days stressing that his fundamental human rights has been totally breached by the Policewoman.

Comrade(Elder) Edariese also threatened to report the Policewoman to the Police Service Commission,PSC if she fails to heed to the demand and call of the CDHR.

According to Comrade Edariese,”She must return it 100% and for her to get herself out of this problem, she must compensate this man for unlawful detention. If not, I will report it to the Police Service Commission for dismissal.

The Victim, Mr. Samuel Nwabueze, a scrap dealer is also demanding for the refund of the money allegedly extorted from him by the female police officer in Awka, Anambra State.

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the Police, an indigene of Umule Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State said, his only offence was that he allowed someone to use his mobile phone for business transaction which led to the collection of one million naira from another.

Mr. Nwabueze said the police tracked and arrested at Deco road in Warri all the way from Awka, Anambra State.

He said one Mr. Eze, a complainant alleged that someone collected the sum of one million naira(₦1,000,000.00) from him.

The victim also said the Divisional Police Officer,DPO said he will be the one to pay back the money because it was his phone that was used for the transaction.

When asked if he signed surety for anyone or gave consent to anyone to use his phone, the victim said,”Along the line of the transaction, this man made use of my phone. That was my only offence.”

“I suggested to the DPO to mobilise his men that I will use my phone to call this guy(who used my phone to make the call & transaction) that I have battery to sell which I brought from Warri that am taking it down there to Onitsha.

“I called the guy to meet me up and collect the battery I brought for sale. Luckily, he came and he was arrested. When he was being arrested, he started dragging with the police officer. I even joined to make sure he was taken to the station.

“When we got to the station, I asked the Supol, the lady in charge of this very matter to let me go that the man they’ve arrested the man they were looking for. The lady said No! That I will bring the sum of four hundred thousand naira(₦400,000).

“So,I asked him to call the complainant of the matter. He said the person who collected money from him is here that he does not have any business with me.

“Still yet, the Police refused to let me go. Along the line, the woman said I should go and bring one hundred thousand naira (₦100,000) and that I should be calling my people.

“So, I called my guy who sent the first twenty thousand naira (₦20,000) to her.

“One evening, the DPO sent they should bring two the two of us to his office. When we got there, the DPO said this is the man who committed this very crime and that he does have any business with me. He said they should allow me go. When we left the DPO Office, I was released. This woman refused to handover the money that was sent to her through one Mallam(POS Operator )at the Police Station.

“What she did when I was finally released, she gave me N3,000 go with that they’ve tried for me and all that. When I got to Coka in Asaba, I called her on phone that the money wasn’t enough. She sent me another ₦2,000 through one girl, POS Operator. That was how I managed to come back to Warri.

In a telephone chat with Our Correspondent, the Woman Police Superintendent of Police denied extorting Mr. Nwabueze. “I did not extort him.”

She confirmed that the victim was arrested in Warri for allegedly duping a complainant with his mobile phone number.

The Policewoman simply identified as Supol Bola said they conspired to dupe the complainant.

She also confirmed that the victim was the one who raised twenty thousand naira(₦20,000) but that the money was used for mobilisation to Onitsha for the arrest of the man this Mr. Nwabueze claimed used his phone for the business transaction.

According to Supol Bola,”I even injured in my face with blood at Uoper-iweka. I fought for him to be released.”

Supol Bola who claimed to be the O/C of the police that effected the arrest also confirmed that she gave Nwabueze ₦3,000 as transport fare upon his release to Warri.

She added that,”I monitored his movement to Asaba. When he said the money with him is finished that I should send him one thousand naira, I sent him ₦2,000.)

The Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer, could not be reached for comments at the time of this report.

Oborevwori congratulates former Military Governor, Gen. Omu as he marks 84th birthday

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated former Military Governor of the defunct South Eastern State, Maj.-Gen. Paul Omu (rtd), as he clocks 84 on July 1.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Monday, the governor described the octogenarian as an exceptional administrator, elderstatesman and renowned military officer.

According to him, Gen. Omu had a distinguished military career that included strategic leadership roles as a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), Commandant of the Command and Staff College, Jaji, and Military Governor of South Eastern State (1975–1978).

