Reportedly, on Monday, operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly raided a high court located in Ilaro, Ogun State, and apprehended two defendants.

The individuals in question, Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero, were involved in proceedings related to suit No HCP/IC/2023, titled “The State vs Awode Oladosu & 13 others,” presided over by Justice A.A. Shobayo. The case centered on allegations of arson brought forth by one Akeem Adigun (aka Socopao), implicating Alhaji Isiaka Fatai, Oyero, and twelve others.

Recall that Agosasa recently experienced turmoil, with significant property damage amounting to billions of naira and loss of life due to a chieftaincy dispute in the town.

In a statement from the legal representative of Alhaji Isiaka, Kehinde Bamiwola Esq, it was alleged that the DSS operatives employed force against the two individuals, with Alhaji Isiaka Fatai reportedly subjected to physical assault, including beatings and rough handling.

Confirming the incident, the Principal Registrar of the High Court and Sectional Head of High Court, Ilaro, Comrade Omololu Olusanya, expressed shock and condemned the disregard for the rule of law displayed by the operatives. He highlighted that despite the judge’s directive against making arrests within the court premises, the operatives proceeded with the arrest.

“They approached the judge before the court session began. The honorable judge advised them that if they wanted to make an arrest, it must not be done within the court premises,” he stated. “They could stay outside and do whatever they wanted, but they refused that advice and carried out the arrest within the premises.”

Once more, unidentified gunmen have perpetrated an attack resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, including a pregnant woman, in Ole’Adag’aklo village situated in Usha Council Ward of Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

According to eyewitnesses in the area, the assailants invaded the village on Sunday evening, wreaking havoc on the residents and causing the fatalities mentioned, with some individuals also being abducted.

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Yakubu Ochepo, corroborated the tragic incident when speaking to journalists on Monday. He stated, “Eleven people were killed, with seven bodies already recovered. Among the deceased are a pregnant woman, an elderly man, and five young individuals. Soldiers were dispatched to retrieve the remaining four bodies. Upon their arrival, there were exchanges of gunfire, prompting the armed assailants to flee initially, only to regroup later. I am currently in Makurdi to report the situation to Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), as we require additional support. Additionally, there are reports of individuals being taken captive and some being thrown into the river.”

However, when contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, SP Catherine Anene, stated that she had not yet been briefed on the incident.

President Bola Tinubu has mandated all government ministries, departments, and agencies to begin the procurement of compressed natural gas-powered vehicles.

A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, said the policy was in line with his commitment to ensure energy security, drive utility, and cut high fuel costs.

He said the directive is also in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transition to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been adjudged to produce lower emissions, even as they present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers.

Addressing members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, at the State House on Monday, President Tinubu affirmed that there is no turning back in the energy reforms initiated by his administration.

“This nation will not progress forward if we continue to dance on the same spot. We have the will to drive the implementation of CNG adoption across the country, and we must set the example as public officials in leading the way to that prosperous future that we are working to achieve for our people. It starts with us, and in seeing that we are serious, Nigerians will follow our lead,” the President stated.

Tinubu further directed the rejection of all memos brought by members of FEC seeking the purchase of traditional petrol-dependent vehicles, tasking the affected members of the council to go back and diligently seek value-driven procurements of CNG-compliant vehicles.

“The President remains committed to effectively harnessing the nation’s gas potential, alleviating the burden of high transportation costs on the masses while enhancing the standard of living of all Nigerians,” the statement added.

CREDIT: DAILY POST