PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Media Organisations to Enjoy Financing at Single-Digit Interest Rates - FG  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, through the Bank of Industry (BOI), to extend its single-digit interest-rate financing to media organizations in the country. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris stated this in Abuja on Wednesday when he received members of the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) on a courtesy visit to his office.   According to the Minister, the gesture is in keeping with the administration’s resolve to create an enabling business environment for the media to operate in Nigeria. “Let me say that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation under my leadership, as part of our five pillars, will support all media platforms in this country, whether they are public or private. “I can tell you that the President has directed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and

 Court Jails 15 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday and Tuesday, May 13 & May 14, 2024  secured the conviction of 15 internet fraudsters before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. The convicts are Sagay Favour, Efemini Kelvin Mudiaga, Izzi Evans, Okim Ekene, Jakpa Godspower and Lucky Alao SeyiEk.  Others are Adams Jarret, Mathew Ese, Oritsegbogwa Joseph, Joshua Lucky Ojabugbe, Emudiaga Akpojaro, Richard Promise, Aboh Daniel Bonfrey, Deniran Emmanuel Edafe and Orode Ovie. They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge against Edafe eads: That you Deniran Emmanuel Edafe (M) on or about 3rd day of May, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within t

 🎨 The King unveiled a new portrait by  Jonathan Yeo. The new work depicts His Majesty wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which he was made Regimental Colonel in 1975. The painting will ultimately hang in Drapers’ Hall in London. The artist said of the experience of painting His Majesty: "It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers' Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty The King, the first to be unveiled since his Coronation. When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I've painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject's role in our public life has transformed. I do my best to capture the life experiences and humanity etched into any individual sitter's face, and I hope that is what I have achieved in this portrait. To try and capture that for His Majesty The King, who occupies such a unique role, was both

 TRANSITION  With deep sorrow, the Lagos State Government announces the passing of the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) to Mr Governor, Mr Gboyega Soyannwo.  Soyannwo died today after a brief illness. He was 55. Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the Government and people of Lagos, sends his condolences to the Soyannwo family.  “I have lost a brother and a servant of the people,” Mr Governor said while breaking the news to the Executive Council (EXCO) meeting,  After a minute’s silence in respect of the late DCoS, Mr Governor ended the EXCO meeting.  The late Gboyega Soyannwo is survived by a wife and two children.  May his soul rest in peace. Gbenga Omotoso HC, Information & Strategy

 Resignation Galore As Five Wike Loyalists Quit Fubara’s Cabinet A fresh wave of resignations has hit the Rivers State Government headed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara as five more commissioners, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have resigned from the governor’s cabinet.  Those who resigned are Chinedu Mmom (from the Ministry of Education), Gift Worlu (from the Ministry of Housing) and Jacobson Nbina (from the Ministry of Transport). Inime Aguma resigned as the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation saying “there is no room for progressional development in the work place”. Austin Ben-Chioma also resigned as the Commissioner for Environment “due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons”. Mmom and Worlu cited a toxic working environment as the main reason for their exit while Nbina cited “unresolved political crisis” in the state as his reason for exit. The five persons were among the c

 One Year Not Enough To Judge Tinubu’s Govt, Says Kukah The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese and Founder of the Kukah Centre, Right Reverend Matthew Kukah, says one year is not enough to pass judgement on President Bola Tinubu’s government. He, however, said that the government needs to communicate to Nigerians when it will fix the current socioeconomic challenges in the country. Bishop Kukah stated this in an interview with State House Correspondents shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa Abuja to discuss an upcoming event organized by the Kukah Centre to address the topic of national cohesion. He said while the administration is providing solutions to the myriad of the challenges, Nigerians need to get a sense of how soon they expect to breathe a sigh of relief. According to him Nigerians are in various levels of pains. “I’m sure that many people will tell you that one year is not enough to make a judgement. However, from where we all stand, we kn

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES TABLE TENNIS CHAMPION ARUNA QUADRI ON ITTF AFRICA CUP VICTORY President Bola Tinubu congratulates Nigeria's table tennis pacesetter, Mr. Aruna Quadri, on winning the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Cup title. Mr. Quadri achieved a resounding victory in the final match of the 2024 ITTF Africa Cup in Rwanda, reclaiming his title and sealing his place as Africa's table tennis champion.  President Tinubu commends the table tennis star for his dogged pursuit of excellence even in the face of gnawing obstacles, declaring that the zeal for distinction, the hardiness to succeed, and the inventiveness to solve complex problems are the exceptional qualities that define Nigerians. The President also notes the recent progress in the nation's sports sector, with remarkable performances in the African Games, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the World Relay Championships, and emphasizes that his administration wi