“Following his retirement, Gen. Omu answered the call of his Isoko people to assume the role of President – General of the Isoko Development Union, IDU, having served the country with distinction via his abundance of knowledge, wisdom, and experience.

“As a Government, we will always value his astute advice, particularly in light of the numerous security issues facing our country.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our father and leader, Major- General Paul Ufuoma Omu (OFR) (retd), on the joyous occasion of his 84th birth anniversary.

“At 84, I join your family, friends, and admirers in expressing our gratitude to Almighty God for bestowing upon you a life filled with immense successes and lasting fulfilment,” Oborevwori stated.

Bayelsa Leaders hail Tompolo, say ex-militant leader best for pipelines surveillance job in War Against Crude Oil Theft

**Economic survival of the nation dependent on the success of TSSNL’s assignment- Sen. Dickson

*Praise Presidency, NNPCL for engaging Tompolo

*Accuse oil multinationals of under declaring crude production

*Say Abuja, Lagos bigwigs responsible for crude oil theft

Leaders of Bayelsa State have commended the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, for the success so far recorded in the fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The leaders of the oil-rich Ijaw state said the commitment of Tompolo through the activities of TSSNL have culminated in the significant reduction in the scale of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

These positions were made public when a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriakpe Dickson, led prominent political and community leaders as well as traditional rulers from Bayelsa State on bridge building mission to Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Dickson led the delegation to the palace of the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaruan 11, Aketekpe, where they interacted with the Monarch and his subjects, especially Tompolo and other prominent citizens of the area.

The former governor, who spoke on behalf of the delegation,said the nation owed Tompolo a lot of gratitude for stemming the tide of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The ex-governor, who currently represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, said crude oil theft has reduced greatly since Tompolo took charge in less than 2 years.

He also lamented the link between crude oil theft and environmental degradation.

Senator Dickson commended the Federal Government and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for engaging TSSNL in the fight against illegal oil operations in the region.

Describing Tompolo as “the best man” for the job of securing the oil and assets, he urged all stakeholders, especially all arms of security agencies to support and encourage TSSNL to succeed.

The federal lawmaker stated that the economic survival of the nation was dependent on the success of TSSNL’s assignment and urged the federal authorities and security agencies to emulate the patriotic zeal and commitment of Tompolo.

Dickson, however, accused wealthy and influential Nigerians of being responsible for the unabating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, adding that they possessed all wherewithal to engage and facilitate the illicit trade.

He exonerated his kinsmen from involvement in the prohibitive trade, stating that they lacked the expertise and sophistication to carry out the high level nefarious job.

He also accused oil multinationals of economic sabotage by under-declaring the quantum of crude oil production, adding that the ugly trend had spanned over six decades.

He urged the Federal Government to demonstrate its sincerity in the war against illegal oil bunkering by effectively monitoring the operation and production of crude oil by the oil majors in order to eliminate all sharp practices.

Besides, the parliamentarian lauded the commitment of Tompolo towards the development of the Niger Delta and upliftment of its citizens.

According to him, Tompolo has demonstrated unparalleled interest in the wellbeing and welfare of the people of the region, regardless of ethnic differences.

Praising Tompolo, whom he intermittently referred to as “General Officer Commanding (GOC)”, Dickson expressed excitement about development strides in Gbaramatu kingdom, especially at its Oporoza headquarters.

He also hailed the ex-militant leader for developing and living with the people in the locality.

He thanked the monarch and his subjects for the level of support and encouragement accorded Tompolo to succeed.

He emphasised the importance of Gbaramatu Kingdom to Ijaw nation and praised the monarch for the prevailing peace and development in his domain.

He said, ” I am here on a courtesy visit to the Agadagba, to appreciate him and Council of Chiefs and all those who are supporting him for maintaining order, peace and stability.”

“This Kingdom is strategic to the ijaw nation and the the Niger Delta región. Gbaramatu is very strategic to the nation’s development, I am here and have seen what they have done here. On the Issue of Tantita, I want to thank my younger brother, Tompolo for their efforts and contributions of stopping vandalism of strategic national assets.”