 God is bigger than everything” – Portable breaks silence following arrest Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has made his first public statement following his arrest. It was reported on Tuesday evening that The Lagos State Police Command arrested the singer for refusing to pay the debt he incurred when he purchased G-Wagon from a car dealer in the state. It was gathered that Portable, during the purchase of the vehicle worth N27m, paid only N13m and had refused to pay the N14m balance on the pretext that the car was faulty. The car dealer reported the matter to the police, who swung into action and arrested the singer. Now speaking out, the singer, via his Instagram page, stated that God is bigger than everything. He added for anyone who believed in the saying to say Amen. Portable went on to stress that God is over everything. God is bigger than everything. Amen if you believe so. God over everything”.

 British boxer passes away after being KO'd in his professional debut.   29-year-old Sherif Lawal was making his professional boxing debut on Sunday. His match was against Malam Varela, a Portuguese fighter, and took place at the Harrow Leisure Center in London. According to reports, Valera landed "a clean right hook that connected directly to Lawal's temple". It was immediately apparent to the referee that Lawal had a serious medical issue and he stopped the fight and called paramedics in the ring. CPR was preformed for over 10 minutes in the ring before Lawal was taken to Northwick Park Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  This is a heartbreaking outcome for a young man whose career seemed to be just taking off. Our thoughts are with his family, fans and friends.

 Abure bows to pressure, begs NLC president for reconciliation Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, on Wednesday, appealed to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, to set aside his differences and work together with the party leadership for old-time’s sake. Abure made the plea at his first press conference following the April 3 fire incident that almost claimed his life at his Abuja residence. Both Abure and Ajaero had been at loggerheads following several attempts made by the congress to take control of the party structure over claims the embattled LP chairman was running a one-man show amid allegations of financial malfeasance. The LP camp had also made a counterclaim that Ajaero was desperately seeking to evict the Abure-led National Working Committee with an ulterior motive to use the party as a transactional platform ahead of the 2027 election. Addressing newsmen at the party secretariat in Abuja, Abure described the NLC president as a friend and broth

 First flight for 2024 Hajj takes off  The first flight conveying pilgrims for 2024 Hajj from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia  has departed. The FlyNas flight with 417 Kebbi pilgrims and seven officials took off at m 4: 54 pm Nigerian time. Nigeria’s Vice President,  His Excellency Sen Kashim Shettima who arrived the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, (SABIA) Birnin Kebbi at about 11: 15 am for the event launched the airlift exercise by 1:02pm.  Dignitaries that graced the occasion in Birnin Kebbi included royal fathers led by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh Sa’ad Abubakar III. Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen Ali Ndume, Sen Abdul Ningi, Sen. Sahabi Alhaji Yau and former senators from Zuru, Sen Bala Ibn Na’Allah and Sen. Muhammad Magoro were also on ground for the flag off. Also present was Hon. Jafar Muhammad Ali, Chairman House Committee on Pilgrimage.The Host, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, was accompanied to the event by hi

 The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the principal suspect behind the early morning mosque explosion at Gadan village in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state. The Commissioner of Police Mohammad Usaini Gumel, disclosed this to journalist in Kano. He said one, Shafi’u Abubakar, 38, is in police custody and has confessed to carrying out the attack due to a long-standing family dispute over inheritance sharing. ” On May 15, 2024, at approximately 5:20 a.m., a report was received of an explosion at a mosque in Gadan Village during the “Subhi Prayer,” leaving several people injured. ” Promptly, a team of security personnel, including experts in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chemical Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), was deployed to the scene. "Twenty-four victims, including 20 male adults and 4 male children, were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment. Preliminary forensic analysis suggests a suspected petrol explosio

  PM Modi doesn’t hear people’s plights, talks ‘irrelevant’ things: Priyanka in Amethi Priyanka Gandhi appealed to the people to raise their voice and tell the PM Modi that that they do not want to hear about buffaloes, 'mangalsutra', and temples and mosques at the time of elections. She asked them to tell the PM to talk about the solutions to their problems. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not hearing the people’s plights and talking “irrelevant” things. Priyanka Gandhi addressed an election meeting organised in Mohiya Kesariya in support of the Congress candidate from Amethi, Kishori Lal Sharma. In her 45-minute-long speech, she accused the prime minister of not loving the people and not visiting any farmer’s house. “Yesterday he held a road show in Varanasi. He stood on a high vehicle and waved while standing among the security personnel. How will he know what your sorrow is? (He) is seen only with ‘seths’ (bus

 26-YEAR-OLD SOUTH AFRICAN LADY BEATEN TO DEATH ALLEGEDLY BY HER BOYFRIEND A WEEK AFTER GRADUATION A 26-year-old lady, Xoliswa Radebe, was murdered allegedly by her boyfriend in South Africa a week after her graduation from the university.   An NGO, Women For Change disclosed this in a Facebook post on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.    According to the statement, Xoliswa's decomposed body was found in her apartment in Pretoria on May 7, 2024.   “She was allegedly beaten to death. It was revealed on CCTV footage that the last person seen with her was Xoliswa’s ex-boyfriend,” the statement read.   "On 7 May, Xoliswa’s decomposed body was found after her neighbours contacted her family, telling them that a horrific smell was coming out of her apartment. No one has been arrested yet.   “Xoliswa graduated a week before she was murdered at Tshwane University of Technology. We are heartbroken over the loss of such a beautiful soul. Fly high, Sister.”  One more photo below. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa To Sign NHI Bill.  South Africa is poised to mark a significant milestone in its healthcare landscape as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to officially sign the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law. The signing ceremony is scheduled for this Wednesday, at 14:00pm at the Union Buildings, heralding a new era of healthcare access and equity for millions across the nation. The NHI Bill represents a bold step towards realizing the vision of universal healthcare coverage in South Africa. By ensuring that all citizens have access to essential healthcare services, regardless of their socio-economic status, the government aims to address the entrenched disparities that have long plagued the country’s healthcare system. Under the provisions of the NHI Bill, the private healthcare sector will undergo a transformation, with a focus on redirecting resources towards priority areas and ensuring that essential services are accessible to all. While private-sector pa

 Kaduna Christians Hold Protest For Release Of Leah Sharibu  A group of Christians in Kaduna State under the umbrella of Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest to demand the immediate release of Leah Sharibu and other abducted school children still in the custody of bandits and terrorists in the northern part of the country. During the protest held at the ECWA Good News Church in the Kaduna State capital to celebrate the 21st birthday of Leah Sharibu, the  group criticised the alleged government’s helplessness in rescuing the lone Chibok schoolgirl, seven years after she was kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe state Leah Sharibu and over 100 female students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in 2018. While the rest of the abducted girls have been released from captivity,the story of Leah Sharibu is pathetic and sorrowful, as she is still in the custody of her abductors seven ye

  Wunmi Sister Karimot Disowned  Wunmi and Their Mother She Reveals in new videos  In a new development, sister to Mohbad’s wife, Karimot, has boldly declared that she is no longer affiliated with Wunmi, her sister.  She expressed that she has disowned not only Wumi, but their mother as well. She revealed that she had stood by her sister’s side when the entire incident with Mohbad had happened, and yet she was stabbing her at the back.  She further narrated how Wunmi had lied to people about certain things. She called out Wunmi for being a user, stating that Wunmi is fond of using people and then throwing them away when she’s done with them. did not stop there. She went on to express that she would expose everything she has been enduring to Nigerians soon. In her words, she had this to say, Wunmi, Despite the fact that you never told me anything about your husband (Mohbad) before he passed away, I still stood by you as a sister when the incident happened. Now you are stabb!ng me at the

 Bandits Ambush Dangote Staff Bus In Kogi, Kidnap Dozens In Blôòdy Assault Gunmen abducted an unspecified number of Dangote Cement workers Monday, with several workers shot. The workers were returning from work Monday evening when they were ambushed by suspected bandits at Okpella in Edo, a town near Okene (Kogi state). Witnesses said it was unclear how many people were wounded or the severity as of Monday evening. “Other people are in the bush. My colleague has bullet wounds. A coaster bus filled with staff was attacked at Okpella. Kidnappers,” a witness said. “They kidnapped our whole staff bus. Kidnappers took our staff.” One more photo below. 