“I want to thank him for reducing illegal bunkering as it is called and for trying their best for reducing the environmental degradation caused by illegal refining activities and tampering with pipeline affecting our farmlands, causing spillage. I know the hardwork they have done and I have said it times again that the best thing that the government and NNPCL have done is by engaging Tantita and the man (Tompolo), who, understands the terrain. That is why he has been able to bring some semblance of normalcy, a lot still have to be done.”

“I’ve seen development here myself, and I want to encourage him and urge the President, the Petroleum Minister and NNPCL and all of those working with him that the partnership needs to be strengthened and sustained and expanded so that he can do more.”

“Stopping pilfering and pipeline vandalism is one thing, but we are also bothered about environmental degradation, you know, degradation of our area. We have an idea of how polluted our environment has become. This is our area, this is where we live and for the Ijaw man, this river is our life, so polluting our waterways and rivers, creeks is a major existential threat to our people.”

He added, “And I encourage the security people to collaborate more with them (TSSNL) and the NNPCL to strengthen that partnership and expand it.”

“As you can see, this is a very difficult terrain to bring about any development. Am so humbled to be here and seeing all these development, it’s a thing of joy to me, and to all of us who have come from Bayelsa State, which is the Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation.”

“But like I have said over and over. I am not saying it for the first time. It is a fact that is known to everybody. The Ijaw people who are living in the creeks and striving day to day for economic livelihood in our polluted waterways, they do not have the capacity to engage in the high level operations that result in the daily loss of crude of Nigerian crude produce from our place. We have no means to do that. ”

“The tanker, those who have the capacity to compromise and infiltrate the national security system, those who have the capacity to infiltrate the NNPCL system and the shuttle vessels are not Ijaw people. We don’t even have the experience to get involved in such operations, that’s a high level of operation that requires a lot of resources and coordination, funding and international networking.”

“Like as I said, if Nigeria is serious, the country has to step up its game and at the international arena, make a push for the designation of Nigerian stolen crude as blood diamond.
Nigeria has to push for that.

“But those who on a daily basis under declare even that which is produced and those who have refused to properly monitor and record what is produced for over 50 something to 60 something years should take the blame and not the Ijaw youths, harmless poor people without the capacity and technical know how on how pipes operates and how high voltage pipes can be tampered with, we don’t have that technology. So it’s not an Ijaw youths game, It’s a game perpetrated by the big players, they don’t reside here. They are in Lagos, Abuja, they are in other world capitals, and I stand by that.”

Jumi Odaji brought Peace to Bowen Ward – Ereyitomi, consoles Family of late Councillor

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Honourable Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi has consoled the PDP family in Bowen Ward over the demise of the immediate past Councillor, Hon. Jumi Odaji, who represented the Ward at the Warri South Legislative Arm.

Chief Ereyitomi, while consoling the PDP family and the immediate family of Hon. Odaji, Sunday June 30, 2024, eulogised and described him as someone who brought peace to Bowen Ward and as a loyal party member whose demise has created a big vacuum to the party and his family.

Rep Ereyitomi added that late Hon. Odaji was somebody who when he believed in a project will always stay committed to the end of it without wavering or going back.

The Warri Federal lawmaker stressed that Odaji, was very loyal, vibrant and committed to his service to the people, Chief Ereyitomi prayed for the soul of the deceased to find rest in the blossom of the Lord and for the family to bear the unexpected loss, he as well assured them of support.

Hon. Ereyitomi was accompanied by the Former Chairman of Warri North Local Government Council, Hon. Aduge Okorodudu, Hon. Patrick Ojor as well as some of his aides at the condolence visit.

Why we built Auditorium, Sports Centre in Edo State – Inter Atlas’ MD – Meshe declares

** Peter Dunia explains why they immortalised former EFCC Boss, Lamorde

Late former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Lamorde, has been immortalised in Edo State.

An ultra-modern auditorium and outdoor sports centre built at Ogbona Secondary School, in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, was named Ibrahim Lamorde Hall.

A director in Inter-Atlas Synergy, Peter Omoh Dunia, hails from Ogbona community, in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

The edifice was built by award-winnning pipelines security firm, Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, chaired by Lamorde until his demise on May 25th, 2024.

One of the Executive Directors of the private security outfit, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, hails from the community.

The project was facilitated by Dunia, popularly known as Peter Black.

The event laced with pomp and pageantry, was witnessed by the cream-de-la-cream of the society, especially the representatives of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Omobayo Godwins, who delivered his boss’ goodwill message, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari, South/South Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, elated family members of Ibrahim Lamorde led by Adamawa State Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Usman Lamorde, his Ministry of Education counterpart in Edo State, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, National President of the Host Comminities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), Chief Style Tamaranebi

Other members of Lamorde family present at the event include the scion of Ibrahim Lamorde, Mr. Usman I.
Lamorde and another younger sibling of the late anti-graft czar, Dr. Suleiman Lamorde.

The team of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited was led by the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Femi Meshe.

The security’s company’s Executive Director, Mr. Niyi Oginni, was also present at the epoch-making event.

The clerics were led to the event by the Catholic Archbishop of Auchi Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia.

Captains of the oil and gas industry as well as top executives in the public and private sectors were not left out.

The traditional institutions from various towns in Etsako axis of Edo State and indeed all over the country, were fully represented at the occasion.

Specifically, HRM Jackson Aperelire Etokhana, Ogie Ahwianwu of Avhianwu Clan led the appreciative and joyous people of Etsako communities to the inauguration ceremony.

His Lordship, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, Bishop of Auchi Diocese.
Dignitaries, including Jonathan, Obaseki, Momoh, Kyari, Oviawe, in their goodwill messages hailed the board and management of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited for being a responsible corporate citizen.

They urged all other corporate bodies to emulate the patriotic gesture of the private security firm.

In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of Ogbona Secondary School Management Board (SMB), Mrs. Joan Egwuonwu, also praised the Inter-Atlas, Synergy Limited, especially Dunia, adding that the “ultra-modern school auditorium and outdoor sports centre donated by Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, courtesy of our respected board member, Peter Omoh Dunia Esq are the crowns of this board’s plethora of interventions.”

HRM Jackson Aperelire Etokhana also towed the same line with Egwuonwu, by hauling encomiums at Inter-Atlas Synergy and one of its Executive Director, Peter Omoh Dunia, whom he described as a ” valuable, public spirited and selfless personality, who has made unparalleled and far-reaching contributions to the upliftment and development of Avhianwu Clan, Etsakoland and their people.”

In his goodwill, Tamaranebi said, “I’m privileged to be here to witness this laudable project in Niger Delta host community today in Edo State. Permit me to use this medium as a clarion call to the Oil and Gas multi- Nationals, which has hide under Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, not to do the needful for our impoverished communities.

“Today Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited has displayed commitment in CSR to our communities and the Host community organization which we want to thank you for promise kept and promise delivered and we say there is brighter tomorrow and God Bless Inter Atlas, God bless Nigeria.”

The spokesman of Lamorde family, Dr. Suleiman Lamorde, expressed appreciation to the board and management of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited for honouring and immortalising his older sibling.

The medical practitioner was particularly elated that the first attempt to immortalise his late brother, who hailed from Adamawa State in the North East geopolitical zone of the country came from Edo State in the South/South of the country.

“This development is heart-warming. It further confirmed that Nigeria is one and our oneness is not a fluke. The Lamorde family is extremely grateful to the management of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited took the initiative to immortalised our brother. We are also heavily indebted to our brother, Mr. Peter Dunia, who has been extremely supportive to our family. With the immortalising of our brother in Ogbona Town, in Etsako, we have got a second home in Edo Stafe. We sincerely thank the people of Edo State, for this thoughtful gesture,” Lamorde added.

Meshe, in his speech said the the auditorium and outdoor sports centre was provided by Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited in line with the company’s “dedication to improving the quality of life in the host communities where we operate. Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited has instituted a program to undertake various infrastructure development projects through the Niger Delta.”

“We believed that the Ogbona Secondary School Ultra-modern Auditorium and Sports Facilities building, 2,000-seater auditorium and sporting facility named after our late Chairman, DIG Ibrahim Lamorde (rtd), will enhance both educational and civic activities in the entire Ogbona community, Etsako Central LGA, Edo State, spurring more of such contributions from other organisations to this community and others across the region.”

“It is our conviction that all International Oil Companies and Local Oil Companies (IOC/LOC) particularly, and all other stakeholders, should continue contributing and championing improved economic empowerment and interventions to significantly improve the livelihood of communities in the Niger Delta region. This is prime, long-term and sustainable measure for creating disincentive and dissuasion from engaging in illegal activities by a majority of perhaps hapless and misguided youths and people of the region, including the menace of crude oil theft and vandalism for which the good image of the region has been disproportionately tainted.”

“Finally, we are determined to continue promoting socio-economic and Infrastructural development in the communities where we operate and we are poised to do more in building strong collaboration with local stakeholders and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of our dear
nation.”

Dunia, who was moved to tears while presenting his address and tribute of Ibrahim Abdullahi Lamorde, described him as a ” dedicated Muslim, committed family man, who dearly cherished his family and a champion of communities.”

“From the philanthropic outreaches he sponsored non-stop in his native Mubi to the many other communities where he worked across the nation, securing a safe and flourishing community life was a priority to him. As Board Chairman of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited and coming into the Oil and Gas Industrial security and project management space with operations in the Niger Delta region, he was appalled at the level of environmental degradation and deprivation suffered by many of the communities. He believed that their plight needed to be highlighted in the work of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited and lasting solutions advocated for action.”

“Unfortunately, he passed away on the 25th of May, 2024. He left behind a legacy of lifetime service to God humanity, community and country. The Ogbona Community Secondary School Ultra-modern and Sports Centre in Estako Central LGA of Edo State is named in his honour and loving memory by Inter-Atlas by Synergy Limited, as company he led after his retirement from public service until his demise.”

Highlights of the ceremony include cultural displays by different groups in Etsakoland and formal inauguration of the auditorium and outdoor sports Centre by Archbishop Dunia and Representative of gbd Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engineer Okodugha Dauda Aluyah, who is the Special Assistant to the minister on Project Monitoring (South-South).

You deserved to be celebrated for your devoted, inspirational leadership- Oborevwori hails Agbor Mornach@47

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi 1, on his 47th birth anniversary.

Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, praised the Agbor monarch for his remarkable contributions to the development of his Kingdom, the state, and the nation.

The Governor noted that the Dein deserved to be celebrated at 47 for the devoted and inspired leadership module he had provided for the people of Agbor over the years.

Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I warmly felicitate with HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi I, CON, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, on the occasion of his 47th birth anniversary on June 29.

“You have continued to lead your people with love and compassion as a revered king, and this has made you even more loved and respected by them and others even outside your kingdom.

“On your 47th birth anniversary, it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to enable you with health, wisdom and discernment to lead the customary business of your great kingdom, even as we anticipate your continuous invaluable contributions to the advancement of our beloved state and nation”.

No Restriction of Movement for Tomorrow’s Sanitation Exercise

In light of the 37th Edition of International Olympic Day, which will be celebrated on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Rwang-Pam Stadium at 7:30am, we are pleased to announce that there will be no restriction of movement for everyone.

This international event is celebrated across the Federation and the FCT. As is tradition, this annual event commemorates World Olympic Day and aims to rejuvenate physical exercise in individuals, enhancing both physical and mental health as a means for stress management.

We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to clean their surroundings and business areas—not just because it is requested, but because it is important for our health and environment.

Join us in celebrating this significant day and embracing a healthier, more active lifestyle!

NB: Hope it will be applicable to every state as it ought to be.
No restriction of movement tomorrow please.

Amb. Agbolaya mourns passage of Jumi Odaji, describes it as shocking, devastating

Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Warri South Local Government Area and former Chairmanship aspirant, Amb. Dr. Toyin Orighomisan Agbolaya JP mourns passage of the Councellorship candidate for Bowen Ward 20, Hon. Jumi Odaji.

Hon. Jumi Odaji reportedly passed away today Friday June 28, 2024 at the wee hours of this morning, Dr. Agbolaya described the sudden death of the Councellorship candidate who represented Bowen Ward 20 in the immediate past Warri South Legislative Arm as shocking, devastating and unbelievable, praying God to be with the family.

Dr. Agbolaya on behalf of his political associates and supporters expressed deep condolences to the PDP Bowen Ward 20, Warri South Local Government and entire Delta State PDP for the irreplaceable loss of the Local Government lawmaker, Hon. Odaji, particularly at this time when the local government election is around the corner.