 Nigerian Pupil, Faithful Ebube, scores 374 in Jamb after fasting for 15 Days before Examination  The bright young man from Umuohie-Ukwu Eziama in the Ngor-Okpala local government area of Imo state received an astounding score of 374.  He received scores of 91 in English language, 95 in physics, 95 in maths, and 93 in chemistry.

 EFCC Arraigns Two for Alleged N382m Contract Fraud in Enugu   The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned the duo of Onuaguluchi Ifeakanwa Chris and Izuchukwu Shedrack David,  before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.   They were arraigned  on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, retention of proceeds of crime and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N382, 336, 955. 00 (Three Hundred and Eighty-two Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty-five Naira).   One of the counts reads: “That you, Mr. Izuchukwu Shedrack David, Mrs Onuaguluchi Ifeakanwa Chris and Chief S. C. Ugwuanyi (Now at large), sometime between 4th May, 2023 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretences and with intent to defraud, obtained from Architekon Nigeria Limited, an aggregate sum of Three-hundred and Thirty-one Million, Three-hu

 Court Threatens Bench Warrant against Lawyer in N550 million Fraud Case   A Federal High Court sitting in Maitama Abuja has threatened to issue a bench warrant against a legal practitioner, Barrister Ferdinand Baba Isa following his failure to appear in court in a N550 million fraud case filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).   Barrister Baba Isa, who is the second defendant in the N550m corruption case, was due to be arraigned in the court on the 10th May, 2024, but failed to show up when the case was mentioned.   The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, said the failure of the defendant to appear before the Court depicted a blatant "lack of respect for the law," and a repeat of such would attract sanctions.

 *Court Remands Two Reverend Sisters, Cautions Against Illegal Adoption, Dealings on Children.*  The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court of Anambra State, sitting in Awka, has, on Monday, remanded two Reverend Sisters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Reverend Sisters: Reverend Sister Angela Onyenachi Ibe, aged, 42, and Mother-General, Reverend Sister Chiemelie Jacinta Yvonne, aged, 41, were arraigned on a-4 count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, punishable under sections 495(a) and 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Volume II, the Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, and illegal dealings on Children, as well as, fraudulent adoption, punishable under section 30(2)(b) of the Child's Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004. However, when the charge was read to the defendants, to the satisfaction of the Honourable Court, they each, pleaded not guilty of the offenses. Responding to questions during the arraignment, the two Reverend sisters stated that

 Nonagenarian Advises Youths To Embrace Igbo Apprenticeship   By Juliana Nwachukwu A Nonagenarian, Chief Gabriel Onwugbenu has advised Nigerian youths to reverse from the syndrome of get rich quick and embrace Igbo apprenticeship scheme (igba boi) if they want to be self reliant and prosper. Chief Onwugbenu who gave this advice to the youths during the burial ceremony of late Chief Michael Anosike, father to Ambassador Tricia Amogu(Nee Anosike) of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Nnewi, Anambra State also tasked them to enrol in one youth, two skills which the state government initiated. According to him, ''I was the master trader to the late Anosike, who was my dedicated apprentice in those prosperous days. We specialized in motor bearings and accessories and Anosike proved to be a diligent learner, eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur and employer of labor.  Many apprentice traders benefited from his guidance, and I take pride in his accomplishments.  "My wish is

 Rivers Governor, Fubara Praises Governor Alex Otti, calls him Integrity Action Man Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, describing him as an "action integrity man". Governor Fubara said his Abia counterpart, Governor Otti’s integrity is not artificial but action-driven. He said despite coming in as Governor of Abia in the face of difficulties, Governor Otti was unperturbed as he went about his duties, making life easy for the people of Abia.  The Rivers Governor, much liked by his people, spoke Tuesday during the commissioning of the Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo (Old Bori) Road in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, a project he had invited Governor Otti to commission. “You are wondering why did I invite the Governor of Abia State? I invited him because he is not an artificial integrity man, he is an action integrity man. He is not a man that will gather to talk because he just wants to talk. He’s a man who came in,

 EFCC Arrests 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected internet fraudsters in Enugu State. The suspects were arrested on May 10, 2024 in Igboeze, Nsukka and Enugu metropolis following actionable intelligence concerning their alleged online criminal activities. Items recovered from them include; three cars, mobile phones, laptops, one Point Of Sale (POS) machine and several incriminating documents. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

  NIGERIAN DOCTOR DIES FIVE MONTHS AFTER HIS WEDDING Nigerian doctors on social media are currently mourning their colleague, Saghir Mahmoud, who passed away on Tuesday, May 14. According to the doctors, late Saghir got married in December 2023 and took ill afterwards. Sadly, he lost his fight to the ailment on Tuesday.    While mourning him on X, a friend of the deceased, @el_bonga wrote ‘’Our friend @bigsaggy, a medical doctor, got married in December 2023. However, in January 2024, he collapsed on duty and got hospitalised. He later went into comma and was transferred to Lagos. All that while, he hardly knew his whereabout. Today, he died after months at the ICU. Dr. Sagir was a young man full of intelligence and passion about his medical field. Very humble and friendly, he was someone with a very bright future. Nonetheless, the creator knows best by taking him away from us this soon. You hardly see him angry amongst friends. This life is very unpredictable. Death is always lurking

 Gov Sani Warns Conflict Merchants, Tells Them To Live In Peace Or Leave Kaduna Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has warned those who promote conflict to reconsider their actions as his administration would take concrete measures to punish the defaulters after the State relatively enjoyed peace and unity since his inception in office. In a meeting with the new executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna, Governor Sani appreciated the collaborative efforts of both the Islamic group Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and CAN in fostering unity. He urged religious leaders to actively advocate for peace and unity among their followers, recognizing their influential role in society. Governor Sani reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the promises made during his election campaigns, acknowledging Kaduna’s importance as a hub in Northern Nigeria. He also announced that he is committed to supporting clerics by providing vehicles to reach all parts of the State effecti

 A 5-year-old Colorado girl has passed away after getting tangled by her neck in a swingset. Precious Aurora Masters was playing in her backyard at home last week. Reports indicate she had pushed her little slide over by the swing set and was playing there. She somehow got the chain for one of the swings around her neck before sliding down her slide. There is no report on how long it was before she was discovered however she was without oxygen long enough to cause severe brain damage. When doctors told the family there was zero chance for recovery they moved Aurora to end of life care where she passed away peacefully on Saturday. She was surrounded by her family. Aurora's family is planning on donating her organs in the hope of helping other families in difficult situations. Our thoughts are with the family of this beautiful little girl taken too soon.  Rest in peace, Aurora. ♥️ 

 Three people, including a 7-year-old boy and an 18-year-old pregnant teen, pass away after lighting strike causes house fire. Fire crews were called to a house fire last Thursday around 8 a.m. in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.  Crews arrived to a full blown inferno and quickly got to work extinguishing the fire. Sadly, as crews sorted through the debris they discovered 28-year-old Travis Wissner, 18-year-old Elizabeth Brown; who was pregnant, and 7-year-old Jackson Wissner deceased. Officials noted the home seemed to not have any smoke detectors. They have ruled the fire most likely resulted from a lightning strike and speculate the victims were sleeping and never knew they were in danger. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this heartbreaking incident.

 TOURISM MINISTRY SET TO ENGAGE STAKEHOLDERS ON EMERGING TRENDS  Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has concluded plans to hold an engagement session with tourism stakeholders in the Hospitality Sector on current industry challenges, emerging trends, policy frameworks, and collaborative opportunities within the entire hospitality value chain.  According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka on Monday, the engagement is slated for Thursday, 30th May 2024 at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. The initiative, targeted at bringing together key players in the hospitality sector including representatives from Hotels, Lounges, Restaurants, Bars, Beaches, Resorts, Event Centres and Night Clubs for tourism development, underscores the commitment of the Ministry to foster collaboration and drive sustainable growth within the sector. Speaking further on the proposed stakeholders engagement, the Commiss

 WE HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR VANDALS - LASG The Lagos State Government on Tuesday read the riot act to vandals in the state, restating that there is zero tolerance for their activities. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab stated this while speaking on the arrest of a suspected vandal, Abba Mohammed (Aged 24) for allegedly vandalising and stealing iron in concrete barriers built by the State Government at System 1 Odo Iya Alaro main stream, Opebi Link Bridge.  According to him, the accused, who claimed to hail from Kano State, was caught in the act as he alongside other accused Saad and Muritala (both at large) broke down the concrete barriers and extracted the iron. "Over the years theft and vandalism of government properties, especially items and public infrastructure that are valuable and profitable have become the target of these people, a situation that we can no longer condone", he stated. Wahab explained that the concrete barriers